Abstract: Systems and methods for bending a composite based reinforcing bar (C-bar), are disclosed, including a bending apparatus, having a bending platform including a plurality of stationary supports, a pair of movable supports, and a control assembly. Each pair of stationary support and corresponding movable support are configured to engage a pair of flanges of the C-bar.

Abstract: A composition and method to form a composite core material for use as a panel, molded product, sheet, or reinforcing material. The composition generally includes a microsphere discontinuous portion disposed in a continuous encapsulating portion, such as an encapsulating resin. Final products made with the composition may also comprise a mesh assembly on one or both sides of a sheet or panel, and may comprise a scored panel or sheet such that a plurality of reinforcing blocks or sections are formed which allow the cured product to conform to, and reinforce, irregular shapes and surfaces.

Abstract: A composite core material and methods for making same are disclosed herein. The composite core material comprises mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin. Further, the method for forming a composite core material comprises the steps of forming a mixture comprising mineral filler, an encapsulating prepolymer, and a polymerization catalyst; disposing the mixture onto a moving belt; and polymerizing said encapsulating prepolymer to form a composite core material comprising mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bending a composite based reinforcing bar (C-bar), are disclosed, including a bending apparatus, having a bending platform including a plurality of stationary supports, a pair of movable supports, and a control assembly. Each pair of stationary support and corresponding movable support are configured to engage a pair of flanges of the C-bar.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites with electrostatic dissipative properties are described herein. The FRP composite is bonded to a surface and integrates a grounding system to dissipate electro-static energy, thus eliminating the potential risk of explosion. The system can be used for structures that require reinforcement and that are susceptible to electro-static explosions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making molded products for marine, automotive, recreational, and other applications. The apparatus and method for making the molded products generally includes a closed mold and an inline mixer for adding a catalyst to a filled resin. The method may include adding a cotton material to a resin to create the filled resin, adding a catalyst to the filled resin, and mixing the catalyst and the filled resin to create a catalyzed, filled resin. The method may also include adding the catalyzed, filled resin to a mold and allowing the catalyzed, filled resin to harden in the mold.

Abstract: A composite core material and methods for making same are disclosed herein. The composite core material comprises mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin. Further, the method for forming a composite core material comprises the steps of forming a mixture comprising mineral filler, an encapsulating prepolymer, and a polymerization catalyst; disposing the mixture onto a moving belt; and polymerizing said encapsulating prepolymer to form a composite core material comprising mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bending a composite based reinforcing bar (C-bar), are disclosed, including a bending apparatus, having a bending platform including a plurality of stationary supports, a pair of movable supports, and a control assembly. Each pair of stationary support and corresponding movable support are configured to engage a pair of flanges of the C-bar.

Abstract: A composite panel for use in applications such as mobile homes, boats, buses, RVs, or other panels used typically in transportation applications, where a single piece, water resistant, lightweight panel with patterned high-strength areas is needed. The composite panel generally includes internal preforms made of low-density material such as urethane foam, which create patterned structural portions of the panel during the molding process. The patterned structural portions are formed by a maze-like region within a mold, into which composite matrix material is infused. The patterned structural portions have high strength compared to the other regions of the panel, and can be used for structural support or for retaining fasteners for appliances, walls, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites with electrostatic dissipative properties are described herein. The FRP composite is bonded to a surface and integrates a grounding system to dissipate electro-static energy, thus eliminating the potential risk of explosion. The system can be used for structures that require reinforcement and that are susceptible to electro-static explosions.

Abstract: The machine comprises a solid matrix (1), a deformable body (2) joined to the surface of said matrix (1), a shaping mould (3) and a securing system system (5) for the fibre structure (4). The matrix (1) is a solid element having a functional face, the geometry of which depends on the part to be manufactured. The deformable body (2) has an initial geometry that depends on the geometry to be given to the fibre structure (4). The shaping mould (3) has the geometry to be given to the fibre structure (4) during the process of adaptation to the shaping mould (3), and the shaping mould (3) is located such that the deformable body (2) is located between said shaping mould (3) and the matrix (1).

Abstract: A composite core material and methods for making same are disclosed herein. The composite core material comprises mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin. Further, the method for forming a composite core material comprises the steps of forming a mixture comprising mineral filler, an encapsulating prepolymer, and a polymerization catalyst; disposing the mixture onto a moving belt; and polymerizing said encapsulating prepolymer to form a composite core material comprising mineral filler discontinuous portions disposed in a continuous encapsulating resin.

Abstract: A structure and a method of constructing a root joint and blade retention mechanism of a composite airfoil of a propulsor blade is presented. The retention assembly includes an inner sleeve configured to retain a root area of the composite propulsor blade. The inner sleeve is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the root area by a resin transfer molding process. An outer sleeve is bonded to an outer surface of the composite propulsor blade after the completion of the resin transfer molding process. At least one bearing assembly is disposed within an annular groove of the outer sleeve. The bearing assembly rotatably couples the propulsor blade and the retention assembly to a hub assembly.

Abstract: A decking system is made up of a variety of decking boards and other components are disclosed. In some aspects, the decking boards are connectable to each other so that adjacent boards will provide a water barrier and a drainage channel. Some versions of the boards may have a hollow region to accept the provision of heating elements or other accessory structures. A connector piece is disclosed in various embodiments span the gap between the butt ends of the boards to provide a water barrier at the butt ends of the boards. A gutter and downspout system is disclosed, as well as structures for protecting the ends or sides of the deck structure.

Abstract: A support structure for a propulsor blade includes at least one sleeve configured to support a root portion of the propulsor blade, the at least one sleeve fixedly attached to a surface of the root portion. The support structure also includes a preloading component configured to apply a residual compressive force to the at least one sleeve and the root portion of the propulsor blade, the residual compressive force configured to maintain an attachment of the at least one sleeve to the root portion. The propulsor blade and root portion may incorporate composite structural materials. The support structure and/or the preloading component increases the high cycle fatigue strength and bending capacity of blade retention assemblies (including, e.g., composite-to-metal joints) when subjected to high cycle bending loads under reduced centrifugal load conditions, thereby making further reductions in the size and weight of blade retention assemblies feasible.

Abstract: A retention housing for receiving at least one load transfer member is provided. In some embodiments, the retention housing and load transfer member may be included in a sandwich wall panel or a double wall panel. The load transfer member may transfer loads between first and second concrete elements. The retention housing may include first and second retention members, at least one guide member, and a size indicator for aligning the retention members with respect to each other. The guide member may retain the load transfer member at a predetermined angle. In some embodiments, the size indicator may correspond to the thickness of an insulation layer, such as in a sandwich wall panel. The retention housing may further include at least one depth locating means. A retention housing including first and second retention members may further include means for connecting the first and second retention members, such as in an aligned position.

Abstract: A composite panel for use in applications such as mobile homes, boats, busses, RVs, or other panels used typically in transportation applications, where a single piece, water resistant, lightweight panel with patterned high-strength areas is needed. The composite panel generally includes internal preforms made of low-density material such as urethane foam, which create patterned structural portions of the panel during the molding process. The patterned structural portions are formed by a maze-like region within a mold, into which composite matrix material is infused. The patterned structural portions have high strength compared to the other regions of the panel, and can be used for structural support or for retaining fasteners for appliances, walls, etc.

Abstract: A support structure for a propulsor blade includes at least one sleeve configured to support a root portion of the propulsor blade, the at least one sleeve fixedly attached to a surface of the root portion. The support structure also includes a preloading component configured to apply a residual compressive force to the at least one sleeve and the root portion of the propulsor blade, the residual compressive force configured to maintain an attachment of the at least one sleeve to the root portion. The propulsor blade and root portion may incorporate composite structural materials. The support structure and/or the preloading component increases the high cycle fatigue strength and bending capacity of blade retention assemblies (including, e.g., composite-to-metal joints) when subjected to high cycle bending loads under reduced centrifugal load conditions, thereby making further reductions in the size and weight of blade retention assemblies feasible.

Abstract: A retention housing for receiving at least one load transfer member is provided. In some embodiments, the retention housing and load transfer member may be included in a sandwich wall panel or a double wall panel. The load transfer member may transfer loads between first and second concrete elements. The retention housing may include first and second retention members, at least one guide member, and a size indicator for aligning the retention members with respect to each other. The guide member may retain the load transfer member at a predetermined angle. In some embodiments, the size indicator may correspond to the thickness of an insulation layer, such as in a sandwich wall panel. The retention housing may further include at least one depth locating means. A retention housing including first and second retention members may further include means for connecting the first and second retention members, such as in an aligned position.

Abstract: A load transfer device is provided to connect concrete elements including, but not limited to, sandwich and double wall panel wythes, roof, floor, balcony and canopy members, and pavement. The device may be used to connect and transfer loads between the components of sandwich and double wall panels. The device includes two load transfer members positioned at an angle with respect to one another. Additionally provided are a retention housing for retaining one or more load transfer members at their angled positions and a depth locating means for retaining one or more load transfer members at their proper depth. Also provided are sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the load transfer device and methods for manufacturing sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the disclosed load transfer device.