Abstract: Composite components having a T or L-shaped configuration that include features that reduce void defects between abutting laminate portions and provide improved mechanical properties are provided. Methods for forming such components are also provided. In one exemplary aspect, a composite component defines a first direction and a second direction and includes a wedged-shaped noodle at a joint interface between an abutting first laminate portion extending along the first direction and a second laminate portion extending along the second direction. The noodle has a first surface that is angled with respect to the second direction. At least one of the plies of the second laminate portion terminate and attach to the angled first surface of the noodle.

Abstract: A mold that: makes it possible to manufacture a molded foam body wherein a reinforcing member extends to a portion of the outer face of the molded body main body that corresponds to a parting line in the inner face of the cavity of the mold; and prevents molding problems stemming from the reinforcing member getting into the aforementioned parting line. Also: a method for manufacturing a molded foam body using the aforementioned mold; and a molded foam body manufactured thereby. The aforementioned mold (1) is provided with a seal member (7) that seals the space between mating faces (2a, 3a) of mold parts (2, 3) when the mold is fastened, and said seal member (7) is designed so as to be able to seal the space between the mating faces (2a, 3a) even if the reinforcing member (22) gets in between the mating faces (2a, 3a) on the cavity (4) side of the seal member (7).

Abstract: An apparatus including a first device which moves a first portion of a soft, damp, slightly pressed slab out of alignment with a majority of the slab and thus introduces a first crack in the slab; and a device for spraying a first colored material into the first crack of the slab. The first device which moves the first portion of the slab out of alignment with the rest of the slab may include a first cylinder. The device for spraying the first colored material in the first crack of the slab may include a robotic apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a second device which moves a second portion of the slab out of alignment with the majority of the slab and thereby introduces a second crack in the slab.

Abstract: The invention provides a cross-linkable mixture of thermoplastic polyurethanes and ethylenic unsaturated compounds and thermoset materials that can obtained therefrom. The invention also provides application of the cross-linkable mixtures and processes in a solvent-less coating process.

Abstract: A method of repairing a core stiffened structure can include removing a damaged portion of the core stiffened structure; creating a cutout in a portion of a repair core member; fitting the repair core member onto an existing core member such that the cutout mates with a portion of the existing core member; bonding the repair core member to the existing core member; and placing a skin patch over the repair core member.

Abstract: A customizable pointe shoe insert is provided. Such an insert achieves a “perfect fit” that is customized to each dancer's foot by using a moldable material to substantially fill the voids within the box of the shoe, so weight is optimally distributed across a greater percentage of the surface of the forefoot when en pointe. An insert may be constructed from an impression material that when applied, precisely contours itself to the foot and then quickly chemically cures into a rubbery, resilient solid. The design allows a dancer to self-mold the insert and apply the material according to her personal preferences. The insert may further be associated with a fabric covering that serves to hold the moldable material in place during molding and/or to provide structural support in areas of thin moldable material. The insert may further be integrated with one or more spacers for positioning in between adjacent toes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a body made of composite material such as a shell of a helmet. Said body constitutes a multilayer structure where each layer is formed by superposed strata comprising portions of fabrics preimpregnated with thermoplastic resin in which at least some of said layers are formed by woven or non-woven LFRTP-type preimpregnated fabrics. The outer layer is formed by strata of portions of “veil” type or “felt” type fabrics, with non-woven and non-oriented fibers of lengths comprised between 5 and 20 mm. In the method, the multilayer structure arranged in a mold is subjected to the action exerted by a bag that is inflated due to pressure occupying the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite article includes a pre-impregnation station for forming a prepreg comprising a reinforcement impregnated with a resin. The prepreg is provided to a blanking station where a blank is cut from the partially cured prepreg and arranged onto a preforming mold. The blank is then transferred to a forming station, and is formed into the composite article using a compression mold. The pre-impregnation station, the blanking station and the forming station are co-located. During forming of the blank into the composite article using the compression mold, additional prepreg is formed in the pre-impregnation station and passes to the blanking station so as to form a next blank for being formed into a next composite article during a subsequent molding cycle. Optionally, the prepreg is partially cured prior to being cut in the blanking station.

Abstract: A molded discrete low stress gasket is constructed of restructured filled PTFE for use in corrosive or severe chemical environments under relatively low bolt loads. The gasket has a gasket surface and includes a raised outer sealing ring and a raised inner sealing ring. The gasket may constructed from a restructured filled PTFE material, with the sealing rings deforming at lower pressures than the remaining portions of the gasket.

Abstract: A composite material structure and a method for making the composite material structure are provided. The composite material structure includes a first stack of fiber panels arranged with fibers parallel to a loading axis to accommodate a first tension load in a first plane. The composite material structure includes a second stack of fiber panels arranged with fibers parallel to the loading axis to accommodate a second tension load in a second plane. The composite material structure includes a pre-consolidated fabric structure between the first and the second stack arranged with fibers plied perpendicular to the fibers of the first stack of fiber panels and perpendicular to the fibers of the second stack of fiber panels, the fibers further being orthogonal to the loading axis.

Abstract: A symmetrical zoned foam mattress includes an upper foam layer with a wavy lower side and a lower foam layer with a wavy upper side. The lower layer has top, middle and bottom lateral valleys. The wavy lower side of the upper layer is glued to the wavy upper side of the lower layer. The top lateral valley has a minimum located within eighteen inches of the top head end of the lower layer. The bottom lateral valley has a minimum located within eighteen inches of the bottom foot end of the lower layer. A center plane intersects the lower foam layer at a minimum of the middle lateral valley. The minimum of each of the top and bottom lateral valleys is about fifteen inches from the end of the mattress regardless of whether the consumer chooses to use the top or bottom end as the head of the mattress.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a connecting rod (6) out of composite material using three-dimensional fabric of woven reinforcing fibers, the connecting rod (6) extending in a main direction. The method comprises the steps of: cutting out one or more base pieces (7, 8) from a three-dimensional fabric; cutting out one or more reinforcing pieces (9, 10) from a three-dimensional fabric; installing the various pieces (7, 8, 9, 10) on a support in order to shape them; securing the various pieces (7, 8, 9, 10) to one another by stitching (12, 13, 14, 15) using reinforcing fibers in order to constitute a reinforcing fiber preform; installing the preform on a mandrel; and injecting resin into the preform and polymerizing the resin.

Abstract: A process for producing fiber preforms for composite material components makes it possible to directly produce complex geometries in a flexible and low-cost manner by applying a plurality of dry fiber rovings independently of one another even in spatially uneven contours. It is no longer necessary to use cut fabric strips since fiber preforms are produced straight from the dry fiber rovings. This obviates the need to carry out production, transport and order picking processes. It is not necessary to cut fiber strips to size, and therefore a saving may be made on material. In addition, it is possible to increase the mechanical characteristic values in the composite material because it is not necessary to sew fiber webs. The described process can also readily be scaled since the number of dry fiber rovings arranged next to one another make it possible to vary the area which can be covered.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural part including at least two wings extending in intersecting planes made of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite material including at least two plies of continuous fibers. The fibers extend from one wing to another. The method includes cutting the at least two plies in a fabric and/or a tape of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin; assembling the plies to create a preform; and compacting the preform to a final shape of the part by subjecting the preform to a defined cycle of temperature and pressure. A toolset can implement the method described above. Such a toolset includes a rigid punch and die such that closing the tool creates a sealed chamber in a shape of the part between the punch and the die.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a looped material band for use as a conveyor belt, a conveyor, a transmission belt or the like in which the ends of the band are assembled by fitting together two serrations that have complementary shapes and are connected by at least one transverse locking rod that is inserted through transverse openings arranged in the teeth of the serrations. The process comprises the steps of producing the transverse openings by machining the ends of the band to remove material in an area corresponding at least to the transverse openings to be produced, placing a transverse core pin in each machined area, overmolding material in the machined areas to restore the ends of the band, and one removing, after polymerization of the material, the transverse core pins that form the transverse openings.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an in-mold decorated molded article, which can eliminate the need for deburring after molding and the need for an extra allowance of the molded article. The process includes: clamping a first mold (1) and a second mold (2) to hold a decorative film (207) between the molds; cutting a transfer layer (302) of the decorative film (207) in the molds; injecting resin (5) into the cavity of the mold; cooling the resin (5); and opening the molds to remove the in-mold decorated molded article on which the transfer layer (302) is disposed.

Abstract: A method, machine and blade of a wind-turbine are disclosed. At least a component of a blade includes at least one layer of a composite structure. The layer is built up by a number of unconnected single roving-bundles, which are aligned unidirectional and which shows a common direction. The roving-bundles are laid down automatically into a forming tool.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus employs three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and computer numerical controlled (CNC) positioning technology that creates composite structures of any size. The composite structures exhibit predefined characteristics suitable for different applications. The composite structures consist of plastic sheathing melded together to form bladders, as well as fabric impregnated with one or more resin-based compounds. The composite structures assume any of a myriad of predefined shapes. The composite structures exhibit fire-resistance, water-resistance, water containment, phase-change capability, ballistic protection, low weight, and may further be operable as a solar panel or be electrically conductive. The composite structures are optionally constructed with vias or pathways, through which pipes, electrical conduit, and other building materials may be threaded.

Abstract: A fuel line connector assembly that includes first and second connectors. The first connector includes a ramp having an inner core and an outer skin surrounding at least a part of the inner core. The inner core extends through the ramp at a location adjacent a radially extending retaining surface for at least a portion of the radial extent of the retaining surface. The second connector has a hook wherein, when the first and second connectors are brought together and secured to each other, the hook inhibits separation of the first and second connectors by bearing again the retaining surface. The first connector is made by coinjection molding a connector body having the outer skin and inner core with the inner core extending through the ramp to a sacrificial portion, and then severing the sacrificial portion from the ramp leaving the inner core exposed at an apex of the ramp.

Abstract: A patch antenna includes: a dielectric layer made of an insulation material, and having upper and lower surfaces, and a through hole; a radiation metal layer disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, and having a first plate body, a first aperture aligned with the through hole, and a first protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the first aperture into the through hole; and a grounding metal layer disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer, and having a second plate body, a second aperture aligned with the through hole, and a second protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the second aperture into the through hole. The first and second protruding portions contact each other in the through hole so that the radiation and grounding metal layers are electrically connected. A method of making a patch antenna is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer material that provides blast and projectile impact protection is provided. The multi-layer material may include a hard metal layer, a composite layer, an air gap layer, and an innermost layer. An armor layer may also be provided that includes a polymeric honeycomb layer and a ceramic layer. In other aspects of the invention, a vehicle made from the multi-layer material is provided, and methods for making the multi-layer material are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a variably sized wall panel by supplying a face panel of a first material, the face panel having a front face and a back face, the back face having a plurality of crosspieces extending therefrom. The face panel is placed in a mold such that the front face of the face panel abuts a bottom of the mold and the back face of the face panel faces away from the bottom of the mold. A flowable second material is layered on top of the face panel and the flowable second material is allowed to harden such that the back face of the face panel and the crosspieces are frictionally bound to the hardened second material.

Abstract: A preform includes a closed lower portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the closed lower portion; an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion; and an insert ring. In embodiments, a portion of the upper neck portion is formed around at least a portion of the insert ring. Further, with embodiments, the insert ring may be multi-layered, and may include a first layer including a polymer, and a second layer including an additional material. Embodiments of such preforms may be molded into various forms of plastic containers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an in-mold decorated molded article, which can eliminate the need for deburring after molding and the need for an extra allowance of the molded article. The process includes: clamping a first mold (1) and a second mold (2) to hold a decorative film (207) between the molds; cutting a transfer layer (302) of the decorative film (207) in the molds; injecting resin (5) into the cavity of the mold; cooling the resin (5); and opening the molds to remove the in-mold decorated molded article on which the transfer layer (302) is disposed.

Abstract: A process of making a multilayered product having an interior honeycomb layer or core. The interior layer is formed by passing a generally flat web of material between rollers to create a corrugated web. The corrugated web is cut and folded to create the honeycomb core. Outer protective skins are applied to exterior surfaces of the interior layer to create a multilayered material which is then cut to size.

Abstract: An insulation pressure-resistant cylinder body of submarine (undersea) cable equipment, submarine cable equipment, and a manufacturing method are provided. The insulation pressure-resistant cylinder body includes: an installation cylinder, an insulation layer, and a pressure-resistant cylinder, disposed sequentially from inside to outside, where a first groove is opened on an outer surface of the installation cylinder, and a second groove is opened on an inner surface of the pressure-resistant cylinder, the second groove is interlaced with the first groove, and the insulation layer is closely adhered to the outer surface of the installation cylinder and the inner surface of the pressure-resistant cylinder.

Abstract: A matched mold curing apparatus defining a molding cavity has two sets of layers of curable, fiber-reinforced, thermosetting composite material laminated on a lower forming tool and upper forming tool. Closed-cell foam core segments are provided and placed adjacent to each other on the layers. The core segments are oversized with respect to the nominal size determined by the molding cavity in the closed condition, minus the thickness of the layers of composite material. A controlled temperature is applied firstly to allow plastic deformation of the core segments, but without closing completely the matched mold. The temperature and pressure are then applied to cause complete closure of the matched mold and curing of the laminated layers.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) infused mesh material that is molded to form at least a portion of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh may be formed as an upper, a portion of sole or other components of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh is formed, in an exemplary embodiment, through the application of liquid TPU to a surface of a spacer mesh. The liquid TPU infused spacer mesh is then cured, cut to a pattern, and heat molded to form a desired portion of the shoe. The heat molded TPU mesh is coupled to other portions of the shoe (e.g., sole) to form an article footwear in an exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: In a process for fabricating large structures, a composite material panel is continuously pultruded in a pultrusion die assembly and cut transversely to the process direction to provide panel sections. The panel sections can be sufficiently long to extend from one end to an opposite end of the structure. The panel sections are assembled with a joint along adjacent edges using steel-to-composite and composite-to-composite joining technology. The joints can be integrated into the panel longitudinal edges, or separate joint assemblies can be fabricated. In this manner, fewer joints are required. A variety of in-plane and out-of-plane joint assemblies are provided.

Abstract: A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing plumbing kit specifications for kits containing plastic hose or tubing for installation on boats, RVs or other uses where ruler markings are imprinted longitudinally along the outside surface of stock hose. The ruler markings can be spaced approximately one inch, or other distance, and can include a series of numerals such as 1-12 or 1-11 followed by a repeat symbol. The sequence can repeat indefinitely along the length of the hose. The method allows a length specification for a particular hose segment to be generated by cutting a piece of stock hose at a particular starting ruler mark, clamping or connecting it in place, and then completing the installation of the segment by cutting the second end to the correct length and clamping or connecting it in place. The length can then be computed by reading the ruler marks on the installed hose. This information can be entered as part of the specification for a hose kit.

Abstract: A method of producing a container and a closure comprises blow molding a body comprising a container portion and a closure portion joined together, and separating the closure portion from the container portion. A container and/or a closure produced according to the method are also disclosed, as well as an intermediate product for producing a container and a closure.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a looped material band for use as a conveyor belt, a conveyor, a transmission belt or the like in which the ends of the band are assembled by fitting together two serrations that have complementary shapes and are connected by at least one transverse locking rod that is inserted through transverse openings arranged in the teeth of the serrations. The process comprises the steps of producing the transverse openings by machining the ends of the band to remove material in an area corresponding at least to the transverse openings to be produced, placing a transverse core pin in each machined area, overmolding material in the machined areas to restore the ends of the band, and one removing, after polymerization of the material, the transverse core pins that form the transverse openings.

Abstract: The structural component and fabrication to form a cable, cords or other structural component may be formed by mechanically cutting, waste-reinforced used tires, waste-reinforced used fan belts, waste-reinforced used conveyor belts into strips and attaching them end to end with metal staples or a bonding agent to create a reinforced rubber cable or cord. To be used as structural strength when encapsulated with virgin and or recycled thermoplastics, or rubber. Said strips would be used as reinforcement in concrete, cement, adobe or asphalt. The process when used with thermoplastics or rubber will incorporate an extruder to obtain a molten state of the thermoplastics or rubber to form the structural component thru a crosshead die or molds for injection molding. The process when using concrete, cement, adobe or asphalt to create a structural component will use the waste-reinforced rubber strips placed into forms, or molds for reinforcement when drying has occurred.

Abstract: A process for producing a synthetic fiber composition with reclaimed post consumer carpet yarn, wherein face yarn is shaved from post consumer carpet using a shaving device to provide shaved face yarn, the shaved face yarn is reduced in size, contaminants are removed using mechanical screeners, the shaved face yarn is melt filtered, and spun into fiber.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a fibrous article includes submerging a fiber substrate in a bath of first thermoplastic resin to impregnate the fiber substrate with the first thermoplastic resin; heating the fiber substrate until the fiber substrate becomes a thick continuous fiber substrate; cutting the thick continuous fiber substrate into units; stacking the fiber substrate units; pressing and heating the stacked fibrous structure units until a stacked fibrous structure is formed; heating a mold; conveying the stacked fibrous structure to the mold to melt; cooling the mold to shape the molten fibrous structure into a half-finished article; removing the half-finished article out of the mold; eliminating burrs and sharp edges of the half-finished article; conveying the half-finished article to the mold; and uniformly applying a molten second thermoplastic resin on an inner surface of the half-finished article by injection molding to produce the finished fibrous article.

Abstract: The air filter element may include an inner metal liner, an outer metal liner, a filter media, an annular end cap, and a composite end cap The annular end cap is formed over the metal liners such that the metal liners are secured and at least a portion of the filter media is sealed. The composite end cap has a foamed urethane portion and a rigid urethane portion. The foamed urethane portion, which has a central aperture and stand-off apertures, is molded about the central aperture and the stand-off apertures such that the metal liners are secured, at least a portion of the filter media is sealed, and urethane flashing occurs proximate one or more of the central aperture and an outer liner periphery. The rigid urethane portion is molded over the foamed urethane portion such that the stand-off apertures are filled, blocked, and/or sealed.

Abstract: A patch antenna includes: a dielectric layer made of an insulation material, and having upper and lower surfaces, and a through hole; a radiation metal layer disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, and having a first plate body, a first aperture aligned with the through hole, and a first protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the first aperture into the through hole; and a grounding metal layer disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer, and having a second plate body, a second aperture aligned with the through hole, and a second protruding portion extending from a peripheral edge of the second aperture into the through hole. The first and second protruding portions contact each other in the through hole so that the radiation and grounding metal layers are electrically connected. A method of making a patch antenna is also disclosed.

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: A method for forming a molding compound including simultaneously chopping a non-synthetic reinforcement member and a synthetic reinforcement member and forming a hybrid reinforcement member from the chopped non-synthetic and synthetic reinforcement members. The hybrid reinforcement member can be molded into a molding compound.

Abstract: Process for forming an annular member by extruding a thermoplastic profiled strip at an elevated temperature. Prior to cooling the strip, the still-molten ends undergo in-line compression molding to form an annular member having a joint section. The cross-section of the annular member is continuous in the joint section and the remainder of the body. Preferably, the extrudate may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, more preferably a thermoplastic vulcanizate formed by a dynamic vulcanization process. During the extrusion and compression molding processes, the extrudate may be supported on a rotatable turntable, or alternately on a rotatable molding cylinder.

Abstract: A fibrous article having a fabric-like surface and process of manufacturing same are provided. The fibrous article includes an outer fabric substrate; an intermediate fiber substrate; and an inner thermoplastic resin layer. A first thermoplastic resin is formed between the fabric substrate and the fiber substrate. The first thermoplastic resin is further formed between the fiber substrate and the thermoplastic resin layer. The thermoplastic resin layer is formed by injection molding by causing a second thermoplastic resin to react with the first thermoplastic resin. A person may have the feeling of touching fabric when touches the fibrous article.

Abstract: A method for making a pocket filter assembly is provided. Two side and two end header elements each having a pair of longitudinally extending side walls and a longitudinally extending bottom wall forming a longitudinally extending channel are joined at ends forming a rectangular header with two opposing sides and two opposing ends. The bottom wall and side walls of each of the opposing sides and the bottom walls and said side walls of each of said opposing ends become adjacent forming a rectangular header with a continuous bottom wall and continuous inner and outer side wall having a continuous channel therein. An upstream perimeter portion of a pocket filter element is inserted in the continuous channel and a liquid polymeric material is placed therein. The polymeric material is solidified forming a header frame having the upstream perimeter portion of the filter element unitary therewith.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a plastic product includes selecting natural or synthetic fiber as a material; adhering a thermoplastic resin onto surfaces of the material to form a thin film thereon by soaking or heating; heating the thin film; forming two releasable films on upper and lower surfaces of the thin film respectively; cutting the thin film into thin film units; heating and pressing the thin film units to form cured thin film units; applying one of the cured thin film units onto an inner surface of a first mold; further heating and pressing the cured thin film unit to form a thin film structure; placing the thin film structure inside a second mold; and injecting a thermoplastic material into the second mold to adhere onto an outer surface of the thin film structure to produce the finished plastic product.

Abstract: A method, machine and blade of a wind-turbine are disclosed. At least a component of a blade includes at least one layer of a composite structure. The layer is built up by a number of unconnected single roving-bundles, which are aligned unidirectional and which shows a common direction. The roving-bundles are laid down automatically into a fanning tool.

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: Methods of fabricating a polymeric stent from a polymer sheet with improved strength, modulus and fracture toughness are disclosed. The methods include stretching the polymer sheet along one or more axesto increase the strength, fracture toughness, and modulus of the polymer along the axis of stretching. The methods further include forming a tubular stent from the stretched sheet. The stent can include a slide-and-lock mechanism that permits the stent to move from a collapsed diameter to an expanded diameter and inhibiting radial recoil from the expanded diameter.

Abstract: A golf club grip includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The first grip member has a dark color and a first material density. The second grip member which has a light color and a second material density which is greater than the first material density, wherein the first grip member is integrated with the second grip member in an edge-to-edge manner to form an elongated tubular structure. When the first grip member and the second grip member is heated to integrate with each other, particles of the second grip member crosses over the first grip member to form a predetermined amount of light color at the first grip member, while the light color formed at the first grip member is adapted to be overlaid by the dark color so as to render the light color and the dark color sharply distinguishable on the gold club grip.