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 thermomechanical 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 thermomechanical property enhancements that make the SMP suitable, among other things, for advanced sensors, high temperature actuators, responder matrix materials and heat responsive packaging.

A method of making a case for a mobile device with a screen. The method comprising 3D printing of the case in a partially finished form on a support surface in a configuration in which rear wall (1) and sidewalls (2-5) lie alongside one another on the surface, and folding the sidewalls up relative to the rear wall to at least partially create a cavity for the device. Separate corner portions (10, 11) may be provided to connect the sidewalls. The invention also extends to a 3D printed blank from which the case is formed.

A method of making a case for a mobile device with a screen. The method comprising 3D printing of the case in a partially finished form on a support surface in a configuration in which rear wall (1) and sidewalls (2-5) lie alongside one another on the surface, and folding the sidewalls up relative to the rear wall to at least partially create a cavity for the device. Separate corner portions (10, 11) may be provided to connect the sidewalls. The invention also extends to a 3D printed blank from which the case is formed.

A composite structure manufacturing method comprising: a lamination step in which a plurality of fiber-reinforced resin sheets are laminated to form a plate-shaped laminate; a pressing deformation step in which a third roller or similar, which rolls along a plate surface of the laminate, is used to press the plate surface of the laminate, thereby forming a recessed section or a protruding section in a prescribed section of the laminate; a short direction deformation step in which, after the pressing deformation step, the laminate is deformed in the short direction to make the long direction cross-section into a prescribed shape; and a long direction deformation step in which, after the pressing deformation step, the laminate is deformed in the long direction to make the short direction cross-section into a prescribed shape.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

Aspects disclosed herein relate to forming on a substrate fastener elements suitable for use in touch fastener by employing vibration forming methods. The processes described provide for a greater flexibility in manufacturing than prior methods and overcome certain limitations in prior forming techniques. Further, the product made can embody a variety of different configurations suitable for a given application. Employing vibration forming methods, such as ultrasonic forming methods, allows for the use of a wider variety of substrate material than materials used with convention methods of touch fastener formation.

Aspects disclosed herein relate to forming on a substrate fastener elements suitable for use in touch fastener by employing vibration forming methods. The processes described provide for a greater flexibility in manufacturing than prior methods and overcome certain limitations in prior forming techniques. Further, the product made can embody a variety of different configurations suitable for a given application. Employing vibration forming methods, such as ultrasonic forming methods, allows for the use of a wider variety of substrate material than materials used with convention methods of touch fastener formation.

A polarizable compact is provided with high productivity, which makes a polarizing sheet resistant to the occurrence of color unevenness and voids and also resistant to the occurrence of variations in polarization degree accompanying thermal shrinkage and the like of a protective layer (protective film). A polarizable compact is used for glasses, and a method of manufacturing the same. An injection-molded portion made of a transparent plastic material is thermally bonded to the concave surface side of a polarizing sheet having a predetermined curvature radius. The polarizing sheet has a polarizer layer held between first and second protective layers respectively serving as a convex surface side and a concave surface side. Both the first and second protective layers are formed from transparent films by a casting method with retardation (Re)≤50 nm. The transparent films for the first and second protective layers are respectively formed from an acylcellulose-based film and a polyamide-based film.