Abstract: A method for manufacturing an around-torso portion of a worn article, including the steps of; intermittently conveying a plurality of first sheets by a first drum; conveying a preceding second sheet, of a plurality of second sheets, toward a junction with the first drum by a first pad of a second drum, and conveying the preceding second sheet so that the male touch fastener at the rear end of the preceding second sheet overlaps with the female touch fastener at the front end of one first sheet, of the plurality of first sheets; and conveying a subsequent second sheet, of the plurality of second sheets, toward the junction with the first drum by a second pad of the second drum, and conveying the subsequent second sheet so that the male touch fastener at the front end of the subsequent second sheet overlaps with the female touch fastener at the rear end of the one first sheet.

Abstract: A pillow containing latex balls which includes a cover and latex balls filled in the cover, wherein the latex balls are connected to each other horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly of regions (10a, 10b) of composite parts (2a, 2b) with thermoplastic matrix, including a plurality of riveting points along regions (10a, 10) of the parts that overlap through the superposition of two faces (12a, 12b) of these regions (10a, 10b) which are positioned facing one another, each region (10a, 10b) having another, opposite, face (11a, 11b) which remains visible with the part (2a, 2b). The riveting is performed using assembly ties (6) made of thermoplastic resin-based composite material compatible with the material of the parts (2a, 2b). These ties (6), which are made up at least in part of a stitch of backstitch produced using a filament of a material selected from a fiber coated with aramid resin, a carbon fiber and a glass fiber, are embedded in said regions (10a, 10b) and passing right through the same with an orientation comprised between 30° and 90° with respect to their faces (11a, 11b; 12a, 12b).

Abstract: The present invention aims to suppress a case in which paths of linear transmission members are disturbed on a sheet-shaped member or the linear transmission members separate from the sheet-shaped member. The wiring member includes a sheet-shaped member and multiple linear transmission members that are fixed on the sheet-shaped member. The multiple linear transmission members are fixed on the sheet-shaped member such that a portion of the multiple linear transmission members intersects with respect to another said linear transmission member. An intersection location of the multiple linear transmission members is located away from a folding track.

Abstract: The present invention aims to suppress a case in which paths of linear transmission members are disturbed on a sheet-shaped member or linear transmission members separate from a sheet-shaped member when a wiring member obtained by fixing linear transmission members on a sheet-shaped member is folded. The wiring member includes a sheet-shaped member and multiple linear transmission members that are fixed on the sheet-shaped member. The plurality of linear transmission members are fixed on the sheet-shaped member such that a portion of the plurality of linear transmission members branches with respect to another said linear transmission member at a branching portion. An intersection location of the plurality of linear transmission members is located at only the branching portion.

Abstract: A wire harness fixing structure includes a plate-like member including a first layer and a second layer softer than the first layer, an electrical wire disposed along the plate-like member, and a fixing member attached to the electrical wire to fix the electrical wire to the plate-like member. The fixing member includes: a through locking piece formed to be able to pass through the first layer and locked to the first layer while passing through the first layer, a regulation piece provided with a space between the regulation piece and the through locking piece to stop the through locking piece from passing through a surface of the plate-like member, and a column connecting the through locking piece and the regulation piece.

Abstract: A breathable synthetic roofing underlayment having a hydrophobic nonwoven layer on top to deflect water, a liquid water-resistant and vapour-permeable membrane layer in the middle, and a bottom nonwoven layer which is hydrophilic and has rapid and high liquid water absorbency. This accelerates the movement of liquid water from a roofing deck into the nonwoven bottom layer and increases the rate of transfer of water through the underlayment. The bottom layer comprises a carrier resin and a hydrophilic agent, which may be a polyamide such as polycaprolactam (Nylon 6) or poly(hexamethylene adipamide), a polysorbate or other composition. The underlayment is especially useful for application to wet roofing decks.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. For example, the method includes printing an image on a substrate, applying an adhesive on select portions of the image, coupling the image to a wave guide such that the adhesive contacts a surface of the wave guide, and providing a light through the wave guide such that the light is emitted through the wave guide and the adhesive and the light is reflected by the select portions of the image back through the adhesive and the wave guide.

Abstract: Automated bag forming systems and methods for their use are disclosed. The automated bag forming systems described herein can be configured to receive a web of bag material and produce individual bags through a sealing and cutting process possessing a high degree of speed, precision, and reproducibility.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides: a biodegradable nonwoven fabric for thermoforming, the biodegradable nonwoven fabric being composed of a fiber of a polylactic acid-based polymer, and having a basis weight of 20-300 g/m2, preferably, a biodegradable nonwoven fabric characterized by being composed of a long fiber of a polylactic acid polymer, having an MD-direction elongation of 50% or more at 120° C., and having an MD-direction dimensional change rate of ±4% or less at 80-140° C. as determined by thermomechanical analysis; a method for producing a molded body by using said biodegradable nonwoven fabric; and a method for molding a biodegradable beverage extraction container, the method being characterized in that the molded body has an MD-direction elongation change rate of 4% or less, as determined by thermomechanical analysis (TMA) under a load of 0.05 N/2 mm at 30-100° C.

Abstract: A method of making a laminate for an absorbent article is provided. The laminate comprises elastic elements disposed at least partially intermediate two substrates. The first substrate has a primary fiber bond pattern formed therein and comprising a plurality of primary fiber bonds. The method comprises forming densified regions in the first substrate. A perimeter of each of the densified regions is larger than a perimeter of each of the primary fiber bonds. The densified regions together form a pattern of densified regions in the first substrate. The method comprises adhesively attaching the elastic elements to the first substrate, joining the second substrate to the first substrate or to some of the elastic elements, and forming a plurality of rugosities in the first substrate by allowing the elastic elements to at least partially contract. The frequency and amplitude ranges of the rugosities result from the pattern of the densified regions.

Abstract: Extensible nonwoven fabrics having improved elongation, extensibility, abrasion resistance and toughness. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to extensible spunbond fabrics comprising a polymeric blend of a metallocene catalyzed polypropylene, polyethylene, and a third polymer component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting parts of a process chamber from thermal cycling effects of deposited materials. In some embodiments, a method of protecting the part of the process chamber includes wet etching the part with a weak alkali or acid, cleaning the part by bead blasting, coating at least a portion of a surface of the part with a stress relief layer. The stress relief layer forms a continuous layer that is approximately 50 microns to approximately 250 microns thick and is configured to preserve a structural integrity of the part from the thermal cycling of aluminum deposited on the part. The method may also include wet cleaning of the part with a heated deionized water rinse after formation of the stress relief layer.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing. A pixel array may be mounted in the housing to display an image. The pixel array may have a central portion surrounded by a peripheral portion. Display cover layer structures may overlap the pixel array. A central portion of the display cover layer structures may overlap the central portion of the pixel array. A peripheral portion of the display cover layer structures may overlap the peripheral portion of the pixel array. A border structure of image transport material may be interposed between the peripheral portion of the pixel array and the peripheral portion of the display cover structures. The image transport material may be omitted from the central portion of the pixel array. The image transport material may be formed from a coherent fiber bundle or Anderson localization material.

Abstract: A scrubbing article including a substrate and a texture layer. The texture layer is formed on at least one surface of the substrate, and is a solvent-free texture layer. The texture layer can include a plastisol ink or a hot melt adhesive, and may further include a plurality of ceramic microspheres. Methods of manufacture are also provided in which a solvent-free texture layer composition is applied to a substrate and then solidified to form a texture layer. In some non-limiting embodiments, the texture layer composition includes a hot melt adhesive and is applied to the substrate in the form of a wetted cellulose sponge.

Abstract: A wiring structure of a wire harness in which a wire harness is fixed to an adhesive member laid on a surface of a roof lining of an automobile is disclosed, wherein on at least a part of a bent portion, the plurality of electric wires are sandwiched between two belt-shaped tapes in which both side edges are fixed to each other, are spread side by side in the width direction, and are attached to an adhesive surface provided on an inner surface of at least one of the two tapes, thereby providing a restraint portion in which the bundle of the electric wires is held in a flat shape, a portion excluding the restraint portion is a non-restraint portion in which the electric wires are unrestrained, and an outer surface of one of the two tapes in the restraint portion is attached to the adhesive member.

Abstract: A wiring structure of a wire harness in which a wire harness is fixed to an adhesive member laid on a surface of a roof lining of an automobile is disclosed, wherein on at least a part of a bent portion, the plurality of electric wires are sandwiched between two belt-shaped tapes in which both side edges are fixed to each other, are spread side by side in the width direction, and are attached to an adhesive surface provided on an inner surface of at least one of the two tapes, thereby providing a restraint portion in which the bundle of the electric wires is held in a flat shape, a portion excluding the restraint portion is a non-restraint portion in which the electric wires are unrestrained, and an outer surface of one of the two tapes in the restraint portion is attached to the adhesive member.

Abstract: A wiring structure of a wire harness in which the wire harness is wired by being fixed to an adhesive member laid on a surface of a roof lining of an automobile is provided. At least a part of a plurality of electric wires constituting the wire harness in a length direction are sandwiched between two belt-shaped tapes in which both side edges in the width direction are fixed to each other, are arranged side by side in the width direction of the tapes, and are attached to an adhesive surface provided on an inner surface of at least one of the two tapes, thereby holding the bundle of the electric wires in a flat shape, and an outer surface of one of the two tapes is attached to the adhesive member, whereby the wire harness is fixed to the surface of the roof lining.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3D atomizing heating component comprising a plate body having upper and lower surfaces, the plate body providing a plurality of 3D heating units for guiding, heating and atomizing the e-liquid. The 3D heating units have a through hole in the plate body and guide channels distributed regularly at the periphery of the through hole, which runs through the upper and lower surfaces of the plate body. The guide channels are recessed from the surface of the plate body and communicate with the through hole. The guide channels of the adjacent 3D heating units are connected with each other on the surface of the plate body, and the plurality of 3D heating units form a regular pattern on the surface of the plate body. The components provided improve the taste and user experience. Manufacturing is easy, facilitating the mass and mechanical production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making bags or pouches is disclosed. It includes a track, at least two sleds that move on the track, and operating stations mounted on the sleds. The film moves along the track, and the sleds move with the film while performing operations on the film. The system can have the sleds stationary while operating for an intermittent machine, and move to reconfigure when the film is moving. The operating stations include one or more of a sealer, a heater, a cooler, an inserter, a knife, a punch, a perforator, a static charger, and a printer. The track forms a continuous path or is linear. A controller controls the sleds and operating stations. The controller includes an operating time and/or a reconfiguration module. The operating time module is responsive to a user set material thickness or a sensed material thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for modifying the surface of a polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric by applying heat and pressure to the film or fabric to increase the moisture on the surface which is held by the fabric and to coalesce the surface fibers and reduce the porosity of the surface.

Abstract: A layer pad (10) comprises a substantially flat sheet (12) having first and second opposite substantially planar faces (14, 16). The layer pad (10) further includes at least one raised formation (18) on at least one of the faces (14, 16).

Abstract: The mounting apparatus includes: a bonding head 14 that bonds, while pressing, a semiconductor chip 100 onto a substrate 110 or another semiconductor chip 100; and a heating mechanism 16 that heats the semiconductor chip 100 from the side during the execution of this bonding. After two or more semiconductor chips 100 are stacked while being bonded by temporary pressure-bonding, the bonding head 14 heats and applies pressure to an upper surface of the resultant stacked body, thereby integrally pressure-bonding the two or more semiconductor chips 100, and at the time of this pressure-bonding the heating mechanism 16 heats the stacked body from the side.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly is provided that dispenses a dispensing fluid onto a substrate from a nozzle located on the dispensing assembly, wherein, when the dispensing assembly stops dispensing a dispensing fluid from the outlet, a gas is directed at a tip of the nozzle to clean off a residue of the dispensing fluid left on the tip of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for joining rotor blade components using thermoplastic welding.

Abstract: A compression bonding apparatus for compression bonding a component on a plate-shaped member, includes a holding part for holding the plate-shaped member vertically, a moving part being movable with respect to the holding part, a measurement unit configured to optically measure a position and an orientation of the moving part, a driving unit for varying the position and the orientation of the moving part, a first compression bonding unit configured to temporarily fix the component on the plate-shaped member at a predetermined temperature and pressure, and a second compression bonding unit configured to compression bond the component on the plate-shaped member at higher temperature and pressure than the predetermined temperature and pressure in compression bonding by the first compression bonding unit.

Abstract: Micro-fluidic chambers for use in a liquid medicament delivery system, include a bottom substrate and a top cover, the top cover being spaced from the bottom substrate so as to define a height of the chamber, wherein, one or more walls or fillings are positioned in the chamber, the walls or fillings defining a fluid channel there between such that the fluid channel extends from an inlet conduit to an inlet of the chamber to an outlet conduit connected to an outlet of the chamber, wherein, each of the walls or fillings has a height less than the height of the chamber so as to define a fluid gap between a top surface of each wall or filling and the top cover; and wherein, the dimensions of the walls or fillings and the chamber are such that the fluid gap will be filled with liquid by capillary forces via the fluid channel when liquid is introduced into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a disposable undergarment, with the lateral edges of the undergarment bonded by means of an ultrasonic horn. When a blank is formed for an individual undergarment, the lateral edges of opposing edges of the blank will form the seam. When the edges are sealed together, a seam is formed. The individual undergarments may be later separated along the seams.

Abstract: A sound-deadening product for a flooring system with a subfloor may be installed by a single installer. The sound-deadening product has a sound-deadening upper portion with a bottom surface and a subfloor contacting layer affixed to the bottom surface of the sound-deadening upper portion. The subfloor contacting layer may include a film or be a laminate. The laminate may includes a nonwoven sheet and a film. The nonwoven sheet is generally co-extensive with the sound-deadening upper portion. The nonwoven sheet is adhered to the bottom surface of the sound-deadening upper portion. The film is generally co-extensive with the nonwoven sheet. The film is a polymer film with a thickness ?3 mils. An upper surface of the film is adhered to a bottom surface of the nonwoven sheet, and a bottom surface of the film is in contact with the subflooring. A method for single installer installation of the sound-deadening product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for joining filter bags includes two operating units located on opposite sides of a continuous tubular strip of filter material movable along a feed direction; each operating unit includes a supporting body, a sealing head connected to the supporting body and two kinematic units equipped with a corresponding eccentric rotary system for moving the supporting body along a first trajectory and to move the sealing head between a position of contact with the strip and a position away from the strip; each operating unit includes a carriage associated with the sealing head for and slidably connected to the supporting body to translate in both directions along a second trajectory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a transfer lamination process and apparatus that reduces substrate warpage. In some embodiments, the transfer lamination process is performed using a transfer lamination device, which includes a transfer unit, a substrate rotator, and a transfer ribbon having a carrier layer and a transfer layer attached to the carrier layer. In some embodiments of the transfer lamination process, a transfer section of the transfer layer is transferred from the carrier layer to a first surface of a substrate using the transfer unit. In some embodiments of this transferring step, the transfer section is heated and pressed against the first surface of the substrate using the transfer unit, and the carrier layer is detached from the transfer section. The substrate is then inverted using the substrate rotator.

Abstract: A self-sealing balloon comprising a tubular balloon neck segment extending from an opening of a balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. A bead of moldable adhesive material is applied in a ring about an interior circumference of a neck portion of the balloon forming a dispensed adhesive roll. The dispensed adhesive roll is at least partially encapsulated within an adhesive staging segment. The adhesive staging segment can be encased within a rolled lip bead by any suitable process. The rolling process aids in forming the ring-shaped adhesive. In use, the balloon would be inflated. The lip bead would be unrolled, exposing the adhesive ring. The moldable adhesive would be compressed forming a seal, entrapping pressurized air within the balloon gas retaining expansion cavity. This provides a low cost, simple self-sealing solution for a balloon.

Abstract: A film-forming method for forming a thin film on a substrate includes a contact step, an external force removal step, and a film-forming step. At the contact step (step B), the substrate 30 and a member 31 in contact with one surface of the substrate is stacked, and the substrate 30 and the member 31 in contact with one surface of the substrate are placed under vacuum while an external force is applied in a direction in which the substrate 30 and the member 31 in contact with one surface of the substrate are stacked. At the external force removal step (step C), the external force is removed at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum. At a film-forming step (step E), a thin film is formed on the one surface or the other surface of the substrate 30.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a topsheet on the wearer-facing side, a backsheet on the garment-facing side, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises an absorbent material comprising a superabsorbent polymer, a core wrap enclosing the absorbent material, and a first channel disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis and a second channel disposed on the other side of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A machine and method for converting film into bags or other articles includes a web traveling from an input section to a rotary drum, to an output section. The rotary drum includes at least one seal bar with a sealing zone and a weakening zone, or it can include or at least one sealing die that extends in the machine direction. The single sealing zone or sealing die may be a heated perforator, and may include a heating wire. The heating wire may be an NiCr wire stitched into the heater, and be disposed on a cap or on the seal bar. The weakening zone may create a line of weakness that is uniform or varies in intensity. The sealing zone may include temperature zones, cartridge heaters, cooling air, or heated air, or a source of ultrasonic, microwave or radiative energy.

Abstract: A technique allowing a portion of carbon fiber tow to maintain a rectangular cross sectional shape or to maintain an imparted desired shape, such as a wider shape with a rectangular cross-sectional profile, through a textile loom is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for forming compression-bonding portions in a continuous body including a fiber bundle while conveying the continuous body includes: rotating a rotator to convey the continuous body; compressing a target part of each of the compression-bonding portions in the continuous body using a first compression-bonding apparatus and the rotator to form the compression-bonding portions of a first stage; and further compressing each of the compression-bonding portions of the first stage using a second compression-bonding apparatus and the rotator to form the compression-bonding portions of a second stage. At least one of the compression-bonding portions is positioned between the first compression-bonding apparatus and the second compression-bonding apparatus in the direction of rotation of the rotator when the second compression-bonding apparatus compresses the compression-bonding portion of the first stage.

Abstract: A method for forming compression-bonding portions in a continuous body including a fiber bundle while conveying the continuous body includes: rotating a rotator, while holding the continuous body on an outer peripheral surface of the rotator, to convey the continuous body; compressing a target part of each of the compression-bonding portions in the continuous body using a compression-bonding member and the rotator to form the compression-bonding portions; and pressing the continuous body inwardly in a radial direction of the rotator using a pressing member, while avoiding forming the compression-bonding portions in the continuous body, the pressing member being opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotator, at a position upstream in the direction of rotation from the compression-bonding member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and attaching a novel vehicle wheel generally comprising a decorative member that is attached to a base wheel. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of mounting apertures are provided on the base wheel that is secured to the vehicle axis/hub. The decorative member is provided with corresponding apertures that are aligned with the mounting holes of the base wheel. Bolt member, preferably hexagonal bolts are then inserted/threaded through the aligned apertures for securing the decorative member to the base wheel. A novel manufacturing method is also disclosed for manufacturing the base wheel and decorative attachment.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a shale shaker, the screen assembly including a support structure and at least one layer of screening material thereon. The support structure includes structural members having a thermal expansion coefficient and the at least one layer of screening material has a thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal expansion coefficient of the structural members is substantially equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the at least one layer of screening material. A method for making a support structure for a screen assembly is also provided. The method includes placing at least one support member in a mold whereupon a flowable plastics material is injected into the mold, whereupon the flowable plastics material hardens, at least a portion of the flowable plastics material forming a brace.

Abstract: Provided is a DNA chip with micro-channel for DNA analysis, which has a structure in which a silicon layer (chip A) and a plastic layer (chip B) are laminated, wherein the chip A includes at least two PCR reactors connected in series in a micro-channel, and a filter between the PCR reactors, the chip B includes a reagent, a liquid delivery mechanism and a sensor in a micro-channel, and the reagent, liquid delivery mechanism and sensor can be changed according to a kind of an analyte and an object to be detected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shell element reinforced with support elements comprises providing a skin element that has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, providing a first support element that has an attaching side and a free side opposite the attaching side, attaching the first support element on the skin element such that the attaching side of the first support element faces the inner surface of the skin element. A first recess is introduced into the first support element that proceeds from the free side of the first support element and extends transversely to the first axis. A second support element is provided that has a support side and a front side opposite the support side. The second support element is inserted into the first recess of the first support element such that the support side faces the inner surface of the skin element.

Abstract: A spiral wound module in which the membrane sheet is heat and pressure treated to collapse at least some of the pores of the support layer. The treated membrane can then be folded along the heat and pressure treated area to form a crease. Once folded, the membrane sheet can be wound around a perforated inner tube along with a feed channel spacer and a permeate collection sheet. The wound module can then be enclosed into a hard shell with anti-telescoping devices at each end. By collapsing at least some of the pores in the support layer, the membrane becomes less permeable to fluid in the treated area. As such, there will be less or no leakage of unfiltered fluid passing through the fold line of the membrane sheet during operation of the wound module.

Abstract: The device and methods described herein relate to a seeping flow catheter. The seeping flow catheter includes a porous material. The inner face of the porous material defines the lumen of the catheter. The porous material is configured such that fluid can flow along the length of the catheter, between the inner face and outer face of the porous material. As the fluid flows through the porous material, the fluid can seep into the lumen of the catheter through the inner face or out of the catheter through the outer face of the porous material. Portions of the inner or outer face can include a lining that substantial reduces the perfusion of the fluid through the lined areas.

Abstract: Provided are a gasket and an electrolyzer capable of preventing an electrolyte or a gas from leaking from a diaphragm. An annular gasket includes first and second surfaces which respectively contact a frame near a positive electrode and a frame near a negative electrode and a slit portion which is opened inward and is provided in the entire periphery of the gasket so as to accommodate an edge of an ion-permeable diaphragm.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a sheet molding compound carrier film including a first layer of material and a second layer of material sealed with each other along an edge. The seal is formed using ultrasound transmitted by a weld horn as both layers of material move along an anvil portion. The seal on the edge is suitably formed to protect the edge and build a weld to ensure moldable sheet molding compound flows to the edges of the carrier sheet, while providing a homogeneous mixture of glass and resin and also allowing air to escape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite article comprising cellulose pulp fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, wherein said process comprises the steps of: a) mixing a refined aqueous pulp suspension with a water suspension of thermoplastic fibers into a composition, b) forming the composition into a fiber web, c) dewatering the fiber web, d) drying the fiber web, and e) heating and pressing the dried fiber web from step d) to melt said thermoplastic fibers into a thermoplastic matrix and form a composite article.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fluffing a cleaning article. The cleaning article has a layer of tow fibers and a layer of sheet material, joined together in a layered construction. The apparatus and process spray a fluid blast onto the article, disrupting the tow fibers. The fluid may be air and causes different fibers to react so as to increase the volume of the cleaning article.

Abstract: A staple-less binding unit is provided with upper and lower die portions having pluralities of concave and convex teeth engaging with each other. A control portion causes the staple-less binding unit to carry out a binding process of binding a sheet bundle by biting the sheet bundle by the upper and lower die portions and to carry out a cleaning process of engaging the upper and lower die portions in a non-binding process in which no binding process is carried out.

Abstract: A retention grommet has a bottom grommet and a top grommet. A floor cover retention flange extends radially outwardly from an outer sidewall of the bottom grommet. The outer sidewall extends upwardly from the retention flange to a hinge plane of the bottom grommet. Plural fingers are disposed around the bottom grommet axis so as to be angularly spaced from each other and an inner surface of the outer sidewall. An upper end of each finger is joined to the outer sidewall at the hinge plane. Near a free, downwardly displaced end of each finger, a retention bead is formed to have an upwardly and radially outwardly inclined surface. This surface engages a retention post of any of several vehicle foot well affixation devices, one of which is adapted to be affixed to a carpeted surface and another of which is adapted to be affixed to a smooth surface.