Systems and methods are provided for utilizing support tools for forming laminates. One embodiment is a system that includes a pair of dies that hold a multi-layer laminate over a gap, a male die that presses the laminate into the gap causing the laminate to change shape, and a support tool inserted into the gap beneath the laminate. The support tool includes a base that extends in a lengthwise direction, struts fixedly attached to the base that project upward from the base and are distributed along the lengthwise direction, and a cap that is slidably attached to the struts, and that covers the struts to form an upper surface of the support tool. Each of the struts rises from the base to the cap.

An identification device (1) for a pneumatic spring (2) includes an RFID transponder (8), which is completely embedded into the elastomer matrix (13) of the flexible member (4). An electromagnetic field is generated by a read device (9), wherein the energy necessary for supplying the RFID transponder (8) is taken from the electromagnetic field generated by the read device (9). When the read device (9) is active, information can be exchanged between the RFID transponder (8) and the read device (9). The RFID transponder (8) operates completely without an internal energy supply. The RFID transponder (8) may also be configured as a read/write transponder including a memory chip, wherein data may be stored on the memory chip in a safe and permanent manner. By retrieving data from the RFID transponder (8), an identification of the pneumatic spring (2) is possible even without any internal power supply of the RFID transponder.

An identification device (1) for a pneumatic spring (2) includes an RFID transponder (8), which is completely embedded into the elastomer matrix (13) of the flexible member (4). An electromagnetic field is generated by a read device (9), wherein the energy necessary for supplying the RFID transponder (8) is taken from the electromagnetic field generated by the read device (9). When the read device (9) is active, information can be exchanged between the RFID transponder (8) and the read device (9). The RFID transponder (8) operates completely without an internal energy supply. The RFID transponder (8) may also be configured as a read/write transponder including a memory chip, wherein data may be stored on the memory chip in a safe and permanent manner. By retrieving data from the RFID transponder (8), an identification of the pneumatic spring (2) is possible even without any internal power supply of the RFID transponder.

A method for manufacturing a pad with dynamic massage bubbles includes: preparing an upper-half foam substrate and a lower-half foam substrate; and bonding the upper-half foam substrate and the lower-half foam substrate together by means of hot press so that air bubbles are formed therebetween. Particularly, then form-setting bake is performed under a progressively decreased baking temperature, so that as the pad is cooled gradually, the air bubbles are well shaped. The method provides improved dimensional control of air bubbles, thereby significantly enhancing manufacturing precision and yield.

A method for manufacturing a pad with dynamic massage bubbles includes: preparing an upper-half foam substrate and a lower-half foam substrate; and bonding the upper-half foam substrate and the lower-half foam substrate together by means of hot press so that air bubbles are formed therebetween. Particularly, then form-setting bake is performed under a progressively decreased baking temperature, so that as the pad is cooled gradually, the air bubbles are well shaped. The method provides improved dimensional control of air bubbles, thereby significantly enhancing manufacturing precision and yield.

A probe includes an elastic element having first and second ends, a transmitter, one or more receiving antennas and one or more narrow-band amplifiers. The transmitter is coupled to the first end and is configured to transmit signals in a given range of frequencies. The one or more receiving antennas are coupled to the second end and are configured to receive the signals. The one or more narrow-band amplifiers have a pass-band that matches the given range of frequencies and are configured to amplify the signals received by the one or more receiving antennas, respectively.

A probe includes an elastic element having first and second ends, a transmitter, one or more receiving antennas and one or more narrow-band amplifiers. The transmitter is coupled to the first end and is configured to transmit signals in a given range of frequencies. The one or more receiving antennas are coupled to the second end and are configured to receive the signals. The one or more narrow-band amplifiers have a pass-band that matches the given range of frequencies and are configured to amplify the signals received by the one or more receiving antennas, respectively.

A sealing method for sealing an opening of a metallic molded body with a resin molded body, the metallic molded body having a cavity therein and an opening connected to the cavity, includes a step of irradiating laser light onto a joining surface on a periphery of the opening of the metallic molded body in an energy density of 1 MW/cm.sup.2 or more and at an irradiation rate of 2000 mm/sec or more to roughen the surface, and a step of placing, in a mold, a portion including the joining surface of the metallic molded body roughened in the preceding step and sealing the opening with a resin molded body formed by injection molding or compression molding of a resin.

A sealing method for sealing an opening of a metallic molded body with a resin molded body, the metallic molded body having a cavity therein and an opening connected to the cavity, includes a step of irradiating laser light onto a joining surface on a periphery of the opening of the metallic molded body in an energy density of 1 MW/cm.sup.2 or more and at an irradiation rate of 2000 mm/sec or more to roughen the surface, and a step of placing, in a mold, a portion including the joining surface of the metallic molded body roughened in the preceding step and sealing the opening with a resin molded body formed by injection molding or compression molding of a resin.

Fluid transfer assemblies for transferring fluid into or out of a single vessel and distributing the fluid to multiple other vessels are provided. The fluid transfer assemblies are customizable, substantially aseptic, and single-use. The fluid transfer assemblies may be manufactured by solidifying polymeric materials to form a body around a mandrel with protrusions engaged to fluid conduits and leaving recesses in the solidified polymeric material to stretch the resultant body and remove the mandrel with protrusions. The resultant fluid transfer assembly may be surrounded by a rigid housing and valves may be engaged with the conduits and/or body to control the fluid flow within the fluid transfer assembly.