Abstract: System for practicing a method of making a low cost, light weight impact deflecting material, comprising directionally aligned single walled carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin composition, that is near impervious to bullets fired at close range at all angles of incidence, that does not deteriorate upon abrasion or when exposed to wide ranges of temperature and humidity, and that when used to construct a protective shield for a body armor vest protects the wearer from blunt trauma effects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: The invention discloses a nano-fiber material, wherein the nano-fiber material is formed by spinning an ionic polymer into a nano-fiber nonwoven, and the ionic polymer is represented by the formula: wherein: R1 includes phenyl sulfonate or alkyl sulfonate; R2 includes R3 includes and m/n is between 1/50 and 50/1, q?0.

Abstract: Methods for controlled electrospinning of polymer fibers are described. The methods include spinning a polymer fiber from a fluid comprising a polymer in the presence of an electric field established between a plurality of collectors and a jet supply device controlling the dispersion characteristics of the fluid by applying a magnetic field created by at least one magnet located after the point of jet formation. Different voltages are applied to at least two collectors of the plurality of collectors. At least one magnet, located between the jet supply device and at least one collector, creates a magnetic field substantially transverse or substantially collinear to an electrospinning jet stream. The magnetic field changes direction of travel of the electrospinning jet stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fibrous separation membrane for secondary batteries, comprising: a polymer layer which partially melts and blocks pores thereof thus cutting off electric current when a temperature of a secondary battery is increased; and heat-resistant resin layers applied on both sides of the polymer layer.

Abstract: Molding methods and systems are disclosed for manufacturing molded items (10) with an integral substrate (50) formed thereon, particularly wherein the substrate has a metallic appearance and/or wherein the molded product is formed with a geometric feature (66) associated with an edge of the substrate adapted for at least partially obscuring the edge in the molded product.

Abstract: Multiphasic nano-components (MPNs) having at least two phases and at least one active ingredient are provided. The MPNs can be used in various methods for medical diagnostics or with pharmaceutical, personal care, oral care, and/or nutritional compositions, for example, in oral care, hair, or skin products. The MPNs can be designed to have targeted delivery within an organism, while providing controlled release systems or combining incompatible active ingredients. Further, the MPNs can be used as biomedical coatings (such as anti-microbial coatings), or anti-corrosive coatings, bioimaging probes with combined diagnostic and therapeutic use, and fragrance release systems, among others. The MPNs can be formed by electrified jetting of polymers.

Abstract: An electrospinning process and apparatus for forming aligned electrospun fibers. A time-dependent (AC) voltage is applied to a multi-electrode collector in order to temporally control the location and orientation of fiber deposition.

Abstract: A pattern transfer method for filling a surface on a template having a concave-convex pattern with a resist material has contacting the template with the resist material applied on a substrate, curing the resist material while contacting the template with the resist, electrically charging the template and the resist with an identical polarity, and removing the template from the resist material while eclectically charging the template and the resist with an identical polarity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nitric oxide releasing pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions that release nitric oxide under physiological conditions. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to new chemical compounds—diazeniumdiolates nitric oxide donors—that are based on ethambutol possessing physiological and biomedical activity.

Abstract: An air filter including a plurality of air-pervious sheets of electret filtration material. The sheets are disposed in a parallel relationship to form a stack of sheets, and each of the sheets has a plurality of slits formed therein for subsequent expanding to form openings. The stack is connected together at opposing ends, such as by bonding. The sheets can be pleated by mounting in a frame. The frame has opposing ends to which the opposing ends of the stack are mounted. The filter media initially has no frame and is not pleated, but is in a flat pad form that is expanded to be installed into a frame. The frame is then mounted in an appliance, such as a room air filter. When the filter is inserted into the filter housing it is expanded and can take a pleated form.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing fibrous materials in which the apparatus includes an enclosure having an inlet configured to receive a substance from which the fibrous materials are to be composed, a common electrode disposed in the enclosure, and plural extrusion elements provided in a wall of the enclosure opposite the common electrode so as to define between the plural extrusion elements and the common electrode a space in communication with the inlet to receive the substance in the space. In the method, a substance from which the fibrous materials are to be composed is fed to the enclosure having the plural extrusion elements, a common electric field is applied to the extrusion elements in a direction in which the substance is to be extruded, the substance is extruded through the extrusion elements to tips of the extrusion elements, and the substance is electrosprayed from the tips to form the fibrous materials.

Abstract: A process to make a polyolefin fiber which has the following steps: mixing at least one polyolefin into a solution at room temperature or a slightly elevated temperature to form a polymer solution and electrospinning at room temperature said polymer solution to form a fiber.

Abstract: A method of forming mufti-phasic nano-objects involves the jetting of two or more different liquids in side-by-side capillaries thereby generating a composite liquid stream. The composite then exposed to a force field which causes the composite liquid stream to at least partially solidify into a nano-object. The method forms a nano-object having a number of morphologies such as rods, spheres, and fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an artificial nerve graft prepared by electrostatic spinning, the preparing method and a special apparatus used therefor. Said artificial nerve graft is in the shape of a tube composed of nano-fiber that is prepared by electrostatic spinning of a polymer. The materials used in the present invention are bio-degradable materials and of desirable biocompatibility with human body. The product of the present invention is free of exogenous toxic substances or substances having side effects. Furthermore, the tube wall is of a 3-dimensional structure having micropores contained therein thereby providing a path for supplying nutritions required for the growth of nerve cells. Another advantage of the present invention is that necessary induction and space are provided for the growth of the nerve cells.

Abstract: Piezoelectric fibers include a polypeptide wherein molecules of the polypeptide have electric dipole moments that are aligned such that the piezoelectric fiber provides a piezoelectric effect at an operating temperature. A piezoelectric component provides a plurality of piezoelectric fibers, each comprising an organic polymer. A method of producing piezoelectric fibers includes electrospinning a polymer solution to form a fiber and winding the fiber onto a rotating target in which the rotating target is electrically grounded. An acoustic sensor includes a plurality acoustic transducers, wherein the plurality of acoustic transducers are structured and arranged to detect a corresponding plurality of vector components of an acoustic signal, and at least one of the plurality of acoustic transducers comprises a piezoelectric fiber.

Abstract: Methods of forming a plurality multiphasic nano-components (MPNs) having at least two phases, with high selectivity for at least one of shape, size, or phase orientation in the nano-component are provided. The methods provide high yields of substantially similar nano-components by controlling one or more of: polymer concentration, liquid stream composition, liquid stream conductivity, flow rate, humidity, temperature, pressure, electrode design and/or configuration during an electrified jetting process. Such methods of making MPNs form shapes including disks, rods, spheres, rectangles, polygons, toroids, cones, pyramids, cylinders, fibers, and combinations thereof. Such MPNs can be used in various applications, including for medical diagnostics or with pharmaceutical, personal care, oral care, and/or nutritional compositions.

Abstract: Nanofiber electroprocessing apparatus comprising a conductive stylus having a 5 to 250 nm diameter tip; a collector spaced below the tip; a continuous supply of flowable polymer to the tip, and a power supply for creating a potential difference between the tip and the collector sufficient to produce a nanofiber. The conductive stylus may comprise an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and may further be mounted within an AFM scanning holder having a mechanism for moving the tip. A method of electroprocessing a nanofiber comprises providing the conductive stylus, such as an AFM tip, providing a collector below the tip, supplying the tip with the flowable polymer, energizing the tip to create a potential difference between the tip and the collector, and thereby producing the nanofiber. Systems and methods for using nanofibers so created may be used for anticounterfeiting or object identification.

Abstract: A teeth bleaching device (100) for bleaching teeth is described being a dry teeth bleaching device, prior to use. The teeth bleaching device (100) comprises a fibrous, non-hydratable polymer structure (110) and a hydratable solid teeth bleaching agent (120) embedded in the fibrous structure prior to use. Upon use, the solid teeth bleaching agent (120) is dissolved by uptake of moisture or saliva in the fibrous structure (110) and released to the teeth. By selecting a predetermined porosity, density and/or fibre diameter, optionally a predetermined dissolving rate and/or release rate of the teeth bleaching agent may be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of sequestering carbon dioxide using metal oxide compositions, methods of making the metal oxide compositions, and articles comprising the metal oxide compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibres obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibres. The process is characterised in that a polymer nano-fibre with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fibre and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for aligning fibers in an electrospinning process. A jet of a fiberizable material is directed towards an uncharged collector from a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the collector. While the fiberizable material is directed towards the collector, an elliptical electric field is generated via the electrically charged dispenser and an oppositely-charged control location. The field spans between the dispensing location and the control location that is within line-of-sight of the dispensing location, and impinges upon at least a portion of the collector. Various combinations of numbers and geometries of dispensers, collectors, and electrodes can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber assembly obtained by electrifying a resin in a melted state by application of voltage between a supply-side electrode and a collection-side electrode so as to extend the resin into an ultrafine composite fiber by electrospinning, and accumulating the ultrafine composite fiber, wherein the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least two polymeric components and the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least one type of composite fiber selected from a sea-island structure composite fiber and a core-sheath structure composite fiber as viewed in fiber cross section, at least one selected from an island component and a core component has a volume specific resistance of 1015?·cm or less, and at least one selected from a sea component and a sheath component has a volume specific resistance exceeding 1015?·cm.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include N-substituted amino carbocyclic aromatic materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for the production of fine fibres by electrospinning fibres by applying an electrical field between a primary electrode and a counter electrode (5) spaced apart from the primary electrode and extending generally parallel thereto wherein at least an operative surface of the primary electrode is coated with a polymer solution (3) and an electric field of sufficient magnitude is generated between the primary electrode and counter electrode to cause the formation of fine fibres (9) in the space between the electrodes. The operative surface of the primary electrode that is coated with polymer solution is made up of appropriate portions of the surfaces of a multitude of operatively semi-submerged, loose (unattached) elements (1, 11, 17, 21) supported on the bottom of a trough (2) or tray or another support member or members (12, 18, 22).

Abstract: A composite filter media is formed from electrospun fine fibers and a multi-component substrate filter media comprising at least two different materials, one of which is a low melt polymeric material, wherein the low melt polymeric material acts as a bonding agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production method of inorganic nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of solution, which comprises alkoxide of metal or of semi-metal or of non-metal dissolved in a solvent system on basis of alcohol. The solution is stabilised by chelating agent, which prevents hydrolysis of alkoxide, and after homogenisation it is mixed with solution of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) in alcohol, after then the resultant solution is brought into electrostatic field, in which the electrostatic spinning is running continually, the result of which is production of organic-inorganic nanofibres, which are after then calcinated outside the spinning device in the air atmosphere at the temperature from 500° C. to 1300° C.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for forming a multilayered electrospun composite is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto a first ePTFE layer. A second ePTFE layer is applied onto the nanofibers to form a composite structure. The composite structure is heated.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a carbon nanofiber supporting a metal fine particle in which the metal fine particles are supported in high dispersion and sintering of the metal fine particles is restrained. The present invention attains the object by providing a method for producing a carbon nanofiber supporting a metal fine particle comprising a step of: spinning a material composition which contains a nitrogen-containing polymer, including a nittrogen element and capable of forming a carbon nanofiber, and an organometallic compound by an electro spinning process, and the spinning is conducted under a condition which keeps the nitrogen element remained to the carbon nanofiber and allows the formation of the carbon nanofiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material for filling bone defects having a three-dimensional steric structure. This material is produced by dissolving or suspending a substance in a solvent to give a solution or slurry, the substance containing a biodegradable resin as a principal component and bearing a siloxane; adding water to the solution or slurry to give a spinning solution, the water having a relative dielectric constant larger than that of the biodegradable resin; subjecting the spinning solution to electrospinning while applying a positive charge to a collector by a voltage supply and grounding a nozzle of a syringe without applying a charge thereto; thereby yielding the material on the collector.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for synthesizing a conductive composite with enhanced electrical conductivity. The apparatus includes: an injection-molding machine which injection-molds pellets created by mixing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with polymers; and an electric field generator which applies an electric field to the pellets that are melted while the melted pellets are injection-molded and thus rearranges the CNTs included in a composite into which the melted pellets are injection-molded.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in mould label comprising a polymeric or cellulosic carrier base film (1) having a first decorative surface (1a) and a second, backing surface (1b), said label comprising a pattern (3) printed on said first decorative surface (1a) thereof, said printed first surface (1a) being laminated with a transparent protective top film (2), affixed thereto by means of an adhesive (4), the printed pattern (3) being visible through said transparent protective top film (2). It also concerns a method for manufacturing such a label and a method for incorporating it onto the surface of a polymeric article.

Abstract: A method of forming an orifice plate for a fluid ejection device includes depositing and patterning a mask material on a conductive surface, forming a first layer on the conductive surface, forming a second layer on the first layer, and removing the first layer and the second layer from the conductive surface, wherein the first layer includes a metallic material and the second layer includes a polymer material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of polymer matrices prepared upon biopolymers of chitosan or collagen. The biopolymer before spinning is dissolved as clean or in mixture with auxiliary non-toxic polymer in solvent system, which comprises an organic or inorganic acid, selected from the group of acetic acid in concentration from 30% to 90% of weight, lactic acid, malic acid, trihydrogen-phosphoric acid and their mixtures, and this solution is brought into electrostatic field between the spinning electrode and collecting electrode, while the produced biopolymer nanofibres comprise more than 90% of weight of biopolymer in dry mass.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing fibers which includes forming a plurality of bubbles on the surface of a fiber spinning solution, applying a voltage between the solution and a counter-electrode spaced apart therefrom to cause jets to extend from the bubbles to the counter-electrode, and treating the solution with a surfactant to stabilize the bubbles.

Abstract: A fibre, film or foam includes a plasticizer and a charged claylinked gel (A). The charged claylinked gel (A) includes clay nanoparticles (C) which are crosslinked by a charged polymer (A?) such that any particular clay nanoparticle is linked to at least one other clay nanoparticle by the charged polymer (A?). Methods for producing the fibres, film and foam are also provided.

Abstract: Method for spinning the liquid matrix (38) in electrostatic field between at least one spinning electrode (3) and against it arranged collecting electrodes (4), while one of the electrodes is connected to one pole of high voltage source and the second electrode is connected to opposite pole of high voltage source or is grounded, at which the liquid matrix (38) being subject to spinning is to be found in electrostatic field on the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord (310) of the spinning means (31) of the spinning electrode (3). The active spinning zone (3100) of the cord during spinning process has a stable position towards the collecting electrode (4) and the liquid matrix (38) to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord is delivered either by application to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord or by motion of the cord (310) in direction of its length.

Abstract: A fiber, an articles formed from a fiber and methods of making the fiber and associate article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber comprises a synthetic polymer and a color-changing indicator. The color-changing indicator is dispersed throughout the synthetic polymer. The color-changing indicator reacts in the presence of a stimulus to produce a color change.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fine polymer including: generating superheated steam by a superheated steam generating unit (101); adjusting the pressure of the generated superheated steam by a pressure adjusting unit (102); receiving a polymer by a reception unit (103); heating the received polymer to a predetermined temperature by a heating unit (104); discharging the heated polymer through a first discharge port (111); and discharging the superheated steam through a second discharge port (121) at the same time as the time when the heated polymer is discharged. Here, the second discharge port (121) surrounds the first discharge port (111), and the first discharge port (111) and the second discharge port (121) face the same direction.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the thickness of a coating as it is applied to a substrate, wherein the coating is applied as a thin ribbon from a spray gun, at least one surface profile of the applied coating is obtained along a line intersecting the ribbon during relative movement of the substrate and spray gun. The thickness of the applied coating is computed from the obtained surface profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffolds for artificial heart valves and vascular structures comprising a biocompatible block copolymer. A method and means for producing said scaffold are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber having a nano-order fiber diameter, which is produced by without a process of dehydration and cyclization by a heat treatment after fiber spinning and has excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength, and a non-woven fabric composed of the fiber, and discloses the polyamide-imide fiber and the non-woven fabric having an average fiber diameter of from 0.001 ?m to 1 ?m and also discloses the process for producing threrof. The present invention also provides a separator for an electronic component which has a high conductivity and a small separator thickness and is improved in safety during reflow soldering or short-circuiting, and discloses the separator composed of a non-woven fabric obtained by an electro-spinning method.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for producing nanoparticles, especially pigment particles, comprising the following steps: i) bringing a base substance (1) into the gas phase, ii) generating particles by cooling or reacting the gaseous base substance (1), and iii) applying electrical charge to the particles during particle generation in step ii) in a nanoparticle generation apparatus. The invention further relates to apparatus for producing nanoparticles, having a feed line (28) for transporting the gas stream (29) into the apparatus, a particle generation and charging area for substantially simultaneous generation and charging of nanoparticles, and a takeoff line (30) for transporting the charged nanoparticles from the particle generation and charging area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving the components of gel forming materials suitable for use in wound care comprising the steps of admixing said components with an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid may be selected from the group of tertiary amine N-oxides, N,N-dimethyl formamide/nitrogen tetroxide mixtures, dimethyl sulphoxide/paraformaldehyde mixtures and solutions of limium chloride in N,N-dimethyl acetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibacterial nanofiber which comprises a polymer having an electron-withdrawing group and/or an electron-withdrawing atomic group and has an average fiber diameter of not less than 1 nm and less than 1000 nm, wherein the ratio of the binding energy of the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. to the binding energy of the electron-withdrawing group and/or the electron-withdrawing atomic group contained in the minimum unit of the polymer at 25° C. is 0.13 or greater. The nanofiber has an antibacterial activity by itself, and therefore can exhibit an antibacterial activity without the need of adding any antibacterial agent.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a plumbing manifold for use in a water system in which the manifold after molding is subjected to cross-linking high energy radiation. The manifold is made by polyethylene or a metallocene polyethylene.

Abstract: Molding methods and systems are disclosed for manufacturing molded items (10) with an integral substrate (50) formed thereon, particularly wherein the substrate has a metallic appearance and/or wherein the molded product is formed with a geometric feature (66) associated with an edge of the substrate adapted for at least partially obscuring the edge in the molded product.

Abstract: A new type of highly efficient and self-cleaning humidity sensor based on Mg2+/Na+-doped TiO2 nanofiber mats is provided. Examples show the response and recovery characteristic curves for ten circles with the RH changing from 11% to 95%. The nanofibers are manufactured by mixing together a metal salt comprising titanium, a magnesium compound, a sodium compound, and a high molecular weight material to form a mixture, electrospinning the mixture to form composite nanofibers, and calcining the composite nanofibers to yield a TiO2 nanofiber material doped with magnesium and sodium.

Abstract: Methods of forming a plurality multiphasic nano-components (MPNs) having at least two phases, with high selectivity for at least one of shape, size, or phase orientation in the nano-component are provided. The methods provide high yields of substantially similar nano-components by controlling one or more of: polymer concentration, liquid stream composition, liquid stream conductivity, flow rate, humidity, temperature, pressure, electrode design and/or configuration during an electrified jetting process. Such methods of making MPNs form shapes including disks, rods, spheres, rectangles, polygons, toroids, cones, pyramids, cylinders, fibers, and combinations thereof. Such MPNs can be used in various applications, including for medical diagnostics or with pharmaceutical, personal care, oral care, and/or nutritional compositions.

Abstract: A method of making a composite filter media includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a nonwoven fabric mat that includes a plurality of synthetic fibers by a spunbond process, and calendering the nonwoven fabric mat with embossing calender rolls to form a bond area pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area to bond the synthetic fibers together to form a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric having a filtration efficiency of about 35% to less than 50%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure. The method also includes applying a nanofiber layer by electro-blown spinning a polymer solution to form a plurality of nanofibers on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric mat to form the composite filter media, the composite filter media having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 70%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure.