Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for a dust box cleanout routine of an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system of a vehicle. In one example, a method is provided for an engine of a vehicle, comprising, during travel on an unpaved road, selectively discharging a dust box housed in a vent line of an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system by opening a discharge valve of the dust box leading to atmosphere. In this way, an accumulation of dust on the air filter and in the dust box of the EVAP system may be reduced, thereby maintaining an efficiency of the EVAP system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for a dust box cleanout routine of an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system of a vehicle. In one example, a method is provided for an engine of a vehicle, comprising, during travel on an unpaved road, selectively discharging a dust box housed in a vent line of an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system by opening a discharge valve of the dust box leading to atmosphere. In this way, an accumulation of dust on the air filter and in the dust box of the EVAP system may be reduced, thereby maintaining an efficiency of the EVAP system.

Abstract: The present invention provides high security polycarbonate laminates integrated with insulated glazing units (IGU) to produce high security windows. The laminate comprises at least nine layers, in the following order: (i) an insulated glazing unit; (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (iii) a polycarbonate; (iv) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (v) a polycarbonate; (vi) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (vii) a glass; (viii) a thermoplastic polyurethane; and (ix) a polycarbonate. A frame may surround and overbite the laminate. An array of framed laminates may be arranged such that one framed laminate may be removed, without removing an adjacent laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-active method of mounting a monolithic polycarbonate sheet or a laminate in a semi-rigid metallic framing system along two parallel sides of a rectangular shaped sheet or laminate with the two shorter parallel sides being unconstrained. In the case of a square shaped sheet, two parallel sides are supported in the semi-rigid frame, and the other two parallel sides are unconstrained. The semi-rigid frame utilizes cylindrically shaped hardware (i.e., bolts, rivets, studs, etc.) to hold the sheet or laminate. The semi-rigid frame is designed, via section and material properties, to flex and hinge about fixed mounting points along the length of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultrathin polycarbonate panels for use in security isolation cells to provide a transparent and secure barrier between a prisoner and a guard, where the barrier passes flammability test ASTM E-84 Class A. The panel comprises at least one polycarbonate sheet having a thickness between 0.25 mm and 1 mm. Panels may optionally include a metal support and a frame, and the frame may overbite (edge bite) a portion of the polycarbonate panel, and all points of the polycarbonate panel may be located within four frame widths of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight blast-mitigating polycarbonate laminate system comprising at least one polycarbonate sheet, a portion of which is laminated to a glass layer having a thickness between 0.25 times and less than 1 times the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet. The laminate system may further include fasteners to attach the system to a building, positioned to prevent the laminate system from breaking or detaching in case of a blast event.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural insulated panels which may afford protection from blast and ballistics events. The inventive structural insulated panel comprises a metal sheet, a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam and a polycarbonate sheet, film or laminate. Due to the materials of their construction, the inventive panels are light weight and a plurality of such panels may be quickly and easily assembled into sturdy, insulated, temporary or permanent shelters for protection in a variety of situations and environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides high security polycarbonate laminates integrated with insulated glazing units (IGU) to produce high security windows. The laminate comprises at least nine layers, in the following order: (i) an insulated glazing unit; (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (iii) a polycarbonate; (iv) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (v) a polycarbonate; (vi) a thermoplastic polyurethane; (vii) a glass; (viii) a thermoplastic polyurethane; and (ix) a polycarbonate. A frame may surround and overbite the laminate. An array of framed laminates may be arranged such that one framed laminate may be removed, without removing an adjacent laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid deployment cover system comprising a polycarbonate laminate or a glass-clad polycarbonate laminate in combination with a versatile and cushioned mounting system to yield a highly durable cover which provides protection from forced-entry, blast, ballistics and/or extreme storms in a wide range of climates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight blast-mitigating polycarbonate laminate system comprising at least one polycarbonate sheet, a portion of which is laminated to a glass layer having a thickness between 0.25 times and less than 1 times the thickness of the polycarbonate sheet. The laminate system may further include fasteners to attach the system to a building, positioned to prevent the laminate system from breaking or detaching in case of a blast event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid deployment cover system comprising a polycarbonate laminate or a glass-clad polycarbonate laminate in combination with a versatile and cushioned mounting system to yield a highly durable cover which provides protection from forced-entry, blast, ballistics and/or extreme storms in a wide range of climates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorber for a blast barrier system comprising a substantially tubular member extending longitudinally along an axis from a first end portion to a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a substantially similar geometric, profile, wherein the energy absorber collapses under a predetermined load when compressed by a residual blast force. The energy absorber of the present invention may help minimize damage to people and structures by further dissipating force from a blast in a blast barrier system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorber for a blast barrier system comprising a substantially tubular member extending longitudinally along an axis from a first end portion to a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a substantially similar geometric, profile, wherein the energy absorber collapses under a predetermined load when compressed by a residual blast force. The energy absorber of the present invention may help minimize damage to people and structures by further dissipating force from a blast in a blast barrier system.

Abstract: A process of incorporating metal in the form of nanoparticles into the surface layer of a polymeric article and the resultant articles are disclosed. The process includes bringing at least a part of the surface of said article in contact with a solvent mixture that contains (a) water, (b) a carrier conforming to R1—[—O—(CH2)n]mOR2 where R1 and R2 independently one from the other denote a radical selected from the group consisting of linear and branched C1-18 alkyl, benzyl, benzoyl, phenyl and H, n is 2 or 3, and m is 1-35, (c) a metal precursor, and optionally (d) a leveling agent, for a time sufficient to enable infusion of at least some of said metal precursor into said article to obtain an article having a treated surface layer; and treating the surface layer with a reducing agent to produce metal in the form of nanoparticles. The inventive articles prepared by the inventive process exhibit advantageous electrical and/or optical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorber for a blast barrier system comprising a substantially tubular member extending longitudinally along an axis from a first end portion to a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a substantially similar geometric profile, wherein the energy absorber collapses under a predetermined load when compressed by a residual blast force. The energy absorber of the present invention may help minimize damage to people and structures by further dissipating force from a blast in a blast barrier system.

Abstract: A process for endowing a polymeric article with a surface layer of an ion-conducting polymer to yield electrical surface resistivity sufficiently low for electrostatic discharge applications is provided. The polymeric article contains one or more immobilized, polymeric components having amine functional groups. The presence of the ion-conducting polymer in the surface layer lowers the surface electrical resistivity into the range suitable for electrostatic discharge applications, between about 1×105 and about 1×1012 ?/?. Plastic electrostatic dissipation materials produced by the inventive process may find use in the optical, electronics, automotive, entertainment, sporting goods, and medical sectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorber for a blast barrier system comprising a substantially tubular member extending longitudinally along an axis from a first end portion to a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a substantially similar geometric profile, wherein the energy absorber collapses under a predetermined load when compressed by a residual blast force. The energy absorber of the present invention may help minimize damage to people and structures by further dissipating force from a blast in a blast barrier system.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural insulated panels which may afford protection from blast and ballistics events. The inventive structural insulated panel comprises a metal sheet, a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam and a polycarbonate sheet, film or laminate. Due to the materials of their construction, the inventive panels are light weight and a plurality of such panels may be quickly and easily assembled into sturdy, insulated, temporary or permanent shelters for protection in a variety of situations and environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapidly deployable window cover comprising a laminate panel comprising two or more layers of polycarbonate having layered therebetween one or more layers of a thermoplastic polyurethane, having a plurality of openings arranged around the periphery thereof and the plurality of openings extending through the panel; and a plurality of fasteners; wherein the plurality of openings are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of fasteners therethrough, and wherein the fasteners attach the panel to a structure in which the window is embedded such that the panel shields the window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminate for protecting an object against close-proximity blasts, ballistic and severe storm events, the laminate comprising two or more layers of polycarbonate having layered there between one or more layers of a thermoplastic polyurethane. Also provided is a method of protecting an object from a close-proximity blasts, ballistic and severe storm events, the method comprising placing between the object and the close-proximity blast, ballistic or severe storm event, the inventive laminate. The inventive laminate can afford increased protection to an object against 50 lbs. to 100 lbs. of trinitrotoluene-equivalent from distances as close as about 3 feet (0.91 m).