Abstract: A multi-layer material that provides blast and projectile impact protection is provided. The multi-layer material may include a hard metal layer, a composite layer, an air gap layer, and an innermost layer. An armor layer may also be provided that includes a polymeric honeycomb layer and a ceramic layer. In other aspects of the invention, a vehicle made from the multi-layer material is provided, and methods for making the multi-layer material are provided.

Abstract: In a moulding process for producing automobile parts, the female part (1) of a two part mould is sprayed with a metal such as stainless steel, tin, nickel-tin, copper or zinc. A thermal expansion compensation layer (3) is laid on the sprayed mould surface (1) and a layer of a resin impregnated fibrous material is applied thereto. The resultant assembly is cured and then removed from the female part of the mould or removed from the mould and then cured. The metal surface (2) of the composite part may be subject to further treatment such as polishing, coating and painting, or a combination of these. “Windows” may be produced by leaving areas of the mould part unsprayed with metal. In this way panels for lights, aerials or proximity sensors may be integrally formed.

Abstract: In a ceramic tool and associated method of making it, a ceramic base is infused with a material. The material is preferably a metal based compound advantageously chrome oxide. The chemical formulation of the material can be modified in order to optimize the rate of material deposition and the desired surface performance. The depth of the infusion is advantageously 0.1 to 1 mm preferably 0.25 mm. The moulding surface of the tool may be treated to vapour or oat blasting. The resultant tool has a longer life and may be used without a release agent.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and/or shearing elongate lengths of fibre into shorter lengths has two adjacent rollers (7) and (8), and means for supplying an elongate length of fibres to the rollers. The rollers (7) and (8) are disposed in a housing (1) and define a nip therebetween. One roller (7) is a pressure roller and the other a blade housing roller. Blades are advanced through slots in the housing of the blade housing roller (8) to cut fibre into shorter lengths and projected towards a delivery slot. Air jets through apertures (20 and 21) in the wall of housing (1) guide shorter fibres out of the housing.

Abstract: In a method of producing a moulded product, fibre such as carbon fibre is supplied to a robot delivery head where it is cut into shorter lengths and delivered to a moulding tool in a desired orientation and in a desired number of layers to achieve a desired thickness and strength. Resin is then applied to the aligned fibres and cured to form the product. Alignment or substantial alignment of fibre is maintained by applying vacuum to the mould, by electrostatic means, or by coating the fibre with resin prior to application to the moulding tool and heating the moulding tool surface, or by coating or impregnating the fibre with a ferric powder and magnetizing the moulding tool, or by applying a mist layer of epoxy in front of the shortened lengths of fibres. Fibre lengths and deposition rates are varied as required. The method facilitates fully automated production reducing process time and component costs. The invention also comprises a corresponding moulded product.

Abstract: In a moulding process for producing automobile parts, the female part (1) of a two part mould is sprayed with a metal such as stainless steel, tin, nickel-tin, copper or zinc. A thermal expansion compensation layer (3) is laid on the sprayed mould surface (1) and a layer of a resin impregnated fibrous material is applied thereto. The resultant assembly is cured and then removed from the female part of the mould or removed from the mould and then cured. The metal surface (2) of the composite part may be subject to further treatment such as polishing, coating and painting, or a combination of these. “Windows” may be produced by leaving areas of the mould part unsprayed with metal. In this way panels for lights, aerials or proximity sensors may be integrally formed.

Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle comprises two telescopic tube arrangements disposed on opposite sides respectively of the roof which comprises first and second panels (1) and (2). Each arrangement comprises three tubes (7, 8 and 9) dimentioned mentioned to be telescopically received one within the other, of hollow elliptical cross-section and made of carbon fiber. Expandable bags are disposed inside tubes (7) and (8). Each bag is disposed within a braided sock made of a low friction material to control movement and diameter of the bag within the corresponding tube, and facilitate its expansion and contraction. By supplying and withdrawing pressure fluid to and from the bags, the roof may be moved between extended and contracted positions. Expandable seals are disposed between adjacent roof panels and between those panels and the front and rear screens of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle comprises two telescopic tube arrangements disposed on opposite sides respectively of the roof which comprises first and second panels (1) and (2). Each arrangement comprises three tubes (7, 8 and 9) dimentioned mentioned to be telescopically received one within the other, of hollow elliptical cross-section and made of carbon fibre. Expandable bags are disposed inside tubes (7) and (8). Each bag is disposed within a braided sock made of a low friction material to control movement and diameter of the bag within the corresponding tube, and facilitate its expansion and contraction. By supplying and withdrawing pressure fluid to and from the bags, the roof may be moved between extended and contracted positions. Expandable seals are disposed between adjacent roof panels and between those panels and the front and rear screens of the vehicle.