Abstract: A sanitary sewer cleaning apparatus for removing roots and debris with a segmented circular brush attached to a rodder root removal tool. As the apparatus travels through a sewer line, the segmented brushes, which are mounted on hinges, fold back to reduce drag and facilitate movement through obstructed sewers. As the rodder pulls back the apparatus, the brushes engage the walls of the pipe to pull roots and debris to the sewer access point. The preferred embodiments comprises rodder coupler, an extension arm for coupling a plurality of brushes in a radial configuration, a plurality of brushes for collecting the root infiltration debris, and a plurality of hinges for angularly altering the plurality of brushes relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a body having one end provided with a toothbrushing element and another opposite end, the body also having at least a part formed so that when the toothbrush is inclined, even close to a horizontal position, it automatically turns back to a substantially vertical orientation to prevent a contact of the toothbrushing element with a supporting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning appliance (1) including a wiper plate (2) having a central region (3) from which a plurality of arms (4) extend on both sides. The wiper plate (2) includes a cleaning side (5) to which a cleaning cloth (6) can be fixed. The cleaning cloth is placed on the floor to be cleaned, with a flat surface in the section associated with the central region (3), and essentially linearly in the sections associated with the arms (4).

Abstract: A scrubber for rain gutters with a scrubbing pad having a profile complementary to the profile of the outside side face of the gutter. The scrubbing pad is formed of a open cell natural or synthetic sponge and is attached to a substantially flat backing plate and makes substantially 100% surface contact with the outside side face of the rain gutter. The scrubbing pad overlaps a flange at the top of the outside side face of the gutter and overlaps a bottom of the rain gutter at the bottom of the outside side face. The scrubber is guided by the scrubbing pad along the rain gutter in a straight line by the overlapping portions of the scrubbing pad as the scrubber is moved back and forth along the rain gutter.

Abstract: A leaf blower wheel attachment that is connected to a canister suction attachment that is part of a typical leaf blower. The bottom end of the canister suction attachment is placed into each of two U-shaped attachment members. A pair of wheels are utilized, with each wheel being associated with one of the U-shaped attachment members. Each wheel has an associated wheel axle centrally disposed though a horizontal axis thereof, with each wheel axle operationally engaging the outer wall of each elongated U-shaped attachment members to secure the associated wheel to the canister. The canister suction attachment can then be dragged across a ground surface while in use instead of being carried.

Abstract: A connecting assembly (10) for a windshield wiper (10) includes a fixing member (11) and a supporting arm (12). The connecting assembly (20) includes a pivoting base (21) and a cover cap (22). The pivoting base (21) comprises an engaging portion (211) , a first insertion portion (212) and a second insertion portion (213) extending from the engaging portion (211) in opposite directions. The engaging portion (211) is engaged with the fixing member (11). The first insertion portion (212) and the second insertion portion (213) are symmetrical to each other with respect to the engaging portion (211). The cover cap (22) is assembled with the supporting arm (12) and put outside the first insertion portion (212) and the second insertion portion (213) in dual directions. Since the first insertion portion (212) and the second insertion portion (213) are configured to be symmetrical to each other, the supporting arm (12) can be firmly connected to the windshield wiper (10) with a changeable connecting direction.

Abstract: A spring for windshield wiper assemblies is comprised of a resilient rod having a plurality of sections adapted to removably attach to a windshield wiper assembly of a vehicle. The rod includes a first hook section at one end section thereof; a second hook section located at an opposite end section thereof. An intermediate coiled section attached to and located adjacent the first hook section, and a connector section defining an axis along its length and connected between the intermediate coiled section and the second hook section.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed on the main body and provided with a plurality of inlets, through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit, and a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole. The shutter opens and closes the inlet in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit is attached to or detached from the main body and whether or not the connection hole is opened or closed.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a chassis, and a duct mounted on the chassis for conveying the fluid flow to the separating apparatus, the duct including a support for supporting the separating apparatus.

Abstract: A floor-type vacuum cleaner includes a housing and rollers attached to the housing that are configured to provide movement of the housing. Each roller is disposed on a roller axle so as to be rotatable. At least one of the rollers includes a rigid hub and an air-filled, rubber, resilient, damping tire. Alternatively, at least one of the rollers has a damping property and includes alternating concentric layers of rigid and flexible components, with air being disposed between at least one of the rigid components and at least one of the flexible components.

Abstract: A hose equipped with a cord, wherein the hose and the cord can be easily assembled together and easily maintained. A cord-equipped hose, wherein opposite ends of a flexible hose are respectively provided with tube holders each constructed from a pair of half tubes. The tube holders each sandwich an end of the flexible hose with the pair of half tubes joined together and each form, between the joined ends of the half tubes, a lead-out opening for an electric power source cord. Opposite ends of the electric power source cord in the flexible hose are respectively led out of the lead-out openings of the tube holders and held in position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed having a motor inlet conduit and sound deadening material disposed within the motor inlet conduit for reducing the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner. The motor inlet conduit fluidly connects a dirt receptacle chamber and a motor inlet, and may have a generally continuous cross-sectional profile and one or more expanded regions for housing the sound deadening material. With the sound deadening material installed in the one or more expanded regions, the motor inlet conduit may form a smoothly changing profile along its entire length and reduce the overall noise level of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a yoke pivotably connected to the main body, and a pair of domed-shaped wheels rotatably connected to the yoke. A surface treating head is connected to the yoke. The yoke is shaped so that a section of the yoke is located between the rims of the wheels. To afford a compact appearance to the appliance, the outer surfaces of the wheels and the section of the yoke together at least partially delimit a substantially spherical volume.

Abstract: A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. To vary the air flow into the conduit, the control mechanism includes a first manually operable actuator located on the handle for moving both of the first and second valves away from the aperture, and a second manually operable actuator is located on the handle for moving only one of the first and second valves away from its respective portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes a vertical axis brake and barrier-traversing member. The caster shaft housing contains a vertically movable element with stator surface adjacent the caster wheel assembly. The barrier-traversing member with barrier contact surface is fastened to the caster wheel assembly. A braking surface member is attached to the barrier-traversing member opposite the barrier contact surface and adjacent the stator surface. In operation, the moving caster wheel assembly first contacts an obstacle with the barrier contact surface of the barrier-traversing member. The obstacle elevates the barrier-traversing member and attached braking surface member into contact with the vertically movable element of the stator surface of the caster shaft housing, thereby restraining rotation of the caster wheel assembly.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge cup, an arm, an installation member and a damping device. The hinge cup has a receiving space and a positioning hole communicating with the receiving space. The bottom wall of the receiving space has at least one first engaging part. The arm is pivotably connected to the hinge cup. The damping device is located in the receiving space and includes a damping member, a slide and a housing. One end of the damping member is mounted in the positioning hole. The damping member has a piston rod which is connected to the slide. The housing has at least one second engaging part which is engaged with the first engaging part on the bottom wall. When the arm is moved toward a closed position relative to the hinge cup, the arm pushes the slide to provide the damping force.

Abstract: A device for use in a door assembly that is positioned in a cabinet and defines a pivot axis. The device includes a base member adapted to be fixedly secured to the cabinet, an intermediate member slidingly engaged with the base member, and a cover connected to the intermediate member and having a hinge pin socket therein. The intermediate member includes a transversely extending adjustment screw associated therewith that defines a first axis. Rotation of the adjustment screw causes the intermediate member and cover to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: In a fully concealed hinge (1), a connecting device (2) joins a first and a second fastening member (1a;1b) allowing their relative mobility between open and closed position. An arm element (20) of the connecting device (2), hinged on a pin (3) of the first fastening member (1a), has at different positions along said pin (3) a first (5) and a second (6) cam element having corresponding active portions (52, 62) interacting with a first and a second tappet (50, 60) of the first fastening member (1a) in respective, at least partly not superposed, angular fields of rotation of the arm element (20). First and second elastic means (51, 61), biasing the first and second tappet (50,60) respectively, are loaded by increasing the angle of rotation in the first or second angular field, respectively, and released by decreasing said angle of rotation, thereby causing movement towards the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge plate includes a frame hinge plate part comprising a frame fastening part and a frame hinge part. A leaf/sash hinge plate part comprises a leaf/sash fastening part and a leaf/sash hinge part. A primary coil is disposed in the frame hinge part and a secondary coil is disposed in the leaf/sash hinge part, each coil being configured to surround a hinge plate pin. The primary coil extends at least almost up to an end face of the frame hinge part facing the leaf/sash hinge part. The secondary coil extends at least almost up to an end face of the leaf/sash hinge part facing the frame hinge part. A hinge plate pin sleeve comprising a ferrite material is disposed between the hinge plate pin and the primary and secondary coils, and extends approximately over a length of the hinge plate pin surrounded by the primary and secondary coils.

Abstract: A shell for a handle tube of a shopping cart or trolley. The shell has improved properties compared with a conventional, round, simple shell and has zones made of different materials.

Abstract: A removable tool for reducing contamination in a cleanroom assembly environment during assembly of a hard disk drive may include a handle assembly and a positive locking assembly. The handle assembly may define a proximal and distal end such that, in use, the proximal end is further away from the hard disk drive being assembled than is the distal end. The positive locking assembly may be configured to lock onto a portion of an upper perimeter of a Motor Base Assembly (MBA) of a hard disk drive and onto a corresponding portion of a lower perimeter of the MBA. The handle assembly and the positive locking assembly may be further configured to enable free access to an interior of the MBA during subsequent assembly steps. The positive locking assembly may be further configured to be selectively releasable without touching the MBA, to thereby enable the removal of the tool.

Abstract: A processing line of bast fiber is provided. The processing line is comprised of various devices for carding, cutting, degumming, high temperature washing, separating and water washing, softening, drying, batching and applying oil, permeating and reconditioning, stretching-breaking carding, and combing and sorting. The processing line of bast fiber can improve production efficiency, and improve the yield of long hemp fibers. Moreover, the produced fiber has stable quality and is convenient for post-processing.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to reduce the abrasive impact of the fiber or the yarn on the rollers coated with elastic material, which are used for drafting and guiding purposes in yarn production techniques, and thus keep the operating conditions and yarn quality parameters constant. The fiber on the top rollers coated with elastic material especially in the mechanical ring compact yarn production among the yarn production techniques, is an apron cladding method, over the top roller and the bearing guide arms connected to a bearing body found on the bearing unit placed on the pressure arm, in a way that it would cover these together. The method includes the operation steps of stretching the aprons by application of tension via a tension component and, while the fiber drafting operation continues, the bearing unit carrying the aprons being shifted in the horizontal plane in certain intervals.

Abstract: An improved hose clamp having an annular band having an inner face, tensioning means, and an annular spring liner; the spring liner having a circumferential shoulder near an edge of the liner; and a central, cylindrical, flat, contact portion of smaller circumference than the shoulder, and of smaller width than the inner face of the band. The shoulder is adapted to abut the inner face and the contact portion is adapted to contact a hose or other article to be clamped.

Abstract: A safety retainer for curtain cords is revealed. The safety retainer is used to hold a cord used to open and close curtains in place. The safety retainer includes an inner base and an outer base that are disposed with fixing holes. The inner base and the outer base are fixed on a wall while the cord for control of curtains is passed through the fixing holes. Thereby the cord is held in place by the safety retainer to prevent children from pulling out and being strangled by the cord.

Abstract: A buckle device 10 for a seat belt includes: an anchor plate 11 that can be attached to a vehicle body side; a buckle 20 to which a tongue of the seat belt can be detachably attached; and a woven fabric 30 that is passed through hole portions 14, 26 formed respectively in the anchor plate 11 and the buckle 20, the woven fabric 30 being folded back so as to overlap at least triply and being sewn together in the overlapping part. A tip end portion 31a of the woven fabric 30 tucked into the inner side contacts the opposing buckle 20.

Abstract: A clip for a vehicle including: a substantially hollow clip main unit that has a distal end portion to be fixedly pressed into a fixation member on a vehicle body side, and a base portion in which an opening is formed; and a main unit support member that is capable of supporting the clip main unit from an inside thereof in a state where the main unit support member is completely inserted into the opening of the clip main unit, wherein a clip linking device is provided to the clip main unit and the main unit support member for engaging the clip main unit with the main unit support member so as to restrict the relative displacement in the insertion direction between the clip main unit and the main unit support member, in a state where the main unit support member is half-inserted into the clip main unit.

Abstract: A snap fastener includes a male component and a female component. In a mechanical fastener, a shaft having an enlarged tip fits within a socket having a retaining element for releasably holding the enlarged tip. In a magnetic snap fastener, the female component has a magnet and a cover with a central hole for receiving the shaft. In both forms of snap fasteners, the male component and female component have anti-rotation surfaces, which interact to prevent rotation of the male and female components relative to each other.

Abstract: A zipper for luggage or a travel bag may include a slider and a releasable security device to provide access to the bag by authorized persons. The releasable security device may be configured to receive a portion of a locking apparatus, such as a padlock. A portion of the releasable security device may be received within the slider.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for constructing an intermediate securement point for a flexible panel. A stopper unit having at least one retention portion disposed over an engagement portion is provided with the retention portion extending radially beyond the engagement portion. A clip unit detachably coupled to the stopper unit to capture the flexible panel therebetween includes a collar portion defining an engagement channel configured to receive the engagement portion of the stopper unit. The collar portion terminates at first and second opposed ends spaced across a mouth of the engagement channel. An intermediate portion of the flexible panel may then be wrapped over the retention portion of the stopper unit to be gathered and releasably captured about the engagement portion by the clip unit coupled thereto. A flexible tie member may be coupled to the clip unit for releasably anchoring the clip unit to a support fixture.

Abstract: When a pretensioner is activated, a buckle main body experiences abrupt acceleration in a direction toward webbing. An inertial amass body of a stopper member is then rotated toward a frame member against an urging force of a torsion spring urged through a lever member. Further, the lever member abutting on the stopper member is also rotated toward the frame member, making each projecting piece face each abutment portion of a slide button. Further, when the slide button is slidingly moved against an urging force of a button spring, each abutment portion makes contact with each projecting piece of the lever member, stopping the slide movement of the slide button. Thus, unintentional disengagement between a latch and a tongue plate can be prevented.

Abstract: A laminate (6) is prepared by superposing a fibrous web (1a), (1b) containing fibers comprising polyethylene terephthalate on one side or both sides of a net-form sheet (4); water needling the fibrous web (1a), (1b) to entangle the fibers of the fibrous web (1a), (1b) with each other, and also to entangle the fibers of the fibrous web (1a), (1b) with the net-form sheet (4); and then, blowing hot air having a temperature above the glass transition temperature (Tg (° C.)) of the polyethylene terephthalate and below “Tg (° C.)+70° C.” to the laminate (6) by through-air technique. Preferably, after preparing the laminate (6) by entangling the fibers of the fibrous web(s) (1a), (1b) with the net-form sheet (4), the laminate (6) is dried with hot air; and then hot air is blown to the laminate (6) by through-air technique.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce a standing wave of vibrations along a longitudinal axis having a node and an anti-node at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to a method of assembling the transducer for the ultrasonic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the method comprises selecting piezoelectric elements and arranging the piezoelectric elements relative to the node to minimize the difference in magnitude between the currents drawn by the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.

Abstract: A clinching tool is provided. A further aspect of the present application locates an anvil and/or movable die members closer to one lateral outside surface of a die body than the opposite lateral outside surface. In another aspect, an offset clinch die and pneumatic tool are employed. Another aspect includes a die body having an anvil and two linearly movable die members which essentially surround a lateral outside surface of the anvil when in inward positions.

Abstract: A rivet tool capable of measuring size of blind rivet has a body and multiple interchangeable nosepieces. The body further has multiple rivet body measuring holes formed through the body. Diameters of the rivet body measuring holes match rivet bodies of corresponding blind rivets. Accordingly, the rivet tool of the present invention employs the rivet body measuring holes to measure a size of a rivet body of a blind rivet to rapidly, conveniently and correctly obtain a size of a rivet body of a blind rivet and further to correctly choose a nosepiece with a matching size.

Abstract: A protection member for a vehicle road wheel includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface with a central aperture extending therethrough. The protection member further includes a plurality of unequal length pins spaced about the aperture and extending in a direction away from the second surface. The plurality of pins are configured and positioned to engage holes of said road wheel utilized for mounting the road wheel to an axle of the vehicle. The protection member further includes a plurality of spoke receiving features spaced about and extending from the second surface. The spoke receiving features have a complimentary configuration for substantially aligning with a complimentary configuration of spokes of the road wheel. When the road wheel is disposed on the second surface the plurality of pins detachably couple the protection member to the road wheel.

Abstract: A portable windshield installation device capable of removing and installing windshields and/or back glasses by remote control actuators; with the device carrying all the weight and very little manually help from the installer.

Abstract: An elbow clamp assembly structurally supports or replaces a connection between a main pipe and an elbow pipe. The elbow clamp assembly includes an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body securable on opposite sides of the main pipe in facing relation. The upper and lower clamp bodies are connected by a clamp bolt extendable through the main pipe. An elbow boss is securable to the elbow pipe, and a cross bolt is extendable through the elbow pipe and connected between the elbow boss and the clamp bolt.

Abstract: A wheelchair docking system is provided to prevent accidental movement of a wheelchair away from a transfer object, such as a bed or toilet, while a person is transferring between the wheelchair and the object. The system includes a latch assembly and a post assembly, one of each which is mounted on the wheelchair and on the transfer object. The latch assembly is moveable between an open position to receive and release the post assembly and a closed position to retain the post assembly. The latch assembly is biased to the closed position. A lock is provided in the latch assembly to hold the latch assembly in the open position. In an alternative embodiment, the post assembly has interchangeable parts for mounting on different objects, and a clamp which is opened and closed by a dual-function pivotal post member.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous condiments including a tubular sidewall having opposite ends. One opposite end is open and can receive a plunger or piston therein for applying force to a condiment contained within the tubular sidewall. The other end of the sidewall includes a dispenser valve assembly including a member secured to an inturned flange portion of the sidewall with the flange portion being generally normal to the sidewall. The dispenser valve assembly is suitably secured to the flange portion as by heat sealing, such as a bead of hot melt, to form a composite laminated structure that is resistant to the penetration of liquid elements of the condiments. The dispenser valve assembly further includes a valve plate having one or more selectively openable discharge openings that will open and close under the influence of the pressure applied to the condiment in order to discharge the condiment.

Abstract: An elongated product is formed such that first a core is formed, the outer surface of the core being made of plastic. Thereafter, a tubular metal layer is extruded such that the layer is seamless. When the metal layer is extruded, a clearance is allowed between the metal layer and the core. After the metal layer has cooled, the diameter of the metal layer is reduced such that the metal layer contacts the plastic core. Thereafter, the metal is annealed such that the flexibility of the metal layer increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inserting a spring (3) into a longitudinal-side or head-side groove (4) of element panels (5) which can be laid in combination, wherein the element panels (5) can be locked together by means of a movement of the spring (3) relative to the element panels (5), having the following steps: a) providing springs (3) on a supply belt (6), wherein the springs (3) are releasably connected to the supply belt (6); b) detaching the springs (3) from the supply belt (6); c) moving the springs (3) into the groove (4) of a provided element panel (5).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid is provided. A support ring and a sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor are first provided. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor is then disposed on the support ring. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor is cut to form a sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure in desired shape. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure is secured on the support ring.

Abstract: A method for making a collated fastener assembly includes arranging a plurality of fasteners in a row parallel to one another, in a plane, and spaced from one another, preheating the fasteners, applying a molten polymer material onto the fasteners and conveying the fasteners with the polymer into a mold cavity. The fasteners are maintained in the plane. The polymer is molded onto the fasteners and between adjacent fasteners to form a molding having a collar encircling a shank of each fastener and a connecting portion between adjacent fasteners. The molding maintains the space between the fasteners. A cooling stream is introduced onto the fasteners and the molding as the fasteners and the molding exit from the mold cavity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an invention regarding universal fence gates are described including a specially shaped fence gate connector that may act as an elbow and/or a T-member, a universal fence gate kit with parts for assembling a universal fence gate including a specially shaped fence gate connector, a universal fence gate assembled using a specially shaped fence gate connector, and methods for assembling fence gates using a uniquely shaped fence gate connector.

Abstract: The application relates to a process for preparing a crosslinked cable, including: —applying one or more layers including a polymer composition on a conductor, wherein at least one layer includes one or more free radical generating agents, —crosslinking by radical reaction said at least one layer including said free radical generating agent(s), —cooling the obtained crosslinked cable in pressurized conditions, and —reducing or removing the content of volatile decomposition products(s), which are originating from optionally in elevated temperature, from the crosslinked cable obtained from cooling and recovery step.

Abstract: An adjustably mountable electrical device with one or more yokes coupled to the electrical device, at least one electrically conductive strap, and an electrical device face, wherein a distance between the electrical device face and at least one of the yoke, the strap and an electrical box mounting screw aperture is adjustable after the electrical device is mounted to the electrical box. The system may comprise mounting flanges that may have threaded hubs or the system may further comprise an electric device having front and back shells moveable on a track in response to depression of a button allowing for movement of the back shell so that the electric device may be mounted having its face coplanar with a front wall surface.

Abstract: A process for assembling a rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) is presented. During operation, the process receives rigid-flex PCBs that are to be coupled together, wherein a rigid-flex PCB includes flexible PCBs coupled to rigid PCBs. The process then places the PCBs onto a carrier which is configured to: align the PCBs so that bond regions located on the flexible PCBs overlap with bond regions located on corresponding flexible PCBs, and apply pressure to the overlapped bond regions. The process then sends the carrier through a reflow oven which reflows solder on the PCBs so that the components become mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCBs. The temperature profile generated by the reflow oven and the pressure applied by the carrier cures and sets an anisotropic conductive film located in the bond regions so that the overlapped flexible PCBs become mechanically and electrically coupled together.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system is provided that includes an upper chamber assembly lower chamber assembly, layup and demolding station, transfer assembly, automatic or permanent coupling system, and controller. The upper and lower chamber assemblies are coupled to form an enclosed plenum operable to maintain a pressurized environment about a tool. The layup and demolding station receives the tool and facilitates the layup, bagging and sealing of unprocessed components at the tool. A transfer assembly accurately positions the tool on the lower chamber assembly in alignment with the upper chamber assembly. An automatic or permanent coupling system provides services to the tool and the enclosed plenum. A controller directs services to be supplied to the enclosed plenum and tool in accordance with a set of process parameters. This set of process parameters allows an individual set of unprocessed components to be thermally processed and consolidated.