Abstract:
Extrusion method and apparatus in which the liquid precursor of the extruded material is forced through a die formed by two surfaces moving in opposite directions relative to one another and transversely to the direction of material flow. Immediately upon exiting this dynamic die, the extracted material is removed as a sheet or film through a take-off system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first die is formed by members rotating on a common axis in opposite rotational directions.
Abstract:
A method is provided for forming one or more electrical conductors in a multilayer structure such as a computer component during a punching operation. A conducting sheet is placed in direct contact with a sheet of a deformable dielectric material. A punch is used to form a conducting slug from the sheet and to simultaneously transfer the slug into the dielectric material. During the transfer operation, a portion of the dielectric material is displaced so as to cause a mechanical interference between the slug and dielectric material.
Abstract:
A rack and pinion power steering system 10 is provided and includes a variable orifice valve 22 which controls the flow of fluid in and out of a hydraulic cylinder 20. Variable orifice valve 22 is communicatively coupled to a source of pressurized fluid 30 by use of a conduit 42 and an electronically controlled valve assembly 38. The pressurized fluid received through conduit 42 controls the operation of valve 22. Based upon the pressure of the received fluid, valve 22 selectively increases and decreases the volume of fluid flow in and out of cylinder 20, thereby causing cylinder 20 to have enhanced damping characteristics during certain vehicle operating conditions (e.g., during relatively high vehicle speed operating conditions).
Abstract:
A multilayer microelectronics module formed by laminating together individual thermoplastic polymer sheets formed by injection, compression or other suitable molding techniques. Metal pieces to form vias of a desired shape and size are inserted into the molded sheets, preferably by in situ insert molding. The vias provide an electrical connection from the top to the bottom surfaces of the sheets.
Abstract:
An improved connection through a substrate layer is formed by embedding a conductive element such as a pin on one or more balls or spheres in a thermoplastic material which is preferably a liquid crystal polymer. The substrate may be heated to facilitate the embedding process in which material of the substrate layer is reflowed under pressure to retain the conductive element by means of a preload force. The formation of such connections with either pins or plural conductive elements allows independence of aspect ratio of the connection and, hence, feature size of conductive patterns on the substrate and the thickness of the substrate layer. Perfecting features of the substrate and method and apparatus for forming the substrate, embedding to a selected depth to form protrusions and recesses to assist in registration of a substrate layer with another substrate layer, metallization to form pads, improved connection between metallization patterns on the substrate and the conductive elements, the regulation of pressurization of substrate material by means of differently shaped dimples or a renewable surface and several alternative arrangements for positioning and embedding the conductive elements. Multiple types of conductive elements may be simultaneously embedded to different depths in a single substrate and from either or both sides thereof to form a variety of substrate structures.
Abstract:
Two movable die members that are situated opposed to each other in an extrusion die assembly, the axis of movement of the two die members is parallel to the longer sides of the rectangular cross-section of a throat opening of the extrusion die assembly. The members move in a reciprocating back and forward movement to impart shearing forces to the surface of the extruded material with a resultant multiaxial orientation of the molecules or fibrils.
Abstract:
An improved supporting leg assembly for laundry tubs, tables and the like. A leg coupler having a tapered, substantially cylindrical socket containing a key therein is placed at each corner on the underside of the tub. A V-shaped leg, bearing a cylindrical tube affixed thereto on the inside of the V-leg at the end which contacts the tub, is placed at each corner of the tub with the tube engaging the socket. Each tube has a slot formed therein at the end which fits into the tubular socket, and the slot and key mate with each other when the leg is set in place. When assembled together, the tub and coupler are in load bearing contact with the top of each section of the V-leg and the top of the cylindrical tube, respectively. The V-legs may be tapered if desired.
Abstract:
A fiber reinforced plastic article is disclosed which include a liner, at least one single material fiber layer wound on the liner, and at least one composite fiber layer wound on the single material fiber layer. The at least one single material fiber layer and the at least one hybrid fiber layer are impregnated with resin.
Abstract:
A variable damper assembly 10 is provided for use with a vehicle power steering system and includes a variable orifice valve 20 which controls the flow of fluid between one chamber side 30 of the damper assembly to another chamber side 32 of the damper assembly. Variable orifice valve 20 is communicatively coupled to a source of pressurized fluid 110 by use of a conduit 112 and an electronically controlled valve assembly 114. The pressurized fluid received through conduit 112 controls the operation of valve 20. Based upon the pressure of the received fluid, valve 20 selectively increases and reduces the fluid flow rate between chamber sides 30 and 32, thereby causing the damper assembly 10 to have enhanced damping characteristics during certain vehicle operating conditions (e.g., during relatively high vehicle speed operating conditions).
Abstract:
The curing of a resin in a continuous manufacturing process is monitored by a sensor which measures the surface thermal energy of the resin. The surface thermal energy is measured without physically touching the resin. The surface thermal energy measurements are processed and sent to an automatic controller. The controller adjusts either the speed of the resin or the heat applied to the resin or both in order to optimize the curing process.