Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structures and methods of making such structures, including tooling and articles used therein.

Abstract: Geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration are disclosed and described. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: A turbine includes a plurality of stacked disks, each disk comprising an opening in the center of the disk, which forms a central flow chamber. The turbine further includes a first disk that is coupled to a bottom of the plurality of stacked disks. The first disk does not have an opening in the center like the stacked disks. There is a plurality of disk spacers positioned between one or more of the plurality of stacked disks, thereby creating flow channels between the disks. The flow channels extend from an outside perimeter of the stacked disks to the central flow chamber. A tapered armature is coupled to the first disk and positioned within the central flow chamber, and a fluid collection unit is in communication with the outside perimeter of the stacked disks.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: Three-dimensional carbon fiber based composite support structures and methods for the manufacture and use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, such a support structure may include a lattice of intersecting support members made of a carbon fiber composite material and a cover of the same carbon fiber composite material as the lattice, fused to at least one side of the lattice and covering at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: Mandrels of various configuration, and action, including collapsible mandrels, to be used in forming composite articles with preselected three dimensional shapes and construction are disclosed and described. In one aspect, such a mandrel may have a plurality of discrete segments coupled about a longitudinal axis and collectively forming an enclosure with a substantially continuous exterior working surface. The working surface can have a network of intersecting grooves formed therein, and such grooves can cooperatively establish a substantially continuous interconnected lattice corresponding to the three dimensional geometric configuration to be imparted to a composite article formed. The mandrel may optionally include a removable core assembly to aid in collapse of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

Abstract: A bracket/spacer design in a bladeless turbine, compressor or pump comprising of a hub for axial mounting and one or more arms connected to the hub. This bracket/spacer configuration contributes in part or completely to form one or more fluid flow chambers along with coinciding geometry of the neighboring disk or disks facilitating the entrance or exit of fluid for the purpose of extracting or infusing energy into or from the fluid. Furthermore, this invention includes a precise description of non-constant angular and axial geometry of the bracket/spacer arm or arms.

Abstract: A bracket and/or spacer in a bladeless turbine, compressor or pump comprising of a hub for axial mounting and one or more arms connected to the hub. Said bracket and/or spacer configuration conforming in part or completely to the forming fluid flow chambers in the neighboring disk for the entrance or exit of fluid for the purpose of extracting or infusing energy into or from the fluid. Furthermore, this invention includes precise description of non-constant angular and axial geometry of said arms.

Abstract: A disk in a bladeless turbine, compressor or pump comprising of a working surface, a hub for axial mounting and one or more bridges connecting the hub to the working surface. Said disk configuration forming fluid flow chambers in the disk for the entrance or exit of fluid for the purpose of extracting or infusing energy into or from the fluid. Said chambers may vary in size from one to another or may be of geometry other than triangular or trapezoidal, for example tear-drop shaped. Furthermore, this invention includes precise description of non-constant angular and axial geometry of said bridges.

Abstract: Two or more disks of single or multiple materials of any given diameter and thickness whether homogeneous, tapered or contoured in a constant, linear or non-linear fashion in the axial direction with one or more openings in the disk(s) to create a fluid flow channel from the periphery of the disk(s) to the center near the shaft or vice versa and spaced a distance apart by a bracket, spacer or location along the shaft, used to comprise a disk assembly of a bladeless compressor, pump or turbine. Embodiments of this invention include the non-constant treatment of the assembly outer diameter, fluid flow channel inner and/or outer diameters as well as the differentiation in gap size between disks of the assembly.