When forming a toothed portion on the outer section of a blank by contacting a tooth profile-forming portion of a forming die with a curved portion of the blank, the first projection of the blank is accommodated in a first depression, and a load is applied axially to a center section of the blank so a material of the blank flows radially outward. The material of the blank at the first projection flows in the axial direction to inside the first depression, and the material of the blank at an intermediate section between the center and the outer section flows in axially to inside a second depression to form a second projection. When the load is maximized, a space is provided between a toothed portion and the tooth profile-forming portion, between the first projection and the forming die, and between the second projection and the forming die.

In order to provide a steel sheet for hot pressing from which a hot-pressed part excellent in perforation corrosion resistance is obtainable and a method of manufacturing a hot-pressed part using the steel sheet for hot pressing, provided is a steel sheet for hot pressing having, sequentially on a surface of a base steel sheet: a plating layer I containing 60% by mass or more of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 0.01 to 5 g/m2; and a plating layer II containing 10 to 25% by mass of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 10 to 90 g/m2.

Provided is a steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article, which has an improved durability against so-called cuts, such as notches and perforations, which are generated in the case of treading on an obtusely or sharply pointed projection, without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord, and without increasing the thickness in the radial direction, namely without increasing the weight of a tire, as well as a tire using the steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article as a reinforcing material, especially a construction vehicle tire. Also provided is a steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles with a multi-twisted structure formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand formed by twisting a plurality of wires, and the core strand being constituted of an at least three-layer-twisted structure formed by twisting core filaments and sheath filaments. The lowest tensile breaking strength of filament bs and the tensile breaking strength of steel cord Bc satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula: bs/Bc×100≧0.65.

A hybrid yarn for producing molded parts having a thermoplastic matrix and reinforcing fibers embedded therein. The hybrid yarn includes a core substantially made of staple fibers aligned in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the hybrid yarn, and a cover made substantially of staple fibers wound helically about the core. The staple fibers forming the core and the staple fibers forming the cover each are made of an intimate mixture of thermoplastic matrix fibers and reinforcing fibers.

A steel cord for reinforcement of rubber articles, whose cord strength is enhanced by preventing occurrence of preceding break of the outermost layer filaments in the steel cord having a multi-twisted structure, and a pneumatic tire using it as a reinforcing material are provided. In a steel cord for reinforcement of rubber articles having a multi-twisted structure in which a plurality of strands are twisted together, which strands have a layered twisted structure in which a plurality of steel filaments are twisted together, dc/ds, which represents the ratio between dc, the diameter of outermost layer sheath filaments constituting the outermost layer sheath of a core strand, and ds, the diameter of outermost layer sheath filaments constituting the outermost layer sheath of sheath strands, is 1.05 to 1.25.

Without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord, and without increasing the thickness in the radial direction, a steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article, which improves durability against cut, as well as a construction vehicle tire utilizing the steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article as a reinforcing material is provided. A steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article is formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands 2 formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand 1 formed by twisting a plurality of wires, wherein the core strand 1 is constituted of a 4-layer-twisted structure and the diameter of the steel cord is 5 mm or larger. The tire of the present invention is a tire which has a belt constituted with 6 belt plies with cords arrayed on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire at a crown part of the carcass, which are crossed between the laminated plies, and wherein the steel cords for reinforcing a rubber article are applied to the third belt layer and the fourth belt layer.

A removable device for attaching two mechanical parts includes a pin removably locking a first part with respect to a second part, a retainer member on the pin and a resiliently loaded tension member which collaborate to prevent the pin from coming out of its locked position; the removable device further includes at least two inclined surfaces, the general shape of which is that of a projection oriented in the axial direction of the pin, such that when the pin rotates, the retainer member runs along the inclined surfaces and the pin moves between the locked position and unlocked position against a force exerted on the pin along a longitudinal axial direction of the pin exerted by the tension member.

An electronic smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a mechanical aerosol converter insert having the capacity to improve characteristics of aerosol produced by the aerosol generator, including sensory attributes.

A flavor delivery release system for a cigarette or cigarette package. The system includes a cigarette, at least one capsule containing a flavorant, the capsule positioned on an external surface of the cigarette; and wherein the flavorant is released upon rupturing the capsule.

Delivery of additives in a smoking article is provided through thermally degradable, robust immobilized additive inserts. Additives can be immobilized in an elongated device or an insert, wherein the elongated device or the insert is sufficiently robust to allow the elongated device or the insert to be manually or machine inserted into a smoking article while maintaining the structure of the elongated device or the insert. By providing additives in the form of thermally degradable immobilized additive inserts, migration and/or loss of the additives in a smoking article prior to smoking can be reduced.

A smoking composition for inclusion in a combustible smoking article includes a combustible organic material, such as tobacco and/or tobacco substitutes and at least one alkanoylated glycoside for enhancing the flavor of mainstream smoke. Optionally, dry hops extract can also be included in the smoking composition.

Machine (1) for packaging articles (2) inside containers (3), a conveyor (6) is provided with a longitudinally movable transporting section (7) for feeding the articles (2) in a given direction (D) and along a given conveying path (P); a robot (23), which is arranged along the conveying path (P) and controlled by an operating and control device depending on detection at least of the position of each article (2) on the transporting section (7), picks up single articles (2) from the transporting section (7) and transfers each picked-up article (2) inside a container (3); the transporting section (7) is delimited transversely by two side walls (18) stabilizing the position and direction of each article (2) with respect to the transporting section (7); on the latter the articles (2) are stably seated between the side walls (18), one behind another in a row, in the conveying direction (D).

An article sorting and conveying device that conveys articles by the vibrations of a movable body provided through an elastic support unit, includes a first vibration unit that imparts a periodic vibration force to the movable body in a direction inclined from a vertical direction; a second vibration unit that imparts a periodic vibration force in a direction crossing the periodic vibration force by the first vibration unit; and a vibration control unit that causes a periodic vibration force imparted by each vibration unit to have a phase difference and occur simultaneously at the same frequency, and that creates an elliptical vibration trajectory in the movable body. The articles are sorted and conveyed on the movable body by setting the vibration trajectory of the movable body by the vibration control unit such that articles having a different coefficient of friction are conveyed in different directions.

In one embodiment, a server of a first wireless communication network receives a wireless communication originated by a terminal of the first wireless communication network, the wireless communication containing a current geographic location of the terminal as determined by the terminal. The server may then determine acceptable communication parameters for the terminal to communicate on the first wireless communication network, e.g., based on preventing transmission by the terminal that might interfere with operation of one or more unintended receivers. The server then generates an instruction message for the terminal based on the acceptable communication parameters, and transmits the instruction message toward the terminal to cause the terminal to only continue transmitting according to acceptable communication parameters.

The invention relates to an artificial turf, comprising a backing and a number of artificial grass blades connected to the backing and extending transversely of the surface thereof, which artificial grass blades have an irregular, in particular a locally narrowed, cross-section. Owing to this locally narrowed cross-section in the vicinity of the free end thereof, these artificial grass blades greatly resemble natural blades of grass and also display similar behavior. The invention also relates to a method for forming such an artificial turf and to a device with which this method can be performed. The narrowed cross-section can herein be formed by stretching the artificial grass blades, wherein the artificial grass blades can be plasticized before, during and/or after the stretching, for instance by local heating thereof.

A portable apparatus is removably and communicatively connectable to a network device to communicate authentication or authorization credentials of a user in connection with the user logging into or entering into a transaction with a network site. The apparatus includes a communications port to connect and disconnect the apparatus to and from the network device and to establish a communication link with the network device when connected thereto. A processor receives a secure message from the network security server via the port. The message has a PIN for authenticating the user to the network site, and is readable only by the apparatus. The processor either transfers, via the port, the received PIN to an application associated with the network site that is executing on the network device or causes the apparatus to display the received PIN for manual transfer to the application associated with the network site.

A method of making a basket-like or other decorative article from pine needles comprising the steps of twisting and arranging pine needles, stitching the pine needles with a sewing needle and thread, so as to form a surface or wall, forming a basket-like object, the outer and inner surfaces of which are sealed with a protective coating, such as varnish.

A system and method of constructing a substantially decorative article without the need for fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the decorative article is a woven basket. One or more retainers are provided to retain the material used to construct the outer surface of the decorative article. Each retainer is provided with a channel for receiving one end of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article. The channels are able to retain the ends of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article without the need for fasteners. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is sufficiently rigid, the decorative article will be self-supporting. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is not sufficiently self-supporting, supports may be located between the retainers. The channels may be oriented at an angle, or may be provided with a texture, to assist in retaining the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article.

In a starter, an output shaft is supported by a main tube body according to a direct contacting structure that outer surfaces other than a male helical spline and inner surfaces other than a female helical spline of a pinion tube contact directly. Thereby, the output shaft can be supported by the pinion tube without other parts. As a result, a clearance that occurs in a radial direction can be limited to a clearance in the radial direction formed between an outer surfaces of the output shaft and an inner surfaces of the pinion tube regarding a support of the output shaft by the pinion tube, and since an inclination of the pinion tube and the pinion relative to the output shaft can be suppressed, a life improvement effect of the starter can be enhanced.

A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine can include a base, a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, an electronic circuit that receives the position signals from the transducers, a first inclinometer coupled to the base, wherein the inclinometer is configured to produce a first electrical signal responsive to an angle of tilt of the base and an electrical system configured to record a first reading of the first inclinometer and a second reading of the first inclinometer, wherein the first reading is in response to at least one of a first force applied to the base and a third force applied to the mounting structure, wherein the second reading is in response to at least one of a second force applied to the base and a fourth force applied to the mounting structure.

The invention relates to an autonomous system for determining items of information representative of the movement of an articulated chain (CA—1, CA—2, CA—3) comprising at least two solid elements (ES1—1, ES2—1, ES1—2, ES2—2, ES3—2, ES1—3, ES2—3, ES3—3, ES4—3) and at least one articulation (ART1—1, ART1—2, ART2—2, ART1—3, ART2—3, ART3—3) connecting said two elements. The system comprises at least two devices (DISP1—1, DISP2—1, DISP1—2, DISP2—2, DISP3—2, DISP1—3, DISP2—3, DISP3—3, DISP4—3) for measuring inter-device distances, mounted fixedly on two distinct elements of said articulated chain and suitable for transmitting the measurements made. Moreover, the system comprises means for determining at least one distance separating two measuring devices based on at least one measurement supplied by a measuring device, and calculation means (CALC), mounted on said articulated chain, suitable for calculating items of information representative of the movement of said articulated chain based on the measurements transmitted by said devices for measuring inter-device distances.

A planning and guiding method and excavation guiding device correctly implant an artificial tooth root at a predetermined site, perform various excavation processes on a cortical bone section and a spongy bone section by stage-based guidance, and guide eccentric excavation of the cortical bone section and concentric excavation of the spongy bone section according to a bone pattern, such that the artificial tooth root thus implanted is not only positioned at a planned ideal site but also manifests appropriate initial stability.

A damper device has a dynamic damper that includes a mass body and vibration absorption springs that couple the mass body and an intermediate member to each other. The vibration absorption springs are arranged side by side with outer springs in the circumferential direction. The mass body has spring abutment portions that abut against end portions of the vibration absorption springs. The intermediate member has first outer spring abutment portions that abut against end portions of the outer springs and second outer spring abutment portions that abut against end portions of the vibration absorption springs on the radially inner side with respect to the spring abutment portions. The first outer spring abutment portions extend toward the radially outer side with respect to the second outer spring abutment portions.

Systems and methods for applying markings to an article are disclosed. One aspect comprises providing a dye pad shaped to correspond to a desired marking; applying an infusion dye to the dye pad; applying an activation solution to the infusion dye, thereby forming an infusion dye mixture; placing the dye pad in contact with a discrete area of an outer surface of the article; leaving the dye pad in contact with the outer surface of the article under room temperature and pressure, for a duration sufficient to allow the infusion dye mixture to open a polymeric structure of a material of the outer surface and to allow the infusion dye to penetrate the outer surface and form the desired marking within a substrate of the article; and removing the dye pad from the outer surface. An infusion dyeing kit and method for supplying a kit are also disclosed.

The present application relates to encapsulated benefit agents, compositions comprising such encapsulated benefit agents and processes for making and using compositions comprising such encapsulated benefit agents that do not require or require a reduced amount of scavenger materials. Such encapsulated benefit agents, compositions comprising such encapsulated benefit agents are processed such that no or lower levels of scavenger materials are required.

The invention discloses a laundry article used for both cleaning and conditioning fabrics comprising a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate and coated thereon into at least one zone each a detergent composition and a fabric conditioning composition. The fabric conditioning composition comprises a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and a fatty acid.

A bluing composition concentrate comprises an aqueous medium and at least one colorant that exhibits a blue or violet shade when deposited onto a textile material. The concentrate can be used to produce a bluing composition, and the bluing composition can be used to treat textile materials in such a way as to decrease the visually-perceived yellow coloration of textile articles that can occur with repeated use and laundering.

A method for starting the normal operation of an electrical system with a fuel cell and a transducer from a stop mode is disclosed. The transducer absorbs the electrical power of the fuel cell, in which at least one reactant supply of the fuel cell was interrupted, where the interrupted reactant supply is resumed from a restart signal, and where a fuel cell voltage is prescribed and then regulated by the transducer. The prescribed fuel cell voltage is prescribed in a way that an electrical unloaded fuel cell supplied with reactants will exceed the prescribed fuel cell voltage in every case, and the current of the transducer necessary for maintaining the prescribed fuel cell voltage is measured, where the normal operation is released as of a prescribed current necessary to that effect.

Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.

The present invention refers to a process of making a fibrous structure, wherein roughly graded material is provided to rotating, apertured drums. The drums have at least one needle roll in their inside. The roughly graded material is agitated inside the drums, whereby fibers or small fiber clusters are separated from each other. These fibers and small fiber clusters are flung through the apertures to the outside of the drum, where they are directed onto a foraminous carrier to form a fibrous structure. The fibrous structures are especially useful in absorbent articles.

A working assembly (1) includes a rotatable hollow drum or cylinder (2) having a cylindrical wall (3) with ends having transverse header walls (4) with openings (16, 17), and with a longitudinal shaft (5). The external lateral surface of the cylindrical wall (3) has a clothing device intended to interact with the fibers being carded. First and second support uprights (6, 7) are fixed in operation, and adapted to support the ends of the shaft (5) of the drum or cylinder (2) for rotation about a preferably horizontal axis. The support uprights (6, 7) and the drum or cylinder (2) are configured and coupled with each other such as to define at least one fluid path for a flow of a refrigerating fluid, which extends through the openings (16, 17) and inside the drum or cylinder (2) and is adapted to cause cooling of the lateral cylindrical wall (3) thereof.

A connection device for setting up an arrangement of a plurality of loudspeaker boxes that are suspended beneath one another comprises a first assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a first loudspeaker box and to which a latching part is attached, and a second assembly rail which is provided for assembly on a second loudspeaker box and to which a retaining element that interacts with the latching part is attached. Herein, a free path length of a longitudinal displaceability of the latching part in relation to the first assembly rail is preselectable. Furthermore, the position of the retaining element in relation to the second assembly rail is preselectable.

This invention is a mounting system for a loudspeaker system that is capable of positioning and re-positioning the box-like device of the loudspeaker without requiring the use of any retaining/tensioning fasteners. A bracket facilitates constraining the positioning and repositioning for the roll and pitch axes while simultaneously providing audible feedback angular movement indication that enable vertical and horizontal orientation with respect both to the installation environment and to match its positioning to other like installed systems.

The invention discloses a body cushioning pad, a body contact mat and a multi-layered cushioning structure composed of the body cushioning pad and the body contact mat. The cushioning pad consists of a plurality of foam blocks, each provided with an internal cavity having a predetermined size and shape to control the firmness of the block and means for maintaining the foam blocks as a unit. The body contact mat is a bi-dimensional latticed structure of spaced-apart studs made of a compressible material linked together by flexible linking elements. The multi-layered cushioning structure comprises both the cushioning pad and the body contact mat, and a wrapper to wrap the cushioning pad and the contact mat together.

A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.

This invention relates to a burner (1) for burning a suspension of solid fuel in oxygen containing gas. A portion of the suspension is passed through a first conduit (10) which contains a bluff body (12) and helical vanes to impart turbulence and swirl to the suspension. A further portion of the suspension is passed through a second conduit (40) which is coaxial with the first conduit. Means for varying the relative sizes of each portion are provided. The arrangement allows improved fuel/air mixing, flame shape, heat transfer and control of NOx emissions.

A fire starter includes a casing made from a first material a first material having a first time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the casing burns after being ignited. A second material disposed in the casing has a second time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the second material burns after being ignited. An igniter, disposed in the casing and adjacent to the second material, generates a first thermal event to ignite the second material wherein the second material combusts to define a second thermal event that ignites the first material. An actuator is coupled to the igniter and is positioned outside of the casing for activating the igniter to generate the first thermal event.

A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry.

Various embodiments concern a suspension assembly of a disk drive. The suspension assembly includes a load beam comprising a major planar area formed from a substrate. The load beam further comprises a window in the substrate, a dimple formed from the substrate, and a flange. The flange is a region of the major planar area that extends partially around the dimple but does not extend along an edge of the dimple. The edge of the dimple is adjacent to the window. The dimple is in contact with the flexure. A HAMR block or other element can extend through the window. The lack of a full flange can minimize the necessary clearance between the dimple and the HAMR block or other element and thereby allow the window to be enlarged to accommodate the HAMR block or other element.

The invention relates to a path-controlled adjustment device for a window pane of a motor vehicle, with a carrier assembly, with at least two guideways provided at the carrier assembly, which define an adjustment path for an adjustable window pane and which are spaced from each other transversely to the adjustment path, and with a driver which on the one hand includes means for connection of the window pane to be adjusted and which on the other hand is in engagement with the guideways so as to be longitudinally movable. The carrier assembly consists of at least two carrier elements which are connected with each other at a plurality of fixing points. On at least one carrier element fixing points, via which that carrier element is to be fixed at a further carrier element of the carrier assembly, are connected with each other by reinforcement paths.

Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some cases, the apparatuses and methods involve providing a deposition device, such as a printing device; providing a transfer component; depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device; modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article; and transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article.

An adjusting method for adjusting an imprint apparatus includes a preparation step of preparing a sample for evaluating a state in which a contact region of a test mold is in contact with an imprint material supplied on a substrate; an evaluation step of evaluating the sample; and an adjustment step of adjusting the imprint apparatus based on a result of evaluation obtained in the evaluation step. The contact region includes a flat region which does not include a pattern, the evaluation in the evaluation step includes a first evaluation, which is an evaluation of a state of the imprint material in the flat region, and the imprint apparatus is adjusted based on a result of the first evaluation in the adjustment step.

A device for separating carbon dioxide from a gas stream, in particular from a flue gas stream, includes an absorber for separating the carbon dioxide from the gas stream by means of a washing medium, a desorber which is fludically connected to the absorber to release the absorbed carbon dioxide from the washing medium, a gas cooler which is fludically connected upstream of the absorber to cool the gas stream, and a processing unit which is connected downstream of the gas cooler and which is equipped and designed to clean water from the gas cooler. A method separates carbon dioxide from a gas stream.

The invention relates to a drain (1'), in particular for floor level showers, the drain comprising a pot shaped drain housing (1.1) including a shell or pot shaped base component (1.2) without a pipe connection, a laterally disposed pipe connection (1.5) and an inlet opening (1.3) at a top side of the base component, and an immersion pipe (2) which is insertable into the drain housing through the inlet opening (1.3) and defines a stench trap with the drain housing. In order to be able to adapt such a drain to various installation conditions in a flexible manner, so that the installation height, water lock height and drain output of the drain is variable, the invention provides a solution wherein the base component (1.2) is connected in an elevation-adjustable and liquid-tight manner with the drain housing (1.1).

A profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers includes an upper region, a center region and a lower region forming at least one anchor. The upper region is designed as a piping, or in the manner of a piping, for protruding over a visible side of the skins to be positioned. The center region includes two sides to be sewn to the decorative layers. The anchor is designed to be introduced in a groove having a lesser width than the anchor itself and to exert a force on the groove in the lateral direction. The upper region, the center region and the anchor are integral with each other and arranged in the vertical direction relative to each other. Also described is a composite part that uses the profiled retaining section.

A funerary urn includes a receptacle (1) that has an opening (4) that is equipped with a removable sealing partition (11) for introducing ashes. The urn is equipped with side walls (3), a lower wall (2), and an upper wall (5), with one of the walls being removable in order to open and close the urn, the urn also including first and second inside compartments (6, 7) that each has an access element that is independent of the other and separate from the opening (4) for introducing ashes. The first compartment is equipped with a window (8) toward the outside, and the second compartment is completely concealed. The urn is designed for the perpetuation of memory because it makes it possible to preserve an emotional and material trace of the deceased individual thanks to independent compartments of the receptacle receiving the ashes.

The invention relates to a device (10) for actuating the closure of a movable part (12) of a motor vehicle, in particular a door, or hatchback, or similar, comprising a support (11) that can be fixed to the inner face of the movable part (12), a bearing unit (20) that can be pivoted about a first axis (13) provided on the support (11) and a handle element (40) with a first (41) and a second end (42), the second end (42) being fixed to the bearing unit (20), whereby the handle element (40) can be pivoted together with the bearing unit (20). According to the invention, the first end (41) is pivotally mounted on the first axis (13) and at least one bearing element (22, 22a, 22b) is provided for the horizontal bearing of the first end (41), said bearing element being located in the region of the first axis (13).

A cylinder (1), particularly for a vibration damper, includes a base (3) and a sleeve-shaped add-on part (5) which at least partially surrounds the cylinder (1) and which has at an end of the cylinder a radially inwardly directed edge profile. The edge profile (11) contacts an end face of the cylinder (1) in a noncontacting manner with respect to the base.

A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.