Abstract: A method for coating a steering wheel and a corresponding steering wheel having a steering wheel rim comprising a steering wheel skeleton having a foam layer applied thereto and intended to be encompassed by a cover layer made of leather or plastic are provided. In order to simplify production, the cover layer is positioned on the steering wheel rim as a strip and is fixed to the foam layer on one end. The cover layer strip is then glued onto the foam layer and the lateral edges of the cover layer strip are sewed together in a known manner.

Abstract: A belt (1) for dosing reinforcing fibres (3) during the manufacture of fibre concrete material or fibre composite material comprises at least one longitudinal supporting element (2) and the reinforcing fibres (3). The fibres (3) are applied transversely or under angle different from 0° with respect to the supporting element (2). The fibres (3) are connected to the at least one longitudinal supporting element (2). The advantage of this way of dosing fibres in concrete is that the filling of sacks or bags is avoided and that the amount of foreign material getting in the concrete material is limited.

Abstract: A headgear for use with a mask includes a first strap (660) being configured to engage a back of a patient's head and extend on either side of the patient's parietal bone behind the patient's ears and assume, in use, a substantially circular or oval shape. At least a portion of the first strap is substantially inextensible. The headgear also includes at least one second strap (620, 630) configured to removably connect the first strap to the mask. The second strap may be more extensible than the first strap. At least a portion of the first strap is self-supporting such that the headgear maintains a three dimensional shape when not in use. The substantially inextensible portion of the first strap is constructed to resiliently return to a predetermined shape when not in use. The arcuate region includes a first portion that may be arranged to align substantially parallel with a top of the patient's head and a second portion being arranged to align substantially to a rear surface of the patient's head.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic resin molding fiber that is reinforced with natural fiber. The natural fiber is linen fiber to be twisted into spun yarns, and the spun yarns are pulled parallel in at least one direction and are molded integrally with a thermoplastic resin. The linen fiber is flax yarn (linen) fiber molded into the fiber thermoplastic resin molding by a film-stacking method in which a thermoplastic resin film is melted and compressed while having an equilibrium moisture regain. Consequently, the thermoplastic resin molding reinforced with a plant fiber of the present application poses no environmental problem, has a high strength, and has a uniform physical property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light laminated acoustic absorption sheet. The light laminated acoustic absorption sheet with flame retardant is characterized in that one or more thermoplastic fibers (a) having a low melting point and selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene-polyester copolymers, and one or more polyester interlaced-textured yarns or thermoplastic hollow fibers (b) having a higher melting point than the thermoplastic fiber (a) and selected from polyester, polyethylene, nylon, hot-meltable fluororesin are mixed and opened so as to prepare a mat, and two or more sheets of mats are laminated by using an apparatus of manufacturing a stampable sheet so as to manufacture the laminated sheet, and then the laminated sheet is impregnated with flame retardant liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fiber-clutch reinforced composite material comprising: preparing a fiber clutch, comprising preparing an arrangement of two or more layers of fiber that are partially or completely disposed one on top of the other, wherein one or more fiber layers comprise at least 50 wt.-% of the fibers selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, precursor fibers of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers and mixtures thereof, affixing at least one fiber layer onto one or more other fiber layers using an affixing binder thread, wherein the affixing binder thread comprises one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, precursor fibers of carbon fibers, ceramic fibers and mixtures thereof; high temperature treating the fiber clutch at a temperature of at least 400° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a hem of an elastic material includes laying a first stretch fabric sheet upon a second stretch fabric sheet, cutting an excess edge strip from the first stretch fabric sheet and the second stretch fabric sheet along a fuse line and simultaneously fusing the sheets together along the fuse line, positioning an elastic strip between the first and second sheets along the fuse line, and fusing the elastic strip to one of the sheets to form a hem.

Abstract: A cushioned, absorbent article such as a mat including a layer of absorbent, quick-drying woven textile material, a layer of viscoelastic polyurethane foam material having an open cell structure, the layer of foam material being glued and sewed to the layer of woven textile material to form a textile and foam assembly and typically a rubberized base material, glued to a foam material side of the textile and foam assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, device, instruments and methods for inserting and/or improving the holding strength and purchase of a bone screw, bone pin, or bone dowel in bone. Embodiments include monolithic allograft tissue forms, multi-piece allograft tissue forms, distally expandable portions, partially and fully demineralized portions, and flexible connecting portions. Advantages of the allograft tissue forms of the present invention include improved pedicle screw blackout strength and improved filling of bone voids. Methods for making and instruments and techniques for inserting the augmentation device, system and screws or pins are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a porous PTFE layer includes steps of: combining one or at least two unburned porous PTFE films and a support body that can withstand a heating condition in the following process (a rod or plate shaped support body made of mesh or the like is preferable) by using a predetermined means in such a manner that a slip can be prevented in a heating treatment in the following process; and heating the matter resulted from the above process at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than the melting point of the PTFE film for the range of 5-120 minutes (preferably at a temperature in the range of the melting point of a thermoplastic resin fiber to 320° C. for the range of 10-60 minutes in the case in which the thermoplastic resin fiber or the like is used in the process).

Abstract: A method is provided for making a fluid-circulating heat exchanging garment, the method including providing a fabric panel for assembly of the heat exchanging garment, defining a tubing layout on the fabric panel with straight portions and bend portions defined in a flexible tubing. The straight portions of the tubing are affixed to the fabric panel and a mold is inserted into the inner radius of each bend portion. The mold has a shape corresponding to each bend portion and a channel having a radius adapted to closely fit over the tubing. The fabric panel and tubing are heated to an annealing temperature of the tubing. After cooling the fabric panel, the molds are removed, leaving the tubing reshaped at the bend portions to a desired radius.

Abstract: A fiber preform obtained by conforming panels of fiber texture on a former having a surface that reproduces the shape desired for a surface of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made, and by bonding the panels together via their mutually contacting edges, and consolidated fiber reinforcement is formed by shaping the fiber preform impregnated with a consolidation composition comprising a resin, shaping being performed between the former and a jacket applied against the impregnated fiber preform so as to obtain consolidated fiber reinforcement having a fiber volume percentage of at least 35%, and having a thickness of no more than 5 mm over at least a major fraction of its axial dimension. The densification of the fiber reinforcement is continued by chemical vapor infiltration after pyrolyzing the resin so that once densified a part is obtained that has practically the shape and the wall thickness of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral garment tag used for tracking and inventory control purposes. The tag includes a flexible fabric substrate which is wrapped around an RFID inlay to conceal the RFID inlay within the tag. The tag may then be attached to a garment or other consumer good along a single edge with instructions on the care and removal of the tag to satisfy privacy concerns. Removal of the tag will not interfere with the wearing of the garment.

Abstract: A material has as elements, a plurality of activatable elements each having a portion fixed relative to the material and a portion free to deform relative to the material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast cup of a brassiere may include the steps of providing a pad including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, providing a fabric cover including a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, superimposing the first and third edge portions, connecting the superimposed first and third edge portions together, superimposing the second and fourth edge portions, connecting the superimposed second and fourth edge portions together, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected first and third edge portions to form a first line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected second and fourth edge portions to form a second line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, and turning the joined pad and fabric cover inside out along the first and second lines of fusion to form seamless edges.

Abstract: A stretchable, waterproof, breathable, colored fabric particularly suited for athletic and outdoor use comprising an outer layer composed of a woven or knitted, dye-sublimated colored polyester elastomeric yarn, an intermediately disposed stretchable, breathable, and waterproof membrane, and a woven or knitted polypropylene elastomeric layer all being laminated to form a unitary fabric.

Abstract: A vascular graft for treatment of diseased or damaged blood vessels is disclosed. The graft comprises a sheet of acellular tissue matrix with an intact basement membrane. The graft is formed by wrapping the sheet into a tube and securing the edges of the sheet together. The acellular tissue matrix facilitates tissue ingrowth and remodeling of the graft with host cells.

Abstract: A novel dry stick device construction for the determination of an analyte in a sample is provided. The device comprises: (i) optionally a solid support, (ii) at least one reagent pad comprising a reagent or a combination of reagents capable of reacting with the analyte, a derivative of said analyte or an indicator compound for said analyte to provide a detectable signal when in a moistened state, the at least one reagent pad providing a first environment for said reagent(s), said first environment permitting an improved storage stability of the reagent(s) and dry stick device when in a non-moistened state, and (iii) a regulating pad being in contact with the at least one reagent pad, the regulating pad creating a second environment for said reagent(s), when in a moistened state, said second environment permitting an increased rate of reaction between the analyte and the reagent.

Abstract: A laminated composite rod includes a rod body having a generally circular or oval cross-section and comprising a plurality of laminated composite plies disposed at various orientations with respect to each other.

Abstract: A tear away diaper fastening system including a segment of loop material having a plurality of outwardly projecting loop elements adapted to engage cooperating hooking elements in juxtaposed contacting relation. The loop material includes a composite sheet of stitch bonded construction including a polymer film substrate layer. A first plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer to define a plurality of parallel stitch lines of flat stitches extending along the machine direction of the sheet material to form a ground layer substantially covering an upper surface of the substrate layer. A second plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer in zigzag crossing relation between parallel needle lines to define a plurality of raised loops extending above the ground layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a core composite (1, 20, 26) having a folded honeycomb core (2, 21, 29) provided on both sides with cover layers (3, 4, 22, 23, 27, 28) wherein the folded honeycomb core (2, 21, 29) has a number of drainage-enabling channels (5). First a core filler material (16, 17) is introduced into the folded honeycomb core (2, 21, 29) at least in some areas in order to provide the filler material with sufficient stability for the subsequent sewing process. The cover layers (3, 4, 22, 23, 27, 28) which are not yet impregnated with a curable plastics material are then placed on the folded honeycomb core (2, 21, 29) and stitched to this along the base lines (6 to 8) and/or apex lines (9, 10) at least in some sections by means of a sewing thread (19). The infiltration of the overall structure with a curable plastics material is then carried out followed by hardening by applying pressure and/or temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable adhesive silicone composition, having a very short cross-linking time and capable of providing an adhesive having mechanical properties sufficient so that it can be used as an adhesive joint and provide waterproofing of a seam joining two substrates. Such a composition comprises: (A) at least a polyorganosiloxane (POSA) having, for each molecule, at least two alkenyl groups, preferably, C2-C6 linked to silicon; (B) at least one polyorganosiloxane cross-linking agent having, for each molecule, at least two hydrogen atoms linked to silicon; (C) a catalytically efficient amount of at least one catalyst containing at least one metallic compound, preferably platinum; (D) a reinforcing mineral filler; and is characterized in that it also comprises at least one polyorganosiloxane (POS A?) gum having a weight content of alkenyl(s) group(s), preferably vinyl(s), between 0.001% and 0.2%, and having a consistency of between 300 and 1200 at 25° C.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball structure and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The inflatable sports ball structure comprises of an inner bladder, a reinforced carcass containing thread, and an exterior material layer. The reinforced carcass covers the surface of the inner bladder, and has a thread wound layer. Part of the thread wound layer is embedded in the reinforced carcass and provides a constricting force towards the inner bladder, and a small remaining part of the thread wound layer may be exposed on the outer surface of the reinforced carcass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a plurality of air bags for use in a motor vehicle, and air bags made by same. First and second fabric layers of a type of fabric suitable for use in a vehicle air bag are fed into a seaming station. At the seaming station, the fabric layers are seamed together according to a predetermined seaming pattern so as to produce a composite textile structure defining a plurality of individual air bags to be cut therefrom. Depending on the application, the seaming may be accomplished by stitching or welding. If the fabric layers are not precoated, a suitable coating material may then be applied to both outer surfaces of the composite textile structure so as to render the air bags substantially impermeable to passage of air. Finally, the plurality of individual air bags are cut from the composite textile structure.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for stitching the interior surface of a tire, the steps of the method including rotating the tire about a central rotational axis, applying a force to maintain the tire in a substantially radial fixed position relative to a stitching wheel; applying a predetermined force to the interior surface of the tire with the stitching wheel, the stitching wheel contacting the interior surface of the tire while the tire is rotating; and, mechanically translating the stitching wheel laterally across the interior of the tire during tire rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a seam (12) which is not susceptible to coming undone, with at least one interlooped and/or interlaced stitching thread and with stitching passes in or through at least one thickness of the material of an object, called the sewn object (3). The seam (12) is produced with at least one stitching thread having a thermoplastic material at least on its exterior. At least one infrared laser beam (17, 18) is applied locally to the seam (12) on the exterior of the sewn object (3), which laser beam is adapted to soften punctually the thermoplastic material present on the exterior of at least one strand of thread extending on the exterior of the sewn object (3) and adjacent to at least one other strand of thread. An air jet enables mingling of the softened fibers and at least one pressing device (6) is then applied to the softened and mingled thermoplastic material of at least one strand of thread of so as to join punctually the adjacent strands together.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey blade that includes a foam core. The foam core includes a first core face, a second core face, and a core edge. A first layer of resin preimpregnated tape is wrapped continuously around the first core face, the core edge and the second core face. A thread is stitched along the first layer of preimpregnated tape. A second layer of resin preimpregnated tape wrapped continuously around the first layer of resin preimpregnated tape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural mat for reinforcing a wind turbine blade structure. The structural mat comprises two or more groups of bonded fibres, the fibres being bonded by a matrix substantially preventing relative movement of said fibres and wherein said groups are connected to each other by connection means limiting the relative movement of said groups. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade and a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A marking method for use with a glove and an image is disclosed. The glove is of the type having a wrist flap closure. The marking method comprises the steps of: providing said image on a surface of an image carrier defined by a pliable sheet material, the surface having a predefined size and shape; and stitching the image-carrier on the wrist flap closure of said glove. Gloves produced by the method, and business methods employing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener and a method of making and using the fastener is provided in which the fastener includes a base having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an adhesive layer portion. An elongated pliable core member is coupled to the base, with the core member having first and second ends, with at least the first end extending beyond an edge of the base. In another embodiment the base is configured to define a plurality of notches, with each notch configured to define an apex proximate the center of the base and extending with the edges toward an edge of the base and with two notches on each side of elongated pliable core member. The plurality of notches defines two sections of the base, with one section configured independently of the other section and with one section on each side of the elongated pliable core member.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous, three-dimensional, closed semi-finished product made of fibre composite from at least one planar, flat fibrous preform. The method is characterized in that the flat fibrous preform is initially placed flat and aligned to produce a load-bearing fibre orientation and subsequently formed into a three-dimensional structure. In a final step, the three-dimensional structure is then closed to form a closed semi-finished product.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. In addition, at least one via is provided in the functional stretch laminate allowing the functional element to extend or loop outwardly from the at least one via when the laminate is in a relaxed or unstretched state. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable graft that includes an elongate graft tube having opposing ends defining an attachment site for attaching the graft to a stent. The graft further includes a reinforcement member attached adjacent to at least one of the ends of the graft for establishing a reinforced attachment site for the graft, thereby preventing elongation of a suture hole in the material. Furthermore, the present invention provides a graft wherein at least one end of the graft is folded over itself and glued or sutured to itself and/or the stent, thereby forming a reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: A heat-seal appliqué and method for production that provides numbers, letters, logos, graphics, and other indicia which do not change the physical and visual characteristics of the garment to which it is applied, including breathable and/or moisture-wicking characteristics. The applique comprises a perimeter textile having a thermally activated adhesive coating and an interior opening, and a textile inlay that fits within the interior opening of the perimeter textile. The adhesive coating on the perimeter textile is the only adhesive on the appliqué. The appliqué can be heat-sealed to any garment by the perimeter textile, leaving the inlay suspended over the garment without obstructing any performance characteristics of the garment or textile. The applique is particularly well-suited for lightweight, breathable and/or moisture-wicking textiles commonly used in performance sports apparel.

Abstract: Multi-ply materials comprise at least two metalized layers on at least one textile, produced by (A) applying onto at least two textile surfaces, in the form of a pattern or uniformly, a formulation comprising at least one metal powder (a) as a component, (B) depositing a further metal on the textile surfaces, (C) combining with one or more plies of textile which may likewise each be metalized.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with fishing poles and golf clubs. The grip preferably includes a multi-layered gripping member and an inner sleeve or mounting body. The gripping member can include an outer layer with a fabric layer coated and preferably saturated by polyurethane. The outer layer can be bonded to an inner layer to form the gripping member which is then attached to the sleeve. The sleeve can be ground from a starting block of material or may be injection molded.

Abstract: A method forming a porous PTFE layer includes steps of: combining one or at least two unburned porous PTFE films and a support body that can withstand a heating condition in the following process (a rod or plate shaped support body made of mesh or the like is preferable) by using a predetermined means in such a manner that a slip can be prevented in a heating treatment in the following process; and heating the matter resulted from the above process at a temperature of at least 150° C. and less than the melting point of the PTFE film for the range of 5-120 minutes (preferably at a temperature in the range of the melting point of a thermoplastic resin fiber to 320° C. for the range of 10-60 minutes in the case in which the thermoplastic resin fiber or the like is used in the process).

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

Abstract: An interior trim component (10) for an aircraft cabin comprises a supporting structure which is formed by a first chamber system (12) which is sealable against the outside atmosphere. The first chamber system (12) forming the supporting structure is adapted to be loaded with an internal pressure which is necessary for producing the desired structural load-bearing capacity of said supporting structure.

Abstract: A reusable and absorptive mat for the absorption, dispersion and retention of a liquid is disclosed. The absorptive mat comprises a plurality of non-woven layers, of carded and randomly laid viscose rayon fibres having a cross-section of substantially rigid multi-limbed configuration. The layers are stitchbonded in an as laid state, thereby substantially limiting entanglement and breaking of individual fibres. The stitchbonding is performed with a thread under limited tension so as to maintain uniformity of the absorptive mat. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a reusable and washable article for the absorption, dispersion and retention of a liquid comprising providing a plurality of viscose rayon fibres, carding the plurality of fibres, randomly laying the carded fibres into a continuous random web structure and stitchbonding the continuous random web structure in an as laid state.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method for manufacturing a garment to be printed by dye sublimation printing. The method includes constructing a garment having first and second panels joined together along a perimeter edge by a seam, placing a piece of transfer paper having a pattern printed thereon with dye in contact with the garment such that the piece of transfer paper covers at least a portion of the first and second panels and extends over at least a portion of the seam, and applying heat to the piece of transfer paper and the garment to cause the dye on the transfer paper to sublimate such that the pattern from the transfer paper is visible on the portion of the first panel covered by the piece of transfer paper substantially to and along the portion of the at least one seam covered by the transfer paper, but is not visible on the second panel.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Abstract: A reinforced fabric that includes a first fiber group and a thread. The first fiber group includes a plurality of fiber sets positioned substantially parallel to one another. Each of the fiber sets includes a plurality of fibers. The thread is formed of at least one strand of material. The thread has an outer surface that is formed of a material having a melting point that is less than the melting point of the fibers in the fiber sets. The thread is stitched about the fiber sets to at least partially maintain a position of the fiber sets relative to one another. The thread forms a plurality of heat created permanent closed loop structures in the reinforced fabric. At least one of the loop structures encircles at least one fiber set. At least one of the fibers in the fibers sets is not strongly bonded to the thread that encircles the fiber set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-quality multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material having excellent mechanical properties and drapeability in which a thermoplastic resin excellent in recycling efficiency and shock resistance is used as a matrix; a method for efficiently producing the multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material in a short time; and a thermoplastic-resin multilayer reinforced molding formed of the multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material, in which the high quality and the mechanical properties are maintained.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a vehicular interior part in which a cover member is attached to a base material, comprising the steps of forming a skin material, comprising a plurality of skin pieces sewn together, in accordance with a surface shape of said base material; and forming said cover member by attaching a soft material to a backside of said skin material after forming said skin material in accordance with said surface shape of said base material; and attaching said cover member to said base material.

Abstract: An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching SMT stencils to a substrate, which includes: a stencil (30) having a plurality of evenly distributed holes along its periphery. The assembly further includes a frame (10) for receiving the stencil (30) and a mesh substrate, attached to the frame. A unified structure of the stencil with the mesh is formed by sewing machine, which thread through the holes of the stencil.

Abstract: A trim panel and method of forming a trim panel for a vehicle. The trim panel can include a localized cushioned portion of softness (150) at pre-selected locations on the panel.

Abstract: A flexible, fabric-based circuit comprises a non-conductive flexible layer of fabric and a conductive flexible layer of fabric adjacent thereto. A non-conductive thread, an adhesive, and/or other means may be used for attaching the conductive layer to the non-conductive layer. In some embodiments, the layers are attached by a computer-driven embroidery machine at pre-determined portions or locations in accordance with a pre-determined attachment layout before automated cutting. In some other embodiments, an automated milling machine or a computer-driven laser using a pre-designed circuit trace as a template cuts the conductive layer so as to separate an undesired portion of the conductive layer from a desired portion of the conductive layer. Additional layers of conductive fabric may be attached in some embodiments to form a multi-layer construct.