Abstract: Resin supply system in which resin material is stored in a pouch in a degassed state ready for use. The pouch comprises a body portion forming a reservoir for resin material and a connector portion in fluid communication therewith. The connector portion includes an outlet which is configured to be connected to an injector head of an injector assembly, the injector head being connectable to a mould by means of connecting tubing to provide a resin supply thereto. The pouch is configured to be mountable in a housing of the injector assembly and is compressed by hydrostatic pressure of water surrounding the pouch in a chamber of the housing. The application of pressure by a piston moving in a direction transfers pressure to the water and then to the pouch in a controlled manner to provide the resin supply to the mould. After use, the pouch is removed and discarded thereby substantially eliminating the need for cleaning of the housing after use.

Abstract: A resin detection system for closing an automated valve to prevent resin entering a vacuum line portion of an outlet line is described. The resin detection system comprises a support (300) to a pneumatically-actuated device (320), a capacitive sensor (380) and a valve (410) are mounted. The sensor is configured to provide at least one signal indicative of the presence of resin in the outlet line which is used to close the valve automatically once the presence of resin is sensed by the capacitive sensor. The resin detection system forms part of an injection moulding apparatus and receives signals from a processor thereof to ensure that, if too much resin is injected, the valve is automatically closed even in the event that the sensor does not detect the presence of resin in the outlet line.

Abstract: A support (100) for handling pre-formed woven fabric layers to be used for conical shell composite components or segments is described. The support comprises a shaped portion (120) having a plurality of peaks (170) and a plurality of troughs (180) extending between first and second longitudinal edges (130, 140). Each peak has a varying amplitude along its extent and is configured to maintain warp and weft fibres of the pre-formed woven fabric layers perpendicular to one another. A clamping member may be used to retain a stack of pre-formed woven fabric layers in place on the support. The support may also be used for forming non-woven fibre layers and stacks formed from such non-woven fibre layers, and, for the subsequent handling thereof.

Abstract: Resin supply system in which resin material is stored in a pouch (120) in a degassed state ready for use. The pouch comprises a body portion (122) forming a reservoir for resin material and a connector portion (125) in fluid communication therewith. The connector portion includes an outlet (127) which is configured to be connected to an injector head (180) of an injector assembly (100), the injector head being connectable to a mould by means of connecting tubing to provide a resin supply (130) thereto. The pouch is configured to be mountable in a housing (110) of the injector assembly and is compressed by hydrostatic pressure of water surrounding the pouch in a chamber (115) of the housing. The application of pressure by a piston (150) moving in a direction (155) transfers pressure to the water and then to the pouch in a controlled manner to provide the resin supply to the mould. After use, the pouch is removed and discarded thereby substantially eliminating the need for cleaning of the housing after use.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and a method for removing an epoxy resin from a backing sheet at a temperature at or below the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin. The apparatus (200) comprises a housing (210) in which is mounted a dispensing roll (220) comprising epoxy resin (230) on a backing sheet (240), a wind-up roll (250) comprising the backing sheet (240), a release element (260) over which the backing sheet (240) is directed, and a collection tray (270) for collecting pieces of resin (230a) removed from the backing sheet (240). The dispensing and wind-up rolls (220, 250) are mounted on respective drive shafts (225, 255) which are driven by a drive mechanism (285) controlled by a controller (280). A temperature controller (290) is also provided for controlling the temperature within the housing (210) so that it remains below or at the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of molding a part (1?) made from composite material. This method comprises a step of injecting a liquid (7) under pressure into a closed mold (2) containing a fibrous pre-form (1) previously impregnated with resin. Said liquid (7) comes into contact with the resin but it is substantially inert and immiscible with respect thereto. The invention also concerns an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and a method for removing an epoxy resin from a backing sheet at a temperature at or below the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin. The apparatus (200) comprises a housing (210) in which is mounted a dispensing roll (220) comprising epoxy resin (230) on a backing sheet (240), a wind-up roll (250) comprising the backing sheet (240), a release element (260) over which the backing sheet (240) is directed, and a collection tray (270) for collecting pieces of resin (230a) removed from the backing sheet (240). The dispensing and wind-up rolls (220, 250) are mounted on respective drive shafts (225, 255) which are driven by a drive mechanism (285) controlled by a controller (280). A temperature controller (290) is also provided for controlling the temperature within the housing (210) so that it remains below or at the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of moulding a part (1?) made from composite material. This method comprises a step of injecting a liquid (7) under pressure into a closed mould (2) containing a fibrous pre-form (1) previously impregnated with resin. Said liquid (7) comes into contact with the resin but it is substantially inert and immiscible with respect thereto. The invention also concerns an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Composite joint for fitting at least one external member to a sandwich panel and panel integrating at least one such joint. To permit the transmission of static and/or dynamic stresses between at least one external member and a sandwich panel, into said panel is integrated at least one composite joint (10). Said joint comprises a plurality of juxtaposed, elementary, tubular cells (12), oriented in the panel thickness direction, as well as at least one stress introduction cell (12a), in which is fitted a rigid part (14) for fixing the external member. The tubular cells (12) comprise composite walls formed from braided fiber roves and resin.

Abstract: Composite joint for fitting at least one external member to a sandwich panel and panel integrating at least one such joint.