Abstract: A method of forming an article comprises forming a feed material around one or more shapeholders and sintering the feed material and the one or more shapeholders to form a sintered article comprising the one or more shapeholders in a base material. The sintered article is exposed to a solvent to remove the one or more shapeholders from the base material. Additional methods are disclosed, as well as articles including one or more microchannels exhibiting a diameter of from about 5 ?m to about 10 mm.

Abstract: A water ski tow handle having a unique core bar construction is provided and comprises an elongated tubular and cylindrical core bar constructed of a rigid material. A pair of cylindrical plugs having an outside diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the core bar are press fit into each end of the core bar so that one end of each plug is flush with its associated end of the core bar. The plugs sealingly engage the inner bore of the core bar and form a flotation chamber within the core bar between the plugs. A transverse hole is formed, preferably by drilling, through each end of the core bar and also through the plug and each transverse bar is dimensioned to receive one prong of a tree bar therethrough. The core bar is then encased with a resilient material, preferably by transfer or injection molding, during which time the tree bar prevents longitudinal displacement of the plugs relative to the core bar.

Abstract: A tow rope handle for water skiing or the like comprising an elongated hand grip with a pair of spaced holes extending transversely therethrough, a tow line threaded through each spaced hole and formed in a loop to firmly encircle the hand grip and a protective sleeve encompassing each tow line directly adjacent the hand grip. The sleeve is formed integrally with the hand grip and has a hole extending transversely therethrough, each tow line loop encircling the hand grip through the corresponding sleeve hole.