Abstract: The present application discloses and claims a method to make a flexible ceramic fibers (Flexiramics™) and polymer composites. The resulting composite has an improved mechanical strength (tensile) when compared with the Flexiramics™ alone. Several different polymers can be used, both thermosets and thermoplastics. Flexiramics™ has unique physical characteristics and the composite materials can be used for numerous industrial and laboratory applications.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electrospinning apparatus is adapted to deposit fibers on a member to form a deposited body. The apparatus includes a processing section. The processing section is capable of forming a mixture section in the deposited body. A first fiber part of the deposited body, and a second fiber part of the deposited body are mixed with each other in the mixture section. The first fiber part is located on the member. The second fiber part is located on the first fiber part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, as well as a process for the manufacture of such carbon fiber. The process comprises spinning a polymer/solvent solution into a solvent/water bath in the range of 78%-85% solvent, thereby producing a dense fiber structure, and subsequently carbonizing the polymer precursor fiber at a lower than typical carbonization temperature to form carbon fibers.

Abstract: Artificial grass (100, 200, 320) with good fire-retardant performance including its manufacturing process (300) is disclosed, particularly to be used for indoor applications. The fire retardant, particularly of halogen-based type (311), is incorporated within the artificial fiber filaments (101, 201, 301). The backing (102, 202, 302) onto which the artificial fiber filaments (101, 201, 301) are attached, may also be provided with a fire retardant.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to fibers and fabric media comprising photoactivatable agents and to fibers and fabric media that are photoactivatable by photoactivation of the photoactivatable agents. In some instances, the fibers and the fabric media have photoactivatable agents present on their surface (e.g., the fiber/fabric is coated or sprayed with the photoactivatable agents or the fiber/fabric is dipped into a composition or a formulation comprising the photoactivatable agent). In other instances, the photoactivatable agents are incorporated into the materials making the fibers (e.g., the photoactivatable agents are mixed/compounded with the materials making the fibers). The photoactivatable fibers of the present disclosure comprise at least one thermoplastic polymer and at least photoactivatable agent that absorbs and emits light between about 400 nm and about 800 nm.

Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified porous membranes, fibers, porous fibers, products made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and/or related methods of production, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified microporous membranes or films, fibers, microporous fibers, materials or layers made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and the like for use in textile materials, garments, products, and/or textile related applications. Microporous membranes, fibers, and/or microporous fibers are made of one or more copolymers, such as block or impact copolymers, or of at least one polyolefin combined with at least one copolymer as a means of improving the hand, drape, and/or surface coefficient of friction performance properties for use in textile garments, textile materials or textile related applications.

Abstract: A method optimizes production of a rotor spinning machine having a plurality of identical spinning units, with each spinning unit having a spinning rotor driven by a rotor drive at a rotor speed to produce yarn at a delivery speed. A permissible range with a minimum delivery speed and a maximum delivery speed for the delivery speed of the spinning units is specified. Operation of the spinning units is started with a starting delivery speed within the permissible range. Current production capacity of the spinning units or the rotor spinning machine is continuously calculated. Current delivery speed of the yarn is regulated as a function of the current production capacity in such a manner that a maximum production capacity is achieved. A rotor spinning machine in accordance with method is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to conductive textiles and methods of their production, as well as systems for electronically connecting devices through conductive textiles. An example textile comprises a first electrically conductive track; a second electrically conductive track; and at least one non-conductive portion. At least a portion of the first electrically conductive track overlaps or is in close proximity to at least a portion of the second electrically conductive track. At least said portions of the respective tracks are separated by an insulating material so that there is no electrical coupling between the first and second tracks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt comprising a warp yarn and a weft yarn, wherein the belt comprises a fused region along each longitudinal edge of the belt, said fused region being formed from the warp yarn, the weft yarn and a yarn provided for fusing the warp yarn and the weft yarn together.

Abstract: A woven flame-resistant fabric for garments, the warp and fill yarns being made up of at least about 30 wt. % inherently flame-resistant fibers. The fabric is woven from a plurality of warp yarn groups consecutively arranged across the width direction in a recurring pattern, each warp yarn group consisting of a plurality of adjacent consecutively arranged warp yarns. At least one warp yarn in each warp yarn group is woven with the fill yarns in a plain (1/1) weave and at least one warp yarn in each warp yarn group is woven in one or more non-plain weaves each selected from the group consisting of 1/2, 2/1, 2/2, 1/3, and 3/1. Approximately half of the warp yarns in the fabric are woven in a plain (1/1) weave and the remaining warp yarns in the fabric are woven in the one or more non-plain weaves, in an alternating fashion.

Abstract: A skin material includes a loop pile fabric including fibers including polyester fibers, and an adhesive layer and a skin layer, which are disposed, in this order, on a surface of the loop pile fabric at a side at which pile yarns are provided, in which at least top parts of the pile yarns are located in the adhesive layer, and a gap is formed between a ground structure of the loop pile fabric and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a double jersey fabric on a double jersey, single jacquard circular knitting machine includes steps of knitting a front side of the fabric on a cylinder (C) and knitting the rear side of the fabric on a dial (D) of the machine, knitting a base yarn on a rear side of the fabric, except for connecting points where the base yarn is knitted on the front side of the fabric. The method additionally includes steps of inserting a pattern yarn before a start of a pattern unit, which is produced using the pattern yarn, knitting the pattern yarn on the front side of the fabric in the pattern unit and cutting off the pattern yarn after the pattern unit.

Abstract: A yarn winding assembly installed on a support includes a motorized spool and an oblique spacer pin, between which a yarn is wound. The spacer pin is supported rotatably by a rotating supporting component so that it is entrained in two directions by the yarn wound between the spool and the spacer pin. The rotation of the spacer pin is delimited by an element of arrest at least in a direction of unwinding the yarn.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for forming a composite structure comprising rotating a base layer of an apparatus for forming the composite structure about an axis of rotation, transferring carbon short fibers from a first vibratory feed ramp onto the base layer in order to form a plurality of fibrous layers in the composite structure, and vibrating the first vibratory feed ramp during the transferring the carbon short fibers. The base layer may comprise an annular shape.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of a film or sheet or a laminate of the film or sheet with nonwoven facing layer(s). The film or sheet is a blended compound of selectively hydrogenated thermoplastic block copolymer, a tackifying resin, and polyolefin and/or polystyrene, that has superior tensile strength and a good balance of good elasticity, low stiffness and good adhesion.

Abstract: The invention provides batting that includes a nonwoven web comprising a specified fiber mixture, the non-woven web having 50 to 95 wt % of a plurality of fiberballs having an average diameter of 3.0 to 8.0 mm; and 5 to 50 wt % of a plurality of portions of the nonwoven web that are adjacent to one or more fiberballs but that do not themselves comprise one or more fiberballs or any portion thereof. The batting has a density of 2 to 12 kg/m3. Also provided are articles comprising the batting and methods of making the batting.

Abstract: A non-woven sheet (10) comprises at least one zone of reinforcement (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) in which fibers and/or filaments constituting the sheet are bonded together in a reinforcing pattern (22) comprising a plurality of geometric shapes (24), the zone of reinforcement extending over the entire length (L) of the sheet measured in the longitudinal direction (X1), and over a width (l1, l2) strictly less than the width (l) of the sheet (10) measured in a lateral direction (Y1) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X1). The sheet (10) thus further comprises at least one non-reinforced zone (30a, 30b). Because of the bonding between the fibers and/or filaments, the elongation of the reinforced zone (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) under the effect of a given force exerted in a longitudinal direction of the sheet (10) is less than the elongation of the non-reinforced zone under the effect of the same force. Such a sheet (10) may be used in particular for fabricating a laminated assembly.

Abstract: A fiber bundle containing a plurality of fibers that are twisted about a longitudinal axis is provided. At least a portion of the fibers are formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a polyolefin matrix polymer and a nanoinclusion additive dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains. A porous network is defined in the composition that includes a plurality of nanopores.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing camouflage clothing worn by soldiers is provided. The optimum camouflage clothing satisfying clothing functionality, aesthetics, and camouflaging effect, which is an important function for military uniforms, is provided while the optimum camouflage clothing is economical. The camouflage clothing is formed by dyeing threads i.e. row material, using the dyed threads as warp threads and weft threads, and weaving the camouflage clothing using a jacquard weaving machine. Herein, the warp threads and the weft threads are gradationally arranged to form a delicate-colored checked pattern while a three-dimensional pattern is displayed by the jacquard weaving machine.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes: a washing/dewatering drum for accommodating the washings; an electric motor for driving the washing/dewatering drum to rotate; and a microcomputer. In a rinsing process of a washing operation in a water saving mode, the microcomputer continuously performs a dewatering-rinsing process for a plurality of times rather than executing a water-storage rinsing process for rotating a rotating wing while water stored in the washing/dewatering drum reaches a specified water level. The dewatering-rinsing process includes: a water supplying process of supplying water to the washing/dewatering drum so that the washings are saturated by water, and an intermediate dewatering process or a final dewatering process executed immediately after the water supplying process. A maximum rotating speed of the motor in the intermediate dewatering process immediately before the water supplying process is lower than a maximum rotating speed of in the final dewatering process.

Abstract: A self-cleaning washing machine includes an outer tub and an inner tub, a chamber between the outer tub and the inner tub is provided with cleaning particles for cleaning the inner wall of the outer tub and the outer wall of the inner tub, an accommodating chamber for collecting the cleaning particles is connected to a drainage outlet of the outer tub; a shield cover arranged at the drainage outlet rises or falls with the change of the water level in the washing machine or the control device to open or at least partially close the drainage outlet so that the cleaning particles flow into the chamber or back into the accommodating chamber. By setting the shield cover, the cleaning particles are not sucked out from the accommodating chamber and enter between the inner tub and the outer tub to avoid noise when the washing machine is dewatering.

Abstract: A fastener kit can securely affix a washing machine on a lightweight wall. The washing machine includes a rear panel for coupling to the wall through the fastener kit. A tub configured to contain washing water may be integrally formed with the rear panel. The fastener kit has one end section equipped with a sleeve that can radially expand to form tight contact with the inner surface of a fastening hole on the lightweight wall. The other end section of the fastener kit is coupled to the rear panel. The lightweight wall may be porous with regular or irregular cavities.

Abstract: A fabric treating appliance having an agitator assembly comprising a base and a tower extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper portion with an opening. A centrifugally actuated dispensing cup located within the upper portion and fluidly coupled to the opening. The agitator includes a scrub brush that can be mounted to the upper portion.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine (1) includes an outer casing (2), a washing tub (3), a rotatable drum housed in axially rotatable manner inside the washing tub (3), a detergent dispenser (10), a fresh-water supply circuit (12) for selectively channelling a flow of fresh water towards the detergent dispenser (10) and/or the washing tub (3), and an internal water softening device (14) capable of reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water.

Abstract: A fastener kit can securely affix a washing machine on a lightweight wall. The washing machine includes a rear panel for coupling to the wall through the fastener kit. A tub configured to contain washing water may be integrally formed with the rear panel. The fastener kit has an anchor rod with one end section forming tight contact with the inner surface of a fastening hole on the lightweight wall by using a chemical anchor. The other end section of the fastener kit is coupled to the rear panel.

Abstract: A fastener kit for mounting a washing machine to a wall having a block cavity. The washing machine includes a rear panel at the rear end of the housing. The fastener kit can affix the rear panel to an external wall. When the washing machine is mounted on the wall, a first end of the fastener kit is positioned inside a block cavity of the external wall through a fastening hole formed on the external wall. The second end of the fastener kit is coupled to the real panel. The fastener kit can support the washing machine on the wall against gravity through contact between the first end and an inner surface of the block cavity.

Abstract: A lock including a latch provided at one of a door and a cabinet, and a coupler provided at the other one of the door and the cabinet, the coupler including a housing including a latch insertion hole, an engaging lever including an engaging lever body rotatably provided within the housing, a latch insertion groove having a first end of the latch inserted therein by extending from a first end of the engaging part body, and first, second, third, and fourth projections formed by extending a second end of the engaging lever body.

Abstract: The invention comprises of two types of units, which can be assembled and joined together to form a chain. Front part (2) of each unit consists of oval reinforced enlargement with a boss shape (5) having a cylindrical neck (6) and a circular enlargement (9) with a reinforced ledges (7). The end part (4) of each unit consists of a formed drop-shaped opening (17), an entrance (18) and a part-circular recess (19) for receiving the neck (6). The recess (19) has a mouth shape to allow the neck (6) to pass through it with an interference fit to provide a hinge attaching each unit to another. The intermediate part (3) consists of linear and waved pinch slot (10) formed between two semi rigid side portions of the moulding which diverge away from one another so that the pinch slot (10) can be created.

Abstract: Clothes drying rack for surfing apparel adaptable to the exterior of vehicles, the invention is comprised by means to hang apparel associated with means for fastening it to the exterior part of a vehicle. These clothes-hanging means can be comprised by, for example, at least one bar that can have an end hook and/or at least, a crossbar held by supports, in this case end supports.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a rotatable drum, a drum supporter for supporting the drum, the drum supporter being provided with a discharge port for discharging air from the drum, a circulation channel for guiding air discharged through the discharge port into the drum, and a filter cartridge for filtering air in the circulation channel, wherein the filter cartridge includes an inside filter cartridge for filtering air discharged from the drum and an outside filter cartridge disposed in the circulation channel in a state of being supported by the drum supporter, the outside filter cartridge including a front filter for filtering air that passes through the inside filter cartridge and flows forward, a rear filter for filtering air that passes through the inside filter cartridge and flows rearward, and a lateral filter for filtering air that passes through the inside filter cartridge and flows in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A composition to be used for providing permanent hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products made thereof consists of at least one anionic surfactant based on a neutralized phosphoric acid ester of a fatty alcohol having at least 12 C-atoms in a proportion of 25 to 80 weight percent, a non-ionic consistency enhancer in a proportion of 10 to 50 weight percent, a hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane in a proportion of 3 to 35 weight percent and a hydrotropic dispersion additive in a proportion of 0 to 5 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the composition. The composition is preferably present as a granulate and has a melting point of at least 45° C.

Abstract: Provided are novel compounds of indigo-derivatives as irreversible color changeable dyes. Also provided are methods for the use of various indigo-derivatives for irreversibly color changeable dyes for textile materials and to novel compounds. Also provided is a process for dyeing textile materials, especially denim, with indigo-irreversible color changeable dyes and for textiles and garment articles made by the dyeing process for textile materials.

Abstract: A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refiner plate segment in a refiner plate for mechanically refining of lignocellulosic material in a refiner, said refiner plate segment comprising at least a first, generally radially extending bar, a second, generally radially extending bar, a groove arranged and defined between said first, generally radially extending bar and said second, generally radially extending bar, and a main dam, which has a height H and is arranged in the groove, wherein a pre-dam is arranged in front of the main dam, said pre-dam has a height h which is less than the height H of the main dam.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a technique for easily and rapidly sorting printed materials suitable as raw materials of recycled paper. Printed materials that are hard to recycle as waste paper can be identified by irradiating the surface of the printed materials with light and measuring the reflected light. Specifically, good quality recycled paper can be made efficiently from printed materials by removing printed materials having an absorption band around 1720 cm?1, around 1260 cm?1, around 1160 cm?1, or around 700 cm?1 from waste paper raw materials when the printed materials are irradiated with light on their surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of thermoplastic fibrous materials comprising forming at least one foamed liquid comprising water and at least one foaming agent, forming a dispersion by dispersing fibers including long fibers in said at least one foamed liquid comprising water and at least one foaming agent, mixing the dispersion with a foamable liquid or dispersion comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer, forming at least one foamed dispersion, and conveying the foamed dispersion or dispersions to a foraminous support and draining liquid trough the foraminous support to form a web or a sheet, to obtain the thermoplastic fibrous material. The invention also relates to materials and products obtainable by the method, and uses related thereto.

Abstract: A process for producing paper or board, which process comprises ad-mixing (I) an aqueous composition of pH ?6 and (II) at least one water-soluble polymeric anionic compound to a paper stock having a pH in the range from 6 to 8 and then dewatering the paper stock by sheet formation and drying, wherein the aqueous composition comprises (a) polymers having primary amino groups and/or amidine groups to a combined content for these groups of ?1.5 meq/g of polymer, and (b) 0.01 to 50 mol % of 1,4-cyclohexanedione (b) based on the combined amount of primary amino groups and/or amidine groups of the polymers, and also to the paper or board thus obtained.

Abstract: A multi-ply bath tissue includes a first ply providing a first surface of the bath tissue. The first ply includes first and second layers. The first layer forms the first surface and includes a temporary wet strength resin. The second layer is substantially free from a temporary wet strength resin. A second ply provides a second surface of the bath tissue. The second ply includes first and second layers. The first layer forms the second surface and includes a temporary wet strength resin. The second layer is substantially free from a temporary wet strength resin. The bath tissue is free from regenerated cellulosic microfibers.

Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing and reinstalling rail tie plates located on rail ties on a railroad track, includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate at the front and rear edges between an adjacent one of the at least one raised rail raised from the operational position supported by the selected tie plate and the associated tie in the operational position upon which the plate was resting, each gripping assembly including a pair of opposing gripping jaws which are configured for controlled reciprocation in a direction parallel to the rails along a guide bar, the guide bar being slidable with the gripping jaws and the selected plate, relative to the frame.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a hard pavement construction method for natural groundwater recharge, comprising the following steps: drilling to an underground shallow sand zone water storage layer on a flattened earth floor, filling holes with sand, inserting rod-shaped tools into the holes filled with the sand, pouring concrete to form a concrete foundation layer with a flat surface, removing the rod-shaped tools, filling the holes with the sand to be flush with a plane of the concrete foundation layer, sanding and compacting on the concrete foundation layer, directly arranging pavement bricks on a sand surface in an unbonded manner to form a hard pavement, and enabling rain and snow water on the hard pavement to pass through cracks of the pavement bricks, rapidly and naturally recharge to the underground shallow sand zone water storage layer via the holes and slowly permeate to an underground deep sand zone water storage layer.

Abstract: A tufted geosynthetic lightweight ballast system for roof protection in which the system comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles tufted with one or more synthetic yarns.

Abstract: An apparatus for contouring particulate material may include a frame and at least one drum rotatably mounted on the frame such that the drum rotates substantially freely with respect to the frame about a central longitudinal axis. The drum may have opposite inboard and outboard ends and an outer surface therebetween. At least one blade may extend about the drum and protrude outwardly from the outer surface of the drum, and the blade may have an outer edge with a radius measured from the central longitudinal axis in a plane oriented in perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the drum to the outer edge. The outer edge of the blade may have a helical shape and the radius of the outer edge may be less at the outboard end of the drum than the radius of the outer edge at the inboard end of the drum.

Abstract: A milling machine includes a frame, a housing, a milling drum mounted on the frame within the housing and a drive assembly. A positioning assembly is provided for moving the drive assembly between a first position which is laterally outside the periphery of the machine housing and a second position which is laterally inside the periphery of the machine housing, and for locking the drive assembly in at least the first and second positions without requiring the operator to manually manipulate a locking pin.

Abstract: A milling attachment is attachable to a host vehicle so that the host vehicle provides propulsion of the milling attachment. The milling attachment has a milling drum, a discharge baffle, and a baffle actuator. The milling drum is adjustably positioned vertically to determine milling depth. The discharge baffle is positioned rearward of the milling drum and pivotally adjustable to maintain a desired space between the milling drum and the discharge baffle at any of the vertical positions of the milling drum. The baffle actuator causes the pivoting of the discharge baffle. The milling attachment may further comprise a hood with a bit access hatch that provides access to the milling drum. The milling attachment may also further comprise a connection securing assembly for securing the milling attachment to the host vehicle by securing a bucket of the host vehicle within a bucket slot in the milling attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a milling drum box of a ground milling machine, in particular of a road milling machine, a recycler or a stabilizer, arranged on a machine frame relative to the ground, comprising the steps of: detecting the presence or absence of a ground contact, in particular in a region located in the front or a region located in the rear in the working direction (a), of at least one side plate of the milling drum box of the ground milling machine, and controlling a lifting and/or a lowering of the machine frame depending on the detected presence or absence of a ground contact. The present invention also relates to a ground milling machine for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus are disclosed, including a tie fastener apparatus for attaching railroad ties to a superstructure. The apparatus comprises a threaded hook bolt, including a hook to engage the underside of a flange of a beam. The apparatus further comprises a cross strap configured to engage with a flange of the beam. The apparatus further comprises a metal member for engaging plural ties. The metal member includes a tie fastener hole at plural locations. A nut fastens a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt for installation when the threaded hook bolt is passed through the bolt hole. When the threaded hook bolt is installed, the hook engages the superstructure, and a neck of the threaded hook bolt engages the cross strap. The apparatus is installed from above the superstructure without drilling holes in ties or the superstructure, or requiring manned installation from below the superstructure.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cones onto a surface and for retrieving cones from the surface includes a cone transfer device having a tower with a platform moveable to and from a lower transfer position for dispensing cones onto the surface and for retrieving cones from the surface. The platform is movable in a vertical direction between the lower transfer position and an upper transfer position for receiving a stack of cones from a storage area and for returning a stack of cones to the storage area. The tower includes a device for holding one or more cones in an elevated position and for releasing cones onto and receiving cones from the platform in the elevated position. The apparatus may include a lamp transfer device for attaching a lamp unit to a cone when the cone is dispensed and for removing the lamp unit from the cone when the cone is retrieved. The apparatus may include a cone washing device for washing a cone when the cone is retrieved and/or when the cone is dispensed.

Abstract: A system to improve the management of through traffic and vehicles entering and exiting a multilane roadway. The lanes are separated by at least one lane separator which should not be crossed by traffic along a designated portion of the roadway, such as within a predetermined distance from a roadway entrance or exit. The at least one lane separator may be any lane marking, barrier, or the like. The at least one lane separator can be any length and located anywhere with respect to the lanes.

Abstract: Provided is a terminal for an end portion of a road crash barrier, comprising: a plurality of energy absorbing modules arranged in a linear formation along a longitudinal axis, each module defining a hollow section; and at least two anchors for anchoring the one or more energy absorbing modules, wherein at least one of the energy absorbing modules is supported by a flexible linear member between the at least two anchors.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved extendable and rotatable shovel for use in various applications such as the shoveling of snow. Users can modify the shovel to accommodate their stature and personal preferences.