Abstract: Flooring that utilizes sophisticated, self-stabilizing, woven face fabric using relatively heavy “carpet weight” nylon, polyester, PTT or other yarns on modern Jacquard computer controlled looms to produce flat-weave fabrics that are bonded to engineered backing structures. Urethane modified bitumen may be used as a backing layer, and an optional latex precoat may be used on the fabric layer, together with an optional antimicrobial in the precoat.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an embossed surface comprising a polymer with a first glass transition temperature Tg1 comprises embossing the surface a temperature Temb; and raising the first glass transition temperature Tg1 of the embossed polymeric surface to a second glass transition temperature Tg2 such that Tg2>Temb. In another embodiment, a method for improving the release of a polymeric surface from an embossing tool comprises incorporating of one or more of fluorine atoms, silicon atoms, or siloxane segments into the backbone of polymer. The methods are particular suited for direct patterning of photoresists, fabrication of interdigitated electrodes, and fabrication of data storage media.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spin coating process comprises: dispensing a solution of a solution solvent and about 3 to about 30 wt % thermoplastic polymer, based upon the total weight of the solution, wherein the solution solvent has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of about 110° C. to about 250° C., a polarity index of greater than or equal to about 4.0, a pH of about 5.5 to about 9; spinning the substrate; and removing the solution solvent to produce a coated substrate comprising a coating having less than or equal to 10 asperities over the entire surface of the coated substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a vehicle windshield or other window. An opaque layer (e.g., enamel or water-based) is applied to a glass sheet and then “fired” or cured. The opaque layer is preferably black or dark in color. Thereafter, the sheet with the opaque layer thereon is cut into a desired windshield shape, along a cutting line which extends through both the glass sheet and the opaque layer formed thereon. As a result, on the cut glass sheet the opaque layer extends all the way up to the peripheral edge thereof. In vehicle windshield embodiments, the cut sheet is laminated to another glass sheet via at least a polymer based interlayer in order to form the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: Textile fiber face modular flooring having edges treated to mimic the appearance of grout between installed modules or otherwise provide visual demarcation between modules and methods and apparatus for producing such modules.

Abstract: A rodless pump is disclosed which is connected to a pressure source via a conduit. In a common oilfield application the pump would be connected to the bottom of a tubing string within the reservoir fluid to be produced. A pressure source such as a hydraulic pump would be connected at the surface to the tubing string so as to selectively apply pressure via fluid in the conduit to the pump, raising the plunger assembly in the pump drawing reservoir fluid into the pump. When pressure via the surface pressure source is released, a gas source in the pump urges the plunger assembly downward in the pump urging the reservoir fluid in the pump into the tubing and to the surface. Preferably, the pump includes dampening mechanisms at both the top and bottom of the plungers stroke so as to reduce metal to metal impact within the pump. This dampening mechanism may include but is not limited to elastomer barriers, springs, and other dampening mechanisms such as discussed further below.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing crystals of a macromolecule in microgravity includes a container 100 which is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and an open end. A thermally conductive lid 102 is fitted on the open end of the container to close the container and a heat source/sink 114 is provided in thermal contact with the thermally conductive lid to generate a temperature gradient within the container. When a solution of the macromolecule is provided in the container, the temperature gradient induces and control the crystallization of the macromolecule. In operation, a temperature ramp from a start temperature to an end temperature is used to maintain and control the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method of enhancing communication among a plurality of communicating devices in which an interface comprising a list of features for enhancing the ability of devices to communicate is copied from a device controlling communication to the controlled communication devices. The interface may be a variable portion of a communication protocol that, together with a static portion of the protocol provided separately, defines the communication capability of the devices. The method finds application in telephone systems where the controlling device is a public or private telephone exchange and the controlled devices are computer operated telephones. The display screen of the computer at each telephone may be used to select features of the interface that are to be used.

Abstract: A set of plates, one rigidly mounted to the strut and the others to the craft structure. The plates are held together and are interconnected to one another by several sets of dowel pins which are sequenced to shear when an impact load at the foil rotates the strut. Thereafter, a pair of additional energy absorber devices, positioned to the left and right of the strut mounted plate, will likewise absorb energy until a rigid stop is obtained. Finally, a tang portion on the strut mounted plate will be sheared by the rigid stop at a load below which the strut will obtain damage.