Abstract: A thermal expansion compensator is provided and includes a first electrode structure having a first surface, a second electrode structure having a second surface facing the first surface and an elastic element bonded to the first and second surfaces and including a conductive element by which the first and second electrode structures electrically and/or thermally communicate, the conductive element having a length that is not substantially longer than a distance between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of internally illuminated panels and methods for making such panels are disclosed herein. In general, the internally illuminated panel includes a transparent plate having a front surface and a back surface, a channel formed within the back surface of the transparent plate, and an illumination source embedded within the channel for directing illumination into an interior of the transparent plate. Unlike conventional panel designs, a pattern of grooves is formed across the back surface of the transparent plate for reflecting and refracting the internal illumination in a predetermined and predictable manner. In particular, characteristics of the pattern (such as the spacing and depth of the grooves) are configured to provide uniform distribution and intensity of the internal illumination emitted from the internally illuminated panel.

Abstract: A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the inner construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and filling and surrounding and/or embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the inner construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There is also a method for making a building module, a method for constructing a building using the building module, and brackets useful in the building module.

Abstract: An optical system includes, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power; and a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power; upon zooming from a wide-angle end state W to a telephoto end state T, a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 varying, and the second lens group G2 moving, and the second lens group G2 including a focusing lens group Gf that carries out focusing from an infinity object to a close object, and a decentering lens group Gs that is movable in a direction having a component perpendicular to an optical axis, thereby providing an optical system capable of establishing both of internal focusing and a decentering lens group with obtaining compactness and excellent optical performance, an optical apparatus equipped with the optical system, and a method for manufacturing the optical system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A canning funnel may comprise a funnel portion; the funnel portion may comprise a conical mouth portion, and a stem portion, and an annular ring, in which the stem portion and annular ring define a channel, and in which the channel is configured to fit a plurality of diameters of container openings.

Abstract: A robust-skin-encapsulated, non-inflatable raft including (1) shape-establishing body structure in the form of an assembly including (a) perimeter structure defining and at least partially circumsurrounding a deck zone, and (b) deck structure joined to said perimeter structure within said deck zone, and (2) an all-over, encapsulating, penetration-barriering and fracture-resistant, elastomeric, polyurea skin coating applied to the assembly of the perimeter and deck structures within the body structure. The perimeter and deck structures are preferably formed of solid foam material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes separating a plurality of regions in a film with a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters to form a plurality of legs continuous with a body of film, folding the plurality of legs such that each leg terminates in a stack of bounding edges, disposing the stack of bounding edges proximate at least one light source such that light from the at least one light source propagates through the legs and the body by total internal reflection, and treating the film to form a plurality of light scattering features therein such that frustrated totally internally reflected light exits the light emitting device at a visible light emitting area and the light emitting area is at most barely visible when not illuminated by the at least one light source.

Abstract: A method for casting monitored pilings and a pour diverter used in connection with the method is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of pile strands in a form, and then connecting a suspension assembly having at least one sensor to at least one of the pile strands so that the at least one sensor is located in a piling core area. A pour diverter, having a generally V-shaped configuration, is positioned over the suspension assembly. Concrete is poured into the form over the pour diverter so that a flow of the concrete into the form is split and flows down on either side of the suspension assembly until the at least one sensor is covered. The pour diverter is then removed to finish the casting. Preferably, provisions are provided on the pour diverter for holding or covering an antenna assembly during the pour, prior to it being placed into the concrete forming the piling.

Abstract: Both ends of a circulation pipe of a film formation apparatus are connected to a piping of a BWR plant. A chemical including chromium ions and formic acid is injected into a film formation solution flowing in the circulation pipe heated to a temperature within a range from 60° C. to 100° C. Furthermore, a chemical including iron (II) ions and formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine are injected into the circulation pipe. Due to the injection of these chemicals, a film formation solution of pH 7.0 including iron (II) ions, chromium ions, formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is generated in the circulation pipe. This film formation solution includes hydrazine of, for example, 1000 ppm. The film formation solution is supplied to the piping, thus, a Fe3—xCrxO4 film (here, 0<X?0.1) is formed on the inner surface of the piping. The above method of forming the ferrite film on a structural member (for example, the piping) can be shortened time required to form the ferrite film.

Abstract: A method of constructing an articulation joint includes forming a metallic tube with a number of rings formed therein. Springs may be secured to the inside surface or outside surface of the rings to allow the joint to bend in directions transverse to the axis of the springs. A fixture may be used to hold the springs at the correct position within the tube and the springs may be urged toward the rings or vice versa to obtain a good bond between the springs and the rings.

Abstract: A double-structure coated object includes an outer plate portion configured to produce a target color by stacking a coating film of a first paint and a coating film of a second paint, and an inner plate portion on which a coating film of the second paint is formed. When the coating film is formed on the inner plate portion, and then the first paint and the second paint are sequentially applied to the outer plate portion, paint dust on the inner plate portion is prevented from causing viewers to feel something different about color. To achieve this, the ratio (1BC)/(1BC+2BC) of the spectral reflectance (1BC) of the color of the coating film made of the first paint to the spectral reflectance (1BC+2BC) of the target color is configured to fall within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The apparatus manufactures a light emitting device provided with a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on a substrate. The apparatus comprises: a rotating plate cylinder provided with a flexographic plate for printing ink that forms an organic layer of the light emitting elements on the substrate; an intermediate transfer member that contacts the flexographic plate to transfer the ink; a head unit that supplies the ink to the intermediate transfer member; a storage unit that stores as an ink replenishment pattern a region in which the ink is removed from the intermediate transfer member by the transfer of the ink from the intermediate transfer member to the flexographic plate; and a control unit that supplies the ink from the head unit to the region of the ink replenishment pattern on a surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Abstract: A method for compressing an intraluminal prosthesis provides a mesh tube having first and second longitudinally spaced tube ends and a hollow tube bore located therebetween. The intraluminal prosthesis is completely inserted into the hollow tube bore. The tube is stretched in a longitudinal dimension, which reduces the tube in a radial dimension and causes the intraluminal prosthesis to radially compress.

Abstract: The invention relates to an at least partially enamelled dial whose visible surface includes areas standing out in relief, including a first part made of ceramic material or another compatible substrate that may or may not be coated with enamel including at least one through hole and at least one second part made of ceramic material or another compatible substrate that may or may not be coated with enamel. According to the invention, said at least one second part includes a main, projecting face which is larger than the section of said at least one hole and said at least one second part is secured to the first part to totally cover the periphery of said at least one hole without the second part projecting into the hole, so as to form a relief dial with improved rendering. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing this type of dial. The invention concerns the field of at least partially enamelled dials.

Abstract: A sheet article, the sheet article including a substrate, a plurality of fasteners on at least a portion of one surface of the substrate, and a cover, at least partially covering the plurality of fasteners, wherein the cover at least partially protects the plurality of fasteners and prevents the plurality of fasteners from engaging other fasteners or pressing down and wherein the covered fasteners can be exposed or the cover can be removed if need.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for a catheterization process, particularly useful for self-performed catheterizations. A catheter is enclosed in a sheath made from a gas-permeable material. This sheath maximizes gas permeability to prevent air build-up at the distal end of the sheath, resulting in easy self-catheterization for even those with limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: A method for producing a die tool includes forming a substantially complete face plate of the die tool utilizing an additive manufacturing process, forming a support structure of the die tool independently from the face plate, and coupling the face plate with the support structure. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing includes a face plate and stiffening structure integrated with the face plate. The stiffening structure forms one or more hollow channels that transport fluid for heating or cooling during the composite manufacturing. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing includes a face plate and a support structure coupled with the face plate. A ratio of weight of the support structure to weight of the die tool is less than 0.33.

Abstract: An optical sensor according to the present invention significantly enhances the sensitivity of an optical sensor for molecular measurement using light such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy utilizing the local plasmon's excitation of a noble metal. By using a transparent substance deposition step for forming a large number of anisotropic nano-columns having a predetermined aspect ratio, with their longitudinal direction and transverse direction aligned, by depositing a transparent substance onto a substrate from an oblique position while periodically inverting the position and a noble metal deposition step for depositing a noble metal onto surfaces of the formed anisotropic nano-columns, it is possible to manufacture an optical sensor with very high sensitivity at very low cost.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.

Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges. Each tape comprises a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer on at least opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated on at least one of the short edges of each tape. Each tape is also equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops. A slider is slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging the aligned teeth respectively. The fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape on the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for use with a fiber optic network having at least one predetermined operating wavelength is provided. First housing contains at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber has a free end forming a physical contact. The physical contact is coated with a protective film. The optical thickness of the protective film is at least 0.10 of the operating wavelength of the fiber optic network. Preferably, the physical contact is thermally shaped. Also preferably, the optical fiber is attached to a quick connect device forming a termini. The physical contact of the optical fiber can be readily coated with the protective film by placing the termini in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A tubular connection includes a pin member having external wedge threads configured to engage a box member having corresponding internal wedge threads, and a solid lubricant coating applied on at least one of the internal and external wedge threads wherein the solid lubricant coating comprises a first uniform layer of a dry corrosion inhibiting coating made of an epoxy resin containing particles of zinc and a second uniform layer of a dry lubricant coating covering the first uniform layer.

Abstract: Methods of making a device for removing a facial blemish. A facial scraping element is configured to be substantially rigid and flat, and a distal end of the facial scraping element is transformed for contacting and advancing across a facial surface of a user. A pad member is configured to be substantially non-rigid and non-flat. The facial scraping element may be attached to the pad member to form a collection area between a surface of the pad member and a surface of the facial scraping element. The resultant device is capable of being gripped between a finger and thumb of a user and advanced across the face of a user to remove and collect facial blemishes.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a plastic bottom shell, a plastic cap mating the plastic shell, and a temperature responsive element mounted to the plastic cap and received in a cavity of the plastic bottom shell. The temperature responsive element is positioned in the plastic bottom shell by the cap. An insulating coating is applied to the temperature responsive element. The insulating coating and the plastic bottom shell provide dual electrical insulation for the temperature responsive element.

Abstract: An optics element, such as an optical, IR, or X-ray mirror or mirror segment, is made by a combination of replication and lamination by depositing a first metallic layer on a replicating surface of a master or mandrel, depositing a light weight backing layer that adheres on the first metallic layer, and depositing a cover layer that adheres on the backing layer whereby the optics element comprises an in-situ deposited composite lamination of the first metallic layer, the backing layer, and the cover layer.

Abstract: A tape cassette for a medical handheld device. The inventive tape cassette includes a carrier tape with a plurality of functional elements which may take the form of test fields for analyzing a sample of a human or animal body fluid and/or a plurality of lancets. During use, the carrier tape slides past friction points. To reduce friction between the carrier tape and at least one of the friction points, the at least one friction point includes a surface made of a fluoropolymer. The tape cassette may have a housing that includes a sealed compartment with a tape exit opening wherein the friction point is disposed proximate the tape exit opening. A cover element may also be positioned to cover the tape exit opening. The cover element may also include a fluoropolymer material engageable with the carrier tape. A method of manufacturing such tape cassettes is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic channel (6) with shifted levels comprising a channel pillar (2a, 2b) and a channel bridge (3) which microfluidic channel (6) connects a channel (4a, 4b), situated in a first level of a base plate (1, 11) which contains a microfluidic system, with a second level of said base plate (1, 11). A longitudinal hollow with an edgeless cross-section is connected, as a channel pillar (2a, 2b), with one end, to the ending of the channel (4a, 4b) to be connected and formed in the first level of the base plate (1, 11), furthermore, the channel bridge (3) created at the second level of the base plate (1, 11) and having a cross-section fitting to the channel pillar (2a, 2b) is surrounded by a filling-up material (7) filled in subsequently, and a rounding-off is formed at the junction of the connecting end of the channel bridge (3) and the end of the channel pillar (2a, 2b) extending to the second level.

Abstract: A vapor chamber includes a sealed flattened casing containing working liquid therein, a wick structure arranged on an inner face of the casing, a supporting plate received in the casing and a plurality of supporting posts. The supporting plate defines a plurality of fixing holes therein. The supporting posts are engagingly received in the fixing holes of the supporting plate. Top and bottom ends of the supporting posts engage with the wick structure to reinforce a structure of the vapor chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to articles including a first material and a second material, wherein attachment between said first material and said second material is improved or created by gas-phase deposition and/or reaction to form new and adhesive solid phase(s) between the first material and the second material.

Abstract: Embolic protection filters, filter membranes, and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter may include an elongate shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. A filter frame may be to the distal region. A filter membrane may be attached to the filter frame. The filter membrane may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. The filter membrane may include a polymer having a bulk portion and a surface portion. The surface portion may include a surface modification.

Abstract: The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure.

Abstract: A tool having a grip head and a stem is placed behind the body panel to which the fuel door is hinged. The grip head interfaces with the goose neck of the fuel door at a location not visible to an onlooker when the fuel door is at its open position. The grip head has a predetermined shape which allows it to grasp the goose neck, whereby rotation of the stem (manually or robotically) results in opening and closing of the fuel door selectively as needed for a painting process to ensue.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite and of securing a metallic coating to a resin-based composite material, comprising the provision of a keying structure on a metallic electroplated preform and bringing the keying structure and the composite material together under conditions to cause the composite material and the keying structure to interlock. The invention also provides a composite comprising a resin-based composite material with a metallic coating on a surface, or part surface thereof, the metallic coating comprising an outer electroplated preform, and an inner keying structure which is located generally between said electroplated preform and the composite material to provide attachment of the electroplated preform on the composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a culinary item comprising a dished body defining a bottom and a lateral wall, and provided with an inner surface for receiving food and an outer surface for positioning next to the heat source, at least one of the surfaces of the lateral wall being covered by an anodising layer and the outer surface of the bottom being at least partially enamelled. The invention also relates to a method for producing one such item.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flexible pipe for conveyance of fluid, comprising: winding at least one metal element in a short pitch helix around an inner sealing sheath for withstanding radial forces in the inner sealing sheath; preshaping a metal strip to form at least one ply of tensile armor tendons; winding the ply of tensile armor tendons in a long pitch helix around the at least one metal element; and applying an external protective sealing sheath around the at least one ply of tensile armor tendons.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for containing spills on shelving and the like, and the resulting support members made in accordance with the method, by providing the generally flat top surface of a support with a hydrophobic surface which is arranged in a spill containment pattern and which is generally in the plane of the top surface of the support. The majority of the top surface of the support consists of one or more spill containment areas which are of a non-hydrophobic nature and which are bounded by the hydrophobic surfaces, such that spills on the shelving collect in the non-hydrophobic spill containment area or areas and are prevented from spreading by the hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: An armor system and method for the interior of a structure to be protected wherein releasable fastener material is secured to an inside wall of the structure and at least a first armor panel includes, in one example, a spacer layer, a ceramic hard face layer behind the spacer layer, a ballistic material behind the ceramic energy absorber layer, an encapsulant about the spacer layer, the ceramic energy absorber layer, and the ballistic material. Releasable fastener material is on the encapsulant adjacent the spacer layer for mating the panel to the inside wall of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing-stall pan, related methods of use, and methods of fabrication.

Abstract: A stent is provided which has a relatively less porous support structure that includes a first set of consolidated particles and at least one relatively more porous reservoir that includes a second set of consolidated particles that differ in composition from the first set of consolidated particles.

Abstract: A seal includes a resilient material and a metallic material electroplated to the resilient material and a method for making an extrusion resistant seal including electroplating a resilient seal material.

Abstract: A protective cover for a pinch-off end of a capillary tube is provided. Protective cover comprises a wicking member comprising a structure with a plurality of voids, said wicking member configured to cover said pinch-off end, and a protective coating.

Abstract: A pipeline (20) that lies primarily in the sea and that is formed of multiple steel pipe sections connected in tandem at pipe joints, includes a protective coating around the pipe sections and around the pipe joints. Each pipe section is first covered, at an onshore facility, by an initial coating (30, 32) that extends along at least 80% of the pipe section length while leaving its ends uncovered, to leave gripping areas (40, 42) where the steel of the pipe is uncovered so the pipe can be clamped by tools such as those with steel jaws to position and slide it axially, or turn it, or prevent it from turning. After a pair of pipe sections are connected, a completion coating (50) is applied around the pipe joint to leave the pipeline with a coating around all of it.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank for storing flammable and combustible liquids underground includes fabricating a cylindrical tank core. Structurally, the core encloses a chamber and has an outer surface. Further, the core includes at least one opening for monitoring the integrity of the chamber positioned on the core's bottom centerline. Also, the tank includes a screen attached to the outer surface of the core along the bottom centerline to cover the opening. Moreover, a foil is affixed to the screen and to the outer surface of the tank core. Sprayed or applied on the foil is a seamless jacket formed from polyurea, thermoplastic, polyurethane or polyamine epoxy to encapsulate the tank core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-line coating of a continuously moving substrate, such as a tube or conduit, preferably of the type used for applications such as fire sprinkler piping. The present invention includes a fire sprinkler pipe defining an interior wall surface surrounding an internal pathway. The interior surface is coated with a coating that reduces the degradation of the interior surface and provides a barrier between the interior surface and fluid within the pathway to resist degradation of the interior surface over the life of the tube or conduit.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure includes a hybrid segmented endoprosthesis for delivery into a lumen of a body. The hybrid segmented endoprosthesis has different types of segments that are joined together. The segments are typically distinct and distinguishable from each other by each segment having a unique configuration different from at least one other segment. Additionally, the segments can be coupled together by various processes well known for interconnecting the materials of endoprostheses. The segmented endoprosthesis can provide improved deliverability, strength, flexibility, and/or functionality during and after deployment. The use of a segmented endoprosthesis can combine the configurations of multiple small endoprostheses into a standard- or regular-sized endoprosthesis.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket comprising a body having an archwire slot and adapted to be secured to a tooth, and a clip coupled to the body and movable between an open position, permitting access to the archwire slot, and a closed position, inhibiting access to the archwire slot. The clip comprises a base material having recesses formed by laser-ablation, and a coating formed over at least a portion of the base material and over at least one of the recesses.

Abstract: An optical sensor according to the present invention significantly enhances the sensitivity of an optical sensor for molecular measurement using light such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy utilizing the local plasmon's excitation of a noble metal. By using a transparent substance deposition step for forming a large number of anisotropic nano-columns having a predetermined aspect ratio, with their longitudinal direction and transverse direction aligned, by depositing a transparent substance onto a substrate from an oblique position while periodically inverting the position and a noble metal deposition step for depositing a noble metal onto surfaces of the formed anisotropic nano-columns, it is possible to manufacture an optical sensor with very high sensitivity at very low cost.

Abstract: A double-walled exhaust system component having glass bubbles disposed between inner and outer pipes and method of making the same. The glass bubbles have a size distribution wherein, on a bulk volume basis, at least 90 percent of the glass bubbles have a size of less than 150 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical interconnection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention provides an optical interconnection structure comprising: a substrate on which a hole penetrating through a predetermined region is formed; and an optical guide member fixed to the inside of the hole of the substrate, wherein the optical guide member and the substrate are fixed by metal oxide. The present invention provides the optical interconnection structure that can facilitate the optical interconnection between the active optoelectronic devices that transmit/receive the optical signals and the optical waveguide, making it possible to enhance heat dissipation efficiency and improve operation speed.