Abstract: A stowable top or cover mounted on an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck, using lift frames and actuators in a manner to be raised above the bed. The cover and lift frames include attachment channels for connecting a flexible tent-like enclosure thereto such that the enclosure can be attached thereto after the cover is raised. The flexible enclosure can comprise a camper enclosure that encloses the truck bed and also optionally can extend beyond the truck bed to form additional sitting and sleeping rooms supported on separate portable tent-type posts and platforms. A flexible awning enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an awning that extends beyond the truck bed supported on separate tent-type posts to provide a covered area for on-site work/commercial/recreational activities. An office enclosure can be attached to the raised cover and lift frames to form an office or meeting room where job-site work/meetings and the like can be conducted protected from the weather.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of making a hollow section fiber reinforced composite assembly useful as a structural component wherein a first rigid, fiber reinforced, EB (electron beam) curable-thermoplastic composite member is formed by liquid castable molding (LCM) thermoplastic-forming material about a fiber reinforcement and a second rigid, fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic composite member is similarly formed. An EB-curable adhesive material is provided at an interface between the assembled composite members. The composite members are then partially fusion bonded (e.g. ultrasonic tack welded) together at regions of the interface devoid of adhesive to form a hollow section for subsequent curing. The hollow section is subjected to irradiation by high energy electrons effective to cure the adhesive material and the partially bonded first and second fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic members to a thermoset condition useful in structural applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying fibers to a foraminous mold or surface using strands of binder and glass fibers is disclosed. A strand of binder fiber is chopped and entrained into a chute. The chute has a longitudinal airstream directed therethrough toward the foraminous surface. The binder fiber is separated into filaments by the airstream. The glass fiber strand is chopped and entrained into the chute downstream of the filaments. The chopped glass and the binder filaments mix within the chute and are then directed by the airstream onto the foraminous mold or surface. The mixture may be fanned out from the chute to provide more even coverage of large sized molds or surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of making a hollow section fiber reinforced composite assembly useful as a structural component wherein a first rigid, fiber reinforced, EB (electron beam) curable-thermoplastic composite member is formed by liquid castable molding (LCM) thermoplastic-forming material about a fiber reinforcement and a second rigid, fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic composite memer is similarly formed. The first and second rigid, fiber reinforced, thermoplastic members are then fusion bonded together in a manner to form a hollow section. The hollow sectio is subjected to irradiation by high energy electrons effective to cure the bonded first and second fiber reinforced, EB curable-thermoplastic members to a thermoset condition useful in structural applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttle member is horizontally translatable above the vacuum box on a support bed and the shuttle member is divided into air flow channels by baffle plates. Only a small number of air flow channels can pass above the air flow opening at a single time and this serves to keep low pressure in the vacuum box. In addition, a vortex gate is provided in the duct between the fan housing and the vacuum box and serves to restrict air flow through the duct when the pressure within the duct drops below a certain level.