Abstract: A method and system for producing stretch-broken fiber material includes feeding a fiber material including a plurality of continuous filaments and a continuous carrier film into a stretch breaking apparatus such that the continuous carrier film contacts the fiber material, and breaking at least a portion of the plurality of continuous filaments of the fiber material using the stretch breaking apparatus while the continuous carrier film contacts the fiber material to produce a stretch broken fiber material contacting the continuous carrier film.

Abstract: A pole reinforcement system and method for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods.

Abstract: A pole reinforcement system and method for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods.

Abstract: A pole reinforcement system for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods.

Abstract: A pole reinforcement system for improving the stability of a pole with both an above-grade and below-grade installation. The pole reinforcement system generally includes a sleeve assembly which is secured around a pole via one or more retainers which may comprise brackets, securing bands, or other structures. One or more insertion attachments are utilized so that the sleeve assembly may be secured to the pole at a position below-grade. The sleeve assembly may comprise one or more sleeves which are secured around the pole. By utilizing the present invention to reinforce the pole both above- and below-grade, the stability of the pole may be greatly improved over prior reinforcement methods.

Abstract: A femoral implant for a hip prosthesis includes a shaft oriented in a longitudinal direction and a neck extending from said shaft at an acute angle .theta. to the longitudinal direction. The implant includes a plurality of layers of fibers in a matrix, wherein the fibers are substantially unidirectional in each respective layer. The implant is made from a stack of layers of the matrix so that the direction of fibers is unbalanced. At least 50% of the fibers are oriented in the .theta. direction and the remainder of said fibers are oriented in directions other than the .theta. angle.