A nonwoven fabric comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a visually discernible pattern on at least one of the first and second surfaces. The visually discernible pattern has a regular, repeating pattern of three-dimensional features. Each of the three-dimensional features define a microzone comprising a first region and a second region. The first and second regions having a difference in values for an intensive property. The first surface has a TS7 value in the range of about 1 dB V.sup.2 rms to about 15 dB V.sup.2 rms. The second surface has a TS7 value in the range of about 1 dB V.sup.2 rms to about 15 dB V.sup.2 rms. A ratio of the TS7 value of the first surface to the TS7 value of the second surface is in the range of about 1 to about 3.

Provided are a method for splitting longitudinally an end part of a metal plate or a metal rod having a rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical shape, in which the length of incision in the split portion can be freely adjusted and smooth split face can be formed; a metal part manufactured by such method; and a method for bonding such metal part. The present invention is characterized by the process comprising the steps of securing a metal plate by pinching both sides thereof with a clamping device, or securing a metal rod by pinching at least two opposite-facing portions on the periphery thereof with a clamping device; splitting longitudinally by slitting or cleaving the metal plate, or the metal rod, by pressing a slitting punch or a cleaving punch against the face of one end of the metal plate, or the metal rod; and advancing the splitting further by repeating the same operation of pressing the same punch stated above against the cleft of the splitting; and is characterized further in that, in each time of the press-splitting operation, the position of the clamping device on at least one side is moved in advance of the next pressing by a stroke corresponding to the distance from one end of the metal plate, or the metal rod, to the distal end of a split-desired portion.

A method of forming a pneumatically controlled microfluidic device containing a micro-fluidic network that includes micro-elements in the form of micro-particles or micro-length hollow flow elements, and a pneumatic network that includes pneumatic micro-channels and micro-valve features enabling membrane valves to operate to control fluid conditions in the microfluidic network, including the steps (a) forming two portions, denominated fluidic layer, in which microfluidic channels are formed, and pneumatic layer, in which pneumatic micro-channels and micro-valve features are formed, each having a backing that is rigid in the plane of extent of the layers, (b) providing an intervening elastic membrane, and (c) permanently bonding both layers to opposite sides of the membrane, the permanent bonding of the membrane to the fluidic layer being effective to permanently enclose a set of inserted micro-elements in the fluidic network and relate the two layers to enable pneumatic control of fluid conditions in the microfluidic network.

A laminar assembly including a first optically opaque layer defining a plurality of through-holes, a second optically opaque layer, an optically transparent inner layer between the inner surface of the first optically opaque layer and the inner surface of the second optically opaque layer, and a preprinted layer proximate the outer surface of at least one of the first and second optically opaque layers. The plurality of through-holes is at least partially filled with material from the optically transparent inner layer, and light is visibly transmitted in a single direction through the plurality of through-holes. Unidirectional opacity watermarks defined by the plurality of through-holes in the laminar assembly provide advantageous anti-counterfeiting measures, and are easy to view and authenticate, yet difficult to simulate.

A method of manufacturing a composite laminate may include laying up bands of composite material in layers to form a composite layup. At least one layer may have at least one gap between an adjacent pair of bands. The gap may extend continuously along a lengthwise direction of the band. The gap in two or more of the layers may be fluidly interconnected and may form at least one breather path that opens to an exterior of the composite layup.

In an exemplary embodiment, a shingle manufacturing system comprises an entry pull roll for providing a substantially continuous sheet comprising shingle material, an adhesive applicator for applying a laminating adhesive to a surface of the sheet, and a cutting station for cutting the sheet, now carrying the laminating adhesive, into at least three longitudinal pieces.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for an optical sub-assembly (OSA) are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed apparatus involves a package body, and a lock nut, where a first end of the lock nut inserted into a first cavity of the package body. The apparatus further involves a transistor outline (TO) can, where a first end of the TO can is inserted into a second cavity of the package body. Also, the apparatus involves an optical fiber, where a portion of the jacket from an end of the optical fiber is stripped off, thereby exposing bare optical fiber at the end of the optical fiber. The end of the optical fiber is inserted into a second end of the lock nut such that the bare optical fiber passes into the package body and at least a portion of the bare optical fiber is inserted into the TO can cavity.

A label assembly including one or more dissolvable thermal direct adhesive labels and methods of assembly and use. According to one embodiment, each label includes a base layer, a thermal direct layer, an adhesive layer, and a barrier layer. The base layer, which has an upper surface and a lower surface, is water-dissolvable and may be made of a water-dissolvable paper. The thermal direct layer is positioned directly over the upper surface of the base layer and functions in the conventional manner to produce markings therein in response to heat. The adhesive layer is water-dissolvable and is positioned below the lower surface of the base layer. The barrier layer, which is positioned directly below the lower surface of the base layer and directly over the adhesive layer, serves to prevent migration of the adhesive layer through the base layer and into contact with the thermal direct layer.

A continuous process for preparing insulation panels having thick (0.2 mm to 1 mm) metal facing panels and a fiber-reinforced polymer foam core is disclosed. In the process, a bottom metal facing panel is continuously supplied. A mat of reinforcing fibers and a foamable resin composition are applied to the bottom facing panel. A flexible barrier layer is applied atop the foamable resin composition, and the assembly is passed through nip rolls to compress the assembly and force the resin composition into the fiber mat. An adhesive layer and top metallic facing layer are then applied on top of the flexible barrier layer, and the resulting assembly is gauged and cured by passing it through a double band laminator.

Weighted transaction cards and methods of manufacturing the same. The weighted transaction cards may include a tungsten member that comprises at least a portion of a layer of the transaction card. The tungsten member may be encapsulated and/or disposed in an opening of a surround to define and inlay. The inlay may be laminated with one or more additional layers according to traditional card manufacturing techniques (e.g., a hot lamination process). The weighted transaction cards may have a weight significantly greater than traditional plastic transaction cards such that the weighted transaction cards.