Abstract: Processes for making fiber-on-end materials are provided. The materials can be used to make a variety of finished articles.

Abstract: Processes for making fiber-on-end materials are provided. The materials can be used to make a variety of finished articles.

Abstract: A method for stretch breaking fibers to produce a staple yarn and operating a staple fiber spinning machine, and an apparatus for performing such method, that enables the production of a plurality of products of lot size smaller than a large denier tow product. The process includes at least two break zones and a consolidation zone downstream from a second break zone to form a staple yarn. The filaments are broken in a second break zone downstream from the first break zone by increasing the speed of the fiber fed into the process.

Abstract: A method for stretch breaking fibers to produce a staple yarn and operating a staple fiber spinning machine that enables the production of a plurality of products of lot size smaller than a large denier tow product. The process includes at least two break zones and a consolidation zone downstream from a second break zone to form a staple yarn. The filaments are broken in a second break zone downstream from the first break zone by increasing the speed of the fiber fed into the process.

Abstract: A method for starting or stopping each of at least two separately controllable roll-sets (22, 26, 34, 56) used for processing a yarn (Y) in a stretch-break process, each roll-set comrpising at least two rolls, the method is characterized by the step of each roll-set, changing the speed of each roll from an initial condition to a steady state condition in accordance with a predetermined sequence and in coordination with a change in speed of at least one of the other rolls, such that simultaneous complete breakage of a yarn (Y) being processed in a stretch-break process is minimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fibrillar apparatus, such as a fibrillar microstructure, that has fibrils protruding from the surface of a substrate, and methods for making it.

Abstract: A method for stretch breaking fibers to produce a staple yarn and operating a staple fiber spinning machine that enables the production of a plurality of products of lot size smaller than a large denier tow product. The process includes at least two break zones and a consolidation zone downstream from a second break zone to form a staple yarn. The filaments are broken in a second break zone downstream from the first break zone by increasing the speed of the fiber fed into the process.

Abstract: A large imaging panel useful for direct radiography is prepared from two or four discrete modules, or tiles, containing arrays of solid state pixels. In preparing the large panels, a protective layer is applied over the array of solid state pixels on each module to protect the modules during subsequent processing steps. One or two edges of each protected module is trimmed and polished to form a polished edge which is within a specified distance from the solid state pixels of the array. The polished edges typically are surface treated (e.g., by etching) to enhance wetting and adherence of applied adhesive material. Protected modules are then assembled on a flat surface to form a two-dimensional mosaic of the modules in a way that each polished edge of each module is placed adjacent to the polished edge of a neighboring module to form a gap and a precise separation between the pixels of neighboring modules which is the same as the separation between adjacent pixels of one of the modules.

Abstract: A digital array for capturing a radiogram. The array includes a generally flat base on which there is mounted with a plurality of shock absorbing mounts a rigid support plate. A radiation electronic detection panel is mounted on the rigid plate in a way that the panel "floats" over the base. Electronic circuitry associated with the radiation detection panel is connected thereto with flexible connectors. A cover, which is transparent to X-ray radiation and opaque to visible radiation, is attached to the base to form a light tight enclosure for the panel. The top cover inner surface opposite the front surface of the radiation detection panel, is spaced from the detection panel front surface, and the detection panel is also spaced from the side walls.

Abstract: A jig for polishing a end of a thin solid state imaging panel on a horizontal rotating polishing surface is composed of a supporting ring structure, a panel holder and a panel mount. The supporting ring structure is composed of a supporting ring with a polished bottom surface and two slide guides extending vertically from the top of the ring. The panel holder is composed of two slide bearings adapted to accept the two slide guides on the supporting ring and a planar mounting surface. The panel holder is mounted on the supporting ring structure so that the slide guides and the slide bearings co-operate to support the panel holder on the ring in a plane perpendicular to the rotating polishing surface to permit the panel holder to move linearly under gravity in a vertical direction from a raised position where a polished bottom end of the panel holder is not in contact with the polishing surface, to a second position where the bottom end is in contact with the polishing surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for collecting relatively straight blow spun fibers in a two dimensional configuration. The process utilizes a venturi to preclude the kinking and bending of the fibers until the fibers have substantially thermoset. A diffusion chamber allows the fibers to be collected without entangling.

Abstract: An integral structure is provided for chemical processing, particularly high-speed mixing and chemical reacting, in which a plurality of laminae are joined together and having inlet and outlet ports connected by a plurality of intersecting channels formed therethrough which accommodate the passage of one or more chemicals, said laminae comprising a material selected for compatibility with the one or more chemicals, the channels being formed so that chemicals are combined at intersections therein at sufficient angles of attack and shear rates so that chemical reactions are not limited by mass transfer. Chemicals are introduced through the inlet ports and processed along the channel, with desirable product withdrawn through the outlet ports. The laminae are selected from material of groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table. Processes of manufacture of the apparatus and processes utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An integral structure is provided for chemical processing and manufacture, in which a plurality of laminae are joined together and having inlet and outlet ports connected by a three dimensionally tortuous channel. Chemicals are introduced through the inlet ports and processed along the channel, with desirable product withdrawn through the outlet ports. The laminae are of materials selected to be compatible with the chemical process, from the group consisting of elements of groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and metals. Processes of manufacture of the apparatus and processes utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough is characterized by an isolator disposed completely within the feedthrough tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic device is provided with a feedthrough assembly adapted to decouple deflections imposed on the feedthrough from lensed end of a fiber disposed within the feedthrough assembly.