Abstract: An improved disposable hydration pouch and method of delivery is disclosed herein. The hydration pouch may be manufactured from poly-ethylene or other high self-friction polymers that can be thermally sealed, which allows the pouch to be inexpensive to manufacture and disposable. The hydration pouch also includes a plurality of latitudinal thermally sealed baffles to provide improved lateral support and strength while holding liquids during use over existing poly-ethylene hydration pouches in the prior art. The disposable hydration pouch may be used by athletes, hikers, cyclists, travellers, and more as a portable hydration source.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve assembly (10), method and system, characterized by control valves (26) each having a variable metering orifice; a compensator (28) that controls flow of fluid from the variable metering orifice to a work port (A,B) in response to a differential in pressures acting on opposite first and second sides of the compensator, wherein a first side receives a pressure at the downstream side of the variable metering orifice; a load sense passage (34) providing a load sense pressure; and a differential pressure controller (40) having a first inlet connected to a pump supply port and a second inlet connected to the load sense passage, the controller having a first operational mode in which load sense pressure at the second inlet is supplied to an outlet of the controller and a second operational mode in which flow from the first inlet is metered to the outlet of the controller to provide a differential control output pressure, and wherein an outlet of the differential pressure controller is conne

Abstract: Provided is a device for controlling construction equipment for controlling the spool of an MCV, which is directionally controllable, to control working fluid which is supplied to a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A faucet including a molded waterway assembly having a plurality of tubes overmolded within a valve interface member.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve includes a first valve body, a pushing block, a rotating block, a second valve body, an end cover, and a piston. The first valve body defines a first gas inlet and a receiving hole. The first valve body forms a plurality of guiding ribs evenly positioned on the inner surface of the receiving hole away from the first gas inlet, and each of the guiding ribs forms an inclined surface at a distal end thereof. The pushing block and the rotating block are slidably received in the receiving hole. The second valve body is connected to an end of the first valve body adjacent to the receiving hole of the first valve body. The end cover is fastened on an end of the second valve body away from the first valve body. A pneumatic control system using the pneumatic control valve is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an auto shut off device which includes a restrictive flow orifice (RFO) disc designed to restrict and isolate gas flow. The RFO disc is designed to flex in response to a specific pressure drop that develops as a result of a system failure. When the failure occurs, the RFO disc flexes into a sealed position which blocks the discharge flow path. In this way, the RFO disc functions as an auto shut off device that confines the gas upstream of the disc.

Abstract: A composite mandrel includes a filament-wound composite tube, and composite material molded over the filament-wound composite tube. For example, the composite material includes chopped fibers and a matrix of thermoset resin. The chopped fibers are arranged in layers upon the filament-wound composite tube, and the chopped fibers in each of the layers are randomly oriented along first and second orthogonal directions in each of the layers. The composite material includes at least one sheet of the composite material wound over the filament-wound tube, and at least one strip of the composite material wound over the sheet of the composite material and forming a head on the composite mandrel. An internal cavity of the filament-wound composite tube may provide a lumen for the composite mandrel. The internal cavity may be threaded to receive a removable bridge plug.

Abstract: A pipe leak repair assembly and method for includes a pipe having an aperture therein. The pipe has a tubular shape and is comprised of a plastic material. The pipe has circular cross-section. A covering comprising an annular member has a break therein such that a first end and a second end are defined. The covering is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. The covering is configured to allow the first and second ends to be spaced apart to form a pipe receiving space. The pipe is extended through the pipe receiving space so that the covering abuts the covering and the covering is positioned over the aperture. An adhesive adhere the covering to the pipe to prevent movement of the covering with respect to the pipe.

Abstract: A shaped plastic exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle. In one embodiment, the exhaust system employs integrally molded bundle clips that support vehicle brake lines and/or a fuel supply line. An exhaust flow section can be formed into any suitable shape for a particular vehicle design, including a flat rectangular shape giving the exhaust system a low profile. The integral bundle clips can be provided every so often along the exhaust flow section, or can extend the complete length of the exhaust flow section.

Abstract: An air intake hose for a vehicle may include a blow molding portion formed in a hollow hose shape by blow molding, an injection molding portion formed in a hollow hose shape by injection molding, and a coupling portion formed at one end of the blow molding portion, wherein the blow molding portion and the injection molding portion may be coupled with each other by injecting a material forming the injection molding portion into an injection mold in a state in which the coupling portion may be inserted in the injection mold.

Abstract: A multi-tube spoolable assembly has at least two spoolable composite tubes. Each of the tubes has a substantially fluid impervious inner liner, a composite layer enclosing the liner and having high strength fibers, and an outer protective layer enclosing the composite layer the inner liner. The assembly also has a retaining element to mechanically couple the position of the at least two spoolable composite tubes.

Abstract: The hoop winding method allows to manufacture a reinforced tube by carrying out the following operations: depositing a reinforcing layer 2 around metal tube 1, then imposing a tensile force at the metal tube ends so as to plastically deform the metal tube by applying a pressure P2 in enclosure Z2, the force being determined to introduce a compressive stress in the metal tube after release of the force, and imposing a pressure P1 in enclosure Z1 in order to apply a pressure onto the inner wall of the metal tube so as to plastically deform the metal tube, the pressure being determined to introduce a compressive stress in the metal tube after release of the pressure. The fact that the two enclosures Z1 and Z2 are distinct and independent allows pressures P1 and P2 to be applied independently of one another. Thus, the method allows independent radial and axial prestresses to be applied so as to optimize the strength of the hoop-wound tube.

Abstract: A stent and a method for manufacturing a stent are provided. The stent includes a first ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, a second ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, and a connector that connects one of the peaks of the first ring to one of the valleys of the second ring. The connected peak of the first ring includes a deformed portion that extends towards the connected valley of the second ring. The method includes forming a first ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, forming a second ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, deforming a portion of at least one of the peaks of the first ring, and connecting the deformed portion of the peak of the first ring to one of the valleys of the second ring.

Abstract: Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to refill a fluid dispenser bottle. An adapter is used to connect a fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct configured to convey a fluid being transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid package coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package; a dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle; and at least one orifice disposed offset from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component.

Abstract: In a gas supply system, a control portion acquires a first temperature and a first pressure of a gas in a fuel tank, and a first output signal value of a pressure sensor corresponding to the first pressure before gas supply, acquires a first amount of the gas in the fuel tank using a fuel tank volume, the first temperature, and the first pressure, acquires a second amount after gas supply, through integration of a measurement value obtained by a flowmeter during gas supply, acquires a second temperature, a second pressure, and a second output signal value corresponding to the second pressure after gas supply, calculates a third pressure using the fuel tank volume, the second amount, and the second temperature, and corrects a relationship between an output signal and the pressure using the first pressure, the first output signal value, the third pressure, and the second output signal value.

Abstract: A mop bucket comprises a bucket defining a first compartment and a second compartment. The bucket is rotatable between an upright position and a second position. A first fluid movement path is provided between the second compartment and the first compartment such that liquid in the second compartment drains to the first compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the upright position. A second fluid movement path is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment such that liquid in the first compartment drains to the second compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the second position. A method of operating the mop bucket is also provided.

Abstract: A device for filling containers by weight, the device comprises: a filler spout carried by a structure and having a delivery orifice; a container support member extending on one side of the filler spout, the container support member being associated with a weight sensor arranged at a level that is higher than the delivery orifice; and a connection arm having a first end fastened to the structure and a second end fastened to the container support member at a level below the weight sensor, the connection arm having two folding portions configured to enable effortless folding about mutually parallel horizontal axes, while providing a connection that is rigid against forces in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A liquid dispenser is arranged on the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported on the door and configured to receive liquid from the liquid dispenser. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container, and a control is in communication with the sensor. The control is configured to regulate dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property of the container. In one example, the sensor is resiliently biased into contact with the container to sense a property of the container. In another example, the control indicates a stale liquid condition if a timer expires before the container has been removed from the door.

Abstract: A steel for a carburizing and a carburized steel component having a steel portion and a carburized layer with a thickness of more than 0.4 mm to less than 2 mm which is formed on an outside of the steel portion. A chemical composition of the steel for the carburizing and the steel portion of the carburized steel component satisfies simultaneously equations of a hardness parameter, a hardenability parameter, and a TiC precipitation parameter.

Abstract: A steel for a carburizing and a carburized steel component having a steel portion and a carburized layer with a thickness of more than 0.4 mm to less than 2 mm which is formed on an outside of the steel portion. A chemical composition of the steel for the carburizing and the steel portion of the carburized steel component satisfies simultaneously equations of a hardness parameter, a hardenability parameter, and an AlN precipitation parameter.

Abstract: A high strength, high toughness steel alloy is disclosed. The alloy has the following broad weight percent composition. Element Broad C 0.35-0.55 Mn 0.6-1.2 Si 0.9-2.5 P 0.01 max. S 0.001 max.? Cr 0.75-2.0? Ni 3.5-7.0 Mo + ½ W 0.4-1.3 Cu 0.5-0.6 Co 0.01 max. V + (5/9) × Nb 0.2-1.0 Fe Balance Included in the balance are the usual impurities found in commercial grades of steel alloys produced for similar use and properties. Also disclosed is a hardened and tempered article that has very high strength and fracture toughness. The article is formed from the alloy having the broad weight percent composition set forth above. The alloy article according to this aspect of the invention is further characterized by being tempered at a temperature of about 500° F. to 600° F.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy extruded material in relation with the present invention is with high strength by die quench air cooling and excellent in SCC resistance. The aluminum alloy extruded material is an Al—Zn—Mg-based aluminum alloy extruded material for structural member for automobiles such as a bumper reinforce, a door guard bar and the like which satisfies three expressions of 5.0?[Zn]7.0, [Zn]/5.38<[Mg]?[Zn]/5.38+0.7, and [Zn]+4.7[Mg]?14, where [Mg] represents mass % of Mg and [Zn] represents mass % of Zn, and contains at least either one element of Cu: 0.1-0.6 mass % and Ag: 0.01-0.15 mass %, Ti: 0.005-0.05 mass %, and at least one element out of Mn: 0.1-0.3 mass %, Cr: 0.05-0.2 mass %, Zr: 0.05-0.2 mass %.

Abstract: An amorphous, ductile brazing foil is produced with a composition of FeaNibCrcSidBeMofPg with 25?a?50 atomic %; 30?b?45 atomic %; 5<c?15 atomic %; 4?d?15 atomic %; 4?e?15 atomic %; 0?f?5 atomic %; 0?g?6 atomic %; and any impurities, wherein 10?d+e+g?28 atomic % with a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100. Excellent brazing joints can be produced with these brazing foils.

Abstract: Provided is an iron-based amorphous alloy and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, provided is an high carbon iron-based amorphous alloy expressed by a general formula Fe?C?Si?BxPyCrz, wherein ?, ?, ?, x, y and z are atomic % of iron (Fe), carbon (C), silicon (Si), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and chrome (Cr) respectively, wherein a is expressed by ?=100?(?+?+x+y+z) atomic %, ? is expressed by 13.5 atomic %???17.8 atomic %, ? is expressed by 0.30 atomic %???1.50 atomic %, x is expressed by 0.1 atomic %?x?4.0 atomic %, y is expressed by 0.8 atomic %?y?7.7 atomic %, and z is expressed by 0.1 atomic %?z?3.0 atomic %.

Abstract: An aluminium alloy product having high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, having the following composition in wt.%: Mg 3.5 to 6.0, Mn 0.4 to 1.2, Fe<0.5, Si<0.5, Cu<0.15, Zr<0.5, Cr<0.3, Ti 0.03 to 0.2, Sc<0.5, Zn<1.7, Li<0.5, Ag<0.4, optionally one or more of the following dispersoid forming elements selected from the group consisting of erbium, yttrium, hafnium, vanadium, each<0.5 wt. %, and impurities or incidental elements each<0.05, total<0.15, and the balance being aluminium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a non-oriented magnetic steel sheet, wherein a steel slab that consists of 0.01-0.1 mass % of C, 4 mass % or less of Si, 0.05-3 mass % of Mn, 3 mass % or less of Al, 0.005 mass % or less of S, 0.005 mass % or less of N and the balance made up of Fe and unavoidable impurities is subjected to hot rolling, cold rolling and final annealing. By carrying out the final annealing, while setting the average heating rate during the heating to 100° C./sec or more and setting the soaking temperature within the temperature range of 750-1100° C., a non-oriented magnetic steel sheet that has extremely increased magnetic flux density in the rolling direction of the steel sheet is advantageously produced.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of manufacturing an aluminum-containing composition, wherein the composition having substantially 0.4 wt % silicon, 0.7 wt % iron, 0.2 wt % copper, 0.1 wt % manganese, 1.1-1.8 wt % magnesium, 0.1 wt % chromium, 0.25 wt % zinc and 96.45-97.15 wt % aluminum, or being Aluminum 5050 as defined by the International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys of the Aluminum Association. The method comprises a casting step, an extrusion step, and an anodizing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to retreaded tires and method of preparation.

Abstract: Both wet weather performance and steering stability performance are achieved. Lateral main grooves (16) formed in a tread (12) extend in a direction intersecting with circumferential main grooves (14) and open onto the circumferential main grooves (14). Water between the tread (12) and a road surface during wet weather running is accordingly discharged through the lateral main grooves (16) to the circumferential main grooves (14). The end portions of the lateral main grooves (16) opening onto the circumferential main groove (14) are provided with intersection portions 18 where first land portions (21) and second land portions (22) adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction at a lateral main groove (16) support each other in the tire width direction. The end portions at the circumferential main groove (14) side of the first land portions (21) and the second land portions (22) do not therefore readily tilt over even when a large slip angle is imparted to the tire.

Abstract: A tire for a heavy goods vehicle, having a tread having a tread surface provided in the new state with at least one groove delimited by opposing side walls, this groove opening onto the tread surface in a discontinuous manner by way of a plurality of portions that are open towards the exterior of the tread, these open portions having two ends that are extended under the tread surface by channels having inlets connected to the ends of the open portions, these inlets to the channels having a mean surface area S. This tread is such that each open portion on the tread surface is provided at each of its ends with a closure device for partially closing the cross section of the inlets to the channels when the tire is running and for leaving a passage unclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having improved braking performance includes sides and a tread section between the sides. In each of two regions on opposite sides of a tire centerline in the tread section, two circumferential main grooves extend along a tire circumferential direction in a zigzag shape, first lug grooves extend from an inner circumferential main groove to a pattern end, and second lug grooves extend toward the pattern end from the outer circumferential main groove. A wall of the inside circumferential main groove includes wall surfaces with a wall angle varying along the circumferential direction. An outside land section between the main grooves includes a notched lug groove extending in a tire widthwise direction from either the inside or outside main groove and closes within the outside land section. A groove depth of the notched lug groove is shallower than that of the first and second lug grooves.

Abstract: A tire pressure equalization system for controlling air pressure between a first tire and a second tire has a housing with a bore extending therethrough, a first air passageway with an end opening to an interior of the bore, a second air passageway with an end opening to an interior of the bore, and a valve positioned in the bore. The first air passageway is connected to the first tire. The second air passageway is connected to the second tire. The valve is movable between a first position in which the first air passageway communicates with the second air passageway so as to allow the air to equalize between the first and second tires and a second position that blocks communication between the first air passageway and the second air passageway so as to prevent air from flowing between the first tire and the second tire.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for the inner liner of pneumatic tires, which has low air permeability and a small percent change in air permeability from fatigue. A thermoplastic resin composition obtained by dispersing a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group into a polyamide resin and an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, the thermoplastic resin composition being characterized in that the ratio of the polyamide resin to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is between 47/53 and 61/39. The percent change in air permeability of the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention when subjected 1 million times to 20% elongation strain at room temperature is 1.30 times or more. Additionally, a pneumatic tire using a film comprising the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention as an inner liner has a percent change in air leakage of 1.30 times or less at room temperature after going 70,000 km.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire containing a layered composite of sealant and air permeation resistant film, particularly a non-elastomeric film.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is disclosed. In one sidewall part, a sidewall rubber is formed by a black rubber over the whole circumference in a tire circumferential direction. In the other sidewall part, a different color rubber part for indicating marks on a tire outer surface is provided. The different color rubber part is divided into several sections in the circumferential direction, and the different color rubber part and the black rubber part are alternately and adjacently arranged in the circumferential direction. Side surfaces at both sides in the circumferential direction of the different color rubber part are formed into inclined surface shapes in a direction such that the side surfaces approach each other toward a tire inner surface side, thereby a size in the circumferential direction of the different color rubber part is decreased toward the tire inner surface side.

Abstract: To provide a pneumatic tire by which rolling resistance is reduced while cracking resistance in side wall portions is maintained. A foam rubber layer 6 extending in a tire radial direction is disposed in at least a portion of the side wall portion 3. Heat conductivity at 23° C. of the foam rubber layer 6 is from 0.05 to 0.20 W/mK, a tan ? at 60° C. is not more than 0.17, and an expansion ratio Q is from 50 to 160%.

Abstract: A composite wire or thread-based reinforcement is coated with rubber and may be used for reinforcing a finished rubber article, such as a tyre. The reinforcement includes one or more textile or metallic reinforcing wires or threads, and a coating rubber that coats each wire or thread. The coating rubber is formed of a rubber composition that includes at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, between 10 and 150 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer or rubber) of a platy filler, and a crosslinking system. The coating rubber has improved water-barrier properties, thus giving the composite wire or thread-based reinforcement better protection against corrosion or ageing due to penetration of water, for example through tyre tread.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a single carcass ply and at least one belt ply disposed radially outward of the carcass ply in a crown portion of the tire. The carcass ply includes at least one composite cord. The cord includes three aramid first yarns twisted helically about one nylon second yarn. The first yarns and the second yarn have a different modulus of elasticity. The first yarns have a modulus greater than the modulus of the second yarn.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a carcass ply and a belt structure having an overlay ply disposed radially outward of the carcass ply in a crown portion of the tire. The overlay ply comprises at least one composite cord. The cord comprises one aramid first yarn twisted helically about one nylon second yarn. The first yarn has a first modulus of elasticity and the second yarn has a second modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a bead structure provided therein. The bead structure is defined by a homogeneous arrangement of between 3-300 cords. Each cord comprises at least one strand wrapped by at least two strands.

Abstract: Technique for improving the durability of the beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of the civil engineering type, by reducing the rate of spread of cracks initiated at the surface of contact between a first filler polymer material (23a) which is radially innermost and in contact with the bead wire core (22) and a second filler polymer material (23b) radially on the outside of the first filler polymer material. A transition element (24), made of a transition polymer material, of contact thickness (e), is in contact, via its radially internal face (24a), with the first filler polymer material (23a) and in contact, via its radially external face (24b), with the second filler polymer material (23b), and the elastic modulus at 10% elongation of the transition polymer material is somewhere between the respective elastic moduli at 10% elongation of the first and second filler polymer materials.

Abstract: A device for transferring labels in a labeling machine with at least two retaining elements for holding labels, with the retaining elements being mounted offset in the circumferential direction around a gripper cylinder axle, and a mechanical control means configured to change the relative speed between the retaining elements in the circumferential direction of the gripper cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for labeling products may be applied to vehicle labeling, where complying with legal requirements of one jurisdiction may otherwise violate legal requirements within a second jurisdiction. Label content, format, and placement on vehicles, as imposed by federal law, creates a visual obstruction in violation of state law when a prospective customer is driving the vehicle. A new product label configured as a panel, which may be the Monroney sticker for a vehicle, or which may contain the Monroney sticker information and extend beyond that label itself, acts as a one-way panel. The panel permits transmission of light inward toward the driver, thus appearing sufficiently transparent not to create a visual obstruction. The panel may be sized from the size of a conventional Monroney sticker, up to the size of the entire window, acting as a window shade and a window sticker.

Abstract: A flexible, polymeric, self-adhering, disposable film and delivery system for countertop protection during food preparation. The film or sheet is constructed and arranged to temporarily and releasably adhere to an upper surface of the countertop to cover enough of the food-preparation surface in order to protect that surface from any particulates coming from food preparation activity. In one form, multiple film sheets are packaged together by stacking the individual sheets or by forming a continuous roll of sheets. The continuous roll of sheets are separable into individual sheets by means of a perforated score line or by cutting such as with scissors or other tools. One or more perforated score lines can be formed in the roll of sheets thereby forming a pattern of score lines for creating a wide variety of sizes and shape options for the individual sheets from a single roll of sheets.

Abstract: A magnet that includes a composite body and at least one reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is embedded within the body and increases the radial strength of the body. As a result, the magnet is able to rotate at higher speeds without fracturing. Additionally, methods of manufacturing the magnet are described.

Abstract: A method for operating a labelling machine includes, at a first inspection unit, detecting feature coordinates of a design feature of a container, transferring the feature coordinates to a second inspection unit that follows a labelling assembly, and at the second inspection unit, while synchronizing the feature coordinates of the design feature, inspecting the container for correct label seating by tracking the feature coordinates of the design feature along a conveying path from the first inspection unit to said second inspection unit.

Abstract: An outsert application system is disclosed that includes a vacuum assembly and a pivot arm. The vacuum assembly is for accommodating passage of a vacuum to an engagement surface at a first end thereof for engaging an outsert. The pivot arm is rotatably coupled at a first end thereof to a second end of the vacuum assembly, and the vacuum assembly is adapted to rotate with respect to the pivot arm about a first axis. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for rotation about a second axis that is substantially parallel with the first axis. The system further includes a translation device that causes the first axis to move with respect to the second axis as the vacuum assembly rotates about the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adhesive connection between workpieces, comprising the steps of: providing a workpiece having a metal surface, said workpiece comprising a coating at least on a melt surface, said coating comprising a thermoplastic; providing a workpiece having a thermoplastic surface; placing the melt surface and the workpiece having the thermoplastic surface against each other, welding the workpiece having a metal surface and the workpiece having the thermoplastic surface to the melt surface under the effect of ultrasonics.

Abstract: A flexible mandrel 100 has a plurality of flexible elements 130 extending between two spaced flanges 110, 120. A means for adjusting the radial position of each of the flexible elements 130 along the length of the mandrel 100 between the flanges 130 enables the plurality of flexible elements 130 to be configured in a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms. Conventional composite fibre or tape laying techniques may then be used to form one-piece, revolute, composite components. The flexible mandrel 100 can then be collapsed and withdrawn from the interior volume 202 of the formed component.