Abstract: The present invention provides nanowires which are substantially straight and substantially free of nanoparticles and methods for making the same The nanowires can be made by seeded approaches, wherein nanocrystals bound to a substrate are used to promote growth of the nanowire. Nanocrystals in solution may also be used to make the nanowires of the present invention. Supercritical fluid reaction conditions can be used in a continuous or semi-batch process.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming polymer microrods, the method including the steps of providing a polymer solution comprising a polymer dissolved in a first solvent; providing a dispersion medium comprising a second solvent, wherein the first solvent and the second solvent are miscible or partially soluble in each other, and wherein the polymer is insoluble in the second solvent; adding the polymer solution to the dispersion medium to form a dispersed phase of polymer solution droplets within the dispersion medium; and introducing a shear stress to the dispersion medium and dispersed polymer solution droplets for a time and at a shear rate sufficient to elongate the polymer solution droplets to form microrods and solidify the microrods by attrition of the polymer solvent into the dispersion medium.

Abstract: There is provided a shaped, binderless catalyst comprising titanosilicate TS-1 and TS-1 precursors; wherein the catalyst is shaped into particles with a defined cross sectional diameter. There is provided a shaped, binderless catalyst, comprising sufficient moisture to retain a desired shape and comprising at least 95 weight percent titanosilicate TS-1 and titanosilicate TS-1 precursors. There is also provided a crystalline titanosilicate zeolite TS-1, having a) shaped, binderless particles with a defined cross sectional diameter, and b) a crystallite size of less than 0.2 micron.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: A brush for basting and applying sauces to food features a head, a handle attached to the head and a number of bristles positioned on the head. Each of the bristles features a crescent-shaped cross section.

Abstract: This invention provides security articles comprising fibers, threads and fiber sections (“dots”) possessing multiple verification characteristics. The fibers possess unique and difficulty duplicated combinations of complex cross-sections, components, and multiple luminescent responses. The many verifiable characteristics of the security fibers, threads and dots provide high levels of protection against fraudulent duplication of articles in which they are incorporated. The manifold security features provide means of tailoring specific identity characteristics for specific use and users.

Abstract: By coating the outer surface of carbon nanotubes with various polymers of different properties, such properties as insulation property, reactivity, optical visibility, solvent dispersion property and so on are given to the outer surface of the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low and weakly-interlaced industrial polyester multifilament yarn, which has excellent flatness and flat uniformity, and in which the number of monofilament layers is properly controlled according to a fineness of the low and weakly-interlaced polyester multifilament yarn and monofilaments are interlaced, thereby reducing a surface brightness gradient of a coated fabrics, produced using the low and weakly-interlaced polyester multifilament yarn, when light is irradiated to the coated fabrics. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of producing the low and weakly-interlaced polyester multifilament yarn, in which air pressure of an air interlacing device, a yarn path, tension of the yarn, an helix angle of the yarn wound around a cheese, intervals between first guides, located before and after the air interlacing device, and second guides, located in the air interlacing device, and a position of a wave plate are properly controlled.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: The brush bristle material of this invention has a synthetic resin material and a metallic material integrated into one or more pieces. The synthetic resin material and the metallic material mentioned above are made of nearly plate bar members and are integrated in the form of a plate or a bar or in any proper form by being mutually combined like a sandwich. The brush bristle material integrated by mutual combination of the component materials is enabled to combine the characteristic properties of the synthetic resin material and the metallic material and acquire proper hardness, elastic force and frictional force suited to a given workpiece, the shape of the workpiece and the purpose of use of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tooth cleaning bristle, which is configured as a monofilament and has a outer surface having a contour that is structured preferably in the shape of a longitudinal flute and that has projections and depressions, alternating in the peripheral direction. The invention further relates to a toothbrush head having a bristle holder to which at least one such tooth cleaning bristle is fastened, and finally to a preferably electric toothbrush having such a toothbrush head.

Abstract: A two-layer nanotape that includes a nanoribbon substrate and an oxide that is epitaxially deposited on a flat surface of the nanoribbon substrate is described. The oxide is deposited on the substrate using a pulsed laser ablation deposition process. The nanoribbons can be made from materials such as SnO2, ZnO, MgO, Al2O3, Si, GaN, or CdS. Also, the sintered oxide target can be made from materials such as TiO2, transition metal doped TiO2 (e.g., CO0.05Ti0.95O2), BaTiO3, ZnO, transition metal doped ZnO (e.g., Mn0.1Zn0.9O and Ni0.1Zn0.9O), LaMnO3, BaTiO3, PbTiO3, YBa2Cu3Oz, or SrCu2O2 and other p-type oxides. Additionally, temperature sensitive nanoribbon/metal bilayers and their method of fabrication by thermal evaporation are described. Metals such as Cu, Au, Ti, Al, Pt, Ni and others can be deposited on top of the nanoribbon surface. Such devices bend significantly as a function of temperature and are suitable as, for example, thermally activated nanoscale actuators.

Abstract: The production of low-loss, tunable composite ceramic materials with improved breakdown strengths is disclosed. The composite materials comprise ferroelectric perovskites such as barium strontium titanate or other ferroelectric perovskites combined with other phases such as low-loss silicate materials and/or other low-loss oxides. The composite materials are produced in sheet or tape form by methods such as tape casting. The composite tapes exhibit favorable tunability, low loss and tailorable dielectric properties, and can be used in various microwave devices.

Abstract: Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta.

Abstract: The invention concerns a porous paper machine clothing (1) for dewatering a paper web in a paper machine, having a yarn layer made up of at least one ply (2) of longitudinal yarns (3) and at least one ply (4) of transverse yarns (5, 6, 7) that cross the longitudinal yarns (3), which is characterized in that the longitudinal and transverse yarns (3, 5, 6, 7) are connected positively to one another at crossing points (8). The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing a porous paper machine clothing of this kind.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to copolymers of fluorene. It further relates to devices that are made with the copolymers.

Abstract: Described are microfiber-entangled products and methods of producing microfiber-entangled products from microfiber materials or microfiber-forming materials, the microfiber entangled products having various useful product constructions that incorporate microfiber materials and other materials that can be combined by folding, weaving, lapping, twisting, tying, braiding, or otherwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cladding resin composition curable by heat, ultraviolet radiation, an electron beam or the like. The composition comprises a polyoxyalkylene polyol phosphate ester (hydroxyl value: 10–2,000 mg KOH/g) and a polymerizable or reactive functional group-containing compound. This composition is highly conductive as it is and, without incorporation of the conventional conductive additives, can be used successfully in the field of coatings and protective films where electric conductivity is a requisite.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-functional markers for use on various products, particularly products which have one or more visually indistinguishable characteristics, for identifying and/or providing information about such products, and to processes and materials for making and using such markers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire which can manufacture the longest possible wire by connecting relatively short wires with each other and is capable of suppressing reduction of a critical current resulting from influence by strain when the wires connected with each other are bent, an oxide superconducting wire, a superconducting coil and a superconducting apparatus are provided. According to the method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire by superposing end portions of two oxide superconducting wires with each other thereby bonding the end portions and connecting the oxide superconducting wires with each other, a junction formed by superposing the end portions with each other is so worked as to reduce the quantity of strain on an end of the junction when the two oxide superconducting wires and connected with each other are bent.

Abstract: This invention provides security articles comprising fibers, threads and fiber sections (“dots”) possessing multiple verification characteristics. The fibers possess unique and difficulty duplicated combinations of complex cross-sections, components, and multiple luminescent responses. The many verifiable characteristics of the security fibers, threads and dots provide high levels of protection against fraudulent duplication of articles in which they are incorporated. The manifold security features provide means of tailoring specific identity characteristics for specific use and users.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber includes a filament obtained by partially slitting an oriented PTFE film in a lengthwise direction of the film. Emboss processing is conducted linearly along the lengthwise direction of the film and like a zigzag shape or a convexo-concave shape in a width direction of the film, followed by slitting, whereby the filament includes a network structure in which single fibrils that are opened partially are arranged regularly. A PTFE short fiber is obtained by cutting the above filament and includes a branch structure. Thereby, a PTFE fiber with a small average fineness of single fibrils, a uniform fineness and a single-peak distribution with the peak at a center of fineness and with a high production yield and uniform and stable branch structure can be provided and a method for manufacturing the PTFE fiber can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making shaped structures with internally coated cavities with an inside diameter in the nanometer to micrometer range and the shaped structure obtained thereby.

Abstract: A bulked continuous filament with a three-sided exterior configuration is characterized in that each side has a smoothly curved contour extending between a first and a second rounded tip with an inwardly extending depressed region being disposed adjacent to each tip. Generally, the filament has an exterior modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 2.5, and a tip ratio in the range from about 2.0 to about 10.0. The filament generally delta-shaped void with three major apices extending centrally and axially therethrough. Each side of the void is convexly shaped and formed from a pair of facets that meet to define minor apices. The void is oriented such that each major apex extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior of the filament and each minor apex extends toward a tip of an exterior side.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to specific combinations of active particles, forming a powder, that may be combined with carrier materials such as resins to produce fibers for textiles, films, coatings, and/or protective or insulating materials. The specific mixture of particles and materials may be carefully engineered to impart unique and valuable properties to end products including integration with optical energies, heat, and other electromagnetic energies. Resultant compositions may interact with light in the visible spectrum and optical and electromagnetic energy beyond the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon rod according to present invention has a structure for hanging of polycrystalline silicon rods to each other end-to-end, so that the efficiency of melting polycrystalline silicon can be increased considerably. A polycrystalline silicon rod obtained by entirely or partially removing a peripheral portion from the rod to leave a central portion, and processing the central portion, preferably, the peripheral portion is removed by grinding in an amount corresponding to 10 to 60% of the diameter of the rod, and then subjected to groove-forming processing. This makes annealing unnecessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced tape including a visually transparent backing layer, a reinforcing scrim preferably of fibers made of visually transparent material along one surface of the backing, and a layer of transparent adhesive covering but not totally wetting the reinforcing scrim so that the scrim is visible along the backing layer before the tape is applied to give a user a visual indication of the strength of the tape. The indexes of refraction of the material of the fibers in the scrim and of the adhesive are similar so that when the layer of adhesive is pressed against a substrate through the backing layer, the adhesive will more totally wet the fibers of the reinforcing scrim, causing them to become significantly less visible in the reinforced tape adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing bar for mineral building materials, particularly for cement. The inventive reinforcing bar (10) is made of a bar of plastic material reinforced by fiber, which has a central, elongate core (12) and several ribs (14) which extend along the length of the core, which are disposed at an angular distance from each other, which form a cross or a star in the cross section thereof and which are twisted around the core axis (16) in a helical manner.

Abstract: A flexible, intermediate, bulk, container includes coated or uncoated woven fabric or plastics film having antistatic properties and is provided with elements which are enabled for corona discharge of static electricity accumulating in the flexible, intermediate, bulk, container, the surface of the woven fabric or plastics film at least partially comprising fibers protruding less than 10 mm from the surface.

Abstract: Fibers having a reduced amount of glare are disclosed. Products made therefrom the fibers are also disclosed. Methods of making the fibers and products are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-functional markers for use on various products, particularly products which have one or more visually indistinguishable characteristics, for identifying and/or providing information about such products, and to processes and materials for making and using such markers.

Abstract: A PTFE fiber with a low density and having a network structure that allows effective performances to be given to its finished articles and a method for manufacturing the PTFE fiber are provided. The PTFE fiber is a filament obtained by giving a heat treatment to a biaxially stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, followed by slitting partially in a lengthwise direction of the film. The filament includes a network structured fiber in which single fibers are opened partially in the width direction, and the filament is an aggregate of the single fibers. This fiber is manufactured as the filament by feeding a biaxially stretched PTFE film to a revolving pin roll with needles implanted thereon, the needles being arranged so that a plurality of rows run obliquely along a circumferential direction at substantially regular intervals, and slitting the film partially in a lengthwise direction. This PTFE filament may be cut into short fibers with a cutter. The short fibers include a branch structure.

Abstract: A bulked continuous filament with a three-sided exterior configuration is characterized in that each side has a smoothly curved contour extending between a first and a second rounded tip with an inwardly extending depressed region being disposed adjacent to each tip. Generally, the filament has an exterior modification ratio in the range from about 1.4 to about 2.0, and a tip ratio in the range from about 2.0 to about 4.0. The filament generally delta-shaped void with three major apices extending centrally and axially therethrough. Each side of the void is convexly shaped and formed from a pair of facets that meet to define minor apices. The void is oriented such that each major apex extends toward the approximate midpoint of one side of the exterior of the filament and each minor apex extends toward a tip of an exterior side.

Abstract: A functional composite fiber and preparation thereof, and a spinneret for preparing the same. The functional composite fiber comprises a plurality of the T-lobes connected with each other at their bases, wherein the caps of the T-lobes contain a component, and their bases T-lobes contain the component and an additive. The additive is not exposed on the surface of the fiber thereby preventing post-manufacturing abrasion of the spinning machine.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush has a typical twisted wire core containing bristles of Z-Shaped cross-section. The Z-shaped cross-section may be a conventional Z-shape; or it may be square or rectangular thereby defining a cross-section of discontinuous square, diamond or polygon shape with a connecting web; or it may be circular or oval thereby defining a cross-section of discontinuous circular shape with a connecting web. In either embodiment the cross-sectional shape effectively creates two longitudinal voids extending along the length of the bristle.

Abstract: A flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers formed by extruding a pair of molten monofilament strands in proximate disposition through a rotating die so as to form a line comprised of two monofilament polymer strands bonded together in a twisted disposition about a central longitudinal axis so as to define a pair of substantially V-shaped opposed troughs extending helically along and about the line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-filament yarn formed at least in part from filaments having cross-sectional zig-zag or double “W” shape with a 180 degree axis of symmetry. The filaments have a denier per filament generally in the range of about 0.1 to about 4.0. Fabrics made from yarns formed with the filaments have high moisture wicking, soft hand, and a silk-like lustrous appearance.

Abstract: A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle for a toothbrush, particularly for an electric toothbrush, and to a method for its manufacture. The bristle is manufactured from a monofilament (5) made of plastic. The bristle has in its cross section at least two zones (6, 7) and at least one point of preferred breaking.

Abstract: A liner system suitable for use in personal care absorbent products having a composite material including a substructure applied to a first layer. The first layer and the substructure define a plurality of voids for accommodating passage of fluids through the composite material. In one embodiment, high viscosity fluids including the particles contained therein pass through a plurality of apertures in the first layer. The voids defined by the first layer and the substructure entrap the particles to accommodate passage of fluids through the composite material.

Abstract: The dissolution of dissolvable components in plural component polymer fibers is achieved by providing a polymer fiber including at least two sections, where at least one fiber section includes a dissolvable component. The rate at which at least part of the fiber dissolves is controlled by at least one of a fiber section having a non-round cross-sectional geometry, and at least two fiber sections including two different dissolvable components. In an exemplary embodiment, island-in-the-sea fibers are formed with non-round and elongated cross-sectional geometries. In another embodiment, sheath-core fibers are formed in which the sheath and core include different dissolvable components.

Abstract: An optical polycarbonate resin molding material comprising pellets formed from a polycarbonate resin, wherein the pellets satisfy the following properties (1) and (2): (1) an average of surface areas (hereinafter referred to as “cross sectional areas”) in cutting cross sections of the pellets is 3.0 to 6.5 mm2, and a standard deviation thereof is not larger than 0.65 mm2, and (2) an average of ratios of long diameters to short diameters (hereinafter referred to as “long diameter/short diameter”) in the cutting cross sections of the pellets is 1.3 to 1.7, and a standard deviation thereof is 0.08 to 0.15, and an optical disc substrate formed from the material. According to the present invention, when the aromatic polycarbonate resin pellets which satisfy the properties (1) and (2) are used for molding, an optical disc substrate which hardly undergoes occurrence of silver streaks can be obtained, and operations at the time of molding can be facilitated.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a silicon single ingot in accordance with the Czochralski method. The process for growing the single crystal silicon ingot comprises controlling (i) a growth velocity, v, (ii) an average axial temperature gradient, G0, during the growth of a constant diameter portion of the crystal over a temperature range from solidification to a temperature of no less than about 1325° C. to initially produce in the constant diameter portion of the ingot a series of predominant intrinsic point defects including vacancy dominated regions and silicon self interstitial dominated regions, alternating along the axis, and cooling the regions from the temperature of solidification at a rate which allows silicon self-interstitial atoms to diffuse radially to the lateral surface and to diffuse axially to vacancy dominated regions to reduce the concentration intrinsic point defects in each region.

Abstract: There is provided a method for connecting an insulator coated wire with a conductive member while keeping the electrical resistance low and enough joint strength at the joint section therebetween without removing the coating film of the insulator coated wire beforehand. The conductive member has upper and lower pieces which pinch the insulator coated wire, and a gap between the upper and lower pieces varies at different locations. The wire and the conductive member have a good electrical connection at a region of the joint section where the gap between the upper and lower pieces is narrow. In addition, the connection strength of the wire and the conductive member can be enhanced at a region of the joint section where the gap between the upper and lower pieces is wide.

Abstract: The invention provides a profiled polymer filament having an open hollow cross-sectional shape normal to the longitudinal axis of the filament, wherein the cross-section is dimensioned to prevent the filament from interlocking with a second filament of the same cross-section. The invention also provides methods of manufacture of such filaments by melt spinning a polyamide, and spinnerets suitable for use in melt spinning such filaments.

Abstract: Charged, high-strength, high-modulus, melt-processed microfibers, films having a charged, microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same are described. Charged microfibrillated articles of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt processed film to liberate microfibers or microfibrous flakes therefrom. Microfibrillated articles of the invention find use as tape backings, in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water, wipes for dust or debris removal, and thermal and acoustical insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to long-fiber-reinforced polyolefin structures of length ?3 mm, which comprise a) from 0.1 to 90% by weight of at least one polyolefin other than b), b) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of at least one amorphous cycloolefin polymer, c) from 5.0 to 75% by weight of at least one reinforcing fiber, and d) up to 10.0% by weight of other additives, a process for their production, and moldings produced therefrom. The moldings of the invention have reduced warpage and increased precision of fit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire which can manufacture the longest possible wire by connecting relatively short wires with each other and is capable of suppressing reduction of a critical current resulting from influence by strain when the wires connected with each other are bent, an oxide superconducting wire, a superconducting coil and a superconducting apparatus are provided. According to the method of manufacturing an oxide superconducting wire by superposing end portions of two oxide superconducting wires (1, 2) with each other thereby bonding the end portions and connecting the oxide superconducting wires with each other, a junction (L) formed by superposing the end portions with each other is so worked as to reduce the quantity of strain on an end of the junction (L) when the two oxide superconducting wires (1) and (2) connected with each other are bent.