Abstract: An inflatable camping mattress for use in the polar region includes an upper body and a lower body. The upper body is stacked on the lower body. The circumferential edges of the upper body and the lower body are sealed to form a separation layer between the upper body and the lower body. The inflatable camping mattress of the present invention can lower thermal conduction by the separation layer. When the present invention is used at the polar region, it can keep out the cold and prevent thermal loss for sleeping.

Abstract: A laminated composite stringer having a termination at one end in its longitudinal direction, and including a laminated stack of composite structural plies, wherein internal plies in the stack are terminated consecutively towards the stringer termination to provide a taper of reducing stack thickness. Also, a composite structure comprising a panel and the stringer; and a method of manufacturing the stringer. The composite structure may be used in aircraft.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein. Examples of solar energy receivers are disclosed that may be used to collect concentrated solar radiation.

Abstract: Thermal management devices and methods include branching networks comprising flow channels of varying cross-sectional area. The branching networks can be fractal-like in nature with an increase in the total flow area following a flow channel bifurcation. In representative embodiments, the branching networks are defined in a channel pattern that is laminated between cover plates to form a thermal management device. The channel pattern includes bridging portions so that the branching network is defined with a single pattern piece. The branching networks can exhibit radial symmetry or be aligned with respect to one or more axes. Heat exchangers and diffusive mixers that include such networks are also provided.

Abstract: Thermal management devices and methods include branching networks comprising flow channels of varying cross-sectional area. The branching networks can be fractal-like in nature with an increase in the total flow area following a flow channel bifurcation. In representative embodiments, the branching networks are defined in a channel pattern that is laminated between cover plates to form a thermal management device. The channel pattern includes bridging portions so that the branching network is defined with a single pattern piece. The branching networks can exhibit radial symmetry or be aligned with respect to one or more axes. Heat exchangers and diffusive mixers that include such networks are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic rod is produced by placing resin impregnated fibres within a tube of deformable openwork construction, for example braided or knitted material, arranged so that elongation of the tube results in a decrease in its cross section, elongating the tube so that it compacts the resin and fibres and also squeezes out excess resin through the openwork tube, and then curing the resin.