Abstract: A system for separating a prepreg composite material ply from a backing includes a first support configured to contact a first surface of the backing apart from a corner defined by the ply and the backing. A second support is configured to contact a second surface of the ply apart from the corner. A corner displacer is coupled to at least one of the first support and the second support. The corner displacer is configured to displace the corner in a first direction and an opposite second direction to thereby bend portions of the ply and the backing between the corner and the first support and the second support, and the portions of the ply and the backing thereby separate from each other.

Abstract: A hail producing machine includes at least one diffuser for mixing water and carbon dioxide. At least one heat exchanger is in flow communication with the diffuser for receiving the mixture. A refrigeration unit freezes the mixture to form an ice rod in the heat exchanger. The ice rod is ejected from the heat exchanger and is converted into hail stones by a molding station downstream from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving dense gas solvent extraction of a solute and recovery of the solvent are provided. A pressure of the solvent/solute mixture obtained from an extraction chamber is increased, e.g. with a pump, thereby providing the mixture above saturation conditions. The increased pressure provides greater solubility of the solute and less solvent being vaporized in a heat exchanger. A buildup of solute in the system is reduced, thus improving system longevity. Also, process conditions of the separation process are isolated from those of the extraction process. Accordingly, the process conditions for the separating process are maintained while the process conditions of the extraction chamber vary with ambient temperature, thus saving cost and energy. This isolation also provides an ability to use, in the gas recovery cycle, a heat pump that can be used for many applications and environmental conditions while still using a conventional refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system.

Abstract: A tape placement head for applying thermoplastic tape to an object includes a heated feeder which guides the tape/tow to a heated zone. The heated zone has a line compactor having a single row of at least one movable heated member. An area compactor is located in the heated zone downstream from the line compactor. The area compactor includes a plurality of rows of movable feet which are extendable toward the tape/tow different distances with respect to each other to conform to the shape of the object. A shim is located between the heated compactors and the tape/tow. A chilled compactor is in a chilled zone downstream from the heated zone. The chilled zone includes a line chilled compactor and an area chilled compactor. A chilled shim is mounted between the chilled compactor and the tape/tow.