Abstract: A modular ballistic shield design includes a viewport which extends from a first lateral edge of the shield to the second lateral edge providing unobstructed viewing. The three modules are connected together in a manner enabling replacement of any particular damaged module. No fastener protrudes through to the front face in a region fronting the user.

Abstract: Compositions comprising elastomeric polyurethane prepolymers comprising the reaction product of at least one diisocyanate selected from the group consisting of p-phenylene diisocyanate, m-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexyl diisocyanate, tetramethylxylyl diisocyanate and dimethylphenyl diisocyanate and at least one polyol or polythiol characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl or thiol groups or one hydroxy and one thiol group; a monomeric diol or dithiol curing agent and vein forcing fiber are especially useful for preparing fiber-reinforced composite structures, especially for dynamic applications.

Abstract: A biopsy channel for use in an endoscope having a tubular substrate formed of a lubricious material that is wound with a high strength wire filament helically wound thereabout to provide spaces between the windings and a relatively softer elastomeric material blanketing the windings. A top coating also containing a lubricious material is placed over the filler material to provide a tubular structure that can be bent into a tight radius without collapsing.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe is described formed from a composite material. The composite material includes a plurality of plies with each ply having a plurality of high modulus, preferably unidirectional, fibers oriented at an angle from about .+-.40.degree. to about .+-.90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the sole. The fibers are embedded within and bonded together by a low modulus resilient matrix. The sole is highly compliant about the forward roll axis of the sole while providing for lateral stability.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible coupling is provided by the present invention for transmitting torque and accommodating axial and angular misalignment between drive and driven shafts. The coupling includes at least one reinforcing ring disposed between a pair of hubs or plates having projecting pins to which are secured elongated filaments that are coated or impregnated with a flexible matrix. The filaments are wrapped from the hub or plate on one side of the reinforcing rings(s), to and across the reinforcing rings(s) and then to the hub or plate on the opposite side of the reinforcing ring(s) following a geodesic path. Torque applied to the coupling is thus transmitted between the hubs or plates solely through the filaments.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible coupling is provided by the present invention for transmitting torque and accommodating axial and angular misalignment between drive and driven shafts. The coupling includes at least one reinforcing ring disposed between a pair of hubs or plates having anchoring means, wherein an elongated fiber strand coated or impregnated with a flexible matrix is wrapped from the hub or plate on one side of the reinforcing ring(s), to and across the reinforcing ring(s) and then to the hub or plate on the opposite side of the reinforcing ring(s) following a geodesic path. Torque applied to the coupling is thus transmitted between the hubs or plates solely through the fiber strands.

Abstract: A link coupling is provided by the present invention for transmitting rotary motion and accommodating misalignment between a drive and driven shaft. The coupling consists of a plurality of flexing structures connected together, each of which consists of individual link elements joined together in an offset configuration to form a compact, relatively flat structure. Forces applied by any misalignment of the drive and driven shafts are accommodated primarily by flexure of the links.

Abstract: A flexible drive coupling for innerconnecting a pair of rotatable shafts includes a hub and an outer member. The outer member has formed in it a central opening and is disposed so as to circumscribe the hub and to be generally concentric with the central axis of the hub. Secured to and disposed between the hub and the outer member is a flexing section. The flexing section includes a plurality of helically wound, radially alternating layers of a resilient material and a substantially inextensible material. The layers of the flexing section, when viewed in section taken transversely through the layers and generally parallel to the central axis of the hub, have widths that diminish with increasing radial distance from the hub. The widths of successive resilient layers, however, diminish with increasing radial distance from the hub at a faster rate than the widths of successive and intervening inextensible layers.

Abstract: A noise and vibration attenuating support mounts a rotating member that tends to tilt about and translate along axes transverse to its axis of rotation. The support incorporates a body having mass and a moment of inertia with respect to an axis through the center of gravity of the body. Resilient elements, which are secured to the mass body, mount the rotating member resiliently relative to the mass body and the mass body resiliently relative to a second member. When mounting the rotating member, the support circumscribes and is coupled to the member such that the center of gravity of the rotating member is spaced along the axis of rotation from the center of gravity of the mass body. The support also predominately determines a translational natural mode of vibration with an associated natural frequency at which the mass body translates in resonance along axes transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotating member.