Abstract: A cooling system includes a first stage heat reservoir arranged to absorb heat from a heat source. Heat is transferred from the first stage heat reservoir to a second stage heat reservoir. The first stage heat reservoir includes a material with a heat capacity lower than that of the second stage heat reservoir but with a thermal conductivity higher than that of the second stage heat reservoir. Heat transfer structure increases heat transfer rate from the first stage heat reservoir to the second stage heat reservoir.

Abstract: This invention discloses woven materials in which the constructed woven materials have a myriad of desired two- and three-dimensional shapes. The invention specifically discloses woven materials that are constructed by continuously varying the density and/or direction of the warp and/or weft fibers or yarns, as well as their angle of contact, at will during the mechanical weaving process. These two- and three-dimensional woven materials can also be used as reinforcers of variously shaped flexible or rigid composite materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite structure including a plurality of fabric layers of interlaced flexible stretch-resistant strand material impregnated with a rigid resinous material and positioned in spaced generally parallel relationship to each other. A plurality of elongated partitions are disposed between adjacent layers and divide the space between adjacent layers into a plurality of elongated generally parallel channels. The partitions each comprise a plurality of stretch-resistant strand material interlaced with adjacent layers in a plane generally perpendicular to the adjacent fabric layers and are also impregnated with a rigid resinous material. In one embodiment, a rigid foamed material can be disposed in the channels for particular applications. A preferred method of making the rigid composite structure is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a structure resistant to the transmission of forces of impact which is useful in the fabrication of articles subjected to impact forces by the user of the articles. The structure includes a double plush-like open mesh structure having first and second layers of interlaced stretch-resistant flexible strand material positioned adjacent each other, and defining an intermediate space therebetween. A plurality of elongated partitions are disposed between the first and second layers and divide the intermediate space into a plurality of elongated generally parallel channels. The partitions each comprise a plurality of pile stretch-resistant strand material connecting with the first and second layers in a plane generally perpendicular to the first and second layers.

Abstract: A composite sole structure for footwear and the like is disclosed. The sole structure includes a plurality of adjacent tubular members adapted to contain a gaseous medium under pressure at a selected value. The tubular members are provided with a composite structure including an inner layer of resilient elastomeric material impermeable to diffusion of the gaseous medium therethrough; an outer layer of a flexible mesh material resistant to expansion but sufficiently compliant to cooperate with the inner resilient layer to provide a cushioning effect in response to shock forces and a resilient flexible material forming a matrix about the tubular members. In an alternate embodiment aa second or outer layer of a resilient elastomeric material is provided over the flexible mesh layer to provide additional strength and resistance to diffusion of gases.