Abstract: A method for molding a composite pressure vessel liner to secure a boss to the liner is described. The method comprises providing a moldable liner having an end section with a neck and a port. A boss is positioned around the neck of the liner and the liner is heated and pressure is applied to mold the liner to form to the shape of the boss. The angle of the molded liner secures the boss in place around the liner and it is able to withstand high pressures. A tool for molding the liner and a method for using the tool is also described. The tool comprises a tool body and a pipe having external threads. The tool body abuts the liner and the boss. Winding the pipe exerts pressure on the liner, which when heated, forces the liner to mold to the shape of the boss.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a flywheel capable of high speed rotational operation in excess of 15,000 rpm, the flywheel comprising a composite rotor having a polymeric matrix in which are embedded fibers helically wound at an initial angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor of from about 50° to about 80° and increasing in a stepwise or continuous manner to about 90°.

Abstract: A method for molding a composite pressure vessel liner to secure a boss to the liner is described. The method comprises providing a moldable liner having an end section with a neck and a port. A boss is positioned around the neck of the liner and the liner is heated and pressure is applied to mold the liner to form to the shape of the boss. The angle of the molded liner secures the boss in place around the liner and it is able to withstand high pressures. A tool for molding the liner and a method for using the tool is also described. The tool comprises a tool body and a pipe having external threads. The tool body abuts the liner and the boss. Winding the pipe exerts pressure on the liner, which when heated, forces the liner to mold to the shape of the boss.

Abstract: A method of incremental autofrettage is taught herein, whereby the cycle life of a metal liner in a pressure vessel is increased. This method serves to increase the yield strength of the metal liner through sequential work hardening due to repeated autofrettage at increasing pressures. By incrementally increasing the internal pressure used in the autofrettage process, the compressive stresses at an inner surface of the metal liner may be controlled so that post-pressurization buckling does not occur, yet the yield strength of the metal liner is substantially increased. The higher compressive stresses in the metal liner mean that higher Maximum Expected Operating Pressures (MEOPs) may be used without detracting from the cycle life of the metal liner, or alternatively, for lower pressures, a longer metal liner cycle life may be obtained. Either internal or external pressures may be used, generated by a pressure source, or a suitable die.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a device for converting kinetic energy generated by a living organism in motion to electrical energy.

Abstract: A pressure vessel comprising a pipe closed at each end with a novel plug/compression cap, the plug at one end of the pipe having a port for connection to a pressure regulating device.

Abstract: A pressure vessel comprising a pipe closed at each end with a novel plug/compression cap, the plug at one end of the pipe having a port for connection to a pressure regulating device.

Abstract: A method of incremental autofrettage is taught herein, whereby the cycle life of a metal liner in a pressure vessel is increased. This method serves to increase the yield strength of the metal liner through sequential work hardening due to repeated autofrettage at increasing pressures. By incrementally increasing the internal pressure used in the autofrettage process, the compressive stresses at an inner surface of the metal liner may be controlled so that post-pressurization buckling does not occur, yet the yield strength of the metal liner is substantially increased. The higher compressive stresses in the metal liner mean that higher Maximum Expected Operating Pressures (MEOPs) may be used without detracting from the cycle life of the metal liner, or alternatively, for lower pressures, a longer metal liner cycle life may be obtained. Either internal or external pressures may be used, generated by a pressure source, or a suitable die.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved metal/composite interfaces, particularly for risers used in offshore oil and gas production to connect a subsea oil well to a surface drilling/production facility. The invention provides a composite hoop structure configured to a bearing surface of a metal groove of metal liner over which axial fibers are laid. The composite hoop structure provides for improved transition of axial, torsional and compressive forces between composite fibers and metal surfaces of the metal liner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prepolymer formulation comprising dicyclopentadiene that is at least 92% pure wherein the prepolymer formulation is flowable at ambient temperatures by virtue of the addition of a reactive ethylene monomer to the formulation.

Abstract: Composite springs and methods of manufacture are described. The composite springs include a flexible core supporting multiple layers of a cured, resin-impregnated composite fiber wherein resin-impregnated composite fiber is wound or braided over the flexible core and cured on a helical mold to form a spring having a desired helical pitch, diameter and spring rate. The multiple layers of resin-impregnated composite fiber are wound or braided at ±5-90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible core.

Abstract: Composite springs and methods of manufacture are described. The composite springs include a flexible core supporting multiple layers of a cured, resin-impregnated composite fiber wherein resin-impregnated composite fiber is wound or braided over the flexible core and cured on a helical mold to form a spring having a desired helical pitch, diameter and spring rate. The multiple layers of resin-impregnated composite fiber are wound or braided at ±5-90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible core.