Patents Assigned to Auto Air Composites, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5558932
    Abstract: An integrated structural composite panel and ceramic flame barrier which is a structural load bearing support member while exhibiting superior flame resistant characteristics. There is a first layer which is a structural polymer composite which defines the form of the finished supporting member. A second layer is a fiber reinforced film adhesive which binds the third layer to the first layer. The third layer is a polymer precursor of a ceramic matrix which exhibits polymeric properties at a lower temperature and ceramic matrix properties at a higher temperature. The three layers are co-cured in a one step process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Auto-Air Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 5352529
    Abstract: A thrust vectoring panel which is a hybrid ceramic/ceramic composite consisting of three layers of lightweight materials, the anisotropic properties of which are manipulated such that the properties of the materials, i.e., the coefficient of thermal expansion, the strain energy release rate, and the tensile and flexure modules, either match or gradually transition from material to material. The three layers include a face layer which is of a high temperature capable material that can withstand temperatures within a range of 2300.degree.-25000.degree. F. for an extended period of time and a temperature as high as 28000.degree. F. for a short period of time. The middle layer simply is an insulating layer for providing adequate thermal insulation for the activator mechanism for the thrust panel. The third layer is a skeletal structure or layer which is of a lightweight material having sufficient strength to support all the integral interfaces, such as the activator mounts and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Auto-Air Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Scanlon, Gary Wigell
  • Patent number: 5252160
    Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite spinner cone used in aircraft applications and a method of manufacturing the same. The spinner cone has a metal outer shell which is bonded during the molding process to an inner structural member of thermoplastic composite. The metal shell imparts several desirable characteristics to the spinner cone such as impact resistance, erosion resistance, appearance, and supplying a lightning strike material to protect the composite structure. The thermoplastic composite has significant property advantages over metal or thermoset systems. The hybrid metal/composite spinner cone is manufactured using a ceramic mold which is less expensive and more readily available than a steel mold. The metal shell provides a barrier between the thermoplastic composite and the ceramic mold and allows the finished spinner cone to be easily released from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Auto Air Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Scanlon, Gary Wigell
  • Patent number: 5246520
    Abstract: A continuous fiber reinforced composite panel and a one-step method of molding it using a high viscosity, thermoplastic matrix. The high viscosity, thermoplastic material is in the form of fibers and the fibers are commingled with reinforcing fibers producing a dry woven matte. The dry woven matte is placed in a mold and heated under pressure around a pin mandrel forming part of the mold. The method of forming the panels is a one-step method using a two-piece mold, one-half of which includes a pin mandrel having formed thereon a plurality of permanent die pins corresponding in number to the number of holes to be formed in the perforated composite panel. The other half of the mold has holes or cavities formed therein corresponding in number to the number of pins and into which these die pins are received when the mold is closed. The method simply is to place the dry woven matte over the die pins in the mold and to then close the mold. The mold is placed in a press and heat and pressure is applied to the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Auto-Air Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Scanlon, David M. Moorehouse
  • Patent number: 5149251
    Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite spinner cone used in aircraft applications. The spinner cone has a metal outer shell which is bonded during the molding process to an inner structural member of thermoplastic composite. The metal shell imparts several desirable characteristics to the spinner cone such as impact resistance, erosion resistance, appearance, and supplying a lightning strike material to protect the composite structure. The thermoplastic composite has significant property advantages over metal or thermoset systems. The hybrid metal/composite spinner cone is manufactured using a ceramic mold which is less expensive and more readily available than a steel mold. The metal shell provides a barrier between the thermoplastic composite and the ceramic mold and allows the finished spinner cone to be easily released from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Auto Air Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Scanlon, Gary Wigell