Abstract:
Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.
Abstract:
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an abrasion resistant transparent armor composite may comprise an elastomer facing layer and a urethane backing layer, wherein the facing layer comprises a Shore A hardness from about 45 to about 80, a tensile strength from about 4000 to about 8000 psi., a Bashore hardness of about 46, and a softening point at least about 380° F. The elastomer may comprise a polyester based urethane polymer. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the abrasion resistant transparent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide abrasion resistant transparent armor for use as, for example, a composite to layer over a vehicular window, an airplane canopy, and building windows.
Abstract:
Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.
Abstract:
An exemplary, substantially optically transparent armor composite is disclosed as comprising: a first layer comprising a first glass material; a second layer comprising an articulated second glass material; a third layer comprising a kinetic energy absorbing urethane material; and an inter-layer comprising a thermoset elastomer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, between the second layer and the third layer, and among articulated elements of the second layer, wherein the elastomer is in-situ cured at a temperature from about 70° F. to about 110° F. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.
Abstract:
A direct current electric arc furnace for melting or heating raw material or molten material includes a refractory lined vessel for holding raw or molten material in its interior. The furnace includes at least a first top electrode. The first top electrode enters the vessel interior above the raw or molten material. The furnace includes at least a first bottom electrode mounted in the bottom of the vessel and in electrical contact with the raw or molten material in the vessel. The furnace includes an electrical power supply mechanism which electrically connects to the top electrode and the bottom electrode in order to input electrical energy into the material through the top and bottom electrodes in the form of an arc. The bottom electrode has opposite electrical polarity to the electrical polarity of the top electrode. The furnace also includes a mechanism for cooling the first bottom electrode with a spray of water and air that contacts the first bottom electrode. A method for operating a direct current arc furnace.
Abstract:
A string instrument, such as a violin, is made of graphite fiber cloth and unidirectional graphite fiber sheets and epoxy resin. The instrument includes a unitary body, including a back, a rib, a neck, and a pegbox, all molded as a single or unitary element. A belly and a soundboard are separately molded of the same material and they are appropriately secured to the body. A string assembly is secured to the body and disposed over the belly. A pair of reinforcing struts are secured to the neck and to the rib. A sound post is disposed between the back and the belly, and a bridge is disposed on the belly, and strings of the string assembly are secured to pegs extending through the pegbox, over the bridge, and to a tail piece. The tail piece is in turn secured to the rib by an end pin remote from the neck.
Abstract:
This fitting is designed to be applied to a flexible walled tank, of the type employed in aircraft to hold fuel or other liquids, to provide a reinforced opening for receiving attachments, such as, connectors, gauges, pumps, conduits, and the like. The fitting is composed of a plurality of layers or plies of fabric reinforced elastic material, certain layers being mechanically connected to each other and all of the layers being adhesively joined at contacting overlapped portions into an integral unit. The layers are sized and shaped to give the unit inner and outer ring portions, the former being substantially solid and the latter having spaced flexible layers. Parts of the layers forming the inner ring portion of the unit have openings which are aligned to receive internally threaded elements for screws used to fasten the attachments to the fitting and hence to the tank. In installing the fitting in the tank wall, portions of the layers of such wall are disposed between the spaced flexible layers of the outer ring portion of the unit and the assembly is vulcanized. A rubber fuel barrier is molded over the inner ends of the fastening elements and inner edges of the inner ring portion to preclude leakage. The mechanical connection between the layers of the inner and outer ring portions transfers loads from the flexible tank wall to the substantially rigid inner ring portion and effectively resists separation or other failures.
Abstract:
Apparatus is disclosed by which a number of thin, disc-like wafers are moved in a linear path and fed into such path on a discrete basis from a supply or feeding station. The individual or discrete wafers are moved into engagement with a pair of endless belts which, in effect, define the linear path and are arranged one over the other with the facing portions of the belts being spaced apart by at least the diameter of the wafers to be interposed therebetween. As the wafers are moved through the linear path by the belts, they are moved between pairs of brushes, each of a pair being rotatably mounted on a respective side of the path for engaging and cleaning the surfaces of the wafer, the pairs of brushes extending in the direction of movement of the wafers. The belts and the brushes are coupled to drive means such that the rotary forces applied to the surfaces of the wafers by each pair of brushes is nullified to the extent that rotation of the wafers in one direction and movement along the path by the belts is not inhibited.
Abstract:
An exemplary apparatus providing a substantially optically transparent/translucent composite armor material is disclosed as having: a first layer of hard transparent material (i.e., a glass facing layer) adapted for attachment to a second layer of polymer backing (i.e., a kinetic layer) and a layer of elastomeric bonding material disposed between the first and second layers. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent/translucent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.