Abstract:
A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.
Abstract:
A catheter shaft bond arrangement includes a first catheter shaft defining a first lumen, a second catheter shaft defining a second lumen, and a first bonding member. The first bonding member is configured to bond with the first and second catheter shafts to create a molded bond upon application of heat to the first bonding member. The molded bond provides a fixed axial and radial orientation of the first and second catheter shafts relative to each other. The molded bond can be generated in some arrangements without the use of the first bonding member. In other arrangements, two or more bonding members can be used to create the molded bond.
Abstract:
The article has a first fabric layer (1) laminated to a first surface of a foam structure (2) and a second fabric layer (3) laminated to a second surface of a foam structure. The exposed cells (4) of the foam are filled with resin prior to the laminating process so that the fabric layers adhere to the foam. The finished laminated foam sheet remains flexible, does not yellow, and dos not delaminate.
Abstract:
A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film (100) which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms (120) comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath (122) comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas (210, 212) in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.
Abstract:
A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film (100) which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms (120) comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath (122) comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas (210, 212) in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.
Abstract:
Ein Setzwerkzeug (1) zum Setzen eines Reibschweißdoms (11) sowie ein Reibschweißdom (11) und ein Setzwerkzeugsystem bestehend aus Setzwerkzeug (1) und Reibschweißdom (11) sind beschrieben. Das Setzwerkzeug (1) weist einen Antriebsstrang (2) mit einem ersten Endbereich zum Halten des Reibschweißdoms (11) auf, wobei an dem ersten Endbereich zumindest ein Schneidmittel (6) und zumindest ein Fräsmittel (5) angeordnet sind und wobei sich das zumindest eine Fräsmittel (5) relativ zum Reibschweißdom (11) bewegen kann. Des Weiteren ist der zweite Endbereich des Antriebstrangs des Setzwerkzeugs (1) ausgestaltet, um eine Kraftkopplung mit einem Antrieb herzustellen.
Abstract:
A method of forming a seal ring includes heating an extruded rod to a temperature above a glass transition temperature. The extruded rod has first and second ends. The method further includes bending the extruded rod into a circular structure while the temperature is above the glass transition temperature, joining the first and second ends of the extruded rod to form a semi-finished ring, and annealing the semi-finished ring.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a UV -curable polyurethane-methacrylate (PUMA) substrate for manufacturing microfluidic devices. PUMA is optically transparent, biocompatible, and has stable surface properties. Embodiments include two production processes that are compatible with the existing methods of rapid prototyping, and characterizations of the resultant PUMA microfluidic devices are presented. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to strategies to improve the production yield of chips manufactured from PUMA resin, especially for microfluidic systems that contain dense and high-aspect-ratio features. Described is a mold-releasing procedure that minimizes motion in the shear plane of the microstructures. Also presented are simple yet scalable methods for forming seals between PUMA substrates, which avoids excessive compressive force that may crush delicate structures. Two methods for forming interconnects with PUMA microfluidic devices are detailed. These improvements produce a microfiltration device containing closely spaced and high-aspect-ratio fins, suitable for retaining and concentrating cells or beads from a highly diluted suspension.