Abstract: A method and devices are described, in which a transformable fiber at a first crystal structure is shaped from its pre-determined configuration into a new shaped configuration. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is inserted into a cavity of a heat and fire protective item. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is heated to above its transformation temperature to a second crystal structure. The heating transforms the new shaped configuration to its pre-determined configuration, wherein the pre-determined configuration forms an air pocket within the heat and fire protective item. The transformable fiber is cooled below its transformation temperature to revert the transformable fiber back to the new shaped configuration at the first crystal structure.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a derrick, a swivel assembly coupled to the derrick, and a drill string coupled to the swivel assembly. The drill string includes a plurality of pipe sections, each having an insert providing a material and/or geometrical discontinuity in the pipe section, the plurality of pipe sections forming periodic cells collectively operative to selectively block propagation of vibrations in the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated sensor for monitoring the allowable heat exposure time for firefighters, and to protective equipment containing such a sensor. More specifically, the invention concerns a system for providing a firefighter with improved information as to the firefighter's remaining safe fire exposure time. The system comprises: a sensor for monitoring ambient temperature, moisture transfer, and/or additional data relevant to the firefighter's remaining fire exposure time; a computer processor that is programmed to execute an algorithm for processing the sensed data to determine such remaining fire exposure time; and a warning notification system for communicating such remaining exposure time to the firefighter. In preferred embodiments, the sensor of the present invention monitors thermal conditions at the outer surface of protective equipment and generates information, preferably instantaneously, concerning the maximum allowable residence of an individual in a fire environment.

Abstract: A new method and device for actively-controlled constrained layer (ACLD) treatment which can be used as an effective means for damping out vibrations and sounds from flexible structures are described. The ACLD treatment consists of a visco-elastic damping layer which is sandwiched between two piezo-electric layers. The three-layer composite ACLD, when bonded to a surface which is subject to vibrational and/or sound disturbances, acts as a smart constraining layer damping treatment with built-in sensing and actuation capabilities. The sensing capability is provided by the piezo-electric layer bonded to the surface of the flexible structure, whereas the actuation or control capability is generated by the other piezo-electric layer which acts as an active constraining layer.