Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire including forming a green case by cylindrically winding a tire component member which includes at least one layer of a carcass ply. The green tire is shaped by expanding the green case into a toroidal shape with the supply of a fluid into the green case so that the green case adheres to a tread ring arranged radially outside the green case. The green tire is subjected to vulcanization molding within a mold die. During the shaping of the green tire, the fluid is supplied in accordance with a pressure profile which changes in a stepwise manner. The pressure profile is set such that a former stage pressure which allows the green case to expand to 35% to 40% of a full expansion amount is set lower than a final stage pressure in a final stage.

Abstract: A block of construction material is fabricated by harvesting a plurality of tread strips from a plurality of tires by, for each tire, removing a tread texture of a tread cap from each tire using a tread removal device while leaving a remaining portion of the tread cap intact with one or more sidewalls and shoulders of each tire, removing the side walls and the entire shoulders from each tire by cutting through the remaining portion of each tread cap, and slicing the remaining portion of each tread cap to produce tread strips. Each strip is preheated, and while maintaining the temperature, stacked onto the gummed previous strips, until a block of desirable size is yielded. Use of fasteners, plates and membranes to maintain the stacked tread strips into a block arrangement is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates, including applying a composition, which includes at least one latent alkyl borane and is substantially free of decomplexing agents for the latent alkyl borane, to a substrate (1) that has a material having unsaturated units, applying a radically curable substance to the substrate (1) pretreated with the latent alkyl borane, and allowing the radically curable substance to cure in order to form a composite structure. The method is suitable in particular for applying paints, coatings, or sealing materials/filling materials to substrates, such as EPDM, NBR, and SBR, and for adhesively bonding such substrates. Composite materials adhesively bonded accordingly are distinguished by especially firm adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate, wherein conventional adhesives can be used, which have optimized properties with regard to the storage stability, open time, and cure time thereof.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a pneumatic tire in which a plurality of small blocks is delineated and formed by a plurality of rectilinear circumferential narrow grooves and a plurality of widthwise narrow grooves that communicate with the circumferential narrow grooves, and small block rows with the small blocks aligned along a tire circumferential direction are formed between adjacent circumferential narrow grooves. Each of the small blocks has a surface area differing from that of at least one small block that belongs to an adjacent small block row on at least one side with respect to a tire width direction and has an overlapping tire circumferential directional region. The small blocks have surface areas of no less than 20 mm2 and no more than 400 mm2.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and a process to retread a tire is provided. The retreaded tire has a carcass and a crown region, wherein the crown region comprises a belt reinforcement structure located between the carcass and a tread. The retreaded tire further comprises a cementless cushion layer located radially outward of said belt reinforcement structure, and one or more reinforcement plies located radially outward of the cementless cushion layer. The one or more reinforcement plies is formed from a substantially continuous strip of reinforced elastomer which is wound from one side of the crown to the other side in a substantially continuous manner. The reinforcement ply may be formed from spirally winding the strip about the carcass, or one or more reinforcement plies may be formed from winding the strip about the carcass in a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: A method of producing a tyre tread with lugs; the tread having a tread base, and a number of lugs projecting upwards from the tread base; and the method including the steps of: preparing a green-rubber blank tread thinner at the sides and thicker at the centre to define a raised centre portion; applying green-rubber blocks to the areas of the blank tread where the lugs are to be formed, which blocks rest centrally against the raised centre portion; and curing the blank tread, together with the blocks, in a curing mold negatively reproducing the pattern of the tread.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a tyre tread with lugs, the tread having a tread base, and a number of lugs projecting upwards from the tread base; the method having the steps of: preparing a green-rubber blank tread of constant thickness; applying rubber blocks to the areas of the blank tread where the lugs are to be formed, each block varying lengthwise in cross section, so it is thinner at the centre and thicker at the side; and curing the blank tread, together with the blocks, in a curing mold negatively reproducing the pattern of the tread.

Abstract: A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.

Abstract: A kit, which is usable for temporary attachment of an electronic device to a support of a tyre casing, includes: an attachment member and a separation element. The attachment member includes an adhesive mass for attaching the electronic device to the support. The separation element, which separates the adhesive mass from the support, is able to adhere to the adhesive mass. An adhesion between the adhesive mass and the separation element exceeds an adhesion between the adhesive mass and the support as a function of a variation of at least one parameter of the adhesive mass.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for constraining a tread in a desired arrangement about a tire carcass during retreading operations. Such methods include the steps of providing a annular tire carcass configured for receiving a tread. Such methods also include the step of arranging a tread annularly about the precured tire carcass in a desired position to form an assembled retreaded tire. Such methods further include the step of arranging a retread curing membrane about an outer side of the tread, the curing membrane including an interior surface arranged to engage the outer side of the tread and including one or more protrusions extending from the membrane interior surface and into a void of the outer side of the tread. In other embodiments, a separate insert containing protrusions is arranged between a curing membrane and a tire tread for retread curing operations.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: The present inventions includes methods and apparatus for preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the methods having steps that include forming an edge along an opening within the tire, the edge extending between an interior and an exterior surface of the tire and including one or more tire reinforcement endings, the edge being formed to include an alternating arrangement of tire reinforcement endings. Particular embodiments of the present invention includes methods of preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the method having steps that include forming an edge within an opening of a tire, said edge extending between an interior and exterior tire surface and including one or more reinforcement endings of the tire; and, applying a wrap about the edge to substantially cover the one or more tire reinforcement endings.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention retreads an air maintenance tire. The method comprises the steps of: grinding remaining tread material from a tire casing for a worn air-maintenance tire; temporarily securing a contoured piece around a structure secured to the inner surface of the tire casing; placing a tread on the tire casing; inflating a bladder within an internal cavity of the tire casing and around the contoured piece whereby the bladder does not contact the structure; securing the tread to the tire casing; deflating the bladder; separating the tire casing and tread secured to the tire casing from the bladder; and removing the contoured piece from the tire casing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide: a patch rubber for repairing a radial tire, which patch rubber is capable of preventing troubles from occurring at an early stage in a repaired radial tire to enhance durability of the repaired radial tire; a method for repairing a radial tire by using the patch rubber; and a radial tire repaired by the patch rubber.

Abstract: A repair patch for repairing radial tires that reduces the size of a bulge as typically appears in the sidewall of a repaired radial tire. The patch includes a ply package having a first reinforcement ply and a second reinforcement ply superimposed on the first reinforcement ply. The first reinforcement ply package comprises a tissue of first reinforcement cords that are arranged in a radial direction while the second reinforcement play comprises a tissue of second reinforcement cords that are arranged essentially in a 0 degrees direction. The patch of particular embodiments may further include a top cushion gum layer and a bottom cushion gum layer, wherein the ply package is interposed between the top and bottom cushion gum layers. Also included are methods for using the repair patch to repair radial tires.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for controlling the abrasion of a tire surface. Particular embodiments provide an abrading tool for abrading a surface of a tire, the tool comprising means for rotating an abrading wheel, an abrading wheel rotatably attached to the means for rotating, and a depth guide secured to the means for rotating, wherein the depth guide includes a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels. Further embodiments include a depth guide configured for use with an abrading tool which includes a abrading wheel and a means for rotating the abrading wheel, the depth guide comprising a mounting member securable to the means for rotating and a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels rotatably attached to the mounting member. Particular embodiments further include a method for preparing a portion of a tire for repair.

Abstract: Provided is a method for repairing a radial tire that enhances the durability of patch rubber attached to a damaged portion of a carcass ply from the inner side of the tire and that extends the service life of the repaired tire while reducing the repair time. The method according to the present invention for repairing a radial tire (1) includes a step of attaching a patch rubber (10), in which a plurality of reinforcing elements (11) are arranged in parallel and covered with rubber, from the inner side of the tire to a damaged portion (7) of a carcass ply (5a) when at least one ply cord (6a) in the carcass ply is broken along with ply rubber at a sidewall portion (3). The patch rubber is attached so that the reinforcing elements (11) are parallel to a tire radial direction and so that inner edges (11a, 11b, 11c) of the reinforcing elements (11) in the tire radial direction are positioned to at least partially have different mutually distances in a perpendicular direction from a tire circumferential line.

Abstract: A method for preparing a portion of a tire for repair includes the steps of providing a template having a pair of guide edges, securing the template to an interior surface of the tire, providing a tool for forming a discontinuity in the interior surface of the tire, forming a discontinuity in the interior surface of the tire, with the tool, along the guide edges of the template, and removing the template from the tire.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for preparing a tire surface for receiving a tire patch. Such methods include selecting a desired depth marking template for use in forming one or more depth marking apertures within a tire surface and within a desired tire patch application area, each of the one or more depth marking apertures having a desired depth corresponding to a desired depth of the patch receiving area, the template having one or more openings extending through a thickness of the template corresponding to the one or more marking apertures to be formed. The methods further include forming one or more depth marking apertures within the tread by inserting a material removal member of a power tool into each of the one or more openings in the template, the power tool removing tire material to the desired depth for each aperture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a buffer brush. When rotating, the buffer brush acts as a centrifugal pump. The buffer brush contains a core having a first side and a second side and the brush extends racially from the surface of the core. The first and second sides have at least one opening configured to allow air to flow laterally through the core. Vents on the surface of the cure are configured to allow air flowing laterally through the core to also flow radially through the vents into the brush.

Abstract: A method for effecting a repair and/or strengthening of a pipe. The method comprises cleaning an affected area of a surface of the pipe to provide a cleaned surface of the pipe surface for an area requiring repair; applying a continuous strip around the pipe from a portion prior to the affected area and allowing the continuous strip to extend to a portion after the affected area. The continuous strip forms a spiral sleeve spaced from the pipe surface to provide an annular chamber between the pipe surface and the spiral sleeve.

Abstract: Methods are provided for strengthening (e.g., repairing, structurally reinforcing, etc.) a fluid-system component by installing, as a circumferential wrap or a patch, a radiation-curable composite laminate. Kits including composite repair materials and equipment for implementing the methods are also provided. Examples of fluid-system components that may be strengthened include pipework, pipelines, transmission pipelines, distribution pipelines, gathering lines, oil risers, gas risers, process piping, girth welds on pipelines or vessels, tanks, vessels, elbows, tees, flanges, and high-pressure injection lines.

Abstract: An apparatus that accelerates curing of resin in a liner for a buried pipe includes a lining assembly connected to a pressurized fluid source. One embodiment includes an inversion cap having an inversion port, a curing port and a drainage port. The apparatus also includes a manifold having an outlet, a first inlet in valved fluid communication with a heated fluid source, a second inlet in valved fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and a third inlet in valved fluid communication with the drainage port. While heated fluid enters the first end of the assembly via the manifold, a release fitting which allows fluids to escape through the second end thereof.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method that includes coupling portions of one or more members using at least one impact driven fastener. At least one impact driven fastener includes at least one penetrating portion formed of plastic, and at least one head portion having a heat deformation temperature less than about 250° F. Plastic of the penetrating portion provides the penetrating portion with a flexural strength greater than about 9500 psi. The method also includes applying heat to at least partially deform the head portion of at least one fastener.

Abstract: A winding machine (1) according to one embodiment includes a frame (2) that is installed inside an existing pipe (200), a joining mechanism (4) for joining a plastic strip (100), and a wheel (6) for supporting the joining mechanism (4) on an inner surface of the existing pipe (200). The joining mechanism (4) includes an inner roller (42) and an outer roller (43) that sandwich the plastic strip (100) from inside and outside. The wheel (6) includes a rotational shaft at a position different from positions of rotational shafts of the inner roller (42) and the outer roller (43). The outer roller (43) of the joining mechanism (4) is maintained in a state of being separated from the inner surface of the existing pipe (200).

Abstract: Included are tread bands for use on retreaded tires and methods for retreading a tire using such tread bands. Embodiments of such tread bands include a primary groove having a top opening that is open to a ground contacting front face of the tread band and a secondary groove having a bottom opening that is open to a back face of the tread band. The groove top of the secondary groove is higher than a groove bottom of the primary groove so that the secondary groove top is opened to the ground contacting front face of the tread band prior to disappearance by wear of the primary groove. Particular embodiments may also further include an overflow reservoir having a reservoir opening that is open to the back face of the tread band, the reservoir opening being positioned adjacent to an edge of the secondary groove bottom opening.

Abstract: Embodiments include a retreaded tire having a precured tread band bonded to a prepared bonding surface of a base portion of the tire. The precured tread band may include a tread groove having a bottom and a top, the top of the groove open to a ground contacting front face of the tread band, the precured tread band further comprising a back face, the back face bonded to a prepared bonding surface of a base portion of the tire. A base groove may be formed in the base portion of the tire and open to the prepared bonding surface of the tire, wherein the tread groove bottom is aligned over a length of the base groove. In some embodiments, the tread groove bottom may be open to the base groove over at least 50% or the entire length of the base groove.

Abstract: A retread tire and methods for its manufacture, the retread tire having a precured tread band bonded to a prepared bonding surface of a base portion of the tire. The precured tread band includes a back face bonded to the prepared bonding surface of the base portion of the tire and a tread groove bottom portion that extends below the back face of the tread band. The tread groove bottom portion may optionally include a void portion of the tread groove and may include the bottom wall of the tread groove and/or just the side walls of the bottom portion of the tread groove. Also included may be a base groove formed in the base portion of the tire and open to the prepared bonding surface of the tire, wherein the tread groove bottom of the tread groove is embedded within the base groove.

Abstract: A repair assembly is provided for repairing a pipe that in one embodiment includes a layer of thermoplastic material substantially surrounding the pipe in an area needing repair; a heating element located to provide heat to the layer of thermoplastic material; and an overpress at least partially surrounding the pipe and the layer of thermoplastic material. The layer of thermoplastic material may be configured as a sleeve surrounding the pipe, and the sleeve may be configured in two semicylindrical halves with longitudinal seams where the semicylindrical halves meet. The seams extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the sleeve may further include outwardly extending flanges along the edges of the semicylindrical halves at the seams.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying a patch to an interior surface of a tire, the apparatus comprising a patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior surface of the tire, the patch holder comprising a patch receptacle and a plurality of orifices extending there through in fluid communication with a vacuum source, and, an adhesive barrier surrounding the patch receptacle. The steps of a method include placing a patch into a patch receptacle in a tire patch holder, the patch holder having the top surface shaped to a contour of the interior tire surface, directing the patch holder to obliquely contact the interior surface of the tire, and, pressing the patch into substantial adhesive contact with the interior tire surface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more embodiments of and methods to repair a flexible pipe. A method to repair damaged flexible fiber-reinforced pipe which includes a plurality of helically-wrapped stacks of laminated strips of material is disclosed. The method includes removing a portion of existing stacks from a damage location, applying an adhesive to a surface of replacement stacks, installing the replacement stacks to the damage location, binding the replacement stacks to remaining existing stacks with the applied adhesive, and installing a replacement jacket over the replacement stacks.

Abstract: A method and system for retreading a tyre; the method including the steps of: removing the worn tread from the tyre; winding a green-rubber cushion about the tyre; forming at least one longitudinal groove in an inner surface of a tread strip; applying to the inner surface of the tread strip a green-rubber strip which is inserted inside the longitudinal groove to fill the longitudinal groove; winding the tread strip about the tyre and on top of the green-rubber cushion; and curing the tyre fitted with the green-rubber cushion and the tread strip.

Abstract: The present inventions includes methods and apparatus for preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the methods having steps that include forming an edge along an opening within the tire, the edge extending between an interior and an exterior surface of the tire and including one or more tire reinforcement endings, the edge being formed to include an alternating arrangement of tire reinforcement endings. Particular embodiments of the present invention includes methods of preparing a portion of a tire for repair, the method having steps that include forming an edge within an opening of a tire, said edge extending between an interior and exterior tire surface and including one or more reinforcement endings of the tire; and, applying a wrap about the edge to substantially cover the one or more tire reinforcement endings.

Abstract: Patches consisting of transparent or translucent shape memory material can be manufactured so as to affect repair of transparent or translucent parts that have been damaged. These patches can be used to cover cracks and holes or provide additional structural support for the damaged parts. The patches can vary greatly in size and properties depending on the desired application.

Abstract: Methods and a tire patch for repairing a damaged tire portion are provided. In one embodiment, such method includes the steps of: buffing an interior surface of the tire about a perimeter of the damaged tire portion to form a patch receiving surface, the interior surface being buffed to a depth sufficient to place a tire patch reinforcement of a tire patch a distance of approximately 3 millimeters or less from a damaged tire reinforcement; covering the damaged portion by applying a pre-assembled patch to the patch receiving surface along the interior surface of the tire, the tire patch sized to cover the damaged area, such patch including a reinforcement layer interposed between an air-impermeable layer and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being at least partially uncured for facilitating attachment of the repair patch to the tire; and, curing the patch to the tire.

Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.

Abstract: A method of forming a planter includes providing a first tire portion and a second tire portion each including an outer wall and a peripheral wall of a tire. The outer walls each have an aperture therein bounded by a perimeter edge. The peripheral walls of the first and second tire portions have a free edge positioned opposite of the outer wall. The first and second tire portions are each inverted so that an inner side of each of the peripheral walls of the first and second tire portions is directed outwardly. The free edge of the first tire portion is positioned within an opening defined by the free edge of the second tire portion. The peripheral wall of the second tire portion extends around and is coextensive with free edge of the first tire portion to form a planter.

Abstract: A method of producing a retreaded tire capable of simplifying the process is proposed. A tire casing 2 provided with a tread rubber is put into a bag 3 made of a resin film and air remaining inside the bag 3 is evacuated to perform a sealing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to power engineering, in particular to a method for restoring a radial clearance between the stator and rotor parts of a turbogenerating set during reparation of the flow section thereof.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a construction material constructed from a plurality of flexible strips, the strips are helically wound upon one another to form a tire pole. The tire pole may incorporate bolts, nails, screws and polymers for securing the flexible strips to one another. The construction material is generally constructed from discarded tires and may comprise a utility pole, a guardrail, a signpost and may be suitable for many other construction applications.

Abstract: A composite lined tube is disclosed having end couplings. The tube includes a resin impregnated fiber preform pressed progressively along an inner wall of the tube. The tube may further include an inflatable bladder inserted into the tube. The bladder is adapted to inflate along a length thereof on application of increasing pressure to the interior of the bladder. The bladder has disposed on its exterior surface the fiber preform impregnated with resin, which is adapted to fit within the tube. The bladder is then inflated along its length by applying increasing pressure to the bladder. The preform is clamped to a shoulder of one of the couplings at another end of the tube, and the end of the preform is trimmed to conform to the shoulder. Pressure is maintained in the bladder while curing the resin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for vulcanizing or cross-linking under pressure and increased temperature shaped bodies that consist especially of rubber mixtures. The shaped body is first dipped into a bed of fine-grained pourable or free-flowing bulk material with the sections to be vulcanized and the bulk material is brought into evenly tight contact with the surfaces of the shaped body while the bulk material is pressurized and brought to the elevated temperature at least in the region adjoining the section of the shaped body to be vulcanized.

Abstract: An apparatus for retreading tires is disclosed. The apparatus has a rotatable hub for the mounting of a buffed tire casing. The apparatus also has a cushion gum applicator that is configured to stretch a length of cushion gum onto a tire casing. Further, the apparatus has a tread dispenser that is configured to automatically dispense a length of tire tread based on the circumference of at least one of the tire casing and the tire casing plus the cushion gum. Further still, the apparatus includes a tread applicator that is configured to stretch the length of tire tread onto the cushion gum. The entire apparatus including the cushion gum applicator, the tread dispenser, and the tread applicator are integrated into a single tire bench machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting tire rings from tires. The tire is held in a tire guide. A moveably drive roller is positioned and, in one position the roller is pressing against the treaded portion of the tire, causing a bulge directed radially towards an inside of the tire, and rotating the tire. At least one moveable blade is arranged on a shaft outside of an opening in the tire and the blade being guidable into the inside of the tire through the opening and further guidable towards any position on the inside of the bulge for cutting the rotating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a railroad crosstie made from used tires. The tires are cut radially and the sidewalls are removed. Longitudinal and lateral cuts along the inner surface are preferably made to facilitate flattening. Opposing inner surfaces are joined as sets and then stacked and bundled to form a railroad crosstie.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating laminations to form structural elements of predetermined shapes (120, 220, 420, 520, 620) are provided. Laminations include parts (22, 24) fabricated from the tread portion (42) of discarded rubber tires. The parts are typically arranged in layers with various relationships therebetween. The parts are pressed to remove all voids therebetween causing dynamic tension which creates rigidity and then bonded with methods including vulcanization, chemical vulcanization, epoxy and adhesive.

Abstract: A pipe liner bag everting nozzle is provided for allowing an operator to freely access a manhole during a lining operation. A pipe liner bag everting nozzle comprises a guide tube fixing end for fixing one end of a guide tube, and a pipe liner bag fixing end for fixing a folded end of an uneverted pipe liner bag passed through the guide tube, wherein the guide tube fixing end has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pipe liner bag fixing end. Since a guide tube having a smaller diameter than that of a pipe line to be repaired (or the pipe liner bag) can be used, a sufficient gap is formed between the guide tube and the manhole, thereby allowing the operator to freely access the manhole during the lining operation for inspection and confirmation of a lining situation.

Abstract: Aggregates and constructs made from pieces of recycled tires, and engineered for drainage and other construction purposes are provided. The present particle aggregates and constructs can be designed and manufactured with defined gradations and engineering properties to allow for the specifically desired engineering parameters such as permeability, compressibility, rigidity, compactability, density, and resistance to movement and other frictional characteristics. Embodiments of the invention can be created to have defined engineering properties that can be maintained for desired lengths of time, such as compressibility and permeability to the flow of gases or liquids. Thus, the present invention can have myriad embodiments, configurations and properties depending upon the exact engineering construction environment in which a particular embodiment will be used.