Abstract: Provided is a device configured to manufacture a conductive film including a rotating member, a first syringe, and a second syringe. The rotating member rotates about an axis extending in a first direction. The first syringe is disposed over a first portion of the rotating member, and is configured to discharge a first polymer and conductive balls. The second syringe is adjacent to the first syringe, and is configured to discharge a second polymer.

Abstract: Acoustic mediums are disclosed herein. The acoustic mediums can include a plurality of layers. The layers of the acoustic mediums can include fibrous acoustic materials that are entangled throughout the layer. In certain instances, the layers of the acoustic medium can include first portion of acoustic materials disposed along a first plane, and a second portion of acoustic materials disposed along a second plane. Methods of fabricating multi-layer acoustic mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtration barrier comprises at least one barrier layer which includes polymeric nanofibers interlaced with microfibers, and at least one substrate layer which includes polymeric microfibers. The filtration barrier can be made by electrospinning process.

Abstract: A graft device is provided comprising a flow conduit and a surrounding covering. The graft device can connect a first body space and a second body space. In one embodiment, the flow conduit is a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided are methods of preparing a graft device and connecting the graft device between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: A filtration barrier comprises at least one barrier layer which includes polymeric nanofibers interlaced with microfibers, and at least one substrate layer which includes polymeric microfibers. The filtration barrier can be made by electrospinning process.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter media packs having a single layer of a high loft filter media and a single layer of a low loft filter media, the filter media pack characterized by the absence of oil added to the filter media pack, the filter media pack capable of filtering air laden particulates from an air stream at greater than 94% efficiency at air stream flow rates of between about 100 feet per minute and 3000 feet per minute. Also disclosed are filter assemblies formed from the filter media pack, and methods of using the filter assemblies.

Abstract: A moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable composite sheet material is provided which is suitable for use as a housewrap material, and is also useful for other applications such as tarpaulins, or as covers for automobile, boats, patio furniture or the like. The composite sheet material includes a nonwoven substrate and an extrusion-coated polyolefin film layer overlying one surface of the substrate. The nonwoven substrate is comprised of polymeric fibers randomly disposed and bonded to one another to form a high tenacity nonwoven web. The nonwoven substrate has a grab tensile strength of at least 178 Newtons (40 pounds) in at least one of the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CD). The extrusion coated polyolefin film layer is intimately bonded to the nonwoven substrate. The film layer has micropores formed therein to impart to the composite sheet material a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 35 g/m2/24 hr. at 50% relative humidity and 23° C.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrospinning apparatus, which comprises one or more spinneret, a rotating collector disposed from the spinneret and configured to collect the fibers, and a sideway motion device disposed on or connected to the spinneret or the rotating collector and configured to propel or move the spinneret or the rotating collector, wherein the sideway motion device is controlled by a controlling unit for providing an angular speed (?) of the sideway motion with a formula: ?=tan?1 x/H wherein x is a parallel motion speed of the device and H is a vertical height between the spinneret and the rotating collector and wherein the angular speed (?) is in a range of about 1.0×10?4 to about 1.0 (°/sec). Also provided is the 2-D or 3-D membranes produced therefrom and a method of using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of structural hybrid thermoplastic composites where organic and inorganic fibers are well dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The process comprises defibrillating the organic fibers with or without the presence of surface active agents using a mixer at a high shear and at a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of organic fibers and melting point of the surface active agents to separate the hydrogen bonded fibers and generate microfibers, followed by blending and dispersion of the organic fibers in the thermoplastic matrix to produce a fiber composite, followed by further blending and dispersion of the fiber composite with inorganic fibers at a low shear to get the moldable hybrid composite, followed by extrusion, injection or compression-injection molding. Low shear mixing maintains the inorganic fiber length.

Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for reducing water in never-dried fiber comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6) -amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride, the process comprising the steps of: (a) heating the never-dried fiber to a temperature of at least 20° C. but less than 100 ° C. until the moisture content of the fiber is 20 weight percent or less of the fiber; and (b) further heating the fiber to a temperature of at least 350° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a mid-IR graded microstructure to the end of an As2S3 optical fiber are presented herein. The method and apparatus transfer a microstructure from a negative imprint on a nickel shim to an As2S3 fiber tip with minimal shape distortion and minimal damage-threshold impact resulting in large gains in anti-reflective properties.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus may include a first spinneret and a second spinneret, each including a reservoir and an orifice. The first and second spinnerets may have first and second electrical charges, respectively. The first spinneret orifice may be located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice. The first and second spinnerets may be used to prepare a medical device defining a lumen with a proximal end, a distal end, a luminal surface and an abluminal surface. The first spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located outside of the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device abluminal surface. The second spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located in the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device luminal surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide electrospinning devices, methods of use, uncompressed fibrous mesh, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided of fabricating a composite incorporating fillers. The method includes the steps of depositing the fillers in a matrix material either in a rapid prototyping device or prior to inserting the matrix material into a mold. The mold is positioned at a desired location with respect to an electrical field such that at least a portion of the fillers in the matrix material align in a first direction in response thereto. For producing a heterogeneous composite through a rapid prototyping process, the electrodes are positioned at a desired orientation to align the fillers. Thereafter, at least a portion of the matrix material is cured with desirable filler orientation. The procedure is repeated with the desired filler orientation and distribution being introduced layer by layer within the composite.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a carbon nanofiber supporting a metal fine particle in which the metal fine particles are supported in high dispersion and sintering of the metal fine particles is restrained. The present invention attains the object by providing a method for producing a carbon nanofiber supporting a metal fine particle comprising a step of: spinning a material composition which contains a nitrogen-containing polymer, including a nitrogen element and capable of forming a carbon nanofiber, and an organometallic compound by an electro spinning process, and the spinning is conducted under a condition which keeps the nitrogen element remained to the carbon nanofiber and allows the formation of the carbon nanofiber.

Abstract: Electrostatic fine fiber generation equipment such as for forming nano-fibers from polymer solution is provided. The fine fiber generation equipment includes a strand that may take the form of a stainless steel beaded chain. The beaded chain can be an endless chain entrained upon two guide wheels and driven about an endless path perpendicularly relative to the collection media.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. The method includes providing an electrospinning apparatus and simultaneously electrospinning at least one solution onto a first surface and an opposing second surface. The apparatus comprises a first spinneret and a second spinneret. An energy source is electrically coupled to the first spinneret and the second spinneret. The first spinneret and second spinneret comprise a reservoir and an orifice fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The first spinneret orifice is located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. The method includes providing an electrospinning apparatus and simultaneously electrospinning at least one solution onto a first surface and an opposing second surface. The apparatus comprises a first spinneret and a second spinneret. An energy source is electrically coupled to the first spinneret and the second spinneret. The first spinneret and second spinneret comprise a reservoir and an orifice fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The first spinneret orifice is located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice.

Abstract: Nanometer scale structures, and methods of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A nano-sized or micro-sized fiber comprising particles capable of at least partially detoxifying a toxic agent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating micro- and nano-scale fiber comprises: spreading micro- and nano-scale particles into a liquid or fluid-like material prior to forcing portions of the liquid or fluid-like material that surround the particles to depart from the original liquid or fluid-like environment by using a force field; stretching to elongate the portions of the liquid or fluid-like material until the free ends of the stretched portions stop motion to complete fiber or fiber-like structures in micro- and nano-scales.

Abstract: An electrostatic spinning apparatus includes a feeding device, at least one linear electrode, at least one collecting electrode, and a high-voltage power supply. The feeding device includes a tank and a roller and an electrostatic spinning solution is contained in the tank. The roller is rolled in the tank. The linear electrode is contact with the roller to absorb the electrostatic spinning solution onto the linear electrode. The collecting electrode is disposed equidistantly to the linear electrode. The high-voltage power supply is connected with the linear electrode and the collecting electrode to opposite charge the linear electrode and the collecting electrode. The electrostatic spinning solution is guided to the collecting electrode from linear electrode and formed an electrostatic spinning fiber.

Abstract: A method of fiber production relating in general to electrospinning and specifically to MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Structures). Utilizing integrated circuit manufacturing processes, a nanoscale, self-contained device has been developed to execute the process of electrospinning large arrays of fibers and fiber arrays. One of the benefits of using the disclosed MEMS device is that the voltage required to produce a “so called” Taylor Cone would is substantially reduced and the requirement of a hydrostatic feed negated through the use of passive capillarity based wick surface treatment.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dissolving polyamides under ambient conditions and for forming polyamide nanofibers by electrospinning. Also provided are methods for incorporating nanoparticles, including nanotubes, into such nanofibers.

Abstract: Long rod shaped M13 viruses were used to fabricate one dimensional (1D) micro- and nanosized diameter fibers by mimic the spinning process of the silk spider. Liquid crystalline virus suspensions were extruded through the micrometer diameter capillary tubes in cross-linking solution (glutaraldehyde). Resulting fibers were tens of micrometers in diameter depending on the inner diameter of the capillary tip. AFM image verified that molecular long axis of the virus fibers were parallel to the fiber long axis. Although aqueous M13 virus suspension could not be spun by electrospinning, M13 viruses suspended in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol were spun into fibers. After blending with highly water soluble polymer, polyvinyl 2-pyrolidone (PVP), M13 viruses was spun into continuous uniform virus blended PVP (virus-PVP) fibers. Resulting virus-PVP electrospun fibers showed intact infecting ability to bacterial hosts after suspending in the buffer solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tubular structure from a liquefied polymer, the apparatus comprising: (a) a dispenser for dispensing the liquefied polymer; (b) a precipitation electrode being at a first potential relative to the dispenser, the precipitation electrode being designed and constructed for generating a polymeric shell thereupon; and (c) a mechanism for increasing a local density of the polymeric shell in a plurality of predetermined sub-regions of the polymeric shell, thereby to provide a tubular structure having an alternating density in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Proposed is a process for producing non-woven fabric materials in which nano- and/or microfibers are produced by an electrostatic spinning process from a polymer melt or a polymer solution and deposited to form a non-woven fabric, wherein a carrier material in web form is arranged or is passed through between at least two spraying devices which are in the form of electrodes for producing an electrical field and each side of the carrier material is coated with the nano- and/or microfibers of opposite polarity, which are produced by means of the spraying devices. A non-woven fabric material produced by that process and the use of the material are also subject-matter of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible structure comprises a plurality of starch filaments. The structure comprises at least a first region and a second region, each of the first and second regions having at least one common intensive property selected from the group consisting of density, basis weight, elevation, opacity, crepe frequency, and any combination thereof. The common intensive property of the first region differs in value from the common intensive property of the second region.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrospinning composite fibers comprising polymeric material and mesoporous molecular sieve material are described. The methods include in one aspect electrospinning fibers from a conducting solution to which a high voltage electric current is applied. The apparatus includes in one aspect one or more conducting solution introduction devices for providing a quantity of conducting solution, said conducting solution introduction devices being electrically charged thereby establishing an electric field between said conducting solution introduction devices and a target, and means for controlling the flow characteristics of conducting solution from said one or more conducting solution introduction devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making shaped structures with internally coated cavities with an inside diameter in the nanometer to micrometer range and the shaped structure obtained thereby.

Abstract: An electrostatic filter includes a fibrous component including a mixture of wool and synthetic fibers and a resinous component including a perfluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer resin and a p-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin, which resinous component is adhering to the fibrous component, both of the fibrous substrate component and the resinous component being in electrostatically charged conditions.

Abstract: A silicone/DACRON polyester composite vascular graft especially well suited as an arteriovenous (A-V) graft fistula for dialysis application. The graft has the ability to seal around needle puncture holes without externally applied pressure, excellent anti-kink, anti-crush and strength properties, and a smooth non-porous inner surface which reduces thrombus deposition and enhances the graft wall compliance or elasticity.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for flash-spinning plexifilamentary film-fibrils are provided in which a static mixing device is provided in the conduit through which the polymer and spin agent are provided to the spin orifice of the flash spinning apparatus. Preferably, the flash-spinning apparatus includes a chamber immediately upstream of the spinning orifice and the static mixing device is disposed within the chamber. Plexifilamentary webs produced according to the invention have been found to have more densely spaced film-fibrils, more tie points and fewer holes. Bonded plexifilamentary sheets made from such webs have a more uniform thickness and a slightly higher tensile strength than sheets produced without the use of static mixers.

Abstract: This invention relates to flash spinning a plexifilamentary film-fibril strand and laying it down into sheet material including the step of subjecting the strand to an electrostatic charge. The invention is particularly focused on cleaning, and maintaining clean, the target plate of the electrostatic charging system by scrubbing or scouring the surface of the target plate with a highly abrasive brush moving at a relatively high speed. The target plate is selected to be abrasion resistant.

Abstract: A method of making a homogeneous formable mixture involves simultaneously mixing organic binder which can be cellulose ethers, cellulose ether derivatives, and combinations of these, powder material capable of being formed into a body when combined with the organic binder, water-insoluble wax, and vehicle of which at least about 90 wt % is water, at a temperature which is at least as high the temperature at which the wax begins to deform under shear. A method of making a shaped body involves shaping the above-described mixture into a green body, followed by drying and heating the green body at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the product body. Preferably the mixture is extruded at a temperature between room temperature and the melting point of the wax, into a honeycomb. The honeycomb has no voids and a smooth skin. A formable mixture made up of organic binder, powder, and wax as described above, wherein the wax which makes up at least 3 wt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for sweeping dust and debris from the needles of a wand which is for applying an electrostatic charge to a plexifilamentary film-fibril web. The needles of the wand tend to acquire dust and debris from the polymer and by the present invention the dust and debris are efficiently swept away by a gaseous fluid flow over the needles preferably so that the fluid passes circumferentially over the needles through an annular passage.

Abstract: A gas injection stone is manufactured by embedding in a refractory compound a plurality of adjacent and abutting nets. Thereby, when the refractory compound is solidified and when the nets subsequently are removed by burning or melting, the result will be the formation within the stone of plural interconnected layers of interlinked gas channels.