Abstract: A process for making a fiber form by preparing structural fabric comprised of a plurality of plies of structural fibers and sewing the fabric with at least one course of resin holding thread. The sewn fiber form is then impregnated with a curable resin and cured to prepare the finished fiber reinforced composite article.

Abstract: A method of molding oriented structural yarn/polymer matrix composite structural articles in which a preform of oriented yarn layers saturated with a resin is placed in a shape-defining mold, which is put in an enclosure, and subjected to heat and pressure to cure the resin, after which a cooling medium may be introduced. To enable the use of lightweight multi-part molds, and a mixture of pressure is distributed evenly, an internal liner is collapsed about the mold prior to curing. The process is extremely productive, and allows for accuracy and reproducibility through the use of real time temperature monitoring and closed loop feedback control.

Abstract: An opening cover of fiberglass is provided for hopper railroad cars, whereby the car may be loaded from above by causing the halves of the cover to move outward through a cable drive system. The covers are of an aero-dynamic shape which provides for negative lift and drag. By employing light-weight materials and an aero-dynamic shape, substantial advantages in fuel cost and consumption can be achieved, while providing for easy loading and protection of cargo through the translational movement of the cover halves.