Abstract: A composite article having large scale predictable dimensional stability comprises a metal foil backing having adhered thereto a layer of cured polymer having an exposed surface bearing a three-dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities. The article is made by depositing a layer of a radiation curable composition onto a metal foil backing, contacting a master with a pattern capable of imparting a three-dimensional microstructure of precisely shaped and located functional discontinuities into the layer of radiation curable composition, while the layer of radiation curable composition is in contact with the master, exposing the curable composition to radiation to cure the composition, and separating the cured polymer layer on the metal foil backing from the surface of the master. Either the metal foil backing or the master may be radiation transmissive.

Abstract: A method for underfilling and encapsulating flip-chip configured semiconductor devices mounted on a carrier substrate using stereolithography (STL) to form, in situ, at least semisolid dam structures of photopolymeric material about the devices to entrap liquid, unpolymerized resin between the devices and substrate. Prior to the STL process, the carrier substrate and mounted devices are immersed in the liquid polymeric resin, optionally with vibratory energy, to purge contaminants from between the device and substrate, and to fill spaces between the semiconductor devices and carrier substrate with the liquid resin.

Abstract: A thin-well microplate and methods of manufacturing same are provided, wherein the thin-well microplate is conducive for use with automated equipment, such as robotic handling equipment, and in high temperature procedures, such as thermal cycling. The thin-well microplate is constructed of two components including a skirt and frame portion and a well and deck portion with a plurality of sample wells; both portions being joined to form a unitary microplate. Each of the skirt and frame and well and deck portions is constructed of a suitable material that imparts a specific combination of physical and material properties to the thin-well microplate. The skirt and frame portion and the well and deck portion are each constructed of the material that will allow each portion to withstand high temperature conditions and use of automated equipment, while retaining the physical characteristics each portion requires for optimal performance of the thin-well microplate.

Abstract: A method of making a painted part out of molded thermoplastic material, the method comprising the steps consisting in:

Abstract: A variety of hollow structures with unique morphologies were manufactured with a rotational spinning technique. Phase separation of soluble solutions was induced within a filled mold as it was being rotated about one of its axis. As phase-separation occurs within this rotating mold, the increase in density of one phase results in sediment at the periphery under centrifugal forces. After or during sedimentation, gelation of the phase-separated particles fixes the tube morphology and the solvent remains in the center of the mold. The solvent is removed from the mold resulting in a tube. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. This technique offers a new approach to the manufacture of polymeric tubes. It requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and can result in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: The method provides for forming a supporting structure of the steering wheel, the structure having a metal core and an outer cover layer of polymer material; for each portion of the structure to be covered with valuable material (e.g. brier), two curved preformed half-shells of multilayer composite material are formed of such shape and size as to fit, facing each other, on opposite sides about the corresponding portion of the structure, so as to define a substantially continuous, tubular shell; the portion of the structure is wound, over the outer cover layer, with at least one layer of cloth impregnated with a polymer resin and to which the preformed half-shells are applied; and polymerization of the polymer resin, conducted in a heated mold, ensures adhesion of the half-shells to each other and to the structure.

Abstract: Microreaction molds and methods of molding very thin films onto substrate surfaces are provided. The molds and molding methods allow for consistency and uniformity in the thicknesses of the films that are applied to the substrate surfaces. The molds may be single composite, such as etched silica, or multicomposite, such as quartz/metal. The molds may further comprise an adjustable molding cavity. The molds of this invention are particularly applicable to generating thin polymeric films onto microchip substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a molding comprising the steps of

Abstract: Polyamides, polyesters, and polyamideesters are efficiently synthesized in a microwave process with precise temperature control. Compared to conventional thermal polymerizations, the microwave process takes less time and produces polymers with equivalent or superior physical properties.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing episulfide monomers comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a gradient gel. The present invention in one embodiment is a gel-making system that has a reservoir for holding a solution. The reservoir is connected to a movable arm through a tubing. The tubing has two ends: one end is in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the other, an open end, is received by the movable arm. A gel holder having an internal gel chamber is placed underneath the movable arm for receiving the solution. In operation, the movement of the movable arm causes the open end of the tubing to move along with it and the open end of the tubing delivers the solution in motion to the internal gel chamber to form the gel.

Abstract: A machine for casting radiation cured material with a mold set made of a clear, radiation cured material or other clear material, one or more radiation emitting devices preferably in the ultraviolet and visible range, a rotating mechanism to move the mold set from a horizontal or vertical load/unload position to vertical fill and cure position at the radiation devices, and one or more injection mechanisms attached to the mold set to fill the mold set and then seal at the part wall preventing cure of material in the line and resulting in a minimal gate mark. Alternatively the molds can be filled and then rotated before and during cure to create a hollow part.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member, which is used for a tandem color image forming device, is formed in an endless belt shape, and includes a polyimide resin as a main component. The planarity of the intermediate transfer member is less than or equal to 5 mm. Also, a method of fabricating the intermediate transfer member.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor chip package by attaching a chip to a dielectric layer; placing the dielectric layer and chip into a mold; disposing a thixotropic composition that has been sheared to reduce its viscosity into the mold and curing the thixotropic composition after the chip and dielectric layer have been removed from the mold. A method of making a semiconductor chip package without using a mold by disposing a sheared thixotropic composition between a semiconductor chip and a dielectric layer and then curing the thixotropic composition to form a cured encapsulant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a matrix suitable for use in a plastic element-producing machine, a matrix produced in accordance with the method and use of such a matrix to form a plastic element. One side of the matrix is provided with a negative microstructure which is replicated in plastic material to form a positive microstructure on a plastic element, wherewith the matrix can be produced by applying a layer of material to the positive microstructure side of a master. The positive microstructure side of the master has a thin wear-resistant layer which serves as a first wear surface, wherewith said layer will present irregularities which correspond essentially to the microstructure, and wherein at least said irregularities are filled-in with a plastic composite so as to form a carrier element for supporting the first wear layer. The layer can further be provided with means for supplying heat energy to said matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet of crystallizable material, having opposed first and second surfaces, the sheet comprising: (a) a plurality of crystalline regions located in the first surface; and (b) an amorphous matrix surrounding and separating the crystalline regions from one another. The present invention also provides a method of making a flexible, cut resistant, and abrasion resistant sheet material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sheet of crystallizable amorphous material having opposed first and second surfaces; (b) crystallizing discrete regions of the first surface of the sheet of material, the discrete regions being separated from one another by a continuous amorphous matrix.

Abstract: Sulphur product, (P), process for making (P), films, molded articles made therefrom, wherein (P) is obtained by the addition reaction of at least one polythiol (I) with at least one compound of formula (II): in which R1 represents a linear or branched aliphatic residue comprising an ethylenic unsaturation double bond, it being optional for the latter to be that by which R1 is connected to the norbornene ring, it also being optional for the said ring to comprise other substituents chosen from C1-C3 alkyl groups, in proportions corresponding or substantially corresponding to one thiol group of the polythiol or polythiols (I) per mole of the compound or compounds (II), the thiol groups of the compound or compounds (I) adding predominantly to the cyclic double bond of the compound or compounds (II) and, on average, one ethylenic unsaturation of a compound (II) of the two which it carries remaining free; or sulphur product, (P′), obtained by the addition reaction of at least one polythiol (

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

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: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibers of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibers to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibers have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.

Abstract: A rolling boot for sealing a universal joint, having a first collar with a larger diameter to be secured to the outer joint part of the universal joint and having a second collar with a smaller diameter to be secured to a shaft at the inner joint part of the universal joint, and having a semi-toroidal boot wall connecting the collars, wherein the rolling boot is an injection-moulded or blow-moulded product, the rolling boot consists of a thermo-plastic elastomer and the elastomer is irreversibly cross-linked up to a degree ranging between 15 and 85%.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming an array of caps for attachment to a wafer which includes a plurality of microfabricated devices. The method includes sandwiching a sheet (134) of thermoplastic material between upper and lower molds (102, 104), heating the sheet to a plastic state and molding the sheet into caps. The molds (102, 104) are preferably formed of silicon and infrared radiation is preferably used to heat the sheet (134).

Abstract: The invention is a method of a sheet (134) of thermoplastic material between upper and lower molds (102, 104), heating the sheet to a plastic state using electromagnetic radiation and molding the sheet. The molds (102, 104) are preferably formed of silicon and infrared radiation is preferably used to heat the sheet (134).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a rib on a glass substrate includes steps of printing a first paste layer on the glass substrate, printing a second paste layer onto a first predetermined area of the first paste layer and the second paste layer having a hardener, activating the hardener of the second paste layer to harden the second paste layer, performing a stripping process to remove a portion of the first paste layer uncovered by the hardened second paste layer, and sintering the remaining first paste layer and the second paste layer to form the ribs. The first paste layer is formed by a solid printing process and the second paste layer is formed by a screen printing process. The second paste layer is a rib material having a photo-active hardener, such as polyvinyl cinnamate. The hardener of the second paste layer is activated by an exposure process. Finally, the hardener is removed from the second paste layer in the sintering process and the first paste layer is fused to the second paste layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of trans- parent, shape-memorizing resin films by curing with radiation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for casting three-dimensional parts and investment models from a class of fluid casting compounds, which are solidified by a reaction triggered by actinic radiation. The casting compound hardens in a chain reaction induced by the radiation and/or the casting compound acts as a conduit for the radiation during and after curing. This allows parts being cast to be solidified within molds that are opaque. The apparatus consists of a solidifying actinic radiation source positioned to trigger the chain reaction as the casting compound enters the mold and/or radiate into the mold cavity through the sprue hole, windows or venting holes to effect the curing process. The curing, or solidifying, process is accelerated by irradiating the compound as it flows into the mold cavity.

Abstract: An improved process for making a structure using three dimensional printing techniques is disclosed. Briefly stated, the method can be summarized by the following steps: A first type of powder material is deposited in a defined area to form a first layer. Next, a binder material is applied to certain regions of the first type of powder to define a portion of the structure to be formed. And finally, a portion of the unbound powder is removed using a technique such as vacuuming. The foregoing steps are repeated a sufficient number of times to create the desired shape of the structure as defined by the regions held by the binder material.

Abstract: A photocurable resin composition suitable for photo-fabrication. The resin composition capable of being promptly cured by photo-irradiation, thereby reducing fabricating time and providing cured products having excellent mechanical strength and minimized shrinkage during curing to ensure high dimensional accuracy. The composition includes (A) an oxetane compound, (B) an epoxy compound, and (C) a cationic photo-initiator.

Abstract: A photocuring resin composition comprising a thermoplastic resin (a-1) having a radical polymerizing unsaturated group at its side chain and a photopolymerization initiator (a-2) and substantially not including a crosslinking compound other than (a-1), a photocuring sheet comprising a photocuring resin composition (A) laminated on a substrate sheet (B) and a process of production of the same, a photocuring decorative sheet and photocuring insert molding sheet using the same, and a process of production of a molded article using such a photocuring sheet and an insert molded article obtained by the same.

Abstract: A process for reconstituting or reconstructing a composite object having a defect which affects at least its surface includes: (a) placing at least one added piece or material, the shape and dimensions of which are matched to those of the defect, in or on the defect, the piece or material including mechanically strong, continuous or staple fibers; (b) placing a polymer material in or on the defect to obtain a plastic matrix in which the fibers are distributed; (c) placing a gas-drain for draining the gases given off by the plastic matrix and a cover for extracting the gases, in succession and one on top of the other, on the added piece, which together with the rest of the object form an enclosure which is sealed with respect to the external atmosphere and circumscribes the defect and the added piece; and (d) while evacuating the sealed enclosure, heating the added piece using a radiant source, the emission from which includes infrared radiation, and placing the source with respect to the defect so as to irrad

Abstract: A susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam is molded by heating the susceptor-impregnated thermoplastic foam, preferably by induction; imprinting an object against the foam; and allowing the foam to cool into a hardened form conformed to the object.

Abstract: Replicas are molded by curing a photo-curable liquid silicone rubber composition to form a transparent mother mold having a cavity corresponding to the outer contour of a master model, casting a photo-curable liquid resin into the mold cavity, and irradiating light to the liquid resin through the mold wall. Replicas can be fabricated by simple steps and within a short time.

Abstract: A molding composition containing an unsaturated alkyd resin and an unsaturated polyester containing a crosslinking monomer, which may be 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. A molded part is manufactured by (a) covering the surrounding of a stator part having a heat generating coil with the molding composition, (b) feeding power to the coil for generating heat in the stator part, and (c) curing the molding composition by the heat generated in the stator part. The curing time is shortened, the molding cycle is improved, and, as a result, a molding composition excellent in productivity is presented, and by using this molding composition, molded parts are manufactured at excellent productivity.

Abstract: A high refractive index composition comprising a core resin mixture comprising a mixture of ethoxylated bisphenol A di(meth)acrylates and/or their derivatives having variable degrees of ethoxylation to provide enhanced impact resistance and refractive index.

Abstract: A new technique for efficiently manufacturing jewelry includes the use of a universal frame in combination with a low cost flexible mold. Various inserts can also be used to customize jewelry pieces made using the mold and frame. The material cured in the mold can be cured with ultraviolet light, which penetrates the mold, the mold frame and an arbor, which transmit ultraviolet light to better cure the item being molded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber rein-forced composite dental restoration comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: In order to manufacture, with high productivity, an information record carrier capable of recording information at a high density, in a method in which a curable resin is coated on a master (1) having a pattern corresponding to the required information, and the master and a substrate of the information record carrier are bonded to transfer the pattern on the master to the substrate of the information record carrier, a projection (2), a hole, a recess, or the like is provided on the surface of the master (1) so as to engage with the substrate of the information record carrier.

Abstract: The main aim of the present invention is a method of preparing photochromic or non-photochromic organic pieces of optical quality and especially organic lenses, by radical polymerisation of a mixture of radically polymerisable monomers, characterised in that it comprises: a) adjusting, by pre-polymerisation, the viscosity of said mixture, to a value between 0.4 and 2 Pa.s; b) pouring said pre-polymerised mixture into a mould; c) photogelifying, in said mould, said pre-polymerised mixture until its gel point; d) completing the polymerisation of said pre-polymerised and gelified mixture in said mould, by heat treatment; adding effective amounts of at least one thermal catalyst and of at least one photoinitiator intervening in said mixture of monomers for the implementation of said pre-polymerisation, photogelification and polymerisation; said photoinitiator(s) intervening in an amount less than or equal to 0.009 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said mixture of monomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: A high molecular weight polyethylene prepared by preliminary polymerization is added at the time of main polymerization of an olefin, for example, propylene, to prepare an olefin (co)polymer composition comprising the above high molecular weight polyethylene finely dispersed as fine particles in the polyolefin, such as polypropylene, and a cross-linked structure is formed in the olefin (co)polymer composition. This process can provide a modified olefin (co)polymer composition improved in the strength in a molten state in terms of melt tension or the like and in crystallization temperature and excellent in moldability such as high-speed producibility, and a molded modified olefin (co)polymer composition excellent in properties such as heat resistance and rigidity.

Abstract: A method of making a sample in a form of an outline drawing sheet, comprises the steps of preparing a plastic sheet 1 used for a base member, a screen for screen-printing, having a screen mesh 5 corresponding to a border line 2a for an outline drawing sheet, and a squeegee; placing printing ink 6 on the screen with the screen closely contacted to the plastic sheet; squeezing out the printing ink 6 through the screen mesh 5 by using the squeegee 7 to print a frame 2 constituting the border line for the outline drawing sheet 1, on the plastic sheet; applying paint 14 having a desired color on the plastic sheet 1 at an inside of the frame 2 after the frame 2 has been cured, to thereby form a colored portion 15; and stripping the frame 2 and the colored portion 15 integrated with the frame 2, from the plastic sheet 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmic mouldings, especially contact lenses, obtainable by cross-linking a prepolymer that corresponds essentially to formula (1) wherein the variables are as defined in the claims, in the absence or presence of an additional vinyl comonomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paint color testing kit and method. More particularly, a test kit that duplicates and eliminates the spray process utilized for both color and strength control of paint products in a quality setting. Also provided is the ability to substantially duplicate the surface in which the paint is to be applied to a testing member of the kit and the painted surface to be evaluated or repaired.

Abstract: Compositions containing fluorinated thermoplastic elastomers with different moelcular weight and with different plastomeric phase/elastomeric phase ratio, essentially formed by: (a) 30-80% by weight, preferably 50-80%, of a fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer, having a block structure of A-B-A type, wherein A is a plastomeric segment and B is an elastomeric segment; (b) 10-50% by weight, preferably 20-40% of a fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer having a block structure of A-B-A type; (c) 0-30% by weight, preferably 0-15%, of a fluorinated plastomer preferably of the same kind as that contained in the component (a) and/or (b).

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a rubber-metal plate composite formed of a plurality of unvulcanized rubber layers and metal plates, each being overlaid alternately, by induction heating, includes an induction coil for applying a magnetic field to the composite and heating the metal plates due to eddy currents generated by the magnetic field, a power unit for applying an alternating current to the induction coil to generate the magnetic field, and a mold to confine the periphery of the composite. The mold is made of a nonmagnetic or weakly magnetic material with electrical conductivity, such as austenitic stainless steel. The mold generates enough heat to function as the heating unit by generating eddy currents in the conductive mold while magnetic flux permeates the mold substantially without loss and reaches the composite therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a three-dimensional body, the construction of which is realised in layers by a purposeful application of material. According to the invention, two different materials are applied to each layer. One is purposeful applied in line along the outer edge of the three-dimensional object in the corresponding section plane, the remaining surfaces being filled with the second material.