Abstract: Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: A nanofiber yarn placement system includes a yarn dispenser assembly, and a placement assembly. The placement assembly includes a compliant flange, and a guide connected to the compliant flange. The guide defining a channel. The channel includes at least one internal surface and at least one corner defined by the at least one internal surface.

Abstract: An insulated nanofiber having a continuous nanofiber collection extending along a longitudinal axis with an outside surface and an inside portion is described. A first material infiltrates the inside portion, where the outside surface of the nanofiber collection is substantially free of the first material. An electrically-insulating second material coats the outside surface of the nanofiber collection. A method of making an insulated nanofiber collection is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for producing multilayered composites of adhesive nanofiber composites. Specifically, one or more sheets of highly aligned nanofibers are partially embedded in an adhesive such that at least a portion of the nanofiber sheet is free from adhesive and is available to conduct current with adjacent electrical features. In some example embodiments, the adhesive nanofiber composites are metallized with a conductive metal and in these and other embodiments, the adhesive nanofiber composites may also be stretchable.

Abstract: A density of a nanofiber sheet can be changed using an edged surface, and in particular an arcuate edged surface. As described herein, a nanofiber sheet is drawn over (and in contact with) an arcuate edged surface. Depending on whether the arcuate surface facing a direction opposite the direction in which the nanofiber sheet is being drawn is convex or concave determines whether the nanofiber sheet density is increased relative to the as-drawn sheet or decreased relative to the as-drawn sheet.

Abstract: A nanofiber yarn placement system includes a yarn dispenser assembly, and a placement assembly. The placement assembly includes a compliant flange, and a guide connected to the compliant flange. The guide defining a channel. The channel includes at least one internal surface and at least one corner defined by the at least one internal surface.

Abstract: Placement of nanofibers and yarns comprised of nanofibers onto a substrate are described. The nanofiber yarns are difficult to manipulate with precision given that the diameters can be as little as 5 microns or even less than one micron. As described herein, a placement system is described that can place nanofiber yarns on a substrate at pitches less than 100 ?m, less than 50 ?m, less than 10 ?m, and in some embodiments as low as 2 ?m. In part, this precise placement at small pitches is facilitated by the use of coarse and fine adjustment translators, and a guide connected to a compliant flange. The compliant flange and the guide facilitate consistency of location of a nanofiber yarn.

Abstract: A multilayer composite is disclosed comprising a heat shrinkable polymer layer and a nanofiber layer. Methods of forming the composite and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling widths of nanofiber sheets drawn from a nanofiber forest. Nanofiber sheet width can be controlled by dividing or sectioning the nanofiber sheet in its as-drawn state into sub-sheets as the sheet is being drawn. A width of a sub-sheet can be controlled or selected so as to contain regions of uniform nanofiber density within a sub-sheet (thereby improving nanofiber yarn consistency) or to isolate an inhomogeneity (whether a discontinuity is the sheet (e.g., a tear) or a variation in density) within a sub-sheet. Techniques for dividing a nanofiber sheet into sub-sheets includes mechanical, corona, and electrical arc techniques.

Abstract: Examples described include composite nanofibers sheets that have been “infiltrated” with a polymer (i.e., the polymer has flowed past a surface of the nanofiber sheet and into at least some of spaces within the sheet defined by the nanofibers). An adhesive nanofiber tape is formed when the infiltrating polymer is an adhesive and the adhesive infiltrates the nanofiber sheet from a one major surface of the nanofiber sheet. In other described examples, some portions of nanofibers in the sheet have been conformally coated with at least one metal layer.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling widths of nanofiber sheets drawn from a nanofiber forest. Nanofiber sheet width can be controlled by dividing or sectioning the nanofiber sheet in its as-drawn state into sub-sheets as the sheet is being drawn. A width of a sub-sheet can be controlled or selected so as to contain regions of uniform nanofiber density within a sub-sheet (thereby improving nanofiber yarn consistency) or to isolate an inhomogeneity (whether a discontinuity is the sheet (e.g., a tear) or a variation in density) within a sub-sheet. Techniques for dividing a nanofiber sheet into sub-sheets includes mechanical, corona, and electrical arc techniques.

Abstract: A carbo nanofiber nerve scaffold includes a cylindrical helix, a bundle of aligned carbon nanofiber yarns, and a carbon nanofiber sheet. The cylindrical helix includes a surgical suture material, and the cylindrical helix defines an interior of the carbon nanofiber nerve scaffold. The bundle of aligned carbon nanofiber yarns is disposed within the interior of the cylindrical helix. The carbon nanofiber sheet is disposed around the cylindrical helix on a side of the cylindrical helix opposite of the interior.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) muscle device includes a first CNT yarn. The first CNT yarn includes: one or more first CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a tube; and a first guest actuation material infiltrating the one or more first CNT sheets.

Abstract: A composite including a heat conformable polymer and a nanofiber sheet is disclosed. The heat conformable polymer can be a hot melt adhesive, and the combination can provide an electrically conductive hot melt adhesive composite. The nanofiber layer is protected and the composite is conformable and/or can be adhered to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: Placement of nanofibers and yarns comprised of nanofibers onto a substrate are described. The nanofiber yarns are difficult to manipulate with precision given that the diameters can be as little as 5 microns or even less than one micron. As described herein, a placement system is described that can place nanofiber yarns on a substrate at pitches less than 100 ?m, less than 50 ?m, less than 10 ?m, and in some embodiments as low as 2 ?m. In part, this precise placement at small pitches is facilitated by the use of coarse and fine adjustment translators, and a guide connected to a compliant flange. The compliant flange and the guide facilitate consistency of location of a nanofiber yarn.

Abstract: Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.