Abstract: The present techniques provide a method for making wear surfaces comprising a thermoplastic matrix blended with ceramic particles. The wear surfaces may optionally contain other materials, such as friction modifying additives. Wear surfaces formed according to these techniques may be used to protect such surfaces as the side rails of conveyor belts, the teeth of buckets used on front end loaders, rock or debris chutes, and self dumping hoppers, among others.

Abstract: An impact-resistant structure such as a lightweight armor plate includes a woven cloth at least partially permeated with a thermoplastic resin and laminated to a thermoplastic plate or other body

Abstract: The present techniques provide a method for making wear surfaces comprising a thermoplastic matrix blended with ceramic particles. The wear surfaces may optionally contain other materials, such as friction modifying additives. Wear surfaces formed according to these techniques may be used to protect such surfaces as the side rails of conveyor belts, the teeth of buckets used on front end loaders, rock or debris chutes, and self dumping hoppers, among others.

Abstract: The present techniques include a field armor system comprising hollow structures designed to be filled with field materials, such as soil, sand, rocks, or clay. At least one face of the structures is made from a projectile resistant plastic composite. The projectile resistant plastic composite panel may be made from a ceramic plastic composite, a fiber plastic composite, or interspersed layers of both. In one embodiment, the hollow structure comprises four connected panels that may be collapsed when empty. In another embodiment, the hollow structure may comprise hollow bricks designed to interlock to form a protective wall.

Abstract: A conductive soft-durometer fire-retardant mixture comprises a thermoplastic base elastomer material, a fire-retardant material and metal-coated graphite fibers. The resulting mixture is easily molded, relatively low-cost and recyclable.

Abstract: A captive fastener assembly for non-releasable securement to a subassembly formed at least in part of a soft, ductile material and for operatively connecting such subassemblies to other members. A retainer cup has a set of projecting undercuts on its sidewall for grasping the ductile material of the subassembly through welding to prevent the captive fastener from being pulled out or away from the subassembly. A fastener member is journalled through an opening in the retainer cup to secure the subassembly to the other member, thereby forming an integral structure that resists loosening or falling apart. The captive fasteners of the present invention are simple and economical to manufacture and greatly increase the structural integrity and safety of structures that utilize them.

Abstract: A cable anchor assembly for facilitating ready anchored connection of cables to components while protecting the cables from external forces and from moisture. The assembly includes a plurality of plates slidably engageable along a rail for facilitating relative movement between the plates. Each plate has an engaging edge that defines a portion of a formable collar in which a cable is receivable. A fixture, such as a rubber boot, is placed over a section of the cable and, with the plates separated, the cable section is placed between the formable collar portions, whereupon the plates are brought into sliding edge-to-edge contact with each other to enclose the cable section and boot. With the plates in contact, a securing mechanism is operated to maintain contact between the plates. In a preferred embodiment, the boot is configured to create a substantially water-resistant seal between the cable section and the movable plates.