Abstract: Methods of forming composite rovings formed of reinforcing fibers coated with at least one matrix resin are provided. The matrix resin may be any thermoplastic or thermoset powder or thermoplastic or thermoset emulsion, and is applied to reinforcement fibers after a size composition has been applied. The matrix resin may be applied to the reinforcing fiber in an amount from about 20 to about 35% by weight of the composite fiber. The fibers travel a distance sufficient to dry the size and the matrix resin. In exemplary embodiments, the distance may be from about 20 to about 150 feet. A heating apparatus may be utilized to assist in drying the fibers. The end composite fiber product is a composite roving that is formed in one step during the glass forming process and can be used in further processing steps to form composite parts without the need to add additional resin.

Abstract: Construction and advantages of improved wavy composite structures made from wavy composite, unidirectional composites, and damping materials is revealed. By combining wavy composite laminae in various waveforms, offsets, angular orientations and material combinations, it is possible to provide axial, torsion, or shear properties equivalent to unidirectional materials but without the limitations related to fiber discontinuity, labor costs for fabrication, and weakness at seams where laminates overlap. By combining wavy composite layers with unidirectional crossplies, or by using woven mats with various fill fiber levels where the warp fibers are sinuously arranged, improved strength and damping is possible. Several examples of both wavy crossply laminates and unidirectional crossply laminates are analyzed and compared.

Abstract: A dishwasher tub includes a main body having opposing side walls that are interconnected by a rear wall, all formed from a multi-layered composite material. A cap member is joined atop the opposing side and rear walls, a base member is joined to lower edge portions of the opposing side walls and rear wall, and a frontal halo member is mounted between the cap and base member to define an overall washing chamber having a front opening. Preferably, the multi-layered composite material includes an inner stainless layer, a rigid layer and an outer protective layer, such as a layer of stainless steel, a rigid polyester mat, and a protective layer of hard plastic or aluminum foil. The outer layer also preferably serves as a shipping container for the dishwasher, enabling components of the dishwasher to be transported to a designated location for final assembly.

Abstract: A dishwasher tub includes a main body having opposing side walls that are interconnected by a rear wall, all formed from a multi-layered composite material. A cap member is joined atop the opposing side and rear walls, a base member is joined to lower edge portions of the opposing side walls and rear wall, and a frontal halo member is mounted between the cap and base member to define an overall washing chamber having a front opening. Preferably, the multi-layered composite material includes an inner stainless layer, a rigid layer and an outer protective layer, such as a layer of stainless steel, a rigid polyester mat, and a protective layer of hard plastic or aluminum foil. The outer layer also preferably serves as a shipping container for the dishwasher, enabling components of the dishwasher to be transported to a designated location for final assembly.

Abstract: An appliance base assembly includes a one-piece composite body having at least one molded in feature selected from a group consisting of a front-face plate, a mounting bracket, an insulation retention tab, an air circulation vent and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: Construction and advantages of improved wavy composite structures made from wavy composite, unidirectional composites, and damping materials is revealed. By combining wavy composite laminae in various waveforms, offsets, angular orientations and material combinations, it is possible to provide axial, torsion, or shear properties equivalent to unidirectional materials but without the limitations related to fiber discontinuity, labor costs for fabrication, and weakness at seams where laminates overlap. By combining wavy composite layers with unidirectional crossplies, or by using woven mats with various fill fiber levels where the warp fibers are sinuously arranged, improved strength and damping is possible. Several examples of both wavy crossply laminates and unidirectional crossply laminates are analyzed and compared.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: Construction and advantages of tubular structures made from wavy composite, conventional composites, and damping materials is revealed. The use of sinuous or wavy composite structures as a capable replacement for crossply laminates is disclosed. By combining wavy composite laminae in various waveforms, offsets, angular orientations and material combinations, it is possible to provide axial, torsion, or shear properties equivalent to unidirectional materials but without the limitations related to fiber discontinuity, labor costs for fabrication, and weakness at seams where laminates overlap. Several examples of both wavy crossply laminates and unidirectional crossply laminates are analyzed and compared.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced composite structures and applications that exhibit inherent damping with little or no sacrifice in strength and that make use of wavy fiber patterns in the plane of the composite laminate. The invention includes the methods and apparatus for manufacturing the wavy composite material, and the use of the material in the construction of practical structures and devices. The fabrication of a wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers preimpregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed wave forms. Combined with conventional laminate structures and/or materials, these wavy composite materials allow the design engineer to “tune” the dynamics (e.g. damping, stiffness) of a structural member. The use of wavy patterns in the laminate is not limited to the use of traditional epoxies but may also be used in conjunction with specialized matrix materials having inherent viscoelastic properties.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed which relates to a process for producing a glass reinforced potable water pressure pipe having an ultra thin inner layer of thermoplastic resin that is made via a continuous mandrel concept and which is ideally suited for use with potable water.

Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer mixtures which comprise a polyphenylene ether, a polyamide and an agent to improve the impact resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a roof ridge ventilator cover that is adapted to be removably secured to a conventional roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover of the present invention, when installed on a conventional roof ridge ventilator, will cover and block the air vents of the ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover generally includes two panels serving to cover and block the two panels of air louvers or vents of the roof ridge ventilator. The roof ridge ventilator cover may be made from sheet aluminum or other sheet material, including sheet made of plastic, having sufficient resilience to return unaided to a formed shape after some deflection. The roof ridge ventilator cover is installed by deflecting the cover sufficiently so the cover may be placed over the top portion of the roof ridge ventilator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture of a polyphenylene ether resin and a styrene-containing polymer or copolymer, in which at least a part of the polyphenylene ether resin is modified with reactive groups of a first type and at least a part of the styrene-containing polymer or copolymer is modified with reactive groups of a second type which are capable of reacting with the reactive groups of the first type. The invention further relates to articles formed from the said mixture, which have a good combination of low surface gloss and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer mixtures which comprise a polyphenylene ether, a polyamide and an agent to improve the impact resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a low gloss polymer blend comprising an aromatic carbonate without reactive groups, a polymer or copolymer having a reactive epoxygroup and an aromatic carbonate polymer or copolymer having a reactive group which react with the epoxy group. Optionally, the composition may contain further usual compounds, such as polymeric materials which are normally used to modify the mechanical properties of polycarbonate, particularly rubbery or non-rubbery polymeric materials containing units of a styrene; also additives like colorants, flame retarding agents may be routinely incorporated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer mixture which comprises an aromatic polycarbonate, a styrene-containing copolymer and/or a styrene-containing graft polymer and a flame-retardant. It has been found that the use of a certain type of flame-retardants, namely oligomeric phosphates leads to a polymer mixture having improved properties. In particular to a polymer mixture having a good combination of flame retardancy, non-juicing characteristics of the flame retardant, good plastifying effect and good heat resistance.