Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: A reinforced panel, made of a composite material, includes a single base layer. A first plurality of mutually parallel ridges is affixed to the surface of the base layer. A second plurality of mutually parallel ridges is also affixed to the surface of the base layer, but oriented transverse to the first plurality. Structurally, the ridges and the base layer are co-cured to create an integral, continuous structure that provides stiffness and rigidity to the panel.

Abstract: A reinforced panel, made of a composite material, includes a single base layer. A first plurality of mutually parallel ridges is affixed to the surface of the base layer. A second plurality of mutually parallel ridges is also affixed to the surface of the base layer, but oriented transverse to the first plurality. Structurally, the ridges and the base layer are co-cured to create an integral, continuous structure that provides stiffness and rigidity to the panel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: An aircraft separator system for removing moisture suspended in a gas of an aircraft waste system includes a waste tank and a vacuum source operatively coupled to the waste tank for creating a vacuum for drawing the waste material into the tank and drawing the gas with the moisture suspended therein out of the tank. A disposable separator housing for removing moisture suspended in the gas is disposed on the tank and removably coupled between the waste tank and the vacuum source such that the entire separator housing may be detached from the waste tank and vacuum source and discarded. A two-stage filter is contained within an interior of the housing without extending into the waste tank. The filter has at least two areas of different density mesh defining two stages including a first area located proximal to a separator inlet opening which is less dense, and a second area located proximal to a separator outlet opening which is more dense.

Abstract: A loading/unloading conveyor system used for transfer of onions into onion crates and the subsequent handling of onion crates. The system comprises a multiple collection scoop for transfer of onions from the field to conveyors, an unloading head which fills the onion crates and cushions the onions as they enter the empty crates, a hoist from which empty crates are continuously supplied, a conveyor for holding empty crates, a hoist for stacking full crates, and a conveyor for holding full crates. Empty crates are constantly supplied to the empty crate conveyor as they enter the system. The empty crate conveyor in turn supplies the empty crate hoist which controls the release of a single crate into the system at a time. The individual empty crates are led by conveyor to the unloading head wherein they are filled with onions without bruising. The full onion crates then progress to the stacking hoist which stacks full onion crates two high.