Abstract: An electrode system for use in an AC-electrospinning process comprises an electrical charging component electrode and at least one of an AC field attenuating component and a precursor liquid attenuating component. The electrical charging component electrode is electrically coupled to an AC source that places a predetermined AC voltage on the electrical charging component electrode. In cases in which the electrode system includes the AC field attenuating component, it attenuates the AC field generated by the electrical charging component electrode to better shape and control the direction of the fibrous flow. In cases in which the electrode system includes the precursor liquid attenuating component, it serves to increase fiber generation, even if the top surface of the liquid precursor is not ideally shaped or is below a rim or lip of the reservoir that contains the liquid on the electrical charging component electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for manufacturing an adhesive tape. An example method includes: providing a plurality of adhesive webs, wherein each web includes a hot melt adhesive adhered to a backing material; providing a fabric web having a fabric material; guiding a first adhesive web from the plurality of adhesive webs into a first position proximate a first side of the fabric web; guiding a second adhesive web from the plurality of adhesive webs into a second position proximate a second side of the fabric web; applying heat and pressure to form a web of the baffle tape in which the first adhesive web is bonded to the first side of the fabric web and the second adhesive web is bonded to the second side of the fabric web; and rewinding the web of the baffle tape into a roll.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle spatial path sampling are provided. The method includes obtaining an initial travel path for an autonomous vehicle from a first location to a second location and vehicle configuration data indicative of one or more physical constraints of the autonomous vehicle. The method includes determining one or more secondary travel paths for the autonomous vehicle from the first location to the second location based on the initial travel path and the vehicle configuration data. The method includes generating a spatial envelope based on the one or more secondary travel paths that indicates a plurality of lateral offsets from the initial travel path. And, the method includes generating a plurality of trajectories for the autonomous vehicle to travel from the first location to the second location such that each of the plurality of trajectories include one or more lateral offsets identified by the spatial envelope.

Abstract: A method of producing a microtube is provided. The method comprising co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries to thereby produce the microtube, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution. Also provided are electrospun microtubes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber manufacturing apparatus has a discharge head which discharges a raw material liquid in which a polymer is dissolved in a solvent toward a collector, and a power source which generates a potential difference between the discharge head and the collector. The fiber manufacturing apparatus further has a recovery device, a cleaning device, and a moving device. The recovery device recovers the raw material liquid to be discharged by the discharge head. The cleaning device cleans the discharge head. The moving device moves the discharge head to any position out of a spinning position where the discharge head and the collector are opposite to each other, a recovery position where the discharge head and the recovery device are opposite to each other, and a cleaning position where the discharge head and the cleaning device are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous filament from electrospun fibers includes providing a conducting collection surface that is an elongate three-dimensional surface. An attractive electric field gradient is formed between the collection surface and a source of electrically charged fibers. The collection surface is moved in a longitudinal direction relative to the source of electrically charged fibers. The fibers are collected on the collection surface so as to form a continuous filament.

Abstract: Briefly, embodiments of systems and/or methods for synthesis of zinc oxide are described, including a chamber enclosure, a wafer substrate holder, a fluid handling system, and sequences for implementation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for manufacturing rotational spun materials. The rotational spun materials are medical appliances or other prostheses made of, constructed from, covered or coated with rotational spun materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: Methods for making metal particle-chitin composite materials are described. The methods can comprise contacting an ionic liquid with chitin, thereby forming a mixture; contacting the mixture with a non-solvent, thereby forming a chitin substrate in the non-solvent; collecting the chitin substrate from the non-solvent; deacetylating the collected chitin substrate, thereby forming a deacetylated chitin substrate; contacting the deacetylated chitin substrate with a metal salt, thereby forming an impregnated precursor composite material; and contacting the impregnated precursor composite material with a reducing agent, thereby reducing the metal salt to form a plurality of metal particles dispersed on the chitin substrate and forming the metal particle-chitin composite material.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-spinning apparatus, which can perform spinning uniformly over the entire width of a manufactured fiber. The apparatus includes: a solution distribution unit made of an electrical conductor to distribute and supply a spinning solution to injection lines; spinning nozzles installed to be individually coupled to the injection lines and spinning while adjusting a spinning amount of the spinning solution supplied through the injection lines; a solution supply line installed to be coupled on the top of the solution distribution unit to supply the spinning solution heated to a high temperature to the solution distribution unit; a high voltage supply unit installed on one side of the solution distribution unit to supply high voltage power; and a hot air supply unit for supplying air of hot temperature to each of the spinning nozzles and injecting the hot air through the spinning nozzles together with the spinning solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fibrous material. The apparatus uses a first material source within which is disposed a first material and a second material source enclosing a second material. The first and second materials to be electrospun. A first and second tip attached to an end of the first and second material sources, with a collector spaced apart from the first and second material sources. A first and second electric field generator each produces a first and second signal each in the form of a sine wave and having a first and second frequency. The fibers are formed from the first and second materials as extracted from the respective first and second tips responsive to a first and second electric field generated between the respective first and second tips and the collector.

Abstract: A spinneret (1) for electrostatic spinning is configured from a structure of an electrically conductive metal material. The structure is provided with a long-axis direction (X), a short-axis direction (Z), and a thickness direction (Y). An inflow port (10) for a spinning starting material fluid is provided to one surface of the structure. A plurality of protrusions (5) are formed on another surface of the structure so as to be aligned along the long-axis direction (X). Each of the plurality of protrusion (5) extends so as to protrude from the structure. The protrusions (5) have, provided to apexes (2) thereof, discharge holes (4) for discharging the starting material fluid. The pitch of the discharge holes (4) exceeds 1 mm.

Abstract: Compositions and blends of biopolymers and bio-acceptable polymers are described, along with the use of benign solvent systems to prepare biocompatible scaffolds and surgically implantable devices for use in supporting and facilitating the repair of soft tissue injuries.

Abstract: Fluid delivery devices and methods are described where the device may comprise a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric chip that is operatively coupled to a drug package under a preloading force. The actuator is configured to generate an acoustic pressure within the drug package to dispense droplets or a continuous stream of an agent from an aperture, e.g., to the corneal surface of the eye. The piezoelectric actuator can be coupled or decoupled from the drug package via a coupling mechanism which enables the quick release and consistent securement of the drug package to the actuator and housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymeric materials that may be labeled with a radioisotope, to processes for producing the labeled polymeric material, and to methods of using the materials in analytical and therapeutic applications. Specifically, the disclosure relates to injectable and implantable microparticles, such as microspheres, which are associated with radioisotopes such that the microparticles are both therapeutic and detectable. The radioisotope-containing microparticles are useful for embolization and other therapeutic medical applications.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer nanofiber or microfiber mats or membranes and methods for their preparation via an aqueous, one-step polyelectrolyte complexation and electrospinning of complex coacervates.

Abstract: A metal particle having a particle diameter of 10 ?m or more and 1000 ?m or less and includes Cu and trace elements and a total mass content of P and S, among other trace elements, is 3 ppm or more and 30 ppm or less. A method for producing a metal particle including producing a molten metal material by melting a metal material in a crucible, wherein Cu as determined in GDMS analysis is over 99.995% and a total of P and S is 3 ppm or more and 30 ppm or less; applying a pressure of 0.05 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less to drip the molten metal material through an orifice, thereby producing a molten metal droplet; and rapidly solidifying the molten metal droplet using an inert gas whose oxygen concentration is 1000 ppm or less.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus and a method of producing fine particles capable of increasing evaporation efficiency of a material, increasing the production of fine particles and reducing costs by heating the inputted material by a gas heated by thermal plasma. A fine particle production apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a material feeding device connected to the vacuum chamber and feeding material particles from a material feeding port into the vacuum chamber, electrodes arranged in the vacuum chamber for generating plasma and a collection device connected to the vacuum chamber and collecting fine particles, which produces the fine particles from the material by generating electric discharge inside the vacuum chamber, in which the collection device and the material feeding device are connected by piping, and a material heating and circulation device which heats the material by heat of a gas inside the chamber heated by the plasma through the piping is provided.

Abstract: A production apparatus for fine particles includes a vacuum chamber, a material supply device, a plurality of electrodes arranged and a collection device connecting to the other end of the vacuum chamber and collecting fine particles, which generates plasma and produces fine particles from the material particles, in which a first electrode arrangement region on the material supply port's side and a second electrode arrangement region apart from the first electrode arrangement region to the collection device's side which respectively cross a direction in which the material flows between the vicinity of the material supply port and the collection device are provided in the intermediate part of the vacuum chamber, and both the first electrode arrangement region and the second electrode arrangement region are provided with a plurality of electrodes respectively to form the electrodes in multi-stages.

Abstract: A method for making a graft layer is provided. The graft layer has at least two layers with different porosities. The two layers are applied by electrospinning. The parameters of the electrospinning may be varied when applying the first and second layers in order to achieve different porosities of the first and second layers.

Abstract: A method for producing a waterproof and ion-conducting flexible membrane intended for protecting a metal electrode. It comprises a synthesis by electrically assisted extrusion of compact fibers forming an ion-conducting fiber array comprising a first material. The fiber array defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Subsequently, the fiber array is impregnated with a polymer of a second material, to form a metal electrode protection membrane. The fiber array forms paths for conducting ions between the first surface and the second surface and through the second material. The first surface is intended to be in contact with the metal electrode.

Abstract: A lightweight composite having an activated surface contains a lightweight hollow core particle having cement grains which may be adhered to the hollow core or embedded in the surface of the hollow core. The hollow core particle may be prepared from calcium carbonate and a mixture of clay, such as bentonite, and a glassy inorganic material, such as glass spheres, glass beads, glass bubbles, borosilicate glass and fiberglass.

Abstract: A synthetic construct suitable for implantation into a biological organism that includes at least one polymer scaffold; wherein the at least one polymer scaffold includes at least one layer of polymer fibers that have been deposited by electrospinning; wherein the orientation of the fibers in the at least one polymer scaffold relative to one another is generally parallel, random, or both; and wherein the at least one polymer scaffold has been adapted to function as at least one of a substantially two-dimensional implantable structure and a substantially three-dimensional implantable tubular structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a metal-based particle assembly, comprising the steps of: producing a metal-based film having an average thickness equal to or smaller than 50 nm on a substrate (a first step); and morphologically changing the metal-based film through a heat treatment into a metal-based particle assembly comprising a plurality of metal-based particles mutually separated and disposed in two dimensions (a second step). The method allows a metal-based particle assembly to be produced that for example includes 30 or more metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing metal powder includes: melting at least a portion of a metal starting material in a reaction vessel by utilizing plasma so as to form molten metal; evaporating the molten metal so as to produce a metal vapor; and transferring the metal vapor from the reaction vessel to a cooling tube together with a carrier gas supplied into the reaction vessel so as to cool the metal vapor, and condensing the metal vapor in the cooling tube, thereby producing metal powder. The method further includes supplying an oxygen gas into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method for producing a sheet material is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a carrier material solution comprising a carrier material, and depositing the carrier material onto a collector by electrospinning the carrier material solution out of a spinning device, the collector having a first electrical polarity and the spinning device having a second electrical polarity being opposite to the first polarity. The collector comprises at least one differential section, the electrical polarity of which is adjusted during deposition of the carrier material in such a manner that it either resembles the electrical polarity of the remaining sections of the collector or differs from it. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out said method and a sheet material which can be produced by said method.

Abstract: A method of attaching a cell or a membrane-coated particle-of-interest to a microtube is provided. The method comprising: co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution and wherein the second polymeric solution comprises the cell or the membrane-coated particle-of-interest, thereby attaching the cell or the membrane-coated panicle-of-interest to the microtube. Also provided are microtubes with attached, entrapped or encapsulated cells or membrane-coated particles and methods of using same.

Abstract: Provided is a method of attaching a molecule-of-interest to a microtube, by co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution and wherein the second polymeric solution comprises the molecule-of-interest, thereby attaching the molecule-of-interest to the microtube. Also provided is an electrospun microtube comprising an electrospun shell, an electrospun coat over an internal surface of the shell and a molecule-of-interest attached to the microtube.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming fibers. First and second precursors, each possessing a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity, are mixed. The mixed precursors are then extruded under heat to cross-link during fiber production.

Abstract: A metal particle manufacturing system includes: a first airtight container, in which a metal film is placed and conveyed; a plasma melting chamber for heating and melting the metal film into ultrafine particle metal; a second airtight container for cooling and suspending the ultrafine particle metal for collection and being taken out; and a circulating conveyor belt for providing conveying channels between the first airtight container, the plasma melting chamber and the second airtight container. Airtight channels are provided to cover between the first airtight container, the plasma melting chamber and the second airtight container. With this implementation, the highly pure ultrafine particle metal with the purity reaching 99.99% can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiber web preparing apparatus and method via electro-blown spinning. The nanofiber web preparing method includes feeding a polymer solution, which is a polymer dissolved into a given solvent, toward a spinning nozzle, discharging the polymer solution via the spinning nozzle, which is charged with a high voltage, while injecting compressed air via the lower end of the spinning nozzle, and collecting fiber spun in the form of a web on a grounded suction collector under the spinning nozzle, in which both of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins are applicable, the solution does not need to be heated and electrical insulation is readily realized.

Abstract: There is provided a method for making hollow microspheres by means of dispensing the feed using vibratory energy, preferably ultrasonic energy, hollow microspheres made using the method, and an apparatus for making hollow microspheres.

Abstract: Devices and methods for high-throughput manufacture of concentrically layered nanoscale and microscale fibers by electrospinning are disclosed. The devices include a hollow tube having a lengthwise slit through which a core material can flow, and can be configured to permit introduction of sheath material at multiple sites of Taylor cone formation formation.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus and methodology is described that produces medical devices, such as scaffolds that induce the formation of a natural fibrous structure (primarily collagen and elastin) in a tissue-engineered medical device. The apparatus uses collection surfaces designed to manipulate or change the electrostatic field so that the electrospun fibers are arranged in desirable patterns that are similar to or mimic the fibrillar structure of an animal tissue. The manipulation results in fibers that are preferentially oriented in a predefined pattern. In addition, the interfiber space between the fibers and the fiber diameter are consistently within a predefined range. Using these techniques in conjunction with controlling polymer properties enables the production of a scaffold that has the structural and mechanical characteristics similar to the native tissue.

Abstract: A sodium alginate crosslinked slow-released moxifloxacin microsphere, the preparation method of the microsphere, a vascular target embolus containing the microsphere and the use of the microsphere in preparing the vascular target embolus. The microsphere contains moxifloxacin, a drug carrier, a adsorbent, a reinforcing agent and a solidifying agent, wherein the drug carrier is sodium alginate, the adsorbent is albumin prepared from human plasma or bovine serum albumin, the reinforcing agent is gelatin or hyaluronic acid, and the solidifying agent is a divalent metal cation chosen from calcium salt or barium salt.

Abstract: A method for processing feed material to produce dense and spheroidal products is described. The feed material is comprised of powder particles from the spray-drying technique or solution precursor droplets from ceramic or metallic materials. The feed material is processed using plasma generated from a microwave. The microwave plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar flow during processing which allows for the production of spheroidal particles with a homogenous materials distribution. This results in products having improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses.

Abstract: Sintered product exhibiting a relative density of greater than 97% and composed of: more than 92% by weight of silicon carbide, between 0.5% and 8% by weight of an amorphous secondary phase comprising the elements O, Si and one or two elements chosen from Al and Y, less than 2% of other elements, present in said product in the form of an additional phase or of unavoidable impurities, in which the silicon carbide is present in the form of crystalline grains and in which said secondary phase is amorphous and located essentially at the boundaries of the silicon carbide grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing ?-alane by desolvating an alane-etherate complex. The methods include electrospraying or electrospinning the alane-etherate complex in order to remove solvent. Solid alane is obtained and can be in either fine particulate form or fiber form. The alane can be encapsulated with a stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in a transparent conducting electrode (TCE) is disclosed. The composition comprises a conductive background medium and an incorporated plurality of mesoscale metal wires. The composition is characterized by lower electrical sheet resistance as compared to prior-art compositions for TCEs without a significant degradation in optical transmittance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of electrospinning. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrospinning device that includes a slit-fixture defined by an elongate aperture disposed between opposing elements of an electrically conductive material. These elements include a variety of patterns/shapes that affect the flow of fluid through the aperture and the electrical field across the aperture.

Abstract: Provided is an adhesive tape including: a substrate; and an adhesive layer laminated on one surface or both surfaces of the substrate, wherein one or both of the substrate and the adhesive layer are produced in a nano-web form in which fiber strands are captured by a spinning method. Thus, the adhesive tape can be made thin, and an adhesive strength can be improved. In addition, the adhesive tape can be precisely attached on a corrugated surface. When the adhesive tape attached between components is separated from the components, the adhesive layers can be prevented from remaining on the surfaces of the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein, optionally combined with at least one other biopolymer, which structures are suitable for use as an encapsulation matrix. In particular, the invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein and a polysaccharide. The invention also relates to the production method thereof, said method comprising an electrospinning, electrospraying or blow spinning step. The encapsulated product is characterised in that it comprises an encapsulation matrix formed by micro-, submicro- or nano-structures of the invention and at least one functional ingredient. The invention further relates to the method for obtaining same.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides devices for cell or tissue culture, comprising a three-dimensional structure, which further includes fibrils with beads and/or particles. The present invention also relates to novel methods for manufacturing devices for cell or tissue culture.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which the flow of fluid is electrically driven, including electrospinning and electrospraying systems and methods, are generally described.

Abstract: A high dielectric contrast composition for particle formation that includes a high dielectric solvent, and a polymer dissolved into the high dielectric solvent. A method of forming particles including dissolving a polymer in a high dielectric solvent to form a high dielectric composition, and dielectrophoretically spinning the high dielectric composition in an electric field to form particles.

Abstract: A plasma device for production of metal powder includes a reaction vessel, a plasma torch, a carrier gas supply unit and a cooling tube. A metal starting material is supplied to the vessel. The torch produces plasma between the torch and the metal starting material to evaporate the metal starting material and produce a metal vapor. The supply unit supplies into the vessel a carrier gas for carrying the metal vapor. The cooling tube is provided with indirect and direct cooling sections and cools the metal vapor transferred from the vessel to produce the metal powder. The metal vapor and/or the metal powder are indirectly cooled in the indirect cooling section and directly cooled in the direct cooling section. A projection and/or a recess are disposed at least on a part of an inner wall of the indirect cooling section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for incorporating dye and/or nanoparticles into polymer films and into electrospun polymeric nanofibers, and, more specifically, to a method for electrospinning a molecularly homogenous solution of dye (and/or nanoparticles) and polymer dissolved in a mutual solvent leading to uniform distribution of dye across the cross-section of each constituent fiber and to resulting nanofibers with the dye/nanoparticles incorporated therein.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an improved electrode with high voltage standoff characteristics and improved graphene-based materials and methods of making them for use therein. A graphene-based thin film material is described that may be applied or transferred to a current collector to create the improved electrode. The thin film comprises high aspect ratio graphene platelets applied to the surface of a current collector or other substrate in a known ratio to a film binder material. The film is produced with a desired layer thickness and graphene-to-binder ratio to produce a desired voltage standoff for the electrode. The film may include additional materials to achieve the desired dielectric and mechanical characteristics for the application, such as ferroelectric ceramic nanorods with a high aspect ratio and high dielectric constant and/or graphene sheets.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A composite material is formed by combining an expandable polymer having a charge with another polymer having an opposite charge to produce. In particular, the composite material can be prepared by combining the polymers with a medium such as and water, and expanding the mixture using a treatment that expands the mixture to produce, for example, insoluble porous foam-like composites.