Abstract: A swimming pool wall, and method for forming same, including a plurality of layers of reinforced composite material. Each layer includes a thermoplastic resin and a plurality of elongate glass strands of reinforcing material. A first set of the plurality of layers has the strands miming in a first direction, and a second set of the plurality of layers has the strands miming in a second direction. The first direction is offset in angle from the second direction, and the first and second set of layers are fused together to form a unitary composite wall. The principles of hoop strength applicable to the swimming pool wall also apply to other cylindrical structures needing hoop strength arising from pressures inside or outside the cylindrical structure. The wall structure may be a plurality of interconnected panels both arcuate and arcuate and planar in shape to determine the overall shape of the composite wall enclosing an area where water or ice is retained.

Abstract: Roll-to-roll freeze-drying (lyophilization) system and process for facilitating freeze-drying processes and enabling the collection of data by which a freeze-drying process can be monitored and evaluated. Such a system includes a roll-to-roll freeze-drying apparatus adapted to continuously freeze and dry a liquid to form a freeze-dried and encapsulate freeze-dried sheet portions of the freeze-dried sheet to create premeasured pouches containing the freeze-dried sheet portions. The system further includes a metrology section that monitors any of the freeze-dried sheet and the freeze-dried sheet portions during the freezing and drying of the liquid to generate data for controlling the freezing and drying of the liquid.

Abstract: A composite for the production of filmless sailcloth laminates with an adhesive film and a textile layer including: a thermoplastic plastic film as adhesive film containing a thermally activatable crosslinking agent dispersed therein, as carrier, and a textile layer which is adhesively bonded to the thermoplastic plastic film; wherein the plastic film and the textile layer are adhesively bonded together by the effect of heat at a first temperature which does not activate the crosslinking agent, and the composite is bondable to a substrate by the effect of heat at a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature and causes crosslinking to take place.

Abstract: A composite wood panel is manufactured from thin wood laminae cut from wood unsuitable for peeler logs or dimensional lumber. A cold set adhesive is applied to the wood laminae and they are formed into a randomly oriented mat that is cold rolled into a thin, pliable cold rolled stock that can be corrugated. A hot set adhesive may also be applied to the laminae to improve strength of the composite wood panel. The hot set adhesive is set in a hot press after the cold rolled stock is produced.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing systems and methods used for creating 3D parts from continuous-fiber reinforced composites such as, e.g., carbon-fiber or glass-fiber pre-impregnated tape are provided. The systems and methods lay tape in successive layers and cut each layer according to a 2D slice of a 3D CAD file. During the placement of each piece of tape, a laser welds the tape to other tape, eliminating the need for post-processing of each layer. By utilizing tape instead of large fiber-reinforced sheets, the systems and methods described herein reduce waste compared to known manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A method for producing a shaped bar from fiber composite material uses a bonding tool which has a heating-up portion. The method includes the steps that a number of fiber tapes provided with a thermoplastic matrix are fed in parallel to the bonding tool, are brought together and heated and bonded in the heating-up portion to form a fiber cord. The fiber cord is subsequently placed by the bonding tool directly into a processing tool or a depositing device designed to place the fiber cord into the processing tool.

Abstract: Provided is a robot including at least one joint, and at least two links and coupled with each other by the joint. At least one of the links and includes an inner layer made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and an outer layer made of elastic material and covering an outer peripheral surface of at least part of the inner layer in a longitudinal direction over an entire circumference, the layers being integrally stacked.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article having a main body with elastic characteristics, in particular an air spring bellows, a metal-rubber element or a vibration damper. The article has a single-layer or multilayer main body having elastic properties, wherein the outer layer C has at least two laminas C1/C2 and each lamina is formed from an elastomer mixture, and wherein at least one layer D composed of a weave or loop-formed knit or loop-drawn knit has been embedded into this outer layer. This leads to further optimization of the fire-retardant properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven laminate having a SMS structure is hydraulically treated by particular process parameters to improve softness and tactile feel. The nonwoven laminate may also be imparted with one or more regular aperture patterns by additional hydraulic treatment processes, where the initial hydraulic treatment provides for improved aperture definition.

Abstract: A resistance sensing apparatus for exercise equipment includes a resistance adjusting assembly and a sensing unit. The resistance adjusting assembly includes an adjusting unit, a tubular member disposed above the adjusting unit, and an adjusting shaft mounted in the tubular member. The adjusting shaft has a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion formed thereon. The adjusting unit is threaded onto the first threaded portion. The sensing unit includes a second threaded member threadedly engaged to the second threaded portion, a first sensing member is disposed on one of the adjusting unit and the second threaded member, the second sensing member is disposed on the other of the adjusting unit and the second threaded member. By adjusting the adjusting unit and the second threaded member, a distance of the first and the second sensing member is changed and generates corresponding signals.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite containing a first nonwoven layer having a plurality of primary fibers and optionally binder fibers, a thermoplastic film comprising a thermoplastic polymer having an elongation at break greater than 300% and a max softening point (thermomechanical analysis end point) between 150° C. and 200° C. as tested according to ASTM E2347-04 and containing a plurality of holes and an air flow resistance great than 1,500 Rayls. A second nonwoven layer having a plurality of bulking fibers and optionally binder fibers. The thermoplastic film is adjacent the bottom surface of the first nonwoven layer and the top surface of the second nonwoven layer and sandwiched between the first and second nonwoven layers. At least a portion of the primary fibers from the first nonwoven layer are located in the holes of the thermoplastic film and within the second nonwoven layer.

Abstract: Systems and processes that integrate thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials to form an adaptive composite structure capable of changing its shape. For example, the adaptive composite structure may be designed to serve as a multifunctional adaptive wing flight control surface. Other applications for such adaptive composite structures include in variable area fan nozzles, winglets, fairings, elevators, rudders, or other aircraft components having an aerodynamic surface whose shape is preferably controllable. The material systems can be integrated by means of overbraiding (interwoven) with tows of both thermoplastic and shape memory alloy materials or separate layers of each material can be consolidated (e.g., using induction heating) to make a flight control surface that does not require separate actuation.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest including a fabric member tensioned across a gap defined between inner and outer armrest substrates that are formed around a portion of the fabric member. At least one buckling member extends across the gap between the inner and outer armrest substrates and a cover member extends over and vertically supported by the fabric member.

Abstract: A fiber-metal laminate of mutually bonded fiber-reinforced composite layers and metal sheets comprises a combination of a fiber-reinforced composite layer and an adjacent metal sheet, in which combination the properties satisfy the following relations: Elam*Ecomp/(Emetal*tmetal2) has a value between a lower bound given by a*(Vf?c)(b/(Vf-c)) with b=0.36 and c=0.3??(1a) and zero when Vf?0.3,??(1b) and an upper bound given by a*(Vf?c)(b/(Vf-c)) with b=0.88 and c=0??(1c) 0.10?Vf<0.

Abstract: A multilayer roofing sheet includes a laminate formed from an upper sheet having a textured lower surface and a lower sheet having a fusible upper surface mechanically interlocked together.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, a sheet may include a first carbon fiber reinforced plastic layer, a graphite layer adjacent to the first carbon fiber reinforced plastic layer, the graphite layer comprising at least one aperture, a second carbon fiber reinforced plastic layer adjacent to the graphite layer, and at least one column of plastic extending from the first carbon reinforced plastic layer, through the at least one aperture, to the second carbon reinforced plastic layer.

Abstract: Textile armour (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended.

Abstract: An article of footwear or other product may include a material element having a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and at least one strand. The second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, and the second layer is formed from a thermoplastic polymer material. The strand is located between the first layer and the second layer, and the strand lies substantially parallel to the second layer for a distance of at least five centimeters. In this configuration, the thermoplastic polymer material may join the first layer and the third layer to the second layer. The thermoplastic polymer material may also join the strand to the second layer.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant armor article, comprises (a) a first nonwoven layer comprising a first plurality of parallel yarns, and a second nonwoven layer comprising a second plurality of parallel yarns, the yarns of the first layer having an orientation in a direction that is different from the orientation of the yarns of the second layer, (b) at least one binding yarn transverse to the plane of the first and second layers binding the first and second layers together, (c) a binding resin having a modulus no greater than 6500 psi coating at least portions of internal surfaces of the first plurality and the second plurality of yarns and (d) a viscoelastic resin coating at least portions of external surfaces of the first plurality and the second plurality of yarns, the viscoelastic resin having a modulus greater than 6500 psi.

Abstract: Composite anti-ballistic systems having multiple nested sub-laminates manufactured from layers of unidirectional monofilaments made from engineering fibers with anti-ballistic properties embedded in polymer matrix materials and interfacial materials engineered for controlled compliance, deformation, energy release and rate sensitive behavior.

Abstract: Flexible electronic substrate systems relating to providing a system for dimensionally-stable substrate systems to support electronic systems is provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article for use in body armor, comprising a plurality of discrete sheet subassemblies contoured to the shape of a female breast arranged in a stack, without bonding, such that the breast contours are positioned on top of each other, each of the subassemblies comprising at least two nonwoven layers of high tenacity yarns such as par-aramid, a binder and a resin.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bi-angle pliable tape for use in forming a composite laminate structure. The bi-angle pliable tape comprises: a longitudinal axis extending in a unidirectional machine direction; a first ply comprising fibers extending in a first orientation, the first orientation being offset relative to the longitudinal axis at a first angle of less than 30°; and a second ply comprising fibers extending in a second orientation, the second orientation being opposite the first orientation relative to the unidirectional machine direction. The first ply and the second ply are further secured substantially adjacently relative to one another by one or more yarns so as to provide a non-crimped configuration such that the bi-angle tape defines a pliable structure. Corresponding composite laminate structures and methods for making the same are provided.

Abstract: An open mesh material includes filaments that intersect one another. At least some of the filaments are composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at points of intersection. The material may be a non-woven fabric that contains at least two layers of weft filaments that may be bordered on one or both sides by a layer of warp filaments. When compared to other open mesh materials, the open mesh material disclosed herein has a superior combination of some or all of high strength, light weight, high dimensional stability, and openness.

Abstract: A structure for use in a compressible resilient pad. The structure contains both axially elastomeric strands and relatively inelastic strands co-extruded in various patterns. The structure has a high degree of both compressibility under an applied normal load and excellent recovery (resiliency or spring back) upon removal of that load.

Abstract: A meshwork made of ribbons (1, 2) is described which are connected with each other by way of a thermoplastic filler material. In order to provide simple constructional conditions it is proposed that the ribbons (1, 2) which are laid in at least two groups and intersect one another in groups are fixed between two cover layers (3, 4) with respect to their mutual position, which layers have an at least two-layer configuration with a bonding layer which faces the ribbons (1, 2) and is made of a thermoplastic material and with a carrier layer having a higher tensile strength, which layers are connected with each other and with the ribbons (1, 2) by way of the bonding layer.

Abstract: An open mesh material includes filaments (1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 15, 16) that intersect one another. At least some of the filaments are composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at points of intersection. The material may be a non-woven fabric that contains at least two layers of weft filaments (1, 2, 11, 12) that may be bordered on one or both sides by a layer of warp filaments (3,4, 15, 16). When compared to other open mesh materials, the open mesh material disclosed herein has a superior combination of some or all of high strength, light weight, high dimensional stability, and openness. Also disclosed herein are articles can be made at least in part from the material including L-seam bags (20), form fill and seal (FFS) bags (1020), and multi-substrate bags (2,020). Methods of making those bags also are disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof breathable material has a higher strength-to-weight ratio and higher tear resistance-to-weight ratio than traditional materials, and may be applied in a wide field of potential uses. A non-woven composite material comprises at least one waterproof breathable (W/B) membrane, a first unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed by adhesive in parallel to each other, a second unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed in adhesive in parallel to each other. The first unidirectional non-woven composite layer is positioned such that the fibers are oriented 90° relative to the fibers of the second unidirectional non-woven composite layer, and a space is formed between the first and second multiple fibers. No adhesive is present in the space.

Abstract: A method of forming an ordered nanorods array in a confined space is used to form a high surface area device where an ensemble of parallel trenches has micrometer dimensions for the width and depth of the trenches, which are decorated with crystalline nanowires radiating from the sidewalls and bases of the trenches. The high surface area device is formed by depositing a conformal crystalline seed coating in the trenches, forming microchannels from these trenches by placing a barrier layer on the open surface of the trenches, contacting the conformal coating with a crystal precursor solution that is caused to flow through the microchannels. In an embodiment, a very high surface area electrode is constructed with ZnO nanowires radiating from the sidewalls and base of trenches formed on a silicon substrate. The device can be a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-axial laminate of webs produced from cables stretch broken into strips includes arranging, at an entry of a conveyor table, a first layer of pre-wound pre-cut strips along the longitudinal axis of the table, the strips being partially superimposed; arranging along the table at least two cross lappers transferring and depositing in an oblique and/or divergent position at predetermined angles a stretch broken strip; and arranging the strips in successive superimpositions on the first layer of pre-cut strips in different planes, to form a multi-axial web of stretch broken strips. The web then being treated by a fixing device. Movement of the support belt of the table taking place in steps to ensure the superimposition of the different layers of pre-broken strips deposited by the cross lappers. Implementation of the method taking place without any prior cohesion treatment of each strip.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, all three sheets being parallel in plane; a first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the top, the middle, and the bottom sheets; an upper plenum defined by a spacing between the top sheet and the middle sheet; a lower plenum defined by a spacing between the middle sheet and the bottom sheet; a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created in each plenum for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created for air to move from at least one edge

Abstract: A reinforced mat (10) for a pollution control device has a first major surface (12), a second major surface (14) and a thickness, and the mat comprises ceramic fibers and a reinforcing mesh (22) disposed between the first major surface and the second major surface such that the mat is generally separated into two layers (16,18) by the mesh. The mesh comprises non-metallic fibers that are spaced-apart so as to define a space therebetween that is large enough that the layers of the mat are integrally joined together through the mesh. The mat has a total organic component weight that is up to about 5% of the total weight of the mat, and the mat is dimensioned for use, either as a mounting mat for mounting a pollution control element or as an insulator for insulating a region within a pollution control device in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces includes about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.

Abstract: A supporting strut for supporting an intermediate deck (2) that is arranged in an aircraft fuselage (1), includes a hollow cylindrical rod body (3) that includes a fiber reinforced material, with the two ends of the rod body (3) being designed as attachment sections for detachable attachment to the aircraft fuselage (1) or to the intermediate deck (2), wherein the rod body (3) includes at least one first reinforcement layer (10a) made from a carbon fiber fabric with an identical number of warp- and weft threads in 45° alignment or 90° alignment, as well as at least one second reinforcement layer (10b, 10c) made from a carbon fiber fabric including a higher number of warp threads than weft threads in 0° alignment, as well as a final layer including glass fiber, which together with artificial resin form a compact fiber reinforced material.

Abstract: A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces includes about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.

Abstract: A prepreg material infused with a bulk resin, where the bulk resin has shape memory alloy (SMA) particles intermixed in the resin to toughen the material when the material is used in an application and is cured. The SMA particles may be of various shapes and sizes. The material may form a prepreg fabric having interwoven fibers or a prepreg unidirectional tape having fibers oriented unidirectionally. Opposing surfaces of the material may be infused with quantities of bulk resin having different concentrations of SMA particles. The SMA particles may be mixed in the bulk resin while in their austenitic or martensitic states to suit the needs of specific applications.

Abstract: An exercise grid includes four running strips and four crossing strips. Each running strip connects with each crossing strip at an intersection to form a grid. The running and crossing strips comprise firm rods positioned between pliable intersections. The firm rods positioned between pliable intersections facilitates folding of the grid at the intersections for transport. Placement of the grid on a playing surface allows one to perform various drills using the spaces between the running and crossing strips.

Abstract: A ballistic structure having at least one laminate sheet of a plurality of fiber bundles or tapes is disclosed. In embodiments having more than one laminate sheet, the inter-laminate shear strength between the laminate sheets is controlled to control ballistic effectiveness of the ballistic structure.

Abstract: Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.

Abstract: A chip package includes a microstrip spacer disposed between a first die and a second die. The microstrip spacer includes electrically conductive planes that are ground planes for at least one of the first die and the second die. A method includes operating the first die at a first clock speed and operating the second die at a second clock speed. A system includes a chip package with a microstrip spacer and a system housing.

Abstract: An advanced grid structure has high strength and low thermal expansion, and includes first, second, and third tape prepreg groups each including a plurality of tape prepregs. Each tape prepreg includes carbon fibers that are aligned in a first, second, or third direction and that form respective first, second, and third grid sides. A plurality of each the first, second, and third grid sides are spaced apart at equal intervals in the respective first, second, or third direction to form respective first, second, and third grid side groups. A structure ratio of the advanced grid structure is larger than 0 and 0.107 or less, 0.053 or less, or 0.040 or less. A thermal expansion coefficient of the advanced grid structure is ?0.9 ppm/K or more and 0.9 ppm/K or less. The carbon fibers have a tensile modulus of elasticity of 280 GPa or more and 330 GPa or less.

Abstract: New cross-laminates are formed of films of which at least two are uniaxially or unbalanced biaxially oriented, in which the main direction of orientation in one of these films crosses the main direction of orientation in the other one, having modifications, made in a suitable pattern, of the surface properties of the two films on the surfaces which are inside the laminate and are bonded to each other. The internally arranged surface layers of the films comprise an array of strands (101, 102) of coextruded material and the films are arranged so that the arrays of the two films cross one another. The strands may be used to control adhesion between the films and reduce the tendency to delaminate on repeated flexing, making a laminate suitable for use as a tarpaulin.

Abstract: Methods and resulting laminate structures are provided wherein the lay-up of composite materials is accomplished more symmetrically and more continuously as compared to prior techniques to form a composite structure from two composite parts in which their principal laminate directions form a non-singular angle.

Abstract: A display-use filter, which comprises a laminated body comprising a transparent substrate, light-shielding convex portions formed on the transparent substrate, a resin layer stacked on the light-shielding convex portions and a non-convex area existing between the light-shielding convex portions, wherein a concave section of the resin layer is formed in the non-convex area, and the resin layer has a center-line average roughness Ra in a range from 50 to 500 nm.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced resin is provided which includes a fiber bundle 2 comprising a plurality of monofilament layers 20, 21, and 22 being laminated, each of the monofilament layers comprising a plurality of monofilaments 23 arranged in one direction and an adhesive 3 for adhering the monofilaments 23 of the fiber bundle 2 together, and the fiber bundle 2 has a honeycomb-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A sandwich panel core that may be comprised of a lattice structure utilizing a network of hierarchical trusses, synergistically arranged, to provide support and other functionalities disclosed herein. Since this design results in a generally hollow core, the resulting structure maintains a low weight while providing high specific stiffness and strength. Sandwich panels are used in a variety of applications including sea, land, and air transportation, ballistics, blast impulse mitigation, impact mitigation, thermal transfer, ballistics, load bearing, multifunctional structures, armors, construction materials, and containers, to name a few.

Abstract: A material plate suitable for use as a floor covering comprises a middle substrate layer having two sides and a first and second decor layer on each side of the substrate. The decor layers may be advantageously different in aesthetic appearance. A transparent overlay layer is provided over the one and preferably both decor layers. Either the decor layers or the overlay layers, or both, comprise abrasion-resistant particles to extend wear.