Abstract: A thermoforming method includes forming a skin comprising a plurality of plies thermoplastic resin and fiber, securing an edge of the skin to a mandrel, heating, via a heating element, the skin to a forming temperature, moving a thermoforming apparatus with respect to the mandrel, rolling at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus along the skin in a direction away from the clamped edge of the skin in response to the thermoforming apparatus moving with respect to the mandrel, and in response to the at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus rolling along the skin, compressing the skin between the at least one roller and the mandrel, consolidating the plurality of plies of material, and bending the skin to conform to a shape of the mandrel. The consolidated and formed skin is then cooled and removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A thermoforming method includes forming a skin comprising a plurality of plies thermoplastic resin and fiber, securing an edge of the skin to a mandrel, heating, via a heating element, the skin to a forming temperature, moving a thermoforming apparatus with respect to the mandrel, rolling at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus along the skin in a direction away from the clamped edge of the skin in response to the thermoforming apparatus moving with respect to the mandrel, and in response to the at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus rolling along the skin, compressing the skin between the at least one roller and the mandrel, consolidating the plurality of plies of material, and bending the skin to conform to a shape of the mandrel. The consolidated and formed skin is then cooled and removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A thermoforming method includes forming a skin comprising a plurality of plies thermoplastic resin and fiber, securing an edge of the skin to a mandrel, heating, via a heating element, the skin to a forming temperature, moving a thermoforming apparatus with respect to the mandrel, rolling at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus along the skin in a direction away from the clamped edge of the skin in response to the thermoforming apparatus moving with respect to the mandrel, and in response to the at least one roller of the thermoforming apparatus rolling along the skin, compressing the skin between the at least one roller and the mandrel, consolidating the plurality of plies of material, and bending the skin to conform to a shape of the mandrel. The consolidated and formed skin is then cooled and removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A sail rig for a wind driven craft comprising a rotatable gantry mast adapted to support one or more sails within the gantry and a support structure connected to said mast to rotate therewith and which carries an aft sail attachment boom which is pivoted to the support structure at a first end and provided with means for attachment to the clew of the sail or one of the sails at its second end, and a means for controlling the relative angle of the attachment boom in relation to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A support pad includes a low density layer of an air and water permeable three-dimensional matrix composed of a mat of polymeric material. The layer preferably has a smooth and planar contour on the top face, and a “peak and valley” contour on the bottom face. A pad may be maintained over the top face of the low density layer. Sheeting may be placed over at least the top face of the low density layer and the pad to provide a more comfortable surface for an individual to rest upon.

Abstract: This invention provides a paint aid and/or a brush in which the brush head is connected to the handle by a pivotal connection allowing pivoting of the brush head with respect to the handle about at least a single axis. preferably, ball and socket type joint is used to allow rotation about at least two axes.

Abstract: A hinge and ramp assembly including first and second plate-like members, each having bottom portions and flanged end portions at one end, with a pivotal device disposed therebetween. The plate-like members may be pivoted from a first closed position in which the bottom portions are in face-to-face engagement to a second load bearing position in which the flanged end portions are in face-to-face engagement and are configured to carry loads placed on the assembly which would act to open the assembly further. Ramp members, configured to matingly engage with the inside surface of each plate-like member formed by said bottom and flanged end portion, are attached to the hinge assembly to provide a ramp apparatus which is rigid and may be used to bridge a distance.