Abstract: A method of increasing the thermal conductivity and decreasing the electrical resistivity of a titanium alloy. Boron is introduced into the titanium alloy to produce TiB precipitates. The TiB precipitates are then aligned in a direction of metal flow by hot metalworking.

Abstract: A fabric and tape laying machine operable with: (a) a robot including programmable control device, (b) a supply roll containing a continuous strip of composite tape or fabric, and (c) a mold of predetermined surface shape relative to x, y and z coordinates, including a chassis mountable to and movable by the robot, a contact roller module mounted on the chassis and spaced apart and downstream from the supply roll and adapted to receive tape from the supply roll, the contact roller module being moved along the programmed path by the chassis, a tape cutting unit carried by the chassis and situated between the supply roll and the contact roller module, and a suspension system for dynamically energizing the contact roller module to have its rollers apply a predetermined level of force downward on the tape during the lay-up process.

Abstract: A method of forming a wear-resistant reinforcing coating on a substrate, such as concrete, wood, metal or particulate. A reinforcing fiber mat is placed on the substrate and a liquid matrix material is mixed with small colored stones. The mixture of matrix material and stones is poured onto the mat, and the liquid wets the mat and contacts the substrate. After curing, a composite coating is formed with stones as the wearing surface. A membrane can be interposed between the substrate and the reinforcing coating to prevent adhesion and “starving” of the mat.

Abstract: A method of forming a wear-resistant reinforcing coating on a substrate, such as concrete, wood, metal or particulate. A reinforcing fiber mat is placed on the substrate and a liquid matrix material is mixed with small colored stones. The mixture of matrix material and stones is poured onto the mat, and the liquid wets the mat and contacts the substrate. After curing, a composite coating is formed with stones as the wearing surface. A membrane can be interposed between the substrate and the reinforcing coating to prevent adhesion and “starving” of the mat.

Abstract: A wall reinforcing method including reinforcing members adhered to the wall. The reinforcing members are either pre-cured composite plates or composite members formed in situ, that is, a fabric of reinforcing fibers that is saturated with an adhesive to form the matrix of the composite and to adhere the reinforcement to the wall. The in situ members are either strips of fabric or wide sheets that cover most of the wall. The spacing of the reinforcing members is determined, in one embodiment, by an array of spacing distances. The array, which is preferably in table form, is consulted by the installer who first measures some of the wall parameters and environmental characteristics.

Abstract: A wall reinforcing system is provided for strengthening of walls formed of masonry or from wood, metal or other structural materials. A basic system comprises utilization of rigid, fiber reinforced polymer plates of a length to extend substantially the full vertical heigth of the wall. These plates incorporate a plurality of filamentary fibers of length to extend the full length of a plate with these fibers formed from carbon, glass or other material exhibiting high tensile strength and are affixed in a cured polymer matrix. A number of these plates are securely fixed to a wall in spaced parallel relationship by a resin bonding agent or by mechanical fastening devices, or by a combination of both. A plate may include a plurality of plates secured in stacked, superposed relationship and ridgidly secured together by a resin bonding agent into a unitary structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a large cured reinforced composite structure. The method comprises placing at least one reinforcing fiber mat or fabric into a desired form and enclosing the fiber mat or fabric within a sealed envelope which contains a vacuum port and a resin supply conduit. The supply conduit introduces a curable resin at a rate not to exceed the rate of evacuation. The envelope is filled and the resin is cured.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of high strength fiber reinforced plastic structures via an improved vacuum assisted technique. A fluid impervious outer sheet is marginally sealed upon a mold to provide an enclosure, or chamber, in which a fiber lay up can be placed. The fluid impervious outer sheet is provided with a vacuum outlet, and the mold is provided with a resin inlet. Primary distribution media are provided one located on one side of the fiber lay up and the other on the opposite side of the fiber lay up. Each is of character which facilitates on application of a vacuum the ready, continuous flow of resin via the resin inlet into the chamber to the marginal edges of said resin distribution medium and flow through of the resin through the fiber lay up.