Abstract: A suspension system for a wheeled vehicle is provided, the suspension system being adapted to support at least one wheel of the vehicle and comprising at least one shock absorbing device adapted to be activated as a result of the motion of the at least one wheel in a substantially vertical direction, the suspension system further comprising electrical power generating means in fluid connection with the at least one shock absorbing device so that the activation of said at least one shock absorbing device results in electrical power being generated. Furthermore, the suspension system comprises means for absorbing at least partially the electrical power generated, the absorption of electrical power resulting in the stiffness of said at least one shock absorbing device being varied as a function of the electrical power absorbed.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a body frame having right and left frame members 15R and 15L and an air cleaner 10 having an air cleaner case 3 and an air filter element 6. The air cleaner case 3 includes a lower section 3a, a part of which being positioned between the frame members 15R and 15L and an upper section 3b protruding upward from the lower section 3a above the frame members 15R and 15L and laterally extending outward. The upper section 3b is positioned above the frame members 15R and 15L and laterally outward of inner ends 15a of the right and left frame members 15R and 15L. The upper section 3b has a seal section 26. The air filter element 6 is supported and sealed by the seal section 26 so as to divide the inner space of the air cleaner case 3 into an upper space and a lower space.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes a frame and an engine supported by the frame. The motorcycle also includes a continuously variable transmission operatively driven by the engine and a reduction gearset operatively driven by the continuously variable transmission. The motorcycle further includes a rotatable rear wheel operatively, indirectly driven by the reduction gearset and a swing-arm assembly pivotably mounted, at a forward end thereof, on the frame. The swing-arm assembly is coupled, at a rear end thereof, to the rear wheel. The swing-arm assembly includes first and second elongated and laterally spaced fork members. The reduction gearset set is positioned forward of the rear wheel and laterally between the first and second fork members.

Abstract: A truck has improved control with a plurality of wheels each having a single wheel drive and a device for controlling speed and/or torque of the single wheel drives. The control device has a separate controller train for each wheel drive, with each controller train having a differential controller for correcting divided torque depending on steering angle and a wheel slip controller correcting the divided torque or torque value corrected by the differential controller depending on wheel slip and providing a corresponding single wheel drive torque value.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a hub, a first mass, a first resilient coupling, a second mass, and a second resilient coupling. The first mass is disposed concentrically about the hub. The first resilient coupling resiliently couples the first mass to the hub. The first resilient coupling has a first spring constant. The second mass is disposed concentrically about the first mass. The second resilient coupling resiliently couples the second mass directly to the first mass. The second resilient coupling has a second spring constant that is less than the first spring constant. The first mass and the first resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a first frequency. The second mass and the second resilient coupling are configured to attenuate vibration at a second frequency. The second frequency is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for a vehicle, e.g., an electrohydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a servo valve, the relative movement of whose control parts actuates a piston rod of a servo cylinder and changes at least one steering angle of a wheel which is operatively connected to the piston rod, and additionally has an electric servo motor which drives a rack with the servo cylinder for adjusting the steering angle of the wheel in the same direction. In order to provide an electrohydraulic power steering system which is as compactly arranged as possible in the region of its actuator and may be used flexibly for different classes of vehicle, the action of the rack and the piston rod of the servo cylinder is combined, in a parallel arrangement with one another, on an addition member for jointly adjusting the steering angle of the wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic auxiliary power steering for motor vehicles having a source for a hydraulic medium, in particular an oil pump, which can be driven during operation by a drive device, in particular by an internal combustion engine of the vehicle or by an electric motor, having a steering transmission and having a line system for the hydraulic medium connecting the source to the steering transmission, wherein the line system has at least two line sections through which the hydraulic medium can flow.

Abstract: A controller samples a motor current value detected by a motor current detector at a sampling start timing for turning on a switching device to start holding in a motor current hold section, and fetches the motor current value held in the motor current hold section at a hold timing for turning off the switching device. The sampling start timing and the hold timing are variable.

Abstract: A method for personalizing a stethoscope, wherein the personalization permanently identifies the owner of the stethoscope and also decorates the stethoscope. The personalization does not deter from the normal operation of the stethoscope, and allows for full sterilization of the stethoscope. The diaphragm of the stethoscope, includes an exterior side that is adapted to come into contact with the patient and, an interior side that is not exposed to the outside. A design selected by the owner is applied, in reverse, to the interior surface of the diaphragm. The design is preferably painted on the diaphragm in stages, or layers. Using the present reverse application technique, images painted on the right-half of the interior surface, appear on the left-half, when viewed from the exterior of the stethoscope. Further, in the present application technique, the foreground is painted on, or applied, first, and the background of the personalization is applied last.

Abstract: A noise suppressor for an apparatus having a cooling fan and cooling duct includes a muffler including a reflection plate for reflecting sound from the cooling fan, the reflection plate being provided at a position in the cooling duct confronting the intake plane of the cooling fan and formed substantially parallel to the intake plane. A sound-absorbing part of the muffler is provided on the reflection plate, and a distance d between the reflection plate and the intake plane is set such that d<c/(2×f) where f is the sound-absorption frequency of the muffler and c is the speed of sound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust system (100) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a first exhaust train that is provided with a penetrable first muffler (120), especially a rear muffler, and at least one second exhaust train which encompasses a second penetrable muffler (122), particularly a rear muffler. The structure of the first muffler (120) differs from that of the second muffler (122).

Abstract: An exhaust device for a straddle-type vehicle that satisfies the requirements of sound deadening characteristics and which has a reduced size is provided. The exhaust device for a straddle-type vehicle that includes an exhaust pipe connected to an engine and a silencer connected to the exhaust pipe. The silencer includes at least one resonator selected from a group consisting of a Helmholtz resonator and a side branch resonator. The resonator is packed with a sound absorbing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite muffler systems formed of a long fiber thermoplastic. Long fiber thermoplastic technology allows the fibers, to maintain a length sufficient to provide structural strength at lower fiber loading. The long fiber thermoplastic material for forming composite muffler systems also provides increased impact strength and creep resistance as well as chemical and thermal resistance. Mufflers molded with long fiber thermoplastics demonstrate improved dimensional stability as compared to known short fiber based moldings. One suitable muffler structure is a multi-piece muffler assembly including at least one long fiber thermoplastic shell section. In accordance with the present invention, the long fiber thermoplastic material and moldings may also be combined with over-molding of preforms of unidirectional or woven inlays, which provide local structural performance.

Abstract: A marine muffler comprises an elongate cylindrical housing having an inlet and an outlet and defining an internal volume partitioned, by an angularly disposed internal baffle, into a lower chamber in communication with the inlet and an upper chamber in communication with the outlet. A vertically disposed duct is insertably secured to the baffle to allow exhaust gas and exhaust cooling water to flow from the lower inlet chamber to upper outlet chamber. The exhaust duct may preferably be further adapted with internal structure forming a plurality of individual flow conduits or passages. The duct is preferably positioned such that a plurality of flow passage inlets are positioned in proximity to the lower cylindrical housing wall, with flow passage outlets positioned in proximity to the upper housing wall. The lower duct wall may further be adapted with sidewall apertures for improving exhaust flow dynamics therethrough.

Abstract: A muffler for reducing the sounds of combustion gases exhausted from an internal combustion engine including an elongated fluid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet such that the outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet. Further, the inlet being connectable with the gases exhausted from the engine and the outlet being connectable with the atmosphere. The muffler further including an outer tank surrounding the passage and a tubular connector having a first end in fluid connection with the passage and a second end in fluid connection with the tank such that the connector produces a fluid connection between the passage and the tank. The connectors having a perforated resistance plate to restrict the fluid flow between said passage and said sound chamber thereby reducing the severity of the sound or fluid pulses entering and exiting said sound chamber, perforations in said perforated plate forming an open portion of said plate and said open portion being less than 60 percent.

Abstract: A silencer for an internal combustion engine includes a silencer housing formed by a pair of clamped housing members each having a substantially identical configuration relative to one another. The silencer housing has an intake port formed at a first end and an exhaust port formed at a second, opposite end. At least one separator is received in the silencer housing between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end. The at least one separator extends transversely across the silencer housing relative to a longitudinal length of the silencer housing.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an urban emergency escape method and apparatus for use in escaping from high-rise buildings. The method sets forth a series steps that allows one to successfully evacuate a high-rise building that is filled with smoke due a fire or the elevator system is not working due to an explosion or a terrorist attack of some kind. The apparatus utilized comprises a carry-on bag with a handle and wheels for easy mobility and a zippered cover that encloses a plurality of interconnected rope sections, a descent controller, a plurality of anchoring straps, at least one harness, D-rings and a glass breaking tool. After donning the harness and breaking the window to allow exit, the anchoring straps are secured to several different structural components within the room and tied to a first end of a rope segment. The free end of the rope segment is pre-fed through the descent controller, the user steps out the broken window and allows evacuee to descend by manipulating the descent controller.

Abstract: An intermediate cable fairlead is comprised of a frame assembly, a left and right wheel assembly affixed to the frame assembly, and a pulley wheel attached to the wheel assembly. The intermediate cable fairlead can be attached to a ladder and utilized to move material from the ground up to or over the intermediate cable fairlead. The device can also be utilized as a stop to hold a load in position on a ladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting assembly (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) comprising: a rack mast, a platform (12, 23, 33, 43, 53, 91), and at least one power unit (100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 901) which is mounted to the mast and which controls the vertical movement of the platform along the length thereof. The invention is characterized in that the power unit comprises a plurality of modular elements including at least one motor block (101, 200, 201, 301, 401, 501, 604, 621, 801, 904), at least one upper roller box (102, 205, 210, 305, 404, 503, 627, 903) and at least one lower roller box (103, 206, 304, 405, 502, 601, 629, 902). According to the invention, each of the modular elements is equipped with mechanical fastening means (610, 611, 612) which are aligned with the mechanical fastening means of an adjacent modular element.

Abstract: An oil return structure for a vehicle drive apparatus includes a hydraulic control apparatus disposed below an oil supply target device to which oil for lubricating and cooling is supplied; and an oil pan that retains the oil that is supplied to the oil supply target device is provided below the hydraulic control apparatus, wherein a bypass oil path is formed in a body of the hydraulic control apparatus, the bypass oil path being structured in order to guide the oil from the oil supply target device from an upper surface of the body, inside the body and then discharge the oil from a side surface of the body.

Abstract: An elevator system where control appliances of the elevator system are fitted to communicate between themselves is described herein. The elevator system has a control arrangement for placing at least one control appliance into standby mode or for terminating the standby mode. The control arrangement is fitted to set the standby mode on the basis of at least one activation signal, as well as to send a control signal of the standby mode to at least one control appliance of the elevator system. Associated methods for fitting a standby mode into an elevator system are also described herein.

Abstract: In a vehicle disk brake, a motor housing houses in a housing recess a case into which an end of an output shaft liquid-tightly protrudes, and is mounted to a caliper body. A reduction mechanism having an output rotating member is sealed in the case while part of the output rotating member fluid-tightly protrudes from the case so as to be coaxially and operatively connected to a rear portion of the screw shaft. Grease is charged into the case. Thus, the case for housing the reduction mechanism is simply configured while preventing leakage of the grease charged into the case, and mounting of the case to the caliper body is facilitated.

Abstract: A damper device comprising a first mode having a first level of damping, a second mode having a second level of damping corresponding to a predetermined function, a sensor system having a first output corresponding to a normal position and a second output corresponding to an end stop approaching position, and a control system operable for receiving the first output and the second output and executing the first mode and the second mode. The damper device is operable in the first mode when the control system receives the first output and is operable in the second mode when the control system receives the second output.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a water brake including at least two rotor disks, a chamber of the water brake for containing water positioned between the at least two rotor disks, a pressure measuring device for measuring a partial pressure in the chamber, and an air injection device for injecting air into the chamber to increase the partial pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake device includes a housing having a master cylinder, a master piston movably mounted in the master cylinder, a brake operating member and an adjustment mechanism. The brake operating member is arranged to move between a rest position and a brake actuating position and to move the master piston in response to movement of the brake operating member to the brake actuating position. The adjustment mechanism is arranged to adjust the rest position and a free stroke of the brake operating member with an initial travel position of the master piston remaining unchanged. The adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment member that adjusts a length of a free stroke and a second adjustment member that adjusts the rest position of brake operating member without changing the length of the free stroke.

Abstract: Linkage system between a first part and a second part capable of movement relative to each other, incorporating a link capable of transmitting forces between the first and second parts and a frequency control loop for said link incorporating means of measuring a distance separating the first and second parts, a frequency filter for said measurements in a given frequency band and means for comparing these filtered values with a set point, said control loop controlling the link such that it transmits forces only in the given frequency band, the frequency control loop being a position control loop, a speed control loop being incorporated in the position control loop, and a force control loop being incorporated in the speed control loop.

Abstract: In a gear shift module for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle including a series of gear shift elements for example in the form of gear shift forks, which are operated for the shifting of gears, a gear shift module is provided which has a module baseplate forming part of the cylinders of piston-cylinder units and at least part of a housing of a countershaft brake and a central clutch disengager of a starting clutch. These parts can be manufactured jointly providing for lower manufacturing and assembly costs.

Abstract: Provided is a novel handle device that encloses a ratcheting mechanism that a user can easily control and operate using only one hand by employing conveniently located push button ratchet controls situated at the opposing lateral surface ends of the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying strips of corrugated cardboard, the device comprising a work table for conveying strips on the work table along a direction of conveyance, wherein the work table is supported on a floor and comprises at least one longitudinal groove for accommodating an element which is displaceable therein, and at least one slide which is disposed underneath the work table and is actuable for displacement in the direction of conveyance, which slide comprises an element which is actuable for upward extension through the at least one longitudinal groove for cooperation with the strip.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for the low-pressure transforming of a stream of containers into at least two separate single rows is provided. The apparatus has a multiple-lane feed conveyor, a plurality of single-lane discharge conveyors and an acceleration conveyor arranged between the feed conveyor and the discharge conveyors. A plurality of diagonally oriented guides are provided at a distance from one another across the acceleration conveyor, which guides a separated sub-stream of the stream of containers coming from the feed conveyor across the sections of the acceleration conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling articles (4) through a multi-stage process, the apparatus comprising at least one rotatable process turret (2) having a number of pockets (3), wherein each pocket (3) is adapted to support an article (4). The pockets (3) are arranged in groups and each group of pockets (3A, 3B, 3C) has associated tooling (5A, 5B, 5C), which carries out one stage of the process. The articles (4) are initially fed into one group of pockets (3A) only. A re-phase means (6) is provided to transfer the article (4) from one group of pockets (3A, 3B) to another (3B, 3C).

Abstract: A separation conveyor using a roller belt whose rollers are already rotating before receiving an article to provide immediate pull-away from an infeed conveyor. The rollers of a roller belt extend through the thickness of the belt and into contact with a bearing surface in a reversing segment of a belt path between the returnway and the carryway of the separation conveyor. The rollers are already rotating on the bearing surface in the reversing segment at the infeed end before they contact articles to avoid delays in pulling articles away from the infeed conveyor and onto the separation conveyor.

Abstract: A digital processor for use in a conveyor belt rip detector, which provides excitation signals at a selected frequency to inverted and noninverted sensor loops on a conveyor belt and then detects corresponding received signals from the sensor loops. The digital processor then performs FFTs on the corresponding received signals to provide respective received signal frequency spectrums. Next magnitude and phase values of the selected frequency in the respective received signal frequency spectrums are used to determine a qualitative state of the sensor loops. The selected frequency has a lowest detected ambient noise level, and the magnitude value is a normalized magnitude value.

Abstract: A conveyor belt for use in a tubular conveyor belt system has a width and a length, and a longitudinal centerline. The conveyor belt further has a first longitudinal edge, and an opposing second longitudinal edge, wherein during use, the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge overlap to form an overlap region, thus forming the belt into a tube-like shape. The conveyor belt further has a load bearing region, wherein the load bearing region is located evenly about the belt longitudinal centerline, throughout the length of the belt. Further, there is a first anti-rotation region and a second anti-rotation region, wherein the first anti-rotation region is located between the first longitudinal edge and the load bearing region, and the second anti-rotation region is located between the second longitudinal edge and the load bearing region.

Abstract: A sanitary single-use container for both food (e.g., an individual portion of bread) and drink (e.g., an individual portion of wine or grape juice) is designed to be placed over the mouth of a chalice, as may used in a communion service. The container is compatible with any chalice having a diameter and a wall thickness lying within conventional ranges of values. The container has a skirt portion that, in use, extends far enough down over a side wall of the chalice that someone drinking from the container does not touch the chalice with his or her lip. A sealed, but easily opened, food packet is attached to the skirt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media storage case that is configured to resiliently hold up to six media discs on a single hub. In one construction, a first panel and a second panel are joined by a hinge and configured to securely hold up to six media discs on a common hub through transit and distribution, using a cantilevered disc retention finger and/or a spine disc retention fin. The media storage case can hold multiple media discs and accompanying literature, while having a minimized case thickness.

Abstract: A building boards loading structure which loads plural building boards, being similar sheets, on a pallet. The building boards loading structure has plural packages, and the packages have plural building boards and plural bands. The plural building boards are banded at plural locations by the plural bands, and the plural packages are stacked vertically, to provide an upper and lower package in regard to two packages, and loaded on a pallet. The locations of bands in each upper and lower package which is loaded on the pallet are different from each other in relation to the lateral direction. The location of bands in a lowest package which is loaded on the pallet is different, in relation to the lateral direction, from the location of the stringers and an entry in the pallet for inserting a fork of a fork lift truck.

Abstract: A package for a number of beverage containers includes an overlay member covering the top ends of the beverage containers. The overlay member has a central, generally planar panel positioned atop the top ends of the beverage containers and a number of perimeter panels each joined to and positioned on a perimeter of the central panel. Each perimeter panel is oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the central panel. A dispenser opening is in the central panel of the overlay member through the beverage containers may be removed from the package. A dispenser flap is adjacent the dispenser opening and a perimeter edge of the overlay member. The dispenser flap may be pulled outwardly from the overlay member by a user to provide access through which the beverage containers may be removed from the package. An overwrap member such as a thermoplastic shrink wrap film envelops the array of beverage containers and the overlay member to provide a robust, unitary package for transport and storage.

Abstract: A single-use sterilization container for use in the sterilization of medical instruments is provided. The sterilization container includes a lid having central portion defined by a frangible region. Upon activation of the frangible region, the central portion may be removed rendering the sterilization container inoperable for future use.

Abstract: A packaging system for absorbent pad disposing units that comprises a receptacle and a plurality of absorbent pad disposing units contained within the receptacle. Each of the absorbent pad disposing units comprises a sterile absorbent pad and a dedicated refuse bag in a compressed state which is in cooperation with the absorbent pad. Each of the absorbent pad disposing units can be removed from the receptacle upon demand. The dedicated refuse bag is separable from the corresponding absorbent pad. A spent absorbent pad is can be disposed within the refuse bag when the refuse bag is in an expanded state.

Abstract: Package for electrode rods includes a container for holding a plurality of rods, an insert for the container, the insert having a first section that fits into the container and generally conforms to an internal shape of the container, and a second section that generally conforms to a bundled shape of a plurality of the rods, with a binding that applies tension about the insert second section. In one embodiment the insert may be made of corrugated board.

Abstract: A case for receiving and dispensing pills, having an optional top cover having a forward edge and a rearward edge, an optional bottom cover having a forward edge and a rearward edge, a spine extending between the top cover and the bottom cover, to which the top cover and the bottom cover are affixed at the rearward edges thereof, and at least one sleeve containing a plurality of pills secured within the sleeve and adapted to be dispensed therefrom, the sleeve having a forward edge and a rearward edge and being attached to the spine at the rearward edge thereof between the top cover and the bottom cover.

Abstract: A container for take-away pizza or the like comprises a first dish-shaped semi-container and a second dish-shaped semi-container comprising a first and a second support portions, respectively, adapted to support the pizza, and means for the mutual releasable connection of the first and the second semi-containers. The first and the second semi-containers are shaped so that, when they are connected, the respective support portions thereof form, together, a pizza seat adapted to internally contain the take-away pizza and, when they are separated, each of them can act as a dish for the pizza through the respective support portion thereof. The first and the second semi-containers are made of a washable material so that the container can be used many times.

Abstract: This invention is related to a carrier of reticle pod. The carrier of reticle pod comprises an upper cover and a lower cover, and the upper cover is configured to be coupled to the lower cover to form an interior space for accommodation. The lower cover includes several pairs of guide tracks disposed on two opposite lateral sides of inner surface of the lower cover. Clapboards are set into the lower cover via the guide tracks to separate the space for accommodation into a plurality of spaces for accommodation for storing reticle pod. Fixing elements including a clipping portion and a resisting portion are disposed on the top surface of the inner surface of upper cover. When the upper cover closes the lower cover, each fixing element of the upper cover is configured to be coupled to each reticle pod stored in the carrier.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for separating materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of separating a first material from a second material. For example, the method can comprise mixing the first material and the second material in a slurry with a beneficiation composition. The beneficiation composition can comprise one or more fatty acid by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. Air bubbles can be provided in the slurry to form bubble-particle aggregates with the first material and the bubble-particle aggregates can be allowed to be separated from the second material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen system (8) suitable for use in a vibratory screen apparatus (1), and comprising: a screen element (11) and a support frame (12) therefor, as well as novel screen elements (11) and mesh panels (19) therefor, and the use thereof. The screen element (11) consists essentially of a mesh panel (19) provided with first and second elongate support members (22, 23) extending along opposite end portions of the mesh panel (19). The support frame (12) has spaced apart first and second elongate frame elements (13, 14) for engagement with the screen element support members (22, 23) and further elongate frame elements (17, 18) extending there between for supporting the mesh panel (19).

Abstract: A cross-flow air separation system comprises a conveyor configured to project material out over an end of the conveyor generally along a trajectory path into a far receiving bin. An optical sensing system is configured to identify particular objects in the projected material. A first air ejection system is configured to generate a first airstream that ejects the identified objects from the trajectory path into a second near receiving bin. A second cross air current system is configured to generate a second airstream that reduces air resistance for the materials projected along the trajectory path. The second airstream reduces certain aeronautic phenomena that would cause some of the projected materials to unintentionally fall into the wrong receiving bin, thus creating a higher purity/less contaminated materiel stream into the near bin.

Abstract: A microporous asymmetrical membrane formed of one or more layers wherein the “tight” side of the membrane has an “opened” face or otherwise highly-porous reticulated surface is described. The microporous asymmetrical membrane has high throughput and high flux, even when used for filtering viscous materials, such as serum or plasma. The membrane's surface can be formed by ablation or solvation, or in a two or more layered structure, through an appropriate selection of casting dopes.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane includes, in an exemplary embodiment, mixing together a first fine powder PTFE resin and a second fine powder PTFE resin to form a PTFE resin mixture. The first PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming more and longer fibrils than fibrils formed from the second PTFE resin. The second PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming thicker nodes than nodes formed from the first PTFE resin. The method also includes forming a preform from the PTFE resin mixture, extruding the preform into a tape, passing the tape through a plurality of opposing calender rolls to form a calendered tape having a thickness of about 380 ?m to about 1200 ?m, and stretching the calendered tape in the transverse direction to form a porous membrane having a plurality of nodes and fibrils and having a thickness of at least about 100 ?m.