Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an electrofusion pipe coupler with mechanical support. The electrofusion pipe coupler comprises a coupler housing. A wire is configured and disposed within the housing. Electrodes are affixed to the coupler housing and in electrical contact with the wire. A threaded pattern is formed in an outer surface of the coupler housing. Gripping wedges are affixed to the coupler housing. Each gripping wedge extends from the coupler housing. A nut is attached to the coupler housing, engaging with the threaded pattern, and compressing the wedges against the connecting pipes. This serves to provide axial load transfer from the connecting pipes to the coupler housing via the wedges, thereby providing improved mechanical stability for such pipe assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide automated fiber placement techniques for fabrication of parts made from composite materials. Tape plies are wound around a mandrel while a polymer is dispensed on a tape ply shortly before compaction. A bead monitoring system monitors the size and placement of the bead on the tape ply and feeds back information to various process control systems to maintain an optimal bead size.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an electrofusion pipe coupler with mechanical support. The electrofusion pipe coupler comprises a coupler housing. A wire is configured and disposed within the housing. Electrodes are affixed to the coupler housing and in electrical contact with the wire. A threaded pattern is formed in an outer surface of the coupler housing. Gripping wedges are affixed to the coupler housing. Each gripping wedge extends from the coupler housing. A nut is attached to the coupler housing, engaging with the threaded pattern, and compressing the wedges against the connecting pipes. This serves to provide axial load transfer from the connecting pipes to the coupler housing via the wedges, thereby providing improved mechanical stability for such pipe assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide automated fiber placement techniques for fabrication of parts made from composite materials. Tape plies are wound around a mandrel while a polymer is dispensed on a tape ply shortly before compaction. A bead monitoring system monitors the size and placement of the bead on the tape ply and feeds back information to various process control systems to maintain an optimal bead size.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a heating method and apparatus in which a plurality of heated regions is superimposed in order to improve energy density control.

Abstract: An improved thermoplastic composite prepreg tape is disclosed. The prepreg tape is optimized for high-speed, high quality in-situ consolidation during automated fiber placement. Embodiments of the prepreg tape have uniform dimensions (cross section, width, and thickness), uniform energy absorption, uniform surface roughness, and sufficient resin at the surface to affect a bond between layers. A scattering agent is used in a polymer surface layer to enable a combination of scattering and absorption in the polymer surface layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a heating method and apparatus in which a plurality of heated regions is superimposed in order to improve energy density control.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus is disclosed to laminate various structural articles with a layer of resin impregnated fiber tape. The tape laying member removes a releasable backing layer from the tape being employed, then deposits the unbacked tape on the surface of the structural article, and finally severs the end of the tape being deposited. An automated cut and restart procedure is employed in the present tape laying member to increase tape throughput.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reinforcement of a thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessel with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put into service.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: A fluid heater utilizing a porous ceramic, for example silicon carbide, electrically conductive body as an electrically energized heating element to heat a fluid passing through the pores thereof is provided. A plurality of interconnected annular fluid flow passageways are positioned in the fluid heater so that fluid exiting therefrom surrounds the porous body, further improving the efficiency of the porous fluid heater body. An electrical disc rear contactor is positioned within one end of the cylindrical sleeve to peripherally engage the sleeve and axially electrically engage the body. An electrically conductive disc front contactor is positioned concentrically at an opposite end of the sleeve to peripherally engage the housing in electrical contact relationship and axially engage the body in electrical contact relationship.

Abstract: A hollow container or carton for an article formed of a single blank which has been suitably shaped and provided with selected fold lines. The carton is provided with a bottom structure which may readily snap open to provide access to the carton. The uppermost edges of both the carton front panel and the rear panel define parabolic curves and the carton side panels include tabs having curved outer edge portions conforming to the uppermost edges of the front and rear panels for alignment therewith and securement thereto.