Abstract: A bi-directional metering valve assembly is provided to selectively direct hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load. The assembly includes a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid toward a load. A rotatable valve member defines first and second apertures in an axial face that may be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source to the load. At least one metering sealing assembly provides an interface between the valve block and the valve member. The metering sealing assembly includes a gasket that surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture. The valve member is operable to control the direction of fluid flow, and make fine adjustments to the hydraulic fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A well choke has a quick closure device quickly moving the choke element to a closed position. The closure device mounts between an actuator and a choke. The actuator has a stepper motor and gear train for incrementally moving an actuator rod and a choke element linearly. The quick closure has a hydraulic cylinder that will move the entire actuator, including the actuator rod, toward the choke, when actuated.

Abstract: A fluid valve assembly and method for assembling the same includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet and a fluid passage communicating fluid therebetween. A control member is positioned within the fluid passage and includes a central passage through which the fluid advances. A flow seat component is positioned in the valve body downstream of the flow control member and receives the fluid from the flow control member. A cap component is secured to a distal opening defined on the valve body. A quick-connect collet is retained within an opening defined on the cap component.

Abstract: Systems and method for controlling the flow of a fluidic medium are disclosed. One embodiment of such a system comprises a plurality of first valves logically arranged in an array, the first valves having a control port capable of enabling and disabling fluid flow through a first and second port. The system further includes a row control device connected in parallel to the control port of each first valve in a row of the first valves, and a second valve connected in parallel to one of the first port and second ports of each first valve in a column of the first valves. At least one of the plurality of first valves, row control device, and second valve provide one of a plurality of fluid flows of a fluidic medium through the first and second ports of each first valve in the array.

Abstract: A device (30) for feeding working fluid to an assembly (14) requiring working fluid includes at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) extending from a surface (16a) and at least one screw element (22, 24) capable of being screwed from the surface (16a) into the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) for feeding working fluid into the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) or for closing the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d), the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) having a first section (32) directly adjacent to the surface (16a) with a larger width, a second section (36) with a smaller width and, between the first section (32) and the second section (36), having a first transition region (34) with an annular surface (34a), and the screw element (22, 24) having at least one sealing surface (22c, 24c) capable of being brought into sealing engagement with the annular surface (34a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a papermaking fabric comprising a system of warp yarns interwoven with a system of weft yarns, wherein said system of weft yarns comprise groups of weft yarns, each of said groups being formed by a plurality of adjacent weft yarns weaving in said group side-by-side the same weave path with said warp yarns. Further the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a papermaking fabric.

Abstract: In an industrial two-layer fabric, one upper surface side warp and three warp binding yarns are disposed adjacent to each other. Each of the three warp binding yarns appears on the upper side surface in turn and passes over different one or two successive upper surface side wefts. At least one upper surface side weft exists between knuckles formed on the upper side surface by the three warp binding yarns. Adjacent to the upper surface side warp, these three warp binding yarns get together to form on the upper side surface a design which is the same design formed by an upper surface side warp.

Abstract: An industrial two-layer fabric having a lower surface structure excellent in water drainage property, fiber supporting property, rigidity and wear resistance, obtained by binding an upper layer fabric and a lower layer fabric, wherein each of lower surface side wefts has a design in which it passes over one lower surface side warp, passes under one lower surface side warp, passes over one lower surface side warp and then passes under five successive lower surface side warps, while lower surface side warps each has a design in which it passes over four successive lower surface side wefts, passes under one lower surface side weft, passes over three successive lower surface side wefts, passes under one lower surface side weft, passes over two successive lower surface side wefts, passes under one lower surface side weft, passes over three successive lower surface side wefts and then passes under one lower surface side weft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inserting weft yarn material, comprising an insertion system in a loom. According to the invention, for every insertion the insertion system (A) is supplied with a substantial part of the weft yarn required for the insertion in a loose and substantially tension-free manner so as to be intermittently pulled off. A tubular package of adjacent windings is produced from the weft yarn material on an inner mechanical support (S) by way of an at least substantially continuous winding process and is conveyed forward in withdrawal direction. For an insertion, a number of windings that corresponds at least approximately to the weft yarn section intended to be inserted is detached or set free from the support while maintaining its tubular configuration without yarn tension. The weft yarn material is withdrawn directly inwardly from the frontmost winding and then further along the tube axis (X).

Abstract: A device for funneling leaves into a bag, preferably used in conjunction with a leaf blower. The device includes a plurality of panels that define a passageway and two forwardly extending arms that define an intake area adjacent an entrance to the passageway. A bag is removably affixed adjacent to the exit of the passageway for receiving leaves and other objects blown therethrough. A ramp in the passageway induces circulating airflow in the bag. Additionally, the arms induce a corkscrew airflow and facilitate improved performance in directing objects through the passageway. The plurality of panels that make up the leaf catcher are preferably collapsible into a substantially flat configuration for ease of transport and storage. Further, the construction of the leaf catcher enables easy set up and take down when manipulating the panels from a folded to a operational configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: Vehicle tires are filled with perfluorocarbon gas to extend tire life.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where large quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The base material dispensing valves include stepper motor actuators having multiple steps per revolution.

Abstract: A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a flexible package filled with a liquid. The apparatus includes an inflatable void-filling device and a rigid outer container having a lid and a hollow interior in which the flexible package is located. The lid is arranged to be located over the filled package, whereupon some void results therebetween. The inflatable device is located within the hollow interior over the flexible package and arranged to be filled with compressed gas to cause it to completely fill the void. The compressed gas within the inflatable member automatically expands it to fill the void, irrespective of changes in the volume taken up by the filled package within the outer container.

Abstract: A retainer for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides which has features for filling semi-flexible containers is disclosed. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for measuring a hard granular object having a measuring vessel, a holder and a shutter which cannot be damaged by a granule caught between them when used to measure a granular object with high hardness and a method for measuring a hard granular object therewith. The present invention also provides a device and a method for removing fine granules from a hard granular object such as spherical adsorptive carbon containing fine granules and measuring the hard granular object.

Abstract: A container for transferring a product with crossed protection, having a flexible portion connected to an opening provided with a flange in which is mounted a door that is mobile between a closed position and at least one open position, is characterized in that it includes a guide member 15 adapted to cause an internal portion of the wall of the flexible portion to project through the flange 11A or to retract that portion inside the container. A container of this kind is used to transfer a powder, a granular material or small objects, in particular, from the bottom of the container or from another container.

Abstract: The current invention includes to systems and methods of transferring cryogenic fluids between two locations. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods of using cryogenic risers and rotatable connections for transferring cryogenic fluids, including liquefied natural gas, from an ocean going vessel to a second location. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for transporting a cryogenic fluid between a floating vessel and a second location. The system including a cryogenic riser, a submersible turret connector. The being riser adapted to allow the vertical position of the first end of the riser to be changed, the second end of the first riser located in a body of water and in fluid communication with the second location. The submersible turret connector connected to the first end of the first riser.

Abstract: A planing heads positioning device to be used with an automatic planing machine for planing sides of a piece of lumber moving along a travelling course is provided. The device includes a main frame and a planing assembly including first and second planing head arranged on opposite sides of the travelling course. The planning assembly further includes first and second supports respectively supporting the first and second planing heads. The first support is slidably mounted to the main frame, and the second support is operatively connected to the first support. The device also includes a primary positioning mechanism connected to the first support to position the planing assembly relative to the main frame; and a secondary positioning mechanism operatively connected to the supports to modify the planing width.

Abstract: A power tool, such as, for example a router. In some aspects, a power tool includes a motor, a motor housing defining an air outlet, and a shield connectable to the motor housing and positionable to at least partially cover the air outlet to inhibit movement of debris into the motor housing through the air outlet. In some aspects of the invention, a router includes a base, a motor housing supported by the base, at least one of the base and the motor housing defining a depth adjustment column having an open end, a motor supported by the motor housing and operable to drive a tool element, a depth adjustment mechanism supported in the depth adjustment column and operable to adjust the cutting depth of the tool element, and a flexible shield connectable to the base in a position to cover the open end and to allow access to the depth adjustment mechanism through the open end.

Abstract: A pruning assembly (10) including an elongate supporting body (not shown), right (11) and left (12) jaw members hinged together and movable along the supporting body and each having three sets of blade members (31) mounted on actuator means (16) and alternatively displaced above and below a plane to form two staggered rows of three bores each, the actuator means (16) adapted to maintain the clearance between the trunk and each set of blade members (31).

Abstract: A brush reducing system includes a power source and a brush reducing device that includes a rotating drum assembly having an engagement plate disposed on an outer periphery. The engagement plate is permanently affixed to the drum, and includes a radial engagement face and a horizontal engagement face for supporting a tooth element that registers in an attack position. The engagement plate further includes a restraint aperture. The tooth element includes a body having a first engagement face and a second engagement face. The first and second engagement faces are complementary to the radial engagement face and the horizontal engagement face of the engagement plate. A first leg and a second leg each include a restraint aperture complementary in size and location to the restraint aperture of the engagement plate for receiving a restraint pin may be inserted proper registration of the tooth element.

Abstract: A fluxing composition comprises a fluxing agent, in which the fluxing agent is a benzotriazole or a benzotriazole adduct. The adduct contains a benzotriazole segment and a segment with a curable and polymerizable functionality.

Abstract: A method for treating cracks in slabs involving a step of positioning at least one cutting torch along a slab processing line. The at least one cutting torch being positioned to cut a slab portion where cracking commonly occurs from the slab at it passes along the slab processing line.

Abstract: The invention provides long products with stiffness controlled by the cross sectional shape, method of their thermo-chemical treatment, and apparatus for forming the final shape of the long products and thermo-chemical treatment.

Abstract: A chromium-free treatment solution for producing colored or fluorescing corrosion prevention layers on metal surfaces which contains phosphoric acid and/or at least one fluoro acid of one or more elements from the group consisting of B, Si, Ti, Zr and Hf or anions thereof and at least one organic polymer, the organic polymer being capable of binding to the metal surface through oxygen and/or nitrogen atoms, and having covalently bonded groups which appear colored to the human eye or which fluoresce discernibly to the human eye on exposure to UV light.

Abstract: Composition and process for treating aluminum, aluminum alloys and anodized aluminum substrates to improve the corrosion resistance and adhesive bonding strength of the aluminum substrates. The process comprises pre- or post-treating said aluminum with an acidic aqueous solution comprising, per liter of solution, from about 0.1 to 22 grams of at least one fluorometallate, about 0.1 gram up to the solubility limit of a water soluble cationic or divalent zinc compound and, optionally, effective amounts of water soluble thickeners and/or surfactants.

Abstract: Composition and process for coating ferrous alloys to improve the corrosion resistance and adhesive bonding strength of the alloys. The process comprises using the composition for treating the ferrous alloys such as steel with an acidic aqueous solution comprising, per liter of solution, from about 0.1 to 22 grams of hexafluorozirconates, effective amounts of at least one water soluble divalent zinc compound, and 0.0 to 10 grams of water soluble thickeners and/or water soluble surfactants.

Abstract: An R-T-B type alloy (wherein R is at least one member selected from rare earth elements, T is a transition metal including Fe, and B includes boron) which is a raw material for use in a rare earth-based permanent magnet, wherein the volume percentage of the region containing an R2T17 phase having an average grain diameter of 3 ?m or less in the short axis direction is from 0.5 to 10%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring steel, containing: C: 0.35-0.65% (the term “%” herein means “mass %”, the same is true hereinbelow), Si: 1.5-2.5%, Mn: 0.05-1%, Cr: 0.05-1.9%, P: 0.015% or less (exclusive of 0%), S: 0.015% or less (exclusive of 0%), Ti: 0.025-0.1%, Al: 0.05% or less (exclusive of 0%), and N: 0.01% or less (exclusive of 0%), wherein an amount of Ti nitride, an amount of Ti sulfide, and an amount of Ti carbide satisfy the following formulas (1), (2), and (3); [Tiwith N]?3.42×[N]?0.354×[Al]?0.103×[Nb]??(1) [Tiwith S]?1.49×[S]??(2) [Tiwith C]?0.015 ??(3), in which [Tiwith N] represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti nitride, [Tiwith S] represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti sulfide, [Tiwith C9 represents the amount of Ti (mass %) forming Ti carbide, and [N], [Al], [Nb], and [S] represent an amount (mass%) of each element in the steel. The spring steel of the present invention shows excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement.

Abstract: A gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film consisting of a homogeneous amorphous phase not having microcrystals is formed by electroplating conducted by use of an electroplating bath containing a gold cyanide salt in a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mol/dm3 in terms of gold, a cobalt salt in a concentration of 0.02 to 0.2 mol/dm3 in terms of cobalt, and a tungstate in a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5 mol/dm3 in terms of tungsten. The gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film obtained consists of a homogeneous amorphous phase not having microcrystals, and has an enhanced hardness while retaining the good contact resistance and chemical stability intrinsic of gold on such levels as to be free of problems on a practical use basis; therefore, the gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film is effective for use as a contact material in electric and electronic component parts such as relays.

Abstract: A composition and process for a nickel-base alloy that exhibits a desirable balance of high-temperature strength and weldability, as well as other properties suitable for high temperature applications. These properties are achieved with an alloy in which the combined level of titanium, aluminum, niobium, and tantalum is carefully controlled. The alloy consists of, by weight, 10 to less than 20% chromium, 15 to 20% cobalt, less than 1.0% molybdenum, 2.5 to 5% tungsten, 1.1 to 1.5% niobium, less than 0.5% tantalum, 3.0 to 3.9% titanium, 2.5 to 3.4% aluminum, 0.07 to 0.15% carbon, less than 0.06% zirconium, less than 0.03% boron, the balance nickel and impurities.

Abstract: A method for joining components comprises locating a region, such as an end region 24, of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material component 10 adjacent to a further component 12, and generating localised plastic deformation of the aforesaid region to create a joint between the components 10, 12. The localised plastic deformation of the shape memory alloy material component 10 is preferably generated by applying a shock load to the shape memory alloy material component 10.

Abstract: A casting of a white cast iron alloy which includes the following alloy composition, in weight %: chromium: 12-25%; carbon: 1.5-6%; manganese: 2-7%; silicon: up to 1.5%; molybdenum: up to 2; nickel: up to 4%; microalloying elements selected from the group of titanium, zirconium, niobium, boron, vanadium, and tungsten: up to 2% of each of one or more of the elements; and iron: balance. The microstructure of the casting has 15-60 vol % eutectic carbides and primary carbides dispersed in a ferrous matrix of martensite and is at least substantially free of pearlite.

Abstract: A high strength steel sheet excellent in formability which has a chemical composition in mass %: C: 0.03 to 0.20%, Si: 0.005 to 0.3%, Mn: 1.0 to 3.1%, P: 0.001 to 0.06%, S: 0.001 to 0.01%, N: 0.0005 to 0.01%, Al: 0.2 to 1.2%, Mo?0.5%, and the balance: Fe and inevitable impurities, with the proviso that the values of mass % for Si and Al satisfy the following formula (1): (0.0012×[objective value of TS]?0.29?[Si])/2.45<Al<1.5?3×[Si] . . . (1) wherein [objective value of TS] represents a design strength value for the steel sheet in an Mpa unit, and has a metal structure containing ferrite and martensite. The above high strength steel sheet is also excellent in formability and the capability of being chemically treated and that of being hot-dip zinc sheeted.

Abstract: A structured, self-assembled nanoenergetic material is disclosed that includes a nanostructure comprising at least one of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer and a plurality of substantially spherical nanoparticles comprising at least the other of the group consisting of a fuel and an oxidizer. The spherical particles are arranged around the exterior surface area of said nanorod. This structured particle assures that the oxidizer and the fuel have a high interfacial surface area between them. Preferably, the nanostructure is at least one of a nanorod, nanowire and a nanowell, and the second shaped nanoparticle is a nanosphere.

Abstract: A pneumatic tyre includes a sensor device for monitoring one or more dynamic parameters of the tyre and a detecting device. The sensor device is disposed in a crown portion of the tyre and includes an inertial switch. The inertial switch changes from a first state to a second state when the crown portion begins contacting a ground surface and changes from the second state to the first state when the crown portion loses contact with the ground surface. The detecting device is operatively connected to the inertial switch and determines the one or more dynamic parameters of the tyre from a signal obtained from the changes of the inertial switch. A method for monitoring the one or more dynamic parameters includes providing the tyre with the sensor device disposed in the crown portion, rotating the tyre on the ground surface, and determining the one or more dynamic parameters.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.

Abstract: An anti-skid spike which may be applied to an embedded opening on a running surface of, for example, a tire, having an insert piece and a base body with a molded flange and a recess for housing the insert piece. According to this invention, material and shape combinations not previously applied or possible can be achieved, whereby a housing selection is formed on the base body, at least partly enclosed by at least one sleeve piece and, in an assembled state, the sleeve piece is arranged at least partly in the region around the recess.

Abstract: A tire 2 comprises a tread 4, a pair of sidewalls 6 extended almost inward in a radial direction from an end 18 of the tread 4, a pair of bead cores 8 positioned on an inside in the radial direction of the sidewalls 6, and a carcass 10 laid between both of the bead cores 8 along insides of the tread 4 and the sidewalls 6. The carcass 10 includes a carcass ply 20. The carcass ply 20 is turned up around the bead core 8. The sidewall 6 has a lower layer 34 positioned on an outside in an axial direction of the carcass ply 20 and an upper layer 36 positioned on an outside in the radial direction of the lower layer 34. The upper layer 36 has a hardness which is equal to or higher than 50 and is equal to or lower than 70. The lower layer 34 has a hardness which is equal to or higher than 70 and is equal to or lower than 100.

Abstract: There is provided a side-reinforced run flat tire capable of enhancing safety at the time of running with its internal pressure kept in a range of 50 to 150 kPa. A belt-reinforcing layer 8a is made up of a composite cord formed by twisting a high-modulus fiber and a low-modulus fiber together. A stress-strain curve of the composite cord preferably has an inflection point between a low-modulus region, and a high-modulus region, set to fall in a range of 2 to 7% in strain. In a region of the composite cord, smaller in strain, deformation of a tread is more tolerated than in the case of using a low-modulus cord, and deflection of the sidewall is more deterred than in the case of using the high-modulus cord. Further, when the strain of the composite cord reaches the high-modulus region, the composite cord exhibits modulus of elasticity higher than that in the case of using the low-modulus cord, so that the tread does not undergo excessive deformation such as will occur in the case of using the low-modulus cord.

Abstract: Systems and methods for avoidance of tape flaw or splices in manufacturing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of applying a tape onto a workpiece includes feeding the tape from a tape supply using a tape application assembly, and applying the tape onto the workpiece using the tape application assembly. Simultaneously with the feeding of the tape, the tape is monitored for a marker indicating a defect within the tape, the marker being spaced apart along the tape from the defect such that the marker arrives prior to the defect. The method further includes detecting the marker, and avoiding the application of a portion of the tape that includes the defect onto the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of producing a floor panel for an elevated floor comprising the steps of printing a border along the edge of said floor panel then applying a protective wear surface over said printed surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and method of making it. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a polymer blanket to a mechanical device. The method includes positioning the polymer blanket against a polymer surface of the mechanical device and ultrasonically joining the polymer blanket to that surface. The invention also relates to a mechanical device including a mechanical component and a polymer insulator ultrasonically joined to a polymer wall of the mechanical device and at least partially enclosing the mechanical component.

Abstract: A single pass process and apparatus for manufacturing a folded yard sign from a pre-cut sheet previously coated on both sides with a fusible polymer includes the steps of printing an image on an outside of the sheet, curing the image, scoring the printed sheet, folding the scored sheet, ultrasonically sealing regions along side edges of the folded sheet, and stacking the sealed sheets, which are finished sign products ready for packaging. The ultrasonic sealing fuses the polymer coated inside surfaces along the edges of the folded sheet. The sealed side edges form a sign support receiving pocket in the finished sign member in cooperation with a folded edge of the sign member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic element includes the steps of forming ceramic green sheets having superior surface smoothness and small variations in thickness at a high speed, in which defects such as pinholes are prevented from occurring, and providing internal electrodes and step-smoothing ceramic paste on the ceramic green sheets with high accuracy. The method includes the steps of applying ceramic slurry to a base film by a die coater followed by drying performed in a drying furnace for forming the ceramic green sheets, and performing gravure printing of conductive paste and ceramic paste onto the ceramic green sheets by using a first and a second gravure printing apparatus, respectively. Accordingly, the internal electrodes are formed, and the step-smoothing ceramic paste is provided in regions other than those in which the internal electrodes are formed.

Abstract: A fast line maintenance repair process for damaged composite structures includes the application of a pre-cured patch that uses a quick curing paste adhesive to bond the patch to the structure. The adhesive is cured at relatively low elevated temperatures provided by a chemical heat pack. The low temperature cure eliminates the need to dry out the part and permits the application of the repair in a hazardous environment. In a typical commercial airline application, airline maintenance personnel can install the repair at the flight gate. The repair is intended to restore the structure to a desired load capability in approximately one hour. The repair can be removed if need be with less overall damage than would occur upon removal of typical mechanically fastened repairs. All or some of the repair materials and tools can be provided in a portable kit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire having an innerliner formed of thermoplastic elastomer. The method comprises the steps of: heating a surface of a tire building drum in advance; placing the innerliner on the heated surface of the tire building drum, the innerliner being cylindrically shaped and having a radially outer surface to which an adhesive has been applied; disposing uncured tire components radially outwardly of the innerliner to form a green tire; and curing the green tire.

Abstract: Composite sandwich panels that include a core having a permeable body that is sandwiched between two skins. An internal barrier is located between the skins and the core to provide an impermeable chamber surrounding the permeable core. The chamber is pressurized during formation of the panel to provide an interior counter pressure against the mold/press used to form the panel. The counter pressure applied by the chamber reduces the amount of voids in the skins and improves the surface finish of the skins. In addition, the impermeable material remains within the finished panel to provide an internal barrier surrounding the core.