An article of footwear with a ball contacting member is disclosed. The ball contacting member enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory. The ball contacting member can be attached to the article of footwear in various different ways.

An article of footwear with an undulating sole provides a different and unique ride and/or feel to the article of footwear, while also providing a unique aesthetic appeal and adequate cushioning and support. The midsole has an undulating shape substantially similar to a sine wave with a series alternating peaks and troughs, and may include one or more support elements disposed on the midsole to provide desired stiffness or cushioning properties to the midsole.

An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.

An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.

A method of making an ammunition article and associated ammunition article is provided. The ammunition article is interchangeable with standard ammunition articles and to operate in standard chambers of standard weapons systems and of the type having a casing including a sidewall that defines a casing volume within. The method includes determining a desired propellant charge volume for a given ammunition article, determining a thickness of the casing sidewall such that the casing volume substantially corresponds to the desired propellant charge volume, and forming the casing having the determined thickness.

Nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) including nanoparticles dispersed with a base phase change material and that exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity in comparison to the base phase change material.

A heat transfer device including a container in which a heat-transfer fluid circulates in a closed loop. The heat transfer fluid is capable of undergoing an increase in volume on solidifying. The container further contains particles suspended in the heat-transfer fluid. At least some of the particles are compressible under the pressure of the fluid, as the fluid is solidifying, so as to at least partially compensate for the increase in volume of the fluid upon solidifying.

Metal nanoparticles having improved migration resistance are provided. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing composite nanoparticles including obtaining composite nanoparticles containing at least silver and copper in a single particle by heat treating a mixture containing an organic silver compound and an organic copper compound at a temperature of 150° C. or more in a non-oxidative atmosphere in the presence of a tertiary amine compound represented by the general formula R1R2R3N (wherein R1 through R3 are optionally substituted alkyl groups or aryl groups that may be the same or different, R1 through R3 may be linked in a ring, and the number of carbon atoms in each of R1 through R3 is 5 through 18 and may be the same or different).

Disclosed herein is a sintered composition comprising iron; about 0.05 to about 1 wt % molybdenum; about 3 to about 4.5 wt % silicon; about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt % chromium; about 0.011 to about 0.015 wt % magnesium; all weight percents being based on the total weight of the composition; the composition being devoid of carbon except for trace amounts; and wherein the composition is sintered. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending a powdered composition that comprises iron; about 0.05 to about 1 wt % molybdenum; about 3 to about 4.5 wt % silicon; about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt % chromium; about 0.011 to about 0.015 wt % magnesium; all weight percents being based on the total weight of the composition; the composition being devoid of carbon except for trace amounts; compacting and sintering the composition.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for making silver nanoparticles, and includes steps of reacting a silver salt with a phosphene amino acid to make silver nanoparticles. Exemplary phosphene amino acids include trimers, with a particular example being a trimeric amino acid conjugate containing one phosphene group. In an exemplary method of the invention, the silver nanoparticles may be produced in timer periods of less than about 30 minutes, and at temperatures of less than about 40° C. Other methods of the invention are directed to methods for stabilizing silver nanoparticles.

Articles containing a matrix material and plurality of copper nanoparticles in the matrix material that have been at least partially fused together are described. The copper nanoparticles are less than about 20 nm in size. Copper nanoparticles of this size become fused together at temperatures and pressures that are much lower than that of bulk copper. In general, the fusion temperatures decrease with increasing applied pressure and lowering of the size of the copper nanoparticles. The size of the copper nanoparticles can be varied by adjusting reaction conditions including, for example, surfactant systems, addition rates, and temperatures. Copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together can form a thermally conductive percolation pathway in the matrix material.

A method of generating hydrogen gas from the reaction of stabilized aluminum nanoparticles with water is provided. The stabilized aluminum nanoparticles are synthesized from decomposition of an alane precursor in the presence of a catalyst and an organic passivation agent, and exhibit stability in air and solvents but are reactive with water. The reaction of the aluminum nanoparticles with water produces a hydrogen yield of at least 85%.

A method of making metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is disclosed. A mixture of a transition metal compound and an aromatic polymer, a precursor of an aromatic polymer, or an aromatic monomer is heated to form a metal nanoparticle composition, optionally containing carbon nanotubes.

Methods of preparing nanowires having small diameters and large lengths are disclosed. Such nanowires are useful in electronics applications.

The invention relates to a composition for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles, wherein the composition contains a first organometallic precursor and a second organometallic precursor having different decomposition rates and contained within an ionic liquid solution. The invention also relates to a method for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles, in which the composition is transformed under a hydrogen gas pressure between 0.1 and 10 MPa at a temperature between 0 and 150° C. until a suspension of bimetallic nanoparticles is obtained. The resulting nanoparticles are useful in diverse fields including the fields of catalysis and microelectronics.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

Methods of forming metal matrix nanocomposites are provided. The methods include the steps of introducing a master metal matrix nanocomposite into a molten metal at a temperature above the melting temperature of the master metal matrix nanocomposite, allowing at least a portion of the master metal matrix nanocomposite to mix with the molten metal and, then, solidifying the molten metal to provide a second metal matrix nanocomposite.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies and reduced nitric oxide co-production relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

A cobalt-nickel base alloy is disclosed. The alloy includes, in weight percent: greater than about 4 % of Al, about 10 to about 20 % of W, about 10 to about 40 % Ni, about 5 to 20 % Cr and the balance Co and incidental impurities. The alloy has a microstructure that is substantially free of a CoAl phase having a B2 crystal structure and configured to form a continuous, adherent aluminum oxide layer on an alloy surface upon exposure to a high-temperature oxidizing environment. A method of making an article of the alloy includes: selecting the alloy; forming an article from the alloy; solution-treating the alloy; and aging the alloy to form an alloy microstructure that is substantially free of a CoAl phase having a B2 crystal structure, wherein the alloy is configured to form a continuous, adherent aluminum oxide layer on an alloy surface upon exposure to a high-temperature oxidizing environment.

A label for removable application to an article such as a beverage bottle includes a backing layer (2) comprising a laminate of a bi-axially oriented polyester such as PET (12) and a bi-axially oriented polypropylene (14). The polyester film (12) has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the polypropylene film (14). Consequently, when the label is heated, it will tend to curl and this effect can be used to assist in the removal of the label from the article in a hot washing bath during recycling of the article.

The invention relates to a messaging sign apparatus with informative indicia moveable articles that externally display information regarding patient care. The messaging sign apparatus includes a frame, a movable article positionable within the frame, and fastening member that is engageable with the moveable article. The frame includes an article receiving section on an inner body thereof and an article receiving opening on an outer surface and leading into the article receiving section, with the moveable article positioned in the article receiving section and moveable through the article receiving opening. The fastening member is arranged on the frame and engageable with the moveable article to secure the moveable article within the frame into different displaying position.

A die casting method and apparatus are provided, thereby making it possible to produce a thin diecast product that has hitherto been considered impossible to realize, and a diecast product is also provided. A semi-solidified metallic material is formed having particles in solid phase of a particle size less than 30 μm, and is thereupon injected into a die. A die casting machine has a sleeve into which a melt of metallic material is poured, and the semi-solidifying material there when it has a certain proportion of solid phase reached is injected into the die with a plunger to which pressure is applied. The melt of metallic material is poured into the sleeve so that the material occupies inside the sleeve at a proportion in vertical cross-sectional area of 30% or less. The particle size in this semi-solid material is held unvaried in a product as diecast.

An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.

An article of footwear including a knitted component having a monofilament knit element with peripheral knit portions is described. The knitted component includes a monofilament knit element formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.

An article of footwear including a full monofilament upper is described. The full monofilament upper incorporates a knitted component including a monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element is formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures. A fusible strand may be knit with the monofilament knit element. Upon heating, the fusible strand can combine and surround the monofilament strand within the monofilament knit element.

An article of footwear including a knitted component having a monofilament knit element with peripheral knit portions is described. The knitted component includes a monofilament knit element formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament knit element is formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component, including peripheral portions that are knit using a natural or synthetic twisted fiber yarn. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament knit element. The monofilament knit element may be knitted with a monofilament strand according to a variety of knit structures.

The invention provides a new method for preparing ultra-small polymeric-lipidic delivery nanoparticles (USDNs) that were synthesized by a nanoprecipitation method followed by a layer-by-layer nanodeposition. The USDNs particle size can be controlled between 5-25 mn and provides loading capacities of 22.12% to 72.08%. Moreover, the USDNs platform provides pH controlled drug release, within a terminal release ratio of 68% at pH 5.0 and almost no release to pH of 7.5. Furthermore, based on their small sizes (5-25 nm) and unique composition, the USDNs penetrates the skin strata efficiently, release the payload at the target site as topical or transdermal treatment of a variety of skin disorders. Additionally the USDNs system can be used to treat and diagnoses other crucial diseases (Cancer, Alzheimer, etc) can be combined with various micro-needles or needles free array technologies for special application.

A button system and method of manufacturing the same are provided for identifying fiber from which an article of apparel is manufactured. Initially, an article of apparel manufactured with a predetermined fiber is identified. Next, indicia indicative of the predetermined fiber is selected. Next, at least one button is manufactured with the indicia thereon for identifying the fiber from which the article of apparel is manufactured.

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer such that the elastic strands are bonded to both the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in heavy-bond regions. And the elastic strands are bonded to the first substrate layer and/or the second substrate layer with in light-bond regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by cutting the strands into one or more discrete pieces in the light-bond regions. The discrete pieces retract and remain in the light-bond regions.

Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example.

An improved composition comprising substantial spherical UFP particles and an active agent, such as NBPT, and optionally other components is used as an additive for liquid and solid fertilizers, typically containing urea. Methods of making the compositions and their use are also disclosed.

A method for marking references on a flat article includes providing a model having at least a through-opening and exhibiting the same peripheral profile as a flat article to be marked; detecting the peripheral profile of the model and storing that profile in a memory; detecting a profile of the through-opening and the relative positioning with respect to a reference system; detecting a peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating the peripheral profile of the model so as to superpose it on the peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating also the profile of the through-opening of the detected model, taking account of the relative positioning with respect to the reference system and of the positioning of the peripheral profile of the model with respect to the peripheral profile of the flat article. Contactless marking of at least a reference on the flat article is made at the profile of the through-opening which has been replicated.

The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.

A method for producing resin particles, including ejecting a liquid containing at least a resin in the form of droplets from a droplet ejecting unit having a plurality of holes provided in a part of a flow channel for feeding the liquid containing at least a resin, and drying and solidifying the ejected droplets so as to obtain the resin particles, while the ejected droplets are transported by a primary transport air flow flowing in the direction in which the droplets are ejected, wherein the ejected droplets are further transported by a secondary transport air flow which transports the ejected droplets in a different direction from a direction in which the primary transport air flow flows, and wherein a smaller angle of angles formed between a velocity vector of the primary transport air flow and a velocity vector of the secondary transport air flow is less than 120 degrees.

The present invention relates to a method for recrystallizing fine spherical cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (Research Department Explosive, hereinafter, referred to as “RDX”) particles, and the method for recrystallizing fine spherical RDX particles according to the present invention may include (a) introducing a powder material containing RDX into a container, (b) introducing a dimethylether compressed gas into the container and dissolving the RDX to form a RDX solution, (c) releasing and decompressing the RDX solution into atmospheric pressure to form crystallized RDX particles, and (d) separating and collecting the RDX particles.

The invention relates to the field of explosives, and more particularly relates to particles of an explosive, wherein they are in crystalline form, have a rounded shape and a majority of them contain no internal defect. Particles of an explosive in crystalline form include a volume fraction of closed pores of less than or equal to 0.05%. A method for preparing explosive particles includes preparing crystalline particles, a majority of which are without an internal defect; and rounding the crystalline particles.

Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing.

Laundry articles are spread out by input machines in front of a feed conveyor which feeds the spread-out laundry article to a mangle. The respective laundry article is previously fed by a transfer device to a draw-on device onto which the laundry article is drawn. In known input machines, relatively complicated transfer devices are provided. According to the invention, the transfer device is provided with a rectilinear conveying section ascending to the draw-on device. The laundry article is thereby transported to the draw-on device by the transfer device in the plane in which it is transferred to the transfer device. Such a transfer device needs to have only a simple set-up. Since the laundry article remains in the plane in which it is fed to the transfer device, it can be brought by the transfer device into a favorable initial position for being drawn reliably onto the draw-on device.

Provided is a steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article, which has an improved durability against so-called cuts, such as notches and perforations, which are generated in the case of treading on an obtusely or sharply pointed projection, without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord, and without increasing the thickness in the radial direction, namely without increasing the weight of a tire, as well as a tire using the steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article as a reinforcing material, especially a construction vehicle tire. Also provided is a steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles with a multi-twisted structure formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand formed by twisting a plurality of wires, and the core strand being constituted of an at least three-layer-twisted structure formed by twisting core filaments and sheath filaments. The lowest tensile breaking strength of filament bs and the tensile breaking strength of steel cord Bc satisfy the relationship represented by the following formula: bs/Bc×100≧0.65.

A steel cord for reinforcement of rubber articles, whose cord strength is enhanced by preventing occurrence of preceding break of the outermost layer filaments in the steel cord having a multi-twisted structure, and a pneumatic tire using it as a reinforcing material are provided. In a steel cord for reinforcement of rubber articles having a multi-twisted structure in which a plurality of strands are twisted together, which strands have a layered twisted structure in which a plurality of steel filaments are twisted together, dc/ds, which represents the ratio between dc, the diameter of outermost layer sheath filaments constituting the outermost layer sheath of a core strand, and ds, the diameter of outermost layer sheath filaments constituting the outermost layer sheath of sheath strands, is 1.05 to 1.25.

Without decreasing the strength in the axial direction of the cord, and without increasing the thickness in the radial direction, a steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article, which improves durability against cut, as well as a construction vehicle tire utilizing the steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article as a reinforcing material is provided. A steel cord for reinforcing a rubber article is formed by twisting a plurality of sheath strands 2 formed by twisting a plurality of wires around a core strand 1 formed by twisting a plurality of wires, wherein the core strand 1 is constituted of a 4-layer-twisted structure and the diameter of the steel cord is 5 mm or larger. The tire of the present invention is a tire which has a belt constituted with 6 belt plies with cords arrayed on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire at a crown part of the carcass, which are crossed between the laminated plies, and wherein the steel cords for reinforcing a rubber article are applied to the third belt layer and the fourth belt layer.

An electronic smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a mechanical aerosol converter insert having the capacity to improve characteristics of aerosol produced by the aerosol generator, including sensory attributes.

A flavor delivery release system for a cigarette or cigarette package. The system includes a cigarette, at least one capsule containing a flavorant, the capsule positioned on an external surface of the cigarette; and wherein the flavorant is released upon rupturing the capsule.

Delivery of additives in a smoking article is provided through thermally degradable, robust immobilized additive inserts. Additives can be immobilized in an elongated device or an insert, wherein the elongated device or the insert is sufficiently robust to allow the elongated device or the insert to be manually or machine inserted into a smoking article while maintaining the structure of the elongated device or the insert. By providing additives in the form of thermally degradable immobilized additive inserts, migration and/or loss of the additives in a smoking article prior to smoking can be reduced.

A smoking composition for inclusion in a combustible smoking article includes a combustible organic material, such as tobacco and/or tobacco substitutes and at least one alkanoylated glycoside for enhancing the flavor of mainstream smoke. Optionally, dry hops extract can also be included in the smoking composition.

Machine (1) for packaging articles (2) inside containers (3), a conveyor (6) is provided with a longitudinally movable transporting section (7) for feeding the articles (2) in a given direction (D) and along a given conveying path (P); a robot (23), which is arranged along the conveying path (P) and controlled by an operating and control device depending on detection at least of the position of each article (2) on the transporting section (7), picks up single articles (2) from the transporting section (7) and transfers each picked-up article (2) inside a container (3); the transporting section (7) is delimited transversely by two side walls (18) stabilizing the position and direction of each article (2) with respect to the transporting section (7); on the latter the articles (2) are stably seated between the side walls (18), one behind another in a row, in the conveying direction (D).

An article sorting and conveying device that conveys articles by the vibrations of a movable body provided through an elastic support unit, includes a first vibration unit that imparts a periodic vibration force to the movable body in a direction inclined from a vertical direction; a second vibration unit that imparts a periodic vibration force in a direction crossing the periodic vibration force by the first vibration unit; and a vibration control unit that causes a periodic vibration force imparted by each vibration unit to have a phase difference and occur simultaneously at the same frequency, and that creates an elliptical vibration trajectory in the movable body. The articles are sorted and conveyed on the movable body by setting the vibration trajectory of the movable body by the vibration control unit such that articles having a different coefficient of friction are conveyed in different directions.

A method of making a basket-like or other decorative article from pine needles comprising the steps of twisting and arranging pine needles, stitching the pine needles with a sewing needle and thread, so as to form a surface or wall, forming a basket-like object, the outer and inner surfaces of which are sealed with a protective coating, such as varnish.

A system and method of constructing a substantially decorative article without the need for fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the decorative article is a woven basket. One or more retainers are provided to retain the material used to construct the outer surface of the decorative article. Each retainer is provided with a channel for receiving one end of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article. The channels are able to retain the ends of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article without the need for fasteners. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is sufficiently rigid, the decorative article will be self-supporting. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is not sufficiently self-supporting, supports may be located between the retainers. The channels may be oriented at an angle, or may be provided with a texture, to assist in retaining the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article.