Abstract: The invention relates to sized reinforcing fibers that comprise a reinforcing fiber sized with a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is functionalized and/or the reinforcing fiber is sized with a compatible functional non-fluorinated polymer that is compatible with the fluoropolymer. Functionalization of the fluoropolymer or the compatible non-fluorinated polymer provides enhanced properties, such as increased adhesion to the reinforcing fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer composites having a fluoropolymer matrix containing a functionalized fluoropolymer composition, and reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be chopped fibers, long fibers, or a mixture thereof, and the fluoropolymer matrix preferably is based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Any type of fibers, sized or unsized may be used with the functionalized fluoropolymer matrix composition to form the fluoropolymer composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of chopped fibers in thermoplastic composite compounds, and in particular to thermoplastic fluoropolymer compounds. The fluoropolymer matrix contains thermoplastic fluoropolymers that have been grafted with a carboxylic polar functionality, such as KYNAR ADX® polymer from Arkema. The chopped fiber—grafted fluoropolymer composite has increased tensile and flexural strength compared to fluoropolymer compounds that contain no grafted carboxylic grafted fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of chopped fibers in thermoplastic composite compounds, and in particular to thermoplastic fluoropolymer compounds. The fluoropolymer matrix contains thermoplastic fluoropolymers that have been grafted with a carboxylic polar functionality, such as KYNAR ADX® polymer from Arkema. The chopped fiber—grafted fluoropolymer composite has increased tensile and flexural strength compared to fluoropolymer compounds that contain no grafted carboxylic grafted fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A method of threat assessment includes the steps of (a) receiving data representative of a plurality of safety assessment categories and a plurality of threats within the plurality of safety assessment categories, (b) receiving data representative of at least one safety measure related to each of the plurality of threats; (c) analyzing the data with a safety assessment algorithm and (d) outputting a safety assessment scorecard indicating safety and security level of the facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer composites having a fluoropolymer matrix containing a functionalized fluoropolymer composition, and reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be chopped fibers, long fibers, or a mixture thereof, and the fluoropolymer matrix preferably is based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Any type of fibers, sized or unsized may be used with the functionalized fluoropolymer matrix composition to form the fluoropolymer composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to sized reinforcing fibers that comprise a reinforcing fiber sized with a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is functionalized and/or the reinforcing fiber is sized with a compatible functional non-fluorinated polymer that is compatible with the fluoropolymer. Functionalization of the fluoropolymer or the compatible non-fluorinated polymer provides enhanced properties, such as increased adhesion to the reinforcing fiber.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for generating mechanically rendered objects from digital input. In one embodiment, an example method may include generating, by a computer processor(s) coupled to at least one memory, a digital handwriting file comprising one or more digital characters, wherein a first digital character has a first glyph and a second glyph. Example methods may include receiving digital text comprising a set of characters for conversion to physically written text, wherein the set of characters comprises a first instance of a first character corresponding to the first digital character and a second instance of the first character, selecting the second glyph for a first physically written conversion of the first instance of the first character, selecting the first glyph for a second physically written conversion of the second instance of the first character, and causing conversion of the digital text.

Abstract: A circuit includes a light source, a sensor, and a switch. The sensor measures output of the light source and provides an electrical signal to a feedback loop that is indicative of the measured output of the light source. The switch is positioned in the feedback loop and is movable between a first position and a second position depending upon whether the feedback loop is operating in a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation. During the first mode of operation the output of the feedback loop adjusts at least one operating parameter of the light source responsive to the electrical signal. During the second mode of operation the output of the feedback loop does not adjust the at least one operating parameter of the light source responsive to the electrical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for microwave-assisted magnetic recording includes a magnetic write head operable to write data to a magnetic storage medium. The apparatus includes a spin-torque microwave oscillator coupled to the magnetic write head and operable to provide microwave radiation to the magnetic storage medium. The apparatus includes a driver circuit in communication with the magnetic write head. The driver circuit is operable to dynamically modulate bias current provided to the spin-torque microwave oscillator in sympathy with data being written to the magnetic storage medium by the magnetic write head.

Abstract: A thrust bearing pad includes a relatively low wear and low friction contact layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate allows a manufacturer to couple the thrust bearing pad to a corresponding metallic thrust bearing in a relatively secure manner while the contact layer extends the operating life of the thrust bearing and minimizes maintenance.

Abstract: A thrust bearing pad includes a relatively low wear and low friction contact layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate allows a manufacturer to couple the thrust bearing pad to a corresponding metallic thrust bearing in a relatively secure manner while the contact layer extends the operating life of the thrust bearing and minimizes maintenance.

Abstract: A thrust bearing pad includes a relatively low wear and low friction contact layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate allows a manufacturer to couple the thrust bearing pad to a corresponding metallic thrust bearing in a relatively secure manner while the contact layer extends the operating life of the thrust bearing and minimizes maintenance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving a golf swing are described. Deviated motions are detected and, in response to the deviated motion, feedback, such as, for example, an electric shock, is provided to the source of the deviated motion.

Abstract: Surgical devices for treating tissue are provided. Also provided are systems for treating tissue and methods of treating tissue. An exemplary surgical device has a handle, a fluid passage connectable to a fluid source, a tip portion and a distal end. The tip portion can simultaneously provide RF power and conductive fluid to tissue. The tip portion includes an electrode having a domed portion having a domed surface and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical surface. The domed portion is located distal to the cylindrical portion and occupies at least a portion of the distal end of the surgical device. The device includes a fluid outlet opening in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the fluid outlet opening configured to provide the conductive fluid to a surface of the electrode proximal to the distal end surface of the surgical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting signal peaks caused by a thermal asperity event in a magnetic recording media to reduce data reading errors introduced by the thermal asperity event. A common mode voltage is determined for differential signals representing data bits read from the magnetic recording media and a threshold voltage produced responsive to the common mode voltage. A comparator determines if either of the differential signals exceeds the threshold voltage, thereby indicating the occurrence of a thermal asperity event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a resistance of a magneto-resistive head. A current drawn by the head, in response to a fixed bias voltage across the head, is converted to a zero temperature coefficient current such that when supplied to a resistor connected to an input terminal of a comparator the effects of variations in the resistance value are avoided. An output signal of the comparator indicates the resistance of the magneto-resistive head.

Abstract: A recording system employing a magneto-resistive (MR) element senses a resistance value of the MR element and generates one or more MR resistance (MRR) signal values based on the sensed MR element resistance value. The MRR signal values might be, for example, current or voltage values proportional or inversely proportional to the MR element resistance value. The MRR signal values might be employed to control one or more of: i) a unity gain bandwidth of a bias loop for the MR element, ii) an MR read head preamplifier low corner frequency, and iii) a slew rate across the MR element.

Abstract: Surgical devices for treating tissue are provided. Also provided are systems for treating tissue and methods of treating tissue. An exemplary surgical device has a handle, a fluid passage connectable to a fluid source, a tip portion and a distal end. The tip portion can simultaneously provide RF power and conductive fluid to tissue. The tip portion includes an electrode having a domed portion having a domed surface and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical surface. The domed portion is located distal to the cylindrical portion and occupies at least a portion of the distal end of the surgical device. The device includes a fluid outlet opening in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the fluid outlet opening configured to provide the conductive fluid to a surface of the electrode proximal to the distal end surface of the surgical device.