Abstract: A fluid cushion is comprised of a top material layer having a first preformed cell pattern formed therein, and first seal lines pattern between cells, respectively, and a bottom material layer having a second preformed cell pattern formed therein. The second preformed pattern is congruent and complementary to the first preformed cell pattern and has a seal line matching the first seal lines, respectively. A first middle material layer has a third preformed cell pattern formed therein, with second seal lines between cells, respectively, the cells in the third preformed cell pattern being a fraction of the size of cells in the first preformed pattern. A second middle material layer has a fourth preformed cell pattern which is congruent and complementary to the third preformed cell pattern and has seal lines between cells matching and joined to the second seal lines to form small center cells, respectively, there being a cluster of small cells bounded by the larger outer cells.

Abstract: A method of forming EMI shielded enclosures, an EMI shielded enclosure and EMI shield are provided. A sealer composition is applied onto a surface and is allowed to substantially dry cure into a uniform, seamless layer. An adhesive composition is applied to the dried sealer composition. Then, an electrically-conductive material, such as metallic sheet, such as copper sheeting, is attached to the dried sealer composition by the adhesive composition. Alternatively, a bonded sheet of dielectric material is applied to the adhesive composition. Then the metallic sheet is attached to the bonded sheet of dielectric material by an adhesive composition second layer.

Abstract: In respect of a cable having a plastics electrically insulating layer (16) covered by a metal tape layer (17) which is encased by a plastics jacket layer (19), a method of reinstatement of the metal tape and plastics jacket layers on an exposed region of the electrically insulating layer (16). Two plastics tubes (30) with associated metal collars (34) are introduced around the exposed region and an end of each is inserted under the end of the metal tape (17) at each end, the tape having previously been flared out to accommodate the tube end. The flared tape ends are welded to the collars (34), and more tape (40) is formed around the exposed region and also welded to the collars (34) to complete reinstatement of the metal layer. The plastics jacket reinstatement is effected using a length of heat-shrunk tubing (50, 53) with a lining (54) of melt-flowable plastics material.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is reworkably attached to a circuit board in a manner that forms a compliant bond which is stable under conditions of high thermal stress and thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch. A thermoplastic adhesive having a melting temperature higher than integrated circuit operating temperature is coated on the integrated circuit and dried. The adhesive is then cured. The coated integrated circuit is bonded to the circuit board with a thermosetting epoxy having a low curing temperature, such that curing the adhesive does not damage the circuit board. The integrated circuit is readily removed from the circuit board without damaging the board by heating the integrated circuit to soften the bond between the integrated circuit and the circuit board at the thermoplastic adhesive interface. An alternate embodiment of the invention provides a copper plate interface that is soldered to the circuit board, and to which an integrated circuit is permanently bonded.

Abstract: A radial ply pneumatic tire features a bead core which comprises an arrangement of filaments positioned relative to one another. The bead core has a cross-section and a radially inward base side, a radially outermost point or side or sides, an axially inward first side, and an axially outward second side. The first side intersects the base side at a first edge and forms thereby an included angle .alpha.. The second side intersects the base side at a second edge and forms thereby an included angle .beta.. Angle .alpha. is greater than or equal to .beta.. The bead core has a perimeter comprising the lengths of the base, radially outermost, first, and second sides. The perimeter define a bead core area which is less than the area of an isosceles triangle having acute angles equal to .alpha.. The width of the bead heel surface is approximately equal to the distance between a hump and an axially inward surface of the wheel flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique fiber-reinforced metallic tubular element, along with a unique method for producing such tubular elements on a production basis. The tubular element includes a cylindrical aluminum tube surrounded by a fiber composite sleeve which includes a plurality of individual reinforcing graphite fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and uniformly positioned about the circumference of the tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an isolation layer is positioned between the graphite reinforcing layer and the outer surface of the aluminum tube, and a protective covering layer of fiber material surrounds the tube and is adhered to the outer surface of the graphite reinforcing layer. In the preferred method of the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes are coupled to one another in an end-to-end relationship by a plurality of joining plug members to form a longitudinally extending series of metal tubes.

Abstract: A method and device for producing vehicle tire bead-bead filler assemblies (2), whereby green elastomeric material is injected, by means of an externally-cooled distribution tank (38), into a number of annular chambers (22) defined by two half molds (6, 7) closed about a substantially cylindrical inner core (8); an inner portion of each chamber (22) being occupied by a respective bead (3) preassembled onto the core (8), and an outer portion (32) of each chamber (22) constituting the molding chamber of a respective bead filler (4).

Abstract: In a device for incorporating a separable fastener in a foamed seat cushion during formation of the cushion in a mold, includes a sheet having fastener elements constituting one half of a touch fastener. A foam wall surrounds the fastening surface, the wall having a height considerably greater than the height of the fastening elements. The fastener is held on a pedestal having a predetermined height extending into the mold volume and having a predetermined cross sectional dimension generally parallel to the interior mold surface as measured at a predetermined distance from said mold surface. The foam wall defines an opening which engages the sides of said pedestal with a force sufficiently strong to resist any removal force caused by tendency of the foaming action to lift the foam wall during creation of the cushion and bonding of the forming cushion to the foam wall.

Abstract: Reinforced rubber composite and article made therefrom, wherein the reinforcement preferably comprises cords of brass-coated steel and the rubber of the composite or article is a vulcanizate of a blend comprising (A) about 5-100 phr of a graft copolymer comprising a lower alkyl acrylate or lower alkyl methacrylate and a diene rubber or mixture thereof and (B) about 0-95 phr of at least one additional diene rubber or mixture thereof. The overall alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate content of the blend is about 2-10 phr, preferably about 3-8 phr. A preferred article is a tire having a load bearing fabric-reinforced component, e.g. a reinforcing belt (22) wherein the fabric comprises cords of brass-coated steel and the rubber of the component has the composition above specified.

Abstract: A method for forming a seat belt through-bore in an automotive seat, which uses a lower die having an opening perforated therein and an upper die movable toward and away from the lower die, the method including the steps of providing a top cover member having an incision therein and two separate covering pieces sewn to a frontal surface of the top cover member such that they are disposed on the opposite sides of the incision, and turning upside down the thus-formed top cover member. In this method process, it is so arranged that, before lowering the upper die to press and bond the top cover member to a cushion member, the free portions of those two covering pieces are inserted into said opening of said lower die, so that the top cover member is placed flat upon the lower die, in order to avoid creation of undesired recession on the top cover member of resultant seat.

Abstract: A tubeless inner tire or shield 14 provides for easy assembly of the shield 14 into the outer tire 12 and over the rim 16 as compared to previous designs. The beads 43 in the shield comprise stranded filaments and the bead portion 40,42 of the shield 14 has increased flexibility. The increased flexibility of the bead portion 40,42 eliminates kinking of the shield 14 upon assembly which could prevent the shield 14 from properly sealing against the rim 16. Air passageways 44 between the inner shield 14 and outer tire 12 are provided on the shield 14 near the bead portion 42. The air passageway 44 includes a protrusion 50 extending from the surface of the shield and has an inclined radially inner surface 58. The inner surface 58 is inclined at an angle of 25.degree. to 60.degree. relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the inner shield 14.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a method for forming and curing an intricate structure of criss-crossing composite stringers and frames that are bonded to a skin panel. A structure constructed in accordance with the invention would be well-suited for use as a portion of an aircraft fuselage, a boat hull, or the like. The method is preferably practiced by applying uncured composite stringers to an uncured composite sheet panel. This is followed by placing cured frames crosswise over the stringers. The frames have openings at the locations where they intersect with the stringers which enables the frames to come into direct contact with the skin along most of their length. During the forming and curing process, the stringers are covered with a plurality of cauls, and the entire assembly of skin panel, stringers, frames and cauls is subjected to a vacuum bagging and curing process. The cauls serve to maintain both part shape and to control the flow of resin within the stringers as they are cured.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for applying threads (9) on a support (11) in order o obtain a ply (13) while imparting a sinuous form to the threads. There is used a rotary drum (2) having rows (4A) of fixed teeth (5A) and rows (4B) with movable teeth (5B) which are displaced parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. Plies obtained with this method or device and articles incorporating such plies, such articles being, for instance, tires.

Abstract: The assembly (10) includes a plurality tubes (30) configured to fit into the trenches of a preformed seat cushion assembly (14). The plurality of tubes (30) rotate about pins (56) and force a fabric bag (12) and an adhesive layer located between the seat cushion assembly (14) and the fabric bag (12) into the trenches. Steam passes through the plurality of tubes (30) and out a plurality of holes (32) which are spaced along the plurality of tubes (30). The steam melts the adhesive layer which subsequently bonds the fabric bag (12) to the seat cushion assembly (14) within the trenches of the seat cushion assembly (14). A vacuum (40) is used to create a pressure differential between the passageways within the plurality of tubes (30) and the atmosphere, i.e., the seat cushion (15). The pressure differential is used to remove the steam and any water from the fabric bag (12) and seat cushion assembly (14) to prevent water damage thereto.

Abstract: A brick panel construction apparatus including a stiff backing member such as a polystyrene insulated board is laminated to a water impermeable sheet which is primarily planar in shape. A plurality of integrally formed projections are disposed in a plurality of horizontal rows on the impermeable sheet whereby these projections and the sheet constitute a one-piece structure. A plurality of spaced apart thin bricks are adhesively attached to the sheet and the bricks are disposed between the rows of projections. Grout is then applied to the spaces between the bricks and covers the rest of the sheet, including the projections. Brackets are utilized to attach the thin sheet and backing member to a vertical substrate and these brackets have a planar portion for allowing the fastener to pass through it, through the thin sheet and through the backing member to a vertical structural member.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage structure is fabricated by the following steps. A plurality of ring-shaped members are first prepared, each member being provided around the outer peripheral surface thereof at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction thereof with a plurality of recesses. Elongated plate members are provided which have respective convex parts corresponding to the recesses, to form stringers. The ring-shaped members are then arranged at a coaxially spaced-apart paralleled disposition, and thereafter a laminating jig is inserted into the coaxially arranged ring-shaped members with a silicone bag interposed therebetween, the silicone bag having an open opposite end. The ring-shaped members are placed in annular recesses provided in the laminating jig and in correspondingly formed annular recesses provided in the bag.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a folding balloon catheter for use as an angioplasty device, wherein the balloon catheter has atherotomes attached to the exterior of the balloon, includes inflating a balloon to its expanded state. A plurality of patches of a curable elastomer adhesive are then applied at selected locations on the outside surface of the inflated balloon, and an atherotome is attached to the balloon at each of the patches. The inflated balloon, with attached atherotomes, is then partially cured to more firmly attach the atherotomes to the balloon. The balloon is then deflated to a contracted configuration in a manner which forms a plurality of flaps in the balloon between the atherotomes. The deflated balloon is then cured to completion to establish a permanent set in the flaps which enable the balloon catheter to be repeatedly inflated and deflated during operation between predictable expanded and contracted configurations.