A method of enhancing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transmission and reducing scattering of a carbon nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The method includes treating the carbon nanostructure pellicle film with at least one irradiation, which reduces the defects of the carbon nanostructure and strengthens the properties of the carbon nanostructure. Carbon nanostructure pellicle film with modified and enhanced properties for EUV lithography is also disclosed.
A carbon nanofiber pellicle and pellicle film for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography with different light transmission rates is disclosed. The disclosed pellicle film features improved film mechanical strength, less deflection, and increased etching resistance.
G03F 1/62 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/22 - Masks or mask blanks for imaging by radiation of 100 nm or shorter wavelength, e.g. X-ray masks, extreme ultraviolet [EUV] masksPreparation thereof
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
4.
ENHANCED ULTRA-THIN, ULTRA-LOW DENSITY FILMS FOR EUV LITHOGRAPHY AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THEREOF
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation with enhanced properties by plasma treatment. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
A method of storing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pellicles or pellicle film is disclosed. The method includes selecting a material, such as stainless steel or glass material, for the construction of the storage or transportation containers. Vacuum-sealed or inert-gas-filled containers are further preferred. The material maintains one or more properties of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography pellicle, the one or more properties being selected from EUV transmission rate, EUV transmission variation, EUV scattering, EUV pellicle film deflection, EUV pellicle film tensile strength, or a combination thereof.
G03F 1/66 - Containers specially adapted for masks, mask blanks or pelliclesPreparation thereof
B65D 81/20 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
B65D 85/38 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for delicate optical, measuring, calculating or control apparatus
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
An apparatus and method of producing nanofiber pellicle films. A suspension of nanofibers is passed through a filter to produce a thin, preferably ultra-thin, nanofiber pellicle film. The film is floated off of the filter and is adhered to a harvesting frame which can be easily handled. The film may be dried and stored for further processing.
A method of enhancing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transmission and reducing scattering of a carbon nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The method includes annealing the carbon nanostructure pellicle film at least once at an elevated temperature before exposing the pellicle film to an EUV lithography process. The method further provides measures to maintain the annealed nanostructure pellicle film in an inert gas environment or vacuum.
Functionalized nanofiber yarns with increased hydrophilicity with more than doubled water absorption property are provided. Methods of treatment for producing such functionalized nanofiber yarns are also provided.
D01F 9/08 - Man-made filaments or the like of other substancesManufacture thereofApparatus specially adapted for the manufacture of carbon filaments of inorganic material
9.
IMPROVED NERVE REGENERATION SCAFFOLD FOR ACCELERATED REGROWTH
Improved nerve regeneration scaffolds are disclosed, which include a plurality of modified nanotube yarn bundles disposed of within the scaffold lumen. The modified nanotube yarn bundles have enhanced hydrophilicity and water absorption. They are separated by distances to form channels corresponding to nerve fiber diameters to be occupied by regenerative nerve tissues. The channel walls have gaps between the yarn bundles for enhanced permeability. The scaffolds have reduced inflammatory infiltration and rejection response and support individual nerve fiber regrowth with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.
Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.
D02G 1/02 - Producing crimped or curled fibres, filaments, yarns or threads, giving them latent characteristics by twisting, fixing the twist and backtwisting, i.e . by imparting false twist
D01H 1/02 - Spinning or twisting machines in which the product is wound-up continuously ring type
11.
Films of multiwall, few wall, and single wall carbon nanotube mixtures
Nanofiber membranes are described that include multiple layers of nanofiber structures, where each structure is a composite composition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or both of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. By selecting the relative proportions of multiwall and one or more of single/few wall carbon nanotubes in a nanofiber film, the membrane can be fabricated to withstand the heating that occurs during operation in an EUV lithography machine, while also having enough mechanical integrity to withstand pressure changes of between 1 atmosphere (atm) and 2 atm between operating cycles of an EUV lithography machine.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/22 - Masks or mask blanks for imaging by radiation of 100 nm or shorter wavelength, e.g. X-ray masks, extreme ultraviolet [EUV] masksPreparation thereof
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
An apparatus and method are described herein for providing tension to carbon nanotube films. An apparatus and method are described herein for transferring carbon nanotube films from a first frame to a second frame. An example method includes deforming a frame by one of a thermal method or a physical method, allowing the frame to return to an original shape, and providing tension to the carbon nanotube film.
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
2/R)×(1/L)≥0.003, wherein D represents the diameter of the linear-bodies, L represents the spacing between adjacent ones of the linear-bodies, R represents the volume resistivity of the linear-bodies, and D and L are in units of cm. A heating element and a heating device each include the sheet.
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 7/03 - Layered products characterised by the relation between layers Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers with respect to the orientation of features
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/10 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of paper or cardboard
B32B 29/00 - Layered products essentially comprising paper or cardboard
H05B 3/84 - Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate—nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
A transparent or translucent composite material, an architectural apparatus comprising the transparent or translucent composite material, and a method of manufacturing the composite material are described. The transparent or translucent composite material having a core film comprising PET, a first and second ETFE film on the outer portion, adhered via an adhesive layer configured to be fire-retardant and/or light-absorbent. The core film may have on one or both sides a solar control layer configured to block light, provide color, or other properties to the composite material.
B32B 3/04 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by a layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
H02S 20/26 - Building materials integrated with PV modules, e.g. façade elements
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
E04B 1/61 - Connections for building structures in general of slab-shaped building elements with each other
E04B 7/18 - Special structures in or on roofs, e.g. dormer windows
E04C 2/20 - Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of wood, fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the likeBuilding elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of plasticsBuilding elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of foamed products of plastics
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
17.
ZIRCONIUM-COATED ULTRA-THIN, ULTRA-LOW DENSITY FILMS FOR EUV LITHOGRAPHY
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film with an ultra-thin zirconium coating is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of nanotubes that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation with enhanced properties, and a zirconium-coated layer. The coated interconnected structure with the zirconium-coated layer allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 88%. The interconnected network structure has a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/62 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
G03F 1/00 - Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. masks, photo-masks or reticlesMask blanks or pellicles thereforContainers specially adapted thereforPreparation thereof
18.
ENHANCED ULTRA-THIN, ULTRA-LOW DENSITY FILMS FOR EUV LITHOGRAPHY AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THEREOF
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation with enhanced properties by plasma treatment. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/62 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
G03F 1/00 - Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. masks, photo-masks or reticlesMask blanks or pellicles thereforContainers specially adapted thereforPreparation thereof
A transparent or translucent composite material, an architectural apparatus comprising the transparent or translucent composite material, and a method of manufacturing the composite material are described. The transparent or translucent composite material having a core film comprising PET, a first and second ETFE film on the outer portion, adhered via an adhesive layer configured to be fire-retardant and/or light-absorbent. The core film may have on one or both sides a solar control layer configured to block light, provide color, or other properties to the composite material.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/22 - Masks or mask blanks for imaging by radiation of 100 nm or shorter wavelength, e.g. X-ray masks, extreme ultraviolet [EUV] masksPreparation thereof
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
A linear displacement device includes at least one artificial muscle actuator, an arm attached to the at least one artificial muscle, a body that is restricted to move along a line, and a stationary channel that restricts the motion of the body to linear motion. The at least one artificial muscle actuator causes the body to move along the line. The body is further restricted to move along a surface of the arm and the at least one artificial muscle actuator is a rotational muscle actuator. Additionally, the arm rotates in concert with the at least one artificial muscle actuator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
22.
Nanofiber filtered films and soluble substrate processing
An apparatus and method for transferring nanofiber structures (e.g., nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, stacks of nanofiber grids, nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, and combinations thereof) between various substrates are described. The techniques described use a soluble layer on a substrate that is subsequently dissolved, thus freeing the nanofiber structure from the substrate. This liquid phase techniques preserves the mechanical integrity and the purity of the nanofiber structures.
D04H 1/732 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged by fluid current, e.g. air-lay
G03F 1/62 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof
01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use
07 - Machines and machine tools
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
Goods & Services
Carbon, namely, carbon nanotubes in the nature of tubular carbon molecules sold in the form of carbon nanotube sheets, ribbons and yarns Filters and purifiers for machines, namely, filters and purifiers for removing contaminants from gases used in the semiconductor industry; filters for semiconductor manufacturing machines; filters being parts of manufacturing machines; dust filters for vacuum cleaners; air filters for motorcycle motors and engines; components for machines and machine tools, namely, sand, chemical and reverse osmosis filters Carbon fibres not for textile use; carbon fibres, other than for textile use; goods made with carbon nanotube sheets, ribbons and yarns, namely, carbon fibers not for textile use
24.
NANOFIBER ASSEMBLIES WITH MULTIPLE ELECTROCHROMIC STATES
Composite assemblies are described that can be switched from a transparent state to a non transparent state, and in some examples even switched between different colors/reflectivities in the non transparent state. Switching between these states can be initiated by application of an electrical current to Ag carbon nanotube yarns in contact with an electrochromic electrolyte. The carbon nanotube yarns increase the efficiency with which electrons are provided to an electrolyte.
G02F 1/1506 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect based on electrodeposition, e.g. electrolytic deposition of an inorganic material on or close to an electrode
G02F 1/161 - GasketsSpacersSealing of cellsFilling or closing of cells
G02F 1/1516 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect characterised by the electrochromic material, e.g. by the electrodeposited material comprising organic material
G02F 1/163 - Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cellsCircuit arrangements therefor
25.
Patterned nanofiber arrays assembled through patterned filtration
An array of discrete nanofiber films that are physically separated from one another are described. Techniques for forming the nanofiber film array are also described. Techniques for forming these structures include placing a suspension of nanofibers and/or nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. A pressure differential is applied, drawing the solvent of the suspension through holes in a mask. The nanofibers collect on an impermeable layer on the mask in a pattern corresponding to the negative features (grooves, holes, trenches) of the mask as the solvent is flowed through the holes.
Nanofiber membranes are described that include multiple layers of nanofiber structures, where each structure is a composite composition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or both of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. By selecting the relative proportions of multiwall and one or more of single/few wall carbon nanotubes in a nanofiber film, the membrane can be fabricated to withstand the heating that occurs during operation in an EUV lithography machine, while also having enough mechanical integrity to withstand pressure changes of between 1 atmosphere (atm) and 2 atm between operating cycles of an EUV lithography machine.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
27.
ULTRA-THIN, ULTRA-LOW DENSITY FILMS FOR EUV LITHOGRAPHY
A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.
G03F 1/00 - Originals for photomechanical production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. masks, photo-masks or reticlesMask blanks or pellicles thereforContainers specially adapted thereforPreparation thereof
An apparatus and method are described herein for providing tension to carbon nanotube films. An apparatus and method are described herein for transferring carbon nanotube films from a first frame to a second frame. An example method includes deforming a frame by one of a thermal method or a physical method, allowing the frame to return to an original shape, and providing tension to the carbon nanotube film.
G03F 1/64 - Pellicles or pellicle assemblies, e.g. having membrane on support framePreparation thereof characterised by the frames, e.g. structure or material thereof
A nanofiber yarn placement system includes a yarn dispenser assembly, and a placement assembly. The placement assembly includes a compliant flange, and a guide connected to the compliant flange. The guide defining a channel. The channel includes at least one internal surface and at least one corner defined by the at least one internal surface.
Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate-nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
A hinge-type actuator device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first and second paddle, a first and second artificial muscle actuator segment, and a plurality of contacts, where the first and second artificial muscle actuator segments are actuated via the contacts, actuation of the first artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to open the hinge-type actuator, and actuation of the second artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to dose the hinge-type actuator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
H01H 85/04 - Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.
D01H 1/02 - Spinning or twisting machines in which the product is wound-up continuously ring type
D02G 1/02 - Producing crimped or curled fibres, filaments, yarns or threads, giving them latent characteristics by twisting, fixing the twist and backtwisting, i.e . by imparting false twist
Polymer and nanotube-based actuators that include a thermochromic coating is disclosed. The actuators include a thermochromic material applied to a surface of the core fiber or the conductive element. Upon heating the actuator, the thermochromic coating undergoes a color transition to indicate a pre-determined temperature correlated to a rated critical temperature, important temperature of the actuator components, or a level of actuation.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
D01F 8/04 - Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, man-made filaments or the likeManufacture thereof from synthetic polymers
D01F 8/18 - Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, man-made filaments or the likeManufacture thereof from other substances
G01K 11/12 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
An actuator device that includes a first fiber, a conducting material, and a coating. The coating coats the first fiber or the conducting material. The coating may also provide moisture protection, UV protection, thermal insulation and thermal conductivity.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
36.
PATTERNED NANOFIBER ARRAYS ASSEMBLED THROUGH PATTERNED FILTRATION
An array of discrete nanofiber films that are physically separated from one another are described. Techniques for forming the nanofiber film array are also described. Techniques for forming these structures include placing a suspension of nanofibers and/or nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. A pressure differential is applied, drawing the solvent of the suspension through holes in a mask. The nanofibers collect on an impermeable layer on the mask in a pattern corresponding to the negative features (grooves, holes, trenches) of the mask as the solvent is flowed through the holes.
Techniques are described for preparing nanofiber films that include a controllable proportion of nano-scale or micro-scale pores. These techniques include preparing a suspension of both nanofibers and removable particles. Upon formation of a film from the suspension, the particles can be removed from the nanofiber film using a solvent, heat, radiation, or a similar applied stimulus that converts the material of the particle from a solid phase to a liquid or gaseous phase. This conversion removes the particle from the nanofiber film leaving a pore in the nanofiber film.
An apparatus and method for transferring nanofiber structures (e.g., nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, stacks of nanofiber grids, nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, and combinations thereof) between various substrates are described. The techniques described use a soluble layer on a substrate that is subsequently dissolved, thus freeing the nanofiber structure from the substrate. This liquid phase techniques preserves the mechanical integrity and the purity of the nanofiber structures.
Composite assemblies are described that can be switched from a transparent state to a non transparent state, and in some examples even switched between different colors/reflectivities in the non transparent state. Switching between these states can be initiated by application of an electrical current to Ag carbon nanotube yarns in contact with an electrochromic electrolyte. The carbon nanotube yarns increase the efficiency with which electrons are provided to an electrolyte.
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 27/12 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 3/00 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
G02F 1/15 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
A dispenser is described for dispensing nanofiber yarns that includes a housing that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber. A spool, around which is wound a length of nanofiber yarn, is disposed within the chamber defined by the housing. The nanofiber yarn is threaded from the chamber through the outlet and can be dispensed in a controlled way that reduces the likelihood of developing knots within the nanofiber yarn, and which facilitates convenient application of the yarn onto an underlying surface. In some cases, the dispenser can be used to concurrently dispense an adhesive or other polymer along with the nanofiber yarn.
B65H 51/16 - Devices for entraining material by flow of liquids or gases, e.g. air-blast devices
D02G 3/16 - Yarns or threads made from mineral substances
D02G 3/40 - Yarns in which fibres are united by adhesivesImpregnated yarns or threads
H01B 1/04 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
D01F 9/127 - Carbon filamentsApparatus specially adapted for the manufacture thereof by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon gases or vapours
An actuator and method of manufacturing an actuator that includes a core fiber with polymers aligned along the length of the core fiber, and a wire that is wound around and fixed to the core fiber. The winding of the wire is engineered based on the torsional actuation. Upon heating the core fiber, the wire impedes radial expansion of the core fiber and converts the radial expansion into a torsional actuation.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
D01H 7/02 - Spinning or twisting arrangements for imparting permanent twist
42.
Hydraulic muscle from hollow wrapped carbon nanotube yarn
A hydraulic muscle comprises a hollow carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube comprising: a plurality of CNT sheets twisted and wrapped in form of a hollow tube; and a binding agent infiltrated in the plurality of CNT sheets that binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic muscle comprises: twisting and wrapping a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets around a core fiber; infiltrating a binding agent in between the plurality of CNT sheets, wherein the binding agent binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together; and removing the core fiber from the plurality of CNT sheets.
A carbon nanotube (CNT) artificial muscle valve includes a hollow CNT tube including: a plurality of CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a hollow tube; and a guest material disposed between the CNT sheets and that permeates the CNT sheets. At least one portion of the hollow CNT tube collapses in response to a pressure of a fluid in the hollow CNT tube exceeding a predetermined pressure. The at least one portion of the hollow CNT tube collapses because the at least one portion of the hollow CNT tube generates a torque non-uniformity relative of a remaining portion of the hollow CNT tube.
An artificial muscle tentacle and method for manufacturing an artificial muscle tentacle, and a computer readable medium for controlling an artificial muscle tentacle are disclosed. The artificial muscle tentacle includes two spacers and a central core that connects the two spacers. The artificial muscle tentacle also includes at least two Z-Twist actuators and at least two S-Twist actuators. The Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators are disposed around the central core and in between the two spacers connecting the two spacers. The actuation of one or more of the Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators actuates the artificial muscle tentacle.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
G05B 19/402 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control arrangements for positioning, e.g. centring a tool relative to a hole in the workpiece, additional detection means to correct position
45.
FILMS OF MULTIWALL, FEW WALL, AND SINGLE WALL CARBON NANOTUBE MIXTURES
Nanofiber membranes are described that include multiple layers of nanofiber structures, where each structure is a composite composition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or both of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. By selecting the relative proportions of multiwall and one or more of single/few wall carbon nanotubes in a nanofiber film, the membrane can be fabricated to withstand the heating that occurs during operation in an EUV lithography machine, while also having enough mechanical integrity to withstand pressure changes of between 1 atmosphere (atm) and 2 atm between operating cycles of an EUV lithography machine.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
C01B 32/162 - Preparation characterised by catalysts
46.
NANOFIBER PELLICLES AND PROTECTIVE NANOFIBER RELEASE LINERS
e.ge.g., multilayer structures comprising multiple stacked films and/or sheets) are described that are composites of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or more of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. In some cases, the composites are stacks of one or more filtered nanofiber films and one or more drawn nanofiber sheets. Drawn nanofiber sheet elements can be partially densified and joined to a filtered film by brief exposure (1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds) to solvent steam. Major surfaces of the pellicle can be protected from contamination by removable nanofiber "release liners."
A nanofiber structure applicator is described that can remove two substrates from opposing major surfaces of a nanofiber structure. The two substrates can have differing adhesive strengths with the nanofiber forest. This difference in adhesive strength can be used to reorient nanofibers that form the nanofiber structure relative to the final surface on which they are applied. This reorienting of the individual nanofibers within a nanofiber structure can be used to tailor some of the properties of the nanofiber structure. Furthermore, the nanofiber structure applicator is configured can improve the convenience with which a nanofiber structure can be transported and applied to an application surface.
An actuating device and a method for manufacturing an actuating device, where the method includes wrapping a conductive wire (204) around a polymer fiber (202) at a set tension, and heating the polymer fiber and wire to a temperature that exceeds the glass transition temperature of the polymer fiber for a predetermined amount of time to partially embed the conductive wire into the polymer fiber. The method also includes cooling the polymer fiber and wire to below the glass transition temperature resulting in a wired polymer fiber wherein at least part of the conductive wire is embedded in the polymer fiber.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
A carbon nanotube (CNT) muscle device includes a first CNT yarn. The first CNT yarn includes: one or more first CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a tube; and a first guest actuation material infiltrating the one or more first CNT sheets.
A fabric of nanofibers that includes an adhesive is described. The nanofibers can be twisted or both twisted and coiled prior to formation into a fabric. The adhesive can be selectively applied to or infiltrated within portions of the nanofibers comprising the nanofiber fabric. The adhesive enables connection of the nanofiber fabric to an underlying substrate, even in cases in which the underlying substrate has a three-dimensional topography, while the selective location of the adhesive on the fabric limits the contact area between the adhesive and the nanofibers of the nanofiber fabric. This limited contact area can help preserve the beneficial properties of the nanofibers (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, infra-red (IR) radiation transparency) that otherwise might be degraded by the presence of adhesive.
D04H 1/74 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel
D04H 1/593 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives to layered webs
D04H 1/587 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives characterised by the bonding agents used
D04H 1/64 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
A muscle sleeve includes: a sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of first actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a first side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of second actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a second side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of fasteners that secure ends of the first and second actuating muscles to the fabric; and a crimp secured to the fabric.
B25J 9/10 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by positioning means for manipulator elements
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
Apparatuses and methods for manufacturing an apparatus for supplying a sweeping motion for a device such as a camera are disclosed. The apparatus includes a stationary rod and a rotational rod arranged parallel to the stationary rod at a fixed distance from the stationary rod. The apparatus includes a device disposed on the rotational rod and a plurality of linear artificial muscle actuators arranged between the stationary and rotational rods and perpendicular to central axes of the stationary and rotational rods. Actuation of a top-portion of the plurality of linear artificial muscle actuators rotates the rotational rod in a first direction, and an actuation of a bottom-portion of the plurality of linear artificial muscle actuators rotates the rotational rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
F16M 11/20 - Undercarriages with or without wheels
F16M 13/02 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articlesMeans for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
An apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus that includes a rectangular frame, a first load bearing conductive support bisecting the rectangular frame lengthwise, and two artificial muscle actuators disposed on the same sides of the rectangular frame as the first load bearing conductive support on opposite sides of the first load bearing conductive support is disclosed. The apparatus includes a non-conductive platform, where the width of the frame is sufficiently wide to prevent the non-conductive platform from touching the sides of the frame when rotated about the axis of the load bearing support. The apparatus includes a device disposed in the center of the non-conductive platform. Individual actuation of the artificial muscle actuators rotates the non-conductive platform about the axis of the first load bearing conductive support.
Cutting machine systems for cutting and installing screen protectors for electronic devices comprising a cutting blade specifically adapted for cutting machines, downloadable software application for creating and cutting digitized patterns, a thermoplastic polymer positioning mat for cutting the digitized patterns, and a squeegee blade specifically adapted for use with cutting machines for installing the screen protectors, all sold as a unit
An actuator device and method of manufacturing the same that includes at least two or more panels disposed in a frame is disclosed. Each of the two or more panels include a first rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between a first contact point of the frame and a tether point located on the panel and a second rotationally-actuating artificial muscle fiber section between the tether point and a second contact point on the frame. The tether point is approximately halfway across the length of the panel. A first and second muscle support is disposed on the panel between the tether point and the first contact point. The actuator device also includes a synchronization rod attached to the at least two or more panels.
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
D01F 6/12 - Monocomponent man-made filaments or the like of synthetic polymersManufacture thereof from homopolymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from polymers of halogenated hydrocarbons from polymers of fluorinated hydrocarbons
Methods for increasing transparency of a nanofiber sheet to many wavelengths of radiation, including those wavelengths within the visible spectrum, are described. These techniques include straining a nanofiber sheet so as to increase its width.
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y 10/00 - Nanotechnology for information processing, storage or transmission, e.g. quantum computing or single electron logic
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
A nanofiber forest that includes a pattern or shape can be transferred to a substrate. The nanofiber forest can be configured to have any perimeter and/or internal shape or pattern using a stencil technique and/or using an engraving technique. This pattern can be transferred as a “negative image” of a corresponding pattern in a stencil or as a “positive image” by engraving the pattern directly into the nanofiber forest. For either type of pattern formation, the patterned nanofiber forest is transferred by applying a substrate to the pattern or to a nanofiber forest covered by a patterned stencil. Pressure is then applied causing the exposed surface of the nanofiber forest or pattern of nanofiber forest to adhere to the substrate.
A method for manufacturing a separable artificial muscle fastener includes: securing one or more muscle loops of an artificial muscle fiber to a substrate such that at least a portion of the one or more muscle loops extends out from the substrate; annealing the artificial muscle fiber to retain the one or more muscle loops; and cutting and removing a portion of the one or more muscle loops to transform the one or more muscle loops into one or more muscle hooks. When the one or more muscle hooks are engaged with one or more holders, actuating the one or more muscle hooks disengages the one or more muscle hooks from the one or more holders.
An actuator includes a plurality of artificial muscle fibers and at least one conducting material. The at least one conducting material electrically stimulates the plurality of artificial muscle fibers during activation of the actuator. An actuator device includes at least one artificial muscle fiber and at least one high-strength creep-resistant fiber.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
H01H 85/04 - Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
An actuator device that includes a conducting material and at least one fuse incorporated into the conducting material is disclosed. The at least one fuse may stop current flow for temperatures above a specific temperature. The actuator device may also include a series of electronics that determine whether the actuating device has blown the at least one fuse.
H01H 85/04 - Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
Methods, system, and apparatus for producing an actuator device are disclosed. The method may include twisting a muscle fiber; coiling the twisted muscle fiber about a mandrel; securing the muscle fiber onto the mandrel using a securing means; heating the muscle fiber to a predetermined temperature using a heating means; and removing the coiled muscle fiber from the mandrel. The twisting, coiling, securing, heating, and removing is a process that is continued until the muscle fiber is a desired length.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
D01H 4/40 - Removing running yarn from the yarn forming region, e.g. using tubes
A fabric of nanofibers that includes an adhesive is described. The nanofibers can be twisted or both twisted and coiled prior to formation into a fabric. The adhesive can be selectively applied to or infiltrated within portions of the nanofibers comprising the nanofiber fabric. The adhesive enables connection of the nanofiber fabric to an underlying substrate, even in cases in which the underlying substrate has a three-dimensional topography, while the selective location of the adhesive on the fabric limits the contact area between the adhesive and the nanofibers of the nanofiber fabric. This limited contact area can help preserve the beneficial properties of the nanofibers (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, infra-red (IR) radiation transparency) that otherwise might be degraded by the presence of adhesive.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 9/04 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups comprising such substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
D04H 1/58 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
D04H 1/74 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel
D04H 3/02 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments
D04H 3/04 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments in rectilinear paths, e.g. crossing at right angles
D04H 3/12 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with filaments or yarns secured together by chemical or thermo-activatable bonding agents, e.g. adhesives, applied or incorporated in liquid or solid form
One or more nanofiber yarns can be placed in contact with one or more nanofiber sheets. The nanofiber yarns, which include single-ply and multi-ply nanofiber yarns, provide added mechanical stability to a nanofiber sheet that decreases the likelihood of a nanofiber sheet wrinkling, folding, or otherwise becoming stuck to itself. Furthermore, the nanofiber yarns integrated with the nanofiber sheet can also act as a mechanism to prevent the propagation of tears through the nanofiber sheet. In some cases, an infiltrating material can be infiltrated into interstitial spaces defined by the nanofibers within both the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheets. The infiltrating material can then form a continuous network throughout the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheet.
B32B 5/10 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by a fibrous layer reinforced with filaments
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 5/28 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer impregnated with or embedded in a plastic substance
B29C 70/34 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core and shaping or impregnating by compression
D04H 1/64 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
D04H 5/04 - Non woven fabrics formed of mixtures of relatively short fibres and yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length strengthened or consolidated by applying or incorporating chemical or thermo-activatable bonding agents in solid or liquid form
D04H 1/74 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel
D04H 5/08 - Non woven fabrics formed of mixtures of relatively short fibres and yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres or yarns
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
B32B 27/12 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
D06M 15/19 - Treating fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials with macromolecular compoundsSuch treatment combined with mechanical treatment with synthetic macromolecular compounds
A fabric of nanofibers that includes an adhesive is described. The nanofibers can be twisted or both twisted and coiled prior to formation into a fabric. The adhesive can be selectively applied to or infiltrated within portions of the nanofibers comprising the nanofiber fabric. The adhesive enables connection of the nanofiber fabric to an underlying substrate, even in cases in which the underlying substrate has a three-dimensional topography, while the selective location of the adhesive on the fabric limits the contact area between the adhesive and the nanofibers of the nanofiber fabric. This limited contact area can help preserve the beneficial properties of the nanofibers (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, infra-red (IR) radiation transparency) that otherwise might be degraded by the presence of adhesive.
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
D04H 1/74 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel
D04H 1/593 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives to layered webs
D04H 1/587 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives characterised by the bonding agents used
D04H 1/64 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
A fabric of nanofibers that includes an adhesive is described. The nanofibers can be twisted or both twisted and coiled prior to formation into a fabric. The adhesive can be selectively applied to or infiltrated within portions of the nanofibers comprising the nanofiber fabric. The adhesive enables connection of the nanofiber fabric to an underlying substrate, even in cases in which the underlying substrate has a three-dimensional topography, while the selective location of the adhesive on the fabric limits the contact area between the adhesive and the nanofibers of the nanofiber fabric. This limited contact area can help preserve the beneficial properties of the nanofibers (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, infra-red (IR) radiation transparency) that otherwise might be degraded by the presence of adhesive.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 9/04 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups comprising such substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
D04H 1/58 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
D04H 1/74 - Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel
D04H 3/02 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments
D04H 3/04 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments in rectilinear paths, e.g. crossing at right angles
D04H 3/12 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with filaments or yarns secured together by chemical or thermo-activatable bonding agents, e.g. adhesives, applied or incorporated in liquid or solid form
One or more nanofiber yarns can be placed in contact with one or more nanofiber sheets. The nanofiber yarns, which include single-ply and multi-ply nanofiber yarns, provide added mechanical stability to a nanofiber sheet that decreases the likelihood of a nanofiber sheet wrinkling, folding, or otherwise becoming stuck to itself. Furthermore, the nanofiber yarns integrated with the nanofiber sheet can also act as a mechanism to prevent the propagation of tears through the nanofiber sheet. In some cases, an infiltrating material can be infiltrated into interstitial spaces defined by the nanofibers within both the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheets. The infiltrating material can then form a continuous network throughout the nanofiber yarns and the nanofiber sheet.
B32B 5/10 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by a fibrous layer reinforced with filaments
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
Placement of nanofibers and yarns comprised of nanofibers onto a substrate are described. The nanofiber yarns are difficult to manipulate with precision given that the diameters can be as little as 5 microns or even less than one micron. As described herein, a placement system is described that can place nanofiber yarns on a substrate at pitches less than 100 μm, less than 50 μm, less than 10 μm, and in some embodiments as low as 2 μm. In part, this precise placement at small pitches is facilitated by the use of coarse and fine adjustment translators, and a guide connected to a compliant flange. The compliant flange and the guide facilitate consistency of location of a nanofiber yarn.
Placement of nanofibers and yarns comprised of nanofibers onto a substrate are described. The nanofiber yarns are difficult to manipulate with precision given that the diameters can be as little as 5 microns or even less than one micron. As described herein, a placement system is described that can place nanofiber yarns on a substrate at pitches less than 100 µm, less than 50 µm, less than 10 µm, and in some embodiments as low as 2 µm. In part, this precise placement at small pitches is facilitated by the use of coarse and fine adjustment translators, and a guide connected to a compliant flange. The compliant flange and the guide facilitate consistency of location of a nanofiber yarn.
Thermochromic displays that accomplish a thermochromic transition in less than 100 milliseconds are described. This rapid response time is accomplished by including conductive structures within the thermochromic display and placing the conductive structures in direct contact with and/or proximate to a thermochromic layer. The conductive structures can be disposed between the thermochromic layer and a film that carries the message to be produced. Because of the high thermal conductivity of the conductive structures, heat can be conducted to and/or conducted away from the thermochromic layer much more rapidly than in the absence of conductive structures.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
Thermochromic displays that accomplish a thermochromic transition in less than 100 milliseconds are described. This rapid response time is accomplished by including conductive structures within the thermochromic display and placing the conductive structures in direct contact with and/or proximate to a thermochromic layer. The conductive structures can be disposed between the thermochromic layer and a film that carries the message to be produced. Because of the high thermal conductivity of the conductive structures, heat can be conducted to and/or conducted away from the thermochromic layer much more rapidly than in the absence of conductive structures.
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/00 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
G09F 9/30 - Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
Polymer and nanotube-based actuators that include a thermochromic coating is disclosed. The actuators include a thermochromic material applied to a surface of the core fiber or the conductive element. Upon heating the actuator, the thermochromic coating undergoes a color transition to indicate a pre-determined temperature correlated to a rated critical temperature, important temperature of the actuator components, or a level of actuation.
D03D 15/00 - Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
G01K 11/12 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
An electroosmotic pump includes: a first carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube: a second CNT yarn tube; and a median tube. The first CNT yarn tube is fastened to one end of the median tube in a first connection portion. The second CNT yarn tube is fastened to another end of the median tube in a second connection portion. The first and second connection portions are sealed such that, a fluid cannot leak out through the first and second connection portions. Further, at least a portion of the inner surface of the median tube has a surface charge.
The present disclosure provides an electrically conductive sheet for use in three-dimensional molding including: a pseudo-sheet structure in which plural electrically conductive linear bodies extending unidirectionally are arranged spaced apart from each other; and a resin protective layer provided on a surface of the pseudo-sheet structure. In the above mentioned electrically conductive sheet, each of the electrically conductive linear bodies in the pseudo-sheet structure includes: a first portion formed in a wave pattern having a wavelength λ1 and an amplitude A1; and a second portion formed in a wave pattern having a wavelength λ2 and an amplitude A2, at least one of which is different from the wavelength λ1 or the amplitude A1 of the first portion.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
H05B 3/10 - Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
H05B 3/20 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
74.
Heat-generating sheet for use in three-dimensional molding, and surface heat-generating article
The present disclosure provides a heat-generating sheet for use in three-dimensional molding including: a pseudo-sheet structure in which plural electrically conductive linear bodies extending unidirectionally are arranged spaced apart from each other, each of the electrically conductive linear bodies having a diameter of from 7 μm to 75 μm; and a resin protective layer provided at a side of one surface of the pseudo-sheet structure. In this heat-generating sheet for use in three-dimensional molding, the total thickness of layers provided at the side of the pseudo-sheet structure at which the resin protective layer is provided is from 1.5 times to 80 times the diameter of the electrically conductive linear bodies. The present disclosure also provides a surface heat-generating article in which the heat-generating sheet for use in three-dimensional molding is used.
H05B 3/20 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.
A61L 27/42 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having an inorganic matrix
A61B 17/11 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for closing wounds or holding wounds closedAccessories for use therewith for performing anastomosisButtons for anastomosis
D02G 1/02 - Producing crimped or curled fibres, filaments, yarns or threads, giving them latent characteristics by twisting, fixing the twist and backtwisting, i.e . by imparting false twist
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.
A61L 27/40 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material
A61L 27/44 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having a macromolecular matrix
77.
FABRICATING A CARBON NANOFIBER YARN NERVE SCAFFOLD
Nerve scaffolds are described that include a tubular outer housing fabricated from a biocompatible polymer, within which are disposed a plurality of carbon nanofiber yarns. The carbon nanofiber yarns, which can be separated by distances roughly corresponding to an average nerve fiber diameter, provide surfaces on which nerve fibers can regrow. Because the proximate carbon nanofiber yarns can support individual nerve fibers, a nerve can be regenerated with a reduced likelihood of undesirable outcomes, such as nerve pain or reduced nerve function.
A hinge-type actuator device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first and second paddle, a first and second artificial muscle actuator segment, and a plurality of contacts, where the first and second artificial muscle actuator segments are actuated via the contacts, actuation of the first artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to open the hinge-type actuator, and actuation of the second artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to close the hinge-type actuator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
H01H 85/04 - Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
H01B 1/18 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive inorganic material the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon, or silicon
A61F 2/50 - Prostheses not implantable in the body
An actuator and method of manufacturing an actuator that includes a core fiber with polymers aligned along the length of the core fiber, and a wire that is wound around and fixed to the core fiber. The winding of the wire is engineered based on the torsional actuation. Upon heating the core fiber, the wire impedes radial expansion of the core fiber and converts the radial expansion into a torsional actuation.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
An artificial muscle tentacle and method for manufacturing an artificial muscle tentacle, and a computer readable medium for controlling an artificial muscle tentacle are disclosed. The artificial muscle tentacle includes two spacers and a central core that connects the two spacers. The artificial muscle tentacle also includes at least two Z-Twist actuators and at least two S-Twist actuators. The Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators are disposed around the central core and in between the two spacers connecting the two spacers. The actuation of one or more of the Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators actuates the artificial muscle tentacle.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
81.
HYDRAULIC MUSCLE FROM HOLLOW WRAPPED CARBON NANOTUBE YARN
A hydraulic muscle comprises a hollow carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube comprising: a plurality of CNT sheets twisted and wrapped in form of a hollow tube; and a binding agent infiltrated in the plurality of CNT sheets that binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic muscle comprises: twisting and wrapping a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets around a core fiber; infiltrating a binding agent in between the plurality of CNT sheets, wherein the binding agent binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together; and removing the core fiber from the plurality of CNT sheets.
Nanofiber sheet assemblies include at least one nanofiber sheet and at least one nanofiber grid or web that is used to improve the physical durability of the nanofiber sheet within the assembly. Nanofiber sheet assemblies retain the permeability of the nanofiber sheets to gaseous phase substances. This enables technological applications of nanofiber sheet assemblies to include filters for micron or nano-scale particles that are disposed in gas phase substances.
B29C 70/38 - Automated lay-up, e.g. using robots, laying filaments according to predetermined patterns
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 7/03 - Layered products characterised by the relation between layers Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers with respect to the orientation of features
D01D 11/02 - Opening bundles to space the threads or filaments from one another
D01H 7/86 - Multiple-twist arrangements, e.g. two-for-one twisting devices
D02G 3/22 - Yarns or threads characterised by constructional features
D06N 7/00 - Flexible sheet materials not otherwise provided for, e.g. textile threads, filaments, yarns or tow, glued on macromolecular material
Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate—nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate - nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/08 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments the fibres or filaments of a layer being specially arranged or being of different substances
An actuating device and a method for manufacturing an actuating device, where the method includes wrapping a conductive wire (204) around a polymer fiber (202) at a set tension, and heating the polymer fiber and wire to a temperature that exceeds the glass transition temperature of the polymer fiber for a predetermined amount of time to partially embed the conductive wire into the polymer fiber. The method also includes cooling the polymer fiber and wire to below the glass transition temperature resulting in a wired polymer fiber wherein at least part of the conductive wire is embedded in the polymer fiber.
An actuator device that includes a first actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the first actuating segment is connected to a first terminal and the other end of the first actuating segment is connected to a second terminal. The device also includes a second actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the second actuating segment is connected to a third terminal and the other end of the second actuating segment is connected to a fourth terminal. The device also includes a paddle disposed on both the first and second actuating segments and a heating provision disposed on the first and second actuating segments. The heating provision independently provides energy in the form of heat to the first and second actuating segments, and the actuator device moves rotates the paddle to a desired position through activating the first or second actuating segments.
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
D01F 6/00 - Monocomponent man-made filaments or the like of synthetic polymersManufacture thereof
H02N 10/00 - Electric motors using thermal effects
87.
CARBON NANOTUBE ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE VALVE AND CONNECTIONS
A carbon nanotube (CNT) artificial muscle valve includes a hollow CNT tube. The hollow CNT tube includes: a plurality of CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a hollow tube; and a guest material infiltrating between the CNT sheets. At least one portion of the hollow CNT tube falls in at least one of A-C: A. has a thickness less than a thickness of the remaining portion of the hollow CNT tube, B. has an inner diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the remaining portion of the hollow CNT tube, and, C. CNTs in the at least one portion are aligned to a bias angle lower than a net bias angle of CNT sheets in the remaining portion of the hollow CNT tube. When a pressure of a fluid in the hollow CNT tube exceeds a predetermined pressure, the at least one portion of the hollow CNT yarn collapses and forms a kink.
Holders for nanofiber sheets that can reduce the probability of damage to a nanofiber sheet during transport, handling, or experimental preparation are described. These holders can improve the convenience with which nanofiber sheets can be manipulated. Holders generally include two features: an outer case and a clamp disposed within the outer case. The clamp, which can be embodied in any of a variety of ways, mounts to a peripheral edge at one or more locations on the nanofiber sheet. The nanofiber sheet is held fixed in place within the outer case and is suspended within the chamber defined by the outer case and the client.
B24D 15/02 - Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping rigidHand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping with rigidly-supported operative surface
B24D 15/04 - Hand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping resilientHand tools or other devices for non-rotary grinding, polishing, or stropping with resiliently-mounted operative surface
A carbon nanotube (CNT) muscle device includes a first CNT yarn. The first CNT yarn includes: one or more first CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a tube; and a first guest actuation material infiltrating the one or more first CNT sheets.
A carbon nanotube sheet structure includes: a carbon nanotube sheet; a first base material including a first base material surface facing the carbon nanotube sheet; and a first spacer providing a gap between the carbon nanotube sheet and the first base material. A first base material surface of the first base material includes a first region on which the first spacer is provided and a second region on which the first spacer is not provided. The first base material is spaced apart from the carbon nanotube sheet at the second region on the first base material surface.
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 9/04 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups comprising such substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
Techniques are described for controlling widths of nanofiber sheets drawn from a nanofiber forest. Nanofiber sheet width can be controlled by dividing or sectioning the nanofiber sheet in its as-drawn state into sub-sheets as the sheet is being drawn. A width of a sub-sheet can be controlled or selected so as to contain regions of uniform nanofiber density within a sub-sheet (thereby improving nanofiber yarn consistency) or to isolate an inhomogeneity (whether a discontinuity is the sheet (e.g., a tear) or a variation in density) within a sub-sheet. Techniques for dividing a nanofiber sheet into sub-sheets includes mechanical, corona, and electrical arc techniques.
D02G 3/44 - Yarns or threads characterised by the purpose for which they are designed
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
D01D 10/00 - Physical treatment of man-made filaments or the like during manufacture, i.e. during a continuous production process before the filaments have been collected
D01F 9/127 - Carbon filamentsApparatus specially adapted for the manufacture thereof by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon gases or vapours
Techniques are described for controlling widths of nanofiber sheets drawn from a nanofiber forest. Nanofiber sheet width can be controlled by dividing or sectioning the nanofiber sheet in its as-drawn state into sub-sheets as the sheet is being drawn. A width of a sub-sheet can be controlled or selected so as to contain regions of uniform nanofiber density within a sub-sheet (thereby improving nanofiber yarn consistency) or to isolate an inhomogeneity (whether a discontinuity is the sheet (e.g., a tear) or a variation in density) within a sub-sheet. Techniques for dividing a nanofiber sheet into sub-sheets includes mechanical, corona, and electrical arc techniques.
An insulated nanofiber having a continuous nanofiber collection extending along a longitudinal axis with an outside surface and an inside portion is described. A first material infiltrates the inside portion, where the outside surface of the nanofiber collection is substantially free of the first material. An electrically-insulating second material coats the outside surface of the nanofiber collection. A method of making an insulated nanofiber collection is also disclosed.
H01B 3/30 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plasticsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances waxes
An insulated nanofiber having a continuous nanofiber collection extending along a longitudinal axis with an outside surface and an inside portion is described. A first material infiltrates the inside portion, where the outside surface of the nanofiber collection is substantially free of the first material. An electrically-insulating second material coats the outside surface of the nanofiber collection. A method of making an insulated nanofiber collection is also disclosed.
Techniques are described for infiltrating a nanofiber yarn with an infiltration material and removing a surface layer of the infiltration material on at least a portion of the infiltrated nanofiber yarn. This enables an infiltration method by which the infiltration material is selectively disposed within an interior of a nanofiber yarn and not disposed on an exterior surface of at least a portion of a nanofiber yarn. Electrical connection can be established by mechanically connecting an electrode (e.g., a conductive clamp or fitting) directly to the exposed surface of the nanofiber yarn.
B32B 5/28 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer impregnated with or embedded in a plastic substance
B29C 70/00 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
B29C 70/02 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising combinations of reinforcements and fillers incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, with or without non-reinforced or non-filled layers
B29C 70/10 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements
B29C 70/18 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of substantial or continuous length in the form of a mat, e.g. sheet moulding compound [SMC]
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
97.
Changing a density of a nanofiber sheet using an edged surface
A density of a nanofiber sheet can be changed using an edged surface, and in particular an arcuate edged surface. As described herein, a nanofiber sheet is drawn over (and in contact with) an arcuate edged surface. Depending on whether the arcuate surface facing a direction opposite the direction in which the nanofiber sheet is being drawn is convex or concave determines whether the nanofiber sheet density is increased relative to the as-drawn sheet or decreased relative to the as-drawn sheet.
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
C01B 32/162 - Preparation characterised by catalysts
B82Y 40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
B32B 5/14 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
B32B 9/04 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups comprising such substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 9/00 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups
A density of a nanofiber sheet can be changed using an edged surface, and in particular an arcuate edged surface. As described herein, a nanofiber sheet is drawn over (and in contact with) an arcuate edged surface. Depending on whether the arcuate surface facing a direction opposite the direction in which the nanofiber sheet is being drawn is convex or concave determines whether the nanofiber sheet density is increased relative to the as-drawn sheet or decreased relative to the as-drawn sheet.
B32B 15/14 - Layered products essentially comprising metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 5/12 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of adjacent layers
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
A method of manufacturing an artificial muscle fiber device includes: tethering an artificial muscle fiber around one or more shape-setting pieces; annealing the artificial muscle fiber so that the artificial muscle fiber will retain specific shapes established by the shape-setting pieces; and removing the shape-setting pieces from the artificial muscle fiber.
Methods and systems are described for continuously densifying at least one nanofiber sheet using heat and an applied force that can include both compressive and tensile components. Nanofiber sheets densified using these techniques have a more uniform and more highly aligned microstructure than nanofiber sheets densified using a solvent alone. As a result, the nanofiber sheets of the present disclosure have, for example, higher tensile strength and better electrical conductivity than nanofiber sheets densified using other techniques.
