Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: A fabric for providing reinforcement and the like which is made from a two dimensional flat fabric which includes portions that the warp and weft fibers are interlocked together and portions that are non-interlocked together that allow the fabric to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: A sheet of material which is made two dimensional which includes portions that are removed that allows the sheet to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: A pitch precursor yarn, which is stretch broken and formed into a fabric or felt which is heat treated into graphitic fiber media for fuel cell gas diffusion layer substrates and high thermal conductivity reinforced composites.

Abstract: A fabric for providing reinforcement and the like which is made from a two dimensional flat fabric which included woven and unwoven portions that allow the fabric to be folded to create a three dimensional structure without the need for cutting and darting.

Abstract: A thermal protection system (TPM) for protecting a surface subject to high thermal load comprising a fiber substrate where the substrate is composed of woven or non-woven layers of fibers laminated together, or the substrate is formed by a process of three-dimensional weaving, wherein the fiber substrate has a variable density of fibers, with said density of fibers increasing across the thickness of the TPM, and further wherein the substrate is needled and coupled to an insulation backing.

Abstract: A woven preform for a reinforced composite material which may be woven flat and folded into shape with the fibers at the fold being so woven so as to compensate for folding.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for inserting yarns into a reinforcement material along their longitudinal path. The apparatus for moving yarn and for constraining yarn movement, such as yarn brakes, are each actuated at the appropriate time. The yarn is prevented from buckling by a hollow member of a diameter only slightly greater than the yarn, when the yarn is pushed on. The reinforcement material may be woven or non-woven fabrics, cellular foams, or combinations that may include fabrics, foams or air gaps. “Yarn” in this case is taken to include any textile yarn, monofilament, coated yarns, and the like.

Abstract: Reinforcement preforms and methods for making same for use in fiber-reinforced composite materials structures are disclosed, in which the reinforcement preforms comprise first and second reinforcement preform elements which include strength reinforcement fibers that are in desired directional orientation. The first element has a cross-fiber surface which extends transverse of its constituent strength reinforcement fibers and is in contacting juxtaposition to a selected surface region of the second element, forming an abutment therebetween. Abutment strength reinforcing fibers, which may optionally be introduced in situ by a continuum of fibers, such as a yarn or thread, extend through at least a portion of said second element and its said selected surface region, the abutment, said cross-fiber edge surface, and into the first element substantially in the direction of orientation to its constituent strength fibers to which its cross-fiber surface is transverse.