Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a powder fastener retention material for application to metal sub-miniature fasteners formulated from a nylon 11 powder having a median average particle size by volume of more than 67 and less than 80 micrometers, a metal sub-miniature fastener having a patch of the reusable fastener retention material, a method for forming a patch of the fastener retention material on a metal sub-miniature fastener, a method of forming a reusable fastener retention patch on a region of a metal sub-miniature fastener, and a kit of parts comprising (a) a metal sub-miniature fastener, and (b) a powder retention material powder.

Abstract: A multi-patch threaded fastener includes a shank having a threaded portion and two or more polymer patches disposed on the shank. The two or more polymer patches are configured to wedge against a mating threaded component to promote contact between non-patched threaded portions of the shank and the mating threaded component to resist removal from the mating threaded component. A method of making the multi-patch threaded fastener includes positioning two or more nozzles for dispensing a patch material at locations corresponding to desired patch locations on the shank, conveying the shank past two or more nozzles, and dispensing the patch material from each nozzle onto the shank to form the two or more polymer patches on the shank.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a powder fastener retention material for application to metal sub-miniature fasteners formulated from a nylon 11 powder having a median average particle size by volume of more than 67 and less than 80 micrometers, a metal sub-miniature fastener having a patch of the reusable fastener retention material, a method for forming a patch of the fastener retention material on a metal sub-miniature fastener, a method of forming a reusable fastener retention patch on a region of a metal sub-miniature fastener, and a kit of parts comprising (a) a metal sub-miniature fastener, and (b) a powder retention material powder.

Abstract: A multi-patch threaded fastener includes a shank having a threaded portion and two or more polymer patches disposed on the shank. The two or more polymer patches are configured to wedge against a mating threaded component to promote contact between non-patched threaded portions of the shank and the mating threaded component to resist removal from the mating threaded component. A method of making the multi-patch threaded fastener includes positioning two or more nozzles for dispensing a patch material at locations corresponding to desired patch locations on the shank, conveying the shank past two or more nozzles, and dispensing the patch material from each nozzle onto the shank to form the two or more polymer patches on the shank.

Abstract: A threaded fastener with a hybrid locking mechanism includes a shank having a threaded portion, a first locking mechanism disposed on the threaded portion, and a second locking mechanism disposed on the threaded portion extending over the first locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism provides a primary retention strength during an initial use of the threaded fastener and the second locking mechanism provides the primary retention strength during subsequent uses of the threaded fastener. A method of making the threaded fastener includes applying a first locking mechanism material on the shank and applying a second locking mechanism material over the first locking mechanism material on the shank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship. The first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body, and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components. The retention element comprises: an elastromeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge which spans a portion of the aperture. The protuberance also has an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at the distal edge and together define a flexible free end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated threaded fastener wherein the coating acts as a contaminant mask and the coating is applied as a dry powder mixture including a fluoropolymer resin, an inert filler and a coloring pigment.

Abstract: A method comprises stocking a predetermined number of sets of foot orthotics, each set having a standard arch height that is unique for that set. An arch height of a sole of a foot is measured. Then, an orthotic is selected from the set for which the standard arch height most closely matches the measured arch height.

Abstract: A foot orthotic is configured to be removably installed in a shoe and includes an upper layer, a middle layer and a lower layer adhered together. The upper layer is formed of a viscoelastic material. The middle layer is formed of a thermoplastic material. The lower layer is formed of a thermoset material.

Abstract: A method comprises stocking a predetermined number of sets of foot orthotics, each set having a standard arch height that is unique for that set. An arch height of a sole of a foot is measured. Then, an orthotic is selected from the set for which the standard arch height most closely matches the measured arch height.

Abstract: A process controller and method employing a machine vision system for automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the processing of coated fasteners, and for separating the fasteners into three groups of “good”, “rejected” and “purge”/recyclable parts.

Abstract: A process controller and method employing a machine vision system for automatically and continuously monitoring and controlling the processing of coated fasteners, and for separating the fasteners into three groups of “good”, “rejected” and “purge”/recyclable parts.

Abstract: A shoe closure system is capable of operating in two modes. One is a conventional mode wherein the closure is secured in a conventional manner using a threaded and tied lacing member. The other is a quick-fastening mode where the closure may be secured using a hook-and-loop fastener and wherein the shoe may be opened without unlacing the lace member from the lace bars. A removable lace bar is provided with eyelets and a hook-and-loop fastener such that it may be releasably secured in overlying fashion to one of the other lace bars. In the first closure mode, the removable lace bar and one of the conventional lace bars function as a single lace bar with the other conventional lace bar. In the quick-fastening closure mode, the lacing member is laced only through the removable lace bar and one of the conventional lace bars such that the removable lace bar may be selectively fastened to the other conventional lace bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing chopped fibers from essentially continuous tows, each consisting of individual strands, comprises independently or selectively feeding at least two tows to a venturi pump and associated cutter mechanism where the tows are cut or chopped into relatively short lengths to form chopped fibers. The apparatus includes sensors for monitoring the movement of each of the tows to the pump and cutter mechanism, and a controller which adjusts the feed rate of the tows and the rate of operation of the cutter mechanism in the event movement of one of the tows varies from a predetermined feed rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing chopped fibers from essentially continuous tows, each consisting of individual strands, comprises selectively feeding at least two tows to a venturi pump and associated cutter mechanism where the tows are cut or chopped into relatively short lengths to form chopped fibers. The apparatus includes sensors for monitoring the movement of each of the tows to the pump and cutter mechanism, and a controller which adjusts the feed rate of the tows and the rate of operation of the cutter mechanism in the event movement of one of the tows varies from a predetermined feed rate.