Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.

Abstract: A tool support assembly for working on a surface is provided. The tool support assembly includes a track and a carriage movably mounted on the track. A connector link extends between and couples a tool to the carriage. The tool support assembly also includes a biasing mechanism for urging the tool towards the surface.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer strengthening system having a concrete structural member having at least one outer facing surface. At least one pultruded element is located on the outer facing surface of the concrete structural member, the pultruded element containing a matrix material having a Tg of at least about 110° C. and a plurality of fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 300 MPa and an operating temperature of at least the Tg of the matrix material. Also located on the outer surface of the concrete member and at least partially covering the at least one pultruded element is an inorganic binder comprising an inorganic material having an operating temperature of at least about Tg of the matrix material of the pultruded element.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer strengthening system containing a concrete or masonry structural member having at least one outer facing surface with at least one groove. The at least one groove contains at least one reinforcing element, where the reinforcing element contains a matrix material having a transition temperature of at least about 120° C. and a plurality of fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 1000 MPa. The groove also contains a binder comprising an inorganic material and is incombustible.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes foam spacers positioned between the annular reinforcement band. The foam can be a reticulated foam into which a matrix material such as a polyurethane is introduced. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more features of the non-pneumatic wheel such as spokes, a mounting band, and a hub.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.

Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven comprising a plurality of roped fiber bundles having a length axis. The roped fiber bundles comprise a plurality of nanofibers having a median diameter of less than one micrometer, where at least 50% by number of the nanofibers are oriented within 45 degrees of the length axis of the roped fiber bundles. The nanofibers within the same roped fiber bundle are entangled together. The roped fiber bundles are randomly oriented within the nanofiber nonwoven and are entangled with other roped fiber bundles within the nanofiber nonwoven.

Abstract: An annular reinforcement structure is provided having a first reinforcement band and a second reinforcement band in a spaced-apart, concentric relationship, and a cast-in-place core material positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands and bonded thereto.

Abstract: An annular reinforcement structure is provided having an inner reinforcement band, an outer reinforcement band positioned around and concentric with the inner reinforcement band, and a cast-in-place polymer foam spacer, which maintains the spatial orientation of the inner and outer reinforcement bands. The annular reinforcement structure may be embedded in an elastomeric matrix material to provide stability, such as for belt for power transmission.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.

Abstract: A chemical sorbent article comprising a nonwoven containing a plurality of thermoplastic nanofibers and a textile, where the textile at least partially surrounds the non-woven. Also an oil boom fence containing a nonwoven comprising a plurality of thermoplastic nanofibers, a weight, a buoyancy article, and a fabric. The fabric at least partially surrounds the nonwoven, the weight, and the buoyancy article and the weight and buoyancy article are separated by the nonwoven.

Abstract: A continuous loop reinforcement assembly has an inner first flexible cylindrical reinforcement band separated from an outer second flexible cylindrical reinforcement band by a flexible intermediate resilient spacer. The intermediate resilient spacer applies a constant even force to the first and second flexible cylindrical reinforcement bands around the annular space between the two bands. The intermediate resilient spacer is a porous material formed of foam, nonwovens, spacer fabrics, or similar materials. The cylindrical bands are flexible with openings, and are formed from a coil of cable or similar material. The first and second flexible cylindrical reinforcement bands have a Young's Modulus greater than the Young's Modulus of a matrix that encapsulates the cylindrical reinforcement assembly. A retainer uses yarns to secure the cable in the coil. The retainer includes two polymers of different melting points, the lower melting point polymer is melt bonded to secure the retainer fixed around the cables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment apparatus and process for increasing the air permeability of a textile web, and the airbag fabrics made by such process.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle seat having seat belt segments that are retained on first and second retractors. The retractors each have a spool on which seat belt segments are wound. The spools of the first and second retractors are linked together by a spring that biases the spools to retract the belt segments. Right and left seat belt presenters are provided to move the latches of seat belt segments between a retracted position and a presentation position where the latches are held at a convenient location to be grasped by a person seated in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle seat having seat belt segments that are retained on first and second retractors. The retractors each have a spool on which seat belt segments are wound. The spools of the first and second retractors are linked together by a spring that biases the spools to retract the belt segments. Right and left seat belt presenters are provided to move the latches of seat belt segments between a retracted position and a presentation position where the latches are held at a convenient location to be grasped by a person seated in the vehicle seat.