Abstract: A hand paddle for use in swimming comprises a blade (4) having first and second faces (12,14), wherein the first face (12) is a palmar face and the second face (14) is a power face. A plurality of grip elements (6) extend outwards from the first face (12). The grip elements include one or more finger grips (10) configured to be gripped between the fingers of a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube material dispersed in a dense material such as ceramic can produce heating when exposed to microwave radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of approximately 0.3 GHz to 300 GHz). By changing the loading of carbon nanotube material within a ceramic medium, one can affect the heating capability of the medium in dramatic and unpredicted fashion. This finding can be used to implement heating devices that heat via conduction or through radiation (e.g., infrared heating).

Abstract: An image reproduction device (e.g., a photocopy machine) uses carbon nanotube material and a microwave generator(s) to heat internal rollers to “set” image colorant/toner. The ability to rapidly heat the nanotube material with relatively low-power microwave generators permits the development of power efficient image reproduction devices. The principle of heating carbon nanotube material embedded within a roller with microwave energy may also be used in a number of other applications such as, for example, laminating, embossing, drying, annealing, calendering, and film orientation. In these embodiments, the material being processed or heated may be paper, film, plastic, rubber, film and the like.

Abstract: The present invention describes thermal management systems for high temperature events comprising: an insulating layer having opposing front face and back face, and comprising at least one layer of fiber-reinforced aerogel, said insulating layer disposed about and conforming to a surface to be insulated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber-containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods and materials for use in building construction that may require air and water barrier, and water vapor permeability along with thermal or acoustic insulation. Several embodiments provide materials for a variety of building construction needs that can help build next generation green buildings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a roofing component comprising: asphalt, cellulose, stone, thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, metal, ceramic, concrete or a combination thereof; and an aerogel material. Said aerogel material is integral or a distinct separate layer in relation to the component.

Abstract: A braiding machine carrier having a frame; a fiber spool mount attached to the frame; a fiber take-up assembly including a spiral spring; gear train on the frame for mechanically connecting the take-up spring assembly to the fiber spool mount for winding the spiral spring as a spool on the mount rotates; and a magnetic clutch, coupled to the take-up spring assembly, for preventing overwinding of the spiral spring.