Abstract: An extruder apparatus has an extruder flow channel 10 for an extruder head having a pair of flow passages 40, 50 and a flow dam 12 interposed between the flow passages and a flow splitter 14 that locally increases or locally decreases the flow area of the first flow passage 40 relative to the second flow passage 50. The preferred flow channel 10 adjusts the mass balance of the flows 6, 7 between passages 40, 50 automatically.

Abstract: An extruder flow channel 10 has a pair of flow passages 40, 50 and a flow dam 12 interposed between the flow passages and a flow splitter 14 that locally increases or locally decreases the flow area of the first flow passage 40 relative to the second flow passage 50. The preferred flow channel 10 adjusts the mass balance of the flows 6, 7 between passages 40, 50 automatically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber article having a surface construction designed for abrasion resistance wherein the surface comprises a series of rubber layers parallel to each other and in a density of from at least 200 layers per 25.4 millimeters as measured along the surface area of the article and in a direction perpendicular to each layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting anomalous cords in reinforced composites uses means to deform and/or vibrate the composite and detect the vibration signature of the composite. Broken or frayed reinforcement cords in a reinforced composite cause changes in the vibration signature of the composite, and the apparatus used in the method of the invention employs a low damping material which is used in proximal contact to all the reinforcement cords in the reinforced composite, and one or more sensors to detect said changes. The apparatus may also include a computer for collating data, analyzing data, and providing a signal when an anomalous cord is recognized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber article having a surface construction designed for abrasion resistance wherein the surface comprises a series of rubber layers parallel to each other and in a density of from at least 200 layers per 25.4 millimeters as measured along the surface area of the article and in a direction perpendicular to each layer.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises an elastomeric member in a substantially trapezoidal configuration, a piston connected to the apex of the trapezoid, and piston retaining and mounting supports. The elastomer absorbs energy by virtue of its inclined buckling columns forming the sides of the trapezoid while the piston is forced to move in a substantially horizontal plane by the piston retaining and mounting supports. The energy absorber, when applied to vehicle applications, provides a bumper mount that accepts frontal and lateral force impact and lends itself to bumper jacking and towing forces.