Abstract: A fastener assembly that acoustically decouples a workpiece from direct contact with a supporting structure includes a threaded fastener having a head portion and a shaft portion, a retention sleeve disposed about the threaded fastener, and a wave spring disposed about the retention sleeve. When used to secure a valve cover to an engine cylinder head, the fastener assembly acoustically decouples the valve cover from the engine cylinder head. As a result, engine structural noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is reduced.

Abstract: A process for preparing a postformable composite article of a heat curable thermosetting polymer having a substantial length and a non-trivial uniform cross-sectional shape. The process includes controlling the pull rate and the temperature of the heating and cooling sections of the die in response to the viscosity and the cure kinetics of the thermosetting polymer composition and (2) the non-trivial shape of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the fabrication of pultruded articles. The apparatus includes a means for heating the interior of a bundle of resin-wetted reinforcing material prior to the bundle passing into a heating forming die which heats the exterior of the bundle. Insertion of a thermocouple wire into the interior of the bundle prior to the bundle passing into the heated forming die allows the temperature of the bundle interior to be monitored during the curing process that occurs within the heating forming die. Adjustment of the bundle interior temperature relative to the bundle exterior temperature eliminates stresses caused by adverse thermal gradients that normally would exist without the use of such a bundle interior heater. Use of such a bundle interior heater allows the pultrusion of parts having a greater or thicker cross section than those now normally available.