Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a smoking article rod is provided. A forming device is configured to engage a continuous stream of a smokable filler material with a first surface of a longitudinally-continuous web of a wrapping material, the web having first and second edge portions extending along the web, and a second surface opposing the first surface. A wrapping device is configured to longitudinally overlap the first and second edge portions such that the first surface about the first edge portion extends over the second surface about the second edge portion, to contain the smokable filler material within the web. An adhesive applicator device is configured to apply an adhesive material to the second surface about and longitudinally along the second edge portion, between the overlapped edge portions, prior to the wrapping device engaging the overlapped edge portions, with the adhesive material therebetween, to form a sealed seam.

Abstract: A stoma adapter is described that is especially suited to a recessed stoma or a flush stoma. The stoma adapter effectively extends the discharge passage from the stoma, protects peristomal skin, and forms a bridge at the interface between the stoma and an ostomy appliance. The stoma adapter contains a substantially unobstructed discharge passage, at least for effluent flowing in a discharge direction. The stoma adapter includes a seal for sealing against the bowel wall. The stoma adapter has collapsing, expanding, flexible and reinforced designs.

Abstract: A tubular irrigation device, such as a pipe or sleeve, having a circular multilayer polymeric structure including one or more layers of woven polymeric thermoplastic materials, one or more layers of thermoplastic polymeric materials, and one or more layers of polymeric waterproofing materials in film form. Methods of making the tubular irrigation device are also described.

Abstract: A high-pressure hose includes an inner tube layer, a cord reinforcing layer, an outer tube layer, and a woven underlay-layer. The cord reinforcing layer is configured of a reinforcing cord wound in a spiral shape and disposed at a radial direction outer side of the inner tube layer. The outer tube layer is disposed at the radial direction outer side of the cord reinforcing layer. The woven underlay-layer is configured of n sheets of a strip-shaped woven underlay-material overlapped with one another and wound in a spiral shape, is disposed between the inner tube layer and the cord reinforcing layer, and includes an overlap portion where one width direction side portion and another width direction side portion of the same strip-shaped woven underlay-material are overlapped with one another.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a connector for a fluid transfer conduit comprises: providing a first mould section comprising a hub-moulding portion which extends substantially parallel to a central axis C and a flange-moulding portion which extends from the hub-moulding portion at an angle to the central axis C; introducing fiber-reinforcement to the first mould section such that continuous circumferentially-oriented fiber-reinforcement lies in the hub-moulding portion, and continuous longitudinally-oriented fiber reinforcement extends from the hub-moulding portion into the flange-moulding portion; applying a second mould section over the first mould section to form a complete mould in which the fiber-reinforcement is confined; and introducing a polymer to the complete mould such that it permeates through the fiber-reinforcement to form a fiber-reinforced polymer connector; and extracting the connector from the mould.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear actuator comprised of a tube and method of deploying 3 spools of strips into a tube by consolidating the strips in an overlapping condition with each other each in a helical form of a constant diameter.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated working cylinder having a cylinder housing enclosing a cylinder chamber and having a cylinder tube whose inner circumferential surface forms a piston running surface for a piston arranged in the cylinder chamber wherein the cylinder tube is a composite body having a tubular inner layer and a tubular support jacket surrounding the tubular inner layer with a radial support effect and wherein the tubular inner layer is made of a diffusion-tight glass material or ceramic material, while the support jacket has a cellulose-containing and/or lignin-containing material structure.

Abstract: Provided is a helical strake set to reduce vortex induced vibrations of a tower, intended to be transported unassembled in a container, including a plurality of identical attachable segments, wherein each segment includes a main body of hollow pyramidal configuration including a wide polygonal end a narrow polygonal end and a narrow polygonal portion firmly attached to the narrow polygonal end, and each segment further including a cap including a wide polygonal portion able to fit in the wide polygonal end by a fastening element, wherein all main bodies and caps are able to be piled in one into another in a container yielding a significant reduction in seaborn transport volume and later assembled on site to reduce vortex induced vibrations of a tower.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite (e.g. fiber-reinforced polymer) connector for a fluid transfer conduit comprises: manufacturing a tubular pre-form which extends substantially parallel to a central axis C, the tubular pre-form comprising continuous circumferentially-oriented fiber reinforcement; manufacturing a continuous fiber pre-form net, the pre-form net comprising a support layer and continuous fiber reinforcement, the continuous fiber reinforcement being secured by being stitched to the support layer; placing the tubular pre-form and the pre-form net together into a mould to form a tubular hub portion from the tubular pre-form and a flange portion from the pre-form net, the flange portion extending from the hub portion at an angle to the central axis C; and introducing polymer into the mould so as to form a composite connector comprising the flange portion and the hub portion.

Abstract: A reinforced structural component includes a body portion made of a combination of plastic material and chopped fibers. The body portion has a central longitudinal axis and a cross-section orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis, with the cross-section having an outer periphery and an inner core inward of the outer periphery. The body portion has an outer peripheral portion and an inner core portion corresponding to respective longitudinal projections of the outer periphery and inner core. The body portion is configured for being acted upon by a combination of forces causing tension within one or more longitudinal segments of the inner core portion. The reinforced structural component also includes one or more layers of continuous fiber disposed longitudinally within the one or more longitudinal segments, so as to resist tension caused within the one or more longitudinal segments.

Abstract: A heat exchanger fin is disclosed. The fin can include a fin portion and a collar portion defining a fin aperture that has a central axis passing therethrough. The collar portion can include a nesting end including a nesting portion and a receiving end that (i) is located apart from the nesting end in an axial direction and (ii) comprises one or more bends to form an overhang portion that defines a gap located radially inward of the overhang portion. The gap can be dimensioned to at least partially receive the nesting portion. The collar portion can also include a contact portion extending between the nesting end and the receiving end, and the contact portion can be configured to abut an outer surface of a tube when the tube is at least partially inserted into the fin aperture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing flexible paper straws and flexible paper straws are revealed. The method includes the steps of preparing a paper tube which is a spiral tube by glue and paper, inserting a support shaft into the paper tube axially, placing the paper tube with the support shaft between a first roller and a second roller before curing of the glue while the first and second rollers are in parallel and having a plurality of circular grooves on a cylindrical surface thereof, rolling the paper tube by the first and second rollers to form a corrugated portion on a part of the paper tube, squeezing the corrugated portion to compress the corrugated portion for a period of time for curing the glue and holding shape of the corrugated portion, and removing the support shaft to get a flexible paper straw which is bendable at the corrugated portion.

Abstract: A box suitable for the packaging of a consumer product is formed by helically wrapping an elongated continuous strip of material around a mandrel to form a main body with a plurality of bands. In one embodiment, adjacent bands partially overlie one another to form a multi-paneled main body with an open top end and an open bottom end. An adhesive is disposed within the region of contact between adjacent bands to retain the shape of the main body. First and second sets of slots are formed in the main body to create flaps dimensioned to selectively enclose the open top and bottom ends, respectively. To define the flaps and promote pivotal articulation, the main body is also preferably provided with score lines. By adjusting the configuration of the mandrel, a customized box can be constructed that is sized to receive a consumer product with limited wasted space.

Abstract: A system for constructing a composite structure includes a braiding machine, a winding tool and a forming machine. The composite structure is constructed of a wound tubular braiding. The wound tubular braiding is constructed of a biaxial or triaxial tubular braid of unidirectional tape.

Abstract: A thermoplastic product includes a fabric-based reinforcing sheet and a polymerized thermoplastic material. The fabric-based reinforcing sheet is wound about a mandrel to form a plurality of layers having a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the mandrel. The fabric-based reinforcing sheet includes a plurality of fiber bundles, which may have a bidirectional orientation or configuration. A polymerized thermoplastic material is disposed within each layer of the fabric-based reinforcing sheet. The polymerized thermoplastic material bonds each layer of the fabric-based reinforcing sheet to an adjacent layer.

Abstract: An internally coupleable joint is disclosed. The joint can include a first component and a second component configured to mate with one another in an end-to-end relationship. An axially extending protrusion of the first component can interface with a corresponding recess of the second component. In addition, the first component and the second component can each have an internal coupling feature extending at least partially about an inner circumference of the respective component. The joint can also include a securing member having external coupling features configured to engage the internal coupling features of the first and second components to prevent separation of the first and second components.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for creating wound material portions for incorporation into an article of footwear. More particularly, one method of manufacturing at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear, in accordance with the invention, includes the steps of providing a support structure, providing a fiber delivery system, tacking a first end of a first fiber onto the support structure, moving the support structure with respect to the fiber delivery system to wind the first fiber around the support structure, cutting a second end of the first fiber upon positioning of the first fiber onto the support structure, and treating at least a portion of the first fiber to fixedly hold it in a wound arrangement and form a fabric layer for incorporation into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A support system for supporting power distribution or transmission lines includes a support pole having a first end and a second and a crossarm attached to the support pole, proximate the first end of the support pole. The crossarm has a first end, a second end and one or more side walls extending between the first and second ends of the crossarm. The side walls of the crossarm define an elongated interior space. The support system further includes an internal conduit formed in the interior space of the crossarm. The internal conduit extends along an axial direction of the crossarm. The internal conduit is made from insulative material.

Abstract: A box suitable for the packaging of a consumer product is formed by helically wrapping an elongated continuous strip of material around a mandrel to form a main body with a plurality of bands. In one embodiment, adjacent bands partially overlie one another to form a multi-paneled main body with an open top end and an open bottom end. An adhesive is disposed within the region of contact between adjacent bands to retain the shape of the main body. First and second sets of slots are formed in the main body to create flaps dimensioned to selectively enclose the open top and bottom ends, respectively. To define the flaps and promote pivotal articulation, the main body is also preferably provided with score lines. By adjusting the configuration of the mandrel, a customized box can be constructed that is sized to receive a consumer product with limited wasted space.

Abstract: A self-adhesive membrane includes a substrate with a bottom surface and a first edge; an adhesive substance at least partially covering the bottom surface, the adhesive substance covering an area of the bottom surface adjacent to the first edge; a first liner partially covering the adhesive substance, the first liner covering the area of the adhesive substance adjacent to the first edge; and a second liner covering another area of the adhesive substance not covered by the first liner, the second liner and the first liner being independently separable from the adhesive substance.

Abstract: Valve packing installation apparatus and related methods for use with fluid valves are disclosed. An apparatus includes a tube to receive a stack of packing components. The tube has a first end and a second end. A plunger is disposed within the tube adjacent the second end. The plunger is slidable toward the first end to expel the stack of packing components into a valve in a predetermined order associated with an installation sequence.

Abstract: Method of forming a fiber-reinforced composite by applying multiple layers of prepreg material at the same time such that the proportion of unidirectional fibers which are orientated in the performing direction are greater than the proportion of unidirectional fibers which are obliquely orientated relative to said performing direction. This method controls the presence of overlaps, non-overlaps or gaps between the adjacent turns of the winding, thus improving the quality of the tube. This method also permits a reduction of the manufacturing costs. This method further enables production of tubes in a continuous way with different mandrels arranged to follow each other in a sequence which lead to an improvement of the production rate.

Abstract: An internally coupleable joint is disclosed. The joint can include a first component and a second component configured to mate with one another in an end-to-end relationship. An axially extending protrusion of the first component can interface with a corresponding recess of the second component. In addition, the first component and the second component can each have an internal coupling feature extending at least partially about an inner circumference of the respective component. The joint can also include a securing member having external coupling features configured to engage the internal coupling features of the first and second components to prevent separation of the first and second components.

Abstract: A profile part is disclosed. The profile part has an inner profile formed as an extrusion profile and has at least one reinforcing layer made from fiber-reinforced plastic which is applied to the inner profile. The inner profile is formed from at least two layers.

Abstract: A support system for supporting power distribution or transmission lines includes a support pole having a first end and a second and a crossarm attached to the support pole, proximate the first end of the support pole. The crossarm has a first end, a second end and one or more side walls extending between the first and second ends of the crossarm. The side walls of the crossarm define an elongated interior space. The support system further includes an internal conduit formed in the interior space of the crossarm. The internal conduit extends along an axial direction of the crossarm. The internal conduit is made from insulative material.

Abstract: A pipe-in-pipe assembly with thermally-insulating spacers positioned in an annulus to act radially between inner and outer pipes is disclosed. The spacers have at least one circumferentially-extending array of circumferentially-spaced ribs that define longitudinally-extending passageways in gaps between neighbouring ribs of the array. Cables including heating elements extend longitudinally along, the annulus outside the inner pipe. The cables extend longitudinally along the passageways. At least one insulation layer disposed radially outboard of the cables has insulating elements disposed in the gaps between the ribs and/or an insulating layer extending around the inner pipe, positioned radially outboard of the ribs and bridging the gaps. Bands encircle and retain components of the insulation layer. Insulation may also be disposed on the inner pipe between first and second arrays of ribs, those arrays being spaced longitudinally from each other.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of prototyping a thermoplastic composite part. The method comprises fabricating one or more discardable freeform tooling elements via a rapid manufacturing process. The method further comprises forming thermoplastic composite materials into a thermoplastic composite prototype part using the one or more discardable freeform tooling elements. The method further comprises separating the thermoplastic composite prototype part from the one or more discardable freeform tooling elements.

Abstract: Components and methods for forming components are provided. For example, a method for forming a component includes laying up a plurality of plies to form a component preform that defines an axis of symmetry and a circumferential direction. Laying up the plurality of plies includes overlapping ends of the plurality of plies to define overlap regions and offsetting the overlap regions along the circumferential direction such that any radial line drawn from the axis of symmetry through the plies passes through only one overlap region. In another embodiment, a component includes a body that is symmetric about an axis of symmetry and that defines a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The body is formed from a plurality of plies and has a substantially uniform thickness. Ends of the plurality of plies are overlapped to define a plurality of overlap regions, which are offset along the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A strengthened polyethylene tubular member, where the polyethylene tubular member has an outer surface, a circumference, a wall thickness, an area to be strengthened, and the outer surface of the polyethylene tubular member contains polyethylene. The strengthened polyethylene tubular member contains a fabric layer wrapped around the circumference of the tubular member at least two full rotations and covering the area to be strengthened. The fabric layer contains a plurality of interwoven tape elements with a base layer of a strain oriented olefin polymer disposed between covering layers of a heat fusible olefin polymer. The tape elements within the fabric layer are bonded together and the tape elements adjacent the tubular member are bonded to the tubular member.

Abstract: A self-adhering tape is described comprising a substrate layer having a first major surface and opposing major surface; an adhesive layer disposed on the first major surface of the polyolefin substrate, the adhesive layer comprising a polyolefin polymer and optionally further comprising a tackifying resin; an outer layer disposed on the opposing major surface of the polyolefin substrate, the outer layer comprising a polymer comprising at least 50 wt-% C2-C3 alkylene and at least 20 wt-% C4-C20 ?-olefin. The self-adhering tape is suitable for use as a grip tape or an electrical tape. Methods of making and using the tape are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for automated bending of wood strips. The system includes an preprogrammed automated robot arm that is fitted with a gripper for grasping and manipulating the wood board around a hot mandrel in order to bend the wood into intricate bent shapes. The wood strips are first soaked in water so that they pliable to bend around the mandrel. The heated mandrel plasticizes the lignin to allow the fibers to reorient in the wet wood strips thus fixing or locking the wood in the bent shape. The grippers are preferably pneumatic grippers formed from two plates that move towards each other to grasp or clamp onto the wood strip. A friction plate urges the wood strips against the heated mandrel to provide consistent and constant contact between the wood strip and the surface of the hated mandrel.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a continuous composite tube comprising translating a tube liner through a manufacturing station wherein the manufacturing station comprises a winding station and a consolidation station located at a distance downstream of the winding station; winding a composite tape on the tube liner at the winding station for forming a tape layer; consolidating the composite tape on the tube liner at a consolidation zone of the consolidation station by pressing and heating to the tape.

Abstract: A duct for air transport comprises an inner jacket having an inlet end for connecting the duct to an air supply and an outlet end for connecting the duct to a duct for a further transport or distribution of air, and an outer jacket made of an impervious material and surrounding the inner jacket spaced therefrom. An insulating chamber is formed between the inner jacket and the outer jacket. The inner jacket and the outer jacket are adapted to conduct from the interior space of the inner jacket through the insulating chamber into the ambient atmosphere, namely in an amount of 0.02 to 100‰ of the total volume of air fed into the inner jacket. The area for conducting air into the insulating chamber and the area for conducting air away from the insulating chamber are spaced from each other during the operation of the duct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer tube, comprising a tubular inner film made of modified polytetrafluoroethylene, and one or more layers of a planar textile fibrous material, which is saturated with a curable resin, and optionally an outer film. The outer film is preferably made of UV impermeable material. The multilayer tube can be used for repairing pipes, but it can also be used as a stand-alone pipe for transporting fluids such as liquids and gases.

Abstract: A method for cutting a wound hose (1), made from mutually engaging windings (11, 12, 13, 14) of a metallic tape (2), with the wound hose (1) being welded in a predetermined axial area (10) and then cut within the area (10) essentially in a plane (6) extending radially, with the wound hose (1) being axially compressed in the predetermined area prior to welding such that in the area (10) a mutual contacting of the windings (11, 12, 13, 14) occurs. The welding is performed along a predetermined number of windings (11-14) in the area (10), and the welding energy required for welding the windings is introduced via the area of the winding hose into it. Additionally, an accordingly produced wound hose (1) is provided and a device suitable for its production.

Abstract: A compact, mobile communicating carrying case for the transport and storage of temperature-sensitive materials. The carrying case regulates to temperature presets that can be altered real time directly or remotely. Cryogenic temperature control is provided by use of a low boiling point liquid coolant, like liquid nitrogen or air that accelerates in a multicore cooling system. A microprocessor-controlled double function solenoid acting as a valve and sensor, temperature sensors, and several mechanical one way release valves regulate the cooling system. Peripheral integrated modules collect, send, receive and display information on the case and on smart devices about location, core temperature, the carrier and the nature of the enclosed material. The carrying case provides a compact laser-etched sterile working area, in addition to a set of basic instruments, needed for procedures using the biological materials.

Abstract: A stiffener 100 comprises a first stiffener portion (102), having a first cross-sectional profile (104) that is constant along the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 also comprises a second stiffener portion (106), having a second cross-sectional profile (108) that is constant along the second stiffener portion (106). The second cross-sectional profile (108) of the second stiffener portion (106) is different from the first cross-sectional profile (104) of the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 additionally comprises a transition stiffener portion (110) tapering from the second stiffener portion (106) to the first stiffener portion (102).

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device, including extruding a bulk of a material in an extrusion direction to form an extruded member. The material operatively arranged to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected borehole fluid; and forming a tubular body with the extruded member such that the extrusion direction is aligned circumferentially with respect to the tubular body.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.

Abstract: Flexible electronically functional fibers are described that allow for the placement of electronic functionality in traditional fabrics. The fibers can be interwoven with natural fibers to produce electrically functional fabrics and devices that can retain their original appearance.

Abstract: A stiffener 100 comprises a first stiffener portion (102), having a first cross-sectional profile (104) that is constant along the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 also comprises a second stiffener portion (106), having a second cross-sectional profile (108) that is constant along the second stiffener portion (106). The second cross-sectional profile (108) of the second stiffener portion (106) is different from the first cross-sectional profile (104) of the first stiffener portion (102). The stiffener 100 additionally comprises a transition stiffener portion (110) tapering from the second stiffener portion (106) to the first stiffener portion (102).

Abstract: This assembly includes a ball joint assembled in a casing, and receiving an axle capable of sliding and/or rotating therein. The ball joint is formed from the winding of a fabric of small thickness ranging between 20 ?m and 150 ?m and mixed with a resin comprising fillers. The fabric has the form of strips having a width ranging between 5 mm and 200 mm; the strips being crossed in several layers.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure, such as a cross arm for use in the power industry, having a rectangular outer cross-sectional shape and an inner hollow core having a curvilinear cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: This invention provides a PSA sheet comprising a PSA layer (A) constituting an adhesive face and a viscoelastic layer (B) supporting the PSA layer (A). The PSA layer (A) comprises, as a base polymer (A), a block copolymer of a monovinyl-substituted aromatic compound and a conjugated diene compound. The base polymer (A) comprises 30% by mass or more of a diblock copolymer. The viscoelastic layer (B) has a thickness of 200 ?m or larger.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of structural cylinder with a wound material shell, the method comprising: providing a extruded wood core cylinder; wrapping a flexible material about an exterior surface of the cylinder; applying an adhesive between the interior of the material and the exterior profile of the core; allowing the adhesive to cure providing a structural cylinder with a wrapped material exterior.

Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical tube options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Methods are provided for reinforcing the composite tube construction including one or more folded layers of knitted fiber, a reinforcing wrap made of knitted fiber, and an inflatable balloon element in combination with a layer(s) of knitted fiber.

Abstract: A retractable pressure hose can be created which comprises an inlet connector, an outlet connector, an inner elastic tube, an outer cover, and a lubricant disposed to reducing chafing between the inner elastic tube and the outer cover. In such a hose, the lubricant can comprise a solid lubricant such as paraffin wax or other slippery solids, a liquid lubricant such as olive oil or other slippery liquids, or a combination of solid and/or liquid lubricants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to flexible pipe and composite tape. Flexible pipe body for a flexible pipe comprises an internal pressure sheath and at least one armor layer over the sheath comprising a wound tape of composite material. A method for manufacturing a composite tape is disclosed making use of a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A rotor can for a wet running electric motor includes an inner layer (2) made from a thermoplastic material which is at least partly surrounded by a supporting layer (4) in form of a thermoplastic tape layer attached to the outside of the inner layer (2).

Abstract: A polymer tube for conducting a pipe buried underground, having a plurality of RFID tags arranged at regular intervals along the tube and a protective layer of the RFID tags.