Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoforming pack made of top and bottom web films and to a method of forming said pack.

Abstract: A coating system for application to a porous substrate such as wood is disclosed. The coating system comprises a color-imparting stain or toner and a UV-curable clear coat. The stain and/or toner contains an aldimine or a ketimine that improves the adhesion of the coating system to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure-sensitive tape for closing, sealing, and gluing joints, in particular in housing construction, and in particular joints in corners and edges, that has a backing 1 on the tape top side, an adhesive coating 2 of the backing 1 on the tape bottom side, and a removable protective film 3 on the tape bottom side. At least one first fold section 4 is folded in the transverse direction of the tape along a first fold 5 edge that runs in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and at least one portion of the adhesive coating 3 is not covered with the protective film 2 along one longitudinal section of the tape.

Abstract: A vibration welding method, a vibration-welded structure, and an airbag apparatus capable of reducing the positional deviation of junction between workpieces different in the die releasing direction are provided. An airbag apparatus according to one form of the present invention includes an airbag that is normally folded and is inflated and developed at an emergency; an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag; a retainer for accommodating the airbag and the inflator therein; an outer panel mounted on an instrument panel; and an inner case vibration-welded to the inside of the outer panel for retaining the retainer, in which when a die releasing direction of the outer panel differs from a die releasing direction of the inner case, a positioning plane of the inner case is molded to agree with the die releasing direction of the outer panel while the outer panel is provided with a positioning rib formed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer textured composite has an embossed fibrous outer layer bonded to one side of an adhesive layer to form a three-dimensional structure defined by all of fibers in depressed areas between elevated areas being fully embedded in the adhesive and most of the fibers in the elevated areas of the elevated areas being free of adhesive. The composite provides an abrasion resistant, surface stable material for covering floors, walls, furniture and the like. An optional backing layer can be simultaneously adhered to the second side of the adhesive layer primarily for improved cushioning and dimensional stability. The composite can be formed by a simultaneous pressure embossing and thermal laminating process.

Abstract: Optical compensation films (positive C-plate) with disk anisotropic subunits (OASUs) that have high positive birefringence throughout the wavelength range 400 nm<?<800 nm are provided. The optical compensation films may be processed by solution casting to yield a polymer film with high birefringence without the need for stretching, photopolymerization, or other processes. Such optical compensation films are suitable for use as a positive C-plate in LCDs, particularly IPS-LCDs.

Abstract: A method of making a lens structure is provided comprising a first step of providing an eyewear lens substrate blank having a polarized layer or a helmet shield substrate blank. A step of spin coating a surface of the lens substrate blank with a photochromic material is then provided. Steps of curing the lens substrate blank by heating and coating the surface of the lens substrate blank having the photochromic material with a hard coating is then provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabricating method for a cover of a portable electronic device. The fabricating method includes the following steps of: (a) providing a chunk of timber laminate having an exterior circumferential surface, a first surface, and a second surface, and forming a recess on the second surface; (b) attaching a supporting component into the recess; and (c) cutting the first surface and the exterior circumferential surface to a preset thickness; wherein the first surface and a portion of the exterior circumferential surface expose different woodgrain patterns. A portable electronic device utilizing the above mentioned fabricating method for a cover is also provided.

Abstract: A plurality of wood planks are embedded and encased in a one-piece rubber mat to form a monolithic one-piece roadway element. A special coupling means is used to couple one roadway element to an adjacent roadway element to form a roadway surface over which heavy equipment can traverse.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a skin contacting product and a method of making same wherein the skin contacting product is formed of a laminated material having at least two distinct layers including a fabric layer and a film layer. The laminated material also has a film-like surface on a selected surface portion of the fabric layer which is formed by applying heat to the selected surface portion. The heat is applied at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the film-like surface wherein the temperature and the period of time are dependent upon the physical characteristics of the laminated material.

Abstract: Glass enamels, methods of manufacture, methods of application, and articles including glass enamels applied thereto are described. According to one or more embodiments, the glass enamel comprises a glass frit; a vehicle comprising a polymeric energetic binder; and an oxidizing agent. In one or more embodiments, the glass enamels may or may not include a pigment and can be applied to glass sheets such as windshields for automobiles or liquid crystal display glasses.

Abstract: A floor covering composite made from at least a fibrous outer layer and an adhesive layer is disclosed. These layers are laminated and/or embossed to form elevated areas and depressed areas. Within the depressed areas, fibers from the fibrous outer layer are anchored by the adhesive layer activated by the laminating and/or embossing process. Within the elevated areas, the surface fibers of the fibrous outer layer are substantially free from the activated adhesive, and are movable relative to each other. Transitioning cluster areas are positioned between the depressed areas and the elevated areas. Fibers from the fibrous outer layer are partially bonded by the activated adhesive to provide some structural integrity to the fibers in the elevated areas. The composite may further include a backing layer, a gas permeable, liquid impermeable layer to allow the composite to vent, but prevent liquid from penetrating to the backing layer or to the substrate covered by the composite.

Abstract: Use of composite structures in assemblies for components such as vanes in a gas turbine engine has advantages in terms of weight, but can have problems with regard to stress and strain in operational use. Such problems with regard to stress and strain occur particularly about fillets. By providing reinforcing blocks 5 which extend across at least part of the fillet displacement of stress and strain can be achieved in order to extend component life.

Abstract: A combination floor drawing mat is made up from individual foam pieces that can be inter-connected with one another. Each piece is made up basic geometric shape, such as square, triangle, or pentagon. With the layer of lamination affixed to one side of said foam pieces, children and do all their imaginative and creative drawing on the floor and parents can clean up easily. Each piece contains jagged edges that allow tight fitting. When an outside strip containing a raised ridged is used, said floor drawing mat is defined in a way as desired by consumers, and the pens, crayons or other drawing instruments will be easy to be collected and put away, due to the “walled in” by said ridges, that also help to contain any spilled liquids that oftentimes accompany children's play activities.

Abstract: A composite includes an active material, graphite, and a binder. The amount of graphite in the composite is greater than about 20 volume percent of the total volume of the active material and graphite in the composite. The porosity of the composite is less than about 20%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a two-dimensional pattern, which includes: dispersing a plurality of spheres on a substrate; using the spheres to form a mask on the substrate; etching the substrate; and removing the mask from the substrate. In addition, the present invention further relates to a method of processing a surface of a substrate, which includes: dispersing a plurality of spheres on the surface of the substrate; depositing a substance among the spheres; and removing the spheres to leave the deposited substance on the surface of the substrate. The method of the present invention achieves a quicker and simpler process with a lower cost. In addition, a light emitting device manufactured through the method of the present invention has preferred light extraction efficiency and a variable radiation field pattern.

Abstract: Molecular devices and methods of manufacturing the molecular device are provided. The molecular device may include a lower electrode on a substrate and a self-assembled monolayer on the lower electrode. After an upper electrode is formed on the self-assembled monolayer, the self-assembled monolayer may be removed to form a gap between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A functional molecule having a functional group may be injected into the gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a coated substrate, and products therefrom, using a coating possessing a nanoparticle having a shell containing a hydrophilic nitrogen containing compound and a vinylic polymer having quaternary ammonium compounds, and a core made of at least a hydrophobic vinylic polymer, wherein such coated substrate exhibits antibacterial properties without the use of harmful organic preservatives.

Abstract: A layered coating composition for use in producing a cool dark coating composition. The coating system includes an IR reflecting layer, having IR-reflective pigments in a resinous binder. A radiation absorbing layer is coated onto the IR reflecting layer. The radiation absorbing layer includes nano-sized pigments dispersed in a resinous binder.

Abstract: An optical pellicle to protect a photomask from particulate contamination during semiconductor lithography is provided which has enhanced transparency and operational characteristics. The pellicle utilizes alternating layers of a transparent polymer and a transparent inorganic layer to form pellicles which have high transmission properties and high strength. In a preferred pellicle, a three-layer pellicle is provided having a transparent inorganic layer sandwiched between two polymer layers. A five-layer pellicle is also provided with the outer layers and a middle layer being polymer layers and the inner layers an inorganic material. The preferred polymer layer is a perfluorinated polymer such as Teflon® and the preferred inorganic material is silicon dioxide. The pellicle of the invention provides light transmission of greater than 0.99% at incident light angles up to arcsine 0.45.

Abstract: A method of laser welding a layered product comprising two layers (44, 46) of a high absorption at the radiation wavelength, where one layer (44) is welded to a material (42) having a lower absorption and wherein a scattering layer (48) is provided between the laser welded layers (42, 44) and the other high absorption layer (48) in order to scatter any radiation penetrating the first high absorption layer (44) in order to prevent excessive heating of the other high absorption layer (46).

Abstract: An article such as a greeting card (10) comprising a sheet (11) defining a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) connected together. The first portion (16) is adapted for erection into a three-dimensional form and the second portion (18) is adapted for location adjacent the three-dimensional form. The first and second portions (16, 18) are foldably connected together, whereby the second portion (18) can be folded into the location adjacent the three-dimensional form and secured at that location. The first portion (16) has two opposed edges (26, 28) adapted to be drawn together to create the three-dimensional form. The greeting card (10) can be delivered in a collapsed condition to an intended recipient in ways similar to conventional cards and can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form to create interest and facilitate display.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bonding two elements by means of a bonding agent such as a glue layer, wherein the bonding agent is removable, and wherein between the bonding agent and at least one element, a sacrificial layer is applied which is selectively removable with respect to that element. According to embodiments, the elements comprise a die or a substrate bonded to a carrier wafer. The nature and type of the die or substrate and of the carrier can vary within the scope of embodiments of the invention. Also disclosed is a composite substrate obtainable by methods of the invention.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with at least one machined tool tip and possibly other tool tips. The actuator provides for control of the movement of the tool tip in an x-direction into and out of the work piece in order to make continuous or discontinuous diffractive features in it. The machined work piece can be used to make articles having diffractive features such as optical films having lenslets.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a skin with an enameled metal structure. With the skin, the notebook computer's surface is prevented from scrape and corrosion with ease of cleaning. Moreover, China-chic beauty and feel are obtained with the skin, which is contrasting to a normal appearance of a common notebook computer.

Abstract: Glasses are disclosed which are used to produce substrates in flat panel display devices. The glasses exhibit a density less than about 2.45 gm/cm3 and a liquidus viscosity greater than about 200,000 poises, the glass consisting essentially of the following composition, expressed in terms of mol percent on an oxide basis: 65-75 SiO2, 7-13 Al2O3, 5-15 B2O3, 0-3 MgO, 5-15 CaO, 0-5 SrO, and essentially free of BaO. The glasses also exhibit a strain point exceeding 650° C.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a shipping tray for optical elements that prevents toppling of optical elements during transportation and optimally maintains the optical characteristics of the optical elements. In a shipping tray for optical elements, single edges of a plurality of optical elements, each having two main surfaces formed as horizontal flat surfaces, are sequentially disposed upright in the lateral and longitudinal directions on an adhesive tape provided on a base surface of a main container; and the plurality of optical elements is covered with a cover in which is formed a plurality of concavities for individually accommodating the plurality of optical elements. Each concavity in the cover has an aperture portion provided in a plateau portion thereof, into which is inserted one of the optical elements upright with the free edge side protruding therefrom, and the shape of the aperture portion is oval.

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl halide polymers such as PVC are rendered compostable by a prodegradant system of an organotitanate or zirconate and an organotin. PVC sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.

Abstract: An optical recording medium including a substrate, an information recording layer including a recording layer and a cover layer, wherein information is written and read on the information recording layer by irradiation of laser beam via the cover layer, the cover layer includes an ultraviolet curing resin and an inner hardness Hi defined as hardness H of the cover layer on a side of the information recording layer satisfies the following relationship: 3.8?Hi?5.5, when H=3.8584×F/(h×h), wherein h represents an indented depth in a state in which a triangular pyramid indenter with a tip angle of 115° is pressed under F=9.8 mN.

Abstract: A structurally applicable and thermofoil incorporating article including a body having a substantially thin and planar configuration with a height, width and thickness and with a protective upper layer overlaying at least one interior layer including the thermofoil material. Colorants and additives including veining patterns and stone, glass or metal effecting granules serve to provide additional desired visual effects to the article, and which is capable of being extruded, roll or sheet formed and shipped in bulk. The article is further capable of being applied in a semi-fluidic state upon an uneven, typically male blank or scrim, and so as to anneal thereto without excessive stress accumulations.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rigid fluid-permeable body, having a first non-planar fluid-permeable body surface, and having a second fluid-permeable body surface; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; and a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface. Apparatus including a fluid-permeable body having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure. Methods, utilizing an apparatus, of treating a liquid with a fluid, and of maintaining a superhydrophobic surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and products relate to display glass from curved glass ribbons, to improve shape stability in glass ribbons, to creation of reduced stress glass ribbons, and to creation of improved shape stability and reduced stress of display glass, which may include forming slightly a curved glass ribbon in a fusion draw machine (FDM). One or more embodiments may include an isopipe having a desired curvature; an isopipe having a desired incline; an offset draw device operable to draw the glass ribbon in an inclined ribbon draw direction; one or more air jets or vacuum operable to apply air pressure to a first side of the glass ribbon, thereby creating a pressure differential on the first side; and/or one or more electrostatic force generators operable to apply electrostatic force to a first side of the glass ribbon, thereby generating an electric field differential across the glass ribbon.

Abstract: An adhesive pad kit for footwear has a schematic having an indication of footwear. The adhesive pad kit has at least two pairs of thin adhesive backed pads. Each pad in the first pair has a predetermined shape having a length and a width. The length is at least four times the width. The indication depicts an operative location for at least one of the pads on the footwear.

Abstract: A process for making a protective and decorative surfacing film comprises extrusion coating a solventless polymeric material from an extruder die to form an optically clear first layer on a polyester carrier sheet traveling past the extruder die opening. The extrusion coated first layer is immediately cooled on the carrier sheet to harden it, followed by applying a pigmented second layer to the first layer. The composite paint coat is transferred to a reinforcing backing sheet, after which the carrier sheet is separated from the paint coat to expose the outer surface of the first layer as a high gloss surface with a high distinctness-of-image, providing a transparent protective outer coat for the pigmented second layer. The pigmented second layer can be solvent cast and dried or extruded and hardened as a separate coating on the first layer. The composite paint coat can be bonded to a coextruded size coat and semi-rigid plastic substrate panel to form a thermoformable laminate.

Abstract: A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon. The document has a core laminate layer having an upper surface and lower surface, at least one surface of which is printed with a dot matrix pattern and at least one visually opaque or reflective laminate layer bonded to and overlaying the printed surface. Upon pitting the laminate layer portions, the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate is expopsed to thereby form the identifying image. A laser markable laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers wherein a compatibilising layer is bonded to adjoining laminate layers, the compatibilising layer includes an imaging material that can be laser marked. A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, wherein at least one laminate layer is a compatibilising layer.

Abstract: An atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoprobe comprising a nanocone base and a nanoprobe tip wherein the length to base diameter aspect ratio is at least 3 or more. The AFM nanoprobe tip structure comprises an orientation-controlled (vertical or inclined), high-aspect-ratio nanocone structure without catalyst particles, with a tip radius of curvature of at most 20 nm.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composition useful for forming an electroconductive resin, the composition comprising a resin and a vapor-growth carbon fiber compounded with the resin, and which can be easily formed into a thin film, and to provide an electroconductive resin which is made from the composition and has various functions such as electromagnetic shielding, electric-filed shielding, electrostatic elimination, and so forth. A polar organic solvent of a film-forming component and a polar organic solvent of a vapor-growth carbon fiber are previously stirred to dissolve and disperse uniformly. The both solutions are mixed and then stirred to provide composition useful for forming electroconductive resin (solution). And the composition useful for forming electroconductive resin is solidified by reaction.

Abstract: This invention is aimed at providing a rolled film employable for supplying a film that is applied a bonding agent on one surface thereof, toward a laminating machine, the rolled film being free from possibility to be arranged in a wrong direction wherein the bonding agent causes a problem. The rolled film is equipped with an axis having both ends respectively having coupling means for coupling the axis with the laminating machine, the coupling means on one axis end does not match the other end of the axis, thereby arrangement of the rolled film in a wrong direction is not allowed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyimide adhesive composition having a polyimide derived from an aromatic dianhydride and a diamine component, where the diamine component is preferably about 50 to 90 mole % of an aliphatic diamine and about 10 to 50 mole % of an aromatic diamine. In one embodiment, the aliphatic diamine has the structural formula H2N—R—NH2 wherein R is hydrocarbon from C4 to C16 and the polyimide adhesive has a glass transition temperature in the range of from 150° C. to 200° C. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising the polyimide adhesive of the present invention, including polyimide metal-clad laminate useful as flexible circuit when metal traces are formed out of the metal used in flexible, rigid, or flex-rigid circuit applications.

Abstract: Concrete products and mixes with reinforcing carbon graphite fibers, the carbon fibers being provided in the form of resin coated warped beam fabric, and a method for producing reinforced concrete products, where semi-cured carbon fibers are mixed with concrete and then cured through the hydration step to result in the formation of strengthened concrete products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous pad structure having a variable density. The continuous strip-shaped webs are sliced and rubbed to form one or more continuous strip-shaped webs that are separated from each other by a constant distance. The strip-shaped webs can also be spread and lapped onto a continuous smooth fibrous web in a regular arrangement. The combined fibrous webs are corrugated and shaped into a vertical porous fibrous pad. Such a fibrous pad has a different density distribution in the transversal cross section and a continuous corrugated structure in the mechanical direction. The density of the combined fibrous pad in accordance with the present application can be adjusted according to the uses of the fibrous pad. The mechanical properties of the products made from the fibrous pad thus are adjustable to meet the requirements of different uses of the product.

Abstract: A low-reflection material having a fluorine-containing polymer film which can improve abrasion resistance without increasing production cost is provided. In the low-reflection material comprising a transparent substrate, a hard coating layer provided on the transparent substrate, and a fluorine-containing polymer film provided on the hard coating layer, the hard coating layer contains ethylene oxide modified (meth)acrylate resin. Additionally, in the low-reflection material comprising a transparent substrate, a hard coating layer provided on the transparent substrate, a high refractive index layer provided on the hard coating layer, and a fluorine-containing polymer film provided on the high refractive index layer, the high refractive index layer contains ethylene oxide modified (meth)acrylate resin.

Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture with a layer with a plurality of corrugations to form an energy absorbing structure, where each corrugation has a floor and two walls connecting the floor to the base layer and the length of each corrugation is longer than the widest width of the corrugation. The present invention also includes an energy absorbing structure with a multi-layer energy absorber having a layer with a plurality of surface features and a second layer with a second plurality of surface features wherein the surface features of one layer are nested within the surface features of the other layer such that the base layers are adjacent to each other. The present invention also includes a single step method of manufacturing the energy absorbers including forming a two layer material in a single step. Further, the present invention includes a method of absorbing impact energy that involves generating heat through friction between surface features on a pair of base layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes a peripheral edge, an internal edge or both. Trim can be provided at the edges.

Abstract: Disclosed are substrates with a first hydrophobic layer having a first contact angle and a second hydrophobic layer having a second contact angle, the first hydrophobic layer between the second hydrophobic layer and the substrate, the first contact angle being greater than the second contact angle.

Abstract: A biomedical device having a hydrophilic gradient surface is provided, wherein the hydrophilic gradient surface comprises (a) a first layer having a first contact angle; (b) a second layer having a second contact angle less than the first contact angle of the first layer; and (c) a third layer having a third contact angle less than the first and second contact angles of the first and second layers. A method for increasing hydrophilicity or wettability of a biomedical device having a hydrophilic gradient surface is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a means for fixing skin care ingredients on the surface of non-woven webs and cellulosic mats. The active ingredients can be released (deposited) onto the skin by normal triggering mechanisms, which include the action of water or urine or by friction or rubbing. The fixative systems described herein provide the ability to control high load levels while not interfering with the wettabliity of the fabric or paper. Additionally, incompatible/reactive ingredients can be treated onto the same web and are kept as separate particles fixed to the surface until released.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for laminate coatings, wraps and other packaging materials are manufactured from at least one “hard” biopolymer and at least one “soft” biopolymer. “Hard” biopolymers tend to be more brittle and rigid and typically have a glass transition temperature greater than about 10° C. “Soft” biopolymers tend to be more flexible and pliable and typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. While hard and soft polymers each possess certain intrinsic benefits, certain blends of hard and soft polymers have been discovered which possess synergistic properties superior to those of either hard or soft polymers by themselves. Biodegradable polymers include polyesters, polyesteramides, polyesterurethanes, thermoplastic starch, and other natural polymers. The polymer blends may optionally include an inorganic filler. Films and sheets made from the polymer blends may be textured so as to increase the bulk hand feel.