Abstract: An axially extending tubular composite member having a plurality of plies and extending along a longitudinal axis has at least three plies with selectively structured fiber components in each ply. Typically an inner ply has at least one biaxial fiber component, an intermediate ply has at least an axial fiber component that typically is combined with two further fibers to form a triaxial fiber component. Another ply typically has a woven fiber component. A further ply having a biaxial component either replaces the ply of woven fiber or is disposed beneath it over the intermediate ply. A surface veil having fiber and an excess of resin material typically covers at least the innermost or outermost surface of the composite member. An internal web member can be provided, and typically also employs fibers and the matrix material.

Abstract: An axially extending composite tubular member having a plurality of plies and having primary bending stiffness along a longitudinal axis, has at least one interior ply having a matrix material and a first fiber component with fibers oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of between thirty degrees and sixty degrees, and more particularly between forty degrees and fifty degrees. An internal weblike reinforcement spans across the tubular interior of the member between and is secured to two spaced apart wall portions. The first fiber component provides significant torsional stiffness to the composite member and the internal weblike reinforcement provides significant impact resistance to the composite member.

Abstract: The invention provides a tubular composite member which has a plurality of plies and a generally elongate and selectively curved axis. The plies can include helically oriented fiber components, a matrix material, and thermoplastic tubes. An intermediate layer preferably has two tri-axially braided plies arranged at selective angles relative to the member's axis and as a function of the curvature of the member. Interior and exterior plies of circumferential windings can be part of the member such that the intermediate ply is contiguous and between the interior and exterior ply. In one practice, the member can be formed into a selective shape and then cured. Alternatively, the member is formed between a thermoplastic core and a thermoplastic sheath to facilitate a secondary process of heating and bending the member into a selective axially-curved shape.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A structural member of fiber reinforced composite material suitable for secondary processing and a method of processing is described. The structural member before secondary processing is typically a multi-ply tube, rod, or sheet formed with an outer sheath of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material having a melting temperature t.sub.m1 and an inner core material, also fiber reinforced thermoplastic, having a melting temperature, t.sub.m2 lower than t.sub.m1. The member, prior to secondary processing, is thermoplastic. In a secondary process the member is heated to a temperature between t.sub.m1 and t.sub.m2, but sufficient to render the outer sheath malleable. The member is deformed to a desired geometry, such as a helix, and cooled to a hardened state.

Abstract: An article for assembly with the application of heat to a selected temperature range to activate a thermoresponsive constituent, wherein the article avoids deterioration due to heating above the selected temperature range by including a thermochromatic material visibly disposed on the article. The thermochromatic material provides a visual indication in response to the thermoresponsive constituent being heated to the selected temperature range.

Abstract: A structural member of fiber reinforced composite material suitable for secondary processing and a method of processing is described. The structural member before secondary processing is typically a multi-ply tube, rod, or sheet formed with an outer sheath of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material having a melting temperature t.sub.m1 and an inner core material, also fiber reinforced thermoplastic, having a melting temperature, t.sub.m2 lower than t.sub.m1. The member, prior to secondary processing, is thermoplastic.In a secondary process the member is heated to a temperature between t.sub.m1 and t.sub.m2, but sufficient to render the outer sheath malleable. The member is deformed to a desired geometry, such as a helix, and cooled to a hardened state.

Abstract: A sail batten formed of a fiber reinforced composite material extended longitudinally and varying in transverse cross sectional from an ellipse at one end to a flattened ellipse at the other end. A two step processing for fabrications the batten commences with fabrication of a tube of substantially constant cross section in the thermoplastic condition as a first step. The second step processing heats the tube to a malleable condition and squishes one end of the tube to form a tapered structure with one cross sectional dimension decreased to reduce stiffness in that dimension.

Abstract: A sail batten formed of a fiber reinforced composite material extended longitudinally and varying in transverse cross sectional from an ellipse at one end to a flattened ellipse at the other end. A two step processing for fabrications the batten commences with fabrication of a tube of substantially constant cross section in the thermoplastic condition as a first step. The second step processing heats the tube to a malleable condition and squishes one end of the tube to form a tapered structure with one cross sectional dimension decreased to reduce stiffness in that dimension.

Abstract: A machine roll has a roller sleeve structured with an outer layer that is hard, wear resistant and machinable, and with an interior body layer of a fiber-reinforced polymer. The body layer is relatively light in weight, is structured to damp vibration and provides the structural rigidity of the roll. The sleeve can also have one or more interface layers, preferably of a composite, disposed in one instance between the outer and body layers and disposed in another instance within the body layer.