Abstract: A method is described for using basalt to selectively adsorb organic toxic materials, such as dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, arsenic, mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, cadmium, lead, and the like, from substances such as sediment, which contains water and the toxic materials. Optionally, the basalt may be in the form of a liner, a cap, or a filter that surrounds, contains, or contacts sediment contaminated with the organic toxic material(s).

Abstract: A wind turbine blade mould extending longitudinally in a spanwise direction and transversely in a chordwise direction is provided and a spar cap (134, 136) is laid the mould. The spar cap comprises a plurality of strips (138) extending longitudinally in the spanwise direction and arranged side-by-side in the chordwise direction, said strips comprising one or more intermediate strips (158) arranged between peripheral strips (160, 162) which are inclined relative to the intermediate strips. A shear web (126) comprising a flange (130a) extending longitudinally in the spanwise direction is provided, the flange comprising a base (144) defining a primary bonding surface (164). A chordwise width of the primary bonding surface corresponds substantially to a chordwise width of the intermediate strips of the spar cap. The primary bonding surface of the flange is bonded to the one or more intermediate strips of the spar cap.

Abstract: A decorative panel including a substrate material and a decorative top layer. The decorative top layer is formed by at least one timber layer penetrated with a cured adhesive, and the timber layer has a wood structure with collapsed vessels having opposed walls, the opposed walls being glued together permanently by the cured adhesive.

Abstract: A thermally expandable sheet in which a thermally expansive layer that contains a thermally expandable material is formed on one side of a base, and where the thermally expansive layer is distended, the base deforms following distension of the thermally expansive layer and the base deforms into an embossed shape.

Abstract: A cable includes a wire and an electromagnetic shielding layer. The electromagnetic shielding layer covers the wire. The electromagnetic shielding layer is in the form of fiber mesh, including a conductive polymer. A manufacturing method includes: feeding the conductive polymer, melting the conductive polymer, extruding the molten conductive polymer to form a plurality of conductive polymer fibers, covering the wire with the plurality of conductive polymer fibers, and curing the plurality of the conductive polymer fibers to form the electromagnetic shielding layer covering the wire. The electromagnetic shielding layer of the cable of the present application replaces current aluminum foil shielding and metal shielding for conventional wires, decreasing interference by electromagnetic waves produced by electromagnetic induction on electronic devices nearby.

Abstract: A soft structure fiber reinforcement technology is provided. In an example embodiment, the fiber reinforced elastomeric sheet comprises a sheet of elastomeric matrix; and a fiber array comprising a plurality of fibers embedded within the elastomeric matrix. Each fiber of the array of fibers has a tensile modulus that is significantly greater than the tensile modulus of the elastomeric matrix. The fiber reinforced elastomeric sheets may be used in grasping or gripping robots, walking or jumping robots, artificial muscles, compliant prosthetics, impact and/or vibration dampening soft structures, passive soft structure configured to passively restrict deformation in an unwanted direction while allowing deformation in another direction, and/or the like.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally shaped object forming sheet includes: a thermally expansive layer distending at a predetermined temperature or higher; a base laminated on one side thereof with the thermally expansive layer; and a photothermal conversion layer for converting absorbed light to heat, formed on at least one side, wherein the base includes a first base and a second base that are laminated; and the first base has an elasticity that is greater than an elasticity of the second base.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first glass plate, a second glass plate opposite to the first glass plate, and a side member to surround a space between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, and a touch screen display disposed in the space and viewed through at least a portion of the first glass plate. The first glass plate includes a rectangular planar part including a first edge, which faces outward in a first direction and has a first length, and a second edge which extends perpendicularly to the first edge and has a second length longer than the first length, a first curved part including a first surface which extends from the first edge to a first part of the side member and faces the first part, and a second curved part including a second surface.

Abstract: An insulating element for insulating a structural element in a vehicle including a carrier element having an edge region and an expandable material which is provided at least on the edge region on the carrier element. The expandable material projects beyond the edge region of the carrier element in at least one direction so that the expandable material forms a flexible projection in this at least one direction.

Abstract: A well pump assembly includes a centrifugal pump having a housing with a cylindrical internal side wall. Upper and lower diffusers are located in the housing. A metal-to-metal seal seals an upper end portion of the lower diffuser to the lower end portion of the upper diffuser. The seal also has an outer surface that frictionally engages the internal side wall of the housing. The seal is energized in response to an axial force exerted between the upper and lower diffusers. One version has a metal seal ring located in mating recesses on the outer walls of the diffusers. Another version includes an inner lip on one of the end portions of the diffusers that extends within and deflects an outer lip on the other of the end portions of the diffusers.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional image. The method and apparatus adjust the density in consideration of the influence of the expansion of a thermally expandable layer on the density of a display color or a color development state so that the originally planned density of the display color can be achieved, on the surface of a thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus form a mirror image of a colored image, of which the density of a black component is adjusted so as to correspond to the bulge height of the thermally expandable layer, on the back of the thermally expandable sheet. The method and apparatus expand the thermally expandable layer when irradiating the thermally expandable layer with light, which includes infrared wavelengths, from the back of the thermally expandable sheet.

Abstract: A stitched unidirectional or multi-axial reinforcement and a method of producing a stitched unidirectional or multi-axial reinforcement includes transversely arranging thin discrete flow passage forming means having a diameter of 70-300 ?m in a direction transverse to the direction of the unidirectional rovings at least on the continuous rovings of the at least one layer, and stitching the thin discrete flow passage forming means and the continuous unidirectional rovings to one another to form a reinforcement.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane includes: (A) an ion exchange resin comprising cation exchange groups which comprise protons; (B) a cerium ion; and (C) at least one second ion selected from the group consisting of a cesium ion and a rubidium ion. A proportion of the cerium ion to the number of the cation exchange groups (100 mol %) is from 0.7 to 30 mol % such that some of the protons in the cation exchange groups are ion-exchanged by the cerium ion. A proportion of the at least one second ion to the number of the cation exchange groups (100 mol %) is from 0.2 to 15 mol % such that some of the protons in the cation exchange groups are ion-exchanged by the at least one second ion.

Abstract: An improved insulated door panel having an outer and inner spaced apart skins and an internal foam core includes a first spacer disposed between a top end of the outer skin and a top end of the inner skin and a second spacer disposed between a bottom end of the outer skin and a bottom end of the inner skin. The first and second spacers include first and second protrusions, respectively, on an inner face of the first and second spacers. The first and second protrusions secure the first and second spacers to the foam core.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow made by the process in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow. A chamber and a mandrel are made of dissimilar metals. The chamber includes walls creating an external housing and defining an internal airspace. Once the mandrel covered with carbon fiber is positioned through chamber, the mandrel ends are secured, forming an assembly, to straighten mandrel. When heated simultaneously, the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and mandrel cause the chamber to expand more than the mandrel, creating a natural tension along mandrel resulting in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the mandrel and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form. Thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: A method for making a water-degradable paper sheet involves the following: providing at least one strip of a water-soluble binding material in the form of a dry film; providing at least two strips each made of at least one ply of cellulose wadding; placing the strip of water-soluble binding material between the two strips of cellulose wadding; humidifying, assembling and pressing the three strips; and drying the complex strip thus obtained. The sheet thus obtained can be used for making a roll carrier mandrel by helically winding one or more strips from the sheet about a cylinder. Articles produced from the sheet can particularly be used in the field of products for sanitary or domestic use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

Abstract: An electronic device may have structures such as housing structures, display structures and other device structures that form gaps when assembled. To prevent intrusion of moisture and other environmental contaminants, the gaps may be filled using gap sealing material. The gap sealing material may be a liquid polymer that is applied to the gap in a way that creates an excess protruding portion. Light-based processing techniques and application of solvent may be used to remove excess material. A sealing material such as an adhesive may be applied to gaps to forming a sealing structure. A material may be applied to the adhesive sealing material to cause the sealing material to expand and fill the gap. An undersized gasket may be placed in a gap. The gasket may include materials such as polymer that expands upon application of moisture.

Abstract: A composite material includes a core and a shell that covers the core. The core has a volume that includes a first material and a void wherein the first material occupies less than 50% of the core's volume and has a three-dimensional shape that includes a plurality of components each having the same shape and arranged to form a series of repeating components within the volume. The shell includes a second material joined to the first material. Each of the first and second materials includes a thickness having a middle region and a outer region, and at least one of the first and second materials, includes a microstructure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

Abstract: Disclosed are an activation method and a liquid pressure transfer technique, where a transfer film is supplied to the surface of a transfer liquid and then is activated, capable of continuously performing a precise transfer. In forming an appropriate transfer pattern on the surface of an object by pressing the object from the upper side of a transfer tank, in the transfer tank, a pre-activation guide mechanism that holds both sides of the film, which is supplied with the center position matching the center of the transfer tank, at horizontally equivalent positions of the transfer tank and guides the film to an activation area is disposed. Accordingly, the film is urged to swell up in the thickness direction, and, in the activation area, the film is coated with an activating agent in a state in which the guide action of the film using the pre-activation guide mechanism is cancelled.

Abstract: A portable drug sampling device for handheldly collecting a sample from exhaled breath of a subject for further sensor based analysis. The device comprising: a housing (406) comprising at least one inlet (407) and at least one outlet (408) for the exhaled breath to exit through, and a sampling membrane (302) arranged in the housing. A tubular element (40) having a mouthpiece section (401) for the subject to exhale into, and a saliva trap section comprising baffles (103) to create a non-straight gas flow path for letting aerosols pass through the tubular element. The sampling membrane (302) is arranged to collect the aerosols from the exhaled breath. The portable drug testing device further comprises a volume collecting element (208).

Abstract: A swelling tape for filling a gap and a method of filling a gap are provided. The swelling tape can be applied within the gap having a fluid to realize a 3D shape thereby filling the gap, and be used to fix a subject forming the gap as necessary.

Abstract: A process for the production of a pipe comprising: an interior surface having a shape; and a thermoplastic inliner is provided. The process comprises: introducing the thermoplastic inliner into the interior of the pipe; heating the pipe from the outside to a temperature higher than a crystallite melting point (Tm) of a moulding composition of an exterior surface of the inliner; expanding the inliner radially in the pipe so that an exterior surface of the inliner assumes the shape of the interior surface of the pipe; and cooling the inliner; wherein a cross section of the inliner is optionally reduced through exposure to an exterior force prior to being introduced into the pipe. Relative movements between carrier pipe and inliner are thus prevented; the risk of collapse of the inliner is moreover low. The pipe is used for the production of a laid pipeline.

Abstract: A carrier structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The carrier structure includes a substrate, an adhesive layer and a circuit board. The substrate has a plurality of adhesive regions. The adhesive layer is disposed on the adhesive regions. A thermal expansion coefficient of the adhesive layer corresponding one of the adhesive regions is greater than that of another adhesive region. The circuit board is disposed on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon methods and devices for positively mounting structural members while preventing or substantially limiting exposure of such members to environmental conditions possibly leading to corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a composite part presenting an integral structure of composite material comprising at least one reinforcing layer based on reinforcing fibers, fabrics, or textiles, and at least one impregnation matrix, the method consisting in assembling the integral structure, in placing said integral structure in a mold, in impregnating said integral structure with the impregnation matrix by injection or infusion, and in solidifying said impregnated integral structure by raising it to a determined temperature, the method being characterized in that it consists in: using at least two distinct primary parts for making up the integral structure; placing a thermoplastic sheet on at least one of the primary parts so as to make the interface between said primary parts once they are assembled together.

Abstract: A method for locally reinforcing or baffling a structure having a hollow cavity is disclosed. The present invention provides an insert that includes a carrier, a thermally expandable material located on at least a portion of the carrier, and at least one integrally formed attachment that projects outwardly from the carrier. The inserts of the present invention are preferably placed within a hollow cavity in a transverse direction so that once the insert is sealed into place via the thermally expandable material, the hollow cavity is separated into two separate chambers.

Abstract: A device comprising an expandable material and a fiberglass mesh located in direct planar contact with the expandable material and along the entirety of the expandable material. The expandable material is tacky prior to expansion allowing the expandable material to adhere to the fiberglass mesh and to a surface for reinforcing the surface.

Abstract: A swelling tape for filling a gap, a method of manufacturing the swelling tape for filling a gap, a method of filling a gap, an electrode assembly and a secondary battery are provided. For example, the swelling tape can be applied inside a gap in which a fluid exists so as to fill the gap by becoming a 3D form, and can be useful at anchoring a subject in which the gap is formed, as necessary.

Abstract: A method of forming a centralizer where a flat plate is created into a tubular where the flat plate is typically rolled so that two sides of the plate contact one another and are then linked, typically by welding. Openings are then created in the tubular such that there are no corners or other points that stress cracks may originate. Once the openings are created the remaining material between adjacent openings forms ribs. The openings created in the tubular are generally aligned with the long axis of the tubular. The material at the upper and lower end of the flat plate where openings were not created serve as circumferential collars. The ribs may be radially outwardly expanded in order to provide adequate stand-off. In many instances the ribs will also be hardened by heat treating or other hardening processes.

Abstract: An electronic device may have structures such as housing structures, display structures and other device structures that form gaps when assembled. To prevent intrusion of moisture and other environmental contaminants, the gaps may be filled using gap sealing material. The gap sealing material may be a liquid polymer that is applied to the gap in a way that creates an excess protruding portion. Light-based processing techniques and application of solvent may be used to remove excess material. A sealing material such as an adhesive may be applied to gaps to forming a sealing structure. A material may be applied to the adhesive sealing material to cause the sealing material to expand and fill the gap. An undersized gasket may be placed in a gap. The gasket may include materials such as polymer that expands upon application of moisture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid soft contact lens including a central portion formed with a first hydrous soft material, and a peripheral portion formed with a second hydrous soft material, in which the first hydrous soft material is obtained by curing a first curable composition including a silicone-containing monomer. Preferably, the first hydrous soft material has a Young's modulus of no less than 3.0 MPa and no greater than 100 MPa, and the second hydrous soft material has a Young's modulus of no less than 0.20 MPa and less than 3.0 MPa.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and a coupler for joining polymeric tubular objects, such as pipe. The coupler includes (a) a rigid, electromagnetically inductive carrier, (b) a temperature-responsive expandable material on the carrier, and (c) a polymeric material on the expandable material. The method includes the steps of (a) inserting the coupler into the ends of two adjacent polymeric tubular objects, (b) creating an electromagnetic field about the coupler causing the carrier to heat, in turn causing the expandable material to expand and force the polymeric material against the tubular objects, and further in turn causing the polymeric material to melt, soften, or liquefy, and (c) terminating the electromagnetic field allowing the polymeric material to cure or solidify to bond to the tubular objects.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing an aircraft structural component which has a component fault in a portion adjoining a cavity of the aircraft structural component. The method includes removing a region of the aircraft structural component that has the component fault, introducing an expansion body into the cavity of the aircraft structural component through an opening that has been formed by the removal of the region of the aircraft structural component having the component fault, wherein the expansion body while being introduced into the cavity of the aircraft structural component is in a non-expanded state, converting the expansion body that has been introduced into the cavity of the aircraft structural component to an expanded state, and closing the opening by means of a repair material.

Abstract: A method of making prosthetic knee menisci to be implanted in place of deteriorated or damaged native menisci, said prosthetic menisci being internally reinforced and sequentially moulded in open form from a suitable biocompatible elastomeric polymer material, said prosthetic menisci subsequently being transformed into closed, hollow forms; said hollow forms being sized for femoral and tibial condylar surfaces and filled or inflated after implantation by injection into them of a gel or settable polymer to shape them into congruence with the femoral and tibial condyles, the surfaces of said menisci being chemically and/or physically treated to improve the efficiency of lubrication by synovial fluid and to provide enhanced wear characteristics, and said prosthetic menisci being restricted in translation within the interarticular space by anchorage of their anterior and posterior horns to the tibia and by the provision of secondary locating elements.

Abstract: A swelling tape for filling a gap and a method of filling a gap are provided. The swelling tape can be applied within the gap having a fluid to realize a 3D shape thereby filling the gap, and be used to fix a subject forming the gap as necessary.

Abstract: A swelling tape for filling a gap and a method of filling a gap are provided. The swelling tape can be applied within the gap having a fluid to realize a 3D shape thereby filling the gap, and be used to fix a subject forming the gap as necessary.

Abstract: In an expansion sheet for a rotary electric machine that has a thermal expansion property and is to be arranged between a core and a coil conductor in a slot in the rotary electric machine, in which the coil conductor is housed in the slot formed in the core, the expansion sheet has a first surface and a second surface and includes: a first surface-side portion; and a second surface-side portion that is closer to the second surface than the first surface-side portion, wherein an amount of volume increase, caused by heating, of the first surface-side portion is higher than an amount of volume increase, caused by the heating, of the second surface-side portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a design that is melded onto an underlying layer of material that is then cut out and applied onto a final surface to produce an appliqué. The design is first created using a printer to print a design onto a top layer of “puff” or other suitable cloth material. The printed design area is cut out of the top layer material and then the bottom layer, to create a two layer appliqué that resembles a traditional stitched appliqué.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon and maintain a relatively uniform arrangement of balloon folds about the inner surface of the crimped scaffold so that the scaffold expands in a uniform manner when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural mat for reinforcing a wind turbine blade structure. The structural mat comprises two or more groups of bonded fibers, the fibers being bonded by a matrix substantially preventing relative movement of said fibers and wherein said groups are connected to each other by connection means limiting the relative movement of said groups. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade and a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade.

Abstract: This invention provides composite semiconductor substrates and methods for fabricating such substrates. The composite structures include a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor superstrate and an intermediate layer interposed between the substrate and the superstrate that comprises a material that undergoes a structural transformation when subject to a suitable heat treatment. The methods provide such a heat treatment so that the intermediate layer becomes spongy or porous, being filled with numerous micro-bubbles or micro-cavities containing a gaseous phase. The composite semiconductor substrates with structurally-transformed intermediate layers have numerous applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are composites as well as methods of making these composites. The composite may, for example, be used as light-weight, high-strength structural members and wall panels. In some embodiments, the composites can be prepared from a light-weight assembly using simple procedures. Also disclosed herein are assemblies for preparing the composites.

Abstract: A method for permanently repairing a fluid delivery system which may be above ground, subterranean, in and under concrete, or within a wall structure. The method comprises disconnecting the source and the discharge portions of the fluid delivery system. A resilient moldable tubing is threaded through the fluid delivery system. The first end of the tube is secured to the first end of the portion of the fluid delivery system. The second end of the tube is next secured to the second end of the portion of the fluid delivery system. The resilient tubing is then filled with heated fluid and pressurized to mold the tubing to the inside diameter of the fluid delivery system. The fluid is cooled to set the tube to the inside diameter of the fluid delivery system, and then drained before reconnecting the the source and discharge portions of the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A tire containing a pair of beads, at least one carcass ply extending from one bead to the other bead forming a pair of sidewall areas of the tire and a tread area of the tire, and at least one layer of a knit fabric in the sidewall area of the tire.

Abstract: A muffler assembly including one or more exhaust pipe(s), one or more mounting adapter(s) attached to the one or more exhaust pipe(s), a polymeric housing carried by one or more mounting adapter(s), a thermal insulating layer lining the housing interior surface and extending between the housing and one or more mounting adapter(s) at the housing-mounting adapter interface(s); wherein the thermal insulating layer includes a nonwoven fabric; wherein when the fabric is exposed to heat, the fabric increases in thickness to seal the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interface and provides thermal insulation to the polymeric housing.