Abstract: A method of forming a composite tubular structure, such as a drive shaft, composed of a tubular member formed of fiber reinforced resin and having metal yokes secured to the ends of the tubular member. Each yoke includes a cylindrical sleeve portion bonded in overlapping relation to the respective end of the tubular member. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs or bosses are formed on each sleeve portion and are received in slots provided in the respective end of the tubular member. Windings of a fibrous material impregnated with a thermosetting resin can be applied over the joint between the tubular member and each sleeve portion. With this construction the torsional load is transmitted through the ribs and slots rather than through an adhesive bonded interface between the members.

Abstract: A composite tubular structure, such as a drive shaft, composed of a tubular member formed of fiber reinforced resin and having metal yokes secured to the ends of the tubular member. Each yoke includes a cylindrical sleeve portion bonded in lapping relation to the respective end of the tubular member. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs or bosses are formed on each sleeve portion and are received in slots provided in the respective end of the tubular member. Windings of a fibrous material impregnated with a thermosetting resin can be applied over the joint between the tubular member and each sleeve portion. With this construction the torsional load is transmitted through the ribs and slots rather than through an adhesive bonded interface between the members.

Abstract: A dual rate leaf spring construction including a main leaf spring, preferably formed of fiber reinforced resin, and having a central section adapted to be connected to an axle of a vehicle and having a pair of ends to be connected to the frame of the vehicle. A secondary leaf spring, having a substantially shorter length than the main leaf spring, is secured beneath and parallel to the main leaf spring, and an elastomeric pad is mounted on each end of the secondary spring. The pads have upwardly facing rounded heads that are spaced out of contact with the lower surface of the main spring under normal load conditions. Under heavy load conditions, the main spring will deflect downwardly into contact with the pads to thereby enable the secondary spring to carry a portion of the load.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring including a curved central section and a pair of end sections, each having a bushing to receive a connecting member. The spring is formed from a plurality of longitudinally extending substantially continuous strands of fibrous material impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin which are wound in a loop configuration around the bushings. The windings consist of a pair of generally parallel runs which extend between the bushings and are disposed in contiguous relation and the resin is cured to formed an integral structure. Each bushing includes a tubular section and at least one circumferentially extending rib that extends outwardly from the tubular section and is encapsulated in the fibrous windings. The ribs act to prevent delamination of the two runs along the neutral axis of the spring when the spring is subjected to load in service.

Abstract: A self-levelling supporting base for a tank. The base includes an annular skirt having an upper rim disposed in contact with the lower dome-shaped head of the tank. A curved wall is connected to the rim and extends across the skirt and is spaced beneath the head. The wall is provided with a central opening to receive a member, such as a fluid pipe, that is connected to the lower head. A washer surrounds the member and the lower end of the member is engaged with a connector, such as a fitting, which acts to deform the wall and urge the rim into tight engagement with the head of the tank. The opening in the curved wall is substantially larger in diameter than the member with the result that the base can be shifted laterally to properly align the tank on an uneven supporting surface.

Abstract: A heat trap assembly to prevent heat loss in the cold water inlet and hot water outlet piping systems of hot water storage vessels. The assembly consists of a heat sealing member normally located against a seat within the piping system of the cold water inlet to close off loss of heat by thermal circulation from the hot water in the storage vessel when no cold water is flowing through the piping and into the storage vessel and a second heat sealing member located against a seat within the piping system of the hot water outlet to close off loss of heat by thermal circulation from the hot water in the storage vessel when no hot water is flowing from the vessel. The heat sealing members are moved from their respective seats when water is flowing through the piping and stops are provided which confine the longitudinal movement of the respective heat sealing members.