Composite materials with adjustable spectral properties comprised of IR-reflecting micro-domains overlaying an IR-transparent elastomeric matrix, and capable of dynamically controlling IR radiation transmission are described, as well as methods of fabrication thereof. Systems with capabilities to regulate IR radiation (including heat) transmission based thereon, and methods of regulating IR radiation transmission (including thermal regulation) using the same are also provided.

An apparatus includes: a mechanically insulating device including a flexible bellows (315) extending between first and second flanges (325, 330) and defining a bellows passageway that extends along an axial direction between openings of the first and second flanges; a rigid inner sleeve (335) affixed to or supported by the first flange and extending along the bellows passageway in the axial direction; and a shield device (340 including i.a. 342, 344). The rigid inner sleeve has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the flexible bellows. The shield device is at least partly fixed to or supported by the second flange and defines an axial device opening having a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the flexible bellows and is greater than the outer diameter of the rigid inner sleeve. The shield device is configured to block particulates from entering a region between the flexible bellows and the rigid inner sleeve.

An apparatus includes: a mechanically insulating device including a flexible bellows (315) extending between first and second flanges (325, 330) and defining a bellows passageway that extends along an axial direction between openings of the first and second flanges; a rigid inner sleeve (335) affixed to or supported by the first flange and extending along the bellows passageway in the axial direction; and a shield device (340 including i.a. 342, 344). The rigid inner sleeve has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the flexible bellows. The shield device is at least partly fixed to or supported by the second flange and defines an axial device opening having a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the flexible bellows and is greater than the outer diameter of the rigid inner sleeve. The shield device is configured to block particulates from entering a region between the flexible bellows and the rigid inner sleeve.

Methods and systems are provided for a flexible support for a vehicle. In one example, the flexible support is formed of a composite material and configured to surround a vehicle component and absorb oscillations generated by the vehicle. The composite material may be a mixture of aluminum particles dispersed in an elastomer matrix.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a vacuum thermal insulation panel capable of reducing the occurrence probability of poor welding of a metal outer wrapping material. The method of producing the vacuum thermal insulation panels 100, 100A to 100 D, 101, 101A according to the present invention includes a “covering step of covering a core material 110 or 110B with a metal foil 130 or 131” and a “welding step of welding a metal foil portion on an outer side of the core material”, and the core material is at least partially covered with a cover 120, 120A, or 120D at a timing when the covering step is to be started. Note that when the entire surface of the core material is covered with the cover, it is preferable to reduce the inside of the cover to seal the cover before the covering step, and when a part of the core material is covered with the cover, it is preferable to simultaneously reduce a pressure inside the metal foil and a pressure inside the cover to seal the metal foil.

A fluid conduit assembly that includes a fluid conduit comprising a tubular member extending between at least a first end and a second end is disclosed. The tubular member has an inner surface configured to convey a fluid and an outer surface. A heater trace is deposited on the outer surface of the fluid conduit and configured, in use, to heat the fluid within the inner surface of the fluid conduit. An insulation shell is located over the heater trace and configured to suppress heat losses from the fluid conduit. An interconnect device is located proximate to each of the first end and the second end on the fluid conduit. A portion of the interconnect device extends through the insulation shell to electrically connect the heater trace to one or more external devices. Fluid transport systems including the fluid conduit assembly are also disclosed.

A fluid conduit assembly that includes a fluid conduit comprising a tubular member extending between at least a first end and a second end is disclosed. The tubular member has an inner surface configured to convey a fluid and an outer surface. A heater trace is deposited on the outer surface of the fluid conduit and configured, in use, to heat the fluid within the inner surface of the fluid conduit. An insulation shell is located over the heater trace and configured to suppress heat losses from the fluid conduit. An interconnect device is located proximate to each of the first end and the second end on the fluid conduit. A portion of the interconnect device extends through the insulation shell to electrically connect the heater trace to one or more external devices. Fluid transport systems including the fluid conduit assembly are also disclosed.

A heat shielding apparatus capable of dynamically responding to incident heat flux of changing ratio of thermal radiation and convective heat, wherein the dynamic response comprises thermal conduction of the incident heat to a region of lower ambient temperature, and substantive reflection of the incident thermal radiation.

A heat shielding apparatus capable of dynamically responding to incident heat flux of changing ratio of thermal radiation and convective heat, wherein the dynamic response comprises thermal conduction of the incident heat to a region of lower ambient temperature, and substantive reflection of the incident thermal radiation.

A multilayer tape assembly is described which can be used with insulation jacketing and particularly for self sealing lap (SSL) applications. The tape assembly includes two adhesive layers with associated carrier and release layers in conjunction with a differential release system. Various methods of use are also described.