Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production of a three-dimensional textile (3), wherein the textile (3) is formed from two sheets of textile (5, 6) placed face to face and connected together by a plurality of threads (10), impregnated with resin and inserted between two layers (16, 17) so as to form a layered structure (1). This layered structure (1) is inserted between two dies (25, 26) of a heated press which is subsequently closed to allow the resin impregnating the structure to distribute itself uniformly. The layers (16, 17) are then attached by vacuum to the faces of the dies (25, 26) which are then opened through a first controlled distance within the limit of the elastic recovery of the three-dimensional textile (3). The outermost layers of the structure (1) are then polymerized by heating the dies (24, 26) while the resin impregnating the threads (10) remains in a plastic state.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of low cost "oriented" composite molding compounds using discontinuous fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The method involves the steps of aligning discontinuous fibers by use of a strong electric field while simultaneously inserting the fibers onto a polymer substrate comprised of an uncured resin matrix. A preferred embodiment includes the incorporation of a mesh or a glass capillary array located parallel and adjacent to the polymer substrate to further ensure fiber alignment. After the fibers are attached to the uncured resin matrix, the aligned fibers are forced to lie down parallel along the surface of the polymer substrate by mechanically forcing the fibers flat. The newly formed reinforced polymer films may then be stacked with the fibers of each ply oriented to achieve the desired mechanical properties, and then cured to produce an improved composite laminate which can be machined to form a high strength shaped member.

Abstract: A part is made of a composite material having an alumina matrix by impregnating a fiber texture with a fluid composition containing a liquid precursor of alumina, a thermoplastic resin, and a suspension of alumina powder, and subsequently convening the precursor into alumina. Additional solid fillers may be added to the impregnation composition. The impregnated fiber texture is preferably made by draping and molding plies that are pre-impregnated with said composition.

Abstract: Elongate products are molded in a die from fiber reinforced plastics by drawing a bundle of tows through a bath of resin and between two portions of an open die, which is closed under high pressure, and heated to cure the resin. The die is opened and the product is then partly withdrawn lengthwise, to draw further wetted tows between the die portions, and the die is again closed, clamping the tail end of the already cured product which still projects into the die space, or clamping blocks at its downstream end. Cold clamping blocks also clamp the tows at the die upstream end. The products are subsequently severed externally of the die by cutter wheels.

Abstract: A method for producing a pultrusion product having a variable cross-section using a specially adapted temperature controllable pultrusion die includes the steps of pulling reinforcing fibers which have been impregnated with a heat curable thermosetting polymeric resin composition through a temperature controllable die, heating the temperature controllable die to a temperature sufficient to effect curing of the thermosetting resin, cooling the temperature controllable die to a temperature which is sufficiently low to prevent any significant curing of thermosetting resin passing through the pultrusion die, pulling the cured material and a predetermined length of uncured material from the die, reshaping the uncured material, and curing the reshaped material. The reshaping step can be used to provide off-sets, flanges, bosses and the like.

Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus and process for impregnation of multiple fiber tows with a thermoplastic resin wherein an impregnation vessel having an entrance and an exit end is provided with a fiber control insert formed of spaced cylindrical rings suspended therein, with a resin flow control device being suspended horizontally within the rings. A combined resin meter and profile die is attached to the impregnation vessel exit end with a cooling die connected thereto. A pulling mechanism pulls the fiber tows through melted resin contained within the impregnation vessel and into a stepped decreasing diameter passageway in the resin meter and profile die to remove excess resin and shape the impregnated fiber into a useful structure before it is cooled below the melting point of the resin by the cooling die. In one embodiment, a cut-off station is provided adjacent the pulling mechanism to cut the cooled impregnated fiber structure into the desired lengths.

Abstract: A structural member of fiber reinforced composite material suitable for secondary processing and a method of processing is described. The structural member before secondary processing is typically a multi-ply tube, rod, or sheet formed with an outer sheath of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material having a melting temperature t.sub.m1 and an inner core material, also fiber reinforced thermoplastic, having a melting temperature, t.sub.m2 lower than t.sub.m1. The member, prior to secondary processing, is thermoplastic. In a secondary process the member is heated to a temperature between t.sub.m1 and t.sub.m2, but sufficient to render the outer sheath malleable. The member is deformed to a desired geometry, such as a helix, and cooled to a hardened state.

Abstract: Plastic bristles made of a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material are proposed, into which reinforcing fibers in the form of at least one endless fiber bundle are embedded to increase the bending strength, abrasion resistance, and breaking strength. The fibers preferably are composed of glass fibers, aramid fibers, carbon fibers, or high-strength polyethylene fibers. The plastic material of the bristles can be extruded together with the reinforcing fibers, but it is also possible to manufacture the plastic bristles in a pultrusion bed.

Abstract: A composite ski pole is formed of fiber reinforced plastic laminates laid up around an inflatable bladder, and placed in a female mold. The bladder inflates to compact the laminates to substantially eliminate voids and form a smooth, hollow ski pole with a structurally strong and stiff skin. The molds may use compound shapes such as differing cross sections or longitudinal bends.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a base board for printed wiring. The process involves the steps of wrapping a block inorganic continuous porous material with a cloth, impregnating the wrapped block inorganic continuous porous material with a thermosetting resin under reduced pressure, curing the thermosetting resin to form a composite material, and slicing the composite material into base boards having a thickness of 0.2 to 2 mm and a thickness allowance of .+-.5 .mu.

Abstract: A method for attaching haptics to an optic of an intraocular lens including the steps of providing the peripheral edge of the optic with at least one hole, inserting an end of the haptic into the hole, aiming a laser which emits radiation within the visible spectrum which is matched to the absorption spectrum of the haptic at a portion of the haptic within the hole and firing the laser so that the radiation passes through the optic essentially without absorption and is absorbed by the haptic, thereby causing the haptic to swell an amount sufficient to mechanically anchor the end of the haptic within the optic.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional opto-electronic system employs an optical communications channel between spaced circuit substrates. The beam from an in-line laser on one substrate is deflected by a turning mirror that is monolithically integrated on the substrate along with the laser and its associated electronic circuitry, and directed to an optical detector on another substrate. The deflection is accomplished with a turning mirror that is specially fabricated with a focused ion beam (FIB) so that it focuses or collimates as well as deflects the laser beam onto the photodetector. The mirror is initially formed with a flat surface, and is thereafter processed with the FIB to produce focusing curvatures in both x and y directions. The mirror is preferably spaced away from the laser, and is illuminated over substantially the full laser height to maximize its focal length for a given reflected spot size.

Abstract: A method of making a synthetic composite flexible diaphragm by applying an elastic polymer to only one side of a sheet of fabric of warp knitted polyester fibers, disposing the coated fabric in a mold, and while in the mold applying heat and pressure to the coated fabric to force the elastomeric polymer into the interstices of the fabric, mold the diaphragm to a predetermined configuration, and cure the elastomer to produce a molded diaphragm which is at least substantially impervious to liquid fuel.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a spectacle frame component composed of a fiber-reinforced, synthetic resin includes filling a core of a single tubular braid woven from long reinforcing fibers with an inert filling material, exteriorly impregnating the filled tubular braid with a synthetic resin comprising a bisphenol epoxy comprising first aliphatic amine hardening agent and a second aromatic diamine hardening agent, or a single aliphatic amine hardening agent, shaping and stabilizing a cross-section of the epoxy impregnated tubular braid, and shaping the stabilized cross-section epoxy impregnated tubular braid into a three dimensional form and hardening in the three dimensional form.

Abstract: Preforms for molding processes are prepared by applying an aqueous dispersion of a tackifier onto one or more reinforcement fibers, (2) drying the coated reinforcement fibers to remove the water present and (3) forming one or more of the coated reinforcement fibers into a predetermined shape. The preforms comprise reinforcement fibers having a substantially uniformly distributed tackifier on the surface thereof in the form of a discontinuous film coating.

Abstract: A warp-free laminate is produced by winding a first set of strands or filaments about a flat mandrel with a second set of strands being wound transverse to the first set. The two sets may be perpendicular to each other. The filaments are maintained under a controlled tension while being impregnated with a resin and during subsequent cure of the resin. In order to permit the formation of a warp-free product, the winding pattern is such that it forms a mirror image about a neutral axis or plane of symmetry. The winding pattern may be chosen to provide interstices in a predetermined pattern determining punching out or high speed drilling of hole openings for subsequent printed circuit applications.

Abstract: A quantity of fluid resin material is rendered into a flowable state without the use of solvents. The fabric then is beaded with at least one elongate bead of the flowable resin, wherein at least a portion of bead remains on the surface of the fabric to tackify the fabric and facilitate lay-up of the beaded fabric in the composite molding process. The fabric then is laid-up into a molding apparatus, wherein the bead adheres to surfaces in the molding apparatus and assists in positioning of the fabric therein. A further quantity of resin is disposed or injected under pressure into the molding apparatus and into contact with the fabric and contours of the mold. The resin then is cured to form the composite body.

Abstract: A method of pultrusion is provided that includes the steps of saturating a bundle of fibers in a curable resin, pulling the saturated fibers (also known as "prepreg") into a flexible mold, manipulating the mold (with the saturated fibers therein) into a given shape or form, allowing the saturated fibers to cure or harden, and then removing the flexible mold by mechanical or chemical means. This novel method permits one to mold prepreg into any given shape prior to hardening, not limited by the shape of a given mold or die.

Abstract: A continuous process for the manufacture of friction units includes the steps of impregnating a plurality of strands of reinforcing fibers with a phenolic resin having zero to ten percent copper and graphite powders, pulling the impregnated strands of reinforcing fibers through a composite forming die for forming a body having the peripheral configuration of the friction units, and selectively cutting the body into a plurality of the friction units.

Abstract: A method of forming a pultruded shaped composite material comprising carbon fiber having a diameter not greater than 0.001 inch aligned linearly with a degree of waviness defined by an average amplitude to length (A/L) ratio of less than 0.9 percent in a matrix is formed around the fiber and solidified or cured into a rigid form that will not melt during subsequent processing steps to prevent an increase in waviness during subsequent processing steps. The compressive strength of the composite material approaches the tensile strength of the material. The matrix material consists essentially of a resin present in the range of about 10 to 50 percent by volume of the composite material. The A/L ratio is determined by measuring the distribution of angularity found in the aligned carbon fibers in a selective cross section cut at five degrees to the fiber plane, wherein the standard deviation for a 300 sample angularity measurement is not greater than 0.88 degrees.

Abstract: A preferred class of polyimide oligomers include (1) linear, difunctional crosslinking oligomers prepared by condensing an imidophenylamine end cap with a lower alkylene diamine or a polyaryldiamine such as 3,3'-phenoxyphenylsulfone diamine and with a dianhydride, particularly 4,4'-phenoxyphenylsulfone dianhydride; and (2) multidimensional, crosslinking, polyimide oligomers having an aromatic hub and at least two radiating arms connected to the hub, each arm including a crosslinking imidophenylamine end cap at its distal end and at least two imide linkages.Blends, prepregs, and composites can be prepared from the oligomers.

Abstract: A tubular component made of composite material comprises a core of resistant fibers impregnated with a matrix of thermohardening resin. The core includes a tubular reinforcement made of fabric or of non-woven fabric. The tubular reinforcement comprises at least two coaxial adjacent layers which have reciprocal connection elements projecting radially.

Abstract: A laser ablation mask repair method. Defects (holes) are located in a dielectric mask. The surface of the mask above the defect is melted with a CO.sub.2 laser to form a depression in the surface. The depression forms a lens which diffuses ablation laser energy instead of transmitting it. Thus, the ablation laser is prevented from ablating a polymer ablation layer, because the holes are blocked and, the mask is repaired. The method may also be used to make Engineering Changes (EC) laser ablation masks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin transfer molding preform binder resin that comprises at least one aromatic polyepoxide, a fluorene epoxide that is different than the aromatic polyepoxide and having a defined structure, and a 9,9-bis(aminophenyl)fluorene curing agent. The binder resin is a solid, room temperature stable, essentially nonsintering powder that displays a glass transition temperature greater than about 40.degree. C. Also disclosed are preforms made with the binder resin and a method for preparing the preforms.

Abstract: An improved process to make composites contains the steps of: (1) partially curing a tackifier resin in contact with a substrate to form a shapeable preform; (2) adding a matrix resin and co-curing the tackifier and matrix resin to form a composite. The resulting composites are useful in structural applications.

Abstract: An improved process to make composites contains the steps of: (1) contacting a substrate with a thermoplastic partially-cured curable resin at above the glass-transition temperature to form a preform; (2) adding a matrix resin that can dissolve the tackifier and co-curing the tackifier and matrix resin to form a composite. The resulting composites are useful in structural applications.

Abstract: A hybrid composite automotive leaf spring comprises parallel glass and polyethylene terephthalate fibers distributed in a pattern replicated throughout a resin matrix. A method of producing the hybrid composite leaf spring comprises winding various proportions of glass and polyethylene terephthalate or nylon fibers together into a homogeneous mass in an epoxy matrix in a mold to form a blank, which is then compressed and cured into a leaf spring having a predetermined homogeneous mixture of parallel fibers distributed throughout the cross-section of the spring. The unitary spring has a spring rate that is a composite of the resin-bonded glass and other fibers. Different spring rates are obtained by varying the percentage content of the glass and other fibers, while maintaining the homogeneity of the resultant leaf spring.

Abstract: A pultrusion processing method for long fiber-reinforced nylon which combines the nylon anionic ring-opening polymerization technology and the pultrusion processing method to manufacture long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic nylon composites. The method comprises the steps of forming an active caprolactam sodium salt catalyst composition by reacting melt nylon 6 monomer raw material, i.e., caprolactum, with sodium hydride, forming co-catalyst composition by melting caprolactam and a polymeric co-catalyst, then mixing the active caprolactum sodium salt catalyst composition and the co-catalyst composition in a continuous mixing device to obtain a reaction mixture with low viscosity. The mixture is then charged into a closed impregnating tank to impregnate preheated and dried reinforced fiber, which is immediately pulled into a hot mold for composite molding processing to form a finished product of long fiber-reinforced nylon composites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a cylindrical composite preform. A tubular sleeve of cloth is maintained upon a mandrel which is passed through an injection chamber into which a thermosetting resin is injected. A small cavity within the resin injection chamber meters the resin into the cloth to assure complete and total impregnation thereof. The mandrel exits the resin injection chamber and enters an oven where the resin and fabric composite is B-staged. Subsequently, the composite sleeve is cut into appropriate lengths and removed from the mandrel for further processing for development of an end product.

Abstract: The thermooxidative stability and thermomechanical properties of advanced composites which use high performance resin matrices such as polyimides and high strength carbon fibers may be improved by sizing the carbon fibers with uncapped or capped linear polyamideimides.The uncapped linear polyamideimides useful as carbon fiber sizings generally contain repeating units having the general formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.2 =a trivalent organic radical and generally benzenetriyl;R.sub.3 =a divalent organic radical; andn=an integer sufficiently large to provide a strong, tough coating.Useful capped, linear polyamideimide oligomers may be formed by including end caps with an unsaturated functionality (Y) containing a residue selected from the group consisting of: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 =lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, halogen, or mixtures thereof;j=0, 1, or 2;i=1 or 2;G=--CH.sub.2 --, --O--, --S--, --SO.sub.2 --, --SO--, --CO--, --CHR--, or --CR.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming composite tows of uniform width comprises a tow tensioner mechanism which carries a reel having a length of tow of non-uniform width, a tow sizing unit, a drive roller unit and a tow winding device. A single tow is fed from the tensioner mechanism to the tow sizing unit where the side-to-side or width dimension of the tow is sized, and then the sized tow is transmitted through the drive roller unit to the tow winding device which winds the sized tow onto a reel. The tow sizing unit includes a rotatable sizing wheel having a circumferential flanged groove, and a presser roller, which cooperate to confine the tow on all four sides, i.e., top, bottom and opposed side edges, as the tow is pressed therebetween to form a finished, sized tow having a substantially uniform width.

Abstract: A method of producing an intraocular lens having integrally formed optic and haptic including the steps of: (a) preparing a polyimide powder having a repeated unit represented by the following formula: ##STR1## [in the formula, when R.sub.1 =--C(CF.sub.3).sub.2 --, R.sub.2 is selected from ##STR2## the polyimide powder having a particle size of less than 1 mm; (b) placing the polyimide powder between a pair of dies having a pattern corresponding to a part of the contour of the lens; (c) hot pressing the polyimide powder between the dies, to provide a molding having the above part of the contour of the lens; and (d) machining the molding to form the rest of the contour of the lens to thereby provide the overall shape of the intraocular lens.

Abstract: A method of moulding, notably injection or compression moulding, of a composite product from an impregnation paste based upon thermosetting resin or resins and a reinforcement of glass threads, by supplying the moulds with an impregnation paste and reinforcement in the form of coated chopped direct rovings incorporated into the paste, the coating material of which includes an adhesive agent based upon polyurethane or polyurethanes.

Abstract: An improved liquid matrix system for producing fibre-reinforced plastic components is disclosed. The system comprises (i) a liquid diglycidyl ether of a halogenated bisphenol or a mixture of liquid polyglycidyl ether bisphenols at least one of which being a polyglycidyl ether halogenated bisphenol; and (ii) a curing agent that is a sterically hindered aromatic diamine containing two primary amino groups attached to the carbon atoms in the aromatic nucleus, said carbon atoms not adjacent to each other, and at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl or thioalkyl substituent; the improvement comprising adding to said system a curing accelerator composition containing a mixture of a boron halide and an imidazole unsubstituted or substituted with at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl or C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove attachment principally for the palm of an astronaut glove to enhance the gripping area of the palm without detracting from the flexibility and utility of the glove. The attachment is a composite construction formed from a layer of silicone rubber having an outer surface with a friction configuration and an another layer of silicone rubber in which a meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded prior to curing. The method of construction involves the use of a mold with a friction configuration surface. A first layer of silicone rubber or sealant is disposed in the mold and allowed to set for an hour. A second layer of silicone rubber or sealant is layered over the first layer and leveled. A meta-aramid mesh fabric is embedded into the second layer and the composite is permitted to cure. When cured, a configured area of the composite construction is glued or stitched to the palm area of the glove.

Abstract: There is described a process for manufacturing a dimensionally stable, three-dimensionally shaped, sheetlike textile material by bringing one or more layers of a deep-drawable textile material made of yarns, preferably a knitted material, and containing reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic matrix material in fiber form which melts at a lower temperature than the reinforcing fibers, into the shape desired for the core material by an area-enlarging shaping process, for example by deep-drawing, at a temperature at which the fibrous thermoplastic matrix material melts, then reducing the temperature to back down to below the melting point of the thermoplastic matrix material and keeping the shaped material in the mold until the thermoplastic matrix material has sufficiently hardened, and then demolding the resulting shaped textile material.

Abstract: A new class polyimide and polyimide precursors based on diaryl oxyalkylene diamines, such as 1,3-bis[4-aminophenoxy]-2,2-dimethyl propane, a process for their preparation and their use as the continuous phase for the manufacture of composites and composite laminates reinforced by reinforcing agents such as carbon fibers, Kevlar.TM., and other similar high strength reinforcing agents. The polyimides and molecular composites obtained from the diamines according to the invention show thermoplastic properties, excellent flex fatigue and fracture resistance, and excellent thermal and oxidative stability.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a panel with a target area supported on a frame against which a ball is aimed and tossed. The ball covering and the target area include hook and pile fastener materials so that the ball will releasably attach to the target area upon impact. The target area employs hook material while the ball covering includes the pile material. A graphic representation of a target is formed on the target area by applying pigmented ink to selected portions of the hooks and by employing a heat sublimation process to deform selected portions of the hooks along with the pigmented ink to display a particular target representation. The frame may be placed on the ground or may be floated by using buoyant spheres or bulbs secured to the frame.

Abstract: A method of shaping elongated composite structures of a resin matrix reinforced with randomly broken fibers oriented in transverse and non-transverse directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the structure is implemented by a computer aided apparatus for forming the structure. The apparatus is provided with a heated fixed forming tool, a means for stretching the structure from each end and means associated with the forming tool for separately holding each formed component length of the structure in place against the forming tool. The formed structure is characterized by the particular orientation of the fibers in the transverse and non-transverse direction after the structure is formed.

Abstract: This invention offers a unique method to fabricate unique, straight, curved, or coiled tubes as small as 5 nanometers in diameter with wall thicknesses starting at about 1 nanometer. These tubes can be made from many materials such as polymers, ceramics and metals that can be applied to a surface of carbon, glass, or other tube forming fibers and then made to withstand the environment used to remove the fiber.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a continuous thread coated with a mixture which reacts to ultraviolet radiation, a large number of continuous filaments are formed by mechanically drawing a large number of molten thermoplastic material streams flowing from openings in at least one device. A mixture in the liquid state which can react under the effect of ultraviolet radiation is deposited onto the surface of at least some of the filaments before they are combined to form at least one thread. The thread is wound into the form of a winding on a rotating support, and exposed to ultraviolet radiation during the winding operation.

Abstract: A sail batten formed of a fiber reinforced composite material extended longitudinally and varying in transverse cross sectional from an ellipse at one end to a flattened ellipse at the other end. A two step processing for fabrications the batten commences with fabrication of a tube of substantially constant cross section in the thermoplastic condition as a first step. The second step processing heats the tube to a malleable condition and squishes one end of the tube to form a tapered structure with one cross sectional dimension decreased to reduce stiffness in that dimension.

Abstract: A laminated material comprises a plurality of straight portions of vegetable stalks, each having an epidermis mainly of lignocellulose and a porous core. These vegetable stalks straight portions are impregnated with a thermal hardener solution of high-molecularisable liquid compound, resinified liquid, or mixtures thereof, arranged in parallel to form a layer of a sheet-like material, piling these sheet-like materials and pressing them to make these layers come to contact closely in flat condition. It is possible to make the directions of vegetable stalks in the sheet-like material different from the neighboring layers in order to strengthen a bending strength and other physical strength of the piled multi-layer laminated material, such as a pillar-like laminated material. Such pillar-like material is made by using a pair of pressing female mold and male mold, vegetable stalks being placed in the female mold and hot-pressed.

Abstract: The glove according to the present invention has, at least partially, a laminated part 2 in which a plurality of different types of rubbers are successively laminated. In the laminated part 2, the lowermost layer is a natural rubber layer, and the top surface layer is all oil-resistant rubber layer (for example, an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber layer). The glove manufacturing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of immersing a glove mold in natural rubber latex containing a heat-sensitive coagulant to form a coating of the lowermost layer on the mold surface, and immersing at least a part of the lowermost layer in another rubber latex different from the first-mentioned rubber latex. The glove of the present invention has high strength and is economical and excellent in oil resistance and solvent resistance.

Abstract: Transverse fibers are added to a pultruded part by forming a body of fibers and resin in a first die part which body is dimensioned smaller than that of the die through which the body is to be passed. A fluid including cut fibers is then applied under pressure to the body just upstream of the die so that cut fibers become integrated with the body into the spaces defined in the body. The continuous fibers, the cut fibers, and the resin are then passed through the die and become integrated into a pultruded part with the transverse cut fibers providing a transverse strength.

Abstract: A pultruded part is formed from thermosetting resin which is carried on continuous longitudinal fiber reinforcement into a die which shapes the resin and fibers into the required transverse cross sectional shape and then acts to set the resin. Some of the fibers have applied thereto a second resin material of a different characteristic so that these fibers carry the second resin into the part at localized regions to form localized regions of the second resin extending longitudinally continuously of the part. This allows a resin of an increased strength to be used at areas of increased strength requirement, for example areas of screw fastening, screw ports, junction between two legs and in order to provide a thinner part for reduced thermal transfer.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press includes a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer includes a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer includes a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved flexible towpreg tape of a known geometry and a method of production therefor. The improved flexible towpreg tape is formed from a plurality of reinforcing filaments fusion coated with matrix forming material, the reinforcing filaments being substantially wet-out by the matrix forming material, and the towpreg tape having multiple plies with an average thickness less than about 100 microns. The method of production for the improved flexible towpreg tape includes the steps of coating the reinforcing filaments with the matrix forming material in a manner causing interfacial adhesion of the matrix forming material to the reinforcing filaments; forming a towpreg by heating the matrix forming material contacting the reinforcing filaments until the matrix forming material liquefies and coats the reinforcing filaments; and forming the towpreg tape under pressure and elevated temperature in a means for creating a known tape geometry.

Abstract: An improved pultrusion process for preparing composites comprises combining polymer precursors in a mixer and continuously introducing the resulting mixture, together with reinforcing fibers, into an impregnation chamber maintained under conditions such that the mixture remains in liquid form of low viscosity. The impregnated fibers are continuously withdrawn from the chamber through a die in which polymerization of the precursors takes place to form the desired composite.

Abstract: Extrusion impregnating device for continuous production of unidirectionally fibre-reinforced polymer mouldings with fibre contents between 50 and 70 vol-%, which makes it possible to produce linear profiles with circular, oval or rectangular cross-sections while at the same time enabling high-quality impregnation and the attainment of excellent mechanical characteristics.