Abstract: A cosmetic part is formed via compression molding in a single molding operation with no post processing by forming an assemblage of feed constituents, wherein the assemblage includes plural fiber-bundle-based preforms and one or more resin-only constituents, the latter configured and positioned as appropriate to create resin-rich cosmetic layers where desired on the part.

Abstract: A liquid blow molding method molds a bottomed tubular-shaped preform into a liquid-containing container in which a content liquid is held. The liquid blow molding method includes: a first molding step of liquid blow molding the preform into a halfway shape by supplying, into the preform that has been heated to a predetermined temperature, a first liquid at a predetermined pressure through a nozzle unit; and a second molding step, performed after the first molding step, of liquid blow molding the preform by supplying a second liquid into the preform at a predetermined pressure through the nozzle unit.

Abstract: A method for producing an aircraft structural component includes the steps of introducing a plurality of semi-finished product layers for producing a component from a fibre-reinforced, thermoplastic plastic material into a compression mould, applying pressure to the stacked semi-finished product layers, the stacked semi-finished product layers being fixed, before pressure is applied, at particular points in their position in the compression mould and/or relative to one another in such a way that, while pressure is being applied to the semi-finished product layers stacked in the compression mould, a sliding movement of the semi-finished product layers relative to one another and/or relative to the compression mould, preventing wrinkling in the semi-finished product layers, takes place, and removing the aircraft structural component from the compression mould.

Abstract: A flat laminate element made of thermoplastic is hot-formed in a two-stage method. In a first stage, the flat laminate which includes film(s) and/or panels(n) is placed on a flat frame-shaped pallet and is heated to a forming temperature in a heating zone between two flat heat screens in a contactless manner. The edge zone of the hot flat laminate element lies on the pallet such that the laminate piece cannot be clamped in a first laminate direction but rather can be slide on the pallet in this direction. Two non-flat rigid contours which are identical or largely identical act on two opposing parallel laminate edge sections uniaxially and perpendicularly to the laminate plane and only in the first laminate direction, i.e. monodirectionally, and shape the entire heated laminate element into a monodirectionally molded blank.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming transducer diaphragms are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of producing a transducer diaphragm includes receiving a workpiece between a first forming tool and a second forming tool. The workpiece can have an inner boundary defining a central aperture. The workpiece with the aperture is compressed between the first and second forming tools to form the transducer diaphragm.

Abstract: A paperboard blank and cup made therefrom are provided. The blank includes a paperboard substrate having a first side and a second side. A first polymer layer can be disposed on at least a portion of the first side of the paperboard substrate, and a second polymer layer can be disposed on at least a portion of the second side of the paperboard substrate. Both the first and second polymer layers can include at least one polymer component that is thermoplastic. The second polymer layer further comprises at least one polymer component, which is not present in the first polymer layer, and has a glass transition temperature higher than all the polymer components of the first polymer layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming annular doses of synthetic plasticised material supplied from an extruder, in which the doses are applied to a surface of a capsule and the seals of the capsules are then compression-formed. The apparatus includes one tubular wall that has a longitudinal axis and is axially movable for closing an annular outlet from which the synthetic plasticised material exits with a component that is normal to the longitudinal axis. The tubular wall has a cutting edge that shears the plasticised material during the closing movement in order to separate the annular dose, formed outside the outlet, from the material that remains inside the outlet.

Abstract: High stereoregularity, highly active catalytic performance, and good hydrogen response can be obtained by homopolymerizing propylene in the presence of a catalyst that includes a solid catalyst component including titanium, magnesium, a halogen, a carbonate compound represented by the following formula, and a diether compound. Excellent polymerization behavior can also be obtained when effecting random copolymerization or block copolymerization. R1—O—C(?O)—O—Z—O—R2??(1) wherein R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon group or a substituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, or a heteroatom-containing group, provided that R1 and R2 are either identical or different, and Z is a linking group that links two oxygen atoms through a carbon atom or a carbon chain.

Abstract: A vacuum heat-insulation material includes: at least one first fiber member; at least one second member that is placed around an outer peripheral part of the at least one first fiber member and that is thinner than an inner part; and at least one shell material that surrounds the at least one first fiber member and the at least one second fiber member.

Abstract: Poly[(3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid)-co-(lactic acid)] can be produced from renewable feedstocks, possesses tunable degradation, and can achieve adhesion strengths rivaling the performance of existing glues and adhesives. In one aspect, a polymer is presented. The polymer includes poly[(3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid)-co-(lactic acid)]. The polymer can be an adhesive. The adhesive is configured to have tunable degradation. The polymer is derived from renewable resources. The renewable resources can include any one of or a combination of starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, chitin, polyphenols, poly (isoprene), suberin, polyterpenes, polyterpenoids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, rosin-based polymers, triglyceride-based polymers, alginates, and/or proteins.

Abstract: A high pressure high temperature packer features an actuation assembly of a plurality of rings rotationally locked to a mandrel and initially spaced apart. A pressure actuated piston responsive to tubing pressure pushes the actuation rings together. Spring discs also rotationally locked to the mandrel are between pairs of actuation rings that feature a circumferential protrusion. On application of axial force the protrusion engages a sloping portion of the spring disc and moves the sloping portion toward a more vertical orientation. A corrugated tube surrounds the spring discs with a curled end of each spring disc engaged to an internal tube corrugation. A seal element is on the external corrugations of the tube. The spring discs expand the tube to bring the sealing element and external tube peaks to the borehole wall. Slots in the spring disc allow irregular growth of the tube to conform to surface irregularities.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional fiber fabrics and three-dimensional component preforms include clamping at least two edge regions of an overall convex body made a fiber fabric and then reshaping at least one to-be-reshaped region of the overall convex body into a concave region. Devices for manufacturing three-dimensional fiber fabrics and three-dimensional component preforms include a workpiece carrier for supporting the overall convex body, a clamping device that clamps the at least two edge regions of the overall convex body and a re-molding tool that re-shapes the at least one to-be-reshaped region of the overall convex body into the concave region.

Abstract: A die structure has a first die, a second die that comes in contact with and separate from the first die, a heating unit provided in at least one of the first and second dies, and a transfer member provided in at least one of the first and second dies that brings a resin sheet supplied between the first and second dies into contact with a transfer surface and carrying out transfer molding, and a recess site formed on the transfer member near the transfer surface.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for forming objects by forming a sheet of thermoformable material includes a thermal conditioning station including a kiln for heating the material to an operating temperature, and a heating station positioned downstream of the thermal conditioning station and including a heating device to heat set portions of the material to a temperature near a softening temperature of the material. In order to reduce reject material at the restart of the apparatus following machine downtime, the kiln and the heating device are positioned near one another in such a manner that a part of the material interposed between the thermal conditioning station and the heating station is heated by the heat generated by a kiln and/or by the heating device.

Abstract: There are provided a molding apparatus and a battery tray manufactured thereby. The molding apparatus for molding a sheet that is fed along a first plane and manufacturing a battery tray includes an upper mold configured to press at least a part of the sheet from above the first plane to below the first plane and a lower mold configured to press at least a part of the sheet from below the first plane to above the first plane. It is possible to minimize a thickness of a product in a tray in which depths of battery accommodating grooves are large and to prevent incomplete molding from being generated.

Abstract: A pattern forming device uses a template having a plurality of protrusions and recesses configured to imprint a reverse image thereof on a resin on a substrate. The pattern forming device has a holding part, a stage, a driving part, and a curing part. The holding part includes a contact portion having a friction reducing contact portion, which is configured to engage against the template to hold the template. The stage carries the substrate. The driving part is configured to move at least one of the holding part and the stage to have the pattern in contact with the resin. The curing part cures the resin. The contact portion has a main body portion configured to move forward/backward with respect to the template and a tip portion arranged on the main body portion.

Abstract: An input signal Sx in a first millimeter-wave frequency band higher than 100 GHz is input to a millimeter-wave band filter 20 in which a pair of radio wave half mirrors 30A and 30B so as to opposite to each other and which performs a resonance operation. A signal component Sa corresponding to the resonance frequency of the filter is extracted, is mixed with a first local signal L1 with a fixed frequency, and is converted into a signal in a second frequency band. The converted signal component Sb is mixed with a second local signal L2 whose frequency is swept and is converted into a signal in a predetermined intermediate frequency band. Then, the level of the signal is detected. The millimeter-wave filter 20 has high selectivity characteristics in a frequency domain higher than 100 GHz and can change its passband center frequency.

Abstract: A method for making objects by forming a thermoformable sheet material includes forming the objects by interaction of a die assembly and a forming assembly. The method further includes, compressing and crushing a first portion of the sheet material by a crushing punch device before forming the objects and maintaining the first portion crushed during the forming operation to reduce the thickness thereof and to orientate chains of molecules that compose a structure of the sheet material at the first portion, in order to weaken the structure and the first portion. The first portion is thus easily perforable, tearable and breakable.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-resistant resin composite excellent in heat resistance and bending properties. This heat-resistant resin composite is constituted of a matrix resin and reinforcing fibers dispersed in the matrix resin. The matrix resin is constituted of a heat-resistant thermoplastic polymer having a glass transition temperature of 100° C. or higher, and a polyester-based polymer comprising a terephthalic acid unit (A) and an isophthalic acid unit (B) at a copolymerization proportion (molar ratio) of (A)/(B)=100/0 to 40/60. The proportion of the heat-resistant thermoplastic polymer in the composite is 30 to 80 wt %.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an at least partially bioresorbable implant, the method comprising the steps of: providing an at least partially bioresorbable precursor containing a polymeric material; and forming an implant by forging the precursor. An at least partially bioresorbable forged implant containing a polymeric material.

Abstract: A covering cap, in particular for placing on a skin analyzer, contains an end wall bounded by a circumferential edge, and a circumferential wall adjoining the circumferential edge of the end wall. At least one part of the covering cap has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the circumferential wall in a portion of the circumferential wall that lies in the region or end of the circumferential wall remote from the end wall. The end wall is of a gas-permeable configuration.

Abstract: A method for making a molded composite article includes the steps of: providing a sleeve body on a pressing portion of a male mold body, the sleeve body being made of a heat-expansible material and having a primary engaging segment and an abutting segment; disposing a composite laminate material on a female mold body; moving the male mold body provided with the sleeve body toward the female mold body while the male mold body and the female mold body are heated; continuing to move the male mold body so that the pressing portion extends into the abutting segment and presses the composite laminate material to form the molded composite article; and separating the male mold body from the female mold body and removing the molded composite article.

Abstract: A formed ligneous body which has high degrees of scratch-, water- and weather-proof properties, a decorative design surface with a natural and fine woody grain, and high degrees of aesthetic dignity and ligneous properties. The formed ligneous body includes a surface layer portion 12 fiber cells of which are impregnated with a first resin material in a cured state and which has a decorative design surface 18, and a base layer portion 14 fiber cells of which are impregnated with a second resin material in a cured state, the surface layer portion and the base layer portion being formed integrally with each other in a flow molding process, such that an amount of change of relative positions of the fiber cells of the surface layer portion 12 caused in the flow molding process is smaller than an amount of change of relative positions of the fiber cells of the base layer portion 14 caused in the flow molding process.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer article excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability and a production method of the polymer article. The polymer article of the present invention is formed of a polymer material and is a polymer blank or a formed polymer body. The polymer article of the present invention has a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%. A method for producing a polymer article of the present invention includes: a heating step of heating the polymer material to a temperature of not lower than (Tm?70)° C. but lower than Tm(° C.) where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the polymer material; and a compression step of cooling the polymer material heated in the heating step and compressing the polymer material in the course of the cooling to obtain a polymer article having a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions are described that exhibit resistance to hydrocarbon absorption. Methods for forming the thermoplastic compositions are also described. Formation methods include combining a polyarylene sulfide with a first impact modifier and a second impact modifier such that the impact modifiers are dispersed throughout the polyarylene sulfide. A crosslinking agent can be combined with the other components of the composition following dispersal of the additives throughout the composition to dynamically crosslink at least one of the first and second impact modifiers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation block, preferably an insulation plate, in which method the casting mould is adjusted to a desired size by moving at least one wall of the casting mould, the pre-expanded polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene beads are led to the casting mould, the pre-expanded polymer beads are steamed in the casting mould, and the formed finished insulation block is removed from the mould. In a method according to the invention at least one wall of the casting mould is moved during the steaming and/or during the cooling phase after the steaming.

Abstract: Methods for making interior panels are provided. In one example, a method for making an interior panel comprises the steps of heating a fiber reinforced composite blank to form a heated fiber reinforced composite blank. The heated fiber reinforced composite blank is compression molded to shape and cool the heated fiber reinforced composite blank. The heated fiber reinforced composite blank is pierced with a plurality of pins during compression molding to form a shaped, perforated fiber reinforced composite substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a board using crosslinked polylactic acid and a method for preparing same, and more specifically, to a board using the crosslinked polylactic acid which has superior processing properties during the preparation process and superior water-resistant properties after processing, by using a composition comprising the crosslinked polylactic acid and wood fiber, and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A method for providing at least one component of a snowboard binding, comprising the steps consisting in: using a material of the SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) type, constituted by discontinuous fibers of carbon or glass or hybrid, arranged randomly and interposed between two layers of polymeric resin; arranging the material in a mold for a step of pressure molding by means of metallic mold parts; performing the pressure molding step at a temperature and a pressure that are higher than the ambient values, with a low or high flow of material to fill the cavity of the mold; extracting the component from the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reinforcing a predetermined edge region of a hole in a hole region of a workpiece, the edge region comprising an edge of the hole, the hole region comprising thermoplastically bound fibers, preferably a thermoplastically bund fiber tangle, comprising the steps: providing the workpiece with a softened thermoplastic binder at least in the hole region, penetrating the hole region of the workpiece in a penetration direction with displacement of fibers with a spike, after penetration: scraping fibers from the spike contrary to the penetration direction by a scraper part mobile relative to the spike, and compacting the predetermined edge region surrounding the spike with a pressing surface of the scraper part relative to workpiece regions of the hole region located radially outside the edge region.

Abstract: A method of making a polylactic acid based article includes: (a) providing a sheet having a crystallinity ranging from 0% to 15% and including a polylactic acid polymer composition, the polylactic acid polymer composition having a polylactic acid polymer, a copolyester polymer, and a crystal nucleating agent; (b) heating the sheet to maintain a surface of the sheet at a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 105° C. while keeping the crystallinity of the sheet lower than 20%; and (c) thermoforming the sheet in a mold having a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 130° C. so as to form a polylactic acid based article having a crystallinity ranging from 35% to 45%.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a clamp-integrated wiring harness protector for assembling, in which a man-hour for assembling the protector is unnecessary, and workability upon assembling with a wiring harness is satisfactory, and the wiring harness is protected after assembling, and the protector can be produced at low cost. The clamp-integrated wiring harness protector for assembling including: a sheet-shaped portion; and a clamp portion integrally formed with the sheet-shaped portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for programming a shape memory polymer, which comprises at least one switching segment having at least one thermal phase transition and covalent and/or non-covalent cross-linking points such that the shape memory polymer after the programming thereof is in a position to transition from a programmed temporary shape into the permanent shape thereof, following a temperature increase to a temperature that at least corresponds to a switching temperature (Tswitch, T?max).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a connector for a container for medical use intended to administer fluid, the connector including a main body defining an inner channel for fluid to pass through and at least one continuous or discontinuous bead, projecting inside the channel. The method includes: a) producing a tubular conduit with no bead projecting inside the channel, b) inserting at least partially into the tubular conduit a mandrel having, on its outer surface, at least one continuous or discontinuous annular recess, whose dimensions and shape correspond to those of a continuous or discontinuous bead to be formed in the inner channel, c) partially heating the tubular conduit, the part including at least the conduit portion placed at the at least one recess when the mandrel has been positioned in the tubular conduit, such that the material of the tubular conduit fills the at least one recess.

Abstract: A tether for attachment to a damper device is formed to include a heated, reshaped enlarged bulbous end.

Abstract: A shock absorption member which is lightweight, has a high degree of freedom in shape, and is capable of efficiently absorbing shock energy, is provided. A shock absorption member including a bottom surface part and an upright part provided on the bottom surface part, in which at least one of the bottom surface part and the upright part includes a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite material including a thermoplastic resin, and the other may include a thermoplastic resin, and in which the amount of the thermoplastic resin present therein is 30 to 1,000 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of carbon fibers, and the average fiber length of the carbon fibers is 3 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A molding system 10 for manufacturing a molded article Q by integrally molding a sheet-shaped insert member S and a molding material R, the molding system comprising: a sheet supply part 20 configured to supply the insert member S; a sheet heating part 30 configured to heat the insert member S; a molding apparatus 100 configured to form the molded article Q by integrally molding the insert member S and the molding material R; an ejector 200 including a delivery position 222 and configured to transfer the insert member S between the sheet heating part 30 and the molding apparatus 100 and to eject and transfer the molded article Q from the molding apparatus; and a transfer robot configured to transfer the insert member S or the molded article Q between the sheet supply part 20 and the ejector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite components. A tool is present for use in manufacturing composite components. The tool comprises an encapsulation layer having a shape, an insulation layer on the encapsulation layer, and an isolation layer on the insulation layer. The isolation layer has an outer surface capable of contacting a composite material laid up on the outer surface. The insulation layer is capable of insulating the encapsulation layer from heat applied to the composite material. The encapsulation layer is capable of maintaining a shape with the composite material laid up on the isolation layer during a curing process to form a composite component from the composite material.

Abstract: Draw a polymer composition by providing a polymer composition containing an orientable polymer having a softening temperature and a filler; conditioning the temperature of the polymer composition at or below its softening temperature; and drawing the polymer composition at a draw rate of at least 127 centimeters per minute in order to achieve an oriented filled polymer composition demonstrating a stable extent of cavitation with draw rate.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: A molded casing suitable for a handheld electronic device is provided. The handheld electronic device includes a body and the molded casing, and at least one part of the body is covered with the molded casing. The molded casing is in a uniform thickness and has a continuous mosaic surface. The mosaic surface is composed of a plurality of non-coplanar polygons, wherein an intersection line is formed between any two adjacent polygons. An end of any one of the intersection lines is connected to an end of another intersection line or an edge of the mosaic surface, and an equivalence radius of a vertex angle at each intersection line is less than or equal to 0.1 millimeter. A mold assembly and a forming method for fabricating the molded case are also provided.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming a tamper-resistant/tamper-evident container includes forming a cover portion that includes an outwardly extending peripheral flange, forming a base portion including an upper peripheral rim and a skirt depending downwardly therefrom. The upper peripheral rim is configured to communicate with at least a portion of the outwardly extending peripheral flange of the cover portion to hinder access to the container when the container is closed. Forming a hinge joining the cover portion and the base portion such that the vertical height of the hinge correlates with the height of the skirt that depends downwardly from the base portion when the height of the skirt is substantially uniform around the perimeter of the container and forming at least one line of weakness in the hinge, the line of weakness is severed to facilitate removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.

Abstract: A method for making a piece of figured veneer comprises softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, and advancing the sheet of veneer between a first roller having a semi-flexible outer surface and a second roller. Apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer comprises a device for softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, and first and second rollers between which the sheet of veneer is pressed. The first roller has a semi-flexible outer surface.

Abstract: A molded discrete low stress gasket is constructed of restructured filled PTFE for use in corrosive or severe chemical environments under relatively low bolt loads. The gasket has a gasket surface and includes a raised outer sealing ring and a raised inner sealing ring. The gasket may constructed from a restructured filled PTFE material, with the sealing rings deforming at lower pressures than the remaining portions of the gasket.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a method and apparatus for producing a press molded article from a sheet that contains carbon fibers and a thermoplastic resin, said method and apparatus having improved production efficiency by reducing the heating time; and a press molded article which contains carbon fibers and a thermoplastic resin and is prevented from deterioration in the properties inherent in the starting materials. The present invention provides a press molded article containing carbon fibers and a thermoplastic resin, which is characterized in that: (i) the carbon fibers are contained in an amount of 5-50 vol % in 100 vol % of the press molded article; (ii) the press molded article has a volume resistivity of from 5×10?3 to 1×10?1 ?·cm; and (iii) the press molded article has a thickness of 0.25-30 mm.

Abstract: Base for a food container includes a base member having a perimeter and a central region, a retaining ring of height H and width W formed between the perimeter and the central region, and extending upwardly from the central region, and a plurality of recesses in the retaining ring, each recess extending across the width W of the retaining ring from the perimeter toward the central region of the base member. Container further includes a lid having a perimeter configured to engage the perimeter of the base member. Method of making a food container is also provided.

Abstract: A method of fine surface finishing a cladding tube for a nuclear fuel element comprising a cladding tube containing fuel pellets, comprises heating the tube to thermal creep temperatures (e.g., 1750-2000 degrees Celsius) for sapphire and forming inner and outer surfaces of the tube to reduce ridge heights while limiting changes in the crystalline structure of the bulk of the tube. Alternatively, the tube may be placed in a mould and heating the tube-mould assembly to the range of the creep temperature of the sapphire at which differential thermal expansion of the mould and tube cause pressure at an interface between the sapphire and the mould. Maintaining the assembly at an upper end of the creep temperature range allows creep to progress and relieve stresses resulting from the pressure; and cooling the assembly to allow the sapphire tube to part from the mould and be withdrawn.

Abstract: Polymeric blends having improved flame retardance properties and good ductility at low temperatures are disclosed. The blend is formed from (A) a photoactive additive that is a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin containing a photoactive group derived from a dihydroxybenzophenone; and (B) a polymer resin which is different from the photoactive additive. The additive can be a compound, oligomer, or polymer. When exposed to ultraviolet light, crosslinking will occur between the photoactive additive and the polymer resin, enhancing the chemical resistance and flame retardance while maintaining ductility.

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a lower extremity of a patient are provided. Modular components include a base, multiple strut connectors, and multiple longitudinal struts. The base is selected from a collection of bases. The multiple strut connectors are selected from a collection of strut connectors, each strut connector being adjustably connectable to the base along the periphery of the base. The multiple longitudinal struts are selected from a collection of struts, each strut including a thermoplastic-fiber composite material, each strut being connectable to the base along the base periphery via one of the strut connectors. At least one of the component collections includes at least one of multiple sizes or multiple shapes of bases, struts or strut connectors, respectively. The prosthetic socket circumscribes a proximally-open internal space configured to conform to the residual limb of the patient.