Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for electronically testing the safety of sources of energy such as electrical circuits, in explosive atmospheres such as high risk mining situations, using an electronic spark tester (EST) in place of the known mechanical spark test apparatus (STA). The EST typically uses an analogue subsystem (5) and a digital subsystem (6) connected by a digital to analogue converter (7) and an analogue to digital connector (8) to apply a simulated spark load to the energy source and measure the time varying current response to that load.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) radiation absorbing compounds of metal or metalloids with ligands are beneficial for many applications. Schiff base biquinone (SBB) ligands surrounding a metal or metalloid center may be used for laser welding applications, as one example, wherein effective infrared radiation absorption and heat resistance are required. These compounds may be known as Schiff base biquinone metal complexes (SBBC's). The compositions and methods of this invention provide examples of many different NIR absorbing compounds that exhibit high NIR absorbing strength, good thermal stability, and relatively low visible color. These NIR absorbing compounds may have application in many different applications, including laser welding of thermoplastics, and in IR reflecting fabrics.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) radiation absorbing compounds of metal or metalloids with ligands are beneficial for many applications. Schiff base biquinone (SBB) ligands surrounding a metal or metalloid center may be used for laser welding applications, as one example, wherein effective infared radiation absorption and heat resistance are required. These compounds may be known as Schiff base biquinone metal complexes (SBBC's). The compositions and methods of this invention provide examples of many different NIR absorbing compounds that exhibit high NIR absorbing strength, good thermal stability, and relatively low visible color. The IR absorbing compounds may employ one or more of the following elements: Si, Zr, Bi, Sb, Ce, Cs, K, Mo.

Abstract: This disclosure generally pertains to a method for manufacturing a distributed optical fiber scrim comprising a functional optical fiber, the functional optical fiber scrim thus manufactured, and composites in which an optical fiber scrim is incorporated. The present disclosure describes a variety of textile scrims, particularly adhesively bonded nonwoven scrim materials, each comprising at least one optical fiber with a continuous path across at least the length or width of the fabric. Such optical fiber scrims may be useful as sensor components (for example, as a detector of breakage, strain, pressure, or torque), as illumination components (for example, in a variety of light-providing applications), or as data-distribution components, either alone or in combination with other materials, such as fabrics, films, foams, and the like.