Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of sandwich components with an open core structure and a cover layer applied to each side, wherein the cover layers are formed with a curable plastic material, and the sandwich component is cured in a closed device under pressure. A charging gas, which may be nitrogen or air, is introduced to the core structure prior to at least partial solidification of the cover layers, wherein a charging gas pressure p Charging gas is selected that is less than or equal to an operating pressure p operating of the closed device in order to, in particular, at least largely prevent the formation of sink marks in the cover layers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a press for implementing the method.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of prostheses for surgical applications, to methods of their manufacturing and to methods of treating a patient by implanting them into a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to prostheses having a multi-layered sheet structure and their use in hernia repair, the repair of anatomical defects of the abdominal wall, diaphragm, and chest wall, correction of defects in the genitourinary system, and repair of traumatically damaged organs such as the spleen, liver or kidney.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers may be provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that may be used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A process includes introducing a base polymer into an extruder, heating to a temperature sufficient to form a polymer melt, introducing a liquid comprising water and at least one additive consisting of an NO donating compound with mixing and subsequent vaporization and venting of the liquid to produce an extrudate having a uniform distribution of preferably uniformly small additive particles.

Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions.

Abstract: A composite structure is made by placing a stiffener preform and a composite structure reinforcement on a tool. The preform and the reinforcement are vacuum bagged processed and co-infused with a thermoset resin to form a stiffened, unitized structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a resonator is disclosed in which a sleeve insert is placed into a fixture within a blow molding apparatus. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first plurality of apertures in the wall at a first axial distance and a second plurality of apertures in the wall at a second axial distance. A parison is slid over the sleeve insert; the mold is clamped over the parison causing the parison to press into the sleeve insert at three locations: near the ends of the sleeve insert and at a location between the pluralities of apertures; and air is blown into the sleeve insert, via a blow pin, to expand the parison into the walls of the mold to form cavities proximate the first and second pluralities of aperatures. After cooling, the mold opens to release the newly formed resonator.

Abstract: Described are stretchable and formable lighter than air balloons including a high barrier lamination. The stretchable and formable balloons stretch when overinflated instead of failing. The balloons are formed from a lamination including a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m including a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The polyester film has an Elongation % in the transverse direction (TD) or machine direction (MD) of greater than 125%.

Abstract: A caul plate system for a laminate structure includes a plurality of layers of curable caul plies disposed over a laminate structure and substantially conforming to a surface of the laminate structure. A resin is applied to the plurality of layers of caul plies. Co-curing of the plurality of layers of caul plies with the laminate structure hardens the plurality of layers of caul plies such that a normal pressure is applied to the laminate structure during cure of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A custom mouthguard may be formed from a multiple layer assembly including an ethylene vinyl acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane layer, an ethylene vinyl acetate layer and an intervening impact shield and elastomeric framework. The elastomeric framework may include one or more posterior occlusal pads. The custom mouthguard may be molded to a positive mold of an individual's upper teeth and gums.

Abstract: A door including a decorative panel is provided. The door may include a door liner, an outer door connected to the door liner, an insulation material disposed between the door liner and the outer door, and a decorative panel provided on an outer surface of the outer door. The decorative panel may include a front surface and a side surface extending at a bend from the front surface. The door may be coupled to a refrigerator or other home appliance.

Abstract: A non-shortening catheter balloon having a longitudinal axis and an inflatable balloon able to be affixed to a catheter shaft is provided. The balloon has an uninflated length which remains relatively unchanged upon inflation and is formed of least two helically oriented wrapped passes of balloon materials at a balanced force angle. Methods of making this balloon are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf ball includes molding a cover preform in a first mold. The cover preform is placed in a second mold. Material is injected into an interior of the cover preform. The material forces the cover preform against a surface of the second mold to form dimples in the cover. The dimples may extend through the cover to form dimple structures in at least one layer between the cover and a center of the golf ball. For instance, the dimples may extend through the cover and into the injected material. The dimples may have a depth greater than a thickness of the cover.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a resin flow enhancing member, including a cavity with a first opening and a second opening as well as an resin flow adjusting arrangement for changing a resin flow cross section in a resin flow direction from the first opening to the second opening in the resin flow enhancing member by applying vacuum to the second opening. The disclosure further relates to a fibre reinforced plastic laminate including a fibre stack and at least one resin flow enhancing member as well as to a fibre reinforced plastic composite material prepared by using a resin flow enhancing member. The disclosure further relates to a vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding process for injecting resin from a resin flow enhancing member into a fibre stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorated injection molded article having an embossed pattern comprising a surface layer comprising an acryl resin film, a printing layer provided on an inside of the surface layer, an adhesive layer provided on an inside of the printing layer and an injected resin layer, wherein a concavo-convex pattern is provided on the surface of the surface layer at a front face part and a side face part of the injection molded article by emboss processing and further to a method for producing the same, and the present invention provides a decorated injection molded article having an embossed pattern, in which a concavo-convex pattern is easily formed on the surface and which is imparted with a steric design property having a higher grade feeling.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic sheet for use with a vehicle interior panel includes a negative thermoforming process. The negative thermoforming process can provide a grained and/or coated show surface of the thermoplastic sheet with decorative features that are more sharply defined that those produced using a positive thermoforming process.

Abstract: A method of providing a coated and grained surface to a thermoplastic sheet for a vehicle interior panel. One step includes imparting a first grain to a show surface of a thermoplastic sheet. Another step includes applying a coating to a portion or more of the show surface. And another step includes imparting a second grain to the coated portion by bringing the coated portion into direct contact with a graining surface of a tool of a thermoforming machine.

Abstract: A new cladding panel for use on recreational vehicles is produced by either a hand-laid or vacuum infusion process. In the hand-laid method, the cladding is formed by first introducing and curing a layer of gel coat onto a mold surface. Layers of fiber reinforced resin material are subsequently laid onto the gel coating and molded to form the cladding panel. In the vacuum infusion process, the gel coating is first laid onto a mold surface of a vacuum infusion mold, and then dry ply materials are laid onto the gel coating. The mold is closed and a resin component is infused into the dry laminate material under vacuum pressure and cured. The cladding panels produced by these methods produced are seamless and have limited waste associated with post-production trimming processes. Cladding panels produced using the vacuum infusion process have a more consistent composition and achieve improved part-to-part consistency.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) molding device is designed to mold a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a chain curing polymer (CCP). A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP to the exterior. An element for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a film catalyst, including forming a catalyst layer on one side or each side of a base material to obtain a film catalyst, bending the film catalyst, and optionally cutting the film catalyst, wherein the bending step is conducted by bending the film catalyst with a bending tool composed of two gears that are oppositely arranged as meshing each other while a protective material having a compressibility of 40 to 95% is inserted between the catalyst layer of the film catalyst and the two gears.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade having a trailing edge by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding is described. A number of layers having fibre material are laid up onto the inner surface of a first mould part. A plurality of fibre rovings is laid up onto the number of layers at a position which forms the trailing edge of the blade. The blade is cast using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a golf ball, the method comprising mixing an aqueous polyurethane dispersion with an azridine to form an aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture. Then, adding the aqueous polyurethane dispersion/aziridine mixture to a water tank, to form a PUD/aziridine solution and dipping a polybutadiene core in the PUD/aziridine solution. The PUD/aziridine solution comprises 0.4 percent aziridine, 4 percent aqueous polyurethane dispersion, and 95.6 percent de-ionized water, which forms a dipped polybutadiene core. The dipped polybutadiene core is then dried at room temperature.

Abstract: An extruded air cooled blown film having a) a total thickness of 5 to 500 ?m, b) a mono-layer structure or 2 to 9 coextruded layers, c) at least one layer L containing a polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene random copolymers, hetero-phasic polypropylene block copolymers, or any mixtures thereof, said polymer having a melt flow rate, according to ASTM D-1238, of 0.1 to 10 dg/min at 230° C. and 2.16 kg, said layer L further containing 0.001 to 2%, relative to the weight of the polymer, of a particular nucleating agent, and optionally d) a Modulus according to EN ISO 527 enhanced by at least 10% versus a reference film without the nucleating agent.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a composition suitable for stretch hood, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The article according to the present invention comprises a multi-layer film according to the present invention has a thickness of at least 3 mils comprising at least one inner layer and two exterior layers, wherein the inner layer comprises at least 50 weight percent polyethylene copolymer having a melt index less than 2 grams/10 minutes, a density less than or equal to 0.910 g/cm3, a total heat of fusion less than 120 Joules/gram and a heat of fusion above 115° C. of less than 5 Joules/gram, the total heat of fusion of the inner layer less than the heat of fusion of either of the two exterior layers, and wherein the multi-layer film has an elastic recovery of at least 40% when stretched to 100% elongation.

Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container that is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.

Abstract: A heat/vacuum molding system for molding a ski boot to a user's foot is provided. The system includes a heat source to heat an outer shell of the ski boot, a pliable plastic receptacle to receive the ski boot after the outer shell is heated by the heat source, and a vacuum system attached to the pliable plastic receptacle to create a negative pressure inside the pliable plastic receptacle to thereby collapse the pliable plastic receptacle to mold the ski boot to the user's foot.

Abstract: A preventative maintenance method of strengthening the connection between high pressure, in situ piping. An encapsulation mold is installed over a properly functioning, non-leaking coupling or joint interconnecting pipe sections carrying gas in excess of 60 psi. A resin sealant having tensile strength in excess of 3000 psi fills the mold, so that it circumscribes the coupling and adjacent portions of the pipe sections extending from the coupling, forming a permanent bond to the coupling and pipe sections. The method prevents high pressure pipe connection pullout, which otherwise could lead to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: An identification device for a container such as a bottle, as well as a method for making the identification device, are disclosed that provide a convenient system for identification of a container. The identification device is generally cup shaped and includes a resilient inner lining that enables the device to be readily fixed releasably to the conventional container closure to cover over the container closure and to rotate with it. The identification device provides an identification function.

Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers. The wetted fibers are arranged on pressurizable members and may be configured to include internal structural features, such as shear webs. A reinforcement stiffener may be located adjacent to at least one of the pressurizable members and the wetted fibers that form the internal structural feature. The reinforcement stiffener includes a modulus of elasticity that is substantially higher than a modulus of elasticity of the resin used to wet the fibers. In one embodiment, the reinforcement stiffener may be received in a pocket of one of the pressurizable members and may include a releasing agent that permits removal of the stiffener after the composite structure has been pressurized and cured.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: In a method of making multi-component plastic molded parts, using an apparatus which includes two outer platens with first half-molds, and a middle platen with second half-molds interacting with the first half-molds such as to define cavities in two parting planes for injection of a plastic melt and/or a PUR mixture, one of the first and second half-molds can move in increments relative to the other one of the first and second half-molds, thereby forming different cavities in the parting planes from cycle to cycle. In a first cycle preforms are produced in respective cavities and then held in one of the first and second half-molds as the other one of the first and second half-molds moves in increments. Further components can then be injected into cavities formed in the parting planes from cycle to cycle, while another process step can be executed from cycle to cycle in free half-molds.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for providing a speaker with a backvolume that can be used in a portable electronic device are disclosed. The backvolume can be arranged to fit into a small, irregularly shaped space, thereby efficiently utilizing available space. In one embodiment, the backvolume can have a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: An insertion plunger for inserting at least one wrap-around label and at least one bottom label into an injection mold for producing a plastic container has an outer plunger and an inner plunger that is movable relative to the outer plunger. In a method for insertion of a wrap-around label and a bottom label into an injection mold, the labels are inserted by an insertion plunger in that the wrap-around label and the bottom label are inserted in a single stroke performed by the insertion plunger into the injection mold.

Abstract: For a skin, a non-formed polyurethane resin layer at the surface side and a foamed polyurethane resin layer between the non-foamed polyurethane resin layer and a base member are configured to form an integral and uniform layer over and extent from an injection point to a distant point on a surface of the base member, so that an integral skin foam in which such skin layer and foamed layer are laminated can be molded, under an atmospheric pressure, in a single process, allowing for manufacture of a laminate article with a high degree of uniformity over an appreciable wide range of the article, as well as for provision of a laminate mold goods having the skin and foamed layers formed with a high uniformity along the base member, over the length in a flow direction of skin forming material.

Abstract: A plate-like element for supporting or bearing an object, with a core of generally rectangular shape and composed of a foamed plastic. The core is covered at least on both surfaces by a plastic film of impact-resistant material. A connection of the plastic films, which cover the core on both surfaces, is formed in the region of a peripheral side edge of the core between a surface of the core and an adjoining, peripheral border of the core. A plate-like element which receives a corresponding load can be reliably produced by simple method steps.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for manufacturing an in-mold labelled article, the process comprising the steps of: placing a label comprising a polyvinylidene chloride coated film (15) into a mold for injection molding, thermoforming, or blow molding; holding the label in position; injecting a polymeric melt into, or thermoforming or blowing a polymeric preform in said mold so as to bind with the label; and removing the article from the mold. A process of in-mold labelling using a label comprising a polyvinylidene chloride coated film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a container associable with airless pumps, in the interior of which container a deformable bag is formed by blow molding a preform of plastic material. A vacuum is created in the container interior during or slightly before blowing.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a hollow, complex, monolithic composite part. Composite material may be placed around the mandrel, then an internal impermeable membrane may be placed into and/or through tunnels formed in the mandrel. Next, an external impermeable membrane may be placed around the composite material and sealed against itself and the internal impermeable membrane such that the mandrel and the composite material are both contained in an airtight manner between the internal and external impermeable membranes. Air may then be removed from within the sealed impermeable membranes, compressing the impermeable membranes against the mandrel and/or the composite material. The consolidated composite material may be hardened to form the composite part. Finally, the impermeable membrane may be removed from around the hollow composite part and from within the mandrel, followed by removal of the mandrel from within the composite part by breaking it up into smaller pieces.

Abstract: A stiffened skin panel of an aircraft that includes an aircraft skin panel of composite material and a composite stringer consolidated with the aircraft skin panel. The stringer has a pair of stringer sides, each extending from a stringer top to a stringer leg. The stringer sides may each extend through a wide radius, smooth continuous curve to a stringer leg. The wide radius, smooth continuous curve may be proximate the base of the stringer side in a region where the stringer side transitions to the stringer leg.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyester film is provided, in particular, a biaxially oriented polyester film for molded part capable of being used suitably as a metallic molded part processed after metal deposition on a film surface and a surface protection film in forming a decorative sheet. Provided is a biaxially oriented polyester film for molded part, which is a polyester film that at least two layers of A layer composed of polyester A and B layer composed of polyester B are laminated, wherein interlayer adhesion between A layer and B layer is 5 (N/15 mm) or more, and stress at 100% elongation (F100 value, unit: MPa) at 200° C. and 150° C. in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction of a film is 1 to 50.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon.

Abstract: A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame.

Abstract: An ink composition is provided that includes (A) a polymerizable silicone compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group and a silicone chain, (B) tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, and (C) a radical polymerization initiator. There are also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging onto a recording medium the ink composition and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation, a printed material obtained by the inkjet recording method, and a process for producing a formed printed material that includes (a2) a step of forming an image on a support by discharging the ink composition by an inkjet method, (b2) a step of obtaining a printed material having a cured image on the support by irradiating the obtained image with actinic radiation so as to cure the ink composition, and (c2) a step of molding the printed material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a multilayer film comprising at least one polyethylene (except high pressure polyethylene) and polypropylene layer, wherein the adhesion between the polyethylene and polypropylene is enhanced without the use of any tie layer by processing the film with a freezing time of less than ten seconds.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition and a solvent-free process for preparing novel imide oligomers and polymers specifically formulated with effective amounts of a dianhydride such as 2,3,3?,4-biphenyltetra carboxylic dianydride (a-BPDA), at least one aromatic diamine and an endcapped of 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (PEPA) or nadic anhydride to produce imide oligomers that possess a low-melt viscosity of 1-60 poise at 260-280° C. When the imide oligomer melt is cured at about 371° C. in a press or autoclave under 100-500 psi, the melt resulted in a thermoset polyimide having a glass transition temperature (Tg) equal to and above 310° C. A novel feature of this process is that the monomers; namely the dianhydrides, diamines and the endcaps, are melt processable to form imide oligomers at temperatures ranging between 232-280° C. (450-535° F.) without any solvent.