Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structures and methods of making such structures, including tooling and articles used therein.

Abstract: Geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration are disclosed and described. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: Mandrels of various configuration, and action, including collapsible mandrels, to be used in forming composite articles with preselected three dimensional shapes and construction are disclosed and described. In one aspect, such a mandrel may have a plurality of discrete segments coupled about a longitudinal axis and collectively forming an enclosure with a substantially continuous exterior working surface. The working surface can have a network of intersecting grooves formed therein, and such grooves can cooperatively establish a substantially continuous interconnected lattice corresponding to the three dimensional geometric configuration to be imparted to a composite article formed. The mandrel may optionally include a removable core assembly to aid in collapse of the mandrel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structure, comprising a plurality of fiber-based cross supports intersecting one another to form a multi-layered node. The multi-layered node can be consolidated within a rigid mold in the presence of resin, heat, and pressure. In another embodiment, a lattice support structure can comprise a first cross support comprising fiber material; a second cross support comprising a fiber material, said second cross support intersecting the first cross support; and multi-layered nodes located where the first cross support intersects the second cross support. The multi-layered nodes can comprise at least two layers of the first cross support separated by a least one layer of the second cross support. Also, one of the first cross support or the second cross support can be curved from node to node.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: Three-dimensional carbon fiber based composite support structures and methods for the manufacture and use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, such a support structure may include a lattice of intersecting support members made of a carbon fiber composite material and a cover of the same carbon fiber composite material as the lattice, fused to at least one side of the lattice and covering at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A rotary sliding vane pump having vanes fabricated from a carbon/carbon based material that provides improved performance by inhibiting vane wear, chipping or fracture. The advantages provided by carbon/carbon based materials may be further enhanced by impregnating each carbon/carbon sliding vane with a teflon based coating.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rotary pump with sliding vanes with a self-lubricating solid coating covering the exterior end facing surfaces of the rotor and end facing surfaces of air transfer end plates. Additionally disclosed herein is a rotary pump with sliding vanes with a pair of bushings centrally located in the rotor with the internal bearing facing surfaces of the bushings covered with a self-lubricating solid coating.

Abstract: Apparatus including a reciprocating piston driven by a connecting means operating within a slider for driving a piston in a reciprocating motion. The slider is mounted in a crank case housing and includes guides for maintaining the orientation of the piston relative to surrounding cylinder walls. The cylinder is attached to the crank case housing at one end and attached to a cylinder head at the opposite end. The cylinder head includes an intake valve and an exhaust valve for controlling the flow of fluid into and from the piston chamber. To drive the piston a crank shaft is rotatably attached to a connecting means that rotates within the slider and connects thereto. Fastened to the crank shaft is a flexible coupling for coupling the crank shaft to a source of driving power.