Abstract: Orthopaedic wires, cables, and methods of making them are based on the discovery that, in clinical orthopaedic applications, material toughness and fatigue strength are as important or more important than ultimate tensile strength. The wires and cables of the invention have a tensile strength lower than 280 ksi, but higher than 175 ksi. The presently preferred wires and cables have a tensile strength of 210-240 ksi. The fatigue strength of the wires and cables of the invention is between six and ten times that of other high strength cables used in orthopaedic applications. One method of making the wires and cables includes annealing high tensile strength wire or cable to reduce its tensile strength and thereby increase its fatigue strength. Another method is to cold work fully annealed wire or cable to the extent of decreasing its cross section by approximately 18%.

Abstract: Steel wire element for mixing into subsequently hardening soft materials includes hook-shaped ends and a middle portion the length/diameter ratio of which is between 20 and 100. The middle portion of the element displays a substantially circular cross section over essentially its entire length and the hook-shaped ends of the element are deformed by flattening.

Abstract: A multifilamentary superconducting composite article comprising multiple substantially electrically decoupled domains, each including one or more fine, preferably twisted filaments of a desired superconducting oxide material. In a preferred embodiment, the article comprises a matrix, which substantially comprises a noble metal, a conductive jacketing layer surrounding the matrix, a plurality of discrete filament decoupling layers, each comprising an insulating material, disposed within the matrix to separate the matrix into a plurality of substantially electrically decoupled domains; a plurality of filaments, each comprising a desired superconducting oxide, which are disposed within and essentially encapsulated by the matrix and chemically isolated thereby from the decoupling layers, each of the electrically decoupled domains containing at least one filament.

Abstract: A reinforced pultrusion product comprises a polymeric matrix, at least one longitudinally oriented buckled reinforcement fiber embedded in said polymeric matrix, and at least one longitudinally oriented linear reinforcement fiber embedded in said polymeric matrix. The product is formed through a pultrusion process wherein a set of composite strands comprising reinforcement fibers and polymeric fibers are provided. A supplemental tension force is applied to a first subset of the composite strands. The composite strands are heated such that the polymeric fibers of a second subset of composite strands shrink to cause the reinforcement fibers in each of the second subset of composite strands to buckle. The heated set of composite strands, including the buckled reinforcement fibers, are consolidated in a pultrusion die.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier is formed from glass doped with praseodymium. The glass may include one or more of cadmium mixed halide, hafnium halides, geranium and silicon disulphide based vitreous materials or fluorozirconate glass fibers.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition comprises a silicone rubber and porous inorganic fine powders holding dimethyl-silicone oil.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to manufacture dense, complex c-axis oriented ceramic oxide layers with thickness greater than 2.5 microns (.mu.m) on a metallic substrate (composites) without the use of an interfacial barrier, buffer, or surface layer using a metalorganic deposition process and thermomechanical reaction treatments is disclosed. A porous amorphous metal oxide ceramic deposit is formed directly on the substrate by spray pyrolyzing a mixed metalorganic precursor solution onto the metallic substrate. The metallic substrate has been previously heated to temperatures greater than the boiling point of the organic solvent and are high enough to initiate in situ decomposition of the metalorganic precursor salts. The process does not apply the precursor solution to the substrate as a liquid coating that is pyrolyzed in subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article comprised of inorganic fibers having a mullite-containing coating disposed within a matrix phase. The invention also provides a method for mating such an article, as well as for preparing a fiber having a mullite-containing coating. The mullite-containing coating on inorganic fibers within a matrix acts as a debonding coating, and the ceramic matrix composite article exhibits high strength and fracture toughness, even at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a composition comprising (a) one or more polyolefins and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxyphenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or more defined functionalized hindered amines; and (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: A wire cord for reinforcing rubber items, more particularly pneumatic tires for cars and trucks, comprises at least three wire filaments 2 arranged about a continuous core filament 3. The core filament 3 consists of a non-metallic material capable of longitudinal contraction when the rubber item 5 to be reinforced is vulcanized, this material being more particularly non-drawn nylon. On vulcanization of the rubber item 5 to be reinforced the core filament 3 contracts and expands in diameter.

Abstract: Melamine resin fibers are used for manufacturing fire-safety blankets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein produced by applying heat and pressure to a laminate comprising, in order, (1) an upper sheet material, (2) metallic wire, rods or bars, and (3) a lower sheet material to produce a thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein. The upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree.C. using 0.

Abstract: A flat electrical wire having a substantially rectangular cross-section is prepared from an electrical conductor having a circular cross-section, first by applying a benzimidazol-based polymer coat to the wire, then rolling the coated conductor to yield the flat wire. The flat wire thus prepared has a high heat resistance and dielectric breakdown resistance and can avoid dislocation or slippage when used in a magnet coil.

Abstract: A wire having an open cross-sectional shape which is responsive to induced fields.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a mixture comprising one or more polyolefins and the reaction product of (a) a functionalized hindered amine amic acid hydrazide and (b) a functionalized hindered phenol or a functionalized hindered amine hydrazide and (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: Provided is a flame-retardant fabric comprising (A) from 16 to 45 parts by weight of a halogen-containing fiber containing from 11 to 67% by weight of a halogen chemically bound to a polymer and from 4 to 30% by weight of an Sb compound not chemically bound to a polymer, (B) from 10 to 36 parts by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol fiber, and (C) from 60 to 40 parts by weight of a polyester fiber, which are compounded to total 100 parts by weight. The flame-retardant fabric of the present invention has an excellent heat resistance, an excellent processability and a high flame retardance. This fabric can improve the feeling after high-temperature processing such as transfer printing and further widen the range of application of a polyester fiber product.

Abstract: Applications of a metallized textile. The textile is activated by precipitating noble metal nucleation sites on the fibers of the textile. Immersing the activated textile in a suitably prepared solution of a metal cation, and adding a reducing agent, leads to the formation of a metal plating tightly and intimately bonded to the fibers of the textile. Exposure of the metallized textile to air oxidizes the surface of the metal plating. Applications of the metallized textile include acaricides, fungicides, bactericides, armor, electrodes, anti-static devices, RF shielding, and radar reflectors.

Abstract: A composite material protected by oxidation at intermediate temperatures exceeding 850.degree. C. comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix which includes at least one self-healing phase including a glass-precursor component such as B.sub.4 C or an Si--B--C system, together with excess free carbon (C) at a mass percentage lying in the range 10% to 35%. The, or each, self-healing phase can be interposed between two ceramic matrix phases, e.g. of SiC. While the material is exposed to an oxidizing medium, oxidation of the free carbon promotes oxidation of the precursor and transformation thereof into a glass capable of plugging the cracks in the matrix by self-healing.

Abstract: A carbon-based composite is made by the steps of(1) impregnating a fibrous material with a phthalonitrile thermoset polymer precursor,(2) curing the product of step (1) to form a fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer and(3) pyrolyzing the product of step (2) to form the carbon-based composite. The carbon-based composite may be made with only one cycle of the steps (1), (2), and (3).

Abstract: There is disclosed an insulated wire, having, on a conductor, an insulating coating including at least three layers, made up of an underlayer formed by applying and baking a polyamine-imide-series resin coating material, containing 0.05 to 1.0 parts by weight of a trialkylamine, and/or 5 to 20 parts by weight of an alkoxylated melamine resin, per 100 parts by weight of a polyamide-imide-series resin, an intermediate layer formed by applying and baking a polyimide-series resin coating material, and an overlayer formed by applying and baking a self-lubricating-type polyamide-imide-series resin coating material. According to the insulated wire, an insulating coating can be prevented from being damaged at the time of the working of a coil under severe conditions, even when the insulating coating is thin.

Abstract: The occurrence of partial chip detachment is reduced by improving wettability for increasing the bonding strength, and by enabling gradual melting of the solder. Solder material, electronic components, and electronic circuit boards with higher performance and higher reliability are offered. The surface of a solder core, lead-frame surface and electrode surface of electronic components, and copper (Cu) land surface of electronic circuit boards are coated with metal element, which is either indium (In) or bismuth (Bi).

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced silicon--silicon carbide matrix composite having improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures in dry or water-containing environments is produced. The invention also provides a method for protecting the reinforcing fibers in the silicon--silicon carbide matrix composites by coating the fibers with a silicon-doped boron nitride coating.

Abstract: The present invention includes one or more fibers (12) made of a ceramic, such as glass, which are each suitable for being used as a reinforcing fiber (12) in a composite product or article. Each ceramic reinforcing fiber (12) has a ceramic core (24) and one or more ceramic layers (22) disposed around the core (24). The layered structure of the present ceramic reinforcing fiber (12) improves the overall strength and fracture toughness of the fiber (12). Before a crack propagating through the outermost layer (22) can propagate through the remainder of the fiber (12), a new crack must be initiated at the pristine surface (i.e., interface) of the underlying ceramic material. When there are multiple layers (22), a new crack must be initiated and propagate through each successive layer (22) of ceramic. A ceramic fiber composite article is made by disposing a plurality of the ceramic reinforcing fibers (12) into a suitable matrix.

Abstract: All surfaces of yarn formed of polymeric monofilament fibers are coated with a layer of electroless nickel which can also include an electrolytic metal such as copper on the nickel. The yarn is passed through an electroless Ni aqueous bath under little or no tension so that the electroless Ni can coat all of the monofilament surface substantially uniformly. The nickel coated yarn then can be coated with electrolytic metal such as copper in an electrolytic metal plating step.

Abstract: A push-pull cable (1, 6), in particular, for the purpose of actuating bicycle brakes. It has a guide hose (2, 7) and an actuation core (3, 8) that can be moved therein axially. The guide hose (2, 7) has an inside hose (4, 9) and a jacket hose (5, 10) that surrounds the latter. The inside hose (4, 9) consists at least mostly of a polymerized tetrafluoroethylene, while the jacket hose consists at least mostly of a polyarylate, polyacrylimide, polyetherimide, polysulfone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyetherketone and/or liquid-crystalline polymer and/or a synthetic substance whose rigidity and firmness are within the range of rigidity and firmness of the above-mentioned synthetic substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary aqueous coating composition for coating sized glass fibers of a glass fiber strand, including a first water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible curable acrylic polymer and a second water soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible curable acrylic polymer different from the first acrylic polymer, the secondary aqueous coating composition being essentially free of a urethane-containing polymer. Other aspects of the present invention include a strand of sized glass fibers having thereon the aforementioned coating composition and an optical fiber cable assembly including an optical fiber and a reinforcement strand of the sized and secondarily coated glass fibers.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite material made of a fiber reinforcement having a coating of gadolinium and gadolinium boride, preferably as discrete layers, each having a thickness of 1 to 6 microns. This composite is made by coating reinforcing fibers with gadolinium using a deposition technique, further coating the fibers with gadolinium boride by a deposition technique and then consolidating the coated fibers into a metal matrix to form the metal matrix composite.

Abstract: A cable comprising one or more electrical conductors or a core of one or more electrical conductors, each conductor or core being surrounded by an insulating composition comprising a mixture of(i) about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of a homogeneous polyethylene having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.5 and an essentially uniform comonomer distribution; and(ii) about 50 to about 80 percent by weight of a homopolymer of ethylene made by a high pressure process.

Abstract: A core wire of a guide wire has a plurality of twisted thin threads, a distal end of the core wire being diametrically reduced to be a thinnest tip, which has twisted ends united together. A resin layer is coated on the outer surface of the core wire. The thinnest tip of the leading end of the core wire is squelched into a flat-shaped configuration so as to form a flat portion. The flat portion is shaped into a multiple-stepped structure in which the thickness of the flat portion is progressively reduced by three steps or more in approaching the distal end of the core wire.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing cable releasing low quantities of toxic and corrosive smokes and gases for optical or electrical applications, comprises a self-extinguishing coating (3), releasing low quantities of toxic and corrosive fumes and gases, comprising:a) a polymer base including from 30 to 60 parts of a thermoplastic polyester and from 40 to 70 parts of a silicone-polyimide polymer;b) at least 0.5 parts of an anti-hydrolysis agent of the thermoplastic polyester and at least 0.25 parts of a selected antioxidant agent per each 100 parts by weight of the polymer base.Advantageously, the antioxidant agent is so selected that the coating (3) has a value of percent elongation at break not lower than 80% of the starting value and in any case not lower than 250%, after a 10-day aging at 175.degree. C. in a hot air oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film composite membranes for use as battery separators or coatings on electrodes.

Abstract: An insulated wire having as components a conductor, a first insulating layer on the conductor, and a second insulating layer which comprises a coating resin having a glass transition temperature of between 100 and 250.degree. C. after baking and a lubricant and has a thickness of 0.005 mm or less, which has good lubricity and resistance to processing.

Abstract: A fire-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulation suitable for use as sheathing on electric wires and cables, contains 15-60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of PVC (phr) of a phosphate plasticize, 10-40 phr of a halogenated plasticize, 15-60 phr of aluminium trihydroxide, together with 5-20 phr of an additive combination of 10-90 wt% ofr antimony trioxide and 90-10 wt% of zinc stannate.

Abstract: An Nb.sub.3 Al multi-filamentary superconducting wire capable of realizing both stabilization of a superconducting state and increase in capacity is provided. The Nb.sub.3 Al multi-filamentary superconducting wire includes a core formed of copper or copper alloy and located at the center of the wire; a multi-filamentary superconductor layer located around the core and having filaments containing Nb and Al as constituent elements embedded in a matrix formed of copper or copper alloy; and a high resistance layer located around the multi-filamentary superconductor layer, and is characterized in that a sectional area of the core is at least 15% of the total sectional area of the core and the matrix and that the core and the matrix are formed of copper or copper alloy of at least 99.9% purity.

Abstract: Coatings of multiaxially oriented Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer (TLCP) are provided to elongated members. Suitable members include glass rods, glass fibers, pipes, beams, and other oval or polygonal members having an essentially regular cross-section. Members of ceramic, plastic, or metal can also be coated. This extrusion is performed using a die having inner and outer mandrels capable of rotating in opposite directions. Concentricity between inner and outer mandrels of the die is maintained to assure uniform coating thickness. In order to produce a high level of multiaxial orientation at lower die rotational speeds, the die design may include spiraling feed zones on one or both facing surfaces of the inner and outer mandrels. The application of the multiaxially oriented coating provides superior impermeability to water vapor and oxygen, and increased strength to the elongated member in the axial direction.

Abstract: There is provided Ceramic matrix composites comprising fibers, BN coating applied to the fibers, the BN coating being composed of BN and one of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2 and lanthanoid family oxide or combinations thereof, and matrices interposed between the fibers. There is also provided Ceramic matrix composites comprising, fibers, BN coating applied to the fibers, the BN coating is composed of BN and coated with one of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sc.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2 and lanthanoid family oxide or combinations thereof, and matrices interposed between the fibers. The ceramic matrix composites in accordance with the present invention is capable of being used at 1000 degrees centigrade or greater in air.

Abstract: A reinforcement-containing metal-matrix composite material is formed by dispersing pieces of reinforcement material throughout a melt of a bulk-solidifying amorphous metal and solidifying the mixture at a sufficiently high rate that the solid metal matrix is amorphous. Dispersing is typically accomplished either by melting the metal and mixing the pieces of reinforcement material into the melt, or by providing a mass of pieces of the reinforcement material and infiltration of the molten amorphous metal into the mass. The metal preferably has a composition of about that of a eutectic composition, and most preferably has a composition, in atomic percent, of from about 45 to about 67 percent total of zirconium plus titanium, from about 10 to about 35 percent beryllium, and from about 10 to about 38 percent total of copper plus nickel.

Abstract: A superconducting conductor fabricated from a plurality of wires, e.g., fine silver wires, coated with a superconducting powder. A process of applying superconducting powders to such wires, to the resulting coated wires and superconductors produced therefrom.

Abstract: A reinforced, laminated ceramic cutting tool has a core layer and at least two outer layers. The core layer and the outer layers, either alone or in combination, contain a reinforcement consisting of reinforcement particles, reinforcement whiskers or reinforcement platelets. When whiskers are used, the bulk of the whiskers are arranged so that a longitudinal dimension of each whisker is aligned substantially perpendicular to a flank face on the cutting tool. Likewise, when reinforcement platelets are used, the bulk of the platelets are oriented so that a basal plane of each platelet is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flank face. Each outer layer has residual stresses in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the flank face, and each outer layer has the same thickness, composition and residual stresses as the other outer layer. Processes for making a laminated ceramic cutting tool, and products of those processes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An composite prepreg ply which can be designed to exhibit desired electrical properties without loss of structural integrity or the addition of parasitic weight, and a method of preparing the composite prepreg ply. The composite prepreg ply includes: (i) a low dielectric cloth substrate having a metal layer adherent on both sides thereon, the metal having been selectively removed from at least one portion of at least one side of the cloth, such that there is at least one area of cloth without any metal adherent thereon; (ii) a layer of encapsulant resin material adherent on the metal layer; (iii) a resistive resin layer containing a filler material dispersed in a carrier resin, the resistive resin layer adherent on desired areas the cloth without any metal adherent thereon, and (iv) an impregnating resin covering one or both outermost surfaces of the encapsulant resin material and the resistive resin layer.

Abstract: A glass and metal fiber material includes a web of nonwoven metal fibers and glass. The metal fibers of the web are joined by bubbles of glass to other metal fibers of the web. The nonwoven metal fibers can be the same or different lengths and do not need to be sintered. The material is flexible and capable of withstanding very high temperatures. Spaces or voids between metal fibers allow embodiments of the material to be porous. However, the voids can be completely or partially filled to alter the porosity of the material. An exemplary method of making the glass and metal fiber material in accordance with the invention includes the steps of juxtaposing metal fibers with glass fibers and heating at least the glass fibers to cause them to melt. The melting glass envelops part or all of the metal fibers. When the glass cools, at least some of the of metal fibers are bound to other metal fibers by the glass.

Abstract: A fiber having increased cut resistance is made from a fiber-forming polymer and a hard filler having a Mohs Hardness Value greater than about 3. The filler is included in an amount of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the fiber-forming polymer is poly(ethylene terephthalate) or a liquid crystalline polyester comprising monomer units derived from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Preferred fillers include tungsten and alumina.

Abstract: A layer of silver-metal oxide, a layer of gold or a gold alloy and, a layer of rhodium or ruthenium are electrolytically produced on a metal base, preferably in the form of a wire. The gold alloy is partially diffused into the silver-metal oxide layer by an annealing process at a temperature between 300.degree. and 900.degree. C. As a result, a low-impedance and burn-up resistant contact coated element is provided for employment in weak current relays.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel ceramic matrix composites in which coated refractory fibers are imbedded in a ceramic matrix derived from a modified hydrogen silsesquioxane resin.

Abstract: A cable having one or more electrical conductors or a core of electrical conductors, each electrical conductor or core being surrounded by an insulating composition, essentially free from water tree growth inhibitors, having(i) a polyethylene having a density in the range of 0.860 to 0.940 gram per cubic centimeter; and, based on 100 parts by weight of component (i),(ii) about 0.2 to about 1 part by weight of a homopolymer of propylenewith the proviso that the insulating composition is extruded at a temperature below the melting point of the homopolymer of propylene.

Abstract: An electroconductive roller working stably in all environmental conditions without any large-capacity power supply and which is suitable for use in a system of which the power source is controlled for a constant current. The electroconductive roller has a resistance of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.12 .OMEGA. when applied with a voltage of 500 V at a temperature of 25.degree. C. and relative humidity of 50% and has K.sub.HH .ltoreq.K.sub.NN .ltoreq.K.sub.LL, where K is a ratio of roller resistance at an application of 500 V to roller resistance at an application of 2,000 V, K.sub.HH is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 35.degree. C. and 85% relative humidity, K.sub.NN is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 25.degree. C. and 50% relative humidity, and K.sub.LL is the ratio K at ambient conditions of 10.degree. C. and 15% relative humidity.

Abstract: A heat-resistant combination including a substrate, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer includes a benzisidazole-based polymer with a first face in contact with the substrate; and the second layer contains a ceramic material and is securely fixed to a second face of said first layer.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions based on polybutylene terephthalate are provided which are useful in high temperature resistant wire coating applications. These compositions generally are four-component alloys with reduced ethylene copolymer (ionomer) content.

Abstract: A communication cable includes a plurality of twisted pairs of electrical conductors, all electrical conductors being surrounded by a layer of a modified olefin based material.

Abstract: A cable construction comprises the following components: (i) a plurality of insulated electrical conductors having interstices therebetween, said insulation comprising (a) one or more polyolefins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof, and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxy-phenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or two functionalized hindered amines; (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices; and (iii) a sheath surrounding components (i) and (ii) wherein said hindered amines have the following structural formulae: ##STR1## wherein n is about 2 to about 12; R is CxHyOz wherein x is about 2 to about 6, y is about 4 to about 16, and z is zero to about 3; ##STR2## wherein m is about 2 to about 30; n is about 2 to about 30; and x is about 1 to about 30; or ##STR3## wherein n is about 2 to about 20.