Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making high-performance polyethylene multi-filament yarn comprising the steps of a) making a solution of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene in a solvent; b) spinning of the solution through a spinplate containing at least 5 spinholes into an air-gap to form fluid filaments, while applying a draw ratio DRfluid; c) cooling the fluid filaments to form solvent-containing gel filaments; d) removing at least partly the solvent from the filaments; and e) drawing the filaments in at least one step before, during and/or after said solvent removing, while applying a draw ratio DRsolid of at least 4, wherein in step b) each spinhole comprises a contraction zone of specific dimension and a downstream zone of diameter Dn and length Dn with Ln/Dn of from 0 to at most 25, to result in a draw ratio DRfluid=DRsp*DRag of at least 150, wherein DRsp is the draw ratio in the spinholes and DRag is the draw ratio in the air-gap, with DRsp being greater than 1 and DRag at least 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered material sheet comprising a consolidated stack of unidirectional monolayers of drawn polymer. The draw direction of two subsequent monolayers in the stack differs. Moreover the strength to thickness ratio of at least one monolayer is larger than 4.5.1013 N/m3. The invention also relates to a ballistic resistant article comprising the multilayered material sheet and to a process for the preparation of the ballistic resistant article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a monofilament-like product from a precursor containing a multitude of continuous polyolefin filaments, comprising exposing the precursor to a temperature within the melting point range of the polyolefin for a time sufficient to at least partly fuse adjacent fibres and simultaneously stretching the precursor at a draw ratio of at least 2.8. With the process according to the invention a monofilament-like product can be made that shows improved tensile properties; making it very suitable for application as e.g. fishing line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a polyethylene multifilament yarn comprising the steps of a) spinning multiple filaments from a solution comprising between 0.5 and 30 mass % of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene in a solvent; b) cooling the filament obtained to form gel filaments; c) removing at least partly the solvent from the gel filaments; d) drawing the filaments in at least one drawing step before, during or after removing the solvent, wherein the solution of step a) further comprises between 0.1 and 7 mass % of a sorbitol derivative and at step d) the filaments are drawn with a draw ratio of more than 15 to a strength of at least 1 GPa. The invention further relates to a high performance polyethylene multifilament yarn having a strength of at least 1 GPa, wherein the yarn comprises between 0.1 and 5 mass % of a sorbitol derivative.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving data over a data bus are disclosed. One embodiment of a system may comprise a bus clock signal that is a copy of a system clock signal that controls the timing associated with transferring data over the bus, a data clock signal that is designed to lead the system clock by a portion of a clock cycle to drive data over the bus ahead of the bus clock signal, an output latch device that drives data over the data bus in response to an edge of the data clock signal and a skew corrector that mitigates racing of data over the data bus in the event that the data clock lags the bus clock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, Wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0.1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0.1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250° C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product.

Abstract: An improved security checkpoint separates certain individuals into a secure, enclosed wanding station for additional security screening. The wanding station may be constructed using glass (or other strong, visually transparent substance) and metallic (such as aluminum or steel) posts so that people may be securely enclosed in the wanding station but still have a direct line of sight to personal items being screened at another location. The size of the wanding station may vary according to the needs of the checkpoint but preferably has room to screen three people simultaneously. The wanding station may include an entry area in which people form a queue, optimally of six people, for entering the wanding station. Two or more personal and item screening areas may share a wanding station to form a double lane module. The security module is configured so that most people pass straight through the checkpoint, and people leaving the wanding station can easily obtain their items without delaying others.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating a platen are provided. A hybrid illumination system uses both diffusion and collimation to efficiently provide a flat, uniform illumination at a platen. One or more diffusers are disposed between the illumination source array and a collimating lens. An illumination system is provided which uses diffused light to illuminate a platen in a print scanner. The illumination system has an illumination source array and a light wedge. The light wedge reflects light internally which makes the illumination even more diffuse. Sources are divided into at least a center region and a perimeter region. The density of sources provided in the perimeter region is greater than in the center region to correct for natural light falloff in the illumination system. Intensity control can be performed individually or in groups.

Abstract: A winch with a wrap spring brake is provided. The winch includes a rotatable drum configured to wind and unwind a cable. The cable may be connected to a load to be moved. A shaft is coupled to the drum such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the drum, thereby winding or unwinding the cable about the drum. The winch also includes an input hub capable of rotating and coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the input hub causes rotation of the shaft. The winch also includes a grounding hub. Finally, the winch includes a wrap spring wound about the grounding hub. The wrap spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the wrap spring is coupled to the shaft such that the first end rotates with the shaft. The wrap spring is configured to be wrapped down on the grounding hub when the input hub is not rotated, thereby automatically locking the winch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0,1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0,1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250° C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product.

Abstract: A variable speed slip clutch is provided. The clutch has an output shaft, a first and second input hub, and output hub, a wrap spring and a control hub. In one embodiment, the clutch includes a source coupler coupled to a first and a second input drive. The output shaft is configured to rotate. The first input hub is coupled to the first input drive and configured to rotate about the output shaft in a first direction. The second input hub is coupled to the second input drive and configured to rotate about the output shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction. The output hub fixed to the output shaft and configured to rotate therewith. The wrap spring has a first and a second end. The first end of the wrap spring is fixed to the output hub such that the first end of the wrap spring rotates with rotation of the output hub. The control hub is coupled to the second end of the wrap spring. In one embodiment a control motor is provided and coupled to the control hub.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying heat to a platen of a biometric image capturing device are described that remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen. These devices and methods prevent undesirable interruptions of total internal reflection of a prism that result in biometric images having a halo effect. In embodiments of the invention, heater assemblies, such as electrically conductive transparent material or resistive heating elements, can be used to heat an area where a biometric object is placed to remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen. Cooling assemblies, such as electrically conductive transparent material or Peltier elements, can be used to decrease temperature of an area where a biometric object is placed to prevent overheating of the platen.

Abstract: An improved security checkpoint separates certain individuals into a secure, enclosed wanding station for additional security screening. The wanding station may be constructed using glass (or other strong, visually transparent substance) and metallic (such as aluminum or steel) posts so that people may be securely enclosed in the wanding station but still have a direct line of sight to personal items being screened at another location. The size of the wanding station may vary according to the needs of the checkpoint but preferably has room to screen three people simultaneously. The wanding station may include an entry area in which people form a queue, optimally of six people, for entering the wanding station. Two or more personal and item screening areas may share a wanding station to form a double lane module. The security module is configured so that most people pass straight through the checkpoint, and people leaving the wanding station can easily obtain their items without delaying others.

Abstract: A layered target assembly is disclosed for improved shooting practice which provides for a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and a third planar layer. The first planar layer preferably consists of a paper material to provide a relatively rigid support for the second planar layer and the third planar layer. The second planar layer preferably consists of a reflective sheet of metallic foil. The third planar layer covers the second planar layer and is translucent such that light easily passes therethrough for reflection from the second planar layer. The third planar layer is highlighted by the reflected light so that a laser dot is visible on the layered target assembly of the present invention even during bright ambient light conditions. The first planar layer, second planar layer, and third planar layer each have respective planar surfaces that are approximately equal in size.

Abstract: Olefin polymer compositions are provided having enhanced stability against discoloration. The polymer compositions consist essentially of a normally solid olefin polymer such as polyethylene having incorporated therein, on a weight basis, 0.001 - 0.2 percent of 2,6-ditertiarybutyl-4-methylphenol* and 0.0005 - 0.4 percent of 2,6-ditertiarybutyl-4-ethylphenol**, with the quantity of 2,6-ditertiarybutyl-4-ethylphenol being present in a minimum amount of 50 weight % of the 2,6-ditertiarybutyl-4-methylphenol.*In subsequent discussions, this chemical sometimes will be referred to as BHT, which signifies butylated hydroxy toluene**In subsequent discussions, 2,6-ditertiarybutyl-4-ethylphenol sometimes will be referred to as BHEB, which signifies butylated hydroxy ethylbenzene.