Abstract: A testing device includes a first member to be positioned on one surface of a part to be tested. A second member to be positioned on an opposed surface of the part to be tested. One of the first and second members have an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the first and second members have at least one magnetic element and the other of the first and second member have at least one magnetic or at least one ferromagnetic metallic element such that when one of the first and second members moves along the surface of the tested part the other of the first and second members will move along an opposed surface with the one of the members.

Abstract: A composite drive shaft includes a web-based body defining a longitudinal axis. The web-based body has a first composite layup end section, a second composite layup end section that is opposite to the first composite layup end section, a first spiral composite element extending between the first composite end section and the second composite layup end section, and a second spiral composite element extending between the first composite end section and the second composite layup end section. The first spiral composite element and the second composite spiral element are embedded into the first composite layup end section, and the second composite layup end section. The first composite spiral element and the second composite spiral element are arranged in a bi-directional orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. The first spiral composite element and the second spiral composite element are arranged at pre-determined angles and possess a uni-directional fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite structure.

Abstract: A method of testing a part includes placing a first member on a part to be tested. A second member is placed on an opposed surface of the part. One of the members has an ultrasonic transmitter and the other has an ultrasonic receiver. At least one of the members has at least one magnetic element and the other has at least one of a magnetic element or a ferromagnetic metallic element which is attracted to magnets. One of the members moves along the surface of the part such that magnetic attraction causes the other to move along the opposed surface of the part with the one of the members. A controller causes an ultrasonic signal to be sent from the transmitter through the part to be tested which is received by the receiver and then analyzed by an ultrasonic testing machine.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm coupler includes a flange having a central support and a flange element extending radially outwardly from the central support. The flange element includes a rim portion having an axially facing surface. The axially facing surface includes a plurality of interlock elements. A diaphragm member is disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The diaphragm member includes a diaphragm element. The diaphragm element includes a central support element and a disc member extending radially outwardly from the central support element. The disc member includes a rim element having an axially facing surface portion including a plurality of interlock members that connect with the plurality of interlock elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants (P) hydroponically includes a plant substrate material (52, 54, 56) comprising activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without the additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers are usable in bulk or manufactured into slabs (56) or other configurations by any of a variety of non-woven, woven, molding, or other techniques. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers are made from cellulosic or synthetic carbon fibers, for example, bamboo fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants (P) hydroponically includes a plant substrate material (52, 54, 56) comprising activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without the additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers are usable in bulk or manufactured into slabs (56) or other configurations by any of a variety of non-woven, woven, molding, or other techniques. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers arc made from cellulosic or synthetic carbon fibers, for example, bamboo fibers.

Abstract: A homogenous, free-flowing, resin containing 80 to 90 weight percent of polypropylene and 10 to 20 weight percent of liquid organic peroxide, where the weight percents are based on the total weight of the polypropylene and the liquid organic peroxide, is provided. Furthermore, a process is provided for producing this polypropylene by mixing 80 to 90 weight percent of polypropylene, in the form of 100-500 micron particles, with 10 to 20 weight percent of liquid organic peroxide, where the weight percents are based on the total weight of the polypropylene and the liquid organic peroxide.