Abstract: An aircraft with a fuselage that comprises at least one hollow beam element, wherein the at least one hollow beam element accommodates at least one hollow duct element that comprises a tubular duct element wall, and wherein at least one protective spacer is arranged between the tubular duct element wall and the at least one hollow beam element such that free space is available between the tubular duct element wall and the at least one hollow beam element.

Abstract: A structural assembly for an airfoil structure comprising at least one connection member configured to connect a leading-edge member, or a trailing-edge member, of an airfoil structure to a torsion-box member, such that the connection member prevents the leading-edge member, or trailing-edge member, from pivoting relative to the torsion-box member away from an operational position. At least one corresponding support is provided wherein the support is configured to be attachable to the connection member and further configured to be attachable to at least one system element.

Abstract: A thermoformed article is disclosed that includes a self-supporting structural base layer, a covering applied to a first side of the base layer, and one or more secondary features co-injected upon a second side of the base layer. The covering and the secondary features of the thermoformed article are applied to the base layer during the same molding operation. Also disclosed is a process for forming a thermoformed article that includes placing a covering in a mold tool as a first layer, placing a self-supporting structural base layer in the mold tooling as a second layer, closing the mold tooling with the covering and base layer, and co-injecting upon a side of the base layer opposite to the covering one or more secondary features.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method. A composite charge is placed over a forming and cure mandrel, a first radius filler, and a second radius filler. Mechanical pressure is applied to shape the composite charge to the forming and cure mandrel and a rigid base to form a stringer layup having a hat-shaped cross-section. Vacuum pressure is applied to the stringer layup to form a compacted stringer package.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a composite part. The method comprises positioning a prepreg material relative to a composite forming tool. The composite forming tool comprises a frame associated with a shaping system, a base comprising at least one mold, and the shaping system associated with the frame and configured to move relative to the frame, the base, and the prepreg material. The method also lowers the shaping system of the composite forming tool towards the prepreg material. The method applies pressure to the prepreg material with a centerline presser of the shaping system. The method also applies a force to the prepreg material using a number of compliant elongate members of the shaping system to uniformly apply the prepreg material to the at least one mold of the base of the composite forming tool.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system having a seat part includes a non-foam base material covered with a trim material. The non-foam base material may include a plurality of different firmness zones based at least in part on at least one of a seated-occupant pressure map and a structural arrangement disposed adjacent to the seat part. The seat part may be, for example, a seat cushion, a seat back, or a seat bolster.

Abstract: A poster board whose central region is thicker than its peripheral region. The peripheral region having a reflective and refractive surface that provides iridescent color hues within a rainbow spectrum. The reflective and refractive surface may contain a holographic pattern of geometric shapes of different sizes and shapes. The reflective and refractive surface may give rise to spaced apart bands with each of the bands containing the rainbow spectrum of color hues.

Abstract: A nonwoven abrasive wheel includes a nonwoven abrasive body having opposed first and second major surfaces and a moisture barrier layer arranged on at least one of the first and second major surfaces. Methods of making are also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a blade spar that includes transversely at least one arrangement. A pressure-side mold and a suction-side mold are defined for each arrangement that is to be fabricated. Each mold includes at least one removable slide and a base. Each slide is then removed from a mold and the tape segments of a hank are laid by a fiber-placement method on each mold. Each mold is closed by putting the slides into place on the mold. During a finalizing step, the molds are juxtaposed and the spar is heated.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated article comprising placing a first metal skin, a core, and a second metal skin freely onto each other as discrete layers to provide a layered component; and forming the layered component into a shaped article via a die prior to producing a laminated article by applying pressure and heat to the shaped article, wherein at least the first skin moves relative to the core and/or second skin during the forming.

Abstract: A low-cost method of manufacturing a composite tube assembly having a composite fiber tube connected to metallic end fittings includes placing at least one end fitting on a mandrel, the end fitting including a grip region having a plurality of external surfaces, wrapping a fiber tow around the grip region of each end fitting and the mandrel to form a fiber-wrapped assembly, curing the fiber tow, and removing the mandrel to yield a completed tube assembly. The method may include positioning a plurality of compression inserts around the grip region after some of the fiber tow has been wrapped around the grip region, and wrapping additional fiber tow around the compression inserts and the grip region. The compression inserts may have a rounded outer surface such that an end portion of the tube wound around the compression inserts has a round outer cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A composite laminate such as a hat-type stringer is formed on a contoured mandrel using a combination of mechanical sweeping and vacuum forming.

Abstract: An assembly configured to prevent damage to an object during manufacture thereof is provided including a first housing having a substantially hollow interior. An exposed first planar surface of the first housing includes an inlet port and a plurality of small openings formed about the periphery. The inlet port, the hollow interior, and the plurality of small openings form a fluid flow path through the assembly. A second housing similar in size and shape to the first housing, has an exposed second planar surface. An intermediate layer is arranged between the first housing and the second housing. A cross-section of the intermediate layer is configured to change shape in response to a compression force applied thereto by the first housing and the second housing to form a seal separating an exterior portion of the object exposed to the plurality of small openings from an interior surface of the object.

Abstract: A laminated stack, such as a trackpad, is assembled by coupling components using an adhesive system. Assembly of the laminated stack includes forming an adhesive-spacing component on a first substrate, forming an adhesive-alignment-holding component on the first substrate in a perimeter around the adhesive-spacing component, forming a bonding component by filling an area within the perimeter with liquid adhesive, and bonding the first substrate to a second substrate by curing the bonding component. The first substrate and the second substrate may each be one of a touch-sensing component and a cover component. The adhesive-spacing component maintains a space between the first substrate and the second substrate while the bonding component cures. The adhesive-alignment-holding component maintains alignment of the first substrate and the second substrate while the bonding component cures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for the construction of wing sections having multi-box wing spars. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an aircraft wing may be constructed by applying one or more layers of composite material onto a plurality of wing mandrels. The wing mandrels, when placed together, form the shape of the wing. After the layers of composite material are applied to each individual mandrel, the mandrels are abutted together. Thereafter, the mandrels are compressed using wing surface tooling applied to the plurality of wing mandrels. The composite material is thereafter cured. After curing, the wing surface tooling and mandrels are removed, resulting in a wing having multi-box wing spars and skin.

Abstract: An integrated composite trailing edge and its method of manufacturing. The trailing edge comprises an integrated main structure having an upper cover, lower flanges, and a set of ribs extending between the upper cover and the lower flanges, with a set of sandwich type lower panels attachable to the lower flanges of the integrated main structure. The method comprises the steps of providing a set of prepreg laminated preforms over a set of tool modules having a hollow so that each laminated configures a double C-shaped laminated preform having an upper section with a recess, two primary and secondary flanges, the upper section partly forming the upper cover, the two primary flanges partly forming the ribs and the two secondary flanges forming the lower flanges.

Abstract: A load-bearing composite structure for connection to a support body or structure. The load-bearing structure includes a load-bearing element that is made up of continuous reinforcing fibers and a resin matrix. The load-bearing element has an attachment portion for connection to the support body. The load-bearing composite structure further includes a connection element that is formed using a molding material which is composed of discontinuous fibers and a resin matrix. The molding material is molded over the surface of the attachment portion of the load-bearing element.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing fabric-reinforced weatherstrip include incorporating a fabric application step into a process for making coated substrates. In one embodiment, a strip of the fabric from a roll of material may be applied directly onto a coating after it has been applied in a coat die to a foam profile, while the coating is still in the molten state. Alternatively, a fabric application plate may be attached to an upstream side of coating die with a fabric feed channel cut into the plate. The fabric follows the channel to contact and mate with the foam profile. The fabric applicator plate may be configured so as to exert pressure on only the part of the product where the fabric is being applied. Ultrasonic welding techniques may also be employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in which the coating (6) is thermoformed and the coating (6) is cut in at least one cutting region (18). According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcement layer (12) is impregnated with a thermosetting resin at least in one cutting region (18), and the coating (6) is cut in the cutting region after the thermoforming of the coating and the setting of the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A vacuum bagging system may include a layer assembly defining a fluid flow channel. The layer assembly may include a contact layer mounted to a composite part positionable within an outer mold line (OML) tool. The contact layer may have a contact layer width defined by opposing contact layer side edges. The layer assembly may further include an inner layer mounted to the contact layer and having inner layer side edges located between the contact layer side edges. The fluid flow channel may extend along at least a portion of the composite part to at least one part end. The vacuum bagging system may include an internal vacuum bag positionable against the inner layer. An inner mold line (IML) tool may support the internal vacuum bag. The contact layer width may be less than an IML tool width.

Abstract: A transparent device for protection from an action of shock, projectiles, fragments or shock waves is provided. The device is a laminate having brittle-fracture, transparent materials that are joined together by way of transparent intermediate layers of organic polymers. The laminate is closed on the protective side facing away from the side of action by a fragment-protective layer that is formed as a transparent polymer layer in a thickness of 0.5 mm to 12 mm. The laminate has facing the side of action a chemically prestressed, brittle-fracture panel that is at a distance of 3 mm to 20 mm from the side of action.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a skin of a composite structure on an outer surface of an inner mold line layup mandrel. The systems and methods include receiving a plurality of ply kits, assembling the plurality of ply kits to form a skin segment that defines a portion of the skin, and affixing the skin segment to the outer surface of the layup mandrel. The assembling includes transferring a respective ply kit of the plurality of ply kits to a non-planar transfer tool, compacting the respective ply kit on the non-planar transfer tool, and repeating the transferring and the compacting for each ply kit in the plurality of ply kits to form the skin segment.

Abstract: A contoured composite structure is fabricated by laying up a composite charge that includes at least one ply formed by uni-directional fiber pre-preg ply segments having substantially constant widths. The ply segments are placed in side-by-side, overlapping relationship with their longitudinal centerlines aligned in a polar orientation related to the contour of the structure. The charge is formed into the shape of the structure and cured.

Abstract: A capacitor having a dielectric consisting of a glass layer with an alkali metal oxide content of at most 2 wt % and a thickness of at most 50 ?m is provided. The capacitor includes at least two metal layers which are separated by the glass layer. The glass layer is preferably produced by a down-draw method or by an overflow down-draw fusion method.

Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.

Abstract: The invention rotates to a method for producing an equipment part (1). According to the invention, the equipment part (1) is provided with a decorative skin (2) at least in some sections, wherein the decorative skin (2) is integrated with at least two differently colored and/or different structured material regions (2.1, 2.2) then are adjacent to one another along a separating line (3), wherein the separating line (3) of the material regions (2.1, 2.2) of the decorative skin (2) that are adjacent to one another is oriented in correspondence with a recess (12) of the equipment part (1) substantially pointing away from the visible side and then deepens into the recess (12) of the equipment part (1) in a form-closed manner in the area of the separating line (3) and is fastened in a bonded manner. The invention further relates to a tool for producing an equipment part (1). The invention further relates to an equipment part (1) for arrangement in a vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a process and machine for waterproofing semimanufactured footwear, clothing items, and accessories. Embodiments also provide semimanufactured products obtained with said process and/or machine. The semimanufactured product may have a three-dimensional conformation with an inner surface and an outer surface. A waterproofing sheath may be formed by superimposing two edges of a semi-permeable membrane, and welding the superimposed edges of the semi-permeable membrane to one another to form a strip and to give the waterproofing sheath a three-dimensional conformation. The semimanufactured product and three-dimensional waterproofing sheath may be arranged on a shaped support with an adhesive between the semimanufactured product and the waterproofing sheath. The semimanufactured product and/or waterproofing sheath may be pressed to bond the waterproofing sheath to the surface of the semimanufactured product.

Abstract: A method of forming a curved touch surface is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes depositing a touch sensor pattern on a flexible substrate; and curving the flexible substrate, using a chuck surface supporting the flexible substrate, to conform to a shape of a curved cover surface. Then, the curved flexible substrate can be laminated or otherwise adhered to the cover surface. The flexible substrate can be a glass substrate greater than 200 ?m in thickness, and can be reduced to a desired thickness below 200 ?m after the touch sensor pattern is deposited thereon. The flexible substrate can be curved by supporting the flexible substrate on the chuck surface such that the flexible substrate conforms to a shape of the chuck surface, or forcing the flexible substrate against the cover surface, such that the flexible substrate conforms to the shape of the curved cover surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaped counter top edge includes heating a sheet laminate to an elevated temperature, bending the sheet laminate to a formed laminate, and applying adhesive to at least one of the formed laminate or a substrate comprising a substrate upper face, a substrate lower face, and a substrate shaped edge positioned between the substrate upper face and the substrate lower face. The method also includes positioning the formed laminate proximate to the substrate upper face, the substrate lower face, and the substrate shaped edge, and clamping the formed laminate to the substrate upper face, the substrate lower face, and the substrate shaped edge of the substrate with a clamping press assembly until the adhesive cures to form a substrate/laminate assembly from the formed laminate and the substrate. The method further includes cutting a portion of the substrate/laminate assembly to form the shaped counter top edge.

Abstract: A method of bonding a film (2) to a curved substrate (1) comprises preforming the film by applying a pneumatic pressure difference between two sides of the film and by heating said film. An intermediate shape is then conferred on the film, which is suitable for applying the film against a curved face of the substrate. This application is carried out, on the one hand, by keeping the film m the intermediate shape by means of an adjusted pressure difference applied between the two sides of the film and, on the other hand, by pressing the substrate against the film by means of a movable support (12-14). Such a method is used to obtain a defect-free ophthalmic lens with a film bonded to it.

Abstract: Method and tooling apparatus for forming a composite charge into a contoured composite blade stringer including an elongate punch and an elongate die flexible along their lengths. The charge is press formed by using the punch to drive the charge into the die. The punch and the die are mounted between a pair of flexible plates. A press coupled with the plates contours the charge by bending the plates into a desired contour. The stringer is allowed to cool down to room temperature while being constrained, before withdrawing the stringer from the tooling apparatus in order to reduce wrinkling.

Abstract: An interior trim panel (1) for a motor vehicle includes a carrier layer (2), a film (3) arranged on the carrier layer (2), and a metal layer (4) arranged on the film (3) and forming the outer side of the interior trim panel (1). The metal layer (4) has at least one opening (5). Part of the film (3) is located within the at least one opening (5) and forms the outer surface of the interior trim panel (1) in the area of the at least one opening (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a composite filler includes at least one die and a device for moving a stack of reinforced ply strips through the die. The die has peripheral die face adapted for forming the ply strip stack into a desired cross sectional shape. The cross section of the die face may vary around the periphery of the die.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a round catheter pull wire within the distal end of a catheter. A steering deflection mechanism includes a pull ring having a plurality of apertures and one or more receiving slots. The method includes affixing one or more round pull wires to the one or more receiving slots of the pull ring. The shape of the round wire and manner of affixing the wire to the pull ring provide a steering assembly that can withstand greater pull forces while maintaining design integrity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a semi-spherical polishing pad for polishing semiconductor surfaces, provide for: placing a polishing pad pre-form on a dome-shaped forming surface, the polishing pad pre-form including a circular body having a center and an outer peripheral edge, and a plurality of slots extending from the outer peripheral edge towards the center; disposing a bladder opposite to the dome-shaped forming surface and the polishing pad pre-form; inflating the bladder with a fluid such that the dome-shaped forming surface of the bonnet form presses against the polishing pad pre-form from one side and the bladder presses against the polishing pad pre-form from an opposite side; and maintaining the pressing step for a predetermined period of time to achieve the semi-spherical polishing pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to manufacture shaped counter top edges for custom counter tops. Sheet laminate is heated, clamped to a post form mold with clamping screws, and then formed around the post form mold into formed laminate. The formed laminate is then bonded to a substrate using adhesive and a bonding fixture having a plurality of bonding presses. Each bonding press has a pair of mutually opposed bonding press molds, each bonding press mold having a bonding press mold groove sized to admit a formed laminate around an edge of the substrate. Clamps hold the bonding press molds together, thereby urging the formed laminate into intimate contact with the substrate until the adhesive cures. A counter top edge is cut from the resulting substrate/laminate assembly at an edge first cut angle and an edge second cut angle to provide a neat and aesthetically pleasing installation on a counter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the making of a product out of laminated composite material. The process in general comprises preforming at least one layer of material such that it corresponds to a surface of a part; applying layers of fibers to the preformed layer of material; and bonding the fibers by a resin to form a laminated composite material.

Abstract: A multifunctional fully integral panel system design, a unique material configuration, and a process for fabricating a net shape (or nearly net shape) panel in one production cycle. The panel may comprise a base facing with an outer perimeter, a decorative film applied to the exterior of the base facing, an aft facing having an outer perimeter fused to the base facing, and a reinforcement core disposed between the unfused portions of the base and aft facings, which reinforcement core also acts as acoustic insulation (i.e., a noise attenuator). Alternatively or additionally, a foam core or blanket having thermal and/or acoustic insulation properties is attached to the external surface of the aft facing. The fabrication process involves the application of different heat treatments to panel components having different forming temperature or rubbery/elastic plateaus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved structural element made of composite material has a complex, open cross-section the structural element is formed by the assembly of components made of composite material. A plurality of flat, fresh components are prepared, each component being constituted by a flat layer of curved fibres previously infused with resin, combined with a pre-impregnated layer with straight fibres. Hot-forming of the flat, raw components is then performed. The hot-formed, fresh components are then assembled in accordance with a predetermined sequence on a polymerization tool. The tool includes a shaped, inflatable device astride which a C-shaped raw component is deposited. Finally, the fresh components assembled on the tool are subjected to a polymerization cycle in an autoclave. The inflatable device is inflated by the pressure produced in the autoclave to apply a predetermined pressure from the inside of the C-shaped fresh component.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing in which an antenna and a proximity sensor formed from flex circuit structures are mounted. The flex circuit structures may include first and second flex circuit layers. The first and second flex circuit layers may include metal antenna structures and metal proximity sensor electrode structures. Solder may be used to attach electrical components to the flex circuit layers and may be used to electrically connect metal structures on the first and second flex circuit layers to each other. The first and second flex circuit layers may be laminated together using a compressive fixture. The compressive fixture may have a first fixture with a convex surface and a second fixture with a concave surface so that the laminated flex circuit layers are provided with a bend.

Abstract: In a diaphragm of an electric sound converter which converts vibration such as sound into an electrical signal, a center dome is reinforced while suppressing variations in the sensitivity and frequency response to the minimum, whereby reduction in a high-pass reproduction limit is suppressed, and occurrence of anomalous resonance is prevented. In a diaphragm 1 of an electric sound converter having a center dome 2, a reinforcing film 7 made of the same material as that of the center dome and formed into the same shape as that of the center dome is applied to the center dome with a hot-melt adhesive 6 of the same nature as that of the center dome, a groove 7a formed in a polygonal reticulate pattern is provided on one surface of the reinforcing film adhered with the adhesive, and a convex rib 8 corresponding to the groove is formed on the other surface.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a display unit configured to display information; a circuit board having one surface with a plurality of switches thereon; and a keypad disposed over the circuit board and having keys that when pressed, contact corresponding switches on the circuit board. Further, the keypad further includes a plurality of actuators corresponding to and protruding towards the plurality of switches; key-shaped parts laminated on the actuators, respectively, and each having a predetermined height; and a film part disposed to obscure the key-shaped parts and having one surface with key marks in correspondence with the key-shaped parts so as to form the keys of the keypad. In addition, the key-shaped parts and the film part are integrally formed together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the realization of elongated textile preforms intended for manufacturing load-bearing composite members by means of a method using resin infusion. More specifically, the device and the method, which are the subjects of the invention, are designed for manufacturing substantially circular preforms, intended, for example, for the realization of aircraft fuselage frames or segments of frames. The invention provides a method for depositing gradually and continuously a fibrous tape comprising a small amount of binding agent over the length of an elongated shape to make a preform whose shape comprises at least two non-coplanar wings.

Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming curved thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.

Abstract: A therapeutic dental mouthpiece-forming substrate includes: a flexible board on which an electrical component used for dental arch treatment is mounted; and a thermosoftening resin sheet in which the flexible board is embedded in an airtight or watertight state.

Abstract: A method for fastening seat and backrest support of leisure chairs aims to fasten a plurality of strips to a frame of a leisure chair with the frame containing two side tubes and the strip formed at a length greater than the interval between the two side tubes. The method includes the steps of: first, positioning the strips and frame onto a welding machine with the strips straddling the two side tubes; next, bending inversely two ends of each strip towards the center to overlap with the strip and wrap the two side tubes; then welding the overlapped portions of the strips and ends through the welding machine to fasten the two ends of the strip to the two side tubes. The method makes assembly of the strips simpler and can increase production speed of the leisure chairs.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for forming elongated composite structural members are provided. One disclosed method includes providing a substantially elongated mandrel having an exterior surface exhibiting a desired geometry. A plurality of plies of fiber material preimpregnated with a thermosetting resin are laid up and pressed onto the mandrel, Pressing the plies of material may include passing one or more rollers over the mandrel and over the plurality of plies along a length of the mandrel. The roller or rollers may be at least partially complementary in shape with the mandrel while maintaining the plies of material in a substantially uncured state during the pressing. The method may include sequentially passing a plurality of rollers over the mandrel and the plies of material. The method may also include configuring a first roller to partially complementarily engage the mandrel and configuring another roller to substantially fully complementarily engage the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of assembling a chair includes providing a first chair component composed of a first polymeric material and a second chair component composed of a second polymeric material. An adhesive is positioned on or in the first chair component. The adhesive is composed of a third polymeric material and at least one ferromagnetic susceptor. The second chair component is positioned in engagement with the adhesive and adjacent to the first chair component. A magnetic field or electromagnetic waves are applied to the adhesive to activate the adhesive. A force is also applied to at least one of the first chair component and the second chair component to press the first chair component and the second chair component. A chair is also provided that includes the first and second chair components and the adhesive.