Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a healable, recyclable and malleable e-skin. In certain embodiments, the e-skin comprises sensors that can detect at least one applied stimulus. In other embodiments, the e-skin comprises a dynamic covalent thermo set doped with a nano-particle composition, thereby rendering the doped thermoset conductive. The e-skin of the invention has potential applicability to the fields of robotics, prosthetics, health monitoring, biomedical devices and consumer products.

Abstract: A self-healing composite includes a matrix including an elastomer and conductive nanostructures embedded in the matrix, wherein the elastomer includes a polymer main chain, a —HN—C(?O)—NH— containing first structural unit capable of forming a strong hydrogen bond, and a —HN—C(?O)—NH— containing second structural unit capable of forming a weak hydrogen bond.

Abstract: A system and methods for producing a structure including a plurality of fibers is provided. The system includes a polymer collector having a predefined pattern, wherein the collector is charged at a first polarity, and a spinneret configured to dispense a polymer, wherein the spinneret is charged at a second polarity substantially opposite the first polarity such that polymer dispensed from the spinneret forms a plurality of fibers on the predefined pattern of the fiber collector.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced composite structure having a fiber volume fraction (14) below 50 vol.-% using vacuum bag molding, the method comprising the steps of placing an assembly of fiber laminates (3) on a tool surface (1.1), creating a predetermined maximum difference of pressure (10) between the inside and the outside of an airtight envelope (4), infusing resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3), reducing the difference of pressure between the inside and the outside of the airtight envelope (4), so that the assembly of fiber laminates (3) expands and the infusion of resin into the assembly of fiber laminates (3) continues thus forming a resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3), and curing the resin infused assembly of fiber laminates (3).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for recycling synthetic turf that includes agglomerating a plurality of synthetic turf fragments and extruding the agglomerated material. The method produces a recycled material suitable for use as infill in a synthetic turf. Accordingly, an infill for synthetic turf and a synthetic turf including that infill are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for adhesive application in vehicle construction during joining of joining partners which are subject to tolerances comprises the following steps: detecting the geometric data of the joining partners in an automated manner, detecting the joint gap dimensions of the joining partners from the detected geometric data, joining the joining partners in the joining position thereof, and applying the adhesive in the joint gap.

Abstract: Thermoplastic components may experience local damage, including cracks and decohesion of fiber reinforcements, among others. Such thermoplastics may be repaired by heating them to a suitable softening/melting temperature under pressure and maintaining them under pressure and at elevated temperature until the damage is healed. This may be done in-place using custom-fabricated, suitably-shaped die portions maintained under pressure by magnetic attraction. Various heating methods and die portion fabrication methods are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that support the building of walls. Other examples may involve the support of creating and repairing advanced roadways.

Abstract: A patch for a structure has a rework area with an inconsistency formed therein. The patch comprises a patch body having at least two regions including a fail-safe region and a safe-life region encompassing the fail-safe region. The safe-life region has a mode I interlaminar fracture toughness that is less than the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of the fail-safe region.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fluffing a cleaning article. The cleaning article has a layer of tow fibers and a layer of sheet material, joined together in a layered construction. The apparatus and process spray a fluid blast onto the article, disrupting the tow fibers. The fluid may be air and causes different fibers to react so as to increase the volume of the cleaning article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a fiber composite solid member having a locally deteriorated surface area, such as having cracks or creases. The solid member may e.g. be a mold for the manufacturing of wind turbine blades or such blades. The method comprises machining a surface section comprising the locally deteriorated surface area in order to obtain a recess having a predefined depth and circumferential shape, placing a repair patch having a predefined thickness and circumferential shape matching the recess in the recess, and fastening the repair patch to the solid member by use of a binder material. At least some of the elastic and thermal properties of the repair patch and the binder material are so that after fastening, the repair patch and the binder material in combination have elastic and thermal properties which are substantially the same as the corresponding properties of the surface section before machining.

Abstract: A method for restoring and reusing railroad ties and the resulting product are disclosed. According to the method, otherwise spent wooden ties are sorted as to their apparent suitability for providing a core for reuse. Those found unsuitable are discarded, while those found to be suitable are milled or trimmed about their dimensions to define a suitable core. That core is banded about a transverse perimeter and then submitted to a reaction injection molding process by which urethane or other suitable polymers impregnate the various voids, holes and cracks in the core, bond with the bands, and define a finish unit having the overall size and configuration of previously known railroad ties. The encapsulated product is then capped or plugged at the ends to ensure that the resulting product is impervious to penetration by the environment.

Abstract: In a method for reconditioning data carriers having a plastic part, a reconditioning fluid is applied in a liquid phase to the data carrier, wherein the reconditioning fluid includes at least one solvent and at least one plasticizer, wherein the solvent is selected in such a way that it is substantially inert compared to the data carrier, wherein a non-volatile plasticizer is selected and the concentration of the plasticizer in the reconditioning fluid is selected such that the gradient of the change in volume of the data carrier owing to the replacement of plasticizer with the reconditioning fluid is positive

Abstract: A patch for reworking an inconsistent area in a composite structure includes a composite laminate patch adapted to cover the inconsistent area and bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive. The patch includes a plurality of composite plies having a tapered cross section, and at least first and second regions respectively having differing fracture toughnesses.

Abstract: An economical makeup restoring kit and method that allows the individual consumer to re-solidify the fragments of a broken powder cake within the powder tray of the original compact case is provided. The makeup restoring kit includes an alcohol dispenser, a mixing/smoothing implement, and a cleaning implement. Variations of the implements are presented. The makeup restoring kit is preferably provided in a kit receptacle suitable for transporting and storing the kit contents.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a regenerated elastic roller which can be again used for the formation of high-quality electrophotographic images by sufficiently relaxing a compression set of the elastic roller having the compression set caused in an elastic layer in usage. The process for producing a regenerated elastic roller includes a step of heating an elastic roller having a conductive mandrel and an elastic layer and having a compression set caused in the elastic layer, in a cylindrical mold to thermally expand the elastic layer and to cause a surface of the elastic roller to contact an inner wall of the cylindrical mold.

Abstract: A method of internally restoring a pipe preferably includes the steps of isolating a leaking pipe from a system of pipes; drying an interior of a leaking pipe; measuring the airflow through the leak; cleaning the interior of the leaking pipe; pre-sealing a leak with a leak sealing media, measuring the leak flow rate after the pre-sealing; applying an internal protective coating process; and pressure testing the leaking pipe for leaks. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a control box, a media injection system, an air compressor and a coating dispensing system at an inlet of the leaking pipe. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a coating overflow receiver, a muffler and a dust collector at an exit of the leaking pipe. After the treatments, the leaking pipe becomes a restored pipe. The restored pipe is pressure tested for leaks at a working pressure rating of the pipe and reconnected to its piping system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and sealing agent for sealing cracks in concrete crossties of a railway rail, in particular in concrete crossties of a ballastless track, wherein the cracks have a width equal to or less than 1 mm. According to the invention, a mixture of an epoxy resin binder with quartz sand is used, wherein the quartz sand has a grain size of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Abstract: A method of repairing delaminated plies of a composite includes drilling a plurality of holes in the plies, stitching one or more tows into the plurality of holes, and tensioning the tows. The holes are disposed across an area of the plies that is delaminated. The method introduces a resin into the area of the plies that is delaminated and cures the resin. Curing of the composite can be performed prior to the stitching and the tensioning of the one or more tows and can be performed by the tensioning of the one or more tows. Optionally, one or more additional plies can be applied to the repaired area and/or a portion of the one or more tows that extends above a surface the plies can be removed.

Abstract: The invention provides an appliance for localized heating of a polymer material surface to be repaired by blowing a hot fluid inside a confinement chamber (2) that is defined by a deformable cap (1). The cap (1) is made of a blanket (6) incorporating a framework (7) for shaping the confinement chamber (2) under the effect of tensions applied locally by the framework (7) to the blanket (6) in its general plane (P). Force generator means (9) cause the framework (7) to change between a flexible state in which the framework (7) is arranged in the general plane of the blanket (6), and a rigid state for shaping the confinement chamber (2). The force generator means (9) comprise a force generator source that produces a suction, and the framework (7) is made up of strips of felt (8, 8?) housed in a pouch of the blanket (6).

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for the repair of a crack in a paved surface such as a recreational court. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a crack is filled with a patching compound. A non-bonding soft coat is applied to the surface over the patching compound. A bond coat is applied to the surface adjacent to opposing sides of the soft coat. A membrane overlaid onto the soft coat, overlapping the bond coat on both sides of the membrane. A top coat is applied to the membrane, overlapping onto the bond coat. A finishing coat is applied to the top coat.

Abstract: Techniques for component protective overmolding include selectively applying a protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework, forming an inner molding substantially over the framework, the one or more electrical elements coupled to the framework, and the protective material. In some examples, the inner molding is formed after the protective material has been selectively applied, forming an outer molding substantially over the inner molding and the outer molding is configured to protect the framework and to provide a surface configured to receive a pattern. Further, the outer molding may be configured to be removable if a defect is found during an inspection performed after the outer molding is formed.

Abstract: A shape-restoring device and a restoring method for distorted filmstrips are proposed for restoring filmstrips that are distorted due to vinegar syndrome. During the implementation of the method, the air compressor is started such that pressure reaches 0.6-0.9 MPa; three-way valves are regulated so as to introduce pressure into film-clasping cylinders and pressing-plate cylinders via diverter valves; the cylinder spindles of the film-clasping cylinders move the upper collets fixedly connected therewith, for fixing filmstrips; the cylinder spindles of the pressing-plate cylinders move the pressing plate fixedly connected therewith such that the binding underlay on the lower surface of the pressing plate contacts the heating plate; in this way, pressuring, heating and restoring are carried out. Through steps of pressing, heating, fixing filmstrips, shape-restoring and transporting the distorted filmstrips under the pressure of 0.5-0.8 MPa and the temperature of 80-90° C.

Abstract: An economical makeup restoring kit and method that allows the individual consumer to re-solidify the fragments of a broken powder cake within the powder tray of the original compact case is provided. The makeup restoring kit includes an alcohol dispenser, a mixing/smoothing implement, and a cleaning implement. Variations of the implements are presented. The makeup restoring kit is preferably provided in a kit receptacle suitable for transporting and storing the kit contents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular pipe repair, the method comprising attaching two enclosure halves over a leak in a pipe to assemble a first repair enclosure and determining if another repair enclosure is needed for another leak in the pipe. If another repair enclosure is needed, the method further comprises drilling in the first repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to a primary groove in the enclosure, attaching a second repair enclosure to pipe, drilling in the second repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to the primary groove in the second enclosure, and attaching hub clamps to the first repair enclosure and the second repair enclosure. Finally, the method comprises injecting sealant into a plurality of injection points to fill the selected angled grooves and the primary grooves in the repair enclosures.

Abstract: A thermal and vacuum assessment method includes providing a composite part having a repair area, installing a vacuum bag over the repair area, drawing a vacuum on the vacuum bag, testing for air leaks in the vacuum bag, heating the vacuum bag and obtaining a thermal image of the repair area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effect of integrity loss in a hollow fiber membrane module, said module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (5), at least one end of the fiber membranes (5) being supported in a pot (6), the method including the step of increasing flow resistance of the liquid through the lumen (8) of the fiber membrane (5) in the region of the pot (6).

Abstract: A method of replacing a portion of a composite airfoil in a turbine. The method comprises the steps of providing a turbine with a plurality of composite airfoils mounted on a wheel. At least one of the composite airfoils has a core made of a non-plastic material and a plastic airfoil portion to envelope at least a portion of the core. A composite airfoil having an airfoil portion in need of replacement is accessed. The plastic airfoil portion is removed to expose the core while the core is mounted on the wheel. A plastic airfoil portion is molded to envelope the core while the core is mounted on the wheel.

Abstract: A procedure for repairing subsurface defects in a shell member laminate of a wind turbine blade includes detecting the location and boundary of the subsurface defect and drilling a fill hole from an external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to a boundary of the defect. A vent hole is drilled from the external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to an opposite boundary from the fill hole. A flowable bonding material is injected into the fill hole until the bonding material flows from the vent hole. The repair zone is reinforced with at least one mechanical fastener defined through the laminate either within the boundary of the defect or outboard of the boundary of the defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing a protective lining of an industrial reaction or transport vessel, such as a converter vessel, electric arc furnace, or ladle.

Abstract: A method of molding a toner bottle including separating polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles that have not accommodated oily or colored materials from retrieved PET bottles grinding the separated PET bottles to obtain a flake PET material of which not less than 80% has a form from a triangle to an octagon with a size not greater than 8 mm 8 mm, washing and drying the flake PET material to obtain a flake PET molding material and molding the flake PET molding material to make a toner bottles.

Abstract: Thermoplastic body parts can be repaired by (a) heating a shaped staple to a temperature that is above the melt point of the thermoplastic component and (b) embedding the shaped staple across the crack seam and into the thermoplastic component material on either side of the crack seam. When cooled, the shaped staple will span the crack seam and be firmly embedded in the component material on either side thereof. The use of a plurality of such shaped staples along the length of the crack seam will permit the crack to be secured in a structurally significant manner and, with proper selection of the staple thickness and material, permit the crack to be filled, sanded and finished in a manner that does not pose a seam of continued structural weakness for the repaired component.

Abstract: In manufacturing composite material by curing fluid, strength deterioration of the composite material due to repair before the fluid is cured is reduced. A suction hole is formed in a bag film (3) for sealing a space for fibers being impregnated with resin, after start of impregnation. The suction hole is covered by a plate (56) with holes (57). The resin is sucked from the space through the plate (56). According to such composite material manufacturing method, a defect, which occurs during fibers are impregnated with resin, can be repaired before the resin is cured without causing disorder and damage in the fibers. In a composite material formed from one repaired in the above way, the repaired portion is strong, namely, there is no strength deterioration due to repair after curing, and thus, the material is preferred as compared with a composite material which is repaired after resin is cured.

Abstract: A method of recycling spent filter media is disclosed. The method can include providing a cloth, the cloth being spent polymer-base filter media, removing foreign solid particles from the cloth, washing the cloth, drying the cloth and processing the dried cloth to produce polymer-base particles that can be used to produce a component. The processing of the dried cloth can include densifying and/or granulating the dried cloth. In addition, the spent cloth can have been used as metal working filtration media and the foreign solid particles removed from the cloth using a brush. In some instances, the cloth is washed using a dry cleaning process and the granulating or densifying of the cloth produces particles that can be used in an injection molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the incorporation of a substructure into tooling for constructing composite structures in order to control thermal expansion of the tooling during aerospace manufacturing processes. Substructure, such as headers and/or gussets is added to the tooling to constrain the growth of the laminate expansion and/or control the diametric growth of the tool during the curing cycle. The thickness of the face-sheet of the tooling also may be reduced in order to further reduce the effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the tooling.

Abstract: A cladding method for sealing a leak in a casing, a pipeline, a borehole, or a well downhole using a liner having a tube with a first diameter, a plurality of circumferential grooves, and a plurality of seals in the grooves extending beyond the first diameter. The cladding method has at least the steps of fastening the liner in a fastening mechanism of an expansion tool, inserting the liner having a first part and a second part into the casing outside the leak, positioning an expansion mechanism of the expansion tool at the first part of the liner, expanding the first part of the liner until the seals in the grooves of the first part of the liner are pressed against the casing and fasten the first part to the casing, releasing the liner so that the liner is free of the tool and the liner is held in place by the seals in the first part of the liner, and expanding all the way through the liner by expanding also the second part of the liner to abut the casing for sealing the leak.

Abstract: A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. The protocol provides for obtaining cure and current consolidation information of a composite material system as a preliminary baseline. A test matrix is prepared for varying time/temp profiles to pursue better results or find process limits and the testing defined by the matrix is run with variations of time/temp DVD profiles to confirm data values. Results for the process variations in the test matrix are then assessed. An optimum consolidation is determined and process points are defined at which quality drops off. The protocol results are then applied to part preparation for the material tested.

Abstract: A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized a double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. For rework, a single piece multilayer patch is made available for bonding with an adhesive layer to a prepared structural area.

Abstract: A three layer coated fabric has a bottom backing layer, a top coating layer and a middle coating layer that contains recycled coated fabric material. All of the constituent parts of coated fabrics being recycled are included in the middle layer. The middle layer also sometimes contains other materials that can blend with the recycled coated fabrics or other recycled post-consumer materials. The three layer coated fabric is manufactured by transforming the recycled coated fabrics and other materials into a form that can be used to create the middle layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of recuperating a turbine element constituted of a substrate, forming the body of the element, and a protective coating adhering to the substrate. The method comprises the control of the turbine element in order to pinpoint the zones having a bonding defect between the protective coating and the substrate, and the elimination of the bonding defects between the protective coating and the substrate. The bonding defects are eliminated by means of a laser beam directed onto each zone having a bonding defect in order to induce a localized melting of the protective coating and the underlying substrate and enable a sound bond, at the level of said zone, between the protective coating and the substrate after stopping the laser beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hardening portions of ballet pointe shoes include applying quantities of a mixed two-part epoxy resin to broken-down or softer-than-desired portions of the shoes. In some embodiments, epoxy resin is applied to interior surfaces of the toe box and/or shank portions of the shoe. In some embodiments, epoxy resin can also be applied to select exterior portions of the shoes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing lightweight thermoplastic dunnage platform decks or repairing and reusing damaged lightweight thermoplastic dunnage platform decks to be mounted with molded feet. In an embodiment of the present invention, a dunnage platform with damaged feet is modified such that the damaged feet are removed and replacement feet are attached. In an embodiment of the present invention, the damaged feet of a dunnage platform are removed and the resulting dunnage platform deck is shipped to a desired site whereupon molded feet are attached to the dunnage platform deck and the dunnage platform generated from the deck and molded feet is used for shipping cargo.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for protecting and restoring a surface by applying thereto a preformed polymer based film and securing the film to the surface. Particular application is found where the surface is a deck surface.

Abstract: An assembly includes a composite flange, an insert, an adhesive and a support. The composite flange has at least one damaged aperture. The insert is positioned in the damaged aperture and extends therefrom to provide compressive load transfer through the composite flange. The adhesive is positioned directly on at least a portion of the composite flange proximate the damaged aperture. The support is positioned over the adhesive and contacts the insert.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for repairing of abnormalities such as cracks and/or breaks in substrates such as glass and/or plastics.

Abstract: A method for recovering ruthenium oxide or gold and titanium or titanium oxide from a bipolar plate at the end of the life of a fuel cell stack so as to use these materials in other fuel cell stacks thereafter. The bipolar plate is immersed in a solution including a suitable acid that dissolves the titanium or titanium oxide. The ruthenium oxide or gold will be released from the plate and will float on the solution from which it can be removed. The solution is then heated to evaporate the acid solution leaving a powder of the titanium oxide. The stainless steel of the bipolar plate is thus cleaned of the titanium or titanium oxide, and can be reused.

Abstract: A method for repairing concrete structural elements reinforced with steel rebar includes steps of: removal of debris and rust; attachment of expanded mesh zinc metal for sacrificial passive corrosion protection; and overwrapping with flexible panels of fiber-reinforced polymer composite material.

Abstract: When two structural components are to be joined, for example, when an aircraft skin section is to be secured to a stringer by an adhesive bonding, it is important that the joining surface areas are well-fitted to each other to avoid the formation of air inclusions in the joint because air inclusions weaken the mechanical strength of the joint. Thus, a surface topography that is not smooth or well-fitted must be smoothed out prior to the joining. For this purpose the surface areas to be joined are optically scanned to provide topographical information for each surface area that needs to be smoothed out. The topographical information is processed to ascertain the configuration and volume of the surface topography that needs to be filled with a filler material to produce a smooth surface without hills and dales. A respective control signal is produced and fed to a dosing equipment which supplies the exact volume of filler material required for smoothing the surface topography.

Abstract: When two structural components are to be joined, for example, when an aircraft skin section is to be secured to a stringer by an adhesive bonding, it is important that the joining surface areas are plane to avoid the formation of air inclusions in the joint because air inclusions weaken the mechanical strength of the joint. Thus, a surface topography that is not plane must be smoothed out prior to the joining. For this purpose the surface areas to be joined are optically scanned to provide topographical information for each surface area that needs to be smoothed out for providing a plane joining surface. The topographical information is processed to ascertain the configuration and volume of the surface topography that needs to be filled with a filler material to produce a plane surface or at least a smooth surface without hills and dales.

Abstract: Liquid laminating resin systems are used to attribute hurricane resistant properties to insulated glass window units. The activated resin system is then deposited on a single piece of float glass with the containment insulating unit or the resin can be injected between the air space of an existing insulated unit. In the first case, the second piece of glass completes the insulating unit. In both cases, the resin is allowed to cure 3–4 hours. The finished insulated and impact-resistant glass unit can then be installed into the window frame structure. Preferred resins include multiple component polyurethanes and special low shrinkage polyester systems with Argon gas between the glass layers after the resin has cured.