Abstract: Provided is an non-pneumatic tire that includes thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tension is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in an efficient manufacturing combined with efficiency of pre-tension, without a complexity of adding a pre-tension from mechanical means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a nonpneumatic tire that is constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of its formation. The Pretention is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This creates an efficient process of manufacturing by creating pretention without the complexity of adding pretention from mechanical means. The method for forming the non-pneumatic tire includes inserting a tread portion (101) and an annular beam (102) having circumferential reinforcement into a mold, the mold supporting the tread pattern only on an outer radial extent of the tread pattern, inserting a rim (104) extending radially inward from the annular beam (102), and forming an annular support (103) comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer extending radially inward from the annular beam (102)). The thermoplastic elastomer is allowed to harden and the tire is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire (100) having an annular beam (200) and an annular support (103) comprising a plurality of thermoplastic elastomeric spokes formed by a thermoplastic injection process. When manufacturing this non-pneumatic tire via a mold, then the radial extent of a mold cavity is defined by the radially inner extent of the annular beam (200). The non-pneumatic tire's annular beam (200) includes a first elastomer and a circumferential reinforcement extended in a circumferential direction. The annular beam (200) is free of the circumferential reinforcement at an axial extent over a width of at least 8 mm the axial extent comprising the first elastomer. The plurality of thermoplastic elastomeric spokes are made of a second elastomer and extend radially inward from the annular beam (200). The present invention also refers to a process for forming such a non-pneumatic tire (100).

Abstract: Provided is an non-pneumatic tire that includes thermoplastic elastomer which is pre-tensioned during the process of forming the non-pneumatic tire. The pre-tension is provided by a thermal means that is naturally available in the forming process. This results in an efficient manufacturing combined with efficiency of pre-tension, without a complexity of adding a pre-tension from mechanical means.

Abstract: A casting method is provided that includes a mold, a mixer, and first and second materials. A first pour and a second pour are dispensed from the mixer. The first pour has different proportions of the first and second materials as compared to the second pour. The first pour forms a first layer of a molded part, and the second pour forms a second layer of the molded part.

Abstract: A casting method is provided that includes a mold, a mixer, and first and second materials. A first pour and a second pour are dispensed from the mixer. The first pour has different proportions of the first and second materials as compared to the second pour. The first pour forms a first layer of a molded part, and the second pour forms a second layer of the molded part.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a measurement template for use in allograft preparation and processing. Specifically, the template may be used to measure the trochlea angle of the trochlea groove of the distal human femur. The measurement template may be formed of a flat metal plate having first and second ends, each forming a different angle designed to fit against the trochlea groove and provide an indication of the angle of the groove in relation to the angles formed by the template. The trochlea angle of the allograft may then be documented, allowing for proper matching between allograft tissue and transplant recipient physiology. The measurement template may be adapted for a variety of configurations depending on desired and/or common allograft requirements. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a measurement template for use in allograft preparation and processing. Specifically, the template may be used to measure the trochlea angle of the trochlea groove of the distal human femur. The measurement template may be formed of a flat metal plate having first and second ends, each forming a different angle designed to fit against the trochlea groove and provide an indication of the angle of the groove in relation to the angles formed by the template. The trochlea angle of the allograft may then be documented, allowing for proper matching between allograft tissue and transplant recipient physiology. The measurement template may be adapted for a variety of configurations depending on desired and/or common allograft requirements. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a chamber with a first port and a second port. The arrangement includes a fan for moving air in or out of the chamber, and a sail switch disposed adjacent to the second port. When activated, the fan moves air in or out of the chamber through the first port to create a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the chamber. The pressure difference causes the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The fan apparency arrangement includes a chamber having a port; a fan in the chamber for moving air out of the chamber, the fan having a discharge end, and an intake end having an intake tube; and a sail switch disposed in the intake tube. When activated, the fan moves air out of the chamber through the port and creates a pressure difference between opposite ends of the intake tube, the pressure difference causing the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a chamber with a first port and a second port. The arrangement includes a fan for moving air in or out of the chamber, and a sail switch disposed adjacent to the second port. When activated, the fan moves air in or out of the chamber through the first port to create a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the chamber. The pressure difference causes the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The fan apparency arrangement includes a chamber having a port; a fan in the chamber for moving air out of the chamber, the fan having a discharge end, and an intake end having an intake tube; and a sail switch disposed in the intake tube. When activated, the fan moves air out of the chamber through the port and creates a pressure difference between opposite ends of the intake tube, the pressure difference causing the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low-power illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting for securely mounting to a building surface in a residence or building. A light bulb socket is electrically connected to an external power source through a hollow housing which holds the socket and the electrical wiring providing the power. The housing may include decorative aspects.