Abstract: An environmentally resilient building product of a vinyl laminated formed-sheet metallic substrate wherein the vinyl laminate is adhesively attached to the formed-sheet metallic substrate to provide a durable and attractive surface. Possible decorative and resilient surfaces include, but are not limited to solid colors, metallic finishes, and graphical images or patterns, all available in a variety of textures.

Abstract: Light-collimating films as well as other microstructured film articles are described that comprise a (e.g. UV) cured light transmissive film comprising the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition. Polymerizable resin compositions are also described that comprise aliphatic urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer(s), bisphenol-A ethoxylated diacrylate(s), and a crosslinker having at least three (meth)acrylate groups.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite structural article exhibiting a three dimensional shape and size and including an admixture including at least one of a metal and a ceramic component, this combined with at least one polymeric component. In a further revised application, the article can include an admixture including at least one of a silver and a polymeric component.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultra-thick bamboo/wood and solid wood composite panels, comprising core board, surface board and back board; said core board is composed of ultra-thick peeling veneers with the thickness of 6 to 12 mm, both said surface board and back board are made of bamboo or wood; said core board comprises several layers of said ultra-thick veneers, and the veneers of contiguous layer are assembled with parallel structure; glue layer is arranged between contiguous said veneers, the adhesive in the glue layer is the aqueous macromolecule isocyanate adhesive; said ultra-thick veneers of the core layer are the veneers with stress degradation treatment, i.e., punctate or line segment cracks are formed along the grain of said veneer loose side in each layer. The glue spread amounts of said composite panels are obviously less than that of the existing composite panels with the same thickness, and the composite panels are without warping or deformation.

Abstract: Light-collimating films as well as other microstructured film articles are described that comprise a (e.g. UV) cured light transmissive film comprising the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition. Polymerizable resin compositions are also described that comprise aliphatic urethane(meth)acrylate oligomer(s), bisphenol-A ethoxylated diacrylate(s), and a crosslinker having at least three (meth)acrylate groups.

Abstract: An alignment film or a phase difference device with small shift from a desired alignment direction and a display unit including the same are provided. The alignment film includes: a substrate having a plurality of grooves extending in a specific direction on a surface; and a non-alignment thin film formed along a surface of the plurality of grooves. The phase difference device includes: an alignment film that has a substrate having a plurality of grooves extending in a specific direction on a surface and a non-alignment thin film formed along a surface of the plurality of grooves; and a phase difference layer that is provided being contacted with a surface of the non-alignment thin film, and includes a liquid crystal material that is aligned along an extending direction of a dent formed by the non-alignment thin film and is polymerized.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel light polarizing articles comprising a substrate, a light polarizing layer, an inorganic intermediate layer between the polarizing layer and the substrate, an optional inorganic sub-layer between the substrate and the inorganic intermediate layer, and a protective layer over the light polarizing layer, and method of making the same. Due to the presence of the inorganic intermediate layer and the optional sub-layer, adhesion of the polarizing layer is improved substantially. The light polarizing article has improved chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The light polarizing article can be used, for example, as ophthalmic products and in display devices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having constant stiffness material layers and variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers. The variable modulus material layers have a material with a changeable elastic modulus in response to an applied energy field so as to allow reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The constant stiffness material layers may include segmented portions. The constant stiffness material layers may have segmented portions arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers have overlapping segmented portions. The variable modulus material layers may have shaped structures, for example, corrugation, pillars, striations, tubular, or honeycomb configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for applying a plaster-like coating material to the decorative exposed surface of a preform workpiece. The apparatus comprises; means for mechanically advancing a workpiece along the apparatus along a straight horizontal axis over a non-continuous surface; means for engaging the bottom portion of a workpiece to constrain lateral and vertical movement as the workpiece passes along the apparatus; and means for applying a desired thickness of plaster-like coating material to a decorative surface of an advancing workpiece. Both the method and apparatus provide on a consistent basis, a smooth coating with a controlled thickness tightly bonded to the entire exposed decorative surface of a workpiece. The method and apparatus provide a simple, efficient, cost effective and reliable means for applying a plaster-like coating to the exposed decorative surface of a workpiece for use on a commercial scale in the construction industry.

Abstract: A delamination development preventable structure is provided to prevent the development of delamination in a sandwich panel including a core and surface plates attached to the opposite surfaces of the core with respect to the thickness of the core. Arresters 5 are protruded inward with respect to directions parallel to the thickness of a core 3 from surface plates 4a and 4b. The development of a delaminated part formed by the separation of a part of the surface plate 4a from the core 3 and that of a delaminated part formed by the separation of a part of the surface plate 4b from the core 3 beyond the arresters 5 can be prevented. Thus delamination can be limited to a narrow local region and the spread of the delaminated part over the entire sandwich panel 2 can be prevented. Thus the development of delamination in the sandwich panel 2 can be prevented and the durability of the sandwich panel 2 can be enhanced.

Abstract: There is described a toothed belt comprising an elastomeric material body, in which a plurality of longitudinal filiform resistant inserts is embedded, and a toothing coated by a coating fabric. A resistant layer that increases the resistance to abrasion and thus the resistance to wear of the toothed belt is adhered over the coating fabric. The resistant layer comprises a vulcanisation agent and more than 75% of an elastomer formed by at least one copolymer modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid salt and obtained from a dien monomer and a nitrile group-containing monomer. The resistant layer is advantageously separated from the fabric and is calendered on the fabric itself.

Abstract: An optical film includes a base member having convex structures that are two-dimensionally and orderly arranged on a surface thereof and a hard-coating layer provided on the surface of the base member, the surface having the arranged structures thereon. A continuous wave surface is provided on a surface of the hard-coating layer so as to approximately conform to the shape of the structures of the surface of the base member, a maximum amplitude A and a minimum wavelength ? of the continuous wave surface are each substantially uniform, and a ratio (A/?) of the maximum amplitude A to the minimum wavelength ? is more than 0.002 and 0.011 or less.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve the problem of losing a part of the incident light due to the irregular reflection of the incident light if a layer containing fine particles is formed by coating for the purpose of roughing when providing measures to prevent the reflection of the light at the surface of the color filter layer or at the surface of the color conversion layer inside a display, or a problem of difficulty in management of the paint for obtaining a certain roughened surface or a problem of increase of the number of processes to prevent the reflection when preventing the reflection by laminating plural layers of different refractive indices.

Abstract: This substrate, having a glass function, is combined with a textured electrode comprising at least one transparent conductive layer based on one or more metal oxides, said layer being covered with at least one functional layer of an element capable of collecting light, and is covered with an interface layer having a textured part comprising a repetition of periodic or aperiodic features in relief.

Abstract: A metallic foil tape having a top surface and a bottom surface with an adhesive applied to at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the metallic foil tape and corrugations in the metallic foil tape providing for expansion of the corrugated metallic foil tape in a circular or semi-circular shape. The corrugated metallic foil tape is suitable to be applied to contoured or three-dimensional surfaces, and is particularly suitable for use in sealing or joining components of heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units.

Abstract: A wipe is provided that includes a first wiping member bonded to a backing member along valleys, whereby the wiping member includes a plurality of discrete peaks, and an adhesive is provided, in one embodiment, in the valleys and not on the peaks.

Abstract: Structural arrangements and methodology are provided for strengthening a bond between corresponding surfaces of a thermally insulating ceramic coating (14) and a ceramic matrix composite substrate (12). A subsurface inclusion of spheroid objects allows to influence a texture of an outer surface of the CMC substrate to enhance the bonding characteristics between the corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: A method for improving strength of the finished product in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method utilizes a substrate such as a polypropylene strip with grooves on its surface. The grooved substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the grooved surface of the grooved substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The hardened adhesive in the grooves may operate to reduce the hoop-force which would otherwise tend to unwind the wound substrate. The method in certain embodiments provides a reduction in cost and weight of the finished product.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel light polarizing articles comprising a substrate, a light polarizing layer, an inorganic intermediate layer between the polarizing layer and the substrate, an optional inorganic sub-layer between the substrate and the inorganic intermediate layer, and a protective layer over the light polarizing layer, and method of making the same. Due to the presence of the inorganic intermediate layer and the optional sub-layer, adhesion of the polarizing layer is improved substantially. The light polarizing article has improved chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The light polarizing article can be used, for example, as ophthalmic products and in display devices.

Abstract: A panel, in particular a covering panel or vehicle lining, is provided with a one-piece skin having, in the region of its exposed surface, at least one visual feature with a linear structure imitating or simulating a functional construction, such as a sewing operation. This skin is mounted on a substrate forming the panel body without significant intentional deformation of said preformed skin.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having constant stiffness material layers and variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers. The variable modulus material layers have a material with a changeable elastic modulus in response to an applied energy field so as to allow reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The constant stiffness material layers may include segmented portions. The constant stiffness material layers may have segmented portions arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers have overlapping segmented portions. The variable modulus material layers may have shaped structures, for example, corrugation, pillars, striations, tubular, or honeycomb configurations.

Abstract: A mold for creating metal ingots, a hottop sideboard and a system and method of manufacturing metal ingots utilizing the same. A hottop sideboard utilizes a layer of a rigid refractory material integrally connected to a layer a flexible refractory material that is compressed between the rigid layer and the sidewalls of the mold during use. The mold for creating metal ingots comprises: a main body having a floor and sidewalls that form a cavity for receiving a molten metal; a plurality of sideboards connected to the sidewalls and forming a perimeter about the cavity in a spaced relation from the floor, the sideboards comprising a first layer of a rigid refractory material and a second layer of a flexible refractory material, the first layer and the second layer being connected to one another; and the sideboards are secured to the sidewalls so that the second layer is compressed between the first layer and the sidewall.

Abstract: A grooved panel furniture component having plies spaced apart and parallel to one another, giving the appearance of scored wood. The plies are laminated to a substrate that has a solid color that contrasts with the plies. The panel may be cut to any desired size through a die cut process. In one embodiment of the present invention, the panel may be comprised of paperboard that has a decorative paper poly extruded on its visible surfaces. A sheet of the paperboard with the poly extruded decorative paper is cut into plies.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes at least a disk substrate, a magnetic recording layer formed with a predetermined concavo-convex pattern on the disk substrate, and a non-magnetic layer formed in concave portions of the concavo-convex pattern. Convex shapes made of a non-magnetic material are formed on the magnetic recording layer or the non-magnetic layer. Each convex shape is formed, for example, into a mountain-like shape whose upper surface width is made smaller than a width of each convex portion of the magnetic recording layer or a width of each concave portion where the non-magnetic layer 6 is formed.

Abstract: A mount having an improved rider support system comprising: a mount; and a rider support system comprising: a seat; and a high friction, low abrasion surface adjacent to a rider's legs. In one embodiment of the invention, the mount further includes an adhesive mounting system. Also, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the high friction, low abrasion surface includes: a surface conforming substrate; a film having an outer textured surface; and an adhesive layer between the surface conforming substrate and the film having an outer textured surface.

Abstract: A belt for use in a papermaking process, such as in a long nip press having a cylindrical press roller and an arcuate pressure shoe which define a nip. The belt has a nip load zone which passes through the nip during an operation. The belt comprises a substrate having a coating on at least one surface thereof. The substrate is in the form of an endless loop and has a longitudinal direction. The coating has a plurality of grooves running in a center portion of the nip load zone, in which the number of grooves have at least one of a depth, width, cross-sectional shape, or spacing which is different from that of the others so as to vary the void volume in a desired manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical mechanical polishing pad comprising, a polymeric matrix having microspheres dispersed therein, the polymeric matrix being formed of a water-based polymer or blends thereof, wherein the pad comprises: a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70; a void volume fraction of 0.2 to 80 percent; a tensile strength of 1 mPa to 5 mPa; and a percent elongation of 200 to 400.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabric has a plurality of groove portions continuously formed along a predetermined direction, and a plurality of raised ridge portions formed continuously along the groove portions, each adjacent to the groove portions. The basis weight is the least, and the content percentage of laterally-oriented fibers is high, and the content percentage of longitudinally-oriented fibers is low at the groove portions of the nonwoven fabric. Sides at the raised ridge portions are formed so that their basis weight is the greatest, and the content percentage of the fiber oriented toward a longitudinal direction is high.

Abstract: In a shoe press belt (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61) endlessly formed by an elastic material, a plurality of drains (15; 25; 35; 45; 55; 65) are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shoe press belt along the peripheral direction of the shoe press belt, and the depths of these drains are progressively increased from a central pressurizing portion (C1; C2; C3; C4; C5) toward end pressurizing portions (A1, A1?; A2, A2?; A3, A3?; A4, A4?; A5, A5?) of the shoe press belt. A shoe press employing this shoe press belt. Thus, a shoe press belt capable of uniformly dehydrating the overall wet web and a shoe press employing the same can be provided.

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: A three dimensional fabric suitable for use as a moisture management system for footwear and apparel which includes a first surface and a second surface which encase a center section. At least one surface is water repellent and may include pores of a predetermined size to allow moisture to pass therethrough. The fabric further contains a moisture absorbing agent which functions to capture and hold moisture which is later evaporated within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A non-slip, nocoat drywall finishing system for finishing inside and outside corners of any angle, the finishing system being a pre-formed, continuously extruded trim piece comprising a semi-rigid member that can be relatively thick in the center and tapers laterally to a thin edge. An outer finishing layer of fibrous material that directly receives paint or texture. A pattern of protrusions, ridges, or grooves on the inner surface of the semi-rigid member to avoid the need for an inner material layer. To install one of the pieces, it is selected from stock and cut to length. A flat coat of mud is applied to both sides of an exterior or interior angle, and the trim piece is placed over the mud and smoothed into place. Once, the piece is in place, the edges are feathered once with a small amount of mud and a wide blade. At that point the corner is complete except for drying.

Abstract: A conductive resin coated steel pipe and an extrusion molding method for the steel pipe capable of using filler instead of carbon black and not only lowering a production cost but also further increasing an attractiveness; the resin coated steel pipe, wherein a regenerated resin (3) such as polyethylene, ABS, AAS, and the outer peripheral surface of a thin-walled steel pipe (2) is coated with polypropylene, and a conductive resin (4) such as polyethylene, ABS, AAS, and polypropylene mixed with filler on the outer peripheral surface of the coated resin (3) is axially uniformized in cross section by a double coated structure where the portion (4b) thereof having a wall thickness and a width necessary for developing the conductivity thereof are provided at one or more positions in the circumferential direction of a pipe body and the entire outer peripheral surface thereof is coated thinly with the resin.

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 method of forming a structural article from a shape defining interior member (20) and at least one external skin (22). The interior member has at least one surface (23) with channels extending to the periphery thereof. The method comprises heating a thermoplastics sheet intended to form said external skin (22) and bringing the heated sheet (22) alongside the surface (23) of the interior member (20) and into initial contact with same. A fluid pressure differential is then applied between opposite surfaces of the interior member (20) and the sheet (22) to conform the sheet (22) to the shape of the interior member (20) and mutually engage same. Fluid trapped between the sheet (22) and the member (20) escapes through the ends of the channels of the member (20) as the sheet (22) is drawn into substantially conformity with the surface (23) having the channels. The fluid pressure differential is maintained until the sheet (22) has cooled whereupon tensional forces arise in the sheet (22) in all directions.

Abstract: A laminate is claimed, having a first cover layer, a fabric with perforations as the middle layer, and a second cover layer, as are a method for its production and the use of the laminate as a fluid absorption and distribution layer made of a nonwoven fabric layer oriented in the Z direction, for absorbent hygiene articles. A three-dimensional form is achieved in that the fabric is present in the shrunk state in the middle layer, i.e. is brought into this state.

Abstract: A thinner secondary battery can be provided by a thin secondary battery characterized by comprising a battery element obtained by stacking positive electrode layers, electrolyte layers and negative electrode layers and laminates sealing front and back surfaces of the battery element, wherein the laminates each are made of a stacked body constructed of at least an adhesive layer and a metal layer in the order from the battery element side and the metal layer in the front surface side of the battery element and the metal layer in the back surface side thereof are different from each other in strength or thickness, or both of them.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and a method for making the same includes a plurality of open-faced cube-corner surfaces formed from a substantially rigid material to keep the cube-corner surfaces from flexing. An optical coating is formed on the surfaces, and a fill layer is attached to at least a portion of the optical coating. A plurality of voids form the open-faced cube-corner surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible circuit board assembly and method includes a rigid circuit board having a first portion and a second portion separated by a bending region. A plurality of grooves are cut into the bending region. The grooves are cut substantially parallel to an axis about which the bending region is bent. Preferably, the grooves are located on an inside bending radius of the circuit board, but can be located on the outside radius or both.

Abstract: A papermaking belt of improved durability capable of preventing a crack from progressing into the which includes a reinforcing substrate embedded in an elastic material, and the elastic material containing a surface layer, a back layer and an intermediate layer located between the surface layer and the back layer and having a thick part containing a thickness in the belt thickness direction along the belt traveling direction in the said intermediate layer. The thick part can also be exposed on the belt surface through the surface layer, the thick part is preferably made of a low-hardness elastic material and the surface layer is preferably made of a high-hardness elastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shaped bodies made of fiber-reinforced ceramic composites and comprising a core zone and at least one covering layer which has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is higher than that of the core zone. The covering layer is an SiC-rich covering layer and is divided into segments which are separated from the adjacent segments by gaps or bridging zones of a material which is different from the material of the segments. The invention also relates to a process for producing such shaped bodies by infiltration of an intermediate body with molten silicon and their use for friction disks, in vehicle construction or as protective plates.

Abstract: A contaminant removal tape assembly. The contaminant removal tape assembly includes an applicator and a roll of contaminant removal tape mounted on the applicator, where the roll of contaminant removal tape includes a backing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a layer of adhesive on the first side of the backing, wherein the layer of adhesive is arranged so as to have discontinuous contact with a surface to which the roll is applied, where the roll includes a plurality of wraps of the tape with the layer of adhesive facing outwardly away from the center of the roll of tape.

Abstract: A cover tape for winding on a grip of a device comprising an elongated cloth layer and an elastic layer. The cloth layer has a first surface and a second surface. The elastic layer is made of silicone gel and bonded to the first surface of the cloth layer for enabling the second surface of the cloth layer to be exposed to the outside when spirally winding the cover tape round the grip with the elastic layer adhered to the periphery of the grip.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact for use in cutting operations with a renewable sharp cutting edge, high abrasion resistance and high impact strength. The polycrystalline diamond is a composite composed of a matrix of coarse diamond interspersed with large agglomerated particles of ultra fine diamond. The agglomerated particles produce sharp cutting edges that are protected from impact forces by the overall uniform matrix of coarse diamond crystals. The self-sharpening cutter is highly resistant to spalling and catastrophic fracture.

Abstract: Connected fastening members and method for mold-in articles. The connected fastening members include a plurality of mold-in fastening members each having a substrate and a predetermined number of engaging elements formed on a first or front surface of the substrate. The mold-in fastening members are connected with each other by a connecting member that is disposed on a second or the back surface thereof. Using the connected fastening members, a plurality of the fastening members can be easily fit to a recessed portion of a mold in a single operation, resulting in improved working efficiency.

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: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium comprises steps of providing a non-magnetic substrate having at least one surface; forming a layer of a sol-gel on the surface, partially drying the sol-gel layer at room temperature to remove a portion of the solvent therein to form a partially dried sol-gel layer of hardness less than that of the substrate; mechanically texturing the surface of the partially dried sol-gel layer; and depositing a layer stack including at least one magnetic layer thereover. Embodiments of the invention include embossing a servo pattern in the as-deposited sol-gel layer prior to partial drying and mechanically texturing, followed by sintering at an elevated temperature to form a substantially fully dried layer having a density and hardness similar to that of glass, and formation of a thin film magnetic media layer stack thereon.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium for high areal recording density that has excellent thermal fluctuation resistance and recording/reproduction characteristics, and a method of producing the same. The magnetic recording medium includes a glass substrate, an NiP layer having an oxide film on its surface provided on the glass substrate, a ground layer provided on the NiP layer, and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer provided on the ground layer. The magnetic recording medium further includes an exchange layer structure composed of a ferromagnetic layer and a nonmagnetic coupling layer provided on the nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetic recording layer provided on the exchange layer structure. The oxide film on the NiP layer is formed by introducing a small quantity of oxygen into a vacuum chamber of a sputter device. The formation and oxidation of the NiP layer are conducted at a temperature of not less than 140° C.