Abstract: The invention is related to contact lenses that not only comprise the much desired water gradient structural configurations, but also have a minimized uptakes of polycationic antimicrobials and a long-lasting surface hydrophilicity and wettability even after going through a 30-days lens care regime. Because of the water gradient structural configuration and a relatively-thick, extremely-soft and water-rich hydrogel surface layer, a contact lens of the invention can provide superior wearing comfort. Further, a contact lens of the invention is compatible with multipurpose lens care solutions present in the market and can endure the harsh lens care handling conditions (e.g., digital rubbings, accidental inversion of contact lenses, etc.) encountered in a daily lens care regime. As such, they are suitable to be used as weekly- or monthly-disposable water gradient contact lenses.

Abstract: Nanocomposite compositions and methods for preparing nanocomposite compositions films are provided. The nanocomposite compositions include dendritic fibrous nanoparticles that have a diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, and a polymer matrix comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), where the dendritic fibrous nanoparticles have a hydrophobic coating and are dispersed within the PMMA matrix. Methods of preparing nanocomposite compositions may include introducing dendritic fibrous nanoparticles into a mixture with a poly(methyl methacrylate) and an organic solvent to form a composite solution. Methods further include casting the mixture onto a glass sheet within a mold, evaporating the organic solvent to form the nanocomposite film, and separating the nanocomposite film from the glass sheet.

Abstract: A first object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable conductor sheet that exhibits isotropic conductivity when stretched in a predetermined direction or in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and a paste for forming a stretchable conductor sheet, which is used for the stretchable conductor sheet. A second object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable conductor sheet having a small change in specific resistance even when repeatedly twisted, and a paste for forming a stretchable conductor sheet, which is used for the stretchable conductor sheet. A third object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable conductor sheet having a small change in specific resistance even when repeatedly washed, and a paste for forming a stretchable conductor sheet, which is used for the stretchable conductor sheet.

Abstract: A rational design and fabrication of ZnO/Al2O3 core-shell nanowire architectures with tunable geometries (length, spacing, branching) and surface chemistry is provided. The fabricated nanowires significantly delay or even prevent marine biofouling. In some embodiments, hydrophilic nanowires can reduce the fouling coverage by up to approximately 60% after 20 days compared to planar control surfaces. The mechanism of the fouling reduction is mainly due to two geometric effects: reduced effective settlement area and mechanical cell penetration. Further, superhydrophobic nanowires can completely prevent marine algal fouling for up to 22 days. Additionally, the developed nanowire surfaces are transparent across the visible spectrum, making them applicable to windows and oceanographic sensors.

Abstract: Packages made from flexible material, wherein the packages include one or more self-folds formed by applying activation energy to the flexible material are presented. The packages include a polymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed from one type of polymer, and wherein the flexible material defines an enclosed product volume. The packages include a first panel formed from the flexible material and a second panel formed from the flexible material. The packages include a self-fold that has an overall thickness that is about 5% to about 30% greater than a thickness of the flexible material outside of the self-fold. The self-fold has a differential thermal-mechanical set than the flexible material outside of the self-fold, and forms an angle of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: Structural Panel Chase Connection Manufacture Methods are the embedded frame solution to the problems associated with providing access for services, such as plumbing or electrical chases with high precision and accuracy. Connecting two or more panels in any direction using the embedded frame method becomes easy yet incredibly strong without requiring special tools for assembly or disassembly, so that components can be flat packed and stored when not in use. Flexible and variable these Structural Panel Chase Connection Manufacture Methods can accommodate a wide variety of dimensional configuration, not limited to only panel, post and beam configurations and can be manufactured using any available flat building materials.

Abstract: There is provided a heat-conductive flexible sheet that is formed of a non-silicone material and excellent in flexibility as well as durability such as heat-aging resistance, hydrothermal resistance, and thermal shock resistance, and a heat dissipation structure using the same, as well as a resin composition that exhibits excellent handleability in the kneading step in producing a heat-conductive sheet and can be suitably used as a binder material for a heat-conductive flexible sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving interfacial adhesion of an adhesive to unprimed substrates and an improved adhesive composition, involving admixing an adhesive with an adhesive modifier, where the modifier is at least partially soluble in the at least one adhesive and includes either a non-aromatic polyol or a molecule having at least one ortho-hydroxyl substitution on a benzene ring.

Abstract: Transfer methods disclosed herein include transferring micro-LEDs from a first carrier to a second carrier. The methods include bonding the micro-LEDs to the first carrier using a first releasable bonding layer that releases when exposed to actinic light. The micro-LEDs are then secured to a second carrier. The first bonding layer is then irradiated through the first releasable bonding layer through the first carrier with the actinic light to release the micro-LEDs from the first carrier. The second carrier can be a display backplane having bonding pads and the micro-LEDs can be secured to the bonding pads.

Abstract: A method for bonding components is provided. The method includes preparing a surface of a metal component, applying a film adhesive to the prepared surface, forming a thermoplastic component using injection molding such that the film adhesive is positioned between the metal component and the thermoplastic component, and curing the film adhesive.

Abstract: Integrated circuits for a single-molecule nucleic-acid assay platform, and methods for making such circuits are disclosed. In one example, a method includes transferring one or more carbon nanotubes to a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrate, and forming a pair of post-processed electrodes on the substrate proximate opposing ends of the one or more carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A window film is disclosed. The window film includes: a flexible transparent base material; a first metal target material film, disposed on the surface of the flexible transparent base material; a first high refractive index compound film, disposed on the surface of the first metal target material film; a first metal oxide film, disposed on the surface of the first high refractive index compound film; a first silver-containing metal film, disposed on the surface of the first metal oxide film; a second metal target material film, disposed on the surface of the first silver-containing metal film; and a second high refractive index compound film, disposed on the surface of the second metal target material film. The window film has better adherence, and is less likely to peel off. In addition, the window film also has better oxidation resistance, and is less likely to be oxidized. Furthermore, the window film also has a better optical effect and heat insulation effect.

Abstract: Precursors and methods for manufacturing perforated composite parts are disclosed. An exemplary precursor (19) comprises structural fibers (24,28) embedded in a cured matrix material (24,26) and interposed between two removable plies (20). The precursor may also comprise a sacrificial fiber (28) extending through the removable plies (20), the matrix material (24,26) and between the structural fibers (24,28). An exemplary method comprises removing the removable plies (20) from the precursor (19) and removing the sacrificial fiber (28) from the precursor after removing the removable plies to form a through hole in the precursor (19) at a location of the sacrificial fiber (28).

Abstract: High tenacity, high elongation multi-filament polymeric tapes as well as ballistic resistant fabrics, composites and articles made therefrom. The tapes are fabricated from multi-filament fibers/yarns that are twisted together, bonded together, compressed and flattened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing bending and other applied forces that are exerted on a filament of thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers in a 3D printing system during the deposition process that is associated with the manufacturing of an object. The quality of the manufactured object is enhanced through a process that comprises i) applying torque to certain portions of the solid filament in a manner that is commensurate with the expected motions of the deposition head while depositing those portions, but only after ii) heating each portion to a sufficient temperature. A heating device and a twisting device act on the filament while it is moving toward the deposition point and while under the control of a controller that is operating according to a computer model of the object being manufactured.

Abstract: The application discloses a method to fabricate microneedle patches, comprising a) casting (painting and pasting) an aqueous polymer solution on a mold of array of micro-holes which is made of porous materials; b) sucking the polymer solution into the micro-holes by applying vacuum at the back of the mold; d) freezing and thawing the casted polymer solution to induce gelation; and e) drying the gelled polymer solution. Specifically, the present invention describes a process and composition of polymeric microneedlepatch which overcomes the limitations of existing microneedles systems and may be used for transdermal delivery system for therapeutics and other applications.

Abstract: A nanoporous stamp for printing a variety of materials is disclosed. The nanoporous stamp may include a substrate and an array of carbon nanotubes disposed on and attached to the substrate. The array of carbon nanotubes can have an etched top surface and a wettable, nanoporous structure, and may include a coating thereon. The nanoporous stamp can be used in a variety of printing applications, and can print, among other things, colloidal and non-colloidal inks on a variety of substrates with a high degree of accuracy and fidelity.

Abstract: A polyvinyl acetal poly(vinyl acetal), such as polyvinyl butyral, resin formulation, a method of extruding poly(vinyl acetal) resins, and related materials and products that provide for monolithic poly(vinyl acetal) sheets and glass panes having high Tg of at least 50° C. and high modulus at acceptable rates as indicated by their high melt flow index. This is made possible by a reduction in the amount of plasticizer while using a low molecular weight resin not to exceed 160,000 to obtain a thermoplastic resin having a high melt flow index and high Tg. The articles made with these monolithic interlayer sheets can be used in applications that require good modulus at outdoor temperatures.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a polyester film, which has a high tensile strength in the transverse direction and a low tensile strength in the longitudinal direction, while satisfying the condition of 0.5<A<6, A being calculated by Equation 1. A polyester film according to the embodiments can easily be cut in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A humidity controlled package that uses a humidity sensitive valve that opens and closes an opening to control a humidity in the package. The package has a package holding area inside the package. The humidity level in the package controls the valve to open to allow air flow between an inside of the valve and an outside of the valve, and close to prevent air flow between the inside and outside of the valve. At least part of the valve is in the package. In one embodiment, the package is vented when the humidity value gets higher than a setpoint. In another embodiment, a sachet of dessicant is opened by the humidity level.

Abstract: Integrated circuits for a single-molecule nucleic-acid assay platform, and methods for making such circuits are disclosed. In one example, a method includes transferring one or more carbon nanotubes to a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) substrate, and forming a pair of post-processed electrodes on the substrate proximate opposing ends of the one or more carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Described are materials for a shoe upper, in particular for soccer shoes, with a particularly low weight. The material includes an inner polyurethane layer, an outer polyurethane layer, and a textile reinforcing layer. The textile reinforcing layer is arranged between the inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer. The inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer comprise thermoset polyurethane. The textile reinforcing layer comprises apertures through which the inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer are connected to each other.

Abstract: A multi-plenum structural panel comprising a top sheet, a middle sheet, and a bottom sheet, each sheet being parallel to the other two. A first plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the top sheet to the middle sheet, and a second plurality of spacing structural elements fixedly attaching the middle sheet to the bottom sheet, such that a yield strength of an assembled multi-plenum structural panel is greater than a sum of individual sheet yield strengths. An upper plenum is defined by a first spacing between the top and middle sheets. A lower plenum is defined by a second spacing between the middle and bottom sheets. The first plurality of spacing structural elements is formed such that a first plurality of spaced apart unobstructed pathways are created in the upper plenum for air to move in a first direction from at least one edge of the multi-plenum structural panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the multi-plenum structural panel in each plenum.

Abstract: A cured-film formation composition for forming a cured film having photoreaction efficiency and solvent resistance, and high adhesiveness alignment uniformity, and an orientation material for photo-alignment, and a retardation material formed by use of the orientation material. A cured-film formation composition includes (A) a compound having a photo-aligning group and one substituent selected from a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and an amino group; (B) a hydrophilic polymer having one or more substituents selected from a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and an amino group; and (C) a polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer including an N-hydroxymethyl compound or an N-alkoxymethyl (meth)acrylamide compound, and optionally further a cross-linking catalyst as a component (D). By use of the composition, a cured-film is formed and an orientation material is formed by utilizing photo-alignment technique.

Abstract: A non-polished glass wafer, a thinning system, and a method for using the non-polished glass wafer to thin a semiconductor wafer are described herein. In one embodiment, the glass wafer has a body (e.g., circular body) including a non-polished first surface and a non-polished second surface substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the circular body has a wafer quality index which is equal to a total thickness variation in micrometers plus one-tenth of a warp in micrometers that is less than 6.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an (AI,Ti)N coating exhibiting at least two different coating portions, A and B, having grain size in nanometer magnitude order characterized in that the coating portion A exhibit larger grain size and higher elastic modulus than the coating portion B. The present invention relates as well to a method for coating a substrate with a coating as described above whereby at least the coating portion A and/or the coating portion B of the (AI,Ti)N coating are/is deposited by means of PVD techniques.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has bead cores provided in bead portions. The bead cores include a first bead wire, and a second bead wire having an elongation ?, where ?(%)=?L/L×100, L is a length of each of the bead wires under no load, and ?L is an elongation amount obtained when a unit load is applied. The elongation ? of the second bead wire is greater than an elongation of the first bead wire. The number of the second bead wire provided in an innermost side portion in a tire radial direction is at least one.

Abstract: A composite component includes a bonded portion and a component mount. The component mount is coupled to the bonded portion to move relative to the bonded portion. The bonded portion includes a fiber portion and a ceramic portion.

Abstract: A thermoplastic, biodegradable polymer blend having a high surface energy and good adhesion without the need for pretreatment, is made up of starch in the range 10% to 60% by weight of the polymer blend, at least one further carrier polymers in the range 40% to 90% by weight of the polymer blend and one or more process aids in the range 0% to 0.5% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blends typically have a surface energy after processing of at least 40 mN/m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component with filament connection, in particular for communication, in particular for optical communication comprising: a voluminous material, a substrate, a filament and a connection component applied on the filament, where the filament has been embedded in the substrate and, at a transition point, emerges from the substrate and proceeds into the voluminous material. According to the invention, the voluminous material directly encloses the filament from the transition point and directly encloses the connection component applied on the filament and has full-area inseparable bonding to the substrate, where the voluminous material is a fully crosslinked voluminous material formed from a pliable material and the substrate has been hardened.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic apparatus. The ultrasonic apparatus may include a charging device, a circuit device electrically connected to the charging device, and a housing part for packaging the charging device and the circuit device. Here, the charging device may include a lower electrode, an upper electrode provided on the lower electrode, a plurality of pillar-shaped piezoelectric composites provided between the lower and upper electrodes, and an electrolyte layer provided between the lower and upper electrodes to fill spaces between the pillar-shaped piezoelectric composites.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cellulose-sheathed carbon nanotube fiber. One aspect of the invention provides a sheathed nanotube fiber comprising: a carbon nanotube fiber; and a cellulose sheath extending co-axially along at least a first portion of a length of the carbon nanotube fiber. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a sheathed carbon nanotube fiber, the method comprising: co-electrospinning a carbon nanotube fiber gel core within a cellulose solution sheath.

Abstract: A stem 8 has the following elements made from FRP: an upper outer shell 4U, a main structure upper half 3U, a main structure lower half 3L, and a lower outer shell 4L when the stem is placed in a flat state. The elements are integrated into one piece by stacking the elements and applying heat and pressure to melt resins impregnated in the FRP structural elements. Each outer shell is a curved prepreg sheet formed by impregnating carbon fibers arranged at angle of ±45 degrees with a thermoplastic resin, and each upper and lower halve is an evenly stacked part in which prepreg sheets are stacked. Overlapping section 5 of the upper and lower outer shells are formed such that the left and right portions of a main structure 3 formed by integrating the upper and lower halves 3U, 3L does not have a stepped outer surface.

Abstract: A use of a core block for an impregnation process as well as a composite structure comprising such a core block is described. The core block has a first surface and a second surface, and a number of first grooves is formed in the first surface of the core. Furthermore, a number of second grooves is formed in the second surface of the core. The first grooves have a first height (h1) and a bottom, and the first grooves and the second grooves are part of a resin distribution network formed in the core block. The distance (t) between the bottom of the first grooves and the second surface of the core block is of such a size that the core block is flexible along the first grooves. Additionally, the sum of the first height and the second height is larger than the thickness of the core block, and at least one of the first grooves in the first surface of the core block crosses at least one of the second grooves in the second surface of the core block.

Abstract: This method for texturing a DLC coating comprises depositing a single layer of balls or spheres on the free surface of the DLC coating; dry-etching the DLC coating using oxygen plasma; and lastly, cleaning the surface of said coating by eliminating the balls or spheres.

Abstract: Flame retardant panels and methods of manufacture generally include a batting material including a layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the layer comprising a plurality of substantially vertically oriented flame retardant treated fibers extending from the top surface to the bottom surface; and a binder material.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant composite articles that are resistant to both backface deformation and ballistic penetration. Multiple composites are attached to each other such that fibers in each adjacent composite are oriented at different angles. Each composite has an areal density of at least about 100 g/m2 wherein the areal density of the strike face composite is greater than half of the total areal density of overall multi-composite article.

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: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a digital material comprising many discrete units is used to fabricate a sparse structure. The units are reversibly joined by elastic connections. Each unit comprises fiber-reinforced composite material. Each unit is small compared to the sparse structure as a whole. Likewise, in a sparse structure made from this digital material, the number of types of units is small compared to the total number of units. The digital material is anisotropic. This anisotropy may be due to different fiber orientations within each unit. Furthermore, different units in a single sparse structure may be oriented in different directions and in different, non-parallel planes. In some cases, the digital material is reinforced with carbon fibers, and connections between units are stronger than the units themselves. The small discrete units may be assembled into a strong, lightweight sparse structure, such as an airframe.

Abstract: A non-catalytic palladium precursor composition is disclosed, including a palladium salt and an organoamine, wherein the composition is substantially free of water. The composition permits the use of solution processing methods to form a palladium layer on a wide variety of substrates, including in a pattern to form circuitry or pathways for electronic devices.

Abstract: A reinforcement for concrete tiles comprising an element formed in a flat elongated shape having a top and bottom surface, a plurality of scales extending from the top surface at an angle thereto, and wherein the angle of a number of the scales are formed in an opposite direction from the remaining scales, and adapted such that when in place within a concrete tile the element cannot slip out therefrom, and adapted such that when the tile experiences a bending force the element creates a compressive force opposite the bending force to thereby prevent the tile from bending and breaking.

Abstract: A structural element for reinforcing a fuselage cell of an aircraft is provided. The structural element comprises a reinforcement profile which is made in one piece from a metallic material. The profile is provided with a strap at least in regions. As a result of the strap which is made of a fiber-reinforced layer material or fiber metal laminate and is adhesively bonded, at least in regions, to a flange of the reinforcement profile the structural element has high damage tolerance and advantageous fatigue properties. The fiber metal laminate or layer material is made of a plurality of metal layers and fiber-reinforced plastics material layers which are stacked in alternating fashion and adhesively bonded to one another over the entire surface. The reinforcement profile and the strap are joined by means of a joining layer. Said joining layer is preferably constructed from two prepreg layers and a non-fiber-reinforced adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical sheet used in a liquid crystal display device, and relates to an optical sheet which comprises a resin curing layer made of a curable resin composition comprising metal oxide nanoparticles, and thus is easy to handle and not liable to be damaged from external shocks, and can prevent reduction in luminance due to damage and at the same time achieve a high refractive index.

Abstract: In one aspect, composite construction materials are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite construction panel comprises a substrate layer, a cover layer separated from the substrate layer by one or more spacers, and at least one mat disposed between the substrate layer and the cover layer, wherein the mat comprises at least one phase change material disposed in at least one phase change region.

Abstract: Device surfaces are rendered superhydrophobic and/or superoleophobic through microstructures and/or nanostructures that utilize the same base material(s) as the device itself without the need for coatings made from different materials or substances. A medical device includes a portion made from a base material having a surface adapted for contact with biological material, and wherein the surface is modified to become superhydrophobic, superoleophobic, or both, using only the base material, excluding non-material coatings. The surface may be modified using a subtractive process, an additive process, or a combination thereof. The product of the process may form part of an implantable device or a medical instrument, including a medical device or instrument associated with an intraocular procedure.

Abstract: A composite material includes a core and a shell that covers the core. The core has a volume that includes a first material and a void wherein the first material occupies less than 50% of the core's volume and has a three-dimensional shape that includes a plurality of components each having the same shape and arranged to form a series of repeating components within the volume. The shell includes a second material joined to the first material. Each of the first and second materials includes a thickness having a middle region and a outer region, and at least one of the first and second materials, includes a microstructure.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an infrared absorption material, a method for fabricating the same, and a thermal isolation structure employing the same. The infrared absorption material includes a tungsten bronze complex having a formula of M1xM2yWOz, wherein 0.6?x?0.8, 0.2?y?0.33, 0.8?x+y<1, and 2<z?3; M1 is Li, or Na; and, M2 is K, Rb, or Cs. In particular, the tungsten bronze complex consists of a cubic tungsten bronze (CTB) and a hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB).

Abstract: A curable prepreg or semipreg material comprising a layer of fibers and a substantially non-flowable curable resin having a layer of porous sheet material on an outer surface, the material allows automatic lay-up of high fiber content prepregs or semiprepregs typically used in industrial applications such as wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A sandwich structure based on a composite panel made of a thermoplastic core layer connected to at least one fiber-reinforced thermoplastic layer, in particular in-situ manufactured sandwich panels, comprises a thermoplastic core, which is arranged between two cover layers, in which the core is reinforced with fiber-reinforced thermoplastic reinforcing ribs which extend between the cover layers. Preferred methods for the manufacture are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for locker wallpaper panels include perforations and features for adapting the panels to selected locker configurations. The system includes magnets that are configured to affix the wallpaper panels to corresponding surfaces of the locker.