Abstract: A hardware architecture that may include: a host, a frontal engine, a parietal engine, a renderer engine, an occipital engine, a temporal engine, and a memory. The frontal engine may obtain a 5D tensor from the host and divide it into several groups of tensors. These groups of tensors may be sent or transmitted to the parietal engine, and the parietal engine may take the groups of tensors to further divide them into several tensors. The parietal engine may send these tensors to the renderer engine for execution and may send a partial amount of tensors to the occipital engine. The occipital engine may accumulate the partial amount of tensors and may execute them. The occipital engine may send the output feature as the final tensor to the temporal engine. The temporal engine may compress the final tensor before storing or saving it to the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus may, in an example, include a build platform to receive a dose of build material and a build material spreader to spread the dose of build material over a length of the build platform wherein lateral portions of the build material spreader have a diameter smaller than a medial portion of the build material spreader.

Abstract: A thermoforming system and related methods for manufacturing thermoplastic parts, such as interior panels for aircraft, may include a roll-to-roll operation and a forming press having at least one selectively rotatable tool. The rotatable tool, which may include a mold and/or a die, may be multifaceted, such that different faces of the tool have different mold arrangements for different forming characteristics.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an earthen dam structure including a core wall that includes a homogeneous mixture of clay, sand, powdered tire rubber and Portland cement. Additionally, the core wall contains the powdered tire rubber in an amount sufficient to increase a modulus of elasticity of the core wall to over 10 MPa while keeping a hydraulic conductivity of the core wall under 100 feet/year. The earthen dam structure further includes an upstream embankment portion and a downstream embankment portion, each positioned adjacent to the core wall, and a spillway configured to prevent water from overtopping a crest of the core wall.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing device and method for delivering a flowable material from a nozzle of a programmable computer numeric control (CNC) machine, and compressing the flowable material with a compression roller. In one embodiment, the device includes a nozzle configured to deposit a flowable material on a surface; and a roller configured to compress the deposited flowable material, wherein the roller comprises: a flat center portion having a constant diameter; and opposed end portions, wherein each end portion extends outwardly from the flat center portion, and wherein a radially outermost surface of each end portion is angled relative a rotational axis of the roller.

Abstract: A bathing vessel is made of a segmented sheet wall of layered materials that includes a first layer of polyurethane material, a second layer of polyurethane material attached to the first layer, a third layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material attached to the second layer, and a fourth layer of acrylic material attached to the third layer. The segmented sheet wall has a width a length and a first thickness. The segmented sheet wall has an integral first portion having a second thickness that is that is thinner than the first thickness. The first portion defines a first wall and a second wall in the segmented sheet wall and the first portion is corrugated.

Abstract: A transfer molding method includes supplying melted resin to a first metallic mold, conveying the first metallic mold onto which the resin was supplied to a position opposing a second metallic mold, performing transfer molding by sandwiching the resin between the two metallic molds, and cooling the resin after performing transfer molding. The performing transfer molding includes discharging residual air that remains in a recess via a groove portion.

Abstract: Radius fillers for composite structures, composite structures that include the radius fillers, and systems and methods of forming the radius fillers. The systems and methods may be configured to create a pre-form that may be utilized to form a radius filler and/or create a radius filler from the pre-form. Creating the pre-form may include extending a plurality of lengths of composite tape from a composite tape source and receiving the plurality of lengths of composite tape in a pre-form forming structure, converging and/or otherwise combining the plurality of lengths of composite tape within the pre-form forming structure to produce the pre-form, and/or withdrawing the pre-form from the pre-form forming structure. Creating the radius filler from the pre-form may include receiving the pre-form in a radius filler forming structure and producing the radius filler from the radius filler forming structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams includes a film extruder that produces a continuous tube of film. A flattener produces a continuous web of flattened film which has an upper surface and a lower surface. A fold maker has a receiving portion positioned above the web and a displacing portion is positioned below the web that moves cyclically upward to a first position to locate a portion of the web into the receiving portion, thereby forming a fold. A fold retention device prevents the fold from opening. A presser flattens the fold against the web. A sealer seals through the fold, forming a reinforced bag seam. A cutter severs a sealed portion from an unsealed portion of the web. A transport mechanism moves the film from the extruder, through the flattener, into the fold maker, beneath the presser, into the sealer and to the cutter.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical osteosynthesis plate operable to be secured by at least one fastener through at least one fastener opening formed in the plate to a bone. The plate includes a flat section having first and second surfaces defining a main plane of the plate. The plate includes a polymer material that is oriented multiaxially and is substantially rigid and substantially deformable at a first thermochemical state. In the multiaxially oriented structure of the plate the polymer material is arranged according to at least three different orientation axes along the main plane of the plate as a result of solid state drawing of the plate. The polymer material of the plate has isotropic mechanical tear properties in different directions along the main plane of the plate.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: Provided are low-irritation, high foaming personal care compositions comprising superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymers. Also provided are methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral product includes extruding a mixture, conveying the extruded mixture through one or more pairs of forming rollers, and cutting the extruded mixture into one or more oral products. The mixture can include polymer and at least one flavorant, sweetener, active ingredient, or combination thereof. The extruded mixture forms an extrudate having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The one or more pairs of forming rollers abut to define a passage there between as each forming roller rotates. The passage has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the predetermined cross-sectional shape. The method can be performed using a machine including an extruder, one or more pairs of forming rollers, and a cutting device.

Abstract: A method of feeding a composite molten resin capable of easily forming a multi-kind-multi-layer preform. An apparatus for feeding the composite molten resin has a nozzle portion which includes an outer discharge port in which an outermost annular flow path through which a main layer-forming molten resin flows, meets an outer annular flow path through which a sub-layer-forming molten resin flows inside of the outermost annular flow path; and an inner discharge port in which a shell layer-forming molten resin annularly flowing inside of the outer conflux path, meets the core layer-forming molten resin flowing inside the shell layer; the outer discharge port and the inner discharge port being arranged in this order from the downstream toward the upstream in a direction in which the molten resins flow; wherein provision is made of a shaft-like opening/closing valve for opening and closing the inner discharge port, and a gear pump for intermittently discharging the sub-layer-forming molten resin.

Abstract: A one-piece, unitary floor mat may include a continuous plastic sheet including upper and lower surfaces, and an outer perimeter that joins the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of grooves may be disposed along the upper surface. Each groove may include two sloped surfaces joined to one another at a trough in a substantially V-shaped configuration. A plurality of channels may be disposed along the lower surface. Each channel may be substantially aligned with a single corresponding groove, and each groove may be substantially aligned with a single corresponding channel. A plurality of substantially planar elongate panels may be defined by the grooves and the channels. An upper surface of each panel may be defined by two adjacent grooves. A lower surface of each panel may be defined by two adjacent channels. Successive panels may be movable relative one another to roll the floor mat into a rolled configuration.

Abstract: A process for making packer elements for use in sealing an area between surfaces in a wellbore and packer elements formed from that process. The process includes extruding an elastomeric material to form a tubular structure and machining the outer surface of the tubular structure to provide a desired surface geometry. The tubular structure may be machined to provide a contoured surface geometry. The tubular structure with a contoured surface geometry may be machined to form a plurality of packer elements, which are separated by cutting the tubular structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technically advantageous method of producing low-dust granules of polymer additives or polymer additive mixtures. The granule-forming polymer additives are mixed together, the mixture is converted into a workable mass and pressed through an orifice. The pre-shaped strand-like extruded mass is cooled and, while still in a workable state, formed into granules by rolling, impressing, cooling and comminuting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin pellets, comprising pultruding a plurality of reinforced fiber bundles in a molten thermoplastic resin while twisting the plurality reinforced fiber bundles to form a strand in which the reinforced fibers are coated with the thermoplastic resin, and cutting the strand to a predetermined length to form pellets, wherein the strand is pultruded under the conditions that the melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin is adjusted such that the melt flow rate is 500 to 1500 g/10 min, and the twisting angle ? of the reinforced fiber bundles with respect to the pultruding direction of the strand is set as follows: 0°<??50°.

Abstract: A combined a toy which simply yet uniquely stamps and cuts off formed articles in a fun and interesting way utilizing cooperating rollers which employ a stamp and at least one angular projection defining a cutting edge on at least one roller. Two or more cooperating rollers are at a frame with each roller including a peripheral surface, one or more concentric ribs on the peripheral surface of each roller which cooperate to spiral around the length of each roller defining a molding surface which spirals around the peripheral surface of each roller, and a stamp on the molding surface of at least one roller. The driving mechanism rotates a gear mechanism which in turn rotates the two or more rollers that cooperate to stamp and cut off articles formed on the molding surface of the rollers.

Abstract: The strip is formed of a single layer including a first layer arranged in a tire innermost layer or composite layers of the first layer and a second layer disposed adjacently to a carcass ply and made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition. The first layer is a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing a styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer and a tackifier, a butyl-based rubber and a natural rubber. The strip has a strip main body having a thickness (T1) of 0.02 to 1 0 mm and ear portions formed on opposite sides of the strip main body. The ear portions have a thickness (T2) smaller than the thickness (T1) and a width (W2) of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

Abstract: Method for making plastic fiber for application in concrete with largest grain diameters >4 mm, with an average diameter of 0.15 to 2 mm, corresponding to approximately 160 to 28,000 dtex. Using a co-extrusion process, a bi-component fiber is formed having a central core and a casing around the central core, the central core and the casing contain different pure polymers or polymer mixtures, and then the co-extruded bi-component fiber is stretched by a factor of 5 to 15, and thereafter a structured or grooved surface is embossed onto the co-extruded stretched bi-component fiber. The embossing is performed such that a depth of the embossing is more than 10% of an average fiber diameter, and a maximal distances of structure tips within incorporated structures of the embossing in an axial direction lie in a region between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: A thin strip for oral ingestion is between 0.05 millimeters and 2.00 millimeters thick. It includes 10 to 80% by weight of polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of from 70,000 to 300,000 daltons. It further includes 5 to 50% by weight of a sugar alcohol having a melting point in excess of 75 C and 5 to 30% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from 200 to 1,000 daltons. Lastly it includes 1 to 30% by weight of a carboxy vinyl polymer cross linked with an allyl ether of pentaerythritol, and 1 to 10% by weight of an organic acid addition salt of nicotine.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool.

Abstract: Related methods to produce unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material are also disclosed. As non-limiting examples, the thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam. The unitary composite cushioning structure may be formed from the thermoplastic material and the thermoset material. The thermoplastic material provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum, which may be continuously produced, is formed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material as the thermoset material transforms from a non-solid to a solid phase to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the thermoplastic material to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, said process comprising the following steps: a) a molten plastic parison is extruded, in an extruder, through a die; b) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison; c) the parison is introduced into a mold comprising two cavities; and d) the hollow body is molded by conforming the parison to the mold cavities, said die being equipped with a passage for the molten plastic which gradually modifies the shape of the parison so that it is substantially flattened on exiting. Die suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pelletizing high melt flow polystyrene are described herein. The method generally includes providing a polystyrene including a melt flow index of about 16 g/10 min to about 34 g/10 min; extruding a strand of the polystyrene through a die head, wherein a temperature of the polystyrene at the die head is from about 370° to about 430° F.; and moving the strand through a bath, wherein a temperature of the bath is from about 95° to about 145° F.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pelletization of plastics and/or polymers, in which a melt coming from a melt generator is supplied via a diverter valve having different operating positions to a plurality of pelletizing heads through which the melt is pelletized. The plurality of pelletizing heads have different throughput capacities and are used sequentially for the start-up of the pelletizing process, with the melt first being supplied to a first pelletizing head having a smaller throughput capacity and then the melt volume flow being increased and the diverter valve being switched over such that the melt is diverted by the diverter valve to a second pelletizing head having a larger throughput capacity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a concrete body having a planar upper side, wherein a high surface quality is obtained. In the method, a concrete body is extruded from unset concrete and is provided with a groove profile at the upper side thereof by means of a profiling unit. By means of the profiling unit and depending on the comb-shaped profile thereof, the sand particles are separated according to size, wherein large sand particles are displaced from the surface area of the concrete body toward the inside, this being toward the interior of the concrete body. Only fine sand particles can pass the profile, whereby raised areas of the groove profile are formed, which are made of extremely fine-grained unset concrete. Subsequently, the upper side of the concrete body is leveled by means of a leveling unit, wherein the raised areas of the groove profile are crushed and the fine-grained unset concrete of the raised areas of the groove profile is distributed to form a cover layer.

Abstract: A reclosable bag may include first and second walls and an open top defined by first and second elongate flexible fastener strips adjacent the top of the walls. One fastener strip may have a profile portion forming a groove and a portion forming a rib. A portion of the rib is received and retained in the groove when the bag top is closed. Each fastener strip may have a base connected to the respective wall and an upper edge. A slider may be mounted on the strips and movable in one direction to open the bag, and in the opposite direction close the bag. A separator, located in the slider, may extend downwardly into the space between the top of the slider and the upper edges of the fastener strips.

Abstract: This composition comprises at least two thermoplastic elastomers belonging to two separate classes of thermoplastic elastomer, selected from the following three classes: a thermoplastic elastomer of polyethylene type with a partially or totally vulcanized rubber phase (TPV), an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer of ethylene-propylene copolymer type (TPO), and a thermoplastic elastomer based on styrene (TPE); and at least one compatibilizer and/or surfactant.

Abstract: An extrusion molding method of a resin-molded article is provided. A resin extrusion molding apparatus includes an extruder, a die, a sizing device, a take-up device and a cutting machine. During the resin-molded article is extrusion-molded, a replacement die is made to stand by at a standby position laterally adjacent to the die and a replacement sizing unit is made to stand by at a standby position laterally adjacent to a sizing unit which coincides with an extrusion line of the sizing device. After the resin extrusion molding apparatus is stopped, the die is detached from the extruder and the replacement die is moved to and attached to the extruder, and the sizing unit is moved to a position laterally deviated from the extrusion line and the replacement sizing unit is moved to a position which coincides with the extrusion line. Upper and lower endless rotary bodies of the take-up device are laterally moved to make one of a plurality of supporting faces of pads coincide with the extrusion line.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool.

Abstract: Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: An EAS marker includes a rigid bottom piece of molded plastic having the shape of an open rectangular box. An elongated resonator is disposed in the bottom piece, the resonator being bowed downwardly about its longitudinal axis. A rigid separator of molded plastic is positioned over the open top of the bottom piece, thereby loosely encasing the resonator in the bottom piece. The method of making the EAS marker is preferably automated, with the top piece, the bottom piece and the separator being manufactured by rotary extrusion molding as part of a continuous web. The various continuous webs are automatically laminated to one another at nips between pairs of rollers.

Abstract: Useful composites and methods of using such composites are provided. The composites include an outer layer containing a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer circumscribed by the outer layer and containing a second polymeric material, and an inner layer circumscribed by the intermediate layer and containing a third polymeric material. The inner layer, in combination with the intermediate layer, is structured and effective to reinforce the composite relative to a substantially identical composite without the inner layer. The present composites can be produced using co-extrusion processing.

Abstract: Strips containers are formed using two continuous webs in thermoformable and heat-sealable material facing each other. The webs are indexed along a feed line through different operating stations that transform the webs into a continuous strip of containers, each one of which is provided with a mouth. The containers are arranged according to two parallel rows that are opposed to a longitudinal median zone. The mouths of the containers of the upper row are arranged on the upper longitudinal edge of the strip and face upwards, whilst the mouths of the containers of the lower row are arranged on the lower longitudinal edge and face downwards. The method enables productivity to be increased and waste to be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a stretched mechanical fastening web laminate (1) comprising a thermoplastic web layer (13) having two major surfaces, one of the major surfaces bearing a multitude of male fastening elements (14) suitable for engagement with a corresponding female fastening material, and on its other major surface a fibrous web layer (11), said method comprising the steps of (i) providing the fibrous web layer (11) having an initial basis weight, (ii) passing the fibrous web layer (11) through a nip formed by two rolls (101), (103), one of them having cavities (120) that are the negatives of a plurality of male fastening elements (14), introducing a molten thermoplastic resin into the cavities (120) in excess of an amount that would fill the cavities (120) which excess forms the thermoplastic web layer (13), allowing the resin to at least partially solidify and stripping of a precursor web laminate (10) thus formed comprising the fibrous web layer (11) and the the

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a substantially spiral shaped food product is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a die defining a plurality of apertures disposed in a circle about a center. The apparatus also includes at least one cutting blade disposed for rotation about the center and operable to intermittently pass fully across each of the apertures during rotation. The apparatus also includes a plurality of slicing blades arranged for individual rotation about one of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of slicing blades are also arranged for continuous extension less than fully across the one aperture. The apparatus also includes a planetary coupling arrangement operably disposed to facilitate reciprocating rotation between the at least one cutting blade and the plurality of slicing blades.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing panel units may include applying a cover tape to a surface of a panel in such a way as to substantially extend along a periphery of the panel. An extrusion molding die may be moved relative to the panel in such a way that the extrusion molding die moves along the periphery of the panel while at least partially contacting the cover tape applied to the panel. At the same time, a molten molding material may be extruded from the extrusion molding die, thereby integrally forming a molded article on the periphery of the panel. The cover tape may be then removed from the surface of the panel in order to produce a panel unit having the molded article disposed along the periphery of the panel.

Abstract: A sizer assembly for providing a shaped polymeric article in an extrusion process includes a sizer body having a product profile channel corresponding to the shaped polymeric article formed therethrough. The sizer body includes a plurality of cooling liquid inlet slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel and a plurality of vacuum slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel for removing cooling liquid expelled from said cooling liquid inlet slots.

Abstract: Extruded, striped drinking straws are formed by coextruding at least two polymers of different color through a common extruder to form an elongated tube. An oscillator consisting of a pair of rolls supported for rotation about their central axes, extending normally to the extension of the tube, bear against opposed sides of the tube and are reciprocated in opposing directions so as to rotate the tube by a gear and spline mechanism. A straight puller draws the tube out of the extruder and through the twisting oscillator and a cutter forms the tube into straw lengths at the output of the puller.

Abstract: A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.