Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating sheets (13) of continuous graphite fiber in a thermoplastic matrix resin uses a roller (10) in conjunction with a heating surface (16) and a vacuum bag (12). A tack-welded stack of composite sheets (13) or prepreg is assembled onto a frame support structure (27) and placed into the vacuum bag (12) as an assembly (28) which is placed on a heated surface (16) whereby its temperature is elevated above the melting point of the matrix resin in the composite sheets (13). The roller (10) rolls over the bag (12) with the sheets (13) therein whereby any remaining air and gas between the sheets (13) is forced out ahead of the roller (10). After the roller (10) has passed, atmospheric pressure on the vacuum bag (12) is sufficient to prevent spontaneous delamination of the hot laminated panel formed by the sheets (13). The assembly (28) may then be moved to a cooling table (26) to complete the laminate consolidation process.

Abstract: A corrosion and crack growth inhibitor and method of making are disclosed, the inhibitor being relatively non-toxic as well as unreactive with elastomeric material so as to form a coating and sealing composition for application to metal surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device for determining both absolute and comparative depths of the countersunk portions of countersunk holes drilled in a workpiece, the measuring device being capable of centering itself within a hole being measured so that repetitive measurements can be made early and accurately; further the measuring device is capable of measuring the depth of a countersunk hole through a template.

Abstract: A self-threading stitching device for joining uncured composite laminates which comprises a vertically mounted needle shaft adapted for reciprocal motion, a thread feeding means operating synchronously with the needle shaft and self-threading needle means adapted to pick up the thread from the thread feeding means and carry the thread through uncured composite laminate being penetrated by the needle and release the thread in the laminate as the needle withdraws therefrom.

Abstract: A chromium regeneration apparatus (10) is disclosed for regenerating spent chromium solution by oxidizing trivalent chromium to hexavalent chromium. The apparatus is provided with a tank (42) forming a reservoir full of spent chromium solution. A number of anode assembles (46) are supported on the tank within the reservoir with each assembly including two frame sections (70, 72) bolted together along their sides and bottom with two separate cation selective membranes (100, 102) secured therebetween. Membrane tensioners (104) are inserted between the membranes to separate them and urge them against the frame sections over openings in the frame sections to define an anode chamber. An anode and cathode are provided to a generate a current flow therebetween to regenerate the solution.

Abstract: A novel rope tension damper device is adapted to be installed, for example, on the deck of a ship at a location between the winch that controls the effective length of the rope and the fairlead that guides the rope so that it does not snag or tangle as it is wound and unwound from the winch. The device comprises a co-planar pair of sheaves respectively mounted at opposite ends of a rotatable arm.

Abstract: A pneumatic aerodynamic control surface is described for an aircraft having a region of upwash ahead of a powered-lift or high-lift wing, the control surface comprising blown engine nacelles immersed in the upwash region, and capable of generating moments about all three axes of the aircraft without any external moving parts.

Abstract: An improved method for forming an assembly of laminated materials is provided. The method eliminates an necessity to evacuate a package or position the assembly in an autoclave for forming. In the method, the assembly (14, 70) is positioned against the die face of a rigid die (12, 72). A cavity of essentially constant volume is formed about the die and assembly and encloses the side of the assembly opposite that in contact with the rigid die. The cavity is filled with expandable spheroids (56). The spheroids are expanded to provide the necessary force on the assembly to urge the assembly against the rigid die to form the completed assembly. Preferably, the expandable spheroids (56) are thermally expandable and can comprise, for example, silicone rubber having a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 50.times.10.sup.-5 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A reusable indicating material for detecting leaks in sealed structures and other closed bodies comprises a fabric saturated with an indicator solution containing an acid-base indicator, a surfactant, a buffering system and a humectant. The indicator solution remains reactive when the fabric is dry to the touch and will indicate the presence of leaks in the structure being tested by changing color when a reactive gas escapes from the structure being tested. Upon removal from the tested structure the indicator material reverts to its original color and is available for subsequent tests.