Abstract: A heat exchanger having a tube bundle disposed within a housing with a resilient end structure disposed in compressed, plug-forming relation at least partially across the heat exchanging cavity. The resilient end structure includes one or more boundary segments extending between an internal wall of the housing and the perimeter of the tube bundle. The boundary segment includes a combination of materials having differing compression characteristics providing enhanced support to the boundary segments.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a tube bundle disposed within a housing with a resilient end structure disposed in compressed, plug-forming relation at least partially across the heat exchanging cavity. The resilient end structure includes one or more boundary segments extending between an internal wall of the housing and the perimeter of the tube bundle. The boundary segment includes a combination of materials having differing compression characteristics providing enhanced support to the boundary segments.

Abstract: A method of decreasing engine noise in machines, such as internal combustion engines, by replacing metallic engine components that serve as noise transmission pathways such as oil pans, valve covers, gear covers with similar components made of syntactic foam with a density of at least 0.5 g/cm3 and a hardness at least about equal to that of an equivalent metallic engine part which it is replacing. The syntactic foam is comprised of fluid-filled microballoons in a foam matrix. The microballoons have an outer shell harder than that of the surrounding foam matrix, and a majority of the microballoons are out of contact with one another.

Abstract: A system and method for encapsulating and protecting a component assembly is disclosed. A barrier system comprising a first layer having a first set of physical properties and a second layer having a second set of physical properties is adapted to protectively surround the component assembly. A continuous transitory material is formed between the first layer and the second layer at associated first and second margin portions such that the first layer and the second layer are not prone to delamination. The physical properties of each layer of the barrier system provide protection to the component assembly from various types of physical and environmental damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a radio frequency identification. A barrier system is adapted to encase at least a portion of a radio frequency identification device. The barrier system includes a first layer defining a first set of physical properties and a second layer defining a second set of physical properties. A continuous transitory material is formed between the first and the second layers where they are interlinked at associated first and second margin portions. The physical properties of each layer of the barrier system provide protection to the component assembly from various types of physical and environmental damage.