Technology Offerings

For a cost-efficient mass production of fiber composite components, it is essential to optimize the preparation of the near-net-shape textile preforms. The actual process consists of the manufacturing of standard textile semi-finished materials and therefore results in a discontinuous and cost-extensive procedure. The several working-steps – cutting to form, handling and fixing of the parts – are time-consuming and generate a big loss of valuable material. The process object of this invention takes advantages on the use of near-net-shape fabrics. Here single textile reinforcement elements are joined in a continuous process to form the final preform. The process described increase significantly the productivity of the production process of preforms and constitutes therefore a basis for the serial production of fiber composite components. Furthermore this technology can be integrated in an existing chain process in order to upgrade it. On behalf of the RWTH Aachen, PROvendis offers the license to the technology and the possibility to establish a scientific cooperation for further development.

The Thread-Speedometer is a non-contact measuring method with which the speed and the length of a running thread can be measured. The invention finds particular application in the textile industry for the monitoring of ongoing production processes. With the Thread-Speedometer running processes can be accurately monitored, whereby wastage and defects in the production can be significantly reduced. For the Thread-Speedometer patents were granted in several European and other countries. On behalf of the University of Applied Sciences Niederrhein, we offer interested companies the possibility of licensing and the advancement of technology. Based on prototypes, the functionality of the technology can be demonstrated.

Future and emerging indoor localization systems will rely on multiple different sensor systems to estimate the position of a device, such as accelerometers and radios available on smartphones. MINT uses a maximum of position-related Information embedded in a radio signal. Not only the direct signal path between an anchor (the infrastructure) and the mobile, but also deterministic reflections caused by building elements can be exploited. As a consequence, less infrastructure is needed: A single base station can already allow for centimeter-level localization. The uncertainty of the information contained in the reflected signals is learned automatically, which is needed for optimally processing the available information. With our real-time demonstration system of MINT, we consistently achieve accuracies better than 5cm, i.e. robust and accurate indoor localization is provided.

The present invention is based on the discovery of a so far unrecognized anatomic compartment within liver tissue that is formed by myeloid cells. These intrahepatic myeloid cell aggregates support local T cell expansion (iMATE) presumably by generating a cocoon-like structure that prevents hepatic regulatory cues to affect T cell proliferation within iMATEs.
This new observation can be exploited for the use of a vaccination strategy.

Short Description of the Invention: The invention enables the use of electrically insulating flanges for the connection of tubing with high internal pressures at high temperatures. The mechanical integrity of these flange connections is highly constrained by the used ceramic material. The invention enables the decoupling of the preload force from the insulating element under the stress of the internal pressure. Moreover, it allows the electrically insulating element to be only partially fabricated from ceramic material, such that it can be used in conformity with the European pressure equipment directive.

The novel design principle presented here for a piezomagnetic high voltage generator facilitates the virtually wear-free construction of energy harvesting systems for various applications. A system of this kind can therefore be operated largely without the need for maintenance.