Abstract: A process of manufacturing a pneumatic tire (300) with oppositely disposed annularly-shaped beads (324) for mounting on flange shoulders (304) of a wheel rim (302) with the opposed beads (324) spaced apart from one another by a distance “i”. The process comprises the steps of: forming a green tire assembly (308) including a tread (312), and a carcass (316) with a ply (320) and opposed sidewalls (318) that each include a radial inner-end bead portion (322) with one of the beads (324) and wherein each bead portion (322) is spaced apart from one another by a distance “f”. The green tire assembly (308) is cured by applying pressure thereto at an elevated temperature in a vulcanization mold (400). The process is characterized by the steps of spacing the opposed beads (324) apart from one another by a distance “g” which is substantially equal to the distance “f” therebetween when the green tire assembly (308) was formed.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to the area of a composite part masked by a secondary feature comprises the steps of positioning a pressure augmentation strip in contact with the masked area, securing a pressure transfer wedge on each of two sides of the secondary feature, such that pressure is transferred to the pressure augmentation strip during co-curing/co-bonding, and co-curing/co-bonding the composite part and the secondary feature. When the area between the composite part and the secondary feature is fairly large, the method can comprise the further steps of positioning a sine wave spring between the pressure augmentation strip and the secondary feature, injecting a structural paste adhesive into the voids around the sine wave spring, and curing the structural paste.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite sheet by joining a second of thermoplastic synthetic fiber and capable of inelastic extension to at least one surface of a first web capable of elastic strech and contraction in an intermittent manner. The process includes a step of extending the first web, a step of joining the second web to the extended first web and a step of extending the joined first and second webs.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven laminate and a process for producing the elastomeric nonwoven laminate are proved. The elastomeric nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven and a plurality of elastic strands. The plurality of elastic strands is attached to the first nonwoven while under a strain producing a corrugated intermediate laminate once the strain is relieved. A second nonwoven is joined to the corrugated intermediate laminate and subsequently mechanically activated forming an elastomeric nonwoven laminate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular film includes the steps of: winding a thermoplastic sheet film on a columnar member with at least two turns so that leading and trailing ends of the film are placed approximately on one normal line of an outer surface of the columnar member without overlapping each other; fitting a tubular molding member on the wound film; and connecting the leading and trailing ends of the film by heating at least the film, thereby forming the sheet film into the tubular film. The resulting tubular film has a high film thickness uniformity and suitable for a fixing film of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: In a pneumatic tire, a cord spacing between an axially outer cord layer and an axially inner cord layer such as: a turnup portion and a main portion of a carcass ply; or a bead reinforcing cord layer and a carcass ply turnup portion, is increased from the radially inside to the outside of the tire to improve the durability of the bead portion.

Abstract: A pair of rollers (2), constituting the seat and the traction means for the formwork (3) to be reinforced, are established on a bench (1). A pair of upper pressure rollers (12) act, at the same time, on the formwork. On the same bench (1) there are also placed, laterally with respect to the formwork (3), a pair of longitudinal guides (15) for the movement, in parallel to the formwork (3) of a carriage (14) wearing the fiberglass mesh delivering reel (13), said reel (13) being furthermore mounted on the carriage (14) with the possibility to rotate around the vertical axis, in order to vary the orientation of the fiberglass mesh with respect to the formwork (3).

Abstract: A sports racquet comprises a handle and a frame coupled to the handle. The frame includes an inner portion and an outer portion located substantially opposite the inner portion. The inner portion of the frame include a plurality of undulations that extend towards and away from a ball-hitting surface, the undulations reducing the unintended bunching and wrinkling of material that intermittently forms in the frame during the manufacturing process. The undulations can be varied by location, undulation length, undulation height, and frequency and can be used in racquets made from a variety of materials and methods.

Abstract: A laminate to be used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards is formed by contacting one surface of a layer of a conductive foil (e.g. copper foil) with protective-carrier sheeting (e.g., aluminum foil) and the other surface of the conductive foil with a dielectric layer (e.g., prepreg). The contacted layers are stacked and cut to desired dimensions. The process is performed without use of adhesive or mechanical attachment. Consequently, contamination and the occurrence of imperfections in the conductive foil of a laminate to be used in a printed wiring board can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A pultrusion machine for forming a laminated composite with a predetermined profile and the product obtained. The apparatus comprises at least two spools for supplying elongated reinforcements. A collator receives the elongated reinforcements and arranges the reinforcements in layered relationship to form a layered elongated bundle. A supply member wets the layered elongated bundle with plastisol to form a wetted elongated bundle. The wetted elongated bundle is transported through a pultrusion die wherein the wetted layered bundle is molded into the predetermined profile. A converting apparatus cures, or converts, the wetted layered bundle into the layered composite. A particularly preferred embodiment is an extrusion comprising a reinforcing material wherein said reinforcing material comprises a fiber reinforced plastisol.

Abstract: A two-piece tire assembly has a removable tread belt 12 for installing about the circumference of a tire carcass 14. The tread belt has a pair of lateral ends each axially extending beyond the inflated unloaded carcass 14 at the circumferential surface by a distance of at least 4% of the width as measured at the tread belt 12 and carcass 14 interface. The carcass 14 has an abrasion resistant rubber layer 82 at the tread belt interface. The tread belt 12 also has the abrasion resistance tread compound 82 at the carcass 14 interface.

Abstract: Laminates of thermoplastic films and nonwoven fibrous webs are made at high speeds on the order of about 700 fpm to about 1200 fpm. Bond strengths of film and nonwoven laminates are effectively controlled to make breathable laminates at high speeds. Air cooling devices cause the air to flow substantially parallel to the extruded plastic web during drawdown and provide a plurality of cooling air vortices to effectively cool the web. Film gauge control is also achieved by the method.

Abstract: The apparatus for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.

Abstract: A molded frame backboard assembly is disclosed including a unitary molded plastic frame and rebounding surface bonded thereto. The frame preferably is formed as one piece of plastic material having sufficient strength and rigidity to support the rebound surface and may include an internal reinforcing structure integrally molded therewith. The rebounding surface preferably is an acrylic sheet bonded at its edges to the peripheral edge of the frame. The peripheral edge of the frame is raised to support the rebounding surface such that, when attached, the rebounding surface sits flush with the peripheral edge of the frame so that the edges of the rebounding surface are not left exposed. The rebounding surface is bonded to the frame by flame treating or corona treating portions of the frame and applying an adhesive bonding material such as silicon thereto to secure the rebounding surface to the frame. A cavity is formed between the rebounding surface and the frame within the interior portion of the frame.

Abstract: The invention is a method for joining two components of a fluid system. The method involves forming a first flange on a first fluid component and placing the first flange in an abutting relationship with a second flange that is formed on a second fluid component. The abutting relationship may be such that conduit portions of the fluid components are axially aligned. The flanges may then be bonded together such that the bond encircles the conduits and prevents fluid from entering or exiting the system from the bond. A bond of this type also places the first and second components in fluid communication. The fluid system may be incorporated into a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a zipper without shift in injection molding comprises the steps of forming a bank of continuous zipper teeth at an edge of each of two parallel zipper strips by molding injection; wherein an inner side of each zipper strip has a respective connecting strip; scraping a part of zipper teeth on the zipper strip; melting two layers of films and coating the films on the upper and lower sides of the zipper strip; punching holes at inner lateral sides of the films, but the connecting strips are remained; guiding two zipper strips into an upper and a lower engaging piece molds; and tensioning the zipper strips within the molds; injection-molding engaging pieces; moving the molds from the zipper strips; cutting the zipper strips along the holes, thus forming the upper and lower engaging pieces of a zipper.

Abstract: A radial ply, passenger vehicle tire has a tread with a substantially flat tread profile, a belt structure, and a carcass comprising two sidewalls, two beads and one or more plies. The one or more plies have a loaded shoulder ply radius that is smaller than the tire's unloaded shoulder ply radius. This design eliminates tread-lift and eliminates the need for decoupling grooves in the shoulder regions of the tread.

Abstract: A method of blocking ophthalmic lenses for edging comprises providing an ophthalmic lens having first and second surfaces, providing a first block for securing against the first lens surface and a second block for securing against the second lens surface. The method then includes placing an adhesive layer on the first block, placing a film having cling properties between the adhesive layer and the first lens surface, and urging the first block toward the first lens surface and the second block toward the second lens surface. The film having cling properties provides sufficient bonding force between the adhesive layer and the first lens surface to prevent the ophthalmic lens from slipping in the blocks during edging thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a paperboard tube structure with an intermediate ply having cut-and-folded tabs to increase the effective thickness of the intermediate ply. The paperboard tube includes a plurality of paperboard plies wrapped one atop another about an axis with the intermediate ply positioned between an interior paperboard ply and an exterior paperboard ply. A plurality of cut-and-folded tabs are each created by a nonlinear incision in the intermediate ply that extends from a first endpoint to a second endpoint thereby creating a folding axis along a line from the first endpoint to the second endpoint. The tab is folded about the folding axis to overlie a region of the intermediate ply adjacent the folding axis. The tabs increase the effective thickness of the wall of the paperboard tube.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for making a spirally-wound tube from a hollow thermoplastic profile (1) having a substantially rectangular cross-section, which method comprises the steps of: winding the thermoplastic profile (1) around a drum (2) and joining adjacent loops together by welding, and smoothing the outer weld joint (13) by means of extra heat and a smoothing body resting against the weld joint (13).