Abstract: A method to strengthen or repair concrete and other structures comprises securing a plate having a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire embedded therein to a localized region of a structure. The SMA wire has a deformed shape configured for self-anchorage within the plate. The SMA wire is heated at or above an austenite transformation temperature, and the SMA wire resists shape recovery and remains self-anchored within the plate. Accordingly, a compressive force is generated within the SMA wire and transferred to the plate. At an interface between the plate and the localized region of the structure, the compressive force is transmitted from the plate to the structure, thereby providing localized prestressing of the structure.

Abstract: A female F connector incorporates a nose protruding from an end of the connector and the nose is urged to protrude by a spring.

Abstract: A nanocomposite for the reverse storage of hydrogen based on monolayer sheets of polycrystalline or monocrystalline grapheme having a form of a cylindrical spiral roll of polycrystalline or monocrystalline graphene with a preferably constant spacing in the range from 0.2 to 2 nm, whereby the said spiral roll of polycrystalline graphene has grains with a minimum diameter of 50 nm.

Abstract: A chiral structure comprises an elongate strip in a rolled configuration about a longitudinal axis, where the rolled configuration is a helical configuration comprising a non-zero helix angle. The elongate strip comprises an amorphous or a polycrystalline material. A rolled-up structure with modulated curvature comprises a sheet comprising an amorphous or polycrystalline material in a rolled configuration about a longitudinal axis, where the sheet comprises a thickness t and the rolled configuration comprises an inner diameter D. An inner diameter-to-thickness ratio D/t of the rolled-up structure is no greater than about 40.

Abstract: A rope including polyethylene elongate elements oriented in the length direction of the rope, where for at least part of the elongate elements the distance of the element to a central longitudinal rope axis varies over the length of the rope. The polyethylene elongate elements including tapes of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the tapes having a width to thickness ratio of at least 10 and a polymer solvent content below 0.05 wt. %. The distance of at least part of the elements to the central longitudinal rope axis varies over the length of the rope between a longitudinal line which is at most 30% from the outside of the rope and a longitudinal line which is at most 30% from the central longitudinal axis of the rope. Such a rope shows a high strength-strength ratio (the ratio between the strength under use conditions and the fresh strength of the rope).

Abstract: Coating an elongate, uncoated conductive element with a substantially continuous barrier layer. The substantially continuous barrier layer is formed through relative movement of the conductive element to a frame between sequential coatings of a barrier material.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a textile fibre, thread or yarn. The fibre, thread or yarn is generally for production into a fabric. Alternative aspects are described for achieving a cooling effect, energy harvesting, heating, energy generation, energy emission, and others.

Abstract: A moldable capsule includes a conductive element core and a resin-based material radially surrounding the conductive element core. The base resin host may include a single resin-based polymer material. The capsule may have a length of approximately 2-14 millimeters.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for applying anti-soil compositions onto BCF yarns during cable or air twisting processes prior to weaving, knitting or tufting into finished carpet. The process foregoes the need for downstream environmentally unfavorable dyeing and low pH chemical treatment processes on the finished carpet. The anti-soil composition can be comprised of a high specific surface energy chemical or other material, for example a fluorochemical. Further, the anti-soil composition can further comprise an anti-stain component. Also disclosed are systems, BCF yarns, and carpets made from the BCF yarn treated by the disclosed process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent to form a siliceous film that rarely cracks or peels off and yields an excellent rust-inhibitive performance on zinc surfaces of a metal part. The chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent is an alcoholic solution of alkoxysilane oligomer having weight-averaged molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000, and 2.5 to 15% of silicon in molecules of the alkoxysilane oligomer has been replaced with titanium. To prepare partly titanium-replaced alkoxysilane oligomer, titanium compound, in which about a half of alkoxy groups in titanium tetraalkoxide has been chelated, is reacted with tetraalkoxysilane monomer or alkoxysilane oligomer in the alcoholic solution.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an object, a filament is fed to an extrusion head. The filament has a semi-crystalline polymeric reinforcement portion and a polymeric matrix portion. The temperature of the filament is raised in the extrusion head above the melting point of the matrix portion but below the melting point of the reinforcement portion so that the matrix portion of the filament melts within the extrusion head, thereby forming a partially molten filament within the extrusion head. The reinforcement portion of the partially molten filament remains in a semi-crystalline state as it is extruded from the extrusion head. Relative movement is generated between the extrusion head and the substrate as the partially molten filament is extruded onto the substrate in order to form an extruded line on the substrate. The matrix portion of the extruded line solidifies after the extruded line has been formed on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating compositions having a crosslinker and a poly(carbonate polyol). Such coating compositions may be usefully employed in thermosetting applications for the production of coatings for consumer products.

Abstract: A plurality of reversible active composite materials are disclosed, including composites based on a shape memory alloy member (SMA) and a shape memory polymer member (SMP), as well as composites based on two different SMP members. Each different member (SMA or SMP) will be trained to remember a specific shape at a specific temperature. Where two different SMP members are employed, the members exhibit different glass transition temperatures. Such composite materials can be implemented in many form factors, including two generally planar members, a single generally planar SMP member with SMA fibers distributed throughout the SMP, and a SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP coating. In particular, the SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP layer can be used to form helical coils that can be used in paired hinges to achieve reversible bending of a structure into which such paired hinges are incorporated.

Abstract: A powder composition including a resin and from 5% to 70%, by weight based on powder composition weight, of a corrosion-inhibiting pigment, optionally including from 0% to 65%, by weight based on powder composition weight, zinc, the composition being substantially free from pigment providing a metallic effect is provided. The corrosion-inhibiting pigment may be present in amounts of up to 50%, by weight based on powder composition weight, for example, up to 35%. A method for coating a substrate with the powder composition and the coated substrate so formed are also provided.

Abstract: Polyetherimide compositions of formula (1) are described wherein the polyetherimide compositions comprise a polyetherimide comprising a reacted combination of alkali metal salts comprising an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound and an alkali metal salt of a monohydroxy aromatic compound with a bis(halophthalimide), wherein the alkali metal salt of the monohydroxy aromatic compound is included in an amount of more than 0 and less than 5 mole percent, based on the total moles of the alkali metal salts, and the polyetherimide has a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 43,000 Daltons. The polyetherimide exhibits lower levels of chlorine and chlorine end groups, lower levels of bis(halophthalimide) and bis(phthalimide), and low plate-out during manufacturing.

Abstract: A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave.

Abstract: Cloth, in which air permeability is variable by energization, includes: a fibrous object composed of composite fibers, each of the composite fibers including: an electrical-conductive polymeric material; and a material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material, the different material being directly stacked on the electrical-conductive polymeric material; and electrodes which are attached to the fibrous object, and energize the electrical-conductive polymeric material. Each of the composite fibers has a structure in which the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material is stacked on at least a part of a surface of the electrical-conductive polymeric material, or a structure in which either one of the electrical-conductive polymeric material and the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material penetrates the other material in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of making steel wire includes the step of forming a length of wire from an alloy that preferably contains in weight percent: Carbon 0.03 max. Manganese 0.15 max. Silicon 0.15 max. Phosphorus 0.015 max.? Sulfur 0.010 max.? Chromium 19.00-21.00 Nickel 33.00-37.00 Molybdenum ?9.00-10.50 Titanium 1.00 max. Boron 0.010 max.? Iron 1.00 max. The balance is cobalt and usual impurities. The wire is annealed at a combination of temperature and time effective to provide a grain size of about ASTM 6 or finer and is then drawn to provide a reduction in cross-sectional area of about 50 to 80%. The wire is—then heat treated under temperature and time conditions effective to provide the wire with high strength and sufficient wrap ductility that the wire does not crack or break in a standardized wrap test.

Abstract: A stochastic thermal-conglutination profiled filament is disclosed. The profiled filament varies, according to the change of the process condition, in one or more of fiber structure, total linear density, monofilament density, number of monofilaments, shape of cross section of the monofilament, radial degree of profile of the monofilament DR %, three-dimensional structure of the monofilament, and physical property of the monofilament along the axial direction of the filament of the infinite length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent to form a siliceous film that rarely cracks or peels off and yields an excellent rust-inhibitive performance on zinc surfaces of a metal part. The chromium-free rust-inhibitive surface treatment agent is an alcoholic solution of alkoxysilane oligomer having weight-averaged molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000, and 2.5 to 15% of silicon in molecules of the alkoxysilane oligomer has been replaced with titanium. To prepare partly titanium-replaced alkoxysilane oligomer, titanium compound, in which about a half of alkoxy groups in titanium tetraalkoxide has been chelated, is reacted with tetraalkoxysilane monomer or alkoxysilane oligomer in the alcoholic solution.

Abstract: Polymer brushes (50) in a resin that create phonon pathways therein. The polymer brushes themselves comprise structured polymer hairs having a density of 0.8 to 1.0 g/cc, a chain length of 1 to 1000 nm, and a thermal conductivity of 0.5 to 5.0 W/mK. The polymer brushes are 10-25% by volume of the resin, and the polymer hairs can orient surrounding resin molecules to the polymer hairs alignment (55).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crimping conjugate fiber, comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component comprises a polybutene-1; the second component comprises a polymer having a melting point higher than that of the polybutene-1 by at least 20° C., or a polymer having a melting initiation temperature (extrapolated melting initiation temperature measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as defined in JIS-K-7121) of at least 120° C.; in a cross section of the fiber, the first component occupies at least 20% of the surface of the conjugate fiber, and the centroid position of the second component is shifted from the centroid position of the conjugate fiber; and the conjugate fiber is an actualized crimping conjugate fiber in which three-dimensional crimps have been developed or a latently crimpable conjugate fiber in which three-dimensional crimps are developed by heating.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: Disclosed are rigid random coils, having a contour length larger than a diameter thereof, an average bending ratio Db of 0.1˜0.8, and a weight average molecular weight of 1×108˜9×108 g/mole, and a resin composition or organic solvent composition including the same. The rigid random coils have the properties intermediate between those of polymers and rigid rod particles, and thus may be used as filler of various resins, aqueous solutions or organic solvents.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional netted structure, the three-dimensional netted structure including a plurality of filaments of resin, the filaments being helically and randomly entangled and thermally bonded together, the apparatus including: an extrusion molding machine including a plurality of dies each having a mouthpiece with a plurality of holes; a pair of endless conveyors provided with endless members; a motor adapted to drive the endless members; and a tank adapted to partly submerge the endless conveyors therein. A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional netted structure using the apparatus by extruding molten filaments of a thermoplastic resin downward from the dies via the mouthpiece, helically entangling the molten filaments by entangling actions of the endless members, and cooling the entangled filaments in a liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A toughened composite material, having a first phase defining a matrix and a plurality of typically second phase particles dispersed in the first phase matrix. Each respective particle is characterized by a predetermined geometric architecture, such as a spiral shape. The presence of the geometrically distinct dispersed second phase operates to deflect and attenuate crack propagation.

Abstract: A spring with high durability has a coating film composed of an epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent which contains an epoxy resin and a softening agent comprising a thermoplastic resin for improving impact resistance of the coating film. A method of coating a spring with high durability comprises a coating step of making an epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent which contains an epoxy resin and a softening agent comprising a thermoplastic resin for improving impact resistance of a coating film adhere to a surface on which the coating film is formed, and a baking step of baking the epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent adhered to the surface.

Abstract: A helical fine structure of the present invention is characterized by including: a phytoplankton having a helical shape and selected from a group of cyanobacteria called Spirulina; and a surface modification layer formed on the phytoplankton. The surface modification layer includes at least one metal plating layer. Thereby, the helical fine structure can be utilized as an electric-wave shield or an absorber. Moreover, a method for producing the helical fine structure is characterized in that a prestep of a step of forming the surface modification layer on the phytoplankton having a helical shape includes a washing step with an organic solvent to remove an outer membrane from a surface of the phytoplankton.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.

Abstract: A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reinforcement of materials by the dispersal of structures in the material to be reinforced. In particular the invention relates to the reinforcement of materials and involves the random dispersal of independent three-dimensional structures in the material, these structures may be a mixture of left and right handed structures and/or comprise a series of lumen to anchor them into the material and/or be selected from a subset of possible three dimensional structures based on the number of apices and connections between these.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a flexible elongated member and a spiral member. The spiral member is engaged with at least a portion of the flexible elongated member. The spiral member asserts a biasing force on the flexible elongated member to prevent the flexible elongated member from becoming tangled.

Abstract: A composite material is described that contains a reinforcing resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers have a coating containing polyphenylene sulfide and the proportion of polyphenylene sulfide relative to the uncoated fibers is 0.001 to <0.01 wt. %. The composite material shows higher apparent interlaminar shear strength and bending strength as compared with similar composite materials having no PPS coating in the above concentration range.

Abstract: Fibers are spun from a supported array of nanotubes. Fibers are spun using a spinning shaft with, for example, a hook shaped end that contacts the supported nanotubes and twists some of them around each other to begin the fiber. As the twisted nanotubes detach from the support, the shaft moves away from and along the supported array in a controlled direction and at a controlled speed as it spins to twist and detach additional nanotubes from the support and extend the length of the fiber. If the array is pretreated with a dilute polymer solution, excess solution is squeezed out of the growing fiber during spinning, and the polymer may be cured at elevated temperature to provide a strong nanotube composite fiber.

Abstract: An integral composite fiber is formed by integrally joining a stretchable fiber and unstretchable fibers. The stretchable fiber has longitudinally extending first exposed surfaces that are circumferentially spaced from each other. The unstretchable fibers has longitudinally extending second exposed surfaces each disposed between a circumferentially adjacent pair of the first exposed surfaces. One of the first exposed surfaces has a larger surface area than the other or others of the first exposed surfaces. Said other or each of the others of the first exposed surfaces has a surface area ratio of less than 0.8 with respect to the surface area of said one of the first exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon fibrous structure which comprises a granular part and 2-20 pieces of carbon fibers each of which has an outside diameter of 15-100 nm and which are extend outwardly from the granular part, wherein the granular part is produced in a growth process of the carbon fibers, wherein the size of granular part is 1.3 or more of times larger than the outside diameter of the carbon fibers, and wherein the mean length of the carbon fibers is not more than 20 ?m. The carbon fibrous structure improves the physical properties of the matrix, such as electric, mechanical, or thermal properties, while maintaining the other properties of the matrix, even when added at a small amount.

Abstract: Noise suppression materials and methods of manufacturing noise suppression materials are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a fibrous material includes a network of a plurality of fibers selected from a group consisting of glass fibers and ceramic fibers, the plurality of fibers including a first fiber and a second fiber, the first fiber having a first low melt component and a first high melt component, the first low melt component of the first fiber having a first melting point, the first high melt component of the first fiber having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first low melt component of the first fiber extends alongside and is adjacent to at least a segment of the first high melt component of the first fiber and is bonded to the second fiber at a contact point.

Abstract: A spring with high durability has a coating film composed of an epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent which contains an epoxy resin and a softening agent comprising a thermoplastic resin for improving impact resistance of the coating film. A method of coating a spring with high durability comprises a coating step of making an epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent which contains an epoxy resin and a softening agent comprising a thermoplastic resin for improving impact resistance of a coating film adhere to a surface on which the coating film is formed, and a baking step of baking the epoxy resin powder coating containing softening agent adhered to the surface.

Abstract: A primer/topcoat coil coating system employs crosslinkable branched hydroxyl-functional polyester-imide resins derived or derivable from a symmetric aromatic imide trial and a diacid or acid-producing derivative. The primer resin has a hydroxyl number greater than about 90 but not more than about 215, the topcoat resin has a hydroxyl number greater than about 100 but not more than about 215, and the primer and topcoat can each be hardened in 30 seconds or less to provide a coating having at least 0T flexibility with no tape off and at least 2H pencil hardness.

Abstract: A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave.

Abstract: To provide continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pellets having a good dispersion property of a reinforcing fiber bundle in injection molded articles and capable of achieving a satisfactory outward appearance of the injection molded articles and satisfying a mechanical strength of the injection molded articles by fully exerting the reinforcing effect, and a manufacturing method of the same.

Abstract: A fiber includes a base having a surface to be impacted by a fluid wave for propelling the fiber forward and a body having a trailing end connected to the base, a leading free end, and a spiral shape causing the fluid wave to rotate the fiber. A locking system causes the fiber to engage and hold at least one other fiber being propelled and rotated by the fluid wave. A process for producing three-dimensional, self-interlacing composites by mechanical polymerization with ultrasonic manipulation, includes placing the fibers and a mixing fluid in a form or mold. The fluid is subjected to ultrasonic manipulation in a mixing step, causing the fibers to be propelled, rotated and three-dimensionally engaged and held to one another.

Abstract: A shag rug and method of making the same using smooth bamboo yarns formed in chenille pile. The smooth bamboo yarns have a low coefficient of friction and thus the rug and method utilize a blend of bamboo and combed cotton. The blended yarns are formed into chenille and shag of a dense woven character with a subtle sheen. To augment the bamboo yarns, blends of other fibers provide a cotton canvas base for the rug and a backing cloth beneath the base along with a polypropylene border. The blends of fibers vary according to the intended use and location of the shag rug. The shag rug of bamboo resists damage from water, mold, and mildew while limiting the retention of allergens in the bamboo fibers. The bamboo shag rug can be readily cleaned and dried.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofibers and nanofiber structures which posses adherent properties, as well as the use of such nanofibers and nanofiber comprising structures in the coupling and/or joining together of articles or material.

Abstract: A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric that exhibits excellent elasticity, appropriate stress upon elongation, an excellent anti-blocking property, and an excellent soft feel, and which is suitable for applications to fabric products; and to provide fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric. SOLUTION: An elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric comprising composite long fibers comprising at least one of a non-elastomer resin and an elastomer resin, wherein the composite long fibers have a helical structure and an irregular-surface structure; the non-elastomer resin/elastomer resin volume ratio (%) of the composite long fibers falls within a range of 30/70 to 5/95; and the fineness of the composite long fibers is 5 dtex or less; and fabric products manufactured from such an elastic long-fiber non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A foldable polymer-based coil structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coil structure has metal wirings and interconnections between the wirings. The wirings and connections are embedded by a polymer. The coil structure is foldable in two or more layers. In the folded condition, coils of one layer overlap the coils of another layer. A stackable structure and jigs for aligning the foldable and stackable structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid carbon fiber spun yarn comprising a core region which comprises carbon fibers as a main component, and a surrounding region which comprises carbon fibers as a main component and covers an outer peripheral surface of the core region; wherein 20% by mass or more of fibers forming the core region are long carbon fibers having a fiber length of 500 mm or longer, 80% by mass ormore of fibers forming the surrounding region are short carbon fibers having a fiber length of less than 500 mm, and a mass ratio between the long carbon fibers and the short carbon fibers (long carbon fibers:short carbon fibers) is in a range of 20:80 to 80:20.

Abstract: A cable includes a cable sheath in which are embedded a plurality of insulated conductors at least two of which are helically twisted, the cable being provided with visible markings that indicate where one can electrically engage a selected one of the conductors by an insulation-piercing contact. The cable is formed by arranging a plurality of insulated conductors in a light-transmitting synthetic plastic sheath layer, two or more of the insulated conductors being helically twisted about a longitudinal axis, which cable is optically scanned to determine locations at which contiguous portions of the twisted insulated conductors are superposed orthogonally relative to a reference plane, whereupon markings are formed on the cable sheath layer at locations laterally spaced from the contiguous conductor portions, whereby a selected one of the twisted conductors may be engaged by an insulation-piercing contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to penetration resistant life protection articles, including spike penetration resistant life protection articles, and preferably spike and ballistic projectile penetration resistant life protection articles.