Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible sensing material made from (a) at least one flexible polymeric layer and (b) at least one conductive, curable coating layer containing about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of multi-walled carbon nanotubes having a diameter of greater than about 4 nm, about 10 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of an aliphatic urethane acrylate and about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a photoinitiator, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the formulation, wherein the coating layer is curable by exposure to radiation and wherein the cured coating layer has a surface resistivity of about 102?/? to about 1010?/?. The inventive sensing material may prove useful for sensing one or more of pressure, temperature and moisture and find use in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive, curable coating made from about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, having a diameter of greater than about 4 nm, about 10 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of an aliphatic urethane acrylate and about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a photoinitiator, wherein the coating is curable by exposure to radiation and wherein the cured coating has a surface resistivity of about 102?/? to about 1010?/?. A process for the production of such coatings is also provided. There are many applications where carbon nanotubes in a radiation curable coating may enhance properties other than conductivity, such as physical and thermal properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible sensing material made from (a) at least one flexible polymeric layer and (b) at least one conductive, curable coating layer containing about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of multi-walled carbon nanotubes having a diameter of greater than about 4 nm, about 10 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of an aliphatic urethane acrylate and about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a photoinitiator, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the formulation, wherein the coating layer is curable by exposure to radiation and wherein the cured coating layer has a surface resistivity of about 102?/? to about 1010?/?. The inventive sensing material may prove useful for sensing one or more of pressure, temperature and moisture and find use in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of functionalized carbon nanotubes. The inventive process for the production of functionalized carbon nanotubes involves reacting carboxylic acid moieties of oxidized carbon nanotubes with vapors of a compound containing carboxylic acid reactive groups to produce functionalized carbon nanotubes. The present invention also provides a composition made from a plastic resin and functionalized carbon nanotubes produced by reacting carboxylic acid moieties of oxidized carbon nanotubes with a vapor containing carboxylic acid reactive groups to produce functionalized carbon nanotubes. The inventive process is useful with single-walled carbon nanotubes, double-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining binder distribution on a sample in which a selected sample is contacted with a transfer medium in a manner such that at least 15% of any fluorescing binder present on the surface of the sample will be transferred to the transfer medium, a digital image of the transfer medium is generated and analyzed for binder distribution.

Abstract: A process photometer which includes an insulated and a non-insulated compartment. The insulated compartment is maintained at a relatively constant, elevated temperature. The radiation source, a rotatable filter wheel, a radiation detector, and a means for converting analog output to a digital signal are among the components within the insulated compartment. The non-insulated compartment houses a power supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining binder dosage and distribution on a substrate. The apparatus employed is made up of: a) a source of long wave ultraviolet light positioned so that ultraviolet waves emitted therefrom will come into contact with a substrate to which binder has been applied, b) a filter which blocks ultraviolet waves emitted from the UV source and reflected by the substrate but which allows visible light waves emitted by fluorescence of the binder to pass, c) a lens for imaging visible light onto a focal plane, d) a video camera positioned at the focal plane of the lens which converts the visible light waves that have passed through the filter and the lens into an electrical signal, and e) a device capable of correlating images received by the video camera to binder dosage and distribution on the substrate contacted by the ultraviolet waves emitted by the UV source.

Abstract: An in-line spectrometric method for determining the distillation residue content in an opaque, dark-colored mixture containing an isocyanate and tar-like materials (residue) during the isocyanate production process. A probe capable of directing light at wavelengths of from 1050 to 2150 nm is inserted in a stream of the residue-containing mixture and light is transmitted through the stream. Light absorption data is collected and a near-infrared spectrum is generated. The residue content is then determined using a chemometric model. Knowledge of the residue content makes it possible to control and optimize the distillation process.

Abstract: Cure of the binder used to produce a lignocellulosic composite material in a press is monitored by (1) inserting a transmitter probe and a receiver probe into the composite-forming mixture at parallel points; (2) passing an ultrasonic signal from the transmitter probe through the composite-forming mixture to the receiver probe; (3) measuring the pulse velocity of the ultrasonic signal; and (4) comparing the measured pulse velocity to that of a standard (i.e., velocity of pulse through a composite article in which the binder is completely cured). When the measured velocity and the velocity of the standard are equal, the composite article is removed from the press. This technique is particularly useful for monitoring the commercial production of composite and engineered wood products.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder head with intake and exhaust ports and having an intake manifold with a common chamber and individual intake runners leading from the common chamber to the intake ports. The individual runners each have interior wall surfaces which are rifled to produce a swirling flow as the intake gases move through the individual intake runners from the common chamber to the intake ports of the cylinder head. This rifling is in the form of a plurality of helical vanes, with the helix being tighter near the intake port than near the common chamber. The helical vanes comprise a first set of helical vanes that extend from adjacent the intake ports to adjacent the common chamber and a second set of helical vanes that extend from adjacent the intake ports to a position intermediate the intake ports and the common chamber. An improved exhaust manifold is also disclosed for use with the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for establishing an ambient temperature correction having (a) at least one reference surface which adequately represents the black body radiation spectrum of the air column between a long-path FTIR spectrometer and the infra-red source and (b) at least one means for shielding the reference surface from external sources of radiation gain or loss. In a preferred embodiment, the reference surface is made of thin metal having a blackened surface surrounded by an insulating shield. It is also preferred that a means for promoting positive air circulation across the reference surface or surfaces be included in the device of the present invention. This device is positioned in a location such that the field of view of the long-path FTIR spectrometer will be covered.

Abstract: An infrared source suitable for use as a remote source for infrared interferometer spectrometers. This device is composed of a heat source, a black body radiating element and a concave reflector. A support to maintain the heat source and black body radiating elements in proper position is also preferably included. The device of the present invention enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of gas sensing devices based upon measurement of background infrared radiation, and allows the remote infrared source to be used in locations in which ignitable materials may be present.

Abstract: A particular area or areas are monitored for the presence of gaseous materials, particularly pollutants by analyzing background infrared radiation present in the selected area with a spectrometer and making the results of this analysis available in a form understandable to the person or device monitoring the area for the presence of specified gaseous materials. The results of the spectrometric analysis may, for example, be displayed on a video unit or they may be printed. Apparatus useful in the practice of this invention generally includes an interferometer of the Michaelson-Morely type having specific optical characteristics, a sensitive infrared detector, electronic data processor, and a device which records and/or displays the results of the determination(s).

Abstract: A particular area or areas are monitored for the presence of gaseous materials, particularly pollutants by collecting background radiation (both visible and infrared radiation) present in the selected area, analyzing the radiation collected with a spectrometer and making the results of this analysis available is a form understandable to the person or device moitoring the area for the presence of specified gaseous materials. The results of the spectrometric analysis may, for example, be displayed on a video unit or they may be printed. In a preferred embodiment, the results of the spectrometric analysis are displayed on a video unit simultaneously or sequentially with the image of the area from which the background radiation had been collected.

Abstract: An electrically programmable memory cell comprises two terminals, a unidirectional and/or controllable semiconductor device having anode and cathode regions and a programmable resistor, said anode and cathode regions of the semiconductor device and the programmable resistor being connected in series between the terminals. The programmable resistor comprises a mixture of finely divided metallic material dispersed in a thermoplastic resin. The programmable resistor is initially substantially nonconductive (having a resistivity, for example, in excess of 1 mega ohms per cubic cm). By forcing a sufficient current through the terminals for a period of time, the resistance of the programmable resistor drops drastically to the extent that it may be considered a conductor (having a resistivity, for example, of less than 100 ohms per cubic cm).