Abstract:
A three dimensional electrical component (11) having a first side (15) and a second side (16) formed from an electrically insulating polymer matrix capable of heat conversion to an electrically conducting polymer matrix has at least one passageway (17) from the first side (15) to the second side (16) having a tapered wall slope configuration from the first side to the second side with constantly changing cross section of the passageway (17) from the first side (15) through the passageway (17) to the second side (16), an electrically conducting path (18) between the first side (15) and the second side (16) formed by the in situ heat conversion of the walls of the passageway (17) in the electrically insulating polymer matrix. In a preferred embodiment the electrically conducting path is formed by directing a laser beam to the walls of the passageway (17) to heat the insulating polymer matrix to a temperature sufficient to convert it to an electrically conducting polymer matrix.
Abstract:
An electrical component for making electrical contact with another component, comprising a pultruded composite member having a plurality of small diameter conductive fibers in a polymer matrix said plurality of fibers being oriented in said matrix in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of said member and being continuous from one end of said member to the other to provide a plurality of potential electrical contacts at each end of said member. at least one end of said member having a fibrillated brush-like structure of said plurality of fibers providing a densely distributed filament contact wherein the terminating ends of the fibers in the brush-like structure defines an electrically contacting surface. In a preferred embodiment the brush-like member is a laser fibrillated structure.
Abstract:
An electrical component is made from an electrically insulating polymer matrix (27) filled with electrically insulating fibrous filler (34) which is capable of heat conversion to electrically conducting fibrous filler (32) and has at least one continuous electrically-conductive path formed in the matrix by the in situ heat conversion of the electrically insulating fibrous filler. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrous filler is thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile fibers, and the conductive path is formed by in situ heat-converted thermally-stabilized polyacrylonitrile fibers which have been converted by directing a laser beam through a mask having a predetermined pattern to melt the polymer and to convert the thermally-stabilized polyacrylonitrile fibers into their conductive form.
Abstract:
@o A contact brush charging device (11) for charging an insulating layer, especially the photoreceptor (13) in a xerographic repdocution apparatus, comprises a plurality of resiliently, flexible thin fibers (31) which have an electrical resistivity in the range from 10 2 to 10 6 ohms-cm and which are substantially resistivity stable to changes in relative humidity and temperature over the normal operating range and ageing. In a preferred embodiment the fibers are arranged in a uniform distribution along the length of the brush and comprise partially carbonized polyacrylonitrile fibers which have an electrical resistivity in the range from 10 3 to 10 5 ohms-cm and which are substantially homogeneous in composition.
Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments provide materials, devices and arrays of integrated sensor assembly, as well as methods for forming and using such devices and arrays in sensing systems. In one embodiment, the integrated sensor assembly can include an interconnecting member and at least one sensor member connected with the interconnecting member at any location thereof. Each of the sensor member and the interconnecting member can include a core element and a polymer. The core element for the sensor member and the core element for the interconnecting member can be electrically interconnected. Various embodiments can also include a connector member connected to the interconnecting member for transmitting sensing signals from or to the sensor member.
Abstract:
A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing (12) having first and second chambers (14,16). The first chamber (14) is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomas. The second chamber (16) is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode (22) extends into the cell housing second chamber (16) and an anode segment of an electrode assembly extends into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm.
Abstract:
An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.
Abstract:
An electrical component which has at least one end for electrically contacting another component. The electrical component includes a support with a plurality of electrically conductive fibers having at least a portion thereof extending outwardly therefrom to form a brush-like structure. The free end of the brush is adapted to contact the other component. A laser beam cold cuts the free end to minimize heating of the fibers being cut. A brush of this type may be used as a commutator brush in a scavengeless development system of an electrophotographic printing machine.