Abstract: A process for producing a molding having an embedded member which comprises: a first step in which a mold (1) having pins (3) which extend from the outside to the inside of the mold and can be withdrawn outward is heated to a given temperature; a second step in which a member (2) to be embedded is held in a given position within the mold by supporting the member, including an upper part thereof, with the pins (3); a third step in which a thermoplastic resin is packed through a gate (1d) first into that part of the cavity of the mold (1) which is located under the member to be embedded to thereby cause the thermoplastic resin to press the member against the pin (3) located in an upper part of the mold; a fourth step in which the thermoplastic resin is packed into the remaining part of the cavity of the mold (1); and a fifth step in which the pins (3) are withdrawn successively from the lower side of the mold before cooling to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin solidifies and loses its flowability.

Abstract: A fan frame structure with integrated sintered oil-impregnated bearing through insert molding and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The fan frame includes a sintered oil-impregnated bearing and a fan frame. The bearing has a first and a second end face and an axially extended through hole communicating with the first and second end faces. The fan frame has a base and a bearing cup upward projected from the base to define an axial hollow space therein. The hollow space has a first and a second stop portion, and the bearing is received in the hollow space with the first and second end faces abutted on the first and second stop portions, respectively. With the sintered oil-impregnated bearing integrated with the fan frame through insert molding, increased concentricity between the bearing and the fan frame and reduced manufacturing cost of the fan frame structure can be ensured.

Abstract: A bowling pin including a body having a head, a neck, a ball line portion, and a base all integrally formed of a synthetic material. The body includes a hollow area and a longitudinal axis of the hollow area extends generally perpendicularly to a substantially planar bottom surface of the base. A method of manufacturing a bowling pin includes providing a mold shell having a mold cavity shaped substantially as a bowling pin, disposing a mandrel inside a mold cavity, introducing material into the mold cavity, cooling the material inside the mold cavity, removing the mandrel from the mold cavity, removing the material from the mold cavity, and cooling the material outside the mold cavity.

Abstract: A headset can include a cable structure connecting non-cable components such as jacks and headphones. The cable structure can be constructed using a molding process. Different approaches can be used to ensure that a conductor bundle extending through the cable structure remains centered within the cable structure during the molding process. In some cases, a movable tube can be placed in the mold such that the conductor bundle is retained within the tube. As material is injected into the mold and reaches the tube, the tube can be displaced and progressively removed from the mold. Alternatively, the movable tube can be constructed such that the tube may combine with injected material to form a shell of the cable structure. In some cases, gates from which material is provided in the mold can be positioned and controlled to facilitate the injection of material in the mold while maintaining the centered position of the conductor bundle.

Abstract: An exemplary molding insert core used in an insert mold includes two first molding bars, two second molding bars, two first support members, and two second support members. Each first molding bar is partially arranged on one first support member. Each second molding bar is partially arranged on one second support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of concrete pipes, particularly for wastewater lines, having a plastic inner pipe, wherein the concrete part is manufactured in a horizontal position in order to simplify the production process and reduce the costs thereof, and wherein the plastic inner pipe is maintained in a horizontal position in a trough, wherein the trough is further filled with flowable concrete to above the plastic pipe, and wherein the plastic pipe serves as an inner tray and remains in the concrete pipe after the concrete has cured, and to a concrete pipe system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic device with a plurality of lead frames for individually supporting an electronic component 6 surrounded by a casing 8, which method includes the steps of charging a resin 10 into each casing 8 on a substrate 5 on which the plurality of supporting lead frames are disposed, and cutting the substrate 5 into individual lead frames. The step of charging the first resin includes the step of using a mask 1 that has through-holes 1a in positions corresponding to regions surrounded by the casings 8, to charge the resin 10 into the regions surrounded by the casings 8. The method is capable of improving the productivity of manufacturing electronic devices with lead frames for individually supporting an electronic component surrounded by a casing, and making the shape of the resin that covers the electronic components even.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel and an apparatus and method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the trim panel comprises a first portion and a second portion with a transition portion extending therebetween with the first portion and the second portion having curved portions having radii of less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A die is formed of a cavity mold having a hollow portion and a slidable core mold that allows a core to be inserted into hollow portion of cavity mold. An insert part that has been previously molded is fitted to and supported by the front end of core of core mold. Then, insert part is inserted into die and clamped therein, then a molten molding material is injected into die so as to perform injection molding of a container body of a substrate storage container with its rear part formed with insert part. Since insert part is put into contact with hollow portion of cavity core so as to restrain vibration of tapering flat core, core of core mold will not be flapped or flexed even if difference in injection pressure occurs in the molding material.

Abstract: A pressure control valve assembly including a valve body with a valving cavity, a metal insert, a member and ball, a plastic internal ball guide, and a plug. The metal insert, which is received within the valving cavity, includes an exhaust port, a pressure control port, a supply port, and a plug-receiving end. The plastic internal ball guide is included within a portion of the metal insert. The member extends within a portion of the insert and is movable with respect to the exhaust port, the member moving a ball with respect to a supply port. In an embodiment, a plug is received within the plug-receiving end of the insert. A method for making a valve body for a valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collet mechanism that holds a cannula during molding of a syringe includes first and second arms that form an internal cavity. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second arms are in a closed position when the distal ends are moved toward the internal cavity and are in an open position when the distal ends are positioned away from the internal cavity. First and second cannula guides respectively are mounted proximate the distal ends of the first and second arms and extend into the internal cavity. The first and second cannula guides clamp a portion of the cannula to hold the cannula when the first and second arms are in the closed position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a face plate for a golf club head comprises providing a label for the face plate of the golf club head, providing a mold apparatus, positioning the label in the mold apparatus, providing a mold compound in a non-solid form, positioning the mold compound over the label and in the mold apparatus, and changing the mold compound to a solid form defining the face plate after positioning the mold compound over the label and in the mold apparatus. Other examples, methods, and related apparatuses are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for making a water-proof laminate from wood, includes a lower mold. A lower cover is provided in the lower mold. A wood plate is provided on the lower cover in the lower mold. An upper cover is provided on the wood plate. An upper mold is provided for pressing the lower cover, the wood plate and lower cover against the lower mold. A coating is injected into the upper and lower molds to cover at least the edges of the upper mold, wood plate and lower mold so that a water-proof laminate is finished after the curing of the coating. The upper mold is moved from the lower mold, and the water-proof laminate is moved from the lower mold.

Abstract: There are provided a golf ball molding die capable of manufacturing a golf ball having a satisfactory surface condition, and a golf ball manufactured by using the die. The present golf ball molding die comprises at least two die bodies within which a cavity for molding a golf ball is formed by jointing of the die bodies; and a pin accommodating hole provided in at least one of the die bodies, and is characterized in that at least one groove communicating directly with the cavity is provided in the wall surface of the pin accommodating hole.

Abstract: A mold (1) includes an upper mold half (U) and a lower mold half (L). The mold (1) includes a gate (G), a pole vent pin (P), a support pin (S) and an intermediate vent pin (M). The support pin (S) has a latitude (?s) of 45 degrees to 85 degrees. Each of the upper mold half (U) and the lower mold half (L) has at least three support pins (S). The intermediate vent pin (M) has a latitude (?m) of 45 degrees to 85 degrees. Each of the upper mold half (U) and the lower mold half (L) has at least three intermediate vent pins (M). A difference between the latitude (?m) of the intermediate vent pin (M) and the latitude (?s) of the support pin (S) is equal to or smaller than 15 degrees. A clearance between the intermediate vent pin (M) and a pin hole (13) is 5 ?m to 50 ?m. By the mold (1), a cover having a thickness of 1.4 mm or less is formed.

Abstract: A mold comprises a spherical cavity, a support pin capable of being moved forward and backward with respect to the cavity, and a vent pin (8). The vent pin (8) includes two slits (S), an annular groove (20) and a vertical groove (22). An upper end (24) of the slit (S) is opened toward the cavity. A lower end (26) of the slit (S) is opened toward the annular groove (20). The annular groove (20) is coupled to the vertical groove (22). The lower end of the vertical groove (22) is opened toward air. A width (W) of the slit (S) is preferably equal to or greater than 1 ?m, is more preferably equal to or greater than 3 ?m, and is particularly preferably equal to or greater than 5 ?m. A depth (D) of the slit (S) is preferably equal to or greater than 10% of a diameter (?), is more preferably equal to or greater than 15% of the diameter (?), and is particularly preferably equal to or greater than 20% of the diameter (?). It is preferable that the same slit (3) should be formed on the support pin.

Abstract: A urology catheter is provided that includes an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body defines at least one lumen. A tip has a proximal end that is disposed in abutting relation with the distal end of the body such that the body is fixed with the tip. The tip defines a lateral opening that is defined by a wall including an external radius disposed in transition with an outer surface of the tip and an internal radius disposed in transition with an inner surface of the tip. The external radius has a non-perpendicular profile with the outer surface of the tip. An expandable member has a proximal portion disposed about the body and a distal portion disposed about the tip. A method of manufacturing the urology catheter is provided.

Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a layer A and a plurality of cores enclosed in a cladding. During production of the optical waveguide, a layered film including alternate layers of a core layer and a cladding layer is cut so as to form a groove that penetrates through the layered film in a thickness direction and so as to form a plurality of core portions, and the layer A is provided so as to partially fill the groove depthwise and so as to maintain spacing between the plurality of core portions before the core portions is enclosed by the cladding.

Abstract: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim and a method of making a bicycle wheel rim are provided. The rim provided is made of a single part using structural fiber based material, preferably carbon fiber material, with two circumferential wings for anchoring the tire, which extend radially outwards from the two sides of the outer peripheral wall of the rim.

Abstract: An injection moulding process for the preparation of an oral delivery device comprising a core which contains a pharmaceutically active agent, having a coating with one or more openings leading to such a core. The invention also relates to devices produced by the process, and to injection moulds suitable for performing the process.

Abstract: An overmolding process for a hollow receptacle provided with a neck, and an axial body with a shoulder a sidewall and a bottom, the hollow receptacle, having axial height H and larger cross-section S. When the mould is open, the neck bears in contact with an axial support so as to mask the neck during the overmolding process. Before closing the mold, the sidewall is placed in a lateral positioning device that can be moved along an axial direction of the mold. After the mold has been closed, the lateral positioning device is displaced in the axial direction as the material flow injected into the axial cavity and forming an annular flow.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a mounting or holder for use in analysis in an analytical instrument of samples of similar shape. The method includes obtaining a moulding that includes a protrusion; securing a sample having a lower surface and a side surface to the top of the protrusion of the moulding; introducing a mouldable material into the moulding only up to a level that is along the side surface of the sample and above the lower surface of the sample; allowing the mouldable material to set to form a mounting or holder; and separating the mounting or holder from the sample and the moulding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating distinct zones in a mold that can be separately filled, particularly with different materials. A molded barrier is created within the mold and the mold is configured so that the barrier separates zones in a mold cavity. Different materials may then be injected into the separate zones to create a molded article constructed of multiple materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an object having a display panel embedded in its top surface and processes for its manufacture. The process comprises the steps of: forming an in-mold display transfer film or foil which comprises a temporary carrier layer, a release layer, a display panel, an adhesive layer and optionally a durable layer; feeding said in-mold display transfer film or foil into a mold with the temporary carrier film in contact with the inner surface of the mold; forming an object in the mold and transferring the in-mold display transfer film or foil onto the object; removing the object formed from the mold; and simultaneously removing both temporary carrier layer and release layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber-reinforced products with integrated insert parts by moulding a heat-bonding resin having a viscosity of about 1-10_6 and about 30-10+6 mPas, between two joinable halves of a separable mould having an upper and lower mould parts forming a cavity therebetween, the inner moulding faces are attached to displaceable fixed parts of a pressing table. Prior to moulding, an insert part is fixed in position in the cavity, and the mould parts each have a set of a support devices displaceable in the cavity relative to the respective moulding faces. According to the method, the resin is located in the cavity before the mold is closes and the insert is in position prior to and during an initial phase of moulding. The support device is removed prior to the setting of the resin in the mould leaving holes in the material, and thereafter the mold parts are held together for filling the holes.

Abstract: A trim panel includes a body portion and an extension (110). The extension is provided at a periphery of the body portion for securing the trim panel to the vehicle. The extension is formed of a cover stock (104) material and a substrate (102). The body portion and the extension (110) are formed during the same molding operation. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cover stock material (104) is positioned into a mold (200), the mold (200) is reconfigured to bend an edge of the cover stock material (104) inward, and a resin is injected into the mold (200) to form the substrate.

Abstract: A molding die includes an upper die, upper-die pins arranged in the upper die to be movable up and down, springs arranged in the upper die to urge the upper-die pins downwardly, a lower die, lower-die pins arranged in the lower die to be movable up and down and springs arranged in the die to urge the pins upwardly. In molding, a hollow primary molded piece is accommodated in a cavity defined by the upper die and the lower die. Then, the piece is mounted on the pins with retained apart from a concave bottom surface of the lower die. Before closing the molding die, it is started to inject molten resin into the cavity. As a result, the molten resin enters a space between the primary molded piece and the concave bottom surface of the lower die. Even after completing to close the molding die, the injection of the molten resin is continued.

Abstract: A method of forming a prosthetic residual limb test socket utilizes an adapter bracket having generally smooth sidewalls in which a corresponding plurality of removable posts are received. The adapter bracket is secured to a model of the residual limb of a patient, and a socket forming material is applied about at least a portion of the model and the adapter bracket. The socket forming material covers the plurality of removable posts but not the lower mounting face of the adapter bracket. The adapter bracket is removable and reusable. In a further aspect, a method is provided for forming a prosthetic residual limb socket based upon a test socket, in which a casting anchor is positioned within the test socket, the casting anchor being engaged with an alignment member extending out through a hole in the test socket. A molding material is introduced into the test socket so as to at least partially encase the casting anchor, and the molding material is allowed to set to form a model.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for venting trapped air and gasses in a mold. The mold and method comprise or use at least one pin formed from multiple pin sections. When assembled, the pin sections provide space on the interior of the pin through which trapped air and gasses can escape from the mold. The present invention may also be used to assist in ejecting an object from the mold. The pins can have circular or non-circular cross-sections and also may have dimple-forming projections to conform to a golf ball dimple pattern.

Abstract: A system includes a mold having a receptacle. The mold is configured to form a body panel of a vehicle. Alternating inserts are each configured to be selectively retained by and released from the receptacle. Each respective alternating insert, when selectively retained by the receptacle, is configured to form a labeling region on a body panel formed in the mold. A method for forming a body panel of a vehicle includes providing a mold having a receptacle. A first insert is selectively retained within the receptacle, and a first body panel is formed in the mold to have a first labeling region provided by the first insert. The first insert is released from the receptacle and a second insert is selectively retained within the receptacle. A second body panel is formed in the mold to have a second labeling region provided by the second insert.

Abstract: A method is described for the back-moulding of sheets (7) with thermoplastics, in particular of printed sheets to protect the decorated surface against scratching or detachment, in which a sheet (7) that is initially separated from the moulded-article wall is pressed against the moulded-article wall by the melt front (3).

Abstract: A method for producing a panel comprising at least one region (16) of compression moulded thermoplastic or thermosetting material and at least one region (14) of injection moulded thermoplastic material, comprising the step of placing at least one plate of thermoplastic or thermosetting material in a plastic state between two half-moulds (26, 28) having respective moulding surfaces (30, 32), closing the half-moulds (26, 28) and compressing the plate (16) between two mutually facing compression moulding regions (30a, 32a) of said moulding surfaces (30, 32). The method comprises the step of injecting thermoplastic material into a space defined between two mutually facing injection moulding regions (30b, 32b) of said moulding surfaces (30, 32).

Abstract: A method of making a sponge device is provided. This method includes introducing a curable liquid sponge forming material into a form, placing a handle into the material before it is fully cured, heating the form to cure the material, removing the cured material from the form, and rinsing the cured material. Another aspect of the present invention is the assembly for making this sponge device. This assembly includes a runner for joining a plurality of handles, plates that are spring-biased together to support the handles, a chase formed of heat conductive metal having a shelf where the plates can be set, and a silicone form having a plurality of cavities therein for receiving the sponge forming material.

Abstract: Earplugs with soft foam bodies and with stiffeners in the bodies, are molded by suspending the stiffener in the body mold cavity using a pin (60) that extends into a passage (56) at the rear of the body. Each stiffener is tapered in diameter, with a rear end (34) of greatest diameter.

Abstract: A retractable pin reaction injection molding device and method for forming a layer on an object are disclosed and claimed. The device includes mold plates that cooperate to form a cavity. Retractable pins hold the object within the cavity. Material is inserted into the cavity under pressure to form a layer on the object. The pins are retracted and material fills the voids left by the retracted pins. A system prevents the material from flowing into the clearance between the pins and the mold plates. The system provides a counter pressure of a non-reacting gas to resist the material insertion pressure. The counter pressure may also be used to balance and control the material injection into the mold. Suitable materials for use with the apparatus and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminar “precured” or “replacement” tread for wheeled vehicles operating at night on retreaded tires is made more readily visible when grooves in the tires are provided with elastomeric strips or bands in which are embedded retroreflective elements such as transparent glass or synthetic resinous microspheres (referred to herein as “beads”). Upper surfaces of longitudinal ridges in a flat curing mold lend themselves to supporting the strips which are then precisely positioned in grooves defined by the ridges, when the flat tread is cured.

Abstract: An integral formation of a water conduit connector for sports water bags includes the following steps: 1) manufacturing molds, which comprises a hole allowing the core mold to go inside, a sprue, positioning holes, and top rejecting holes going through to the mold cave, inside of which is provided with threaded grooves and pipe neck portions; 2) disposing and positioning the water hose in the cave formed by the molds; 3) closing the molds and inserting a mobile core mold from the inlet into the molds, such that the core mold will stretch into the hose to serve as a padding for the interior wall of the hose; 4) injecting liquid hard plastic material from the sprue into the cave of the molds, such that a threaded connecting base can be integrally formed at the end of the hose; 5) detaching the molds; and 6) blowing high pressure air from the free end of the hose to force the core mold detaching from the interior wall of the hose, accordingly a firmly connected, integrally formed hose with a threaded connecting

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: A method is provided that uses half-period translations, ply-upon-pin repositions, and shape-maintaining pins with a bolster plate, with insertable nodal heating elements that provide heat at their rectangular ends and when driven under pressure against opposing pins with rectangular faces cure portions of a pre-impregnated fabric to make honeycomb core composite articles.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of eliminating the holding pin trace of a composite-molding of the dichromatic molding by refilling with resin by the pushing pin and preventing the lateral-shift of the primary molding during the refilling. It is made possible to fill closed recess and cavity with resin through a communicating hole formed in the primary molding by the pushing pin. A primary cavity mold 11 and a secondary cavity mold 12 are juxtaposed at symmetrical positions of a fixed plate 1. Core molds 14 closing alternately with both thereof are juxtaposed on a rotary table 7 installed on a movable platen 4. Holding pins 15 of the primary molding 30 and a resin pushing pin 16 are installed in the core mold 14 in a way to appear and disappear in respect to a cavity. The primary molding 30 is held in contact with the surface of the secondary cavity mold by the holding pin 15. A pin hole 20 for refilling resin is formed to be opened on a surface of the core mold by retracting the pushing pin 16.

Abstract: The elements of a tire pressure monitoring and transmitting system are encapsulated into a single package. A pressure sensitive device is covered with a flexible gel coat and then inserted into a molding tool cavity. A removable pin is incorporated into the molding tool and in its normal position is in contact with the gel. A molding compound is injected into the cavity so as to encapsulate the device and gel coat. When the pin is extracted and the device ejected from the molding cavity, an airway is left defined by the removable pin. The airway exposes the flexible gel covering the pressure sensitive device to the local air pressure, whereby the gel, being flexible, transfers the pressure to the pressure sensitive device.

Abstract: A method for forming an integrated trim plate in a single processing step. An appliqué section is reversibly securing to the lower section of a mold. A layer of thermoplastic covering is applied onto and over the appliqué section and lower section of the mold. A layer of foam is then injected between the thermoplastic covering and a substrate used to secure the integrated trim plate within a structure such as an automobile frame. The appliqué section may be magnetically secured to the lower section of the mold or may be physically secured within a forming section of the lower section.

Abstract: A method of foam-embedding cables, in particular for foam-embedding a steering wheel skeleton which is equipped with cables, comprises the following steps: the cable is positioned in a foaming mold; a portion of the cable, which is not to be embedded in foam, is positioned in a resealable cavity provided in the foaming mold, the cavity being sealed against the ingress of foam; the cavity and the foaming mold are closed; the foaming mold is filled with foam; and the foaming mold and the cavity are opened to remove a product produced. There is also proposed a foaming tool for performing such method.

Abstract: Optical windows for intracorporeal devices, intracorporeal devices comprising a window and a method for forming a window for an intracorporeal device are provided. The method comprises placing within a mold an assembly comprising a mandrel located within a pair of parts separated by a collar of window material, heating the window preform effective to cause the window material to soften, and applying force to urge together the pair of parts to deform the window material so as to form a window. The intracorporeal devices, such as imaging devices, include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes. In addition, the method is suitable for joining plastic parts to other parts, such as metal and ceramic parts.

Abstract: A method for forming a headliner assembly includes forming a main body blank having a periphery in a shape corresponding to a desired shape of the headliner assembly, the mold has a correspondingly shaped surface with a recess including an intermediate wall portion. The method includes introducing foam into the recess to simultaneously form at least one foam beam enclosing a selected component area, and join the at least one beam to the main body. The intermediate wall can be an accessory, and the beam may be formed to surround the component area. Additional foam application may be included to acoustically control the headliner's response to buzz, squeaks and rattles.

Abstract: A resin roller (10) is produced by disposing a core body (21) in a forming metal mold (1) having a cylindrical metal mold (13) and core supporting members (14) furnished at both edge parts of the cylindrical metal mold (13) as well as causing the core supporting members (14) to hold the both edge parts, and pouring a forming resin into the metal mold and solidifying it. The resin roller (10) has the core body (21) of the same outer diameter over a full length and a cylindrical resin-formed body (12), sealing members (24, 26) are furnished around the core body (21) in the vicinity of both edge parts of the resin-formed body (12), and the core body is disposed such that the sealing members (24, 26) contact edge faces (14a) at sides of a roller forming space of the core supporting members (14).

Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.

Abstract: A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.

Abstract: In a method for making a stainless steel reinforced belt pad for linear chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), a stainless steel band is disposed around an inner mold having positioners configured to hold the stainless steel band in place during a molding process. Once the stainless steel band is disposed around the inner mold, pad material is injected into the gap defined between the outer mold and the stainless steel band. An inner mold for making a stainless steel reinforced belt pad for linear CMP includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of positioners affixed to the cylindrical body. The plurality of positioners is arranged so as to hold a stainless steel band disposed around the cylindrical body in place during a molding process. By way of example, suitable positioners include spring-loaded ball plungers.