Abstract: An applicator is utilized in applying a thermoplastic composite filament to a mandrel so as to form a structure. The filament and the surface of the mandrel are caused to move simultaneously and in a common direction relative to the applicator so that the filament is continuously fed from the applicator into engagement with the surface of the mandrel. At least one stream of heated fluid is applied to the filament so that it impinges thereon not only at location preceding the location of the applicator, but also along the length of the filament to and beyond the applicator and up to and including the region where the filament first comes into contact with the mandrel. At the same time a stream of heated fluid is applied directly to the surface of the mandrel within that region so that the mandrel is heated prior to being contacted by the filament.

Abstract: An applicator is utilized in applying a thermoplastic composite filament to a mandrel so as to form a structure. The filament and the surface of the mandrel are caused to move simultaneously and in a common direction relative to the applicator so that the filament is continuously fed from the applicator into engagement with the surface of the mandrel. At least one stream of heated fluid is applied to the filament so that it impinges thereon not only at a location preceding the location of the applicator, but also along the length of the filament to and beyond the applicator and up to and including the region where the filament first comes into contact with the mandrel. At the same time a stream of heated fluid is applied directly to the surface of the mandrel within that region so that the mandrel is heated prior to being contacted by the filament.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining the state of charge and discharge of a host material, e.g., a hydride forming hydrogen storage material, or the interstitial content of an alloy material by the high frequency measurement of the time varying transfer function thereof.

Abstract: A computer-controlled overhead conveyor system is provided wherein all conveyor vehicles substantially continually communicate with a control system to be routed through the track network. The track is conceptually divided into zones each identified by an optically read marker; and the vehicles include scanners for reading the markers as the vehicles traverse the track. The marker information is communicated to the control system which controls track switches and vehicle velocities to prevent collisions and to direct the vehicles to desired destinations. Preferably, each vehicle includes a circuit for indicating the weight of the load transported thereby; and the control system calculates running totals of material weight moved--for example by material type or by track station. Further preferably, the control system controls the acceleration/deceleration of each vehicle in a manner dependent on the material type and weight to effect the maximum vehicle speeds while preventing damage to vehicle loads.