Abstract: Methods for making electronic devices where a molecular monolayer or multilayer is sandwiched between top and bottom electrodes at electrode intersections. The molecular layer has an electrical characteristic such as bistable switching. A layer of electrically conductive material is used to protect the molecular layer during formation of the top electrode pattern. The electrically conductive material remains sandwiched between the top and bottom electrodes at the electrode intersections in the final electronic device.

Abstract: A bistable electrical device (50) employing a bistable body (52) and a high conductivity material (54). A sufficient amount of high conductivity material (54) is included in the bistable body (52) to impart bistable between a low resistance state and a high resistance state by application of an electrical voltage (60).

Abstract: Thermally re-mendable cross-linked polymeric materials that can be repeatedly mended or repaired by simple thermal treatment. The polymeric materials are made by polymerizing furan monomers and maleimide monomers via the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction wherein the furan monomers have at least three furan moieties and the maleimide monomers have at least three maleimide moieties. The intermonomer linkages that form between the furan and maleimide monomers are thermally reversible and do not require the addition of catalysts, additional monomer or special surface treatments.

Abstract: A novel optical ruler based on ultrahigh-resolution colocalization of single fluorescent probes is described. Two unique families of fluorophores are used, namely energy-transfer fluorescent beads and semiconductor nanocrystal (NC) quantum dots, that can be excited by a single laser wavelength but emit at different wavelengths. A novel multicolor sample-scanning confocal microscope was constructed which allows one to image each fluorescent light emitter, free of chromatic aberrations, by scanning the sample with nanometer scale steps using a piezo-scanner. The resulting spots are accurately localized by fitting them to the known shape of the excitation point-spread-function of the microscope.

Abstract: Uncured composite materials (prepreg) are provided that are stable at room temperature over relatively long periods of time. The prepreg includes a solid epoxy resin matrix composed of a crystalline epoxy resin and a solid curing agent. The curing agent is preferably crystalline. The prepreg may include one or more property enhancement layers that increase the tackiness of the prepreg, increase the flexibility of the prepreg and/or reduce the amount of solid resin matrix that flakes from the prepreg during handling.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of inorganic nitrate salts are used to accelerate the gelling of epoxy gelcoat resins without adversely affecting the glass transition temperature of the finally cured gelcoat. The aqueous accelerants may be used to accelerate gelling of gelcoats that are formed during initial fabrication of composite parts. The aqueous acclerants are also useful for shortening the gel time of gelcoats that are intended for use in repairing damaged structures.

Abstract: Methods for making electronic devices where a molecular monolayer or multilayer is sandwiched between top and bottom electrodes at electrode intersections. The molecular layer has an electrical characteristic such as bistable switching. A layer of electrically conductive material is used to protect the molecular layer during formation of the top electrode pattern. The electrically conductive material remains sandwiched between the top and bottom electrodes at the electrode intersections in the final electronic device.

Abstract: A coating for metal sheets used in fabricating honeycomb structures. The coating includes a first layer located on the surface of the metal sheet. The first layer includes hydrated alumina dispersed in a binder. The coating may further include a second layer located on top of the first layer. The second layer includes a polymer sealant. The first and second layer form a coating which is corrosion resistant and bonds well to the node adhesives used in forming honeycomb structures.

Abstract: A system for sealing joints in roadways wherein nose plates are attached to each side of the joint to form a gap between the nose plates. A lower seal element is located in the gap between the nose plates. A vapor barrier is provided that extends between the top portions of the two nose plates. The vapor barrier includes edges that are attached to the tops of the nose plates utilizing anchor caps. An upper seal may be included that is located on top of the lower seal element. The upper seal is formed by applying a liquid sealant over the lower seal element and vapor barrier or by installing a preformed gasket that is anchored to the nose plates using the anchor caps.

Abstract: An improved resin for use in making honeycomb sandwich panels. The improvement involves modifying a phenolic resin so that the amount of smoke and heat generated during combustion is reduced. The reduction in smoke and heat generation is achieved by reducing the amount of phenol used to form the phenolic resin. The phenol is replaced by low-smoke producing sulfone compounds such as 4,4′-bisphenol-S, 3,3′-bisphenol-S, biphenol and bisphenol ethers which reduce the number of smoke producing methylene or methylene ether linkages present in the cured phenolic resin. The low-smoke producing resin may be used as a dip resin for coating the honeycomb or as the matrix resin for the core and face sheets of the sandwich panel.

Abstract: An energy absorbing composite tube for both mounting an impact member to a structure and absorbing impact energy. The composite tube includes a mounting portion that is inserted into a sleeve within the structure. A main tubular body portion is provided that is integral with the mounting portion. The main tubular body portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion to provide an impact shoulder. A delamination wedge is forced against the shoulder during an impact to cause delamination of the main tubular body portion. The delamination process absorbs energy from the impact. The mounting portion slides within the mounting sleeve during the impact so that it remains intact and provides a structural connection between the main tubular body portion and the impact member. The energy absorbing composite tube may be used to replace bumper mounting systems which utilize metallic tubes as part of the bumper mounting/energy absorption system.

Abstract: A method of forming a cellular material or “core” by immersing the core in water until it is sufficiently flexible to be molded around a tool into the required shape and then drying the formed core such that the core then retains that shape.

Abstract: An analytical instrument for analyzing fluids. The instrument includes a cartridge carousel assembly which receives analytical cartridges. The cartridges are self-contained units which incorporate a sample metering/separation system which is operated by centrifugal force. The cartridge carousel is composed of a cartridge rotor plate which includes a center and a plurality of cartridge ports which are located in spaced relation radially outward from the center of the plate. The analytical instrument further includes an optical detector which measures a detectable analytical property of the fluid sample which is provided by the optical element of the cartridge. The optical detector includes a radiation source which shines a beam of radiation on the optical element. The optical detector further includes a return beam detector which measures the return beam of radiation emitted by the optical element. The radiation source and return beam detector are both located on the same side of the cartridge rotor plate.

Abstract: Hydantoinase enzymes which are mutants of a previously isolated hydantoinase having the amino acid SEQ. ID. NO. 2. The mutants include amino acid substitutions at positions 95, 154, 180, 251 and/or 255 of the wild type hydantoinase (SEQ. ID. NO. 2). The mutant hydantoinases, like the parent hydantoinase, are used in the production of optically pure amino acids.

Abstract: Structurally strong composite sandwich panels are made using phenolic resin adhesives to bond the face sheets to the honeycomb. Certain configurations and combinations of phenolic resins and fire protection agents were found to provide low flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) panels which have high structural strength.

Abstract: Resin compositions are provided which are used in combination with fibers to form self-adhesive prepreg sheets that are applied to core materials to form sandwich panels. The prepreg resin includes a thermoset resin, a curing agent and a viscosity control agent. The prepreg resin further includes certain thermoplastic particles which are used to control the flow characteristics of the prepreg resin and the formation of fillets during bonding of the prepreg to the core material.

Abstract: A plate-shaped safety-component made of a composite material is equipped with support elements in opposite end regions of said component for anchoring to a supporting structure. To achieve an anchoring which allows for deformation of extension under an applied force, said support elements have bearing members made of honeycomb material disposed in at least one end region, are pressure loaded as a result of said anchoring forces (K), and in which the axial direction (T) of the honeycomb is aligned to the respective direction (R) of the anchoring force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretch breaking fibers wherein the formation of relatively small (lengths less than 30 microns) fractured fibers is substantially reduced. This reduction is achieved by applying a dampening fluid to the bundle of fibers during stretch breaking to dampen shockwaves generated during the fracturing process. The fractured fiber bundle may be subsequently treated with a sizing material to improve bundle cohesiveness and handling characteristics.