Abstract: Improved drilling and pinning machines and methods for processing elongate flexible e.g. rubber strips of seal material for forming seals about openings. The machines and methods form precisely positioned holes in the rubber strip, and insert pins in the holes. Opposing ends of the pins are ultimately received in cooperating holes in the opening, mounting the seal strip to the opening. Machines and methods of the invention temporarily fix a strip or portion of the seal material to a rigid component of the machine. While the seal material is fixedly held, first and second holes are formed in general alignment with the length of the strip, or a subsequent hole is formed wherein location of the subsequent hole is based on location of a previously-formed hole. The formed holes and/or inserted pins are automatically inspected. The inspection information is forwarded to, and used by, the machine controller.

Abstract: A cooling mechanism is provided to control the direction of flow of cooled air in an apparatus used to manufacture metallic containers, wherein machinery wear is reduced and the tolerance of the finished factory container height is maintained within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for installing and removing a bearing assembly (3) which consists of a chock in which a trunnion bearing is arranged on a supporting roller stud (1) of a rolling stand. The aim of said invention is to replace said assembly by means of an operationally reliable device without carrying out modifications or large-scale modifications of the supporting roller stud (1), in particular to obtain reproducible mounting forces in order to ensure best long-term wear-less service possible, best possible rotation and easily controlled stripping forces for reliable operation of the rolling stand. The invention also relates to a nut (8) fixed to the roller stud (1) prestressed against the bearing assembly (3). According to said invention, a stripping device (11) can be temporarily coupled to the bearing assembly (3), the hydraulic cylinder (15) thereof resting against the roller stud (1).

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling operation of a machine having a detachable component for use in a manufacturing and/or machining process comprising a control unit for receiving one or more signals and/or data from an identification device identifying a component for use in a machine. The control unit is arranged to receive one or more signals and/or data associated with the component and to determine if a machine is operable on the basis of the received signals and/or data associated with the component. If the control unit determines the machine not to be operable on the basis of the received signals and/or data, the control unit is arranged to inhibit operation of the machine.

Abstract: In order to repair damaged wooden pallets (1a) as simply, efficiently and permanently as possible, a multi-step method is proposed. Thereby, in a first step, the connector members of the pallet element to be replaced are cut through by means of a band saw and then removed. In a subsequent step, both the partially disassembled pallet as well the new pallet elements are transferred into an assembly station (18), where the new pallet elements are attached to the pallet (1f) from the top side thereof. Preferably, damaged bottom parts of the pallet, for example a bottom deck board member or a connecting block member, are removed as a module, i.e. in the form of a skid. Such a procedure facilitates the attachment of the spare module from the top side of the pallet.

Abstract: Power supply switching regulator electrical circuit trimming methods. In one aspect of the invention, a trimming method includes assembling one or more components of a power supply switching regulator electrical circuit onto a printed circuit board having one or more electrical connections coupled to the said one or more components. An electrical parameter of the power supply switching regulator electrical circuit is then trimmed after the assembling of the one or more components of the power supply switching regulator electrical circuit onto the printed circuit board. The trimming of the electrical parameter of the power supply switching regulator electrical circuit includes removing a portion of the printed circuit board to break the electrical connection on the printed circuit board. In another aspect of the invention, the trimming the electrical parameter of the power supply switching regulator electrical circuit includes electrical programming of the power supply switching regulator electrical circuit.

Abstract: In a soldering method for soldering an electronic component including a palladium or palladium alloy layer formed on a surface of the electronic component and also including a soldering lead terminal onto a printed wiring board including a soldering land and plated through hole, a solder layer containing tin and zinc as main components is formed on the surfaces of the land through hole by a HAL treatment. The lead terminal is inserted and mounted in the through hole. The printed wiring board is brought into contact with jet flows of a solder containing tin and zinc as the main components to thereby supply a solder to the land and through hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a piston (1) for an internal combustion engine. The inventive method comprises producing the base (4) from aluminum by a forging process, casting, by way of a composite casting process, a ring support (10) which is provided with a cooling channel (15) into an aluminum ring element (6), and then welding the ring element (6) with the base (4).

Abstract: A method of producing a puck for coating a turbine shroud includes: providing a mixture of a metallic powder and a binder; melting the mixture and forming the mixture into a preform having a shape conforming to the flowpath surface of the shroud; removing a majority of the binder from the preform; and heating the preform with microwave energy to remove the remainder of the binder and to sinter the metal powder together to form the puck. A turbine shroud may be repaired by bonding the puck to its flowpath surface.

Abstract: A method for surface blasting of integrally bladed rotors is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes: a) providing an integrally bladed rotor; b) providing a vibratory grinding. system; c) arranging the integrally bladed rotor in a grinding container of the vibratory grinding system; d) filling the grinding container of the vibratory grinding system with blasting balls; and e) operating the vibratory grinding system filled with the blasting balls and the integrally bladed rotor to accelerate the blasting balls, wherein the accelerated blasting balls simultaneously strengthen the integrally bladed rotor on the surfaces of all the rotor blades and in the annular space between neighboring rotor blades.

Abstract: A method of attaching a shroud cover segment to a plurality of gas turbine compressor stator vanes includes: (a) forming each of the plurality of stator vanes with at least one tenon extending from a radially inner tip of each of the stator vanes; (b) forming the shroud cover segment with at least one aperture for each of the at least one tenon; (c) locating the plurality of stator vanes and the shroud cover segment such that the at least one tenon of each of the stator vanes projects through a respective aperture in the shroud cover; and (d) forming the at least one tenon of each of the plurality of stator vanes to create an enlarged tenon head on each of the tenons, thereby fixing the shroud cover segment to the plurality of stator vanes.

Abstract: A rotor stack is assembled to a turbine engine shaft. A force is exerted to at least one of the rotor stack and the shaft to at least one of place the shaft under tension and place the rotor stack under compression. One or more retainer segments are inserted into a rebate in the shaft. The exerted force is released to permit the rotor stack to bear against the retainer segments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade includes, in one embodiment, the steps of providing a core, and applying at least one reinforcing skin to the core to form a blade subassembly. Each reinforcing skin is formed from a mat of reinforcing fibers. The method also includes applying a micro-porous membrane over the at least one reinforcing skin, applying a vacuum film over the micro-porous membrane, introducing a polymeric resin to the core, infusing the resin through the core and through the at least one reinforcing skin by applying a vacuum to the blade assembly, and curing the resin to form the rotor blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a heat exchanger assembled from substantially flat elements provided with spacing profiles, wherein adjacent elements are provided on at least a part of their edges with spacing profiles, and wherein the method comprises of stacking the substantially flat elements onto each other until the required height is obtained, and mutually connecting the substantially flat elements at the edges of the elements, wherein the elements are connected by bringing only the side surfaces of the stack of elements into contact with a liquid forming a connection between the elements. This measure makes automated processing possible. The stack of elements is preferably immersed to a limited depth in a bath of the liquid forming a connection between the elements. The method is hereby easy to control, while the means necessary for performing thereof are relatively simple.

Abstract: A method for making a disc flange in a wheel rim including the steps of: A. Forming a cylinder for a wheel rim; B. Forming an annular groove concaved inwardly centripetally from a cylindrical wall of the cylinder towards an axis of the wheel rim; C. Pressing the annular groove to be an annular flattened disc flange circumferentially formed in an inside wall of the cylinder; and D. Circumferentially welding along an outer port of the flattened flange as pressed and derived from the annular groove for sealing an interior in the flattened flange; whereby upon surface treatment of the wheel rim and forming of bolt holes through the disc flange, a wheel disc can be secured to the disc flange in the wheel rim by fastening bolts through the bolt holes formed in the disc flange and in the wheel disc.

Abstract: A method for molding a wheel rim hump part, comprising the steps of stopping a fist claw (30) and a second claw (32) holding a work (wheel rim for vehicle) (W) at specified positions and alowing an annular support member (160) to abut on the end surface of the curl part (C1) of the work (W), closing a right side first mold (16b) to support the curl part (C1) and the outer peripheral wall surface of the work by the support mold (106) of the right side first mold (16b), also closing a left side first mold (16a) to support the curl part (C1) and the outer peripheral wall surface of the work by the support mold (106) of the left side first mold (16a), moving forward a long rod (136) to allow a roller metal mold (124) to abut on the inner peripheral wall surface of the work (W), and turning the roller metal mold (124) along the circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A low-mass roller is disclosed comprising a cylindrical body formed of polymeric material and having an exterior surface, first and second open ends and defining an interior tubular space along a longitudinal axis therethrough for receiving an axle; and an outer shell formed of thin metal covering the exterior surface of the cylindrical body. In another aspect, the outer shell of the low-mass roller comprises an assembly of first and second tubular shells having inside diameters, equal within a predetermined tolerance, at first respective ends thereof, wherein the first respective ends are joined together and welded. The assembly of the first and second tubular shells includes a weld ring disposed between and nested within the first respective ends of the first and second tubular shells such that the shells are held together in alignment during the welding process.

Abstract: A toner supply roller of a developing device includes a shaft and a resilient member enclosing the shaft. The resilient member includes a hybrid polyurethane foam containing an ionic conductive substance and an electron conductive substance. The toner supply roller is manufactured by impregnating a semi-conductive polyurethane foam having the ionic conductive substance with a resin solution containing the electron conductive substance, drying and cutting the impregnated polyurethane foam, and inserting and adhering a shaft into the dried, cut, and impregnated polyurethane foam.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an article of jewelry includes the steps of: providing an elongated arbor (20) having an oval-shaped transverse cross-section for a portion of its longitudinal extent; providing a length of tubular stock (21); winding the stock about the arbor; cutting the wound stock at such locations and at such angles as to form two substantially-identical members (23, 23), each member having a first end (24) and a second end (25); removing the members from the arbor; arranging the members such that the first end of one of the members is arranged proximate the first end of the other of the members, and such that the second end of one of the members is arranged proximate the second end of the other of the members; inserting connecting pins (26,30) into the marginal end portions of the members adjacent the first and second ends; and soldering the connecting pins and members together to form the article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a diesel catalyzed particulate filter includes the steps of (a) preparing a plurality of segments, (b) coating each segment or group of segments with a different type or concentration of a catalyst solution, and drying the segments, and (c) binding the segments together, and sintering the segments.

Abstract: Pressed shape steel, made of a low cost general steel material that is not hardened, forms a frame with long grooves cut therein. Guide rails, made of a specialized steel material that can be subjected to a hardening treatment, are hardened. Thereafter, outer surfaces of the hardened guide rails are ground and the guide rails are integrally joined in the long grooves. Ball-rolling grooves are formed in the guide rails, thereby completing a guide-equipped frame for an actuator. Because the general steel material and the specialized steel material are principally ferrous materials, both exhibiting a Young's modulus at or above 170 GPa with substantially the same coefficient of linear thermal expansion, the frame needn't be increased in size or have a complex internal structure to reinforce the strength of the frame, and the guide rails remain securely retained in the grooves even if the actuator experiences changes in temperature.

Abstract: Shaver or razor, one that offers an incorporated lamps light at the same time in its structure. The finished structure of shaver, preferably to the far end of the handle and before the end the arm or extension of the shaving head which holds the shaving blades, will accommodates a lamps, that it is connected to an electric circuit that it's distributed along the inner structure of the handle of shaver connecting to the power source that it will be a battery, and that provided by a switch will turn on and off the indicated lamps. When the lamp is turned on its light offers the user permanent illumination to the surface that it is being shaved, eliminating the proper shadows of the shaving element and the shadows of the user.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus has one or more shaving heads (5) with a shaving surface (9) for contacting the skin during shaving and at least one cutter (4) that is moveable behind the shaving surface (9). A drive structure (3) including a motor (2) and coupled to the cutter or cutters (4) for driving the movement of the cutter or cutters is carried by a housing (1) containing the motor (2) of the drive structure. A shell structure (12) envelops at least a portion of the housing (1) behind the shaving head or heads (5) and is mounted to the housing (1).

Abstract: A razor blade unit for safety razor has optimized shape and dimensions for body shaving, especially the regions of the axillae. The blade unit has an elongate blade with a rectilinear sharpened edge, and a skin contacting surface at which the length is 1 to 4 times the width and not greater than about 60 mm, e.g., 40 to 45 mm. The skin contacting surface has a footprint area of at least 450 mm2, e.g., 600 to 750 mm2, and a circularity which is not less than the lower of (i) 65%, and (ii) the circularity of a rectangle with the same length and width as the skin contacting surface and with corner radii of 30% of the width. In a plane perpendicular to the blade edge the skin contacting surface is convex and shaped to make at least a three point contact with an imaginary circumscribing circle with a radius of 15 to 70 mm, e.g., 25 mm. Guard cap surfaces in front of and behind the blade edge each have a skin contact area of at least 140 mm2,and their combined area is preferably at least 400 mm2, e.g.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a housing and a blade carrier movably mounted to the housing. The blade carrier includes a blade supporting surface for supporting a blade, wherein the blade carrier is movable between a retracted position with at least a substantial portion of the blade retracted in the housing, and a first extended position with at least a portion of the blade extending outwardly of the housing. An actuator is operably connected to the blade carrier and is operable to move the blade carrier between the retracted and extended positions to, in turn, move a blade located on the blade carrier between the retracted and extended positions. A biasing member biases the blade carrier toward the retracted position. A stop member is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A utility knife has an elongated housing having a pair of opposite side faces and a rear edge and formed with a longitudinal guide passage open at an end of the housing, respective side cutouts on the side faces, and a back cutout on the rear edge. A blade holder longitudinally shiftable in the housing carries a blade having a cutting edge directed forward away from the rear edge. The holder is longitudinally shiftable between a use position with the blade projecting from the housing front end and a retracted position with the blade inside the housing. Respective side and rear actuating formations are coupled to the blade holder and exposed at the side and rear cutouts so that the blade can be actuated by a user's fingers via any of the actuating formations. A spring in the housing urges the holder and blade into the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention discloses an adjustable apparatus for adjusting an upper blade position of a hair clipper to further adjust the hair cut length. The upper blade is connected to a blade spring. The blade spring is placed in a spring housing. The spring housing is connected to a pushing block. The pushing block is connected to a rotary wheel. Therefore, the position of the upper blade is adjustable by moving the rotary wheel.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a motor operatively connected to rotate a saw blade that forms a cutting plane and a fixed blade guard that surrounds a portion of the saw blade. The circular saw additionally includes at least one light source that is mounted to the fixed blade guard and emits a beam that forms a first linear optical alignment marker on a workpiece in a first direction, and emits a beam that forms a second linear optical alignment marker on the workpiece in a substantially second opposite direction.

Abstract: A hand-held cut-off machine has a motor housing and a drive motor arranged in the motor housing. An extension arm is connected to the motor housing and a cutting wheel driven by the drive motor is supported on the extension arm. A water connector is arranged on the cut-off machine. A conduit is connected to the water connector and extends from the water connector to the cutting wheel for supplying water to the cutting wheel. The conduit has an integrated conduit section that is integrated into the extension arm.

Abstract: A hole center marking system comprises a punch device and an alignment member. The punch device includes a body assembly and a punch movably disposed within the body assembly. The body assembly has a circular cross-sectional exterior shape at a first end portion thereof. An indenting tip portion of the punch is forcibly biased to a position within the body assembly adjacent the first end portion of the body assembly. The alignment member has a central bore configured for having the first end portion of the body assembly engaged therein. The central bore of the alignment member is size to provide a close-tolerance fit between the central bore and the first end portion of the body assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held jigsaw machine is described that includes a machine housing (11), a saw blade (13) that is drivable in a reciprocating manner by a motor, a support device (20) with a support roller (23) that supports the saw blade on its back (132), and a holder (22) that is fixed to the machine housing (11) and accommodates the support roller (23) between two arms (222, 223), and a guide device (21) for guiding and supporting the saw blade (13) transversely to the saw direction with guide elements (24, 25) on opposite sides of the saw blade (13) at an adjustable distance from each other. To ensure economical production of the support and guide device and to reduce the number of components required, the guide device (21) is integrated in the holder (22) of the support device (20).

Abstract: A hack saw having a blade holding assembly and a blade lock assembly. The blade lock assembly having moveable blade lock means adapted to receive a blade therebetween, mechanism for moving the blade lock means to a position to hold a blade in place.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of the machine include a robotic total station and a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element. The total station, located at a known location near the machine element, repeatedly, successively determines the location of each target. Acquisition and re-acquisition of the targets is aided by stored data regarding the prior locations and movements of the targets. Further, active targets may be used to facilitate re-acquisition. The operation of the machine is controlled based upon the location and orientation of the machine element.

Abstract: A light detector system for use with a work-piece is provided. The light detector system can include a housing and at least one sensor coupled to the housing. The sensor can be responsive to a light source to generate a signal that indicates a location of the light source with respect to the housing. The light detector system can also comprise a marker coupled to the housing. The marker can be responsive to the signal to mark the location of the light source on a surface of the work-piece.

Abstract: A slope level for measuring the slope of a surface is provided. The slope level includes a body having a front face and a back face and defining a first planar measurement surface. A transparent arced tube is disposed on the body. The arced tube has a first end and a second end and defines a pinnacle point between the first end and the second end. The arced tube defines an inner space having a slope indicator disposed therein. The slope indicator is movable within the inner space. A template is positioned proximal to the arced tube. The template includes measurement indicia disposed thereon to indicate the measurement of the slope based on the position of the slope indicator within the inner space of the arced tube.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the mouth of an animal are provided. The device includes a gripping handle and rod coupled to a first endpiece. The rod is threaded along at least part of its length. The device includes a second endpiece that includes a threaded hole. The second endpiece is rotatably threaded onto a threaded portion of the rod. The threads of the rod and threaded hole cause the second endpiece to move laterally along the threaded length of the rod when the second endpiece is rotated about the rod. By placing the rod adjacent to the mouth of an animal and rotating the second endpiece until the first and second endpieces are located adjacent to boundaries of dimension of the animal's mouth that is to be measured, the desired dimension of the animal's mouth can be determined from the distance between the first and second endpieces.

Abstract: A tool for indicating the flushness between a vehicle body roof panel and a sunroof panel that is adjustably mounted within a sunroof opening of the vehicle body roof panel. The tool will signal a vehicle assembly operator in the event that the sunroof panel needs to be vertically adjusted up or down. The tool includes a housing that sits on the roof panel. A lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and has a feeler extending from the housing to contact with the sunroof panel so that the pivotal position of the lever relative the housing is determined by the degree of flushness or lack of flushness between the two panels. An indicator is associated with the lever to indicate to the vehicle assembly operator whether or not the sunroof panel needs vertical adjustment relative to the roof panel to obtain an acceptable degree of flushness.

Abstract: A method for making beaded jewelry is provided. The method utilizes a megaphone shaped device having a small diameter first end and a larger diameter second end. The circumference of the first end is that of one part of the human body, such as a child's wrist. The circumference of the second end is the size of another part of the human body, such as an adult ankle. Markings on the girth of the device sequentially graduate in circumference and define graduated bracelet, anklet and other jewelry sizes. When one is making a bracelet or other article of jewelry of strung beads, the diameter of the beads affects the finished length of the article. Use of the device takes into account the diameters of the beads and thereby ensures that the finished item of beaded jewelry will fit the intended wearer.

Abstract: A chart for locating guides on a fishing rod comprising a plurality of side by side lanes each having a vertical portion and in a predetermined plane and arcuate lane portions of different radii and curved through an arc of about ninety degrees (90°) from said predetermined plane and a plurality of radially directed marker lines emanating from a common center and intersecting the arcuate lane portion which defines the optimum locating points for guides for the fishing rod.

Abstract: A position-measuring device is for determining the position of two objects which are arranged displaceably with respect to each other in at least one measuring direction, and a method is for the operation of such a position-measuring device. The position-measuring device includes a measuring graduation as well as a scanning device having a light source and one or a plurality of optical and/or optoelectronic components for generating displacement-dependent position signals. A semiconductor laser having great coherence length is provided as the light source, which is operated pulsed in a single-mode operational-mode.

Abstract: A construction tool has a tape measure. A handle is coupled to the tape measure. The handle allows a user of any size or shape hand to comfortably and easily use the tape measure.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the arc of an arched window comprising a base; measuring means selectively rotatable relative said base for measuring a distance between said base and said arch at a selected angle.

Abstract: The device for drying laundry 1 by means of a current of air comprises a drum 2 to accommodate the laundry 1 and a ducting system 3,4,5, to direct said current of air. The ducting system 3, 4, 5 has a section 3 arranged downstream of the drum 2, in which the current of air is directed downwards and in which is arranged a filter 6 to capture lint 7 from the current of air. A scraper 8,9 is assigned to the filter 8, in order to scrape off the lint 7. This filter 8 is a channel 6 arranged in an approximately horizontal manner and in the form of an inverted arch, and the scraper 8, 9 has a foil 8 resting on the filter 6 in a sprung manner and curved in accordance with the shape of the channel 6. The invention enables the automatic clearance of captured lint 7 from the filter 6.

Abstract: The device for drying laundry 1 by means of a current of air comprises a drum 2 to accommodate the laundry 1 and a ducting system 4, 5, 6, to direct said current of air. The ducting system 4, 5, 6 has a section 4 arranged downstream of the drum 2, in which the current of air is directed downwards and in which is arranged a filter 8 to capture lint 9 from the current of air. A scraper 15 is assigned to the filter 8, in order to scrape off the lint 9. The receptacle 19, 20 has a handle 21 and two interlinked shell elements (19,20) which can be separated from each other, and which define a storage volume to accommodate the scraped-off lint (9). According to the invention, lint 9 thus scraped off can be removed from the device and disposed of, without the user needing to come into direct contact with the lint 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum unit for a device used to structure the surface of a workpiece (20), in particular a plate such as e.g. a flexographic printing block, by means of radiation and especially laser radiation. Said unit comprises a hood (10), which in its operating position covers an interaction zone between the radiation and the surface of the workpiece, consisting of a rear face (11), to which a vacuum line (38) can be connected, two lateral walls (16) comprising end edges (19), which lie opposite the workpiece (20) in the operating position of the hood (10), and two leading walls (17, 18), which are located between the lateral walls (16), run transversally to the latter and which together with the two lateral walls (16) delimit a vacuum channel (14) in the hood (10), said channel comprising an inlet (15), which lies opposite the workpiece (20) in the operating position of said hood (10).

Abstract: A substrate drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a nozzle ejecting a fluid to a substrate to be processed, wherein the substrate is moved relative to the nozzle while the nozzle is spraying the fluid to dry the substrate, a parallel component to a surface of the substrate in an ejection direction of the fluid is inclined with respect to a moving direction in which the substrate moves relative to the nozzle, and an angle between the parallel component and the moving direction is changed at a changed portion in a predetermined position of the nozzle.

Abstract: A web converting process and apparatus employing a dry converting station and substrate-handling equipment for conveying the substrate through the dry converting station. The substrate is enveloped in the dry converting station by a close enclosure supplied with one or more streams of conditioned gas flowing at a rate sufficient to reduce materially the particle count in the close enclosure.

Abstract: It has been difficult to operate a drying apparatus in a stable and high-efficiency state where a superheat value is changed in a drying process. A drying apparatus includes: a first temperature sensor 38 which detects the temperature of a refrigerant between the outlet of an evaporator 34 and the inlet of a compressor 31; and control means 14 for controlling a superheat value by changing flow resistance of an expansion valve 33 based on a detected value of the first temperature sensor 38. The control means 14 controls the superheat value in the drying process to become a target value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding method for drying articles which have been treated (1) are proposed, the apparatus including transport means (3) for transporting the treated articles (1) along a transport path. Gas outlet devices (4, 5) disposed opposite one another are arranged above the transport path. A gaseous drying medium is supplied separately by fan means to the gas outlet apertures by supply lines (8, 9). A pressure associated with each gas outlet device (4, 5) is detected and a gas flow associated with the gas outlet device (4, 5) is regulated by regulating means as a function of this pressure.

Abstract: A shell for a boot or other footwear includes a first section of molded of a first thermoplastic material and a second section molded of a second thermoplastic material and integrally bonded with the first section. The first and second thermoplastic materials preferably have different material properties, such as color, hardness, or density, to enhance the aesthetic and/or functional design of the footwear. Methods of making molded multi-material shells and footwear including such shells are also disclosed.