Abstract: Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

Abstract: A method to fabricate hierarchical graded materials includes providing a reservoir of functionalized particles, mixing at least some of the functionalized particles using a mixer in the print head having a mixed fluid volume control on an order of a voxel to produce mixed functionalized particles, and actuating a print head to deposit the mixed functionalized particles on a substrate.

Abstract: A laminated base material includes a lamination and integration of prepreg base materials each of which includes many reinforcing fibers arranged substantially in one direction and a matrix resin adhered to the reinforcing fibers, wherein at least one of the laminated prepreg base materials is formed with a prepreg base material having, throughout its whole surface, many incisions each extending in a direction crossing the reinforcing fibers, substantially all of the reinforcing fibers divided by incisions, and wherein a length L of each of reinforcing fiber segments formed by the incisions is 10 to 100 mm, a thickness H of the prepreg base material is 30 to 300 ?m, and a fiber volume content Vf of the reinforcing fibers is 45 to 65% and arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers between one and another laminated prepreg base materials have at least two directions different each other.

Abstract: A resin-soluble thermoplastic polymer veil toughening element for a curable composition wherein the polymer element is a non-woven veil in solid phase adapted to undergo at least partial phase transition to fluid phase on contact with a component of the curable resin matrix composition in which it is soluble at a temperature which is less than the temperature for substantial onset of gelling and/or curing of the curable composition and which temperature is less than the polymer elements melt temperature; a method for the preparation thereof, a preform support structure for a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element together with structural reinforcement fibers, methods for preparation thereof, a curable composition comprising the at least one thermoplastic veil element or the support structure and a curable resin matrix composition, a method for preparation and curing thereof, and a cured composite or resin body obtained thereby, and known and novel uses thereof.

Abstract: A load-pulling system includes a least one belt to which a tensile load is applied. The belt is formed of a matrix and a load-bearing fiber structure embedded in the matrix and having a plurality of fibers. The belt is guided around a least one deflection device in such a way that it forms a curved section in the region of the deflection device. A dimensioning of the belt and the applied tensile load are matched to each other in such a way that, in the curved section of the belt, a zero stress line of the belt is displaced radially inward in the direction of curvature with respect to a center line of the load-bearing fiber structure by an amount of at least 25% of the thickness of the load-bearing fiber structure.

Abstract: Prepregs comprising fibrous reinforcing material and a heat curable resin are provided with a backing sheet whose surface has been treated to increase the surface tension which enhances the bonding between the prepreg and the backing sheet, and reduces resin removal when the backing sheet is removed. The use of the treated backing sheet also provides improved tack between prepregs when assembled in a stack for moulding after removal of the backing sheet.

Abstract: A prepreg base material includes reinforcing fibers arranged substantially in one direction and a matrix resin between the reinforcing fibers, wherein the prepreg base material has substantially throughout its entire surface incisions, each incision extending in a direction substantially crossing the reinforcing fibers, wherein substantially all of the reinforcing fibers are divided by the incisions, a length (L) of each of reinforcing fiber segments formed by the incisions is in the range of 10 to 100 mm, a thickness H of the prepreg base material is in the range of 30 to 300 ?m, and a fiber volume content by Vf of the reinforcing fibers is in the range of 45 to 65%.

Abstract: A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.

Abstract: An elevator load bearing assembly (40) includes a plurality of synthetic or polymer cords (42) within a urethane jacket (44). The cords are prestretched and the jacket prevents the stretched cords from relaxing. The inventive arrangement provides a load bearing assembly (40) that has little or no elastic or construction stretch.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a longitudinal fibre web (100), wherein synthetic tapes (2) with an elongated cross-sectional contour are positioned substantially parallel to each other for forming a bundle (12), wherein the tapes (2) are embedded in a matrix material (46). The tapes (2) are positioned partially overlapping each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters of 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Abstract: A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.

Abstract: The invention describes the production and utilization of a multi-layer composite material, a polyester resin and/or vinyl-ester resin based adhesive with special composition, applied on the surface or between the layer of the enforced object, which is made of unsaturated polyester resin and/or vinyl-ester resin based, glass-fiber reinforced, pre-made band shaped prepreg material, which can be used on surface of cylindrically symmetric objects like piers, pipes, pillars, etc. to strengthen their stability, endurance and resistance. This material can also be used to repair certain small irregularities on the enforced objects surface. Initiators and substances are added to the prepreg's matrix material, such as poly-?-caprolacton; acetyl-acetone and alkyl-(acrylate)-methacrylate type monomers to result in networking of the resins. Peroxides decompose due to activator compounds coming from diffusion on the surface of the adhesive substance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web comprising an intimate mixture of mixed slivers of long reinforcing staple fibres (14) obtained by stretch-breaking and long thermoplastic matrix fibres (15), those different fibres being parallel in the mixture.

Abstract: A curl-resistant planar media comprises a plurality of fibers embedded in the media and configured such that the media has a stiffness in a first direction that exceeds the stiffness in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A cord-embedded rubber tape, a tire component made by winding such a tape, and a pneumatic tire comprising such a tire component are disclosed, wherein the tape is made of unvulcanized rubber and at least one cord is embedded therein along the length of the tape. The unvulcanized rubber may include short fibers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.

Abstract: A method of producing an endless belt includes the steps of: securing axial fibers relative to a mandrel, the axial fibers being spaced apart from one another at desired intervals and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel; applying a polymeric base layer to the mandrel in a thickness sufficient to embed the axial fibers; wrapping circumferential fibers onto the polymeric base layer with sufficient tension to partially embed the circumferential fibers in the polymeric base layer; applying a polymeric top stock layer over the polymeric base layer and circumferential fibers; and curing the base layer and the top stock layer. This method can improve productivity and performance of endless belts, particularly if the wrapping and latter applying steps closely follow the first applying step.

Abstract: Highly textured tissue sheets, particularly suitable for use as bath tissue, are produced by throughdrying and have a low number and/or low amount of pinholes. The low number or amount of pinholes is provided by using a throughdrying fabric having parallel wide ridges with a height suited to the particular tissue sheet being produced.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, usable as a reinforcing element for a crown reinforcement of a tire, comprising a core of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of six or seven wires (N=6 or 7) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of P wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, P being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Pmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable having the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): (i) 0.28?d0<0.50; (ii) 0.25?d1<0.40; (iii) 0.25?d2<0.40; (iv) for N=6: l.10<(d0/d1)<1.40; for N=7: 1.40<(d0/d1)<1.70; (v) 5.3?(d0+d1)<p1<p2<4.7?(d0+2d1+d2); and (vi) the wires of layers C1 and C2 are wound in the same direction of twist.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fiber-reinforced article comprised of at least two plies. Each of the plies comprises (a) rubber and (b) cord made from melt-spinnable, non-metallic, multifilament fibers for which the cord has a twist multiplier of less than or equal to about 375, a stress at 1% strain greater than or equal to about 1.7 grams/denier, and an initial compressive modulus greater than or equal to about 7 grams/denier, and the at least two plies have a fiber orientation angle of greater than or equal to about 23°. The composite is useful as a tire belt in a passenger tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an SMC (sheet moulding compound) for producing fibre-reinforced duroplastic components. Said SMC consists of a resin matrix (2) which is fibre-reinforced with unidirectional fibres (UD-fibres) (7) that are arranged in axial alignment and preferably with additional cut fibres (random fibres) (4) that are arranged in a non-aligned manner in the resin matrix. According to the invention, in order to achieve extremely high rigidity in a multi-axial direction with a low surface weight, several layers of SMC are arranged in the component, each layer containing UD-fibres (7) with a different alignment from one another.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, usable as a reinforcing element for a tire carcass reinforcement, comprising a core of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of four or five wires (M=4 or 5) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, N being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Nmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable having the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): 0.08<d0<0.28;??(i) 0.15<d1<0.28;??(ii) 0.12<d2<0.25;??(iii) for M=4: 0.40 <(d0/d1)<0.80;??(iv) for M=5: 0.70<(d0/d1)<1.10; 4.8?(d0+d1)<p1<p2<5.6?(d0+2d1+d2);??(v) the wires of layers C1 and C2 are wound in the same direction of twist.

Abstract: Belt bandage for a vehicle pneumatic tire that includes a ply having strength carriers embedded in an unvulcanized rubber mixture. The strength carriers run essentially parallel to one another. Each strength carrier includes a hybrid cord that has a first twisted yarn having a high modulus of elasticity of at least approximately 25000 N/mm2 and a second twisted yarn having a low modulus of elasticity which is no greater than approximately 15000 N/mm2. The first and second twisted yarns are final-twisted together.

Abstract: This invention provides a carrier member made of a UV resistant fiber-reinforced composite material where a UV resistant coating material is applied on the surface of the fiber-reinforced composite material and a process for producing thereof. A preferable fiber-reinforced composite material is a fiber-reinforced plastic or carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material. A UV resistant coating material is one or more selected from the group consisting of ceramics, cermets, metals and alloys. The carrier member is produced by coating the surface of the fiber-reinforced composite material with a UV resistant coating material by spraying. This carrier member is advantageous in that it can exhibit properties inherent to a fiber-reinforced composite material such as a light weight, higher rigidity and higher heat resistance and that it little contaminates a precision instrument material when being used in cleansing with UV.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, usable as a reinforcing element for a crown reinforcement of a tire, comprising a core of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of four or five wires (N=4 or 5) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of P wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, P being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Pmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable having the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): (i) 0.10≦d0<0.50; (ii) 0.25≦d1<0.40; (iii) 0.25≦d2<0.40; (iv) for N=4: 0.40<(d0/d1)<0.80; for N=5: 0.70<(d0/d1)<1.10; (v) 4.8 &pgr;(d0+d1)<p1<p2<5.6&pgr;(d0+2d1+d2); and (vi) the wires of layers C1 and C2 are wound in the same direction of twist.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, comprising a core (C0) of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of six or seven wires (M=6 or 7) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, N being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Nmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable has the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm): (i) 0.14<d0<0.28; (ii) 0.12<d1<0.25; (iii) 0.12<d2<0.25; (iv) for M=6: 1.10<(d0/d1)<1.40; for M=7: 1.40<(d0/d1)<1.70; (v) 5&pgr;(d0+d1)<p1<p2<5&pgr;(d0+2d1+d2); (vi) the wires of layers C1 and C2 are wound in the same twist direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a web comprising an intimate mixture of mixed slivers of long reinforcing staple fibres (14) obtained by stretch-breaking and long thermoplastic matrix fibres (15), those different fibres being parallel in the mixture.

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, usable as a reinforcing element for a tire carcass reinforcement, comprising a core of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of four or five wires (M=4 or 5) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, N being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Nmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable having the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm):

Abstract: A multi-layer cable having an unsaturated outer layer, usable as a reinforcing element for a crown reinforcement of a tire, comprising a core of diameter d0 surrounded by an intermediate layer (C1) of six or seven wires (N=6 or 7) of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1, this layer C1 itself being surrounded by an outer layer (C2) of P wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2, P being less by 1 to 3 than the maximum number Pmax of wires which can be wound in one layer about the layer C1, this cable having the following characteristics (d0, d1, d2, p1 and p2 in mm):

Abstract: A structural lining system and a method of applying the system to the interior surface of a pipe. First, a layer of adhesive is sprayed onto the interior surface of a previously cleaned pipe. Next, strips of previously coiled unidirectional carbon fiber material are allowed to uncoil within the pipe so that side edges of the strips abut the side edges of adjacent strips and the junction where the ends of each strip come together are staggered around the pipe so that the junction for adjacent strips do not align longitudinally. If ends of the strips overlap, additional adhesive is applied between the overlapping portions. A final epoxy coating is sprayed over the strips, forming an internal liner for the pipe.

Abstract: A printing form for rotary screen printing is provided and includes a thin-walled hollow cylinder made from fiber-reinforced plastics material, the cylinder wall of which is provided with continuous printing openings which define an image which is to be printed. The cylinder includes at least one layer having fibers with at least one oriented direction of the fibers. Multi-layer laminates made from carbon/epoxy having at least one layer with an oriented direction of the fibers which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of printing form are preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to an unvulcanized rubber tire which has at least one wire reinforced rubber component which contains wire reinforcement encapsulated with an unvulcanized rubber composition comprised of natural cis 1,4-polyisoprene rubber, and liquid polyisoprene polymer. The said encapsulation rubber composition of the tire component is then sulfur cured together with the curing of the tire itself. Such tire component may be, for example, a carcass ply and/or belt ply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracing ply comprising reinforcing elements, which are made of steel cords, for a vehicle pneumatic tire, in particular, for a pneumatic tire used on transporters or light trucks and reinforced pneumatic tires. Said bracing ply is provided with two steel cord plies (bracing plies) which are stacked in a radial direction, whereby the radially inner steel cord ply is wider in the axial direction of the tire than the radially outer steel cord ply. In addition, the individual steel cords of a ply run diagonally with a slope ranging from 18° to 25° with regard to the zenithal plane of the tire. The radially inner and the radially outer steel cord plies have opposed slopes, are comprised of individual filaments with a filament diameter of 0.32 mm, and are provided with a U+T structure (untwisted+twisted), whereby the radial distance between steel cord plies is smaller in the zenithal plane of the tire than in the shoulder areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a non-woven fabric which is over-stitched by means of stitching threads as a supporting material for medical purposes. The invention is characterized in that the maximum tensile force of supporting material is equal to at least 30 N/cm and at least one side of the supporting material is partially or completely coated with a self-adhesive mass.

Abstract: A rubberized reinforcing fabric for articles made from elastomeric material includes a plurality of textile cords having at least tensile strength, parallel and adjacent to each other in a same direction, and incorporated in an elastomeric material The cords have a count between 420/2 dTex and 840/2 dTex, a diameter between 0.33 mm and 0.47 mm, and are embedded in the fabric. The fabric has a thickness of not more than 0.8 mm and a density between 125 cords/dm and 280 cords/dm. The cords constitute a maximum of 40% of a volume of the fabric. An article made from elastomeric material, including at least one rubberized reinforcing fabric made from elastomeric material, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for constructing an elastomeric composite ply comprises using parallel S and Z twisted cords to reinforce an elastomeric matrix. The S and Z cords are made inexpensively by using a yarn twist that is less than the cord twist. Composite plies made by the method can be used in elastomeric articles such as tires.

Abstract: A durable belt device includes an outer layer made out of a rubber based material and an inner layer that includes at least one reinforcing ply of tear-resistant scrim fabric located between opposed surfaces thereof and a multiplicity of needle fibers that run substantially transversely and perpendicularly through the reinforcing ply and protrude out from at least one surface of the inner layer. A bonding agent forms an intermediate layer that secures the outer layer to the one surface of the inner layer such that the fibers at least partially extend therein.

Abstract: A treating agent comprises a nitrile group-containing highly saturated polymer rubber latex (A) having an iodine value of 120 or less, a rubber latex (B) other than the highly saturated polymer rubber latex, and a water-soluble resorcinol/formaldehyde condensate in amounts of 15 to 80%, 5 to 70% and 2 to 15%, all by weight in terms of solids, respectively. A rubber-reinforcing fiber product is coated with the treating agent. A rubber article such as a toothed belt, a tire and the like is made using this rubber-reinforcing fiber product. The glass fiber product coated with the treating agent may be further coated with a halogen-containing polymer-based adhesive as a secondary treating agent. Thus, the treating agent exhibits a large bonding force between the reinforcing fiber product and a matrix. Even if the rubber article is repeatedly subjected to a flexing stress, the strength thereof cannot be reduced. A peel-off cannot occurs between the reinforcing fiber product and the rubber matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer-fixing belt for an electronic appliance, comprising a seamless reinforcing layer made of a continuous string, a heat resistant rubber layer formed on the reinforcing layer, and a heat resistant resin layer formed on the heat resistant rubber layer and adapted for releasing the toner attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyisocyanurate systems, pultrusion of those systems to produce reinforced polyisocyanurate matrix composites, and to composites produced thereby. The polyisocyanurate systems include a polyol component, an optional chain extender, and an isocyanate. The polyisocyanurate systems have extended initiation times of about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes at room temperature, and can be snap cured.

Abstract: An artificial leather strip, and methods of making such a strip. The synthetic leather strip is suitable for sporting applications such as lacing baseball gloves and shoes. The strip comprises at least one reinforcing cord embedded in a matrix. The matrix comprises PVC and additives such as nitrile rubber and/or urethane, and is sufficiently tough to resist the “cheesecutter” effect when the strip is flexed, for example by being tied in a knot.

Abstract: A flexible composite comprising a high tensile strength fibrous component dispersed within a flexible or resilient polymeric matrix, the matrix and fibrous component being essentially unbonded to each other so that the composite retains essentially the flexibility of the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mat having at least one primary area and at least one secondary area and adapted to reinforce a polymeric matrix material, the mat comprising (a) a first layer comprising a plurality of generally parallel, essentially continuous glass fiber strands oriented generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mat, at least a portion of outer surfaces of the first layer glass fiber strands having applied thereon at least a partial layer comprising at least a partially dried residue of first coating composition which is compatible with a polymeric matrix material, wherein at least a first portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one primary area at a primary strand density and at least a second portion of the first layer glass fiber strands are positioned within the at least one secondary area at a secondary strand density which is different from the primary strand density; and (b) a second layer comprising a plurality of randomly oriented gl

Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer belt for an electro-photographic apparatus, comprising a seamless reinforcing layer made of a continuous string, and a semi-conductive rubber layer formed on the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plate-like carbon fiber-reinforced composite material comprising carbon fibers, wherein that the carbon fibers have a strain at compressive break of 1.7 to 5%, a tensile elastic modulus of 5 to 160 GPa, and a density of 1.5 to 1.9 g/cm3 and further in that the composite comprising said carbon fibers cause no delamination by an impact energy of less than 1.4 J/mm in the test of compression after impact in accordance with JIS K 7089.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced brittle matrix composites are disclosed with improved mechanical properties. The composites comprise extensible, somewhat elastic fibers and hardened brittle matrix materials. The fibers are positioned to support the composite in a three dimensional manner. Temporary tension forces are applied to some of the fibers before the matrix has completely hardened. The resulting three dimensional array of aligned fibers acts to improve the properties of the composite by providing self-compression. Self-compression is enabled by the alignment and stored elastic energy resulting from the temporary tension and from other deformations acting with the fiber network. The composites have improved response to challenges such as matrix shrinkage during hardening or bending forces and impacts. The invention is particularly useful with brittle, high modulus matrixes, such as cementitious materials and elastic fibers such as polymeric fibers.