Abstract: In the present invention, once a polycrystalline silicon rod is grown by the Siemens process, the polycrystalline silicon rod is heat-treated within a temperature range from 750° C. to 900° C. to relieve residual stress in the crystal. According to the experiment of the present inventors, residual stress can be relieved satisfactorily by heat treatment at the above-described low temperature, and in addition, metal contamination cannot be induced and the physical properties of the polycrystalline silicon rod cannot be changed. The above heat treatment can be conducted inside a furnace used to grow the polycrystalline silicon rod, and can also be conducted outside a furnace used to grow the polycrystalline silicon rod. According to the present invention, a polycrystalline silicon rod with residual stress (?) of not more than +20 MPa evaluated by a 2?-sin2 ? diagram can be obtained.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon column is provided. The polycrystalline silicon column includes a plurality of silicon grains grown along a crystal-growing direction. In the crystal-growing direction, the average grain size of the silicon grains and the resistivity of the polycrystalline silicon column have opposite variation in their trends, the average grain size of the silicon grains and the oxygen content of the polycrystalline silicon column have opposite variation in their trends, and the average grain size of the silicon grains and the defect area ratio of the polycrystalline silicon column have the same variation in their trends. The overall average defect area ratio of the polycrystalline silicon column is less than or equal to 2.5%.

Abstract: A method includes grinding alumina powder into alumina particles with ultrafine particle powder, performing a purification process so that the alumina particles have a purity greater than 99.999%, processing the alumina particles by a spray dryer, processing the alumina particles by a sheet molding compound to produce an alumina material, and placing the alumina material in a vacuum super high temperature furnace to have a crystal growth which includes placing the alumina material in a predetermined crucible in the vacuum super high temperature furnace, preburning the alumina material to form a half-baked alumina cake, heating and increasing a temperature of the alumina cake so that the alumina cake is disposed at a melted state until the crystal growth is finished, and curing the alumina cake that is melted so as to form a sapphire crystal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying infections, such as methods of identifying bacterial infections which utilize whole metagenome sequence analysis to sequence the entire wound microbiome of clinical samples. The disclosed methods use fast k-mer based sequence analysis, predictive modeling, and Bayesian network analysis, to analyze bacterial metagenomic sequence compositions in conjunction with clinical factors to stratify communities of bacteria into healing versus non-healing clusters. The methods of identifying infections can include performing molecular analysis of a patient wound sample, preparing the data obtained from the molecular analysis, diagnosing the wound sample and/or prognosing the wound sample. The disclosed methods can also be used to identify protein function as well as novel biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a highly cut-resistant ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber, made of a ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and an inorganic ultrafine micropowder having a nanocrystalline structural morphology, wherein the inorganic ultrafine micropowder is one of an oxide, carbide, and nitride of aluminium, titanium, silicon, boron, and zirconium, or a combination thereof, and has an average diameter of 0.1-300 ?m and a content of 0.1-14% of the total weight of the fiber.

Abstract: Electrospun nanofibrils and methods of preparing the same are provided. The electrospun nanofibrils comprise at least one polypeptide. A polypeptide can be dissolved in a solution, and the solution can be electrospun into a nanofibril. The solution can be added to a syringe or syringe pump, and an electric field can be applied to electrospin the at least one polypeptide.

Abstract: A textile graphene component thermal fiber, or filament yarn, is able to be integrated into a textile, for example performance knits, woven and non-woven garments and linens, in order to conduct absorb or emit heat in order to regulate the body temperature for a user. The textile graphene component thermal fiber is able to absorb thermal energy and optimally conduct the thermal energy for extended periods of time. The textile graphene component thermal fiber includes a quantity of polymers, a first quantity of graphene, and a second quantity of graphene The quantity of polymers and the first quantity of graphene are mixed into a polymeric sheath. The second quantity of graphene and the quantity of thermally conductive substances are mixed into a thermal-conducting core. The polymeric sheath encloses the thermal conducting core in order to form the textile bi-component thermal fiber.

Abstract: A support disk for a suspension for a spinning rotor (2) of an open-end spinning device features a base body (8) and a thrust ring (9) with a running surface (10) attached on an outer circumference of the base body (8), whereas the running surface (10) has a crowned outer contour in the axial section. The running surface (10) features at least two partial sections (11), between which at least one groove-shaped recess (12, 14, 16) is formed. A suspension for a spinning rotor (2) of an open-end spinning device contains support disks (3) arranged in pairs forming a wedge slit, whereas the spinning rotor (2) can be mounted with its shaft (1) in the wedge slit, and whereas at least one of the support disks (3) is formed as described above.

Abstract: A composite yarn. The composite yarn has a glass core having a linear weight ranging between 50 to 400 deniers and composing from 15 to 60% of a total linear weight of the composite yarn. The composite yarn has a sheath surrounding the glass core, where the sheath is constituted at least of fibers of meta-aramid. The sheath constitutes a remainder of the total linear weight of the composite yarn. The composite yarn has a yarn count between 10 tex and 80 tex.

Abstract: An electrically conductive textile includes an electrically conductive textile member and at least one electrically conductive element. The electrically conductive textile member includes a textile body and a plurality of electrically conductive wires that are woven into the textile body in a first direction and that are spaced apart from each other. The at least one electrically conductive element is attached onto the textile body in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and is electrically connected to the electrically conductive wires for adjusting a resistance value of the electrically conductive textile member.

Abstract: In one aspect, parachute buffer materials are described herein. In some embodiments, parachute buffer materials described herein comprise a fabric formed from a plurality of fibers and a coating disposed on at least one outer surface of the fabric. The fibers have an inner component formed from a thermoplastic material and an outer component formed from a non-thermoplastic material. In some cases, the fabric is a woven fabric. Additionally, the coating can comprise or contain a silicone along with, or without, other functional components. Moreover, materials described herein can be used to form various structures for parachute buffering applications, and the coatings of materials described herein can enhance the materials' buffering performance.

Abstract: Described is a three-dimensional (3D) woven composites with high specific energy absorption (SEA) that significantly outperforms traditional two dimensional (2D) woven laminated composites of substantially the same weight.

Abstract: The pile cutter 10 according to the invention allows tufted goods to be produced using materials which, for example, have a friction-reducing coating for forming a dirt-repellant surface that is soft to the touch. Such materials are known to be problematic in the production of pile and occasionally irregular pile is produced. Adjacent to the narrow cutting edge 25 of the pile cutter 10 according to the invention is a comparatively broader step 27 and 33, which prevents the loop from slipping, without cutting into the latter.

Abstract: Wires, such as microwires or nanowires are braided, woven or twisted by attaching an end piece to a first end of a plurality of wires, wherein the end piece has a response to an electromagnetic or fluidic work force different than that of the wire. The end pieces are manipulated relative to each other by selective application of electromagnetic or fluidic force that braids, weaves or twist the wires at the first end, while the second ends of each of the wires remain fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for thermally treating webs which comprise thermoplastic respectively meltable compounds, thereby creating cylindrical or elliptic consolidation regions which may optionally comprise an aperture by employing a thermal energy source, such as ultrasonic energy, as well as to webs comprising elliptic consolidation regions. In a particular aspect the invention concerns apparatus and methods for creating the consolidation regions by using an anvil with a contact member that is supported by support ribs in its outer or proximal portion.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. When the thermoplastic polyester is selected to include aliphatic and aromatic polyesters, a spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. When the thermoplastic polyester is selected from aliphatic polyesters, a meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus and method for hook timing. An exemplary apparatus includes a frame, the frame having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a needle bar channel, and a spacer, the spacer moveable relative to the frame to overlay a portion of the top portion of the frame. The apparatus further including a clasping element connected to the frame and operable to change an effective diameter of a portion of the channel, and a bottom plate, the bottom plate connected to the bottom portion of the frame.

Abstract: An embroidery frame for a garment that is configured to retain the garment in a repeatable position relative to an embroidery machine. The embroidery frame includes a base and the clamp plate. The clamp plate is spaced away from the base and is configured such that a garment can be retained between the clamp plate and the base. Markings are defined by the clamp plate such that the markings are in a predetermined location relative to the base.

Abstract: A partitioning apparatus for a washer/dryer combination includes a plurality of arch sections, a plurality of longitudinal couplers, a plurality of flanges attached to or formed on each of the plurality of longitudinal couplers, and a locking means for affixing the plurality of longitudinal couplers to a drum of the washer/dryer combination. The plurality of arch sections form a cylindrical body and the partitioning apparatus divides the drum of the washer/dryer combination into a cylindrical space and a plurality of arch spaces.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a load of laundry according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a cabinet having at least one panel and a vessel, such as a tub or drum, suspended within the cabinet. An embossed pattern is provided on the at least one panel of the cabinet.

Abstract: A washing method according to the present invention comprises: a first rotation step for rotating an inner tub; a rotating direction detecting step for detecting the rotating direction of the inner tub; and a second rotation step for starting to rotate the inner tub in the opposite direction to the rotating direction of the inner tub when the rotation of the inner tub stops in the first rotation step. When the inner tub stops over a predetermined time and then restarts, the inner tub starts to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotating direction when the inner tub stops, thereby reducing the eccentricity of the inside of the inner tub, inhibiting collisions between the inner tub and an outer tub, reducing noise during collisions, and improving the rotation performance of the inner tub.

Abstract: Systems for shipping and operation dampening an appliance having a housing, a moveable tub member inside the housing, and a dampening portion are provided. The housing includes at least one sidewall, with the dampening portion disposed at least partially between the moveable tub member and the at least one side wall. The dampening portion includes a resilient material having at least one surface extending at least partially along the sidewall or tub member.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry for use in treating the laundry comprises, determining an amount of laundry in the treating chamber, setting at least one of a dilution and a delivery rate for the treating chemistry based on the determined amount of laundry to define a dispensing parameter and controlling the dispensing system to dispense the treating chemistry according to the dispensing parameter.

Abstract: A series of binder clips are liked together by a flexible rod, or series of rods which can be joined at their extremities to make a ball like lattice for use with the drier. The clips have tactile identifiers for Braille and Non Braille users. They can be removed from the rod and re-attached after socks or pantyhose, or handkerchiefs have been clipped in the attachment points. The clips hold one article each and have raised geometric-figures for non Braille reading users, and Braille beneath for the blind. The rods with clips allow for visually segregated articles of clothing to be washed together, dried together, and arranged together. The tactile identifiers allow for use in the dark without the need for visualization.

Abstract: Constructs consisting of diatomized fibers, filaments, yarns, woven and non-woven textiles, fiber-based films, mats, and membranes, other constructs and finished products made from the foregoing. The inventive subject matter is particularly directed to apparel products and molded footwear outsoles, and other molded or textile-based products, wherein a plurality of diatomite particles embedded in the surface of a construct impart desired functionalities, such as moisture management, odor control, or traction or grip enhancement, water and dirt repellency, and wear resistance.

Abstract: A waterproof and UV-resistant form-fitting cover comprising a four-way stretchable fabric that is pre-cut to an unstretched shape corresponding to 60-80% of a stretched shape that fits onto an object to be covered by the fabric, wherein the fabric is UV-resistant and waterproof. A method of manufacturing a form-fitting cover includes steps of receiving an electronic order specifying a size and shape for the cover, determining a material and blend based on the size and shape, computing a fabric size, and cutting a four-way stretchable fabric to an unstretched shape corresponding to the object to be covered.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion with nonionic colloidal stabilization, polyvalent metal ion, coagulating acid, and an optional mono or polyhydric alcohols and/or alkylene-oxide oligomers (humectants or surface tension modifiers), and optional surfactant are disclosed for use as pretreatment for substrates such as textiles and garments.

Abstract: A rope has a braided sheath that includes a spiraling strand having a greater pitch in comparison with a pitch exhibited by other strands of a coverbraid that encloses that rope's strength member core. The rope is useful for forming pelagic trawl mesh, and stronger for a given amount of material, as less drag, and exhibits the same or bettered lift when towed through water at trawl mesh angles of attack. The rope also is less costly to manufacture in comparison to known helix rope constructions.

Abstract: A lightweight digital printing medium has a basis weight of less than 100 grams per square meter and includes a base paper. The base paper includes a fiber mixture of hardwood pulp and softwood pulp where at least 5% by weight of total fiber in the fiber mixture is bleached, chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp. An internal sizing agent for neutral or alkaline conditions and a wet-strength agent that is a thermosetting resin are mixed with the fiber mixture. An amount of the wet-strength agent added to the fiber mixture is at least 0.1% total dry weight of the base paper.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing decorative laminates includes the steps of a) impregnating a paper substrate with a thermosetting resin by submersion of the paper substrate in a bath of thermosetting resin; b) applying on the thermosetting resin impregnated paper substrate an ink acceptance layer containing an inorganic pigment P and a polymeric binder B having a weight ratio P/B of inorganic pigment to polymeric binder of larger than 1.5; c) jetting on the ink acceptance layer a colour pattern with one or more aqueous pigmented inkjet inks and/or organic solvent based pigmented inkjet inks containing a colour pigment C; and d) heat pressing the thermosetting paper into a decorative laminate, wherein the weight ratio P/C of the inorganic pigment of the ink acceptance layer to the jetted colour pigment in the colour pattern is larger than 4.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a paper product having improved printing characteristics. This is achieved by forming a fibrous substrate, and applying a surface treatment which comprises an aqueous composition. Notably, the aqueous composition includes surface enhanced pulp fibers, with the placement of the surface enhanced pulp fibers optimizing their functionality, with surface placement by use of a paper machine size press desirably facilitating a reduction in the typical starch usage. The present method comprising the steps of providing a aqueous slurry comprising a blend of cellulosic fibers and water and dewatering the aqueous slurry of cellulosic fibers and water to form a fibrous substrate.

Abstract: Paper, paperboard, or label stock coated with a synthetic nano-composite coating. A synthetic nano-composite coating includes a first component including a fibrous structured amorphous silica structure, and a second component including a precipitated calcium carbonate structure developed by pressure carbonation.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions comprising laccase, lipase, cationic polymer, and optionally laccase activator, for papermaking application are disclosed. It also relates to the use of the enzyme composition to improve dry strength property of a paper product made from lignocellulosic-containing materials before or after mechanical refining in a papermaking process.

Abstract: Disclosed are different embodiments of a railway tie assembly for securing a rail along a railway track. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of composite polymer crossties fabricated from a composition comprising an asphaltic component, a polymeric composition component and a strengthening agent; and a pair of rail clips for securing the rail across each of said composite polymer crossties, wherein each of the rail clips comprises a rail-engagement portion configured to engage a corresponding railseat, and an anchoring portion to be anchored to a given crosstie and cooperate with the rail-engagement portion to secure the corresponding railseat against a load-bearing surface of the given crosstie.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a railroad track tool apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to perform an operation to the rail of the railroad track, a clamp assembly, and a coupling. The clamp assembly is moveable between a clamped position and an unclamped position to removably couple the tool with the rail. The clamp assembly is moveable along the rail. The coupling is configured to couple the tool to the clamp assembly. The coupling comprises a pivot, a linkage assembly comprising an arm coupled to the pivot, and a head coupled to the linkage assembly. The coupling is configured such that the tool is moveable between an inner side and an outer side of the rail, rotatable toward and away from the inner side or the outer side of the rail, and rotatable toward and away from an underside of the rail.

Abstract: Providing a useful cap device to protect a restored asphalt core hole created from asphalt core test and methods to protect an asphalt core hole.

Abstract: A method for making a plural-component, composite-material, highway dowel-bar including (1) preparing an elongate core train possessing endo-abutting, longitudinally alternating, (a) elongate, high-shear-strength, cylindrical cores having a common cross section, and (b) elongate, but shorter, cylindrical, fibre-reinforced plastic-resin end-plug blanks having opposite ends, and each having a cross section matching the cross section of the cores, (2) using the core train as a longitudinally moving mandrel, pultrusion-forming a fibre-reinforced plastic-resin sleeve continuously and bondedly around the core train so as to produce a pultrusion-result, intermediate, dowel-bar product, and (3) following pultrusion-forming, cross-cutting the intermediate, dowel-bar product at each longitudinal location therein which is intermediate the opposite ends of the end-plug blanks, thereby to form completed dowel bars.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a synthetic turf system that includes a hardened layer adjacent or immediately adjacent to a backing layer and also includes artificial turf fibers that extend from the backing layer and the hardened layer. The hardened layer may have been hardened by applying a hardening agent to a layer comprising felt or felt-like material. The layer comprising felt or felt-like material has characteristics that improves wicking and consistency of the hardening agent as compared to the backing layer. The hardening agent may also reach or apply to a backing sheet of the backing layer. Other embodiments and variations of embodiments are also contemplated.

Abstract: Device for realizing surfacing, in general, realizing surfaces that differ in nature, and more especially for realizing concrete pavements. In particular, it concerns a machine for realizing concrete roads, more especially a type of machine where work can be done without lateral formwork, in such way that after the machine has passed, the road is completely finished and that one only has to wait for the concrete to set and possibly seal the expansion joints before commissioning the road.

Abstract: A system for controlling a paving system includes a plurality of supply machines, a paving machine, and a plant. A first controller determines the position of each supply machine. A second controller determines the rate at which paving material is being applied to a work surface and transmits the rate at which the paving material is being applied. A temperature sensor is associated with one of the plurality of supply machines and the paving machine for determining a temperature of paving material at the paving machine. The plant is configured to produce a batch of paving material and a third controller determines a batch temperature, and generates instructions indicative of a desired route for each supply machine between the plant and the paving machine based upon the position of each supply machine, traffic information data, the batch temperature, and the temperature of paving material at the paving machine.

Abstract: A paving system includes a plant, a plurality of supply machines, and a paving machine. A first controller determines the position of the plurality of supply machines. A second controller determines a rate at which the paving material is being applied to a work surface. A temperature sensor is associated with one of the plurality of supply machines and the paving machine to determine a temperature of paving material delivered to the paving machine by one of the supply machines. The plant is configured to produce a batch of paving material and a third controller determines a batch temperature, receives signals indicative of the position of each supply machine, receives signals indicative of the temperature of paving material delivered to the paving machine, and generates command signals to adjust the batch temperature based upon the position of each supply machine and the temperature of paving material.

Abstract: A method for installing hot asphalt pavement includes heating an aggregate to a temperature of from about 350° F. to about 400° F. using an emitter comprising a birefringent material, the emitter generating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from 2 microns to 1 millimeter, wherein the aggregate is a recycled asphalt pavement; adding the aggregate to an asphalt in a mill to yield a mixture of aggregate with baked-on asphalt; laying the mixture down over a base to form a first layer of lift; and compacting the first layer.

Abstract: A joint structure at an end of a concrete floor slab of a bridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that: a lowered step part is formed in an upper part of an expansion gap formed between ends of concrete floor slabs or an expansion gap formed between the end of the concrete floor slab and an abutment; joint layers, each made of an elastic asphalt mixture covered with a covering sheet, are formed in the lowered step part; and a paving material is placed on the joint layer to form a surface layer.

Abstract: A method for using barrier systems includes positioning a plurality of barrier systems at a location, each barrier system having: a barrier having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, the interior surface bounding a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast; and a light assembly secured to the barrier, the light assembly comprising a housing having a lens that at least partially bounds a compartment, a light source at least partially disposed within the compartment, and programmable circuity in electrical communication with the light emitting device. A control device is used to communicate wirelessly with programmable circuity of each barrier system after the barrier systems are positioned at the location so that data is transferred between the control device and the programmable circuity of each barrier system.

Abstract: A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among multiple chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute from a first chute position on a first side of a zero degree chute position aligned with the forward direction of travel of the snowthrower to a second chute position on a second side of the zero degree chute position upon actuation of the user input device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a snow blower that removes snow from an area by blowing the snow away. More particularly, the present invention relates to a snow blower configured in such a manner that snow is introduced into a blade via transmission by an augur, and is then discharged through a discharge chute by the operation of an impeller. The snow blower including: a blower body including a blade, an augur, and an impeller; and a coupler including a mount and multiple links, wherein the blower body includes vertical mount panels, the mount panels provided at a rear end of the blower body and spaced apart from each other in parallel, and the mount of the coupler includes dual plates provided at the front end parts of the links such that each of the mount panels is fitted between and mounted to the dual plates of the coupler.

Abstract: An open breakwater dike system comprising a dike body, anchor feet, wherein the anchor feet are connected to or integral with a bottom surface of the dike body; and a first pillar connected to or integral with an upper surface of the dike body is disclosed. In an embodiment, the open dike system further comprises a second pillar connected to or integral with the upper surface of the dike body offset from the first pillar; a first flap gate rotationally attached to the first pillar and disposed between the first and second pillars, wherein the first flap gate closes against a first extension in the second pillar; and a means for opening and closing one or more flap gates, wherein the means for opening one or more flap gates opens and closes the first flap gate. A method of using the open breakwater dike system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A offshore structure (10) comprising a tube (12) having a longitudinal axis (32) and comprising an open-ended lower end (22) whose peripheral edge (24) is adapted to cut into the sea bed (14) as the offshore structure (10) is driven into it, the offshore structure (10) comprising: a plurality of stabilisers (18) each comprising a main body portion forming a hollow interior volume (23) and having an open lower end (22) whose peripheral edge (24) is adapted, in use, to cut into the sea bed (14), whereby in use, a trapped volume of fluids is retained in the hollow interior volume between the main body portion and the sea bed (14), each stabiliser (18) further comprising an outlet (34) communicating with its respective hollow interior volume (23) and a control means (36) to control, in use, the egress of the trapped volume of fluids from the hollow interior volume (23) of each respective stabiliser (18), and wherein the geometric centres of the hollow interior volumes (23) of the stabilisers (18) are radially off

Abstract: Techniques and devices to assist an offshore unit in going on location and coming off location. A device may include an interface configured to receive a signal indicative of motions of an offshore unit. The device may also include a memory configured to store a set of values corresponding to acceptable motions of the offshore unit, as well as a processor configured to determine if a measured motion of the offshore unit exceeds at least one value of the set of values and generate an indication that going on location by the offshore unit can be undertaken when the processor determines that the measured motion of the offshore unit is less than or equal to the at least one value.

Abstract: Techniques and devices to assist an offshore unit in going on location and coming off location. A device may include an interface configured to receive a signal indicative of motions of an offshore unit. The device may also include a memory configured to store a set of values corresponding to acceptable motions of the offshore unit, as well as a processor configured to determine if a measured motion of the offshore unit exceeds at least one value of the set of values and generate an indication that going on location by the offshore unit can be undertaken when the processor determines that the measured motion of the offshore unit is less than or equal to the at least one value.