Abstract: An inflation method for an air cushion body which includes one or more air storing units formed by at least two air cell films, an inflation valve formed by at least two valve films, and an inflation unit integrally connected with the air storing units and formed by two inflation end portions overlapping with each other to define an inflation channel, includes the following steps: sealing off two ends of the inflation channel to form an inflatable cavity, filling air into the inflatable cavity where the air that enters the inflatable cavity enters the corresponding air storing units through the air inlet channel, and releasing the two ends of the inflation channel upon completion of inflation to acquire the air cushion body that is inflated.

Abstract: Beads may be stitched to a substrate layer and then fused to form structures including foam midsoles, foam pads, and other foam structures. Beads may be embroidered to multiple substrate layers and then folded or stacked together to form a preform used in a mold to form a midsole.

Abstract: A method and system of stitching a plurality of image views of a scene, including grouping matched points of interest in a plurality of groups, and determining a similarity transformation with smallest rotation angle for each grouping of the matched points. The method further includes generating virtual matching points on non-overlapping area of the plurality of image views and generating virtual matching points on overlapping area for each of the plurality of image views.

Abstract: A machine for converting two different types of webs of inflatable material to two different types of inflated cushioning material includes an inflation arrangement, a sealing arrangement, and a tensioning device. The inflation arrangement is configured to provide air at a lower pressure to a first web of a first type of inflatable material to inflate the first type of inflatable material, and to provide air at a higher pressure to a second type of inflatable material to inflate the second type of inflatable material. The inflation arrangement includes a guide pin configured to the first and second webs and align the first and second webs on the machine. The sealing arrangement is configured to seal the first type of inflatable material and the second type of inflatable material to create the two different types of inflated cushioning material.

Abstract: An interconnect component is configured as an adapter or interposer providing mechanical and electrical interconnects between conductive threads, such as those woven within fabrics, and electrical connection points, such as contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and/or a rigid-flex circuit board.

Abstract: A cushioning article includes a bladder enclosing an interior cavity and retaining a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile component is disposed in the interior cavity and includes tensile layers and a plurality of tethers connecting the tensile layers. The tensile layers are connected to an inner surface of the bladder such that the tethers span across the interior cavity. The bladder has an inwardly-protruding bond that joins an inner surface of the bladder to the tensile component, protrudes inward into the interior cavity, and partially traverses the plurality of tethers such that the bladder is narrowed at the inwardly protruding bond and the gas in the interior cavity fluidly communicates across the inwardly-protruding bond. A method of manufacturing a cushioning article is disclosed.

Abstract: A supply of inflatable pouches includes an inflatable web defining a series of inflatable chambers, a longitudinal fold in the web such that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels joined together at the longitudinal fold, and a series of transverse seals that bond the panels together to form a series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals.

Abstract: A method of forming a fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear is provided and includes positioning a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material in a pressure chamber, increasing a fluid pressure within the pressure chamber to a first value, and coupling the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material within the pressure chamber to define a fluid-filled chamber defined by the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material and having a fluid pressure equal to the first value. The method also includes decreasing the fluid pressure within the pressure chamber to a second value.

Abstract: A cushioning article comprises a first and a second polymeric sheet bonded to one another and enclosing an interior cavity. The polymeric sheets retain a gas in the interior cavity. A tensile component disposed in the interior cavity includes a first tensile layer, a second tensile layer, and a plurality of tethers spanning the interior cavity and connecting the first tensile layer to the second tensile layer. An inwardly-protruding bond joins the first polymeric sheet to the first tensile layer, protrudes inward from the first polymeric sheet toward the second polymeric sheet, and partially traverses the plurality of tethers. The first polymeric sheet is displaced from the first tensile layer adjacent to the inwardly-protruding bond by the gas. A method of manufacturing a cushioning article is disclosed.

Abstract: A channelless basketball includes a bladder body without projection ribs and a bladder body which includes a plurality of cover panels attached on the bladder body in edge to edge manner to completely cover the bladder body. At least some of the cover panels are provided with gripping bands each of which is provided along the peripheral adjoining edge of the respective cover panel for providing good gripping and holding ability for the channelless basketball.

Abstract: A sports ball having an exquisite performance cover formed from a plurality of panels of multi-layers sheet with a backing of a softer foamy substance with selective density differences. The cover panels may be joined together at assembling zones. During manufacturing, the foamy substance of the assembling zone is selectively partially cut from the central part of the softer material attached to outer layers for each of the panels. Strips of fabric are further applied and subjected to pressure and high frequency sound waves at assembling zones, providing it the necessary characteristics to better hide the stitching. Punched out central softer material on the inside of the sports ball provides support and a stout rounder shape for the manufacturing of an exquisite performance sports ball and filling up the gap, created between the outer material and bladder, by stitching seams. Assembling zone are further be subjected on the outer side to an adhesive, which further enhance the panel to panel adhesion.

Abstract: A sports ball comprises a plurality of interlocking panels covered by an outer layer. Each of the interlocking panels includes a plurality of recesses. The outer layer includes a plurality of distinct surface irregularities, each of the surface irregularities aligned with one of the plurality of recesses.

Abstract: Method of making a golf ball comprising: providing a subassembly and a thermoset polymer composition; partially curing the thermoset polymer composition and elongating same while in a partial cure state; forming a layer about the subassembly comprising the thermoset polymer composition; and further curing the thermoset polymer composition. A moldable thermoset polymer composition may be elongated while in state of partial cure. The thermoset polymer composition may be stepwise elongated by: stretching a thermoset polymer composition in at least one plane while in partial cure state and before forming into first and second half shells; forming the thermoset polymer composition into first and second half shells and elongating the thermoset polymer composition in three dimensions while in the partial cure state and before mating the first and second half shells about the subassembly; and mating the first and second half shells about the subassembly and forming a stepwise-elongated thermoset layer.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing that incorporates a plurality of joined panel elements, which include a first panel element with a first edge and a second panel element with a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are welded to each other. In some configurations, the first panel element has a first edge with a projection that extends outward from the first edge, the second panel element has a second edge that is located adjacent to the first edge, and the projection of the first edge is located between the second edge and the bladder. In another configuration, the first edge and the second edge are formed to have rounded configurations. The sport ball may also include an intermediate layer and a bladder within the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball shaped product and a method for making the same. The method includes the following steps of: (a) placing a ball shaped interior material on a supporting seat, wherein a part of an outer surface of the ball shaped interior material is exposed outside the supporting seat; (b) placing the ball shaped interior material and the supporting seat in a chamber; (c) covering a wrapping material on the chamber; (d) vacuum pumping the chamber, so that the wrapping material is attached to the exposed part of the outer surface of the ball shaped interior material; (e) releasing the vacuum of the chamber; and (f) rotating the ball shaped interior material, and repeating the step (a) to step (e) at least one time.

Abstract: A packaging material handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first pair of traction members configured for cooperatively engaging a chain of pre-inflated pillows from opposite sides thereof and being operable for driving the chain in the flow direction. The device further includes a second pair of traction members configured for cooperatively engaging the chain from opposite sides thereof. The second pair of traction members are spaced apart from the first pair of traction members along a flow direction and are operable for driving the chain in the flow direction. The first and second pairs of traction members are operable for holding the first and second portions of the chain during a breaking operation. The device further includes a breaking member disposed between the first and second pairs of traction members and movable against the chain across the flow direction in the breaking operation to break the chain for detaching the first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating layer on a golf ball includes spraying a first quantity of a coating composition onto the golf ball to form a partially-coated golf ball that has a first pole disposed in a top position, a second pole disposed in a bottom position, a diameter extending between the first and second poles, and an axis of rotation perpendicular to the diameter. After spraying the first quantity, the method includes rotating the partially-coated golf ball about the axis to translate the first and second poles such that the first pole is disposed in the bottom position and the second pole is disposed in the top position. After rotating, the method includes spraying a second quantity of the composition onto the partially-coated golf ball to form the coating layer on the golf ball. An apparatus for forming the coating layer on the golf ball is also disclosed.

Abstract: Customizable articles and a method of customization are disclosed. The method produces customizable articles having a graphic or pigment arrangement sandwiched between a film transfer layer and an exterior surface of the customizable articles. The process involves aligning a customizable article and a graphical transfer assembly on a press assembly, heating the press assembly, and applying pressure to the customizable article using the press. After removing the customizable article from the press assembly, the process comprises removal of the carrier layer and inspection of the resulting customizable article.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: A method of making a game ball having a carcass comprising a foamed intermediate layer and a plurality of raised seams made from an outer layer is disclosed. The foamed intermediate layer may be formed from two sheets of foamed material. The sheets are shaped to have leaves that can be folded into the shape of a hemisphere with no gaps between adjacent leaves. The sheets are placed around a bladder, an outer layer is placed around the sheets, and the combination is heat molded. The seams are not made from strips of seam material placed on the outer layer of the carcass.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball, particularly for basketball practice, and to the method for manufacturing same. The ball includes an inflatable bladder (1) covered with one or more flexible elongate elements (2) wound around the surface of the bladder. The ball also includes an outer covering comprising at least two outer panels (3) separated by at least one strip (4) of elastomeric material. The outer panels and the strip(s) are placed directly onto the wound flexible elongate element(s). The manufacture method particularly involves covering the inflatable bladder with the flexible elongate element(s) wound on the surface of the bladder, and placing the outer covering, including the outer panels separated by the strip(s) of elastomeric material. The placement of the outer covering is achieved by placing the outer panels and the strip(s) directly onto the wound flexible elongate element(s).

Abstract: A sport ball may have a plurality of panels that are joined at seams to form a casing. The panels may include a thermoplastic polymer material applied to an interior side of the panels, and the thermoplastic polymer material may be heat-activated to extend across the seams. The ball may further include a bladder within the casing and an intermediate layer located between the casing and the bladder. The thermoplastic polymer material may also be heat-activated to bond with the intermediate layer or casing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A climate control system according to implementations of the invention includes one or more vacuum chambers. The vacuum chamber is encompassed by a chamber wall that is substantially impervious to gases. The vacuum chamber houses one of several combinations. In one combination, the near vacuum has yet to be created, and the vacuum chamber houses substantially-pure carbon dioxide and un-reacted carbon dioxide reducing agent. In a second combination, the near vacuum has been created, and the vacuum chamber houses reaction products of a chemical reaction between substantially-pure carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide reducing agent in a near vacuum. Various methods are used for creating vacuum chambers and for generating near vacuum conditions within such chambers. Various systems and structures can utilize such vacuum chambers and panels containing such chambers.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder. The casing may form at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ball. The bladder may be located within the casing and formed from a plurality of polymer bladder elements joined along abutting edges to form a sealed and valveless structure that encloses a pressurized gas. In some configurations, the bladder may be at least partially formed from an ether-based thermoplastic polyurethane material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for bonding component parts of a wind turbine blade along a bond line. A barrier is placed within an internal cavity of the blade at a defined bond line width along the length of the bond line. A plurality of spaced apart external access ports are defined along the bond line into the internal cavity. A bond paste is sequentially injected into the plurality of access ports to fill the bond line.

Abstract: Storage tank assemblies and methods for water on water reverse osmosis systems. A bladder type storage tank is fabricated by forming first and second shells, which when joined together at a center region of each shell, form a tank enclosure, the first shell having first and second openings therein away from the center region of the respective shell, coupling a bladder to the first opening in the first shell so that the bladder will be within the tank enclosure when the first and second shells are joined together at a center region of each shell, temporarily holding the bladder in a collapsed state away from the center region of the first shell with one or more strings and passing the strings through the second opening, welding the first and second shells together at the center region of each shell to form the tank enclosure, and withdrawing the strings to release the bladder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: A sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, and a ball carcass. The ball pocket is constructed to have a true roundness shape, having an interior cavity receiving the inflatable bladder therein, wherein when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the ball pocket retains a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder. The ball carcass includes a ball cushion and a plurality of carcass panels. Each of the carcass panels has a peripheral edge and a flat bottom surface defined within the peripheral edge, wherein the bottom surface of each of the carcass panels is entirely affixed to the ball cushion at a position that the peripheral edge of each of the carcass panels is fittingly aligned with the peripheral edges of the adjacent carcass panels to form a roundness carcass of the sportsball in a stitch-less manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ball (1), especially a soccer ball, comprising the steps: a) Producing a flat, level base material (2), constructed in at least two layers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) which comprises a cover layer (3) and at least one material layer (4, 5, 6, 7) below said cover layer; b) Cutting out panels (8) of the desired shape from the base material (2); c) Applying the panels (8) to a carrier body (9), especially to a ball bladder. In order to provide a more uniform hardness to the ball across the extend of the circumference, the invention proposes that before, during or after step b) at least the edge region (10) of the panel (8) is heated and a reforming of the edge area (10) takes place, such that the side of the panel (8) which is covered by the cover layer (3) takes on a convex shape (11) in the edges area (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a ball.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber may include utilizing one of a blowmolding and a thermoforming process to define a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall surface of the chamber. An aperture is defined through the first surface in a location where the first surface is spaced from the second surface. A pressurization apparatus is located adjacent to the first surface and around the aperture, and the pressurization apparatus is utilized to inject a fluid into the chamber through the aperture, compress the first surface against the second surface, and form a bond around the aperture and between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A sports racquet having a plurality of string port holes and conventional string holes is formed of a single tube of prepreg material. When molded, mold elements press opposed portions of the prepreg tube into contact with one another, and shape the adjoining prepreg material into a string port hole blanks. The portion of the pressed-together material which initially blocks the string port hole is removed after molding so that the string port holes extend through the frame. Alternatively, the mold elements cause the prepreg tube to follow a serpentine shape, thereby defining string port holes which are open alternately along the top and bottom surface of the frame. A pair of cover rings may be secured to the top and bottom racquet surfaces to cover the open sides of the string port holes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer outer panel for a game ball includes three-dimensionally forming a top layer of an outer panel, as well as one or more backing materials disposed underneath the top layer, into a shape substantially corresponding to the surface of the ball. Multi-layer outer panels are then attached to or interconnected to surround an inflatable bladder, thereby producing a game ball while minimizing overstretching of the outer material or the backing material and improving resistance of the outer panels to delamination.

Abstract: A multi-sectional airtight seal for continuous air-filling includes: an input passage; plural first sub-tubes aligned parallel to a lateral side of the input passage; plural first valve devices including a first filling passage and a second filling passage with the first filling passage connecting the first sub-tubes and the input passage; plural second sub-tubes serially connecting the first sub-tubes; and plural second valve devices for connecting the second sub-tubes and the second filling passages to allow through-linking between the second sub-tubes and the input passage. When external air in the input passage enters through the first filling passage of the first valve device to fill and expand the first sub-tubes, the second sub-tube is filled through the second filling passage and the second valve device to be expanded as well.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag is disclosed. An inflatable pneumatic bag includes a pneumatic hole disposed at one end of a pneumatic channel. Air, which is applied to the pneumatic hole, moves along the pneumatic channel, then through air ingress holes covered with inner layers which are removed by the expansion of the outer layers to fill all the air tubes. When the air tube is filled with air, one or more inner layers cover and then close the air ingress hole to overcome reverse air flow. Then, a curve-shaped air passage in the air tube narrows to further prevent air escape. With the inner layer, effectively overcoming reverse air flow, and the air passage, further preventing air escape, the inflatable pneumatic bag filled with air may last for a substantial long period of time.

Abstract: An inflatable-cushion inflation and sealing device is disclosed. The device includes an inflation assembly configured for inflating with a fluid a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of film. The inflation assembly includes a fluid conduit configured for longitudinal reception between first and second overlapping portions of an inflation channel adjacent to and in fluid communication with the cushion cavity. The device further includes a cutting element disposed proximate the fluid conduit and configured and 10 oriented to cut open inflation channel by a cutting motion that includes rotation thereof. Also, the device includes a sealing assembly configured to seal the overlapping portions to each other and to form a longitudinal seal configured to seal the fluid in the cushion cavity.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an outer barrier formed from a polymer material and a foam tensile member located within the outer barrier. In manufacturing the fluid-filled chamber, a mold may be contoured to substantially equalize compressive forces between the outer barrier and various portions of the tensile member, thereby providing substantially uniform bonding between the outer barrier and the tensile member. Surfaces of the tensile member may also be contoured to substantially equalize compressive forces. In some configurations, the outer barrier and tensile member may be formed from thermoplastic polymer materials that form a direct bond between the outer barrier and surfaces of tensile member.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include an outer barrier formed from a polymer material and a foam tensile member located within the outer barrier. In manufacturing the fluid-filled chamber, a mold may be contoured to substantially equalize compressive forces between the outer barrier and various portions of the tensile member, thereby providing substantially uniform bonding between the outer barrier and the tensile member. Surfaces of the tensile member may also be contoured to substantially equalize compressive forces. In some configurations, the outer barrier and tensile member may be formed from thermoplastic polymer materials that form a direct bond between the outer barrier and surfaces of tensile member.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for forming air filled cushions. The device includes a drive mechanism to move inflatable tubing through the apparatus, and an injector, optionally including an outlet, located continuously within, or within a portion of, the tubing. This arrangement can permit the formation of air filled cushions in a continuous stream. Also disclosed is a roll of plastic tubing that is sealed transversely at a succession of intervals, with each pair of seals stopping just short of a longitudinal center line of the tubing. Such tubing might be used in conjunction with the apparatus, the central gap between the seals allowing passage of the injector.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag is disclosed. An inflatable pneumatic bag includes a pneumatic hole disposed at one end of a pneumatic channel. Air, which is applied to the pneumatic hole, moves along the pneumatic channel, then through air ingress holes covered with inner layers which are removed by the expansion of the outer layers to fill all the air tubes. When the air tube is filled with air, one or more inner layers cover and then close the air ingress hole to overcome reverse air flow. Then, a curve-shaped air passage in the air tube narrows to further prevent air escape. With the inner layer, effectively overcoming reverse air flow, and the air passage, further preventing air escape, the inflatable pneumatic bag filled with air may last for a substantial long period of time.

Abstract: A temperature sensor including a housing and a temperature sensing element at least partially disposed in the housing. A particulate media, which may include a blend of differently sized particles, is disposed in the housing and at least partially surrounds the temperature sensing element. The particulate media may entrain oxygen to avoid a reducing atmosphere in said housing.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.