Abstract: A fabric assembly particularly useful as soft body armor has two separate sections each containing a number of fabrics made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. Compressed fabrics in the first section are employed and connected by a connector having a force to break in tension not greater than 65N to form delineated areas in a range from 15 square mm to 350 square mm. Fabrics in the second section are not compressed and are not joined other than to prevent slippage of the fabrics relative to one another.

Abstract: A fabric assembly particularly useful as soft body armor has two separate sections each containing a number of fabrics made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. Compressed fabrics in the first section are employed and are connected by connectors that have a force to break in tension not greater than 65 N and are spaced apart by between 6 to 51 mm. Fabrics in the second section have at most a small amount of compression and are not joined other than to prevent slippage of the fabrics relative to one another.

Abstract: Process for producing a ceramic composite structure includes impregnating a reinforcing material with a suitable precursor slurry composition including thermosetting resin, a suitable curing agent, a ceramic component, a carbonaceous solids component, and optionally, a suitable solvent. Exemplary thermosetting resins include polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxy resins, bismaleimide resins, and polyimide resins. The carbonaceous solids component provides a suitable amount of carbon char upon pyrolization. The preform may be dried prior to curing to remove solvents and thereby provide a working material comprising up to 70 volume % solids. The preform is cured, pyrolized, and infiltrated with molten silicon to form a composite article. The thermosetting resin is selected for processability, green strength, and relatively fast cure cycle.

Abstract: A buffer board for a treadmill includes a bamboo strip portion and an endurable slide plate. The bamboo strip portion is composed of at least one longitudinal bamboo strip and at least one transverse bamboo strip. The longitudinal bamboo strip and the transverse bamboo strip are crosswise knitted to constitute a woven bamboo plate. The woven bamboo plate can be stacked one by one to constitute a stack of woven bamboo plates in a desired thickness for enhancing the strength of the buffer board. The longitudinal bamboo strips connected side by side and the transverse bamboo strips connected side by side are stacked up to constitute a laminated bamboo board. The upper woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board is attached with the endurable slide board. After being applied with a press force, the surface of the endurable slide board is formed with concave-convex massage pattern according to the pattern of the woven bamboo plate or the laminated bamboo board.

Abstract: Composite concrete/bamboo structural members and process of manufacture therefor. The bamboo material includes layers formed of bamboo segments which have been dried and glue coated. The segments are substantially free of outer nodes and husk and inner membrane material prior to application of glue. The longitudinal axes of the segments in each layer are generally parallel to one another and are arranged in a mold to surround the surface of a cured concrete core. The layers of segments are heated, compressed and bonded together until the glue cures around the concrete core into a single integral structure. The concrete core is preferably reinforced with steel REBAR rods.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant laminate assembly having a pair of films and a pair of first and second interlinear arrays of unidirectionally-oriented bundles of high strength filaments therebetween with filament bundles of the first array each being arranged substantially interlinear with adjacent filament bundles of the second array and further being in at least intermittent contact therewith. Respective surfaces the filament bundles of the second array are coupled to the first film with substantially continuous thin linear deposits of a coupling agent, and respective surfaces of the filament bundles of the first array are coupled to the second film with substantially continuous thin linear deposits of a coupling agent.

Abstract: A laminate assembly comprises a base layer, a substantially transparent inclusion layer disposed above the base layer and having a plurality of included objects disposed within the inclusion layer, and a substantially transparent top layer disposed above the inclusion layer. The base layer, inclusion layer, and top layer are formed in succession.

Abstract: Processes for the production of high strength polyethylene tape articles from high strength ultra-high molecular weight multi-filament yarns, and to the tape articles, fabrics, laminates and impact resistant materials made therefrom.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant moulded article comprising a compressed stack of sheets comprising reinforcing elongate bodies and an organic matrix material, the direction of the elongate bodies within the compressed stack being not unidirectionally, wherein the elongate bodies are tapes with a width of at least 2 mm and a thickness to width ratio of at least 10:1 with the stack comprising 0.2-8 wt. % of an organic matrix material.

Abstract: A stitchbonded fabric has a substrate material of uniform composition and physical properties and stitching threads stitched through and over the extent of the substrate in which the substrate has one or more slits defined by opposite facing lips that are unparted when the fabric is stitched. The fabric can be tensioned such that the lips part and thereby produce varied performance characteristics such as increased stretch and aesthetically pleasing effects as are useful in fabric utilities such as mattress cover skirts. The lips can pucker to give the fabric texture. The fabric can be extended and/or contracted laterally to further buckle out of plane. The puckering and buckling give the fabric additional functional properties such as dust-catching ability in cleaning wipe utilities.

Abstract: Buoyed mats for reservoir vapor management are described. In one aspect, the buoyed biomats are made from an interconnected structure comprising biomass materials. A support structure is attached to the interconnected biomass. Floatable components are attached to the support structure to facilitate flotation of the mats.

Abstract: A sheet of ballistic-resistant fiber strands includes a bi-directional array of bonding fibers interwoven with the ballistic-resistant fibers to form a fiber panel. In one embodiment, a sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers is joined to the first sheet of laminated ballistic-resistant fibers with the ballistic-resistant fibers running in a second direction as compared to the first fibers. In yet another embodiment, individual laminated sheets of ballistic-resistant fibers are stitched together to form packets of sheets that may be used singularly or bundled together.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a device comprising one or more porous graphene layers, the or each graphene porous layer comprising a multiplicity of pores. The device may form at least part of a flexible and/or stretchable, and or transparent electronic device.

Abstract: A bobbin for a loudspeaker includes at least one base and at least one carbon nanotube structure. The at least one carbon nanotube structure is positioned on at least one surface of the base. A loudspeaker includes a magnetic circuit, a bobbin; a voice coil, and a diaphragm. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The bobbin is located in the magnetic gap and includes at least one carbon nanotube structure. The voice coil is wounded on the bobbin. The diaphragm includes an inner rim fixed to the bobbin.

Abstract: An exercise grid includes four running strips and four crossing strips. Each running strip connects with each crossing strip at an intersection to form a grid. The running and crossing strips comprise firm rods positioned between pliable intersections. The firm rods positioned between pliable intersections facilitates folding of the grid at the intersections for transport. Placement of the grid on a playing surface allows one to perform various drills using the spaces between the running and crossing strips.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite elongated member is provided. The method includes forming a preform having at least one of a groove and a ridge. The at least one of a groove and a ridge extends a length of the preform. The preform is then shaped to create the elongated member having a desired cross-sectional shape with at least one curve formed along at least one of the at least one groove and ridge.

Abstract: A penetration-resistant article is provided comprising two or more layers of woven fabric. The layers of woven fabric each comprise a first series of fibers aligned in a first direction and a second series of fibers interwoven with the first series of fibers and aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Two or more layers of woven fabric are loosely stacked together so as to permit relative slippage therebetween and are rotationally offset by an offset angle selected so as to inhibit mechanical interference between opposing adjacent surfaces of the woven fabric layers during slippage therebetween. Also provided are methods for assembling penetration-resistant articles.

Abstract: A building construction element includes at least one first bamboo face plate, at least one second bamboo face plate, and a core unit including a plurality of bamboo strip plates disposed between the first and second bamboo face plates. Each of the first and second bamboo face plates has longitudinal inner and outer faces, and two opposite longitudinal lateral edges between the longitudinal inner and outer faces. Each bamboo strip plate has two opposite longitudinal faces, and opposite first and second longitudinal lateral edges between the longitudinal faces of a corresponding bamboo strip plate. The bamboo strip plates are interconnected to each other through the longitudinal faces thereof. The first and second longitudinal lateral edges of each bamboo strip plate are connected respectively to the longitudinal inner faces of the first and second bamboo face plates.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system for a tubular member, comprising: a carbon fiber shell attached to the tubular member with adhesive, wherein the carbon fiber shell comprises a carbon fiber fabric sandwiched between non-carbon bidirectional fabric, wherein the carbon fiber fabric is largely unidirectional along the y-axis along the tubular member; a unidirectional or biaxial fiber reinforced polymer hoop or helical wrap connected to the carbon fiber shell, wherein the fibers of the hoop wrap are largely unidirectionally oriented in the hoop direction; and optionally a protective wrap or coating around the system is provided.

Abstract: A system including a dual cure composite structure is disclosed. The system also includes a first layer comprising a resin having a first and a second functional group. The system further includes a second layer comprising the resin having the first and the second functional group. The system also includes a third layer comprising the resin having the first and the second functional group. The system further includes a first covalent bond across an interface of the first and the second layer and a second covalent bond across another interface of the second and the third layer. The system further includes more than two layers comprising the resin having the first and second functional group. A method of manufacturing a system including a dual cure composite structure is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer comprising a resin having a first functional group and a second functional group. The method also includes applying a first curing source to partially cure the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the compression of one or more fibre layers containing polyolefin fibres. The invention also relates to shaped articles obtainable with the process according to the invention and their use in anti-ballistic applications. In the process according to the invention the fibre layers contain 0.02 to 25 wt. % of a solvent for the polyolefin. The shaped articles obtained have an improved anti-ballistic quality.

Abstract: A pattern having exceptionally small features is formed on a partially fabricated integrated circuit during integrated circuit fabrication. The pattern comprises features formed by self-organizing material, such as diblock copolymers. The organization of the copolymers is directed by spacers which have been formed by a pitch multiplication process in which spacers are formed at the sides of sacrificial mandrels, which are later removed to leave spaced-apart, free-standing spacers. Diblock copolymers, composed of two immiscible block species, are deposited over and in the space between the spacers. The copolymers are made to self-organize, with each block species aggregating with other block species of the same type.

Abstract: This invention relates to papers made with floc containing a polymer or copolymer derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3?diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof. Such papers have higher elongation-at-break and work-to-break (toughness) properties and exhibit less shrinkage at high temperatures than papers made with solely with poly (metaphenylene isophthalamide) floc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ornamental light and, more particularly, relates to an ornamental light with polychrome effect. The ornamental light includes at least one illuminant, a support frame with special shape and a film covered on the surface of the support frame. The film includes a transparent base plate and two polychrome films. Each of the polychrome film is stuck to each side of the base plate respectively. The venations of the two polychrome films are perpendicular to each other. The invention provides an ornamental light which can present different polychrome display effect, enough imagination and aesthetic feeling when viewed from different angles.

Abstract: Composite structural members and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a composite structural member includes a central structural portion comprised of a reinforced, polymer-based material and having a length, a first side and an opposing second side extending along the length. A first reinforcement member fixedly coupled to the first side and a second reinforcement member fixedly coupled to the second side.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making layer-by-layer assemblies that comprise axial geometry nanoparticles. Such methods include forming a first layer on a substrate that comprises an axial nanoparticle, forming a second layer on the substrate that comprises an axial nanoparticle, where the first and second layers are aligned to respective first and second orientations. The disclosure also provides for multilayer materials having a first layer including a first polyelectrolyte and a first axial geometry nanoparticle which is substantially aligned along a first orientation. The multilayer material also includes a second layer including a second polyelectrolyte and a second axial geometry nanoparticle species having axial geometry, where the second nanoparticle species is substantially aligned along a second orientation which is distinct from the first orientation.

Abstract: A layered composite bat is designed to include fiber angles of orientation that are layered and progressive. The bat includes a multi-layered composite material configuration wherein progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, the unidirectional fiber angle of orientation within each layer increases from an angle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bat to an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bat. In progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, there also exists at least one instance where subsequent positive angles of orientation are separated by or vary by about 15 degrees. The bat may include multiple walls. Each wall contains layers that progress from a low angle to a high angle in 15-degree increments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable laminate (1) includes a first non-elastic nonwoven web (2), a second non-elastic nonwoven web (4) and an elastic film (6) between the first and the second nonwoven webs (2,4). The laminate (1) has been rendered elastic in a first direction (MD) by incremental stretching and partial tearing of the first and second nonwoven webs (2,4). The laminate (1) includes a reinforcement layer (8) arranged between the first and second non-elastic nonwoven webs (2,4) and comprising unbroken reinforcement fibres or filaments (9) extending in a second direction (CD), generally perpendicular to the first direction (MD). Also described is a pant-type article including the elastically stretchable laminate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit board which may include the steps of forming a circuit board with horizontal and vertical fiberglass fibers, rotating the circuit board, and cutting the circuit board so that the horizontal and vertical fiberglass fibers form a non-right angle with a cut line of the circuit board. The circuit board may have a plurality of conductive traces located thereon which pass by areas of higher fiberglass-to-resin material and lower fiberglass-to-resin material to assist in reducing differential to common mode conversion between signals in the plurality of conducive traces.

Abstract: A fiber fabric includes a first fiber layer formed of a plurality of first fiber bundles, a second fiber layer formed of a plurality of second fiber bundles, a retaining thread group formed of a plurality of retaining threads, and a constraint thread group formed of a plurality of constraint threads. The first fiber layer is laminated in adjacent to the second fiber layer. The first fiber bundles diagonally intersect the second fiber bundles at an angle of 45 degrees. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a production efficiency of an overlapped sheet which gives excellent moldability and a strength, and has an increased thickness by overlapping the fiber fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to body armor articles for resisting ballistic objects. The articles comprise woven fabric layers and sheet layers. The woven fabric layers are made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. The sheet layers comprise nonwoven random oriented fibrous sheets, each of the sheet layers comprising a uniform mixture of 3 to 60 weight percent polymeric binder and 40 to 97 weight percent non-fibrillated fibers. The woven fabric layers and the sheet layers are stacked together comprising a first core section which includes at least two repeating units of, in order, at least one of the woven fabric layers then at least one of the sheet layers. The sheet layers comprise 0.5 to 30 wt % of the total weight of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood composite material comprising: upper and lower surface layers and a core layer; wherein the core layer contains at least about 85 wt % paulownia strands; and the surface layers contain at least about 85 wt % of other, higher density, non-paulownia wood strands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood composite material comprising: wood strands disposed in surface layers and one or more core layers, whereby an intermediate density divides the wood strands so that the two surface layers of strands are more dense than the intermediate density, and the one or more core layers of the strands are less dense than the intermediate density, and wherein the core layer contains at least about 70 wt % of the strands that are less dense than the intermediate density; and the surface layers contain at least about 70 wt % of the strands that are more dense than the intermediate density.

Abstract: A composite pane (3) having at least two rigid (glass) plates (3.1, 3.2) and an intermediate layer (33) has flexible holding elements (4) which are positioned in the plane of the intermediate layer between the two rigid plates and extend over their outer edge, for securing the composite pane to a substructure or holding structure (1). According to the invention, flat sections of the holding elements (4) are inserted into corner and/or edge regions of the composite pane (4) and are provided with perforations (4P), and high-strength thin filaments (4F), fibres or woven strands are guided in looped form through or around these perforations (4P), in order thereby to form load-bearing parts of the flexible holding elements (4) which project outward out of the composite.

Abstract: A diamond membrane includes a substrate having a substrate surface and defining a normal line perpendicular to the substrate surface, a first bonding layer formed on the substrate surface of the substrate with the major axes of the bonding crystals thereof extending at an angle within 0˜45-degrees relative to the normal line, diamond grains evenly distributed over the exposed outer surface of the first bonding layer to force gaps among the bonding crystals of the first bonding layer sideways for enabling the diamond grains to be partially engaged into the first bonding layer and partially protruding over the exposed outer surface of the first bonding layer, and a second bonding layer formed on the surface of the first bonding layer and the periphery of the diamond grains with the major axes of the bonding crystals thereof extending at an angle within 45˜90-degrees to let the diamond grains partially protrude over the second bonding layer.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component for gas turbine engines, the component having fine features such as thin edges with thicknesses of less than about 0.030 inches and small radii of less that about 0.030 inches formed using the combination of prepreg plies layed up with non-ply ceramic inserts. The CMC components of the present invention replace small ply inserts cut to size to fit into areas of contour change or thickness change, and replace the small ply inserts with a fabricated single piece discontinuously reinforced composite insert, resulting in fewer defects, such as wrinkles, and better dimensional control.

Abstract: A process for producing a surface finish from natural materials, whereby the obtained surface finish may be in the form of any shape, and preferably is in the form of a thin sheet having a nature that has a relationship with the form of a product desired to be finished.

Abstract: Fabric laminates having superior resistance to penetration of fragments, such as shrapnel. The fabrics are formed of high-strength fibers consolidated with from about 7% to about 15% by weight of an elastomeric matrix composition, and in combination with protective layers of a polymer film on each surface of the fabric. The fabrics achieve a significant improvement in fragment resistance compared to fabrics of the prior art, while also maintaining excellent ballistic resistant properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood panel comprising bamboo strands cut from the inner portion of the bamboo culm.

Abstract: A 3-D woven fabric having substantially elongated foam elements integrally formed therein during fabric formation for providing open corridors within the fabric. The fabric is preferably used for structural, stiffener, or component applications.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an anode oxidizing a fuel, a cathode reducing an oxidizing agent, a polymer electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, whereby an assembly is constituted by the anode, cathode and polymer electrolyte, a pair of gas diffusion layers disposed at both sides of the assembly of the anode, and the cathode, a bipolar plate for providing the fuel to the gas diffusion layer, and another bipolar plate for providing the oxidizing agent to the gas diffusion layer, wherein at least one of the gas diffusion layers includes a porous gas diffusion layer substrate having a hydrophilic surface layer, and wherein particles of a water-repellent material are dispersed in pores of the porous gas diffusion layer substrate. This results in a higher cell voltage and a higher power at a high current density, prevention of a flooding and a longer cell lifetime.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible structures (401) that respond to the application of an agent. Upon application of the agent, the flexible structure bends (402) in a predetermined fashion. The flexible structure is formed from a polymer liquid crystal that is orientated to define an upper surface layer and a lower surface layer having an essentially different molecule orientation, and the polymer liquid crystal is such that a length/width ration is changed upon application of the agent. Thereby, the upper and lower surface layers respond differently to the application of the agent, resulting in bending or un-bending of the flexible structure (401).

Abstract: An extensible composite member (1) including an extensible portion (10) having two sheet materials (2, 3) and elastic members (4) intermediate between the sheet materials. The two sheet materials (2, 3) are discontinuously bonded to each other in the extending direction of the extensible portion (10) (X direction) and a direction perpendicular thereto (Y direction). The elastic members (4) are arranged in the extensible portion (10) avoiding joints (5) between the sheet materials and have both ends thereof fixed to the sheet materials. Each of the two sheet materials (2, 3) forms folds (6) continuously running across a plurality of the elastic members (4).

Abstract: A pattern having exceptionally small features is formed on a partially fabricated integrated circuit during integrated circuit fabrication. The pattern comprises features formed by self-organizing material, such as diblock copolymers. The organization of the copolymers is directed by spacers which have been formed by a pitch multiplication process in which spacers are formed at the sides of sacrificial mandrels, which are later removed to leave spaced-apart, free-standing spacers. Diblock copolymers, composed of two immiscible block species, are deposited over and in the space between the spacers. The copolymers are made to self-organize, with each block species aggregating with other block species of the same type.

Abstract: A composite material and a base plate made of this composite material for mounting electrical components and for connecting these components to a cooling device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the composite material includes a matrix material and fibers embedded therein. The fibers have in this case an anisotropic, directionally optimized distribution in the matrix material, so that heat occurring in a locally confined area can be effectively distributed and dissipated. The material of the fibers includes SiC, highly graphitized carbon or diamond. The fibers are arranged in the matrix material in various fiber levels, the fibers in the upper fiber levels being oriented predominantly horizontally in relation to a reference area and the fibers in the lower fiber levels being oriented predominantly vertically in relation to the reference area.

Abstract: A reinforcing fiber for reinforcing a transparent matrix composite. The fiber includes a substantially transparent fiber ribbon having an elongated cross-sectional geometry. The fiber ribbon includes edges that are substantially opaque. Light is substantially prevented from passing through the opaque edges to reduce or eliminate light distortion through the fiber. A composite utilizing the reinforcing fibers and a method for making a window assembly and a method for manufacturing a vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An angle-laminated composite tube with double layer of materials uses an inner layer material and an outer layer material with different functional properties. The two materials are cut into a plurality of slices in a specific shape. They are laminated alternately with a mismatching angle inside a mold with a specific angle to form a laminated assembly. Finally, a hot press is used to cure the laminated assembly into a structure with an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interlacing layer. The slice shape of the inner layer material and the outer layer material is specifically designed so that the inner layer, the outer layer, and the interlacing layer receive an even pressure during the curing process, rendering desired densities in the layers. The angle-laminated composite tube can achieve a high structural strength, with the inner and outer parts satisfying different functional needs.

Abstract: The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers; wherein each layer is coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about ?40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C.