Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diffraction optical element, according to the present invention, includes the steps of: supplying a photocurable resin onto a surface of a light-transmitting molding die in which a grating pattern is formed on the surface; irradiating the photocurable resin with light having a first wavelength through the molding die so as to cure a part of the photocurable resin; irradiating the photocurable resin with light having a second wavelength, which is longer than the firs wavelength, through the molding die so as to cure at least a part of the photocurable resin; and removing the cured resin from the molding die.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: A polymerizable resin material for making a plastic lens includes bisphenol A ethoxylate (1 to 4) dimethacrylate and benzylmethacrylate, and, optionally, one or more stabilizing monomers, preferably selected from trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, ethoxylate nonyl phenol acrylate, ethyoxylate nonyl phenol, and/or 2-phenoxyethyl methacrylate esters. The polymerizable resin material is cured when exposed to heat or visible and/or UV light for a period of about two minutes or less.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure. A method for forming a pattern in a radiation curable material includes providing between a radiation source and the radiation curable material, a pattern that can block a portion of the radiation from the radiation source. The material is cured with radiation from the radiation source to form a pattern in the radiation curable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of planarizing a substrate with a template spaced-apart from the substrate having a liquid disposed therebetween, the method including: contacting the liquid with the template forming a first shape therein; and impinging radiation upon the liquid causing a reduction in volume of the liquid, with the first shape compensating for the reduction in volume such that upon impinging the actinic radiation upon the liquid, the liquid forms a contoured layer having a substantially planar shape.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride; reacting the reaction admixture to generate a set of fluoropolymeric oligomers; irradiating the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture (preferably with electron beam radiation) to form free radical sites on individual fluoropolymeric oligomers of the set and generate thereby a set of free radical oligomer derivatives in the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture; and reacting the fluoropolymeric oligomeric precursor admixture to derive the fluoropolymer compound from the free radical oligomer derivatives. In a second approach, fluoropolymers are made by admixing tetrafluoroethylene, hexfluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride and irradiating the admixture.

Abstract: A method of molding a decorative product packaging, comprising the steps of: molding a product container or cap; applying a UV curable liquid to surfaces and/or cavities in the container or cap; then exposing the UV curable liquid to UV radiation to form a solid coating adhered to surfaces and/or filling cavities on the container or cap. The present invention provides dramatic effects, particularly where the container or cap are clear or tinted, because the solid coating can be tinted a contrasting color, providing a striking contrast to the container or cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluororubber molded article obtained by subjecting a fluororubber composition to crosslinking by irradiation of ionizing radiation, wherein the fluororubber composition comprises: (i) a raw rubber having a metal element content of 1.5% or less and comprising a tetrafluoroethylene-propylene copolymer; and (ii) a prepolymer of triallyl isocyanurate. Also disclosed is a method for producing the fluororubber molded article.

Abstract: To provide a method for coating the surface of an interior component for motor vehicles which can be carried out in a cost-effective and simple way it is proposed that the interior component is positioned at a distance from a molded part in the region of its surface to be coated, so that a gap is formed between the surface to be coated and the molded part, that the interior component is braced with the molded part, the gap is filled with a liquid surface coating material and said material is cured by exposure to UV radiation. Also proposed are a device for carrying out the method and an interior component which is produced by using the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices and device components for fabricating patterns on substrate surfaces, particularly patterns comprising structures having microsized and/or nanosized features of selected lengths in one, two or three dimensions. The present invention provides composite patterning devices comprising a plurality of polymer layers each having selected mechanical properties, such as Young's Modulus and flexural rigidity, selected physical dimensions, such as thickness, surface area and relief pattern dimensions, and selected thermal properties, such as coefficients of thermal expansion, to provide high resolution patterning on a variety of substrate surfaces and surface morphologies.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a mold and a method of fabricating an article with the mold is disclosed that is capable of fabricating a high three-dimensional surface structure and extending the service life of the mold. A mold having a fine surface shape of a height less than an object height is fabricated, then the fine surface shape of the mold is transferred to an intermediate mold by dry-etching, and then the fine surface shape of the intermediate mold is further transferred to a final article material by dry-etching. In each transfer step by dry-etching, the etching selection ratio is appropriately adjusted to increase the height of the fine surface structure step by step, so that the fine surface shape of the final article material has the object height. On the surface of the final article material, a preliminary pattern of the object surface shape may be formed beforehand to reduce the required thickness of the curable resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix suitable for use in the replication of a plastic element having a positive microstructure, comprising a first wear-resistant layer that is supported by a carrier element, wherein the matrix comprises a heating means for supplying electrical heat energy through the wear-resistant layer or carrier element. The invention further relates to a plastic element producing machine and a method for the manufacture of a plastic element having a surface with a positive microstructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a replica, which method comprises the provision of a polymerizable resin composition between a front mold having a pre-shaped surface and a back mold having a pre-shaped surface, carrying out a curing treatment and removing the replica thus manufactured from the molds. The invention further relates to a replica obtained by carrying out a UV light-initiated cationic polymerization.

Abstract: The invention is directed to bioengineered graft prostheses made from two or more superimposed, chemically bonded layers of processed tissue material prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or for use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminating molding device includes ejection heads that eject support material for a support, and an ejection head that ejects mold material for a mold. The support material is sold at room temperature. An inner temperature of the laminating molding device during the laminating molding is controlled to a range of (a melting point of the support material?30)° C. to (the melting point of the support material?5)° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of components and articles of manufacture containing at least one of such components, such as tires, and the resulting prepared components and fabricated articles, by use of directed high frequency energy internally heated silica-rich rubber compositions which contain sulfur curative and a significant content of high softening point polymer, namely a polymer and/or elastomer having a melting point (Tm) and/or high glass transition temperature (Tg) above 0° C., and particularly above 30° C., and which contains a minimal, if any, carbon black reinforcement. Such directed high frequency energy heating is provided, individually, by directed radio frequency (electromagnetic) radiation and/or by directed microwave radiation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for vulcanizing or cross-linking under pressure and increased temperature shaped bodies that consist especially of rubber mixtures. The shaped body is first dipped into a bed of fine-grained pourable or free-flowing bulk material with the sections to be vulcanized and the bulk material is brought into evenly tight contact with the surfaces of the shaped body while the bulk material is pressurized and brought to the elevated temperature at least in the region adjoining the section of the shaped body to be vulcanized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. In one embodiment, the imprint process is designed to imprint only a portion of the substrate. The remainder of the substrate is imprinted by moving the template to a different portion of the template and repeating the imprint lithography process.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a flexible substrate with an optically transparent compliant media is disclosed. The complaint media includes an optically transparent imprint stamp with an imprint pattern therein. The flexible substrate is coated with a photopolymer material. The compliant media can be connected with an optically transparent belt material to form an embossing belt or connected with an optically transparent cylinder to from an embossing drum. A coated side of the flexible substrate is urged into contact with the imprint stamp and the imprint pattern is embossed in the photopolymer material and an ultraviolet light passing through the compliant media contemporaneously cures the photopolymer material during the embossing.

Abstract: A method for producing a capillary bead array comprises the steps of: dispensing beads into a liquid pool, outside a capillary, having a depth of almost the same length as the particle diameter of a bead; leveling the excessive beads by moving a leveling member which is in contact with and relatively capable of be moved to the liquid pool to remove excessive beads that the liquid pool cannot contain; aligning the beads in the liquid pool one- or two-dimensionally; bonding adjacent individual beads to each other; producing a structure having the plurality of beads bonded and aligned one- or two-dimensionally; removing the structure from the liquid pool; and disposing the structure in the capillary formed of soft resin, so that the beads comprising the plurality of beads retaining the one- or two-dimensional alignment can be introduced simultaneously into the capillary.

Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.

Abstract: A gasket integrated with a cover wherein a gasket material composed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition is integrally fixed to the cover having a shape of multistep contraction over at least two contraction steps, a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and after molding, are subjected to a heating treatment at a temperature not lower than the temperature at which an adhesive component in materials constituting the gasket initiates crystal fusion or glass transition, or a gasket wherein the cover and the gasket are integrally molded and a covering layer composed of a fluoropolymer is formed on the gasket surface on atmospheric side are proposed. According to the present invention, a gasket integrated with a cover for a hard disc device which gasket is excellent in adhesive property and productivity, and is minimized in permeability and penetration of substances is provided.

Abstract: In a method of making a microstructured assembly, a substantially uniform coating of a curable material is formed on a substrate with the coating defining a leading edge. The coating is contacted with a mold starting at the leading edge to form in the curable material a plurality of barrier regions connected by intervening land regions. The curable material is cured and the mold is removed. Optionally, the coating includes a binder. Such a coating can optionally be debinded. In addition, the coating can be fired to form ceramic microstructures.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a papermaking belt structure using tapes made of a solid thermoplastic resin surrounding a fibrous matrix. The method calls for applying a layer of CD oriented tapes to a mandrel surface, then applying a layer of MD oriented tapes over the CD layer, applying pressure and heat to the mandrel containing the CD and MD layers so to melt the resin and entirely bond/encapsulate the fibrous matrix. The belt structure thus obtained may thereafter be grooved, drilled or other processed as desired. Additionally, the above method can be reversed as to the MD/CD order of layering. Also, a layer entirely of resin can be applied, preferably prior to, but also after or in between the MD/CD layers. Also, rubber can comprise one or more layers.

Abstract: A process produces cling-fastener parts with a large number of interlocking members (24) from a formulation encompassing radiation-crosslinkable prepolymers. The prepolymer is molded, cast, and/or compression molded into the shape of a large number of interlocking members (24) together with a cling-fastener base (21), and is then radiation-cured. The apparatus producing the cling fasteners encompasses a feed (32, 10) for the formulation (14) of radiation-crosslinkable, in particular acrylic, prepolymers, at least one shaping roll (11) and one backing roll (12). The shaping roll (11) has a large number of radial cutouts (17). A source of UV radiation (19), or an electron-beam source, provides radiation curing of the molded radiation-curable formulation.

Abstract: A planar lens capable of compensating for chromatic aberration and which is easy to manufacture and enables easy assembling of optical pickups and a method for fabricating the planar lens are provided. The planar lens includes a transparent substrate with a lens cavity in a surface of the transparent substrate, and a lens element formed in the lens cavity with a first refracting surface in contact with the bottom of the lens cavity and a second diffracting surface having a diffraction grating opposite to the first refracting surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making bioremodelable graft prostheses prepared from cleaned tissue material derived from animal sources. The bioengineered graft prostheses of the invention are prepared using methods that preserve cell compatibility, strength, and bioremodelability of the processed tissue matrix. The bioengineered graft prostheses are used for implantation, repair, or use in a mammalian host.

Abstract: Optical windows for intracorporeal devices, intracorporeal devices comprising a window and a method for forming a window for an intracorporeal device are provided. The method comprises placing within a mold an assembly comprising a mandrel located within a pair of parts separated by a collar of window material, heating the window preform effective to cause the window material to soften, and applying force to urge together the pair of parts to deform the window material so as to form a window. The intracorporeal devices, such as imaging devices, include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes. In addition, the method is suitable for joining plastic parts to other parts, such as metal and ceramic parts.

Abstract: An illustrative object of the present invention is to provide a microprocessing apparatus by which an original and a substrate to be processed can be aligned with each other with a higher precision. Disclosed in this connection is an apparatus for transferring a pattern of an original onto a substrate while maintaining the original and the substrate in contact with each other or in close proximity to each other, wherein the apparatus includes an original holding device for holding the original, a substrate holding device for holding the substrate, a reference mark, and a position measuring system for measuring a relative positional relationship between the reference mark and a mark formed on at least one of the original and the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a conformable device (20) including a light cure material (37) for customizing a portion of an article of footwear (53) in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning, in partial or complete combination. In particular, a custom conformable device (20) consisting of an insole, or portion thereof, can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer. Further, the present invention teaches a method of making a conformable device (20) including the use of a light table (120) that can be part a point of purchase display (206), or alternately, the floor (222) of a retail store (220).

Abstract: A high refractive index, curable, synthetic resin composition comprising a core resin composition composed of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and an initiation system containing both photo and thermal initiators, particularly a photochromic resin composition which further includes at least one photochromic dye. Also a curing process, which includes a combination of multi-step radiation curing and thermal annealing. Articles produced of cured composition exhibit superior physical and, in appropriate cases, photochromic properties and can be easily mass produced on a commercial scale due to short processing time and use of readily available chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. An imprint lithography method includes placing a curable liquid on a substrate. A template may be contacted with the curable liquid. Surface forces at the interface of the curable liquid and the template cause the curable liquid to gather in an area defined by a lower surface of the template. Alternately, the curable liquid may fill one or more relatively shallow recesses in the template and the area under the template lower surface. Activating light is applied to the curable liquid to form a patterned layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing distortions in a pattern disposed on a layer of a substrate, defining a recorded pattern, employing a mold having the pattern recorded therein, defining an original pattern. The method includes, defining a region on the layer in which to produce the recorded pattern. Relative extenuative variations between the substrate and the mold are created to ensure that the original pattern defines an area coextensive with the region. Thereafter, the recorded pattern is formed in the region. The relative extenuative variations are created by heating or cooling of the substrate so that the region defines an area that is slightly smaller/larger than the area of the original pattern. Then compression/tensile forces are applied to the mold to provide the recorded pattern with an area coextensive with the area of the region.

Abstract: Described are methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. Alignment of the template with the substrate is performed prior to curing the liquid. Alignment of the template with the substrate includes rotational alignment of the template with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing gross location, planarization, and mechanical restraint to one or more electronic components such as semiconductor dice to be subjected to stereolithographic processing. A double platen assembly including a first platen and a second platen mutually removably connected and configured and arranged to substantially secure an electronic component assembly in position therebetween. At least one of the platens is configured such that a portion of electronic components of a carrier substrate secured by the double platen assembly is viewable for exposure to an energy beam such as a laser beam used to cure a liquid into an associated dielectric stereolithographic packaging structure. Another embodiment includes the use of an adhesive-coated film for holding, locating and securing a plurality of individual electronic components for processing. A method of forming solder balls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation-curable composition which includes a cyanoacrylate component or a cyanoacrylate-containing formulation; a metallocene component; and a polymerizingly effective amount of a photoinitiator to accelerate the rate of cure is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix suitable for use in the replication of a plastic element having a positive microstructure, comprising a first wear-resistant layer that is supported by a carrier element, wherein the matrix comprises a heating means for supplying electrical heat energy through the wear-resistant layer or carrier element. The invention further relates to a plastic element producing machine and a method for the manufacture of a plastic element having a surface with a positive microstructure.

Abstract: A method of producing a substrate (12) for a plasma display panel, which comprises the steps of: contacting a rib precursor composition (32) containing a first photo-setting initiator having a first absorption edge and a first photo-setting component, closely with a base (12); filling a mold (30), obtained by photo-setting of a second photo-setting component in a presence of a second photo-setting initiator having a second absorption edge whose wavelength is shorter than that corresponding to the first absorption edge of the first photo-setting initiator, with the rib precursor composition (32); irradiating the rib precursor composition (32) with light having a wavelength longer than that corresponding to the second absorption edge to set the rib precursor composition (32), thereby forming a rib (34) on the base (12); and removing the mold (30) from the resulting base (12) on which the rib (34) is formed.

Abstract: A composition containing 3,3?-thiobis(propane-1,2-dithiol) and one or more enic compounds which composition is photocurable and can give a cured product having a high refractive index and adequate hardness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials (SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature. Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (Tgel) will result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the material has favorable characteristics as a support and building material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional stability to support the model layers during the building process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber recoating device. In the optical fiber recoating device, the bare fiber portion of an optical fiber is recoated by filling a recoating resin into molds made of a transparent or semi-transparent material and curing the recoating resin with light from a resin curing lamp that is provided to one side of either of molds. Furthermore, a reflective coating layer is provided to sides of molds where the resin curing lamp is not located, and the light from the resin curing lamp directly radiate and are reflected to radiate onto the bare fiber portion of optical fiber. As a result, the cost of the device is reduced and resin curing is promoted.

Abstract: A flexible composite release sheet providing a replicative surface with a desired surface effect and a method of manufacturing such a release sheet is disclosed. The release sheet is suitable for use in multicomponent reactive urethane casting systems. The invention further provides flexible composite release sheets having a first acrylic functional coating layer containing the desired surface effect and a second silicone release coating layer overlying the acrylic functional coating layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a molding comprising the steps of a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble prepolymer having crosslinkable groups and a further polymer which is devoid of crosslinkable groups, b) introducing the solution obtained into a mold, c) triggering the crosslinking, and d) opening the mold such that the molding can be removed from the mold. According to the process of the invention moldings such as contact lenses may be manufactured with an improved quality and an improved overall yield.

Abstract: A method of producing a substrate for a plasma display panel by providing a rib on a base, which comprises the steps of contacting a rib precursor containing a first photo-setting initiator having a first absorption edge and a first photo-setting component closely with said base; filling a mold, obtained by photo-setting of a second photo-setting initiator having a second absorption edge whose wavelength is shorter than a wavelength corresponding to said first absorption edge of said first photo-setting initiator, with said rib precursor; exposing said rib precursor to light having a wavelength longer than a wavelength corresponding to said second absorption edge, thereby setting said rib precursor; and removing said mold.

Abstract: It relates to a method for manufacturing microstructure using light hardenable material. It mainly includes the steps of (1) preparing step, (2) sputtering step, (3) UV light exposing step, and (4) mold removing step. By utilizing the sputtering principle and the UV light or the like to solidify a light hardenable material and then to form a microstructure with many small through holes or close ended recesses. It not only can manufacture the microstructure plate used on the ink jet printer, but also can apply to the microlens array, microlens, biotechnological chips, tiny structures of a battery, or other microstructure in the nano-technology industry.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing consumer products such as cosmetic packages has the steps of providing a mold or die, filling the mold or die with a UV curable material, and exposing the UV curable material to a UV light source to cure said UV curable material to a solid mass.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microstructure is provided. The method includes the step of providing a layer of a polyermizable material. A solid is brought into contact with the layer of polymerizable material so as to alter the shape of the upper surface of the layer. Thereafter, the layer of polymerizable material is polymerized such that the layer solidifies and the upper surface thereof assumes a desired three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a rubber composition or its crosslinked product used for a rubber stopper for a medicament or a rubber article for a medical treatment, suitable for radiation treatments to be carried out for the purpose of sterilizing. Accordingly, the present invention provides a rubber composition or its crosslinked product used for a rubber stopper for a medicament or a rubber article for a medical treatment, comprising an isobutylene copolymer, as a predominant component, with a density of at most 0.95, capable of being readily subjected to a radiation treatment.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of a photochromic polymeric article comprising: providing a fluid polymerisable composition; subjecting the fluid polymerisable composition to a first curing step to provide a solid article of intermediate hardness; contacting the solid article of intermediate hardness with a photochromic substance; and subjecting the solid article of intermediate hardness to a further curing step to increase the hardness and provide a polymeric article imbibed with the photochromic substance.

Abstract: A method for producing a capillary bead array comprises the steps of: dispensing beads into a liquid pool 202, outside a capillary, having a depth of almost the same length as the particle diameter of a bead; leveling the excessive beads by moving a leveling member which is in contact with and relatively capable of be moved to the liquid pool to remove excessive beads that the liquid pool cannot contain; aligning the beads in the liquid pool one- or two-dimensionally; bonding adjacent individual beads to each other; producing a structure 209 having the plurality of beads bonded and aligned one- or two-dimensionally; removing the structure from the liquid pool; and disposing the structure in the capillary formed of soft resin, so that the beads comprising the plurality of beads retaining the one- or two-dimensional alignment can be introduced simultaneously into the capillary.