Abstract: Dense polytetrafluoroethylene films as well as methods for preparing the present materials are provided having superior optical properties (highly transmissive, low haze, low yellowness) in combination with desirable mechanical properties (such as flexibility, strength, and durability). The highly transmissive dense films are suitable for use in a variety of optical applications, such as a cover layer for a screen in a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A structured fluoropolymer film including a plurality of structures having a height at least two times a thickness of a corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film and at least a 20% increase in displacement induction period when compared to the corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film when measured in a biaxial tensile curve at a temperature of about 125° C. In addition, the structured fluoropolymer film has a methane permeability of less than 500 ?g*?m/cm2/min. The structured fluoropolymer film exhibits a higher resistance to strain and retain barrier properties during manufacture and/or use.

Abstract: A structured fluoropolymer film including a plurality of structures having a height at least two times a thickness of a corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film and at least a 20% increase in displacement induction period when compared to the corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film when measured in a biaxial tensile curve at a temperature of about 125° C. In addition, the structured fluoropolymer film has a methane permeability of less than 500 ?g*?m/cm2/min. The structured fluoropolymer film exhibits a higher resistance to strain and retain barrier properties during manufacture and/or use.

Abstract: A structured fluoropolymer film including a plurality of structures having a height at least two times a thickness of a corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film and at least a 20% increase in displacement induction period when compared to the corresponding unstructured fluoropolymer film when measured in a biaxial tensile curve at a temperature of about 125° C. In addition, the structured fluoropolymer film has a methane permeability of less than 500 ?g*?m/cm2/min. The structured fluoropolymer film exhibits a higher resistance to strain and retain barrier properties during manufacture and/or use.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.

Abstract: A dense article that includes a dense TFE copolymer film is provided. The dense TFE copolymer film includes a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. To form the dense article, a core shell TFE copolymer is formed into a pellet, ram extruded into a tape, dried into a dried preform, and then stretched into a dense TFE copolymer film that exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties. The dense TFE copolymer film is produced directly from the dried preform at a deformation temperature less than about 335° C. and without increasing the porosity of the dried preform, as would conventionally be done in expansion processes. The dense TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. The dense articles have a void volume less than about 20%.

Abstract: A dense article that includes a dense TFE copolymer film is provided. The dense TFE copolymer film includes a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. To form the dense article, a core shell TFE copolymer is formed into a pellet, ram extruded into a tape, dried into a dried preform, and then stretched into a dense TFE copolymer film that exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties. The dense TFE copolymer film is produced directly from the dried preform at a deformation temperature less than about 335° C. and without increasing the porosity of the dried preform, as would conventionally be done in expansion processes. The dense TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. The dense articles have a void volume less than about 20%.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.

Abstract: A motor grader includes a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path.

Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed having a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path.

Abstract: A novel densified fluoropolymer article is described which has a water vapor permeation of about 0.015 g-mm/m2/day or less, and preferably has a matrix tensile strength of at least 10,000 psi in two orthogonal directions. The articles are made by compressing expanded porous PTFE at pressures, temperatures and times which result in elimination of the pores, and subsequent stretching above the crystalline melt temperature.

Abstract: A liftgate/tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a cargo area, such cargo area comprising a bed and one or more vertical sidewalls mounted to the vehicle chassis, such liftgate/tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate which, when rotated into an open tailgate position, forms a liftgate/tailgate platform to support a load to be lifted, and one or more linkage assemblies pivotably mounted to the tailgate which permit the liftgate/tailgate platform to be translated both vertically and horizontally relative to the cargo area of the vehicle, while permitting rear impact protection to be mounted on the vehicle and method for lifting a load into a vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A liftgate/tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a cargo area, such cargo area comprising a bed and one or more vertical sidewalls mounted to the vehicle chassis, such liftgate/tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate which, when rotated into an open tailgate position, forms a liftgate/tailgate platform to support a load to be lifted, and one or more linkage assemblies pivotably mounted to the tailgate which permit the liftgate/tailgate platform to be translated both vertically and horizontally relative to the cargo area of the vehicle, while permitting rear impact protection to be mounted on the vehicle and method for lifting a load into a vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: An excavator linkage comprising a ternary link with first, second and third pivot connections and a follower link with first and second pivot connections. The first pivot connection of the ternary link is pivotally coupled to the rod end of the bucket actuating hydraulic cylinder. The second pivot connection of the ternary link is pivotally coupled to the excavator bucket. In addition, the excavator bucket is pivotally connected to the dipperstick. The follower link has a first pivot connection that is pivotally connected to the dipperstick and a second pivot connection that is pivotally connected to the third pivot connection of the ternary link. In one frame of reference, the third pivot connection of the ternary link is located between the first and second pivot connections of the ternary link. In addition, the third pivot connection of the ternary link lies above a plane defined by the first and second pivot connections of the ternary link.

Abstract: A side shift backhoe mounted on a sliding frame adapted for sliding transversely along upper and lower tracks of a main frame and in which the sliding frame and one of the tracks have matching chamfered surfaces and the sliding frame and other track have matching horizontal surfaces, and a power device extending between the sliding frame and main frame to effect movement of the sliding frame vertically in one direction to tightly engage the chamfered surfaces and in the opposite direction to cause the horizontal surfaces to engage so that the weight of the backhoe is carried on said other track having the matching horizontal surface.