Abstract: In an example method, a NWM molding blank, including a non-woven material held in compression by a binder, is placed in a separable mold, and heated to a melting temperature of the binder. The molding blank expands, forming as an intermediate NWM object a NWM molded object with a 3D geometric form. The intermediate NWM object is cooled through a temperature band with an upper boundary and a lower boundary, and further cooled to a solidifying temperature of the binder. The upper boundary is above the solidifying temperature and the upper boundary is lower than the binder melting temperature. While in the temperature band, the mold is separated, rendering accessible an exposed surface of the intermediate NWM object. The object is then transported to a contoured forming surface of a forming base, by an actuatable arm having an end effector gripping the exposed surface via vacuum suction, lifting the object from the mold and placing the object on the contoured forming surface.

Abstract: The method of preparing the polycarbonate ether polyol or high molecular weight polyether carbonate using controlled addition of materials during polymerisation includes the steps of: mixing catalyst of formula(I), double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst and optionally carbon dioxide and/or solvent with epoxide and optionally starter compound and/or carbon dioxide; or mixing DMC catalyst and optionally starter compound, carbon dioxide and/or solvent with epoxide and optionally carbon dioxide and/or solvent; or mixing epoxide, catalyst of formula(I), starter compound and carbon dioxide and optionally solvent; or mixing catalyst of formula (I), DMC catalyst and optionally starter compound, epoxide, carbon dioxide and/or solvent to form in each case a mixture (?); and adding one or more of starter compound, epoxide, carbon dioxide, catalyst of formula(I), DMC catalyst and/or solvent to mixture (?) to form mixture (?) comprising starter compound, epoxide, carbon dioxide, catalyst of formula(I), DMC catalyst and optio

Abstract: A process of the type for producing 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane by introducing 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, chlorine, and Lewis acid catalyst, optionally in the presence of carbon tetrachloride, the improvement comprising introducing the Lewis acid as a slurry within a chlorinated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a high molecular weight polyether carbonate, by reacting an epoxide and carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst of formula (I), and a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst.

Abstract: Components of a projectile are held together by a captive collar that is internal to the projectile. The internal captive collar is rotated about a central boss, allowing external threads on the collar to engage one of the mating components and pull that mating component into the other mating component in an axial only translation. The internal captive collar is rotated using a geared-key during assembly. This key engages a geared crown feature of the captive collar, allowing it to rotate. After assembly, the gear key is removed from the assembly. Castellated features nest within slots to transmit torque in the assembled projectile.

Abstract: A safe and reliable multi-component projectile enables cost effective manufacturing and assembly of the projectile. Major components of the projectile are joined by a plurality of shear pins interfacing with scalloped geometry of the components. The components are then held together by forcibly joining them using a hybrid annular-cantilevered snap fit joint. The tooth and groove arrangement exists where the teeth are at the end of a spring-leaf like feature of one of the mating parts and the groove is located on the opposite mating part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for emergency breathing systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In an embodiment, a second stage regulator includes a housing, a first nosepiece coupled to a first lever, a second nosepiece coupled to a second lever, a first spring located in the housing and coupled to the first nosepiece and the first lever, a second spring located in the housing and coupled to the second nosepiece and the second lever, a mouthpiece, and a coupler coupled to the housing, wherein the first spring and the second spring bias the first nosepiece and the second nosepiece towards each other.

Abstract: A weapon stowage and mounting system for a military vehicle, wherein the weapon stowage and mounting system secures a weapon such as an M16 or M249 emplaced therein and retains such weapon from flying about as a secondary projectile in the event of a vehicle roll over, vehicle collision or vehicle blast event, The weapon stowage and mounting system allows for stowage of a weapon with loaded ammunition magazines, grenade launchers, forward hand grips, and/or rails and scopes still attached to the weapon, thus allowing maintenance of constant mission readiness. The weapon stowage and mounting system also includes a panel of UMWPE material that is positioned in line with the muzzle of a stowed weapon to fully capture a bullet in the event of an accidental discharge of the weapon.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated composite piston head may include: creating a preformed aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core; suspending the preformed foam core in a piston head mold; forming a molded piston head and removing it from the mold; depositing an insulating material on at least one surface of the molded piston head; performing at least one machining operation on the molded piston head so it conforms to a predetermined specification for the insulated composite piston head; and optionally applying a lubricious piston coating to at least a portion of the outer surface of the insulated composite piston head.

Abstract: An implant for osteosynthesis which can be used to repair fractures and or fuse joints. The implant comprises one or more through holes for the passage of one or more sutures therethrough and or one or more sutures may be an integral part of the implant. The one or more sutures may be used to pull bone segments together and create compression therebetween and or to affix soft tissue to a bone segment.

Abstract: An insulated composite piston head that includes three or more layers is formed and used in a combustion engine. The first layer is an aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core. The second layer is a metal layer that at least partially encapsulates the foam core; wherein the metal layer is selected to be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third layer is a layer of an insulating material located on at least one surface of the metal layer. The deposition of the insulating layer is accomplished via the use of a coaxial laser process.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: An insulated composite piston head that includes three or more layers is formed and used in a combustion engine. The first layer is an aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core. The second layer is a metal layer that at least partially encapsulates the foam core; wherein the metal layer is selected to be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third layer is a layer of an insulating material located on at least one surface of the metal layer. The deposition of the insulating layer is accomplished via the use of a coaxial laser process.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: In one aspect, a braking system is provided that comprises a part (e.g., a brake disc) with a surface that includes a metal coating applied using a cold spray laser coating. Vehicles also are provided having a part (e.g., a vehicle brake disc) with a surface that includes a metal coating that may be applied using a cold spray laser coating is provided. The part (e.g., a brake disc) has improved properties such improved resistance wear and corrosion. A metal coating may also, e.g., serve as a wear indicator for the coated part.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: An implant for osteosynthesis which can be used to repair fractures and or fuse joints. The implant comprises one or more through holes for the passage of one or more sutures therethrough and or one or more sutures may be an integral part of the implant. The one or more sutures may be used to pull bone segments together and create compression therebetween and or to affix soft tissue to a bone segment.

Abstract: A medical implant for osteosynthesis wherein the implant has a first configuration when it is releasably attached to a delivery instrument and a second configuration when it is released from the delivery instrument. The implant has non-symmetrical means for fixation to bone segments and when the implant is released following insertion into the bone segments the fixation means prevent or minimizes rotation or other movement of the bone segments relative to one another. The fixation means also have means to prevent pullout from bone. The means for fixation may be adapted to compress, distract or control spacial orientation of the bone segments relative to one another. The implant may be packaged in a kit with tools to facilitate implant surgery.

Abstract: An explosive breaching device is made from a surplus bomblet. The bomblet includes a shaped-charge liner, a steel fragmentation case with an open end, explosive material disposed between the shaped-charge liner and the steel fragmentation case, and a fuze. The fuze of the bomblet is removed and a shock-attenuating case is fixed adjacent to and coaxial with the steel fragmentation case. The shock-attenuating case may be made of a material having a speed of sound that differs from the speed of sound in the steel fragmentation case. A mild steel housing is fixed around the shock-attenuating case. A retaining sleeve may be fixed to the mild steel housing. The explosive breaching device may be mounted in an aiming device to direct the shaped-charge jet in a desired direction.

Abstract: A new mortar projectile for use to resupply various payloads to distant troops. The mortar projectile has the capability of rapidly and accurately transporting the payloads to forward disposed combatants without interference of terrain or enemy action. The mortar projectile includes a shell body for housing the payload to be delivered, and a GPS-guided parafoil for delivering the payload to the designated remote target location.