Abstract: A variable position friction joint, including a housing defining a housing cavity receiving therein a relatively soft lining material defining a lining cavity. A joint member has a rounded end which is received with a snug friction fit within the lining cavity, said joint member and said housing being selectively movable relative to each other. The joint member and said housing may be tipped relative to each other and/or they may be selectively moved rotationally relative to each other relative to the axis of said joint member. The rounded end of the joint member may include a plurality of valleys in the surface thereof to prevent squeaking of the joint when said joint member and said housing are moved relative to each other. The lining material may comprise either a tubular member defining a cylindrical lining cavity or another member which defines a generally spherical lining cavity.

Abstract: A test apparatus comprising an elongated, heat-resistant glass tube, the ends of which are firmly seated in top and bottom end-caps. A plurality of threaded rods extending through the top and bottom end-caps parallel to the glass tube and having nuts threaded on their ends provides means for holding the end-caps in place. The top end-cap has two threaded ports to which fluid inlet and outlet lines are attached while its interior surfaces has an attachment means for supporting a test specimen within the glass tube. The test apparatus is particularly suitable for performing tests on polymeric film or composites under different environmental conditions.

Abstract: A composite prepreg material comprising a carboxy-terminated polybutadiene, an epoxy novolak resin, a carboxylic acid accelerator and an epoxy catalyst. When reinforced with well known reinforcing fibers or filaments, the material is eminently suitable for use in the fabrication of structural composites.