Abstract: Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic are used to make lightweight wheels and runflat tires. The NPR tires can be tailored and functionally-designed to optimally meet the runflat requirements for both military and commercial vehicles. NPR-runflat tires may be fabricated using standard materials and simple manufacturing processes, resulting in low-cost and high-volume production. In preferred embodiments the runflat tire designs are fully compatible with Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS), while providing a performance equivalent to current military vehicle solutions but at half the weight. An auxetic wheel according to the invention comprises a line defining an axis of rotation; and a plurality of concentric rings of unit cells surrounding the axis, each unit cell being constructed of a plurality of members defining a Negative Poisson's Ratio (NPR) structure.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. A basic structure comprises a plurality of spaced-apart stuffer members, each having a first end and a second end defining a length. A plurality of tendon elements interconnect with the first and second ends of the stuffer members in alternating fashion, such that the tendon elements criss-cross each other between the stuffer members. A first panel is bonded or attached to the first ends of the stuffer members, and a second panel is bonded or attached to the second ends of the stuffer members. In the preferred embodiments, the first panel, the second panel, or both the first and second panels are curved. An efficient manufacturing process based upon hollow stuffers and tendon elements in the form of bent wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic structures, including three-dimensional auxetic structures, are disclosed and applied to various applications. One such structure comprises a pyramid-shaped unit cell having four base points A, B, C, and D defining the corners of a square lying in a horizontal plane. Four stuffers of equal length or different lengths extend from a respective one of the base points to a point E spaced apart from the plane. Four tendons of equal length or different lengths, but less than that of the stuffers, extend from a respective one of the base points to a point F between point E and the plane. In three-dimensional configurations, a plurality of unit cells are arranged as tiles in the same horizontal plane with the base points of each cell connected to the base points of adjoining cells, thereby forming a horizontal layer.

Abstract: Stents of the type used to treat and prevent localized flow constriction in body vessels are based upon negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) structures. An auxetic stent constructed in accordance with this invention comprises a tubular structure having two ends defining a length with a central longitudinal axis and an axial view defining a cross section. The tubular structure is composed of a plurality of unit cells with two different configurations, called V-type and X-type. In V-type auxetic stents, each unit cell comprises a pair of side points A and B defining a width, a first pair of members interconnecting points A and B and intersecting at a point C forming a first V shape, and a second pair of members interconnecting points A and B and intersecting at a point D forming a second V shape. In X-type auxetic stents, each unit cell comprises eight points from A to H defining an outline of the unit cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile phone device, more specifically, to a sunlight illuminated and sunlight readable mobile phone device. The display panel opens a transparent window to the ambient light, which allows the sunlight to illuminate the display in both indoor and outdoor applications. A light collecting panel is introduced to reflect or transform the external light with a suitable angle relative to the display panel. A mobile phone with sufficient high contrast ratio, superior readability and ultra wide color gamut has been achieved. The solar light can be utilized as the lighting source in both indoor and outdoor display modes, thus remarkably reduces the power consumption and substantially prolongs the operation time of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic structures, including three-dimensional auxetic structures, are disclosed and applied to various applications. One such structure comprises a pyramid-shaped unit cell having four base points A, B, C, and D defining the corners of a square lying in a horizontal plane. Four stuffers of equal length or different lengths extend from a respective one of the base points to a point E spaced apart from the plane. Four tendons of equal length or different lengths, but less than that of the stuffers, extend from a respective one of the base points to a point F between point E and the plane. In three-dimensional configurations, a plurality of unit cells are arranged as tiles in the same horizontal plane with the base points of each cell connected to the base points of adjoining cells, thereby forming a horizontal layer.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs uses optimally shaped ceramic pellets, a specific stacking geometry and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. Lightweight, composite ballistic armor according to the invention may comprise an array of ceramic pellets, each pellet having a front surface, a back surface and a longitudinal centerline, and wherein the front surface of each pellet is intentionally convex. The front surface of each pellet may be hemispherical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be oval-shaped. Alternatively, the front surface of each pellet may be elliptical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be circular. In the preferred embodiment, the back surface of each pellet is formed at the same angle relative to its centerline, with the pellets being arranged with the flat surfaces lying in a plane.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs uses optimally shaped ceramic pellets, a specific stacking geometry and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. Lightweight, composite ballistic armor according to the invention may comprise an array of ceramic pellets, each pellet having a front surface, a back surface and a longitudinal centerline, and wherein the front surface of each pellet is intentionally convex. The front surface of each pellet may be hemispherical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be oval-shaped. Alternatively, the front surface of each pellet may be elliptical, in which case the cross-section of the pellet taken perpendicular to the centerline may be circular. In the preferred embodiment, the back surface of each pellet is formed at the same angle relative to its centerline, with the pellets being arranged with the flat surfaces lying in a plane.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. The basic structure includes plurality of parallel, spaced-apart stuffer members, each with an upper end and a lower end, and a plurality of fiber elements, each having one point connected to the upper end of a stuffer member and another point connected to the lower end of a stuffer member such that the elements form criss-crossing joints between the stuffer members. The stuffer members and fiber elements may optionally be embedded in a matrix material such as an epoxy resin. The fiber elements are preferably carbon fibers, though other materials, including natural or synthetic fibers or metal wires may be used. The stuffer members may be rods, tubes, or spheres, and may be constructed of metal, ceramic or plastic. The stuffer members are preferably spaced apart at equal distances. If the members are tubes, the fiber elements may be dressed through the tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high brightness and high contrast ratio reflective cholesteric displays employing circular polarizers. The front circular polarizer has a predetermined polarity that is opposite both to the Bragg reflection of the display and to the back reflective circular polarizer. An absorptive weak polarizer with high transmittance is adopted in the display system. In the black-and-white display mode, the white state is achieved in the cholesteric focal conic texture area; and the black state is obtained in the cholesteric planar texture area. In the full color mode, the full color state is created by the micro-color filter in the cholesteric focal conic texture area; and the black state is realized in the cholesteric planar texture area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile phone device, more specifically, to a sunlight illuminated and sunlight readable mobile phone device. The display panel opens a transparent window to the ambient light, which allows the sunlight to illuminate the display in both indoor and outdoor applications. A light collecting panel is introduced to reflect or transform the external light with a suitable angle relative to the display panel. A mobile phone with sufficient high contrast ratio, superior readability and ultra wide color gamut has been achieved. The solar light can be utilized as the lighting source in both indoor and outdoor display modes, thus remarkably reduces the power consumption and substantially prolongs the operation time of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic pellets and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. The preferred embodiment is a combination of three major components: 1) an optimally designed web system that allows armor tiles to be attached to it and that can be easily integrated with existing vehicle structures; 2) an advanced composite armor unit using a patent-pending BTR (Bio-mimetic Tendon-Reinforced) material as the supporting structure; and 3) optimally placed “waiting materials” which can provide enhanced ballistic impact resistance, energy absorption capability and structural integrity. These “waiting materials” are structural members that are not active at the beginning of the ballistic impact, but become active when needed or the active members have failed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunlight readable computing device, especially, to a full color direct-view and projection-view computing device. When the computing device works in the direct-view mode, the display panel tilt up to the conventional display position and it has a wide, open viewing angle; when the computing device works in the projection view mode, the display panel tilt down and forms a projection image via a mirror plate with a sufficient high contrast ratio and superior readability even directly under sunshine. The solar ambient light can be utilized as the lighting source in both direct-view and projection-view display modes, thus remarkably reduces the power consumption and substantially prolongs the operation time of the computing device.

Abstract: Zirconium-rich bulk metallic glass alloys include quinary alloys containing zirconium, aluminum, titanium, copper and nickel. The bulk metallic glass alloys may be provided as completely amorphous pieces having cross-sectional diameters of at least about 5 mm or even greater.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high brightness and high contrast ratio reflective cholesteric displays employing circular polarizers. The front circular polarizer has a predetermined polarity that is opposite both to the Bragg reflection of the display and to the back reflective circular polarizer. An absorptive weak polarizer with high transmittance is adopted in the display system. In the black-and-white display mode, the white state is achieved in the cholesteric focal conic texture area; and the black state is obtained in the cholesteric planar texture area. In the full color mode, the full color state is created by the micro-color filter in the cholesteric focal conic texture area; and the black state is realized in the cholesteric planar texture area.

Abstract: Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic pellets and a web system for patterning the pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. The preferred embodiment is a combination of three major components: 1) an optimally designed web system that allows armor tiles to be attached to it and that can be easily integrated with existing vehicle structures; 2) an advanced composite armor unit using a patent-pending BTR (Bio-mimetic Tendon-Reinforced) material as the supporting structure; and 3) optimally placed “waiting materials” which can provide enhanced ballistic impact resistance, energy absorption capability and structural integrity. These “waiting materials” are structural members that are not active at the beginning of the ballistic impact, but become active when needed or the active members have failed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular polarizer, more specifically, to a diffusively reflective circular polarizer (DRCP), which is characterized by broadband reflection and transmission over a hemispheric viewing angle. A thermo phase separation process of a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer system creates the DRCP film. As a multi-functional optical material, the DRCP film combines the merits of polarizer, reflector and diffuser to form an all-in-one component in the electro-optical industry. Moreover, since the novel film has a “silver white” appearance and super “hiding power”, it will initiate many other applications.

Abstract: Biomimetic tendon-reinforced” (BTR) composite structures feature improved properties including a very high strength-to-weight ratio. The basic structure includes plurality of parallel, spaced-apart stuffer members, each with an upper end and a lower end, and a plurality of fiber elements, each having one point connected to the upper end of a stuffer member and another point connected to the lower end of a stuffer member such that the elements form criss-crossing joints between the stuffer members. The stuffer members and fiber elements may optionally be embedded in a matrix material such as an epoxy resin. The fiber elements are preferably carbon fibers, though other materials, including natural or synthetic fibers or metal wires may be used. The stuffer members may be rods, tubes, or spheres, and may be constructed of metal, ceramic or plastic. The stuffer members are preferably spaced apart at equal distances. If the members are tubes, the fiber elements may be dressed through the tubes.

Abstract: Zirconium-rich bulk metallic glass alloys include quinary alloys containing zirconium, aluminum, titanium, copper and nickel. The bulk metallic glass alloys may be provided as completely amorphous pieces having cross-sectional diameters of at least about 5 mm or even greater.

Abstract: A pixelized driving means for cholesteric liquid crystal display comprises driving waveforms and related circuitry employing one voltage level. The first pulse with a voltage level and sufficient pulse duration can erase a single pixel to the planar texture; while the second pulse with the same voltage level but relatively short pulse duration will be able to address a single pixel to the focal conic texture. Though the pulse-height and the pulse-width are fixed as required, the number of the pulses can be digitally controlled. Thus, the driving means generates a unique solution for selectively activating an element of the display into a designated optical state without any visual impact on the rest elements.