Abstract: A ring binder having flexible straps for lacing through holes in loose-leaf items having being bound, each strap having a clasp for clasping the strap to form it into rings of different size.

Abstract: An angle accessory for skirting ducts includes two flaps mounted to pivot about a pivot axis via assembly structure including two male engagement elements on the first flap and two female engagement elements on the second flap. In the vicinity of the male engagement elements, the first flap has at least one flange projecting from one of its end edges and forming an obstacle that co-operates with at least one lip of the first flap to define at least one passageway giving access to at least one male engagement element, the passageway having a small height constraining the flaps to be assembled together by bringing the second flap towards the first flap while tilting the second flap relative to the first flap's pivot axis, and then by straightening up the second flap along the pivot axis so as to engage successively the female engagement elements over the male engagement elements.

Abstract: A connecting element with substantially U-shaped cross-section has a U-shape having two free ends and a connecting region connecting the free ends with one another and having at least one engaging element provided and formed to engage an associated edge of an undercut groove of a first part to be connected by the connecting element, the U shape having at least one second engaging element located near one of the free ends and provided and formed to laterally engage in an associated recess of a second part to be connected by the connecting element, wherein the at least one second engaging element protrudes from an associated one of the free ends of the U shape in a direction away from the other of the free ends of the U shape.

Abstract: A steering shaft coupling for an automotive vehicle includes first and second shaft sections which are both serrated and which may be telescopically engaged. The shaft sections are locked together with an elastically deformable locking ring which is positioned within internal and external grooves formed on the shaft sections. The shaft sections are resiliently biased so as to resist unwanted vibration while in use in a vehicle by means of an elastomeric load and seal ring positioned between the assembled shaft sections.

Abstract: A prefabricated road median walls are mounted along a median line of a road to divide the road into two sections according to the direction of vehicles traveling on the road. The prefabricated road median wall includes a plurality of unit blocks manufactured by mixing rubber powder with a fire retardant material at a predetermined ratio and conducting a compression molding process. The unit blocks are stacked sequentially, with a plurality of support holes vertically formed through each of the plurality of unit blocks, so that the support holes of the unit blocks communicate with each other. The prefabricated road median wall further includes a locking means to couple the stacked unit blocks together, thus forming a median wall body; and a plurality of anchor posts.

Abstract: A method for installing an aesthetically pleasing artificial turf that retards birds and other animals and a sub-surface that supports the weight of an aircraft, enhances water drainage and enables the accessibility of airport vehicles to all parts of a runway or taxiway is disclosed.

Abstract: A comminution machine included in an earth working machine which can be moved over a terrestrial area to be worked in a direction of working comprises a rotating roller comminution device. A grader blade is mounted on the comminution machine down stream from the comminution device in the direction of working.

Abstract: A segmented concrete screed for screeding concrete on a concrete casting bed includes a plurality of individual screed units each of which may be raised and lowered independently of the others such that screeding operations may selectively bypass obstructions in the concrete to be screeded.

Abstract: A system and a method for draining soft soil A bordered with soil B are disclosed. The system includes an airtight sheet 10 which covers the soft soil A to assist in vacuuming the soft soil A. The system further includes water gathering pipes 13 and a water drain tank 16 to receive water from the water gathering pipes 13. The water gathering pipes 13 and the water drain tank 16 provide water passages and air passages separately so as to expedite the drainage operation.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a hydrophilic delivery device, for example, tubing, that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. At least a portion of the device's wall along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate and/or negative pressure generated by the roots due to water stress. A reservoir is adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein and is situated in fluid communication with the hydrophilic device's inlet.

Abstract: A water resource recycling system includes an environmental permeable flooring which allows the rain on the ground be accumulated and quickly permeate into the underground. A vertical overflow duct is drilled deep into the permeable stratum under the ground to further draw the rain through the impermeable (clay) stratum to the deeper groundwater stratum. A plurality of water reservoirs pre-buried under the ground nearby the vertical overflow duct are connected to the vertical overflow duct, thereby as the rain permeated from the ground surface to the vertical overflow duct becomes saturated, the rain will flow to the water reservoirs of different size. Each water reservoir is connected to a water-drawing pipe extended to the ground surface such that the rain can be completely absorbed and stored by the earth for preventing heat island effect.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of collecting biogas from a landfill that results in more complete collection of biogas produced in the landfill, and with less contamination with air. The method involves providing the landfill with an upper gas containment layer near the surface of the landfill to retard biogas escape and air entrainment into the landfill. Underneath the gas containment layer is provided a gas-permeable conductive layer. Underneath the conductive layer, a well withdraws biogas from the landfill. Withdrawal of biogas from the well creates a partial vacuum that draws gas from the gas-permeable conductive layer down through the waste mass to the well. If the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too rapid, air will be entrained from the atmosphere into the gas-permeable conductive layer. But if the rate of gas withdrawal from the well is too slow, biogas may percolate through the gas-containment layer and the surface of the landfill to escape.

Abstract: An auger bit is provided for a foundation pile system including a drilling rig adapted for mounting and rotating a grout pipe connected to the auger bit to form an auger. The auger bit includes a stem with lower and upper sections, which taper towards a transition whereat the stem has a maximum diameter. A pile foundation forming method includes the steps of providing a drilling rig, forming an auger with a grout pipe coupled to an auger bit, rotating the auger wit the rig, forming a borehole with laterally displaced soil, pumping pressurized grout through the auger and into the borehole, placing a reinforcing cage in the wet grout and curing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment and includes a chamber, which allows the flow of fill material to adjacent blocks below and above. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to interlock with adjacent blocks, thereby forming a continuous chamber capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a router tool for edging the peripheral edge of eyeglass lenses. The tool comprises a longitudinally extending body rotatable on the axis thereof. A first blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a first cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a first configuration. A second blade is provided that is axially spaced from the first blade. The second blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a second cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a second configuration different than the first configuration. The present invention also relates to an edger having the disclosed router tool, and a method for shaping the edge of eyeglass lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting insert for chip removing machining. The cutting insert has a substantially circular cutting edge formed at a transition between an upper side and an edge surface of the cutting insert. The upper side includes a chip surface including at least one chip breaker portion and the edge surface includes a clearance surface having an arrangement for indexing the cutting insert. The chip breaker portion is provided at varying distance from the associated cutting edge. The arrangement is provided in a position relative to a reference line or axis of the tool in order to orient the chip breaker portion in the chip surface to a desired position.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a stationary base table for supporting a work piece under process at a fixed position at a drilling spindle station. A drilling spindle carries and applies rotational force to a drilling tool. A compound overhead guiding system carries the spindle above the work piece under process. The overhead guiding system includes a Y drive system for moving the spindle along a Y axis in relation to the base table, and an X drive system for driving the spindle along an X axis. The guiding system has a lightweight laminated crossbeam structure for carrying the spindle and X axis drive system.

Abstract: A quick chuck for a hand power tool has an actuating element, at least one arresting element for receiving a clamping support force, a control device having at least one control unit for controlling the at least one arresting element, the arresting element controllable by the control device producing a form-locking connection for receiving the clamping support force.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a spindle of a machine tool and/or removing a workpiece from the spindle. The machine spindle includes an axis of rotation and the workpiece includes a centerline extending between a first end surface and a second end surface. A mechanism is provided for grasping the workpiece, preferably on its centers, in a position proximate the spindle whereby the workpiece centerline is coincident with the axis of rotation of the spindle. The spindle is moved relative to the workpiece in the direction of the axis of rotation whereby the workpiece is inserted into the spindle or removed from the spindle.

Abstract: In the single-indexing method, the blades are positioned in a circle on a cutter head, so that all of the blades run through a tooth space to be produced during cutting of a bevel gear. The workpiece is then rotated by one pitch and the continuously rotating cutter head may then cut the next tooth space. Since the blades do not all have their intended shapes and positions, different structures arise on the tooth flanks, which lead to deviations in the pitch measurement. In order to avoid this, a face-milling method is suggested in which the cutter head gets the same angular position around its axis in relation to the tooth space to be produced as for the preceding space. This has the result that all tooth spaces are not more precise overall, but their surface structures are identical and the pitch measurement is thus not falsified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool such as a router which is provided to perform an operation on a work piece. The tool includes dust extraction apparatus to allow dust and debris to be removed from the location at which the work is performed and part of the extraction apparatus is movable between storage and in-use positions. When said part is moved to a storage position, an alternative dust extraction passage may be fitted in to the port or aperture. Typically, the part which is movable can be telescopically movable or alternatively, can be provided of a flexible member so as to be moved between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A motorcycle transport system and method therefor includes a crossbar that is insertable through a hollow bore of a motorcycle such as a swing arm pivot so that the motorcycle is securable for transport by securing the crossbar. One or more stands may couple to the crossbar for securing the motorcycle. Base receiving members may be mounted to a transport surface such as a truck bed for enabling the stands to be removed when not in use.

Abstract: A multi-grip blind rivet 74 includes a rivet body 82, adapted to receive a portion of a mandrel 76. A plurality of indentations 88 are formed in an outer surface 86 of the rivet body 82 in each of three axially spaced transaxial planes. Each indentation 88 is formed with a work hardened base surface 90 having a convex portion, which is formed with axially spaced first and second transaxial edges 106 and 108 having nonlinear portions. Adjacent indentations 88 are separated by ribs 89. A flared intermediate surface 122 extends between the base surface 90 and the outer surface 86. The rivet 74 is assembled within aligned holes 128 and 130 of workpieces 124 and 126, respectively, where, upon setting of the rivet, the indentations 88 collapse and the outer surface 86 bulges against walls of the holes to retain the workpieces together.

Abstract: A conical washer having a crush zone wherein the inner annular projection comprises a top and bottom elevation where the top elevation lies at an approximately 100 to 165 degree angle to the inner annular wall of the washer and the bottom elevation is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the washer. The inner annular projection forms a crush zone, which collapses and crushes when an attachment device passes through the washer and is tightened down by a user. The crush zone provides a tight engagement of fastener to the bearing surface, and one which eliminates looseness in the fastener upon thermal expansion of the metal of the elements.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to secure straight travelability for a fastener during the driving of the latter, simplify the connecting fastener production process, simplify the cleaning of the work site, and prevent work-attending damage to the flooring. In a connecting fastener, kraft paper (5) in a combination band (2, 3) for holding a number of nails (2) is pasted to opposite surfaces of the nails (2), the kraft paper (5) having a plastic layer (6) that is formed with a plurality of grooves (7A, 7B) with a pitch smaller than the arrangement pitch of the nails (2), facilitating the separation of the nails (2).

Abstract: A semiconductor device producing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrier-holding stage for placing a carrier; first, second and third stages each for holding first and second boats one at a time, each boat holding one or more substrates; a boat transfer mechanism for transferring the boats among the first, second and third stages; and a substrate transfer mechanism for transferring the substrate(s) from the carrier to the boat held by the first stage. A controller controls the first stage, the boat transfer mechanism and the substrate transfer mechanism so that the boat transfer mechanism transfers one of the boats from the second stage to the first stage, the substrate transfer mechanism then transfers the substrate(s) from the carrier to the boat held by the first stage, and the first stage then moves the boat into the processing chamber for processing.

Abstract: A vacuum process system comprises: a load port on which an object to be processed is set; a common transfer chamber disposed adjacent to the load port, having an internal space set at an atmospheric pressure level, and including a first transfer device that is movable and transfers the object into/from the load port, the first transfer device being disposed within the internal space; and a process unit having one process chamber for subjecting the object to a predetermined process, and a vacuum transfer chamber connected to the process chamber, having an internal space set at a vacuum pressure level, and including a second transfer device for transferring the object into/from the process chamber, the second transfer device being disposed within the internal space. The process units are individually connected to the common transfer chamber such that the process units are substantially parallel to each other. The vacuum chamber of each process unit is connected to the common transfer chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved grain unloader for off-loading (unloading) grain from a grain bin carried by one or more of a combine or a grain cart. A second grain movement assembly is coupled in parallel to the first grain movement assembly so that both grain movement assemblies can simultaneously off-load the grain bin. A third grain movement assembly feeds the second grain movement assembly. The first and second grain movement assemblies move together from a stowage position to an unloading position. The third grain assembly can only feed the second grain transfer assembly when the second grain assembly is in the off-load position.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including an unloading system wherein an unloading conduit assembly is, in an operational set-up, rotatable or swivelable through an arc of 360° to permit grain unloading into a grain truck located at any point around the combine, whether the combine is stationary or moving. For road travel or storage the unloading conduit assembly, or some portion of it, is pivoted into a set-up wherein the longitudinal conduit is retracted into nesting relationship against the side of the combine and below the top of the grain tank.

Abstract: The subject of the patent is a quick-change coupling for attaching work tools to an excavator boom, in which a respective coupling body part (1, 2) is disposed on the work tool and on the excavator boom, the two coupling body parts being mutually securable by a hook connection (3) and a wedge lock (4) having mutual bearing surfaces (5), and at least one coupling plate (14, 14?) being respectively provided on the work tool, on both sides of the longitudinal center plane and parallel to the latter, which coupling plates have, congruent with each other, the receiving recesses both of the hook connection (3) and of the wedge connection (4).

Abstract: A bar stock loader for an elongate member and a method for use is includes a support apparatus with a support surface for supporting the elongate member and a translation apparatus proximate to the support apparatus. The translation apparatus is moveable and has an arm and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the arm. The translation apparatus is moveable between a first and second position whereby, when the translation apparatus is in the first position, the arm is positioned overlapping the support surface for receiving the elongate member, and when in the second position the arm is horizontally displaced from the support surface.

Abstract: A pile based braced caisson structural support device includes a number of legs in is used to support a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a base, a turbine generator and a blade mechanism. The legs are configured in a teepee type configuration such that the footprint of the base is larger than the footprint of the opposing end. This structural support can be used as a base for an offshore platform in that the support reduces the lateral forces on the support caused by wave action.

Abstract: An axial flow compressor (16) comprises a plurality of variable stator vanes (32) circumferentially spaced apart and extending radially. Each variable stator vane (32) is rotatably mounted on a compressor casing (28). A control ring (38) surrounds the compressor casing (28). Each variable stator vane (32) is connected to the control ring (38) by a respective one of a plurality of operating levers (40) and the control ring (38) is spaced from the compressor casing (28) by a clearance. A plurality of bimetallic strips (50) are arranged circumferentially and are positioned radially between the control ring (38) and the compressor casing (28) and the bimetallic strips (50) control the clearance between the control ring (38) and the compressor casing (28) whereby any error of the variable stator vane (32) angular position is reduced. Each bimetallic strip (50) extends radially outwardly from the compressor casing (28) towards the control ring (38).

Abstract: In a pumping arrangement for a chamber, a regenerative pumping mechanism comprises a rotor and a stator having an annular channel within which rotor blades rotate to urge fluid along the channel. The channel has a stripper, a channel inlet positioned adjacent one end of the stripper and through which fluid from the chamber enters the channel, and a channel outlet positioned adjacent the other end of the stripper and through which pressurised fluid leaves the channel. The stator further comprises a fluid bypass in the form of a bore having an inlet and an outlet on either side of the stripper. A valve allows fluid entering the channel to selectively diverted through the bore to the channel outlet. This can allow the performance of the pump to be varied without changing the speed of rotation of the rotor, and thus allow the pressure in the chamber to be accurately controlled.

Abstract: A rotary jetting tool including a pressure-balanced rotor, which is achieved using a vented volume. Axial movement of the rotor relative to the housing caused by pressure imbalances acting on the rotor selectively uncovers or opens a vent that places the volume in fluid communication with an ambient volume, enabling the rotor to achieve a pressure balanced condition. A plurality of radial clearance seals between the rotor and the housing are used to provide hydrodynamic bearings to reduce friction between the rotor and housing. The diameters of the seals are manipulated to facilitate pressure balancing of the rotor. In one embodiment, the rotor includes a centrifugal brake configured to control a maximum rotational speed of the rotor. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the rotor in an axial direction, enabling a relatively large upstream settling chamber to be incorporated into the rotor, thereby reducing inlet turbulence and improving jet quality.

Abstract: A single-shaft multistage pump is provided to make small-sized and space-saved possible. The single-shaft multistage pump includes a rotary shaft on which impellers are disposed at multiple stages, bearings and for supporting the rotary shaft, and a balance device adapted to apply, to the rotary shaft, a balance thrust force opposing an impeller thrust force. A water-lubricated bearing is used as each of the radial bearings, and the rotary shaft is supported by the water-lubricated bearings with a balance member of the balance device interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a turbine vane having a fail safe cooling system. According to embodiments of the invention, the vane can have multiple concentric layers of radial cooling holes extending about the vane; each layer being fluidly connected to the adjacent layer or layers. Such fluid communication can occur through one or more plenums in the vane or in the shrouds bounding the radial ends of the vane. Coolant can initially be supplied to the innermost layer of cooling holes. From there, the coolant can sequentially progress through successive outer layers. Between two adjacent layers, the coolant can flow in opposite directions. Not only does such a system provide needed cooling to the vane, but the multilayer redundant cooling system can avoid or delay catastrophic failures that can occur if the vane surface is damaged, such as by impact.

Abstract: A casing assembly for a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine includes a rotor casing having an intake duct and an exhaust flow passage which is connected to an exhaust flange and constructed for attachment to the rotor casing such as to allow a relative movement between the exhaust flow passage and the rotor casing. In this way, a sliding fit is provided which prevents thermal stress in the system rotor casing and exhaust flow passage. An outer housing surrounds the exhaust flow passage, rotor casing and intake duct.

Abstract: This invention refers to a hydraulic or pneumatic machine with tilting blades, running either as an engine on a fluid flow or on pressure fluid or as a pump or a compressor. The hydraulic or pneumatic machine on a fluid flow according to the invention consists of a cylindrical casing with inlet and outlet openings, radially arranged, diametrically oposed, along the fluid flowing direction, some disk like rotors with tilting blades, hinged over their front faces and provided with driving mechanisms of their own, and some fixed drums located between the rotors, concentrically to them, making inside the machine some channels, symetrically arranged on one or several stages. Flowing through the channels, the fluid drives the tilting blades causing the movement of the rotors, all the rotors moving to one sense being coupled to the same outlet shaft of the machine.

Abstract: A device for the adjustment of stator vanes of a turbo engine includes an adjusting ring and an adjusting lever. The adjusting lever includes a first end, and a second end having an opening. The first end of the adjusting lever is connected to the adjusting ring. The device also includes an end of a shank of the stator vane, and the end of a shank of the stator vane enters into the opening of the second end of the adjusting lever to connect the second end of the adjusting lever to the end of the shank of the stator vane. The adjusting lever swivelingly connects the stator vane to the adjusting ring outside of the housing of the turbo engine. The device further includes a projection on the end of the shank, and the projection projects past the rim of the opening when the stator vane is in an installed position.

Abstract: A material system (60) contains close packed hollow shapes (50, 70) having a dense wall structure (52, 66), which are bonded together and which may contain a matrix binder material (56) between the shapes, where the system has a stable porosity, and is abradable and thermally stable at temperatures up to possibly 1700° C., where such systems are useful in turbine apparatus.

Abstract: Such a rotating blade body is supplied as can prevent not only local wear and deformation but also inadvertent vibration and can maintain cooling efficiency. A rotating blade body consists of a rotor disc 2 and rotating blades 1 which are assembled so as to extend from the outer circumference of the rotor disc 2 in a radial pattern, wherein blade root portions 10 of the rotating blades 1 are engaged into blade grooves 20 which are formed along a direction of a rotating shaft on an edge of the outer circumference of the rotor disc 2. Circulation spaces 25 for the cooling air are formed along the direction of a rotating shaft between the bottom-end portions 10a of the blade root portions 10 and the bottom portions 20a of the blade grooves 20. Pushing-up members 3 which push up the rotating blades 1 outward in a radial direction are inserted into the circulation spaces 25, maintaining circulation of the cooling air.

Abstract: A frame device of a fan comprises a lower frame and a plurality of jut units. The lower frame is hollow. The jut units are disposed on the lower frame in a way of spacing apart from each other and extend upward and slant outward to constitute an entrance such that a plurality of elongated passages are formed for fluid flow. A fan wheel with a plurality of fan blades is associated with the lower frame. When the fan wheel rotates, more fluid can flow in the fan to enhance heat dissipation efficiency and reduce noise.

Abstract: A casing of a hydraulic machine such as a gas turbine is formed as a horizontally split type flangeless casing. The flangeless casing consists of an upper casing and a lower casing joined together at joint faces and fastened by fastening bolts. The fastening bolt has a screw thread which engages the threaded hole on the joint face of the lower casing. A bolt hole having an internal screw thread and through which the fastening bolt passes is provided in the upper casing. A sleeve having an external screw thread is fitted into the bolt hole of the upper casing by engaging the external screw of the sleeve with the internal sleeve of the bolt hole. An enlarged diameter portion is formed on a shaft of the fastening bolt at the portion where the enlarged diameter portion abuts an upper end face of the sleeve when the fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded hole in the lower casing.

Abstract: In order to couple coolant air flow presented through a coolant gallery 4, 24 through an opening 7, 27 into a passage 8, 28 a flow deflector 6, 26 is provided. The flow deflector 6, 26 progressively deflects the coolant air flow 5, 25 through the opening 7, 27 such that there is reduced loss in coolant flow 5, 25 pressure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a turbine rotor blade includes casting a turbine rotor blade including a dovetail, a platform having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a cast-in plenum defined between the outer surface and the inner surface, and an airfoil, and forming a plurality of openings between the platform inner surface and the platform outer surface to facilitate cooling an exterior surface of the platform.

Abstract: A partial rib for use in a turbine blade is disclosed which provides one or more of improved strength, air flow distribution and cooling. In one embodiment, the rib has a height of between 0.3 and 0.9 of the airfoil height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind generator of the type with automatic power regulation, comprising at least one propeller having at least two blades (21), whereby the efficiency of one propeller varies inversely to a variation in the wind energy, from a lower wind speed limit. The torque/speed characteristics of each propeller are determined such that the working point begins to move towards the areas of low aerodynamic efficiency when the wind speed approaches the value at which the generator reaches the maximum, safety-compliant power. The inventive wind generator is characterized in that it also comprises: at least one centrifugal counter weight system (24) which is arranged such as to reduce the pitch of at least one part of the blades when the speed of rotation is increasing; and at least one system comprising an end stop (30) and return (15) or compression (25) means which mechanically define the initial working pitch and the optimum working pitch up to the nominal speed.

Abstract: A Francis turbine with an improved shape of blades, which can reduce cavitations generated on the surface of the blades or reduce the secondary flow around the blades, is provided. A Francis turbine comprises a rotating shaft, a crown, a plurality of blades, and a band. The crown can rotate with the rotating shaft. The blades are circumferentially arranged on the crown, each of which including an inner end as a trailing edge. The band is coaxially coupled with the crown by the blades. The rotating shaft, the crown, the blades, and the band as a whole rotate toward a turbine direction during a turbine operation. A projected profile of the trailing edge on a perpendicular plane, which is perpendicular to a center axis of the rotating shaft, is curved toward a direction opposite to the turbine direction at least in the crown side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade comprising a number of pre-fabricated strips arranged in a sequence along the outer periphery. The strips consist of a fibrous composite material, preferably carbon fibres, and consist of a wooden material, preferably plywood or wooden fibres held in a cured resin. The advantage is that it is possible to manufacture blades for wind turbines which are very stiff and generally have a high strength, but which nevertheless are easy to manufacture and also is much cheaper to manufacture compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing prefabricated strips and for manufacturing wind turbine blades.