Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kristina McCarthy

Jimmy Nguyen

Jason R Cox

Michael Rein

Chia-Chun Chung

Kristen Mulherin

Alexander Stolyarov

Edin Insanic

Lauren Cantley

Lalitha Parameswaran

Joshua Deisenhaus

Matthew Bernasconi

Michael Rickley

Tong Heng

A system for monitoring performance of a rope includes a drawn form factor that has a plurality of radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices (e.g., embedded therein). The form factor is integrated into a core portion of the rope. Each RFID device is configured to transmit a corresponding message to at least one receiver in response to an interrogation initiated by at least one transmitter. The messages enable the determination of at least one characteristic of the rope based on a spatial relationship of the plurality of RFID devices and a timing of the received messages.

Sensing fiber for monitoring rope condition, and method of manufacturing the same

Methods of manufacturing multi-material fibers having one or more electrically-connectable devices disposed therein are described. In certain instances, the methods include the steps of: positioning the electrically-connectable device(s) within a corresponding pocket provided in a preform material; positioning a first electrical conductor longitudinally within a first conduit provided in the preform material; and drawing the multi-material fiber by causing the preform material to flow, such that the first electrical conductor extends within the multi-material fiber along a longitudinal axis thereof and makes an electrical contact with a first electrode located on each electrically-connectable device. A metallurgical bond may be formed between the first electrical conductor and the first electrode while drawing the multi-material fiber and/or, after drawing the multi-material fiber, the first electrical conductor may be located substantially along a neutral axis of the multi-material fiber.

Multi-material fibers and methods of manufacturing the same

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Oxford, MA, United States of America

Kristina McCarthy