Techniques are described for applying an edge sealant to the edge of a multi-layer optical device. In particular, embodiments provide an apparatus that performs a precision measurement of the perimeter of an eyepiece, applying the edge sealant (e.g., polymer) based on the precision-measured perimeter, and subsequently cures the edge sealant, using ultraviolet (UV) light that is directed at the edge sealant. The curing process may be performed within a short time following the application of the edge sealant, to ensure that any wicking of the edge sealant between the layers of the eyepiece is controlled to be no greater than a particular depth tolerance. In some examples, the edge sealant is applied to the optical device prevent, or at least reduce, the leakage of light from the optical device, and also to ensure and maintain the structure of the multi-layer optical device.

A method of forming a model of a porous structure includes three dimensionally printing a mold of the porous structure using a polycaprolactone mold material, filling the mold with a polymer mixture, and heating the filled mold at a temperature above a melting temperature of the mold material to cure the polymer mixture, where the cured polymer mixture forms the model of the porous structure.

Systems and methods that prevent oxygen inhibition of a light-initiated polymerization reaction by forcing the oxygen away from the reaction surfaces. In some embodiments, oxygen is purged by bringing a planarizing surface (e.g., a thin transparent film and/or a transparent planar surface) into contact with a layer of UV curable material disposed on a workpiece and then moving the planarizing surface away from the workpiece one the UV material is cured.

System and method for in-process cure monitoring of a material utilizes one or more sensors such as fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) or phase-shifted FBGs (PS-FBGs) and at least one optical line fiber connected to the sensor(s). The sensor(s) and the optical line may be embedded in the material prior to curing the material may comprise a fiber reinforced polymer. Waves are excited into the material during curing thereof to form guided waves that propagate through the material. At least one wave metric of the guided waves is measured utilizing the sensor(s).

A tube assembly including a cross-linked polyethylene tube having a radial projection and a coupler, and a method for forming the tube assembly. A forming assembly is configured to dispose the radial projection of the cross-linked polyethylene tube through the coupler after the completion of the cross-linking process.

A tube assembly including a cross-linked polyethylene tube having a radial projection and a coupler, and a method for forming the tube assembly. A forming assembly is configured to dispose the radial projection of the cross-linked polyethylene tube through the coupler after the completion of the cross-linking process.

The invention generally relates to shape memory films that are tri-functionally crosslinked and that comprise multiple, non-terminal, phenylethynyl moieties. In addition, the present invention relates methods of fabricating such films. Due to the improved properties of such SMPS, the SMP designer can program in to the SMP mechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

The invention generally relates to shape memory films that are tri-functionally crosslinked and that comprise multiple, non-terminal, phenylethynyl moieties. In addition, the present invention relates methods of fabricating such films. Due to the improved properties of such SMPS, the SMP designer can program in to the SMP mechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

An ultrasonic device comprising a chamber (10) provided with an inlet bore (11), which receives a melted pressurized polymer, an outlet bore (12) and a sonotrode housing bore (13) through which a distal portion (21) of an ultrasonic head (20) is inserted into the chamber, wherein the distal portion is separated from the rest of the ultrasonic head by a first nodal plane (PN1) wherein there is a first surface (S1) in contact with a complementary surface of a ring seal (30) that closes the chamber, and wherein the ultrasonic head includes a second nodal plane (PN2) away from and parallel to the first nodal plane (PN1) coinciding with or adjacent to a second surface (S2) wherein an anchoring device (40) presses the ultrasonic head against the ring seal ensuring a tight closure.

A system for controlling the temperature of a film before and/or during application, the system including: a heat source for heating a film; and stretch rollers; wherein the heat source heats the film from an ambient temperature to a temperature from about 2° C. to about 40° C. above the ambient temperature, wherein the film is heated prior to or simultaneous to being stretched by the stretch rollers, and wherein the ambient temperature is below 15° C. The preheating system may be used to enhance binding and sealing properties of stretch films used for wrapping palletized products in a reduced temperature environment. Other embodiments of the preheating film system, and methods for its use, are described herein.