Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to relate to fibers, textiles, fabrics, clothing and methods that are retroreflective including fibers having a hollow sheath that is filled with retroreflective particles.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing product data is provided, which includes generating a first time segment associated with a first product sale feature, the first time segment including product sales data related to sales of the product at a point of sale per a first time unit over a first time period in the past starting on a current time and of a first predetermined duration expressed in the first time unit, and one or more second time segments respectively associated with one or more second product sale features. The second time segments each include context data associated with product sale history and/or the point of sale over the first time period in the past. The first time segment is combined with the one or more second time segments to generate an information vector of product sale features. A prediction of sales for the product at the point of sale is generated based on the output of a prediction model to which the information vector of product sale features is input.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for operating connectorless, free-space data porting optical structural composites with integrated optical or electrical busses are disclosed. Optical transceivers and fiber optic/coaxial cable are embedded into a foam-core composite sandwich structure which is infiltrated with vinyl ester resin. The embedded busses are composed of a signal source producing an optical free space signal, which is shone onto an optical/electrical bus containing a transceiver for converting this signal into another electrical or optical signal which then is imprinted upon a coaxial or fiber optic cable buried in the composite structure. The signal traverses the composite structure, then a transceiver converts the electrical/optical signal into a free space optical signal which shines out of the composite structure to an outside free space optical receiver. The optical free space signal is oriented to be received and transmitted at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the composite material.

Abstract: An automated process for embedding optical fiber in fiberglass yarn is presented. The process permits fabricating a spool in a single, automated step in a conventional yarn spooling apparatus.

Abstract: An automated process for embedding optical fiber in woven composites includes embedding a woven fabric in resin using a vacuum infusion process to create a structural composite with integrated optical conduit with less than 0.8413 optical loss. The optical fiber is embedded in the woven fabric in both warp and weft directions. Optical fiber connectorization is done without polishing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for operating connectorless, free-space data porting optical structural composites with integrated optical or electrical busses are disclosed. Optical transceivers and fiber optic/coaxial cable are embedded into a foam-core composite sandwich structure which is infiltrated with vinyl ester resin. The embedded busses are composed of a signal source producing an optical free space signal, which is shone onto an optical/electrical bus containing a transceiver for converting this signal into another electrical or optical signal which then is imprinted upon a coaxial or fiber optic cable buried in the composite structure. The signal traverses the composite structure, then a transceiver converts the electrical/optical signal into a free space optical signal which shines out of the composite structure to an outside free space optical receiver. The optical free space signal is oriented to be received and transmitted at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the composite material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating three-dimensional photonic crystal structures includes providing a layer of photosensitive material; introducing a laser beams into the material; reintroducing the laser beams into the photosensitive material during a second exposure; combining results from at least the first and second exposures to produce a three-dimensionally periodic pattern in the photosensitive material. A related system includes a laser source; a grating array having a plurality of diffraction gratings located thereon; a mask plate located on a photoresist layer and arranged in registration with the grating array; a rotating shutter arranged between the grating array and the laser source, said rotating shutter being suitable for periodically blocking light from the laser source; wherein each of the diffraction gratings is positioned and oriented so as to converge all first-order diffracted spots to a common point lying in a plane of a back side of the mask plate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which utilizes catalytic microcombustion for the production of heat or power and which exhibits a low pressure drop and has a high catalytic surface area. The catalytic microcombustor includes catalyst inserts in the reaction chamber separated by a sub millimeter distance. Thermal spreaders ensure temperature uniformity and maximum thermal efficiency. A mixing zone is prior to the combustion zone. Thermally conductive and/or insulating inserts are in the vicinity of the reaction zone.

Abstract: An armor composite material has been invented which contains a fabric which has been impregnated with shear thickening fluid. This invention offers a ballistic resistant material that is more flexible and less bulky than comparable, conventional ballistic fabric. The material in the alternative can be puncture resistant. The invented material offers superior ballistic performance and/or puncture resistance compared to conventional ballistic fabric-based materials of equal thickness. The invented material can be applied to applications requiring armor that is compact and/or flexible, such as body armor, protective clothing and flexible protective devices and shields, and stab resistant clothing and devices.

Abstract: An armor composite material has been invented which contains a ballistic fabric which has been impregnated with shear thickening fluid. This invention offers a ballistic resistant material that is more flexible and less bulky than comparable, conventional ballistic fabric. The invented material offers superior ballistic performance compared to conventional ballistic fabric-based materials of equal thickness. The invented material can be applied to applications requiring armor that is compact and/or flexible, such as body armor, protective clothing and flexible protective devices and shields, and stab resistant clothing and devices.