Abstract: Shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers. The shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers being synthesized by filling an alignment cell with liquid crystal monomers. The liquid crystal monomers align to a surface of the alignment cell and then are polymerized with a dithiol chain transfer agent. The alignment cell is configured to impose a director orientation on a portion of the shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomer. For some embodiments, liquid crystal elastomer laminates are prepared by arranging a plurality of liquid crystal elastomers such that a director orientation of each liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality is in registered alignment with an adjacent liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality. The arrangement is secured and the plurality of liquid crystal elastomers cured.

Abstract: A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.

Abstract: A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.

Abstract: A process for making thin walled hollow polymeric articles or for forming a polymeric coating on a substrate, comprises contacting a suitably shaped former on a substrate to be coated with a solution of an amine-terminated prepolymer having a functionality of at least 2 in an organic solvent to form a coating on the former or substrate, drying the coating on the former or substrate, then contacting the coating on the former or substrate with a solution of a polyfunctional curing agent which is capable of reacting with the amino end groups of the prepolymer to cause chain extension and/or cross-linking of the latter.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bandage is described which comprises a support carrying a vinyl compound, which compound polymerizes when exposed to a water-activated vinyl polymerization catalyst, characterized in that the vinyl compound is a hydrophilic prepolymer which contains not less than two polymerizable vinyl groups. Use of a hydrophilic prepolymer which contains not less than two polymerizable vinylic groups results in a storage stable bandage which on exposure to a water activated polymerization catalyst produces a cast of good strength.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bandage is described which comprises a support carrying a vinyl compound, which compound polymerizes when exposed to a water-activated vinyl polymerization catalyst. The vinyl compound is a hydrophilic prepolymer which contains more than one polymerizable vinyl group. This prepolymer is in association with at least one component of a water-activatable vinyl polymerization redox catalyst in solid form in a water pervious coating which is insoluble in the prepolymer. Encapsulation of one component of the catalyst system in a water pervious coating provides a storage stable bandage which is activated by immersion in water and gives a satisfactory working time for immobilizing a limb compared to use of an uncoated catalyst.