Abstract: A product including a first structure. A joint element is attached to the first structure. The joint element has a base and at least two legs extending from the base, the legs defining a slot having opposing sides and a bottom. A second structure is positioned in the slot. An adhesive is disposed in the slot joining the second structure to the joint element. A cavity is formed between the bottom of the slot and the second structure. The cavity being substantially free of adhesive.

Abstract: Touch fasteners for use as mold inserts in molding seat foam buns include selvedges that deflect under pressure to engage a mold surface in face-to-face contact. Another touch fastener includes a base with an exposed thermally activatable resin surface that has a softening point low enough to be activated by the exothermic foaming reaction to adhere the fastener in the foam bun.

Abstract: A modular interchangeable floor mat includes a mat frame and a mat insert. The mat frame includes a central portion having a plurality of integrally formed upwardly-extending hooked nibs and a peripheral edge. The mat insert includes a hook-retaining material defining a bottom surface. The hook-retaining material may include a nonwoven material or a reticulated foam. The plurality of upwardly-extending hooked nibs of the mat frame is engageable with the hook-retaining material of the mat insert. The mat frame may also include a plurality of integrally formed downwardly-depending nibs or ridges.

Abstract: A cushion pad for shows includes a top plate, a bottom plate and a flexible mediate portion connected between the top plate and the bottom plate. The flexible mediate portion includes a plurality of straight plates perpendicularly connected to the top plate and the bottom plate, and a serrated plate is connected between the straight plates extending from the top plate and the bottom plate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses intelligent bi-stable structure system is provided. The system has a discrete number of states. The system comprises a plurality of bi-stable metal strips, a plurality of connections connecting the bi-stable metal strips, and at least one control point for controlling the state of the system. The connections are provided to have the system being in one stable state and the system transforms from one stable state to another stable state as the control point is activated. Since the system absorbs energy in order to transform from one state to a second state by activating a control point, the system can be utilized in dampers, walls for sustaining earthquake. Furthermore, the system can divide the space into various configurations according to the various states of the system so as to provide flexible spatial utilization and flexible landscape.

Abstract: A structural lug comprising a metallic base, composite middle layers, and outer layers of metallic material is disclosed. The metallic base of the structure is machined to accommodate the composite plies, which are located on each lateral side of the base and bonded to the base with adhesive. The composite material may comprise an adhesive-based resin with embedded fibers. The metallic base may be formed to minimize peel stresses in the composite layers. The top metallic layers are fitted over and bonded to the composite plies and act as the outermost layers of the lug. The lateral ends of the lug where the top layers come into contact with the machined base may be joined together with friction stir welding or mechanical fasteners to form the completed structure.

Abstract: A heat transfer film and a method of manufacturing partition walls of a plasma display panel using the same are disclosed. The heat transfer film includes a base film, a light-heat transforming layer formed on the base film, and a partition wall material layer formed on the light-heat transforming layer.

Abstract: A plural color component film laminate part and method for insert-molding a plural color film laminate part comprises preforming a film laminate and subsequently insert-molding a plastic substrate against the preformed film laminate. An improvement in traditional insert molding techniques is provided by use of a specific mold cavity structure which facilitates positioning of the film laminate transition line(s) between colors within longitudinally extending groove(s) in the part show face. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with a re-entrant edge portion which is positioned within the mold cavity such that the edge of the plastic substrate will be substantially covered. The insert molding step involves positioning the preformed film laminate in a specially configured mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold' cavity against the film laminate.

Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that includes a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.

Abstract: A foam filling member having simplified structure is provided that may be produced with improved working efficiency and at low cost. Additionally, the invention enables a reduction in a quantity of foaming material of the foaming base used for filling an interior space of a structure. The foam filling member has an annular wall formed on a supporting plate and an annular foaming portion of the foaming base supported on an outer supporting portion located at the outside of the annular wall on the supporting plate. A plurality of openings are formed in the annular wall and also lugs are formed that project into an inner closed portion at the inside of the annular wall through the respective openings.

Abstract: Friction control articles for use in healthcare applications, the articles generally comprising a backing Layer having a first surface and a second surface, where projecting from the first surface of the backing layer is an array of stems, wherein at least a portion of the exterior surface of the stems comprises an elastomeric material. Also disclosed are friction control articles having a coefficient of friction when dry along at least a portion of the first surface of at least 0.6. Multilayered and dual-sided friction control articles are also provided.

Abstract: A glass run has extruded portions and molded portions. The extruded portions and the molded portions are made of TPO. The glass run is attached to sashes DS. Insert members made of PP are embedded respectively in a base portion of the glass run correspondingly to a long side portion and an upper side portion of each of the molded portions. When the glass run is attached, protrusions of the insert members protruding from the base portion can engage with or stand close to edge portions of the sashes so that the protrusions can be locked with the sashes. Since the protrusions are harder than the molded portions under a relatively high temperature atmosphere, the protrusions are hardly deformed or broken even when stress caused by opening and closing of a glass is applied repeatedly to the protrusions.

Abstract: A novel design for dummy ribs in a plasma display panel. The plasma display panel includes upper and lower substrates which are installed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and which contain therebetween a plurality of barrier ribs and discharge spaces that are between the barrier ribs. The plasma display panel has a display region for displaying images from the discharge spaces. Outside the display region are formed sets of dummy ribs which are positioned in parallel to each other and spaced by a predetermined distance from the display region. Dummy ribs serve to support the upper and lower substrates while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween. Each set of dummy ribs has at least one reinforcing rib specially designed to be resilient to damage. When exposed to sandblasting, the reinforcing rib remains functional and continues to keep the upper and the lower substrates separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a placemat includes a sheet member of pliable material having a top side and a bottom side and at least one vertical feature on the top side of the sheet member. The vertical feature is configured so that liquid can be contained on the sheet member as the placemat is placed on a surface with the bottom side of the sheet member facing the surface.

Abstract: A structural element for use in aerospace applications such as a structural element suitable as an aircraft component is described. The composite structure comprises: (a) a rib having a first end and a second end; (b) at least one member such as a face sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface; and (c) a rib-receiving member integral to the inner surface of the at least one member, wherein the rib-receiving member comprises at least one rib-receiving element having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib and at least one cover sheet having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib.

Abstract: A structural element for use in aerospace applications such as a structural element suitable as an aircraft component is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the composite structure comprises: (a) at least one member having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a rib having a first end and a second end; (c) a rib-receiving member integral to the inner surface of the at least one member, wherein the rib-receiving member comprises a plurality of rib-receiving elements and openings therein for receiving the first end of the rib and at least one cover sheet having an opening therein for receiving the first end of the rib; and (d) at least one anchoring element interconnecting the rib-receiving elements.

Abstract: This application relates to a micro-fastening system and, more particularly, to a mechanical micro-fastening system employing a plurality of mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) and a method of manufacturing a micro-fastening system. The mating nanoscale fastening elements (16, 18) are formed by functionalizing nanotubes having an ordered array of hexagons with pentagons and heptagons at particular heterojunctions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transcription plate for forming orientation layer by coating printed orientation agent onto a substrate. The transcription plate comprises a base film and photosensitive resin plate, such as an APR layer, wherein a number of dots are arranged on the photosensitive resin plate in a regular fashion, and an arrangement of outer dots disposed outside of an active area of the transcription plate is denser than that of inner dots disposed within an active area of the transcription plate. The transcription plate enables the thickness of the orientation layer along the edge outside of the active layer of the transcription plate to be formed with the uniform thickness. Therefore, a uniform image property can be obtained by uniform rubbing. Further, because such phenomenon as conglomeration of the orientation agent does not occur, non-uniformity of cell gaps, which is caused by the superposition on the sealing line, can be solved.

Abstract: Cooperative touch fasteners have a sheet-form base with an upper face and a lower face. Extending outwardly from, and integral with the upper face of the base is a plurality of fastener elements. Additionally, the lower face of the sheet-form base has a pressure adhesive property and is coated with a cross-linkable adhesive. The cooperative touch fasteners can be used to alter garments, hang window coverings and attach finishing covers. Additionally, the fasteners can be used in place of snaps and buttons, in medical devices, with diapers and in conjunction with a variety of manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the support thereof, wherein the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one surface of the support partly has projected spots of fibers. The projected spots of fibers are preferably raised spots of fibers that are raised from the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet is favorable for flooring material fixation. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet is produced according to a flocking method that comprises flocking the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one surface of the support to thereby form projected spots of fibers partly in the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A composite article of manufacture formed from at least three sheets of material laminated to one another. At least one surface of each of the sheets has a plurality of spaced-apart ridges which extend in a predetermined direction along the surface, and each of the pluralities of ridges is arranged so as to nest between a plurality of ridges on an adjacent sheet.

Abstract: A functionally graded friction material 18 having improved wear resistance and thermal conductivity with fibers 10 and heat conducting elements 12 disposed in an arrangement that conducts heat away from a first surface 20 to a second surface 22. Preferably, the heat conducting elements 12 are copper, copper alloy, filaments, threads, or wire situated substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface and extending to the non-engaging surface 22.

Abstract: A desk chair mat has a substantially planar upper surface suitable for interaction with a chair support structure, a perimeter defining an outer edge of the mat, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface. An array of generally blunt projections extends downwardly from a first area of the lower surface for engagement with a carpet. An image is formed within a second area of the lower surface. Each blunt projection has a smooth end surface spaced below the lower surface by a distance sufficient to penetrate into the carpet pile. The array is generally a regular pattern of the projections that can be arranged at an angle with respect to each nearest neighbor to provide enhanced resistance to lateral movement of the mat with respect to the carpet to protect the image from abrasion.

Abstract: A cleaning mat system is designed for placement on a floor and for cleaning the undersides of shoes, feet, and other objects. The cleaning mat system includes a base with an upper surface and a lower surface interconnected by a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a leading edge and an opposed trailing edge. The upper surface of the base includes upwardly extending teeth covering the majority of the upper surface, and the lower surface includes downwardly extending teeth on at least a portion of the lower surface adjacent the leading and trailing edges. A removable and disposable cleaning sheet has an upper face for cleaning and an opposed lower face. The cleaning sheet has a pair of spaced-apart side edge portions and a central portion. In use, the cleaning sheet is positioned on the base such that the central portion is adjacent the upper surface of the base and the side edge portions wrap around the leading and trailing edges to be trapped between the teeth and the floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener strip having magnetically attractable particles which are not located across the entire volume of the strip, but rather are incorporated in a discrete, distinct area of the strip. The fastener strip has a base and many hook pieces which rise from a fastening surface of the base. One embodiment has a magnetically attractable body in a row which rises from the surface of the base and is located along a substantially center line of the fastener strip. The magnetically attractable particles are incorporated in the magnetically attractable body and a part of the base located below the magnetically attractable body, and the magnetically attractable particles are not dispersed across the whole area of the base. A method of manufacturing such a strip is also described here.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: In a method for producing a foam element, especially a foam padding element for a plane or vehicle seat, a layer is applied to at least one shaping wall section of a foaming mold. The layer is of a material that forms a barrier layer between the foam material and the respective wall section during the foaming process. A fleece with a ferromagnetic coating is used as the layer forming the barrier layer. The fleece is releasably held in its position at the wall section by a device that produces a ferromagnetic field and interacts with the ferromagnetic coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article including a microstructured release liner having a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions associated with an adhesive layer such that the protrusions penetrate the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Composite articles having a highly filled plastic component connected to a basic body are provided which avoid the occurrence of cracks in the plastic component under changing thermal conditions. More specifically, the plastic component is not fixed directly to the basic body but instead is fixed indirectly thereto via at least one intermediary component made of an elastic material. Preferably, the intermediary component is embedded by a frictional and/or positive connection with at least one projection in a groove or opening (28) of the plastic component.

Abstract: A uniform coating is provided using surface features. Multiple ridges or other shapes are fabricated near an area of interest to allow for uniform coating in between the ridges. Areas at either ends of the ridges are left open to allow for excess pooling of photoresist liquid and to aid in obtaining uniform coating. The photoresist liquid or other coating fluid is applied to the sample and spun dry. A soft-bake process is performed to evaporate remaining solvents. An element, such as a diffractive, refractive, or reflective grating structure, is then formed in the area of interest using the uniform photoresist coating.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to the area of a composite part masked by a secondary feature comprises the steps of positioning a pressure augmentation strip in contact with the masked area, securing a pressure transfer wedge on each of two sides of the secondary feature, such that pressure is transferred to the pressure augmentation strip during co-curing/co-bonding, and co-curing/co-bonding the composite part and the secondary feature. When the area between the composite part and the secondary feature is fairly large, the method can comprise the further steps of positioning a sine wave spring between the pressure augmentation strip and the secondary feature, injecting a structural paste adhesive into the voids around the sine wave spring, and curing the structural paste.

Abstract: A process for forming an injection molded article including multiple appliques. The process generally includes the steps of: positioning in a mold a first applique including a edge; positioning in the mold a second applique including a terminating end; abutting the second terminating end against the edge in a non-overlapping, substantially perpendicular configuration; injection molding a thermoplastic resin around the appliques to form an article. Because the first and second appliques do not overlap, they will not separate from one another over the life of the injection molded article. Accordingly, multiple applique articles formed according to the process of the present invention maintain their structural integrity and are resistant to warping, peeling and/or separation of the appliques from one another.

Abstract: A desk chair mat has a substantially planar upper surface suitable for interaction with a chair support structure, a perimeter defining an outer edge of the mat, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface. An array of blunt projections extends downwardly from the lower surface for engagement with a carpet. Each blunt projection has a smooth end surface spaced below the lower surface by a distance sufficient to penetrate into the carpet pile. The array is generally a regular pattern of the blunt projections arranged at an angle with respect to each nearest neighbor to provide resistance to any lateral movement of the mat with respect to the carpet.

Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate having a foam layer and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the projection hardly separates from the substrate and they are firmly jointed together. The invention provides a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the substrate has a foam layer and a skin layer containing no voids wherein the ratio (R/L) of the curvature R of a joint between the projection and the substrate to the thickness L of the skin layer is from 3 to 50.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member sufficient to bond the reinforcing member to at least two nonparallel internal surfaces of the structure.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly comprises a structural member and a reinforcing member disposed adjacent to a wall of the structural member. The reinforcing member is an insert having a carrier portion and an expandable portion in the form of a one-part epoxy system having an outer surface disposed toward the wall of the structural member. The epoxy system contains in weight percent about 30% to about 70% epoxy resin and contains a filler in the form of hollow glass microspheres. The epoxy system is in the form of a high-viscosity dough so that in its uncured state it does not significantly flow from and remain supported by the carrier portion of the insert whereby the insert may be placed near the wall before the epoxy dough is cured to bond the dough to the wall when the dough is cured and expands into intimate contact with the wall.

Abstract: A durable ultraphobic surface that is capable of retaining ultraphobic properties at liquid pressures of one atmosphere and above. The surface generally includes a substrate portion with a multiplicity of projecting regularly shaped microscale or nanoscale asperities disposed so that the surface has a predetermined contact line density measured in meters of contact line per square meter of surface area equal to or greater than a contact line density value “?L” determined according to the formula: ? L = - 10 ? , ? 330 ?cos ? ( ? a , 0 + ? - 90 ? ° ) where ? is the surface tension of the liquid in Newtons per meter, ?a,0 is the experimentally measured true advancing contact angle of the liquid on the asperity material in degrees, and ? is the asperity rise angle in degrees.

Abstract: A fastener secures a trim cover to a foam pad. The fastener is positionable within a mold trench, which extends between a plurality of ends having stepped regions. The fastener includes a base having a mold surface and a foam surface opposite to the mold surface. The base extends between a plurality of base ends and longitudinal sides. The fastener also includes a plurality of trim cover attachment members extending outwardly from the mold surface for securing the trim cover thereto. In addition, the fastener includes a plurality of sealing flats that sealingly engage each of the stepped regions to prevent foam from flowing past the stepped regions and onto the plurality of trim cover attachment members on the mold surface.

Abstract: An extrusion die has a distributing tool; a profiling nozzle; and at least three melt-flow ducts; a first melt-flow duct is routed around a second melt-flow duct or the distributing tool using a branch and is merged again downstream from the branch; and a third melt-flow duct opens into the second melt-flow duct. The extrusion die is suitable for extrusion of a hollow-chamber profiled panel of a thermoplastic plastic with a layered structure which comprises a top and bottom layer of a first plastic melt; and an intermediate layer of a second plastic melt disposed in an interior of a hollow chamber profile. The first plastic melt is allocated to the first melt-flow duct and to the second melt-flow duct and the second plastic melt is allocated to the third melt-flow duct. During the extrusion the second plastic melt is deposited onto the first plastic melt upstream from or in the region of the branch, and a distribution of the deposited second plastic melt is regulated using the distributing tool.

Abstract: A desk chair mat has a substantially planar upper surface suitable for interaction with a chair support structure, a perimeter defining an outer edge of the mat, a lower surface parallel to the upper surface. An array of blunt projections extends downwardly from the lower surface for engagement with a carpet. Each blunt projection has a smooth end surface spaced below the lower surface by a distance sufficient to penetrate into the carpet pile. The array is generally a regular pattern of the blunt projections arranged at an angle with respect to each nearest neighbor to provide resistance to any lateral movement of the mat with respect to the carpet.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: The invention is a molded flexible heavy-duty floor mat with attached metal wear plates designed to fit in the floor compartment area of a car, van, pick-up truck, sport utility or work vehicle. The floor mat surface is texturized with raised protrusions and ridges to provide non-slip shoe traction and shoe scraping surfaces. The floor mat has recessed areas, indentations, and channels to collect scraped or loosened debris and moisture. A peripheral double lip or wall contains the debris and moisture on the floor mat. The attached wear plates are texturized for additional scraping and traction purposes and are attached in areas of the floor mat which are most susceptible to wear, such as near the vehicle pedals and in the stepping area of the floor mat. The floor mat has back gripping area to secure and maintain the mat against the vehicle floor. The mat may be readily cleaned by removing the entire mat out from the vehicle.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member sufficient to bond the reinforcing member to at least two nonparallel internal surfaces of the structure.

Abstract: A self fixturing adhesive attachment is provided for securely mounting an attachment component such as a threaded stud on the surface of a substrate. The self fixturing attachment includes a base fixture carrying the attachment component and defining a base surface for receiving a selected curable bonding agent thereon. A resilient pressure sensitive adhesive member has a first portion carried by the attachment component at a blind side thereof, a second portion secured to the base fixture, and a third portion extending therebetween. Following pressed mounting of the base fixture with bonding agent thereon onto the substrate, the attachment component is movable to press the first portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive member into adherence with the substrate, resulting in stretched elongation of the third portion thereof to pull the base fixture with a positive force toward the substrate for the duration of the bonding agent cure time.

Abstract: The improved mousepad has one or more bumpers on the ends or sides of said mousepad, which prevent a computer mouse from traveling off the ends or sides of said mousepad while the mouse is in use, and which may be used as a promotional item and or miniature sport simulation game.

Abstract: A wet-slip resistant sheet comprises a substrate having a front surface, a back surface and a plurality of tapered protrusions, one end of each of which is bonded to the front surface of the substrate. The tapered protrusions are regularly arranged on the front surface of the substrate with a repeating pattern and each of said protrusions is surrounded with grooves which intersect each other. The wet-slip resistant sheet provides good wet-slip resistance and exhibits good clean recovery properties, and the BPN value of the sheet can be easily controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific methods of producing cleated rubber-backed floor mats (such as dust control or rubber mats) through the utilization of the combination of a perforated coated woven fabric article and a cushioned platen liner between the article and the metal platen of an in-line dust control mat manufacturing machine. Such a procedure permits a more efficient manner of producing cleated anti-creep dust control mats than previously followed. The produced mat as well as the woven fabric article/cushioned platen liner combination are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A reinforced composite structure (29) is disclosed. The structure is formed by opposed layers of material extending over a core and continuous bundles stitched in a repeating pattern through the opposed layers (30, 32) and the intermediate core (29) to form the reinforced composite structural member (29).

Abstract: A structural panel has one or more face sheets bonded by adhesive layers to a core body having two outer plastic liner sheets fusion-bonded to linear ends of inner plastic truss elements spaced apart with open spaces therebetween extending in a plane direction of the plastic liner sheets. The sheet-to-sheet adhesive bonding provides a high-strength laminate bonding that is very resistant to delamination, simple and inexpensive, and can be carried out by a preferred continuous sheet bonding technique. The all-plastic core body is highly resistant to moisture attack, and the open spaces between truss elements provide flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The truss construction of the core body provides high compressive and shear strength, while minimizing the amount of material required to be used. In one preferred embodiment, two metal face sheets are used, and the core body has plastic liner sheets fusion-bonded to a corrugated plastic core sheet.