Abstract:
A capacitive liquid level sensor is provided comprising a capacitive probe having a capacitance and comprising a sensing tip wherein the capacitive probe is configured such that the capacitance of the probe changes when the sensing tip is exposed to liquid. A signal generator operates to supply an electrical signal alternating between a high and low state to the capacitive probe, the electrical signal being configured such that the probe is alternately charged and discharged when the signal is high or low respectively. A comparator operates to detect the magnitude of an electrical signal across the capacitive probe and provides a first output signal value when the detected signal magnitude is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a second output signal value when the signal magnitude is less than the threshold value. A timer operates to receive an output signal from the comparator and measures a time period starting when the comparator output signal transitions to the first output signal value and ending when the comparator output signal transitions to the second output signal value. Liquid detection means also operate to utilize the time period measured by the timer to determine if the sensing tip is exposed to liquid.
Abstract:
Disclosed are systems and methods for the formation of a polymer nanocomposite material using a high-concentration masterbatch as a source of nanocomposite filler.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).
Abstract:
Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).
Abstract:
A method of producing a MEMS device removes the bottom side of a device wafer after its movable structure is formed. To that end, the method provides the device wafer, which has an initial bottom side. Next, the method forms the movable structure on the device wafer, and then removes substantially the entire initial bottom side of the device wafer. Removal of the entire initial bottom side effectively forms a final bottom side.
Abstract:
A vehicle closure hinge includes a mount having a pivot axis flange, a pivot link, a pivot coupling the pivot link to the pivot axis flange and a spring formed by a laterally coiled strand extending from a first coil end to a second coil end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of displacement about the pivot axis. The coil size, the strand size and the number of coils can be varied as desired to vary the spring biasing force exerted against the vehicle closure without varying other components of the hinge. The hinge parts may be designed with various configurations including simple pivoting links or a four bar linkage. A strand end of the coil spring extends along the direction of the coil to a position at a first coil end to maintain biasing force near the plane of displacement about the pivot axis.
Abstract:
A capacitive liquid level sensor is provided comprising a capacitive probe having a capacitance and comprising a sensing tip wherein the capacitive probe is configured such that the capacitance of the probe changes when the sensing tip is exposed to liquid. A signal generator operates to supply an electrical signal alternating between a high and low state to the capacitive probe, the electrical signal being configured such that the probe is alternately charged and discharged when the signal is high or low respectively. A comparator operates to detect the magnitude of an electrical signal across the capacitive probe and provides a first output signal value when the detected signal magnitude is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a second output signal value when the signal magnitude is less than the threshold value. A timer operates to receive an output signal from the comparator and measures a time period starting when the comparator output signal transitions to the first output signal value and ending when the comparator output signal transitions to the second output signal value. Liquid detection means also operate to utilise the time period measured by the timer to determine if the sensing tip is exposed to liquid.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).
Abstract:
Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an aqueous dispersion and a method for making said dispersion, and more particularly, a dispersion that comprises a nanoclay such as a tubular clay (e.g. halloysite), a fluoropolymer and the requisite surfactants for dispersion stability. In various embodiments, and applications thereof to substrates and the like, the dispersion improves the manufacturability of articles that include coating fluoropolymer dispersions while retaining the unique properties of the fluoropolymer coating.