Abstract: The present invention provides a small umbrella (“Beerbrella”) which may be removably attached to a beverage container in order to shade the beverage container from the direct rays of the sun. The apparatus comprises a small umbrella approximately five to seven inches in diameter, although other appropriate sizes may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Suitable advertising and/or logos may be applied to the umbrella surface for promotional purposes. The umbrella may be attached to the beverage container by any one of a number of means, including clip, strap, cup, foam insulator, or as a coaster or the like. The umbrella shaft may be provided with a pivot to allow the umbrella to be suitably angled to shield the sun or for aesthetic purposes. In one embodiment, a pivot joint and counterweight may be provided to allow the umbrella to pivot out of the way when the user drinks from the container.

Abstract: A medical crutch is provided with two adjustable features. The first adjustable feature includes a handle which is slidable between the pair of side bow tubes thereby enabling adjustment of the height of the handle for the user. Extensions formed on the handle facilitate slidable movement as well as maintaining the handle between the pair of side bow tubes. A second adjustable feature includes a lower globe which secures lower ends of the side bow tubes, and allows slidable movement of the lower middle tube between said pair of side bow tubes. The lower globe includes at least one projection which is selectively engageable with openings formed on the lower middle tube thereby helping to register a continuous aperture between the side bow tubes and the lower middle tube which receives a securing bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to photovoltaic modules with a specific thermoplastic adhesive layer and the production thereof.

Abstract: A solar cell array having an exposed electroactive portion is connected to a system power supply through an insulation transformer, a ground-fault interrupter is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply, and a ground-fault detector is provided at the grounded line of the solar cell array. A set current value at which the ground-fault detector judges a ground-fault is larger than an amount of a set current value at which the ground-fault interrupter interrupts a circuit. The insulation transformer is provided between the solar cell array and the system power supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes three steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first optical concentrating fresnel lens that concentrates the intensity of sunlight to five times above normal level. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the second optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight passes through a third optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the third optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: A stationary solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes four steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first and second optical concentrating fresnel lenses that concentrates the intensity of sunlight. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the third optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight is homogenized as it passes through a fourth optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the fourth optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: A cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. A low NOx radiant tube burner enables operation at low NOx. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. A gap is provided between a recuperator and an inner flame tube of a dual tube SiC folded back recuperator assembly. Preheating combustion air in the recuperator allows for flameless oxidation. The gap allows for exhaust gas recirculation to complete combustion. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method for Optimizing the Efficiency of a Bypass Diode in Solar Cells. In a preferred embodiment, a layer of TiAu is placed in an etch in a solar cell with a contact at a doped layer of GaAs. Electric current is conducted through a diode and away from the main cell by passing through the contact point at the GaAs and traversing a lateral conduction layer. These means of activating, or “turning on” the diode, and passing the current through the circuit results in greater efficiencies than in prior art devices. The diode is created during the manufacture of the other layers of the cell and does not require additional manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compounds, and compositions for the synthesis of light harvesting arrays, such arrays comprising: (a) a first substrate comprising a first electrode; and (b) a layer of light harvesting rods electrically coupled to said first electrode, each of said light harvesting rods comprising a polymer of Formula I:

Abstract: A valve is disclosed that is operable by converting rotational force of a stem into linear motion of a valve closure element, such as a sleeve, to control fluid flow through the valve. In a presently preferred embodiment, at least two interconnection members are rotatably mounted, such as with a round end, to a stem drive element. The interconnection members are slidably mounted into channels or grooves in a sleeve. Rotatable movement of the stem permits rotation of the interconnection members whereby the interconnection members are constrained to slide in the channels whereby rotational movement of the stem is converted into translational or linear movement of the valve closure element.

Abstract: An air valve assembly has a valve block that is permanently secured to an article and has a passageway through which air can pass. The assembly further includes a valve body made from a flexible material defining a through bore, and having a wall with an inner annular indent. The assembly also includes an air block made from a rigid material. The air block has an outer wall with a flange provided on the outer wall, and a plurality of air holes and a central passageway. The flange is fitted inside the indent to attach the air block to the valve body. The assembly also has a valve flap having a disk and a shaft, with the shaft inserted through the central passageway of the air block.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure regulator for controlling the delivery of a gas from a high pressure source to a lower pressure device at a predetermined pressure is provided. A piston, spring and insert work with pressurized gas to open and close the pressure regulator, allowing or interdicting the flow of gas. In an open state, the spring forces the piston away from the insert allowing pressurized gas to flow into the system. Downstream back pressure, against the piston, overcomes the force of the spring and forces the regulator to close at a predetermined gas pressure. Regulator closing pressure is determined by the biasing force of the spring and distance between the piston and insert. The position of the insert, relative to the piston, is adjustable such that the distance is increased or decreased resulting in the concomitant increase or decrease of pressure to the downstream device.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus which controls a pressure of air supplied from a supply hole of a base having a plurality of holes to a supply port of a valve having a plurality of ports is interposed between the base and the valve. This pressure control apparatus comprises a pressure control section which controls a pressure of the air such that the pressure becomes equal to a set pressure, a booster section which outputs a large amount of air to the valve by controlling an output pressure by air from this pressure control section, and a signal control section which outputs a monitor signal indicative of completion of pressure setting when the pressure of air output from the booster section becomes equal to the set pressure.

Abstract: A fuel refilling assembly for transferring fuel from a nozzle to a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The fuel refilling assembly includes a fuel filler neck extending out from the fuel tank. The fuel filler neck has a tank end disposed adjacent the fuel tank and a distal end. A housing is fixedly secured to the distal end of the fuel filler neck. The housing defines an opening for receiving the nozzle therethrough. A flapper door is pivotally secured to the housing and is movable between a closed position for preventing access from the housing to the fuel filler neck, and an open position for allowing the nozzle to transfer fuel to the fuel tank via the fuel filler neck. A dampener mechanism abuts the flapper door. The dampener mechanism dampens the movement of the flapper door as the flapper door moves from the open position to the closed position upon the removal of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method to reduce or attenuate the amplitude of time-variant properties of a fluid stream by introducing the stream into a defined enclosed volume in a controlled manner such that the residence time distribution of the fluid exiting the enclosed volume approaches that of a preferred flat residence time distribution. This is accomplished by the concept of temporal mixing in which different residence times are imparted to a fluid in a mixing zone by physically dividing the fluid into individual portions, each of which has a different residence time while passing through the mixing zone. The desired fluid portions are created by means of specifically-designed multiple inlets into the mixing zone and/or by means of specifically-designed multiple outlets from the mixing zone.

Abstract: Discharge valve for an airbag including a fixed member adapted to be arranged in connection with or associated with the airbag and having a pattern of openings and a movable member having a pattern of openings substantially identical to the pattern of openings of the fixed member. The movable member is movable relative to and alongside the fixed member to vary the correspondence between the openings on the movable member and the openings in the fixed member to thereby vary valve openings defined by the fixed member and the movable member. Variation in the valve openings results in control and/or regulation of the outflow of gas from the airbag through the discharge valve. The members may be plates, cylinders or cones.

Abstract: A high efficient valve assembly of a compressor has a valve plate having more than one discharging valve; a discharging valve for opening and closing the discharging valve, one end of the discharging valve is settled at the valve plate between the valve plate and a cylinder head; a stopper for controlling the discharging valve to be placed at a right position, both ends of the stopper are settled at the valve plate at an upper part of the discharging valve; a rivet for settling the discharging valve and the stopper at the valve plate; and settlement units for positioning the discharging valve at the valve plate at the right position and supporting the discharging valve. According to the present invention, the high efficient valve assembly has the discharging settlement units capable of settling the discharging valve of which only one end is supported and supporting the discharging valve, thus the assemble of the valve assembly can be easily done.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic fluid accumulator comprising a housing (1) having an interior subdivided into three chambers (2, 3, 4), with the first chamber (2) being filled with a gas and separated from the second chamber (3) by a first media separation element (6), the second chamber being filled with a fluid and separated by a second media separation element (7) from the third chamber (4) that is also filled with a fluid and connected to a hydraulic port (5).

Abstract: An insulated pipework system comprises an outer sleeve, an inner flow pipe and one or more evacuated volumes in the space therebetween defined by annular plugs of a setting polymeric composition such as epoxy resin or a syntactic foam, typically at regular intervals along the length of the pipeline. The epoxy resins (for example) are ideally of sufficient rigidity to allow effective transfer of longitudinal forces between the inner and outer pipes. Thus, the evacuated volumes will themselves be annular. Other plugs of different orientation (for example longitudinal) could be included to subdivide the evacuated volumes further. The plugs allow the space between the pipes to be partitioned so that air can be evacuated from the sections so formed to provide the vacuum that acts as the insulating layer. Also, the plugs replace the need for bulkheads in that the partitioning of the inter-pipe space provides the desired water-stopping means.

Abstract: Thermoformed intake duct (1) made of non-woven material and including flanges (6, 7, 8, 9) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duct, projecting from the outer surface of the duct, a first portion (4) of the duct being formed in the form of a first bellows, a first bellows-shaped portion (4) having two longitudinal flanges (6, 7) diametrically opposed along a first diameter (D2), characterized in that the duct includes at least a second bellows-shaped portion (5) having two longitudinal flanges (8, 9) diametrically opposed along a second diameter (D3) of the duct which makes, with respect to the first diameter (D2) of the two flanges (6, 7) of the first bellows-shaped portion, a non-zero angle, and especially 90°.

Abstract: A flexible duct comprises inner and outer perfluoroplastic tubes with a melt bondable adhesive interposed therebetween. A resilient helical coil is interposed between the adhesive and one of the tubes. The adhesive serves to thermally laminate the tubes together at wrinkled locations between the turns of the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a curved strip, in particular a curved, flat composite cable. Said device comprises a drive device with rotating clamping elements, which is located downstream of the weaving device. In addition, at least two take-off rollers (1, 2), at least one (1) of which is driven, are provided in a frame (5). The frame (5) can be pivoted about an axis (Z) which is perpendicular to the plane of the strip. The pivoting axis (Z) of the frame (5) can also be displaced transversely to the direction of movement of the strip. The take-off rollers (1, 2,) can be profiled according to the profile of the thickness of the strip. The non-driven pressure rollers (2) can consist of segments of different diameters which are pushed onto a fixed shaft. The take-off rollers (1, 2) are preferably designed to be free-running.

Abstract: A supply spool supplies a weft thread through an adjustable actuated thread brake and a thread tension sensor to a weft thread accumulator, from which an accumulated insertion length of the thread is provided to a weft insertion device. The tension sensor provides a measured actual thread tension signal to a control arrangement, which compares the actual tension to a selected rated tension, and, dependent on the deviation therebetween, provides a control signal to an actuator of the thread brake, so that the actual thread tension constantly corresponds to the selected rated tension. Another sensor provides a signal indicating a change from an empty spool to a full spool. Responsive thereto, the control arrangement actuates the thread brake to an adjustable starting brake setting as a coarse adjustment. Then the self-regulating fine adjustment is continued. A constant winding tension and thread accumulation length are achieved in the thread accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a draw-off device comprising elastic belts (1, 2) for producing curved woven composites on narrow fabric looms. The draw-off device consists of two respective circulatory endless belts (1, 2), each of which is guided around a driving roller (3, 4) and a deflecting roller (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). In addition to the driving rollers (3, 4), the edge regions of the belts (1, 2) also have extension drive mechanisms (11, 12, 13, 14) that only engage with the outer edges of said belts (1, 2). The belts (1, 2) preferably have a cross-denticulation which is located on the edges of the sides facing the driving rollers (3, 4), or which is continuous. The side of the belts facing away from the driving rollers is preferably structured. The radius of curvature of the woven composites can be adjusted by modifying the rotational speed differential between the extension drive mechanisms (11, 12, 13, 14) and the driving rollers (3, 4).

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling coil springs together into a matrix of coil springs. The apparatus has workholders with respective grippers that receive and hold portions of end turns of respective coil springs, and a loader supporting the workholders for moving the workholders through a motion that transfers the respective coil springs from a conveyor to the apparatus. The coil assembling apparatus has, for each coil, a die set having a fixed die and a movable die. The movable die is connected to a drive via linkage. The drive is operable to move the movable die through a motion that maintains a planar die face of the movable die substantially parallel to a planar die face of the stationary die. The coil assembling apparatus is also operable to automatically assemble two rows of coil springs into a row of coaxial coil springs.

Abstract: A process is provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates in a machine, wherein one or more concentrates and/or one or more diluents are mixed together in a mixing chamber; and the product is dispensed from said machine into a storage container. A machine is also provided for the mixing of one or more concentrates, wherein said machine comprises one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with one or more mixing chambers. Further, a process is provided for the simultaneous multiple mixing and dispensing of a plurality of products employing a machine comprising one or more diluent sources and one or more concentrate sources, said diluent and concentrate sources being in fluid communication with a plurality of mixing chambers.

Abstract: Device for the removal of fluid from a container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel stop service port for coupling to a connectivity device of a wheeled vehicle such that one or more services, namely electricity, data, and fluids, are transferable therebetween. The service port includes a housing having a receptacle recess with a recess opening on an outside surface of the housing; a fastener on the housing for fastening the service port to the ground; a receptacle inside the recess and comprising an opening shaped to receive a service plug of a vehicle connectivity device, and a service engagement portion inside the receptacle for engaging a corresponding service engagement portion on the plug; a service conduit junction coupled to the receptacle and couplable to a service conduit to enable the transfer of a service therebetween; and a wheel contact surface located on the housing outside surface such that upon contact of the contact surface by a wheel of a vehicle, the connectivity device of the vehicle is within coupling range of the service port.

Abstract: The invention is intended for use with a vending system (1, 1a) for gases having a filling station (12) for filling gas bottles (2) with at least one gas, with at least one gas supply means (3) connected to the filling station (12) and control means for control of a gas distribution, which is characterised in a filling mechanism further provided for filling vehicle gas tanks, and which is likewise connected to the at least one gas supply means (3) and which is also controlled by the control means. The invention is also intended to cover a corresponding method.

Abstract: A dispensing device delivers at least two detergent compositions in fixed amounts and fixed ratios. The device is refillable and may be used in a method of washing fabrics in a machine or by hand. The device may also be used for other applications such as dishwashing, floor cleaning, and the like.

Abstract: The apparatus has a closed housing (4, 29), one side of the housing (4, 29) being the filling side (13), which, during filling of the container (2), is located opposite an introduction opening (6) provided in said container. The housing (4) has a filling tube (3, 33) passing through it axially in relation to the axis of the introduction opening (6), said filling tube, on the filling side (13), protruding to such an extent that, in the filling position, projects into the introduction opening (6). The interior of the housing (4, 29) is connected to an external arrangement for extracting dust by suction, and the filling side (13) has an air-inlet opening.

Abstract: A portable levee system including a substantially U-shaped lower frame having a hopper truss extending from said lower frame, a hopper support frame slidably connected to vertical hopper support members depending from the hopper truss. A hopper is positioned in the hopper support frame and a bag rail depends from the hopper support frame and beneath the hopper. The hopper frame may be adjustable manually by rack and pinion, by a hydraulic system, or by other mechanical means. The bag rail may have a plurality of bag guides disposed therein for quickly and easily positioning a levee bag beneath the hopper.

Abstract: A funnel assembly to be mounted on a fluid intake pipe such as for a vehicle engine includes a funnel body connected to a valve that is in communication with the intake pipe. The funnel body is moveable between an operative position in which the valve is opened for receiving a fluid flow and directing the flow into the fluid intake pipe, and a non-operative position for closing the valve.

Abstract: A coupling system for transferring liquid anaesthetic from a bottle to a vaporizer has a first part, having a first valve with a first spring-loaded valve body and a first counter body, and a second valve part, having in the corresponding fashion a second valve with a second spring-loaded valve body and a second counter body, the first part and the second part being interconnectable. The first counter body is devised to act on the second spring-loaded valve body in an opening direction, and the second counter body is devised to act on the first spring-loaded valve body in an opening direction to form a path of flow for the liquid anaesthetic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife assembly for a veneer lathe, the knife assembly comprising heads having mounted therebetween a knife beam and a nose bar beam, the beams respectively supporting a peeling knife and a solid nose bar. The knife assembly is turnable about an axis of rotation aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the peeling knife and the nose bar, whereby the angular position of the knife assembly relative to the lathe carriage heads is adapted to change about this axis of rotation in compliance with the progress of veneer peeling. In the knife assembly, the angular position of the nose bar relative to the peeling knife is adapted changeable during peeling in order to control the angle between the nose bar and the peeling knife.

Abstract: A method of forming a shimming body for a NMR assembly is provided. A magnetizable metal powder of known magnetic properties is provided. The powder is uniformly dispersed into a non-magnetic material to form a mixture having a selected uniform density. A selected weight of magnetic material is determined for a particular installation of an NMR assembly. The mixture is heated. A selected volume corresponding to the selected weight of magnetic material is extruded into a container. The mixture is cooled to form a shimming body.

Abstract: A bearing pressure-resistant member, including a matrix and a carbide dispersed in the matrix, the carbide having an average particle size of not more than 0.3 &mgr;m. A carbon (C) content in an outer surface of the bearing pressure-resistant member is in a range of 0.6 to 1.5 mass percent. A process for making the bearing pressure-resistant member including subjecting a workpiece containing C to either of gas carburizing and gas carbonitriding to enhance the C content in the outer surface of the workpiece to 0.6 to 1.5 mass percent, holding the workpiece at a first temperature not more than an Ac1 transformation point under reduced pressure, heating the workpiece to a second temperature not less than the Ac1 transformation point under reduced pressure, followed by holding the workpiece at the second temperature, and subjecting the workpiece to quenching.

Abstract: An aqueous metal surface treatment composition comprising the following ingredients:

Abstract: Improved bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy compositions and methods of making and casting such compositions are provided. The improved bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are preferably subjected to a superheating treatment and subsequently are cast into articles with high elastic limit. The invention allows use of lower purity raw-materials, and as such effectively reduces the overall cost of the final articles. Furthermore, the invention provides for the casting of new alloys into shapes at lower cooling rates then is possible with the conventional bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an Ni-based single crystal super alloy capable of improving strength by preventing precipitation of a TCP phase at high temperatures. This object is achieved by an Ni-based single crystal super alloy having a composition consisting of 5.0-7.0 wt % Al, 4.0-8.0 wt % Ta, 2.9-4.5 wt % Mo, 4.0-8.0 wt % W, 3.0-6.0 wt % Re, 0.01-0.50 wt % Hf, 2.0-5.0 wt % Cr, 0.1-15.0 wt % Co and 1.0-4.0 wt % Ru in terms of its weight ratio, with the remainder consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A method for reducing blow holes existing in a light alloy cast by using the hot isostatic process (HIP), comprising the steps of heating the light alloy cast at a temperature that is 5-100° C. lower than a temperature at which the liquid phase of the light alloy cast appears, and pressing the heated light alloy cast by a liquid pressure media, thereby reducing the blow holes existing in it.

Abstract: A method and device for the controlled tempering of a casting trough integrated between a supply vessel for a molten metal (e.g., copper or a copper alloy), and at least one continuous casting mold. The trough walls and the trough floor of the casting trough are at least partially provided with a lining layer having a specific electrical resistance between 10−1&OHgr;·m to 10−6&OHgr;·m and being resistant to the heat of the molten metal. The lining layer is inductively heated by an electrical heating device arranged around the lining layer.

Abstract: A bar or wire product for use in cold forging, characterized in that it comprises a steel having the chemical composition, in mass %: C: 0.1 to 0.6%, Si: 0.01 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.2 to 1.7%, S: 0.001 to 0.15%, Al: 0.015 to 0.05%, N: 0.003 to 0.025%, P: 0.035% or less, O: 0.003% or less and balance: Fe and inevitable impurities, and it has, in the region from the surface thereof to the depth of the radius thereof×0.15, a structure wherein ferrite accounts for 10 area % or less and the balance is substantially one or more of martensite, bainite and pearlite, and the average hardness in the region from the depth of the radius thereof×0.5 to the center thereof is less than that of the surface layer thereof by 20 or more of HV; and a method for producing the bar or wire product.

Abstract: A method of handling liquid non-ferrous metals in which the liquid metal is treated while coming into contact with a solid refractory material. The invention is characterised in that the solid material is Ti3SiC2. According to one preferred embodiment, the liquid material is aluminium or aluminium alloys.

Abstract: A golf club cover having a cover element with a configuration corresponding generally to the configuration of the head and a portion of the shaft of the golf club. The cover element contains a keyhole shaped entrance aperture of sufficient size to accept the golf head and a portion of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: Process for producing tyres, wherein crosslinking is carried out on a composition comprising: (a) an elastomeric polymer containing carboxylic groups, and (b) an epoxidized liquid organic compound containig epoxide groups located internally on the molecule. Upon heating, the elastomeric material reaches a high degree of crosslinking without the addition of conventional crosslinking agents, with crosslinking times maintained within limits which are acceptable for an industrial use. These compositions are particularly suitable for producing tread bands.

Abstract: A tire P, which is intended to be mounted on a rim, the seats of which form an angle with the axis of rotation of between 0° and 6°, and comprises a radial carcass reinforcement (1) anchored within each bead B to a bead wire (2) so forming an upturn (10), said bead wire (2) being radially surmounted, axially between the main portion of the reinforcement (1) and its upturn (10), by at least one rubber mix profile (3) substantially triangular in form and of an elevated Shore A hardness, wherein the meridian profile of the axially outer surface of each bead B, exhibiting an abrupt discontinuity of curvature, is combined with the presence above the bead wire of a rubber mix profile (3) of elevated hardness, said profile (3) being axially in contact over its entire height with the upturn (10) of the carcass reinforcement (1) and separated from the main portion of said reinforcement (1) by a low hardness rubber mix profile (4), while a third profile (5), axially to the outside of the upturn (10), consists o

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle tire of radial construction, especially for automobiles, is provided. The tire has a profiled tread strip, a belt structure of at least two belt plies, bead regions having bead cores, and a carcass having load-carrying members of steel cord. In the tire the carcass forms a C-ply construction and contains steel cords of three or five steel filaments, which all have the same diameter of 0.12 to 0.1 5mm.

Abstract: A method 10 for forming a relatively stiff and/or a substantially tight joint 10, 30, 46 while concomitantly reducing the likelihood that the applied adhesive 12 will seep from the joint 10, 30, 46. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesive 12 is placed upon about one half of the coverage portion and upon about ten percent of the fillet portion of each coach and one-half coach joint 10, 30. The adhesive 12 is further placed upon at least fifty percent of the coverage portion 48 of a lap joint 46.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the accuracy and streamlining the process of preparing a flexographic printing sleeve to be imaged with a printing image to produce a flexographic printing forme. Layout details are determined by a controller and transferred to an automated cutting machine. The controller may also control a printer to print indicia on a sleeve for use in aligning the cut flexographic plate sections.