Abstract: An adjustable instrument neck stiffener includes end plugs at each end of a hollow composite tube, which is preferably D-shaped, along with an adjusting bolt at one end. A first tension strip connects to one of the end plugs and a sliding element. A second strip, which is preferably made of carbon fiber, is located near the flat surface of the hollow composite tube, stiffening that side of the hollow composite tube. Tightening the adjusting bolt moves the sliding element towards the adjusting bolt end. The tension strip is also tightened, thus bowing the hollow composite tube and the instrument neck downward. This puts the hollow composite tube into compression and counteracts the tension created by the strings of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable instrument neck stiffener includes end plugs at each end of a hollow composite tube, which is preferably D-shaped, along with an adjusting bolt at one end. A first tension strip connects to one of the end plugs and a sliding element. A second strip, which is preferably made of carbon fiber, is located near the flat surface of the hollow composite tube, stiffening that side of the hollow composite tube. Tightening the adjusting bolt moves the sliding element towards the adjusting bolt end. The tension strip is also tightened, thus bowing the hollow composite tube and the instrument neck downward. This puts the hollow composite tube into compression and counteracts the tension created by the strings of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A split end tube connector connects fiber reinforced composite tubes, and in particular carbon fiber tubes. The tube connector end inserted into the carbon fiber tube is split lengthwise to alleviate peel stresses caused by thermal contraction of the connector as a result of temperature changes. In a preferred embodiment, the split end tube connector is made from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or titanium.

Abstract: A hybrid axial/cross-flow fan aerial vehicle includes both axial and cross-flow fan propulsion for efficient hover and forward flight performance. The axial fans provide primarily vertical thrust, while the cross-flow fan provides horizontal, as well as vertical, thrust. The vehicle takes off vertically, is capable of hover, and can fly forward by vectoring the thrust of the cross-flow fan system. This approach provides large internal cargo capacity and high forward flight speeds.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable musical instrument neck stiffener includes a beam fabricated by embedding uni-directional material only at the upper portion of the beam, and constrained by braid or bias weave material. In a preferred embodiment, the uni-directional layers are preferably made from carbon fiber tow, cloth, or pultruded carbon fiber and the braid or bias weave material is made of carbon fibers. To reduce weight, the middle section of the beam is preferably hollow. A threaded rod and threaded sleeve provide a way to adjust the neck stiffener beam curvature so that it is straight while under string tension.

Abstract: A hybrid axial/cross-flow fan aerial vehicle includes both axial and cross-flow fan propulsion for efficient hover and forward flight performance. The axial fans provide primarily vertical thrust, while the cross-flow fan provides horizontal, as well as vertical, thrust. The vehicle takes off vertically, is capable of hover, and can fly forward by vectoring the thrust of the cross-flow fan system. This approach provides large internal cargo capacity and high forward flight speeds.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. In one embodiment, a removable platform converts the segmented ladder system into a bus assault ladder/platform. Another preferred embodiment includes a bridge conversion kit. Yet another preferred embodiment includes a stretcher cover. When none of the bus assault platform, the bridge conversion kit, or the stretcher cover are needed, the ladder can be used as normal, or stored in a carry bag.

Abstract: A c-shaped clamp tool system preferably includes slider arms, one or more slider arm supports, pads, one or more threaded rods, and turning knobs. The clamping system preferably includes multiple slider arms and slider arm supports of different lengths. In a preferred embodiment, the slider arms are made of unidirectional pultruded carbon fiber and the slider arm support is made of woven carbon fiber.

Abstract: A musical instrument neck stiffener includes a beam fabricated by embedding uni-directional material only at the upper and lower portions of the beam, and constrained by braid or bias weave material. In a preferred embodiment, the uni-directional layers are preferably made from carbon fiber tow, cloth, or pultruded carbon fiber and the braid or bias weave material is made of carbon fibers. To reduce weight, the middle section of the beam is preferably hollow. An angle neck stiffener includes a hollow tube connected to a cradle, which is bonded within an instrument neck. The angle neck stiffener bridges the connection between the instrument neck and a preferably D-shaped neck stiffener.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable musical instrument neck stiffener includes a beam fabricated by embedding uni-directional material only at the upper portion of the beam, and constrained by braid or bias weave material. In a preferred embodiment, the uni-directional layers are preferably made from carbon fiber tow, cloth, or pultruded carbon fiber and the braid or bias weave material is made of carbon fibers. To reduce weight, the middle section of the beam is preferably hollow. A threaded rod and threaded sleeve provide a way to adjust the neck stiffener beam curvature so that it is straight while under string tension.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A split end tube connector connects fiber reinforced composite tubes, and in particular carbon fiber tubes. The tube connector end inserted into the carbon fiber tube is split lengthwise to alleviate peel stresses caused by thermal contraction of the connector as a result of temperature changes. In a preferred embodiment, the split end tube connector is made from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or titanium.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments of the instant invention comprise a lightweight, robust electronic rack enclosure. The embodiments are comprised of an outer chassis, an inner chassis, bottom vibration isolators, and top vibration isolators. The outer chassis is comprised of an outer chassis door, two outer chassis side assemblies, an outer chassis top panel, an outer chassis bottom panel, and an outer chassis back panel. The inner chassis is comprised of two inner chassis side assemblies, an inner chassis top panel, and an inner chassis bottom panel. Each outer chassis side assembly is comprised of a flat outer chassis side panel, one or more diagonal reinforcing members, one or more horizontal reinforcing members, and one or more vertical reinforcing members. Each inner chassis side assembly is comprised of an inner chassis flat side panel, and one or more inner chassis side panel horizontal supports.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.