Abstract: Fibers to be added to concrete to improve its properties are coated with an alkali-insoluble polymer, to provide adhesion of the fibers to the concrete. In a further improvement, nanoparticles are dispersed in an alkali-soluble polymer coating, and this is used to coat the fibers. When the fibers are mixed into the concrete mix, the nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the concrete, avoiding problems from agglomeration of the nanoparticles if simply added to the concrete mix.

Abstract: A polymer-sheathed multi-filamentary strand for use in braided covers for wiring harnesses intended for use in challenging embodiments comprises a core of glass filaments wrapped in an aramid yarn, and sheathed in a siloxane-modified polyetherimide polymer. Shielding against electromagnetic interference may also be provided.

Abstract: Yarns for use in manufacture of composite structures are intermittently coated with adhesive, and may be twisted as well. These yarns are then woven into fabric, and heat and pressure applied to the intermittently-coated yarns to provide dimensional stability and to prevent unravelling of the fabric during cutting and handling. The fabric is then disposed in a mold or over a mandrel, and a curable resin applied and caused to cure. Provision of the adhesive in intermittent fashion limits propagation of cracks that may form at the location of the adhesive, which does not bond well to the curable resin.

Abstract: A polymer-sheathed multi-filamentary strand for use in braided covers for wiring harnesses intended for use in challenging embodiments comprises a core of glass filaments wrapped in an aramid yarn, and sheathed in a siloxane-modified polyetherimide polymer. Shielding against electromagnetic interference may also be provided.

Abstract: Insulated electrically conductive fibers or microwires of sizes on the order of 1 mil (25 microns) diameter, so as to be suitable for processing into yarns or multi-microwire bundles, for example, for incorporation into conformable fabric products or for use as wearable electronic circuitry are made by coprocessing a core of a lower-melting-point metal within a sheath of a higher-melting-point polymer.

Abstract: A strand is coated with a powdered material by first applying a layer of hot polymer resin to the strand, and spraying the powdered material onto the resin-coated strand from at least three nozzles disposed along the processing path and spaced radially therearound. The spray apparatus is disposed within nested containers so as to limit the escape of overspray powder. The powder-coated strand may be heat-set to increase the adhesion of the powder.

Abstract: Connections can be made to microwires comprising a conductor of a lower melting point metal (e.g., indium 290) in a sheath of higher melting point polymer (e.g., PETG) by placing a small diameter spring, slightly larger in inside diameter than the outer diameter of the microwire, and of a readily solderable material over the distal end of the microwire. The conductor of the microwire is then soldered to the distal end of the spring in any of several ways that result in a solid member at the distal end of the microwire. The flexible spring provides a flexible support for the microwire, so that as the microwire flexes in use, the spring provides a strain relief; that is, the proximal portion of the spring flexes along with the microwire, so that the microwire bends over some distance rather than at a single point.

Abstract: A strand is coated with a powdered material by first applying a layer of hot polymer resin to the strand, and spraying the powdered material onto the resin-coated strand from at least three nozzles disposed along the processing path and spaced radially therearound. The spray apparatus is disposed within nested containers so as to limit the escape of overspray powder. The powder-coated strand may be heat-set to increase the adhesion of the powder.

Abstract: A fiber is produced comprising polymers of differing types which are not admixed during production. The differing polymer types are heated to the point of softening in a vertically-oriented crucible and a fiber comprising the polymers in positions corresponding to their positions in the crucible is drawn from an orifice at the lower end of the crucible.

Abstract: Insulated electrically conductive continuous fibers or microwires of sizes on the order of 1 mil (25 microns) diameter, so as to be suitable for processing into yarns or multi-microwire bundles, for example, for incorporation into conformable fabric products or for use as wearable electronic circuitry are made by coprocessing a core of a lower-melting-point metal within a sheath of a higher-melting-point polymer.

Abstract: Insulated electrically conductive fibers or microwires of sizes on the order of 1 mil (25 microns) diameter, so as to be suitable for processing into yarns or multi-microwire bundles, for example, for incorporation into conformable fabric products or for use as wearable electronic circuitry are made by coprocessing a core of a lower-melting-point metal within a sheath of a higher-melting-point polymer.

Abstract: A precursor yarn or thread is made by passing a central element, e.g., a filament, a tow, or a flat member, through a bath of a binder, such as a low-temperature hot-melt adhesive, and aqueous urethane, or an acrylic material, with which is mixed a quantity of hard-shelled microspheres which expand when heated to a higher temperature. This is then covered by a sheath, e.g, of PVC, polyurethane, polyester, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene in a second bath. When this product is heated to a transition temperature which is characteristic of the microspheres chosen, the microspheres expand, swelling the sheath. Such a precursor could be woven into a fabric and then heated, so that as the yarn expands the fabric mesh becomes tighter, reducing its porosity. This would be useful as a yarn in making papermaker's felts.

Abstract: Improved yarns the properties of which can be altered by heat treatment for various products are disclosed, as well as product made therewith and processes thereof. The yarns of the invention comprise a multifilamentary core of a comparatively lower melting point material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which is wrapped in both S and Z directions (that is, both clockwise and counterclockwise) by multifilamentary strands of a higher melting point material, such as polyester. For providing cut and abrasion resistance to webbing and products made therefrom, such as cargo lifting slings and the like, on the order of 8-12 such yarns are woven into the edges of webbing material, such that they contact one another.

Abstract: Multifilamentary core yarns of brittle, high-modulus materials are partially encased in a “wrapper” of another material. The wrapped core yarn is then coated with an adhesive that remains tacky over time. The coated wrapped yarn can then be spooled and stored indefinitely; when it is desired to be used, the yarn can be pulled off the spool without “blocking”, that is, the presence of the wrapper precludes damage to the brittle filaments of the core yarn caused by filaments of adjacent strands of the yarn adhering to one another. The tacky surface allows the yarn to be disposed where desired against a substrate, and heat and pressure to be applied to ensure that it will remain in position. Various processes previously not feasible with brittle, high-modulus multifilamentary yarns can be practiced.

Abstract: A yarn is produced which consists substantially of twisting filaments which are wrapped sequentially upon each other helically upon the yarn in layers, wherein the helically wound filaments preferably are wound right to left and then left to right alternatively to balance the yarn, wherein optionally a glue is applied to one of the filaments to maximize the performance of the yarn in producing paper.