Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for making and using highly sustainable circuit assemblies are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the highly sustainable circuit assembly includes a substrate layer; and a pattern of contact points supported by the substrate layer. The pattern of contact points can be configured to correspond to at least one terminal of an electrical component. The pattern of contact points can include a deformable conductive material. The deformable conductive material can be a non-hazardous, readily reclaimable, readily recyclable material.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural member and a structural member produced thereby includes positioning a first composite section and a second composite section within a tool. The tool has an inner surface and a wall intersection and is supported by a tool platform. The tool platform and a pressure platform are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position. The tool has a non-planar outer surface against which the member may be pressed. A composite splice member is positioned at least partially overlapping both the first composite section and the second composite section to form a joint in the composite structural member. The composite structural member is pressed against the non-planar outer surface of the tool by applying pressure to the joint from a pressure bladder. Heat is applied to the composite structural member at the joint to cure the composite splice member to the first composite section and the second composite section.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural member and a structural member produced thereby includes positioning a first composite section and a second composite section within a tool. The tool has an inner surface and a wall intersection and is supported by a tool platform. The tool platform and a pressure platform are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position. The tool has a non-planar outer surface against which the member may be pressed. A composite splice member is positioned at least partially overlapping both the first composite section and the second composite section to form a joint in the composite structural member. The composite structural member is pressed against the non-planar outer surface of the tool by applying pressure to the joint from a pressure bladder. Heat is applied to the composite structural member at the joint to cure the composite splice member to the first composite section and the second composite section.

Abstract: A reed guard assembly is provided that may include a mouthpiece and a bracket configured for engaging the mouthpiece. A reed may be held by the bracket against the mouthpiece. A reed guard may also be provided and can be configured for being placed into a guarded position to protect a at least a portion of the reed from damage. The reed guard may be capable of being pivoted with respect to the mouthpiece from the guarded position.

Abstract: A composite structural member includes first and second composite sections spliced together by an overlapping composite splice member.

Abstract: A polymer-based reinforced rubber composition may be produced that comprises a) a plurality of polymer-based fibers, wherein at least some of the plurality of polymer-based fibers comprises at least one surface modification agent; and b) a rubber compound, wherein the rubber compound comprises a plurality of active rubber moieties, and wherein at least some of the plurality of active rubber moieties is adhesively interactive with the surface modification agent.

Abstract: A polymer-based reinforced rubber composition may be produced that comprises a) a plurality of polymer-based fibers, wherein at least some of the plurality of polymer-based fibers comprises at least one surface modification agent; and b) a rubber compound, wherein the rubber compound comprises a plurality of active rubber moieties, and wherein at least some of the plurality of active rubber moieties is adhesively interactive with the surface modification agent.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorphous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2.degree. to 10.degree. C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E.sub.4.5 +FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9.degree. to 14.degree. C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorphous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2.degree. to 10.degree. C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E.sub.4.5 +FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9.degree. to 14.degree. C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Yarns are prepared by spinning PEN or other semi-crystalline polyester polymers made from similarly rigid monomer combinations to a state of optimum amorphous orientation and crystallinity. This is accomplished by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn polyester yarn of birefringence at least 0.030. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio of between 1.5/1 and 6.0/1 with the resulting drawn semi-crystalline polyester yarn having Tg greater than 100.degree. C. and a melting point elevation at least 8.degree. C. The preferred yarn has a tenacity at least 6.5 g/d, dimensional stability (EASL+Shrinkage) of less than 5%, and shrinkage 4% or less. The resulting yarn exhibits surprisingly high modulus and tenacity together with low shrinkage when compared to prior art yarns.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under high stress conditions in the transition region between oriented-amorphous and oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns by selection of process parameters to form an undrawn yarn that is a crystalline, partially oriented yarn with a crystallinity of 3 to 15 percent and a melting point elevation of 2.degree. to 10.degree. C. The spun yarn is then hot drawn to a total draw ratio between 1.5/1 and 2.5/1 with the resulting properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E.sub.4.5 +FS<13.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 7 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 9.degree. to 14.degree. C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord provides high tenacity in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under very high-stress conditions wherein oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns are obtained. Selection of process parameters yields a partially oriented semicrystalline undrawn yarn with a crystallinity of 16 to 24 percent and a melting point elevation of 14.degree. to 22.degree. C. which is drawn to produce the resulting unique combination of properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E.sub.4.5 +FS<11.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 5 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 14.degree. to 22.degree. C., preferably 17.degree. to 20.degree. C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord unexpectedly provides high ultimate elongation and high toughness in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: A process for production of a dimensionally stable drawn polyethylene terephthalate multifilament yarn having filaments of at least 2.5 denier per filament comprising the steps of:a) extruding a polyethylene terephthalate polymer melt through a spinnerette having a plurality of extrusion orifices to form filaments;b) advancing the extruded multifilament yarn first through a delay zone then through a quenching zone to solidify the filaments in a controlled manner;c) withdrawing the solidified multifilament yarn from the quenching zone at a desired spinning speed V;whereby steps a) through c) are performed under conditions to form a partially-oriented multifilament yarn having a undrawn birefringence (.DELTA.n.sub.u) of at least 0.020 and wherein .DELTA.n.sub.u =R.sub.f V.sup.2.0 IV.sup.2.4 where IV is the intrinsic viscosity of the undrawn yarn and is at least 0.80 and R.sub.f is at least 9.0.times.10.sup.-3 ; thend) hot drawing the partially-oriented multifilament yarn.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate yarn is prepared by spinning under very high-stress conditions wherein oriented-crystalline undrawn yarns are obtained. Selection of process parameters yields a partially oriented semicrystalline undrawn yarn with a crystallinity of 16 to 24 percent and a melting point elevation of 14.degree. to 22.degree. C. which is drawn to produce the resulting unique combination of properties: (A) a terminal modulus of at least 20 g/d, (B) a dimensional stability defined by E.sub.4.5 +FS<11.5 percent, (C) a tenacity of at least 5 grams per denier, (D) a melting point elevation of 14.degree. to 22.degree. C., preferably 17.degree. to 20.degree. C., and (E) an amorphous orientation function of less than 0.75. The resulting treated tire cord unexpectedly provides high ultimate elongation and high toughness in combination with improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: A heterogeneous blend of elastomers having a stabilized morphology, as well as the method of making the same, comprises at least two radiation cross-linkable elastomers which form a heterogeneous blend. The radiation cross-linkable elastomer components are selected from the class consisting of conjugated dienes having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, natural rubber, polyalkenamers such as polypentenamer, chlorinated polyolefinic elastomers having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms such as chlorinated polyethylene, ethylenepropylene terpolymers, polysiloxanes, nitrile rubber, butadiene-acrylic copolymers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, butadiene vinyl pyridine copolymers, substituted phosphazenes, aliphatic polyesters which are substantially non-crystalline and have 6 carbon atoms or more in the repeating unit, preferably from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, butyl copolymers containing groups with unsaturation, a butadiene-styrene copolymer and a copolymer, terpolymer, etc.

Abstract: A vibration damper for use in a turbine rotor of a high temperature gas turbine is disclosed. The damper is loosely mounted in an opening formed between adjacent blade rails, the end of the rotor disk connector, and sections of adjacent blade necks between the rails and the disk connector. A cover plate positioned against one side of the turbine blade and a projection extending downwardly from the other side of the turbine blade confines the damper axially in the opening.

Abstract: A container such as a metal top can containing a liquid to be dispensed by perforating the can top has an annular metal top having a concentric opening sealed with an easily perforatable thin film material. The thin film material extends across adjacent to the undersurface of the annular metal top and is sandwiched between the container top and the can body at the rim in a usual rim bead crimping operation, which leaves a projecting edge portion of the thin film outside of the rim. This edge of the film is then melted away by a hot sleeve or by spinning the sealed can relative to a hot element. The thin film material, which may be a polyester plastic, is selected to be sufficiently strong to protect the container contents during normal handling yet is more readily perforatable than the container top itself would be.

Abstract: A container such as a metal top can containing a liquid to be dispensed by perforating the can top has an annular metal top having a concentric opening sealed with an easily perforatable thin film material. The thin film material extends across adjacent to the undersurface of the annular metal top and is sandwiched between the container top and the can body at the rim in a usual rim bead crimping operation, which leaves a projecting edge portion of the thin film outside of the rim. This edge of the film is then melted away by a hot sleeve or by spinning the sealed can relative to a hot element. The thin film material, which may be a polyester plastic, is selected to be sufficiently strong to protect the container contents during normal handling yet is more readily perforatable than the container top itself would be.