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The new face of nylon manufacturing was recently discovered in the UK, by a team of engineers working to develop the strongest form of nylon yet. They start with materials in powdered form, melting a thin layer of the powder with a laser and then adding layer, upon layer, upon layer in a 3-dimensional laser-printing process.

The engineers have attempted this process with various materials including metal and plastic. But their nylon version, they have proclaimed, is as hard as steel. To demonstrate their laser-guided manufacturing process at its best, they made what they call the “Airbike.”

The futuristic looking bicycle is made up of six separately “printed” parts. The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, or EADS, produced the bike to show the versatility of their manufacturing process they have called Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM).

Plans for ALM include making lighter-weight planes, satellites, and perhaps even products for space using nylon. Why make the switch? The process uses 90% less material and the result weighs 65% less than typical metal manufactured products. The final product is incredibly durable.

Imagine a future where robots, containing ALM printers, fight battles for us by producing more robots and weapons made of materials they find around them. Far-fetched? Probably not.

What about futuristic food? CLM Laboratories already made some edible items using ALM. For now, it seems that nylon has managed to maintain its stronghold for use in the military and throughout the world while breaking ground for future, almost unfathomable new ideas.

When World War II was over, the military no longer needed such intensive manufacturing. DuPont was released from the order to produce nylon only for wartime purposes. As soon as they were able, they began to produce women’s hosiery again.

An enormous demand for women’s hosiery caused women to line up at department stores all over the states, to buy their first pairs of post-war hose. For a period of time, in fact, the demand was so great that all nylon production was focused on manufacturing nylons.

In the meantime, experimentation on nylon’s versatility and potential usefulness led to the production of nylon carpet and upholstery in cars. But nylon was no longer the only new star at this point, as other companies competed to develop the next latest and greatest in manufactured fibers.

The Union Carbide Corporation invented a fiber called modacrylic fiber. Hercules Incorporated developed a product called olefin fiber. And Dow Badische Company came up with metalized fibers. Nylon was still in the lead, however, when DuPont came up with yet another fiber: acrylic.

In the 1950s, the polyester fiber that had been a part of Wallace Carother’s prior research was making a comeback. Originally overlooked and not utilized fully, polyester became the focus of J. Dickson and J. Whinfield, who produced a superior version and patented it nationally and internationally.

All of the excitement going on around the world in the early 1900’s led DuPont through its ups and downs. Rayon was becoming an incredibly popular alternative to natural fibers. It was the beginning of what eventually led to manufactured fibers taking over the majority of the market.

In 1931, DuPont made another splash with the aid of their principal chemist, Wallace Carothers. He was researching large molecules called polymers. Initially, he named the fiber he created “66” based on its molecular structure. “66” was what we now refer to as nylon.

Finally, a manufactured fiber was developed that could outlast, outperform, and outshine rayon in so many purposes. While rayon and acetate had been developed from plant cellulose, this superior product came solely from petrochemicals.

All good things take time and patience. DuPont was not ready to begin manufacturing nylon for the public until 1939. Starting out with parachute fabric, nylon sewing thread, and “nylons” (hosiery for women), the company was set for big retail success.

Unfortunately, the Second World War hit the United States in 1941, leading the government to order that all nylon production be allocated to military needs. The nylon hose, which had only just had a chance to become the latest craze, were no longer in production.

While black market hose were sold for $10 a pair, 8 times their original price of $1.25, DuPont focused on more important things like producing parachutes for soldiers, tires for jeeps, tents, ropes, and even a special paper used for U.S. currency. By the end of the war, manufactured fibers had overtaken nearly a quarter of the fiber market.

Eleuthère Irénée du Pont was an entrepreneur who got his start in his homeland of France. He trained under the chemist, Lavoisier, the superintendent for the gunpowder plant run by the government. He took his knowledge and skills with him when he moved to America.

It was 1802 when du Pont moved his wife and two children to the Brandywine River, between Washington and Philadelphia. Du Pont was seeking a site for the manufacture of gun powder, as he hoped to become successful producing high quality and affordable gun and blasting powder.

Using an old cotton mill to start with, as well as some startup funds from his father’s influential friends, du Pont quickly started his business endeavor and began churning out the best powder in America. It may have been pure luck for du Pont that only three years later, President Jefferson ordered the embargo of trade with Europe, a principal source of gunpowder for the states.

With the sudden widespread demand for more powder, du Pont’s manufacturing site, in a fertile valley by the river, became the largest mill in the United States, in 1811. This Frenchman was living the American Dream. But that was only the start.

The War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War followed each other in relatively rapid succession. For each war, the need for gunpowder was significant and the company DuPont met demands with top quality products.

Despite tragedy, when five were killed in an accidental explosion, and competition, with the return of competitors from Europe, DuPont managed to hold its own. It nearly collapsed, in the late 1800’s, but Alfred du Pont saved the company with the production of brown prismatic powder, used in the Spanish-American War.

July is a time of dog walks, backdoor barbeques, and the dripping of ice cream- all of which are some of dogs’ favorite things. Spending more time outside, in the summer, your dog would look great with a patriotic themed collar to show off to the neighbors.

Decorative collars, like holiday collars, are not just for looks. Quality collars are designed using a nylon web core, for strength and safety, and a cotton web exterior for patterned designs and colors.

It is also important to select collars that are built with quality plastic buckles for lightweight durability and a rust-resistant metal dee ring for leash attachment. Beyond these basic quality requirements, it all comes down to what patterns and colors you prefer.

Some popular collars for the fourth of July include pictures of mini flags overlapping throughout the length of the collar, a blue background with white stars, a checkered pattern of flags, a pattern of larger flags appearing to wrap around the collar, and a patchwork quilt design with subdued shades of red, white and blue stars and squares.

One important factor to consider, when ordering a holiday collar for your dog, is to keep the collar width in mind. If the pattern is a larger one, a collar sized for a small dog might not show the pattern as well. So, for small dogs, make sure to order your 4^th of July collar with a small enough decorative design to show up on the smaller width of the band.

A ghilli suit that is created properly can give a hunter an incredible advantage when trekking through the country. Military styles have also been used for superior camouflage by armed forces in many countries. There are a few tips that will help you to create the best suit.

First, know the landscape that you will be wearing the suit in. Be sure to pay close attention to the season. The landscape may look very different in the fall than in the late spring. You will need to match the overall main color of your suit to blend well with the main color of the landscape.

You can find a suit to begin with, if you are making your own at many places. You can find a basic ghilli at a outdoor equipment store. You can find a military style ghilli at a military surplus store, or you can even use a mechanic suit.

You will want to tie on natural branches, leaves and other foliage from the area that you are in. You can use nylon webbing sewn onto several parts of the suit to do this. You can use hot glue or tie strong and small knots to keep the items on the webbing.

You will also want the suit to smell like the area. Many animals will respond to smells more quickly than to sight. If they smell an unnatural scent to the area, such as a human odor, they will leave the area. You can create a natural smell by putting your ghilli in mud, dragging it through a field or leaving it out in the open overnight.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan has reminded many of us that natural disasters can happen at anytime, without warning. Many communities have created earthquake readiness plans for their neighborhoods. To prepare for an earthquake you should participate in community programs and also prepare your own home for a disaster of this type.

There are several ways to ready your home to prevent damage from an earthquake. Even earthquakes that don’t reach high numbers on the Richter scale can create chaos and destruction in a home filled with delicate breakables and items that are not secured in or on shelves.

To secure small items such as knick-knacks and collectibles onto shelves, simply put putty on the bottom of them. Cabinets and drawers should be unable to open with a small quake. This can be prevented by placing hardware on the inside of the cabinet that holds the doors in place until they are manually opened.

Large objects such as televisions, couches and heavy wood tables and desks can be secured using nylon webbing materials. This material is strong and can be purchased in colors and designs that match the floor area, so the material is not an apparent eye sore. It can even be purchased specifically for this purpose in the variety made with adhesive buckle straps.

To be fully prepared for an earthquake in the home, your family will need a safety plan. Creating safe places within the home by securing large furniture and loose items from falling and moving will allow you to identify meeting places in the event of a disaster. Also, having preparedness items stored in an easy to get place will be helpful in this type of situation.

There is something about the month of February and Valentine’s Day that make the idea of dressing up your dog appealing. Celebrating this loving holiday can be a lot of fun for a dog. There are a lot of different ways to dress up your dog for Valentine’s Day.

1. Find a Valentine costume for your pet. Valentine’s Day costumes can be a nice touch. Can you imagine opening the door to find your dog dressed up in a cupid costume, with a halo headband on their head? To die for.

2. Invest in a Valentine’s Day dog collar. Buying holiday dog collars are wonderful ways to celebrate any holiday. Holiday dog collars, if taken care of well, can last you for many subsequent holidays through out the years.

Valentine’s Day dog collars come in a variety of designs. The most popular designs usually revolve around hearts, both small and large. Other popular Valentine’s Day dog collars include roses, flowers, and the colors red and pink.

3. Buy a Valentine’s Day outfit. Shirts or sweaters with a Valentine theme can spice up your dog’s normal ensemble. Find cute Valentine’s dog outfits online or at dog apparel stores.

4. Find something red or pink and incorporate it. These are the main two colors for Valentine’s Day. Even painting your dog’s toenails pink can make the holiday fun.

5. Make something for your dog. Handmade items can be a very nice touch on Valentine’s Day. Knit your dog something red, or make a pin to stick on his usual sweater to highlight the coming holiday.

Don’t be afraid to show off your cute canine. Valentines day is a fun way to celebrate with your pet. Whether you choose to dress them in a handmade hat, or dress them in a beautiful Valentine’s Day dog collar, have fun this holiday season. Show off your cute canine this Valentine’s Day. Your family and friends will love to see your dog dressed up in pink and red to celebrate. Whether you choose to make a handmade hat, or purchase a beautiful Valentine’s Day dog collar, your dog will definitely have fun this holiday.

As 2009 comes to a close, it is time to look forward to 2010.  It seems that time is passing faster than ever and there is never enough time to do all that needs to be done.  As we reflect on the past year and plan for the new one, it is time to thank our customers and to remember how Country Brook Design started.

From the beginning of the business in 2003, the goal was to provide quality products and custom-made dog collars and leashes for our customers.   We continue to strive for this goal everyday by providing top-quality materials and fast service and shipping.  Country Brook Design is located in Moulton, Alabama.  The owners are Jim Witt and his wife, Chris.  The business was started in their home but, after a couple of years, more room was needed and Country Brook Design now has its own building.

The idea for Country Brook Design started when we were breeders of AKC-registered Miniature Pinchers.  Since these dogs are small, the only collars available for their small size were plain webbing or chains.  We were showing our dogs in obedience and confirmation trials and wanted attractive collars that were functional for our dogs.  We started designing and making our own collars, then started offering them for sale on the internet and Ebay.  Now we have our own website with information on many subjects available.

Our collars are custom-made with a core of nylon webbing, covered with durable, attractive fabric in many designs and with strong hardware.  The collars were becoming big sellers.  Then requests started coming in for the items we were using to manufacture our designer collars:  snap hooks, D-rings, triglides, contoured side release buckles and of course, nylon and polypropylene webbing.  At that point, the business grew so much and so fast that we stopped breeding and showing Min-Pins, but still have them as pets.

The success of Country Brook Design comes from the many great products and designer items we offer and our desire to treat our customers as we would like to be treated.  We strive to provide our customers, new and old, with as much information about our products as we are can before the sale and then fast delivery of their purchase.

As we go forward to a new year, we will continue to improve our business in every way that we can.  It is our goal to continue to search for great products that can be added to our inventory.  Tubular webbing and Jacquard ribbon are two examples of new items that were big additions for 2009.  Tubular webbing offered flexible strength for various uses and Jacquard ribbon brings elegance to many designs.   There were many additions in the hardware section that have benefited our customers who had specific uses for them.

Again, thanks to our customers from Jim and Chris Witt and the other employees of Country Brook Design.  We can be contacted at the phone number and email address on our website.  We look forward to serving you in 2010!

Football season is in full swing and it is time to let your pet reflect your favorite team spirit.  Since it is football season, that means that Fall has arrived.  Fall is a season filled with color as trees change from green to many shades of red and gold.  And then there is the hint of the upcoming Holiday and Winter season.  Handmade designer dog collars and leashes are also created for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The first designer collar that your dog needs in this Fall season is the one that shows everyone where your football loyalties lie.  Whether it is college or NFL, there are custom-made collars and leashes available in many team designs.  From the No. 1 ranked Florida Gators to the No. 3 and 4 Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, many of the favorite college teams are available to adorn your pet on game day or any other day.  NFL teams are also represented with collars and leashes available in Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos and New York Jets, just to name a few.

The Fall season collar collection, as mentioned before, is a colorful collection with many choices for Halloween.  Ghosts, goblins, bats, pumpkins, skeletons and spider webs are included in shades of orange and black.  General Fall color designs and Thanksgiving-themed collars round out this collection.

There is still plenty of time to order these collars and have them handmade and shipped in time for your football or fall needs.  The collars are custom-made after the order is placed and the collar or leash is shipped within 3 – 4 days of when payment is received.  The purchased item is usually shipped by mail.  However, arrangements can be made for overnight shipping for an extra charge.  Halloween collars would need to be ordered very soon to have them for your dog in time for Trick-or-Treating.

Handmade designer dog collars are just what the name implies – custom-made dog collars from cotton fabric in the most popular patterns covering a core of nylon webbing.  This makes them soft, flexible, durable, and very strong.  The fashionable appearance is actually a secondary concern – the major concern is safety for the pet.  With the fabric covering, the collars can be designed for holidays, special occasions, and favorite sports team or just for fun.

Nylon webbing is used because of it tensile strength of approximately 4200 pounds in a one-inch width.  In addition to strength, nylon webbing is abrasion resistance and has a resistance to mold.  It is also resistant to chewing.  The handmade designer dog collars are made using the best contoured plastic side release buckles and hardware from top-quality manufacturers to add to the safety of these collars and leashes.  We also have metal side release buckles and hardware for those extra large dogs that have a history of breaking collars.

The sewing method of our handmade designer dog collars and leashes is also intended for safety and durability.  We use heavy-weight bonded nylon thread and industrial sewing machines.  The fabric is sewn into a tube, then down both sides onto the core of nylon webbing, preventing twisting and shifting.  The handmade designer dog collars are then box stitched, not just triple-stitched, for extra strength.

All of these details combine to make a beautiful and unusual accessory for the pet that is a quality product that can be used for years to come.  There is still plenty of time to order a collar and leash combination.  Directions for measurements of size are easy to find as well as numbers to contact if there are further questions.  While you are looking for a designer collar for Fall or football, preview the collars that are available for Christmas and the Holiday season and get an early start on Christmas shopping.