Abstract: A method for the preparation of an electrode comprising a substrate made of an aluminium based material, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and an electrically conductive polymer matrix, the method comprising the following successive steps: (a) synthesising, on a substrate made of an aluminium based material, a carpet of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes according to the technique of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) at a temperature less than or equal to 650° C.; (b) electrochemically depositing the polymer matrix on the carbon nanotubes from an electrolyte solution including at least one precursor monomer of the matrix, at least one ionic liquid and at least one protic or aprotic solvent. Further disclosed is the prepared electrode and a device for storing and returning electricity such as a supercapacitor comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A method for providing a substrate made of a porous carbonaceous material with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, the method having a first step of depositing a ceramic underlayer on the substrate followed by a second step of synthesizing, by catalytic chemical vapour deposition, the vertically aligned carbon nanotubes on the substrate obtained after the first step, the carbon source necessary for the synthesis during this second step being injected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate and at a pressure less than 8104 Pa (800 mbar). The use of the substrate for preparing an electrode such as a supercapacitor electrode.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of an electrode comprising a substrate made of an aluminium based material, vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and an electrically conductive polymer matrix, the method comprising the following successive steps: (a) synthesising, on a substrate made of an aluminium based material, a carpet of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes according to the technique of CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) at a temperature less than or equal to 650° C.; (b) electrochemically depositing the polymer matrix on the carbon nanotubes from an electrolyte solution including at least one precursor monomer of the matrix, at least one ionic liquid and at least one protic or aprotic solvent. Further disclosed is the prepared electrode and a device for storing and returning electricity such as a supercapacitor comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A radiative surface comprises a film comprising: a semi-interpenetrated or interpenetrated network of a first ion-conducting polymer and of a second electron- and electrochrome-conducting polymer; and an electrolyte for impregnating the network; the film comprising a first face intended to be in contact with the solar radiations, the first face being covered with a first metallic layer in order to reduce the absorptivity of the solar radiations. A method for creating the radiative surface is also provided.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes caissons, floats, and ramps stored on top of one another on a self-propelled rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for driving over firm ground. The elements can be deployed transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, forms a pontoon or a ferry to breach a water-filled opening. The vehicle includes a deployment device to deploy the elements on one side before beginning to deploy the elements on the other side of the rolling base. The elements are deployed in at least three different configurations. The elements on each side, include respectively, from the inside outwards, in the deployed configuration, a caisson, a float, and a ramp which are hinged together in a Z-configuration.

Abstract: A system for transporting a span on a road vehicle capable of being transformed into an amphibious vehicle, enabling crossing of a dry or water-filled gap by any road vehicle. The vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious to allow any vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting the vehicle on the span supported on the amphibious vehicle operating as a floating ferry. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of civil or military engineering.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes caissons, floats, and ramps stored on top of one another on a self-propelled rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for driving over firm ground. The elements can be deployed transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, forms a pontoon or a ferry to breach a water-filled opening. The vehicle includes a deployment device to deploy the elements on one side before beginning to deploy the elements on the other side of the rolling base. The elements are deployed in at least three different configurations. The elements on each side, include respectively, from the inside outwards, in the deployed configuration, a caisson, a float, and a ramp which are hinged together in a Z-configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a catalytic composition that comprises a carbonated structuring material (MSC) associated with a catalyst (CAT). The invention comprises mixing a solution of a first solvent (SOL1) including the carbonated structuring material (MSC) and a solution of a second solvent (SOL2) including the catalyst (CAT), and agitating (AGM) the resulting mixture up to the precipitation if the catalyst on the carbonated structuring material. According to one aspect, the catalyst and the structuring material are not soluble in the mixture of the first and second solvents. The composition thus obtained can be used after filtration as a material for an electrode in a fuel cell.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which has elements, such as caissons, floats, and ramps, arranged on a self-propelled rolling base, oriented essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for movement on land, and which are deployed to form a track or bridge portion oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, is used to form a floating bridge or ferry. The vehicle has a deployment device for deploying elements by pivoting of four groups of the elements around four vertical shafts spaced from one another, according to at least three different configurations, each group of elements including at least one caisson.

Abstract: A device for modifying a hull of a floating body of a floating vehicle or floating bridge, having a base floating body, with an upper surface forming a principal rolling path, and first and second lateral surfaces. On each side of the base floating body, a first movable wall which is mounted so that it pivots on a lower part of the corresponding lateral surface of the base floating body, a second movable wall is mounted so that it pivots on the first movable wall, and a third movable wall is mounted so that it pivots about the second movable wall The three movable walls are arranged with respect to each other so that, in a folded position, the first movable wall is essentially parallel to the first lateral surface of the base floating body, and the second and third movable walls partially cover the upper surface of the base floating body.

Abstract: A system for transporting a span on a road vehicle capable of being transformed into an amphibious vehicle enabling crossing of a dry or water-filled gap by any road vehicle. The vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious to allow any vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting the vehicle on the span supported on the amphibious vehicle operating as a floating ferry. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of civil or military engineering.

Abstract: A device for modifying a hull of a floating body of a floating vehicle or floating bridge, having a base floating body, with an upper surface forming a principal rolling path, and first and second lateral surfaces. On each side of the base floating body, a first movable wall which is mounted so that it pivots on a lower part of the corresponding lateral surface of the base floating body, a second movable wall is mounted so that it pivots on the first movable wall, and a third movable wall is mounted so that it pivots about the second movable wall The three movable walls are arranged with respect to each other so that, in a folded position, the first movable wall is essentially parallel to the first lateral surface of the base floating body, and the second and third movable walls partially cover the upper surface of the base floating body.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle which has elements, such as caissons, floats, and ramps, arranged on a self-propelled rolling base, oriented essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle is in a folded configuration for movement on land, and which are deployed to form a track or bridge portion oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rolling base, when the vehicle, alone or with another vehicle of the same design, is used to form a floating bridge or ferry. The vehicle has a deployment device for deploying elements by pivoting of four groups of the elements around four vertical shafts spaced from one another, according to at least three different configurations, each group of elements including at least one caisson.

Abstract: A method for contacting patterned electrode devices includes the steps of providing a porous substrate, depositing electrically conductive material to form at least one electrode on a front-side of the porous substrate and depositing at least one electrically conductive back-side contact trace on the back-side of the substrate. A portion of the electrically conductive material penetrates into the substrate. A device is formed including the electrode on the front side of the substrate, wherein the electrode is electrically coupled by a conducting channel including the electrically conductive material through the substrate to the back-side contact trace.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to electrochromic polymers and polymer electrochromic devices. In a specific embodiment, two complementary polymers can be matched and incorporated into dual polymer electrochromic devices. The anodically coloring polymers in accordance with the subject invention can allow control over the color, brightness, and environmental stability of an electrochromic window. In addition, high device contrast ratios, high transmittance changes, and high luminance changes can be achieved, along with half-second switching times for full color change. Also provided are electrochromic devices such as advertising signage, video monitors, stadium scoreboards, computers, announcement boards, warning systems for cell phones, warning/information systems for automobiles, greeting cards, electrochromic windows, billboards, electronic books, and electrical wiring. The subject invention also provides for the use of complementary electrochromic polymers in the manufacture of electrochromic devices.

Abstract: Craft for embarking/landing loads, particularly personnel and/or vehicles, on unequipped shorelines, of the catamaran type, comprising:

Abstract: A bridging span structure intended in particular for the crossing of ditches by vehicles and a system for transporting and depositing such a structure, wherein each connecting arm is rotatably mounted in relation to a bridging span about a pivoted bolt and wherein an arrangement is provided for urging the connecting arm automatically back to its normal position of use and for holding this connecting arm in this normal position, the invention being applicable to military armoured vehicle of the Engineering Corps.

Abstract: A bridging span structure for the crossing of ditches by vehicles has a locking mechanism for locking an upwards swingable access jib to a central box of a bridging span element. The locking mechanism includes at least two tie-rod elements pivotally connected to the access jib by two stationary transverse shafts, and two transverse locking shafts with a controlled displacement permitting fastening of both tie-rod elements to the central box in two different positions, respectively, corresponding to lower and upwards swung positions, respectively, of the upwards swingable access jib, the invention being usable in particular by the Engineering Corps.

Abstract: An underground shelter for the protection of at least one person, comprising two substantially identical rigid panels which may be assembled together into a tunnel configuration and disassembled by distinct mechanical means arranged so as to permit a joined interfitting of both top parts of both panels, respectively, and a rigid connection between the bottom parts of the latter so that the buried panel may withstand side or transverse forces applied to the panel and resulting from the thrust exerted by the earth layer covering the tunnel.

Abstract: A spanning beam structure for clearing breaches by vehicles, having a locking member including at least one pair of locking shafts made fast to a raisable access jib and to a central box, respectively, of the spanning beam while extending longitudinally of the central box along the same axis in the locked position of the access jib and two jaw-like members gripping round to confronting heads of both locking shafts.