Abstract: A method for dehydrating a monolithic bone intended for implantation is provided. The method serves to conserve at least one of the biomechanical properties of the bone during the dehydration of the bone and its subsequent packaging. Also provided is a monolithic bone for implantation and a method of using the bone for the repair of damaged bone.

Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.

Abstract: A system for applying hair extensions to natural hair growing on the scalp of an individual comprises cylindrical tubes, a threading tool and a crimping tool. The cylindrical tube has a second end opening larger than a first end opening. The threading tool is used to feed scalp hair through the cylindrical tube. The hair extension is then inserted into the second end of the tube and the tube is crushed flat trapping the threaded scalp hair and hair extension within the crushed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetics case including a cover having a lock protrusion and a hinge protrusion; a base case to which the cover is pivotally connected; an intermediate case installed in the base case and in which a button and a spring are installed; a powder case receiving solid powder therein, installed in the intermediate case and supported by the spring; and a grinding member rotatably installed in a coupling groove of the intermediate case to grind the surface of the solid powder received in the powder case. The present invention provides the cosmetics case capable of rotating in both directions, in which rotation in one direction permits grinding of the solid powder and rotation in the other direction permits pressing down of the surface of the solid powder, thereby preventing the ground powder from being discharged outwards, and after use, the cover is closed to prevent impurities from being put into the solid powder.

Abstract: A device for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article, especially of a wafer, near the edge, in which the liquid is applied to a first surface, flows essentially radially to the outside to the peripheral-side edge of the wafer-shaped article and around this edge onto the second surface, the liquid wetting a defined section near the edge on the second surface and thereupon being removed from the wafer-shaped article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher. In more detail, the present invention provides a dishwasher including a sump housing for holding washing water, a washing water pumping unit for pumping the washing water, a drain chamber for receiving the washing water pumped thus, a soil chamber for receiving the washing water through the drain chamber, a guide assembly for guiding the washing water pumped thus to be provided to the soil chamber via the drain chamber, and a sump cover covered on an upper surface of the sump housing for filtering the washing water overflowed from the soil chamber, thereby filtering the washing water effectively, and improving recovery ratio of the washing water to reduce consumption of the washing water and power.

Abstract: A deaeration device for bubbling dissolved air in the cleaning liquid by cavitation is connected on a cleaning-liquid circulation path so as to bubble the dissolved air in the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning-liquid circulation path by the deaeration device, and the bubbled dissolved air flows back to the cleaning tank together with the cleaning liquid so that the bubbled dissolved air is ejected from the liquid surface of the cleaning tank to the outside of the tank. Moreover, a propeller-type pump is used as the circulating pump, and the dissolved air concentration of the cleaning liquid is controlled within a range of 2.5 to 3.5 mg/l.

Abstract: Improved gripping structures for a hand-held umbrella are provided. In one example structure, a first grip is fixedly attached to an end of a shaft of the umbrella, such as the end located distally away from a canopy of the umbrella. A second grip is coupled to the shaft. The second grip may be slidably repositionable along the shaft. The second grip may include an interlocking device to lock the second grip at a desired location along the shaft. The second grip may further include a runner interface. An accessory mount may be disposed at the first grip to couple an accessory, such as a camera, at the end of the shaft distally away from the canopy of the umbrella.

Abstract: A walker includes a universal mount adapted to interchangeably receive multiple different attachments useful for a patient using the walker. A single walker may have an array of attachments adapted to be interchangeably used by a particular user. Alternatively, a care provider may stock a single walker available for use by many different patients, because individual needs may be met by the different attachments that may be interchangeably used with the mount on the single walker.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.

Abstract: The inventive discharge rate and pressure control solenoid valve (1) is used for a circuit consisting of a low pressure part and a high-pressure part and controls the discharge rate of a low-pressure fluid with the aid of a sliding spool (18) in a liner (22) provided with at least one fluid feeding orifice (20) and one fluid exhausting orifice (21) respectively. Said spool (18) is electrically actuated by means of an electromagnet acting in an opposite direction to recoil means (26) for closing the passage between the feeding (20) and exhausting (21) orifices when a control current for the electromagnet is equal to zero and for gradually opening said passage according to a threshold value of the flow, the pressure control being applicable to a high-pressure fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air core filling system for reclining or seating furniture, for example, for a mattress, an armchair, a car seat, a piece of camping furniture or similar, comprising an air core and an integrated air core filling system, reacting to a load, which independently, supplies a dosed amount of air into the air core, in order to maintain the same at a given adjustable pressure in the non-loaded state. Said air core filling system comprises an air pump system (3) with at least two separate chambers (2, 6) and control system (17), whereby the first chamber (2) is directly connected to the air core by a line (1) and a second chamber (6) is connected to the air core by a line (7) through a pressure regulation valve (13) and to the ambient air by a line (9).

Abstract: A modular fluid handling device includes at least one block having opposing block faces shaped as tessellating regular polygons, and a series of block sides therebetween. Each block includes a central bore and fluid passages extending between the block faces, and possibly ducts extending between the bore and the fluid passages. The blocks may be rapidly horizontally and/or vertically affixed with their bores and/or fluid passages in communication to form a fluid handling device having the desired configuration (e.g., with the bores and fluid passages forming a desired process flow path, fluid circuit, or the like). Star wheels and/or rotor discs can be provided within the block bores for purposes of pumping fluids flowing within the bores, and/or for purposes of deriving power from fluid flow within the bores.

Abstract: A durable water heating system providing rapid hot water delivery includes a water heating unit connected to a water source. A hot water line connects the water heating unit to at least one water delivery fixture. A return line of substantially the first cross-section connects to the hot water line adjacent the water delivery fixture located at a greatest distance from the water heating unit. A flow velocity reduction device has a first end, a second end, a first cross-section, an aperture and that extends from the first end to the second end. The aperture and has a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section. Attachment fittings are provided adjacent the first and second ends. When the device is installed in the return line, velocity of water circulating through the system will be substantially reduced, thereby reducing wear on the system while providing rapid hot water delivery at the fixture.

Abstract: Each of lines A, B is provided on each of opposite sides thereof with a tape heater 11, and a space for positioning a tape heater holding clip 13 therein is provided in each of locations between adjacent fluid control devices. The tape heaters 11 are held from opposite sides thereof to the line by the clip 13. The lines A, B provided with the heaters are each mounted on a line support member 10 removably attached to a base member 1. The line support member 10 has a heater insertion bore 14 formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof. A sheath heater 12 is inserted into the bore 14.

Abstract: A system for determining a fluid level in a pressurizable container comprising is disclosed. The system includes a service valve having a set of wrench flats defining parallel flat surfaces, one of the wrench flats having a recess defined entirely within its flat surface, a stop-fill device interconnected with the service valve and operable to rotate a first magnet inside the service valve in proximity to the recess in proportion to the amount of fluid in the pressurizable container, and a dial assembly having a dial face and a pointer attached to a second magnet, the second magnet housed in a magnet protrusion on a side of the dial face opposite the pointer and operable to fit into the recess in the service valve such that the dial moves on the dial face proportionately to the degree of rotation of the first magnet inside the service valve.

Abstract: A check valve for a combustion engine fuel system includes a polymeric poppet valve including a valve stem and a valve head that terminates the valve stem. A valve seat is adapted for cooperation with the valve head of the poppet valve, and includes a valve seat body and an elastomeric valve seat seal supported by the valve seat body and adapted for sealing against the valve head of the poppet valve. The check valve is particularly adapted for use with a fuel pump within a fuel system.

Abstract: A submersible turbine pump (STP) is provided. The STP includes a manifold having an integral siphon connection coupled to a fuel flow path in the STP and a siphon cartridge removably inserted into the manifold via the siphon connection. In general, the siphon cartridge includes a nozzle that directs fuel from the fuel flow path through a venturi when the STP is energized, thereby creating a vacuum in a chamber within the siphon cartridge. A connection point of the siphon cartridge is fluidly coupled to the chamber such that a fluid connection is provided from the exterior of the siphon cartridge to the vacuum.

Abstract: A disk-type valve encompasses both throughput control and a distribution function for distributing water through the valve to one of several outlets. A movable control disk for throughput control is actuated independently of a movable control disk for output selection. Both separately actuated controls cooperate with a joint stationary distribution disk and pressure forcing the movable control disks against the distribution disk can be adjusted and regulated separately. Two actuating elements are disposed around one another as a shaft and sleeve, for actuating the control disks independently.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing and at least three ceramic discs in the housing such that at least two fixed ceramic discs are provided and at least one rotatable ceramic disc is provided between the fixed ceramic discs. The ceramic discs comprise through holes such that when the holes are aligned, the valve is open, and turning the rotatable ceramic disc turns the holes to be misaligned in successive ceramic discs, which prevents water flow through the valve. The valve further comprises a handle for rotating a rotatable ceramic disc and the handle comprises a stem extending through the housing, and a curved part, the curved part curving at least partly around the housing along the circumference of the housing.

Abstract: A flexible seal ring includes a first sealing face and a rear face is disposed opposite the front sealing face, the rear face is axially offset relative to the front sealing face. An upper face disposed between the front face and the rear face, the upper face extending from the rear face towards the front face such that an interior angle between the upper face and the rear face is greater than 110 degrees. Another flexible seal ring includes a first front sealing face, a rear face, at least one downwardly disposed upper face disposed between the front face and the rear face, at least one downwardly disposed lower face, and a second front sealing face disposed between the downwardly disposed lower face and the first front sealing face. A cartridge seal includes a flexible seal ring and an upper retaining ring.

Abstract: A torque motor (10) includes a support (20), a jet tube passage (42) in the support having a first end opening (43) and a second end opening (45), a jet tube (30) extending into the jet tube passage (42) through the first end opening (43) for directing a flow of fluid into a chamber (40) in fluid communication with the jet tube passage second end opening (45), and a flexible, convoluted, seal (46) hermetically connected to the jet tube passage (42) and the jet tube (30) for sealing the jet tube passage first end (43) while permitting at least a portion of the jet tube (30) to move relative to the jet tube passage (42).

Abstract: A multi-way valve has a housing with a stepped bore forming two piston guiding regions and a shoulder ring with two sealing shoulders. The housing also has a first, second and central transverse bores which are spaced along the cylindrical bore. A contact piston has a piston rod and sealing members secured thereon. The guide members are pressed fit onto opposite ends of the piston rod.

Abstract: A backup valve for use with a pool cleaner coupled to a source of water under pressure. The valve includes a housing having an inlet and at least a first outlet and a second outlet. The valve further includes a timing apparatus directing water from said inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet. In addition, an adjustable flow controller over the second outlet is provided to increase the flow speed of fluid exiting the outlet.

Abstract: A multi-block manifold facilitates assembly of the manifold in a fluid handling apparatus during manufacture and disassembly and removal of a secondary manifold block of the manifold during service without disconnecting external tubes and flow control devices from the manifold. The external tubes are isolated and integral to a primary manifold block of the manifold which is permanently mounted in the apparatus and the flow control devices are integral to the secondary manifold block which is quickly, releasably secured to the primary manifold block in the apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dynamic adjustment of a water flow, used to stabilize the operational mode of a thermostatic mixing tap. The inventive device includes a valve consisting of a piston and a return spring forcing the piston into a first position, said piston being displaced into two positions according to the flow. When the flow is lower than a threshold value, the piston is located in the first position and a flow limited means limits the flow. When the flow exceeds the threshold value, the piston is displaced into the second position and the flow limiting means is obviated.

Abstract: A flexible cable may include an elongated shaped strip helically wound around itself to form a generally tubular body having at least one interior passageway and at least one conductor at least partially disposed within the interior passageway. The elongated shaped strip may include a non-rectangular cross-sectional thickness having a central portion disposed between a first and a second end portion. The first and second end portions may extend generally outwardly from the central portion from generally opposite sides. At least a portion of the central portion may include a cross-sectional thickness TC which is less than a maximum cross-sectional thickness TM of the elongated shaped strip. The first and second end portions may include a first and a second cross-section thickness TS1, TS2, respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-section thicknesses TS1, TS2 is greater than the cross-sectional thickness TC.

Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides adjustable directional resistance to a device. When orientated in a certain manner with respect to the direction of use, the tubular structural member will provide a different stiffness to the device it is affixed. The tubular structural member may be integrated with these devices so that these devices can have adjustable resistance and stiffness.

Abstract: The heald shaft (1) for weaving machines is divided into a machine-resident frame part (14) and a removable frame part (15). While the removable frame part (15) supports a heald mounting rail (30) that must be released from said frame part for a heald change, said removable frame part is associated with an additional heald mounting rail (33) that is releasably held on the lower shaft rod (16). The upper shaft rod (25), together with the two heald mounting rails (30, 33), forms a removable frame part (15). The lower shaft rod (16), together with the lateral supports (19, 20), forms a machine-resident frame part. Preferably, the lateral supports (19, 20) and the lower shaft rod (16) are rigidly connected to each other.

Abstract: Sheeting (10) is woven with warp ends (En) and fill picks (Pn), at least one of which (Ex and/or Px) is a spun yarn (C) and at least one of which (Ey and/or Py, with x?y) is a synthetic filament yarn (F), or a first plurality of which (ES1 and/or PS1) are each spun yarns (C) and a second plurality of which (ES2 and/or PS2) are each synthetic filament yarns (F).

Abstract: A tissue sheet having a deep discontinuous pocket structure provides improved durability as measured by the ratio of the cross-machine direction tensile energy absorbed to the cross-machine direction tensile strength.

Abstract: A tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) is a one-piece webbing. The tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) has a top layer load-bearing web (12) and a bottom layer load-bearing web (24). An energy absorbing portion (38) of the webbing has binder yarns (36) interlaced with the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). A sufficiently high load force applied to the webbing breaks the binder yarns (36) and tears apart the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). The energy absorbing portion (38) absorbs energy as it tears apart. The top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14) support the load force when the shock absorbing portion is torn apart.

Abstract: A device for inserting of weft threads in an air jet weaving machine comprising at least one set of main nozzles (13, 14) which are mounted in series, and to which individual regulating valves (21, 22) are assigned, is provided with a control and regulating unit (17) which defines the individual settings of the regulating valves (21, 22) with respect to one another, in order to form an overall value for the intensity of the impulse transmission of the set of main nozzles with each regulating valve contributing a proportion of the overall impulse intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.

Abstract: A curtain nozzle is located above an opening portion (10) in a FIMS. A gas curtain formed of inert gas for closing the opening portion is formed, and at the same time, the inert gas is also supplied to an inside of a FOUP. Here, the direction of supply of the inert gas supplied to the inside of the FOUP is such that it does not have a flow component directing toward the gas flow forming the gas curtain. The above-mentioned structure prevents increase over time in a partial pressure of oxidizing gas in the FOUP fixed by a FIMS system in an open state.

Abstract: A container lid assembly (2) that includes an integral pump (6P) so as to create pressure differential within a container. This pressure differential may be lower than atmospheric pressure so as to be at least a partial vacuum within the container. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be a state of higher than atmospheric pressure within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration (120) that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston (10) by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism (150) for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container, a vacuum indicator, and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container.

Abstract: A pump and stopper combination for vacuum or pressure sealing a container. The stopper has a pour opening and a one-way valve movable between an operative position to permit one-way flow of fluid into or out of the container when the pour opening is in the closed position, and an inoperative position when the pour opening is in the open position. A vacuum/pressure pump that connects to the stopper includes a drive adapted to convert rotational movement of a motor to reciprocating motion of a pump piston in a chamber, and one-way pump valves mounted in a selectable flow control member. The selectable flow control member is movable between pressure and vacuum positions to permit passage of fluid only into or out of the pump chamber. The pump also includes an indicator for indicating when a desired level of vacuum or pressure has been reached The pump may be incorporated into a container lid.

Abstract: A manually operated wine vacuum device that evacuates air from a partially filled bottle of wine or other oxygen-sensitive liquid prior to storage includes: (a) a body that defines a chamber; (b) a one-way de-aeration valve, and (c) a stopper that is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the bottle through the bottle's opening such that the interior of the bottle becomes in communication with the de-aeration valve which is configured so that gas flows into the chamber when the pressure in the chamber is lower than that of the interior of the bottle but gas does not flow into the interior of the bottle when the chamber is at a higher pressure. An open bottle abuts a collar formed in a recess region of the body as the bottle is coupled to the stopper and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber removes gas from the interior of the chamber when the piston is activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.

Abstract: A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located between the inlet and the outlet. The method includes the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the inlet and the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the intermediate port so that different sections of the conduit can be cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, the method further includes pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet of the conduit. The LNG can then be directed from the outlet to a storage tank onboard a floating vessel.

Abstract: A method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from a floating vessel. The cryogenic fluids to be transferred can include liquefied hydrocarbon gases such as LNG. The method includes the steps of pumping a reduced flow of a cryogenic fluid into a first end and/or a second end of a conduit to begin pre-cooling the conduit. Pre-cooling also includes pumping a reduced flow of the cryogenic fluid into the conduit at a point intermediate the first end and the second end so that different sections of the conduit are cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring the cryogenic fluid, an increased flow of the cryogenic fluid is pumped into the first end of the conduit to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the floating vessel. The cryogenic fluid can then be directed from the second end of the conduit to a storage tank on shore or onboard a second floating vessel.

Abstract: Fuel supply station information distributing system includes at least one vehicle, an information distributing server and at least one station, which are interconnected through communication line networks. The information distributing server transmits at every given time a request-to-send for vehicle information to the vehicles as well as a request-to-send for station information to the stations. The information distributing server then creates a fuel supply station information associating for each vehicle based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle and the station information received from the stations, and distributes it to the vehicle. When the vehicle receives the fuel supply station information from the information distributing server, it is displayed on the car navigation screen for notifying the driver.

Abstract: A bypass for a tube set for directing the flow of a fluid component includes an inlet passage for fluid connection with a source of said fluid component, an outlet passage for fluid connection with a first bag compartment, and a bypass passage for fluid connection with a second bag compartment. A flow control device in the bypass passage is operable in a first position in which the flow control device seals the bypass passage, and a second position in which the flow control device unseals the bypass passage to receive a tubing line connected with said second bag compartment.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port.

Abstract: A filler tube assembly for use in a system having vapor recirculation includes a check valve having a flapper that is responsive to the viscosity of fluid around the flapper and/or a differential pressure across the flapper. The assembly also includes a nozzle chamber formed in the filler neck that has a constant diameter to ensure consistent vacuum generation regardless of fuel nozzle length.

Abstract: A device for delivering a distributed zone of fluid for forming a wet impact barrier in a filter of a smoking product includes a container for holding the fluid, and a delivery mechanism for delivering the fluid from the container to the filter. The delivery mechanism can be a tube or needle of significantly lesser diameter than the diameter of the smoking product for placing a defined quantity of the fluid at a predetermined location within the smoking product, such as by injection through a side wall of the filter in the vicinity of the filter/tobacco boundary.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener includes a motor, a transmission subassembly and a cutter subassembly driven by the motor, a feeding subassembly and at least one resilient adjusting means. The feeding subassembly includes a feeding gear set coupled to the transmission subassembly and two feeding rollers adapted to sandwich a pencil to be sharpened, at least one feeding roller is driven by the feeding gear set. The pair of brackets is arranged in parallel, respectively defining slide ways to movablely support the feeding rollers. A feeding space is defined between the two brackets. The at least one resilient adjusting means connects the two feeding rollers outside or inside the feeding space, adapted for keeping the feeding rollers nipping the pencil and engendering a pencil feeding friction.

Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a base adapted to permit a workpiece to be moved thereon in a front-to-rear direction, a plurality guide posts fixed on the base, a mounting seat sleeved movably on the guide posts, a motor disposed on the mounting seat, and a cutting unit disposed on the mounting seat. The cutting unit includes a rough-plane cutter, a fine-plane cutter disposed behind the rough-plane cutter, a first transmission unit interconnecting the motor and the rough-plane cutter to allow the rough-plane cutter to be driven by the motor, and a second transmission unit interconnecting the rough-plane cutter and the fine-plane cutter to allow rotation of the rough-plane cutter to be transferred to the fine-plane cutter.

Abstract: A method of processing a wooden piece into a predetermined shape by compressing the wooden piece, includes bending a raw-material piece which is a wooden piece to be processed and is placed in a humid condition of high temperature, cutting out a blank-material piece from the raw-material piece bent in the bending so that the blank-material piece includes at least a part of a bent portion of the raw-material piece, and compressing the blank-material piece cut out in the cutting out in a water vapor atmosphere of a temperature and a pressure higher than those of an atmospheric air.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a shallow groove provided between zigzag sipes adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tire, which can reduce production cost of the mold, facilitate trimming operation and decrease waste from trimming while reduction of driving stability during turning on a wet road surface and occurrence of curing trouble are suppressed. The pneumatic tire has a tread surface where land portions are defined by grooves. The land portions have tread surface sections, in which a plurality of sipes extending in a zigzag manner in the widthwise direction of the tire are arranged at prescribed intervals in the circumferential direction of the tire. A shallow groove extends between adjacent sipes. The shallow groove is placed such that parts of land portions sectioned on the opposite sides of the shallow groove are not separated, but partially communicate with each other.