Abstract: A multi-layer elastomeric tooling for the manufacturing of composite structures is disclosed. The tooling comprises an elastomeric base material with an outer layer of fluoroelastomer. The base material can, in certain embodiments, be selected for its mechanical or thermal performance or low cost without the limitation of being a contact material. The outer material can, in various embodiments, have inferior mechanical properties, or durometers different than the base material or can be a contact or barrier material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder tool and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bladder tool comprises an elastomeric inner layer substantially defining an inner cavity of the elastomeric bladder tool, an elastomeric outer layer substantially defining an outer surface of the elastomeric bladder tool, and a permeable middle layer positioned between the elastomeric inner layer and the elastomeric outer layer. The permeable middle layer has greater permeability than both the elastomeric outer layer and the elastomeric inner layer to allow for evacuating of gases that have entered the permeable middle layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder tool and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bladder tool comprises an elastomeric inner layer substantially defining an inner cavity of the elastomeric bladder tool, an elastomeric outer layer substantially defining an outer surface of the elastomeric bladder tool, and a permeable middle layer positioned between the elastomeric inner layer and the elastomeric outer layer. The permeable middle layer has greater permeability than both the elastomeric outer layer and the elastomeric inner layer to allow for evacuating of gases that have entered the permeable middle layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder tool and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bladder tool comprises an elastomeric inner layer substantially defining an inner cavity of the elastomeric bladder tool, an elastomeric outer layer substantially defining an outer surface of the elastomeric bladder tool, and a permeable middle layer positioned between the elastomeric inner layer and the elastomeric outer layer. The permeable middle layer has greater permeability than both the elastomeric outer layer and the elastomeric inner layer to allow for evacuating of gases that have entered the permeable middle layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer elastomeric tooling for the manufacturing of composite structures is disclosed. The tooling comprises an elastomeric base material with an outer layer of fluoroelastomer. The base material can, in certain embodiments, be selected for its mechanical or thermal performance or low cost without the limitation of being a contact material. The outer material can, in various embodiments, have inferior mechanical properties, or durometers different than the base material or can be a contact or barrier material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible heated elastomeric bladder tool for repairing damage to composite structures. The elastomeric bladder tool can be used to repair composite structures in difficult to reach areas, such as under stringers used to stiffen large structures. The elastomeric bladder tool can be inserted into the damaged cavity such as a stringer to support uncured plies during the repair on either surface of the cavity. Integrated heating elements within the elastomeric bladder tool provide heat to cure the plies. The elastomeric bladder tool features a collapsed cross section that facilitates installation and extraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder tool and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the elastomeric bladder tool comprises an elastomeric inner layer substantially defining an inner cavity of the elastomeric bladder tool, an elastomeric outer layer substantially defining an outer surface of the elastomeric bladder tool, and a permeable middle layer positioned between the elastomeric inner layer and the elastomeric outer layer. The permeable middle layer has greater permeability than both the elastomeric outer layer and the elastomeric inner layer to allow for evacuating of gases that have entered the permeable middle layer.

Abstract: A power generation device includes a gas producing section for the extraction and utilization of living plant nutrients to produce a hydrogen containing gas and a hydrogen utilizing section coupled to the gas producing section, wherein the hydrogen content of the gas is used to generate electrical energy. The gas producing section includes a housing adapted to be connected to a living plant and placed in communication with a nutrient containing region of the plant, a chamber within the housing containing a bacterium capable of converting the plant nutrients into the hydrogen containing gas, and a pathway adapted to bring the plant nutrients into contact with the bacterium.

Abstract: A power generation device includes a gas producing section for the extraction and utilization of living plant nutrients to produce a hydrogen containing gas and a hydrogen utilizing section coupled to the gas producing section, wherein the hydrogen content of the gas is used to generate electrical energy. The gas producing section includes a housing adapted to be connected to a living plant and placed in communication with a nutrient containing region of the plant, a chamber within the housing containing a bacterium capable of converting the plant nutrients into the hydrogen containing gas, and a pathway adapted to bring the plant nutrients into contact with the bacterium.

Abstract: A tool, such as a monolithic ceramic round tool or ceramic inserted round tool fabricated from materials containing silicon nitride, is used for machining composite materials, plastics, and graphite. The tool contains at least a ?-silicon nitride phase and a grain boundary phase that is composed of rare earth element oxides such as zirconia, yttria, ceria, and compounds that contain elements such as aluminum, magnesium, silicon, nitrogen and oxygen. The tool is formed by consolidating powder components at elevated temperature. The consolidated ceramic has a porosity of less than 2 vol. %. Composite materials that can be machined include glass fiber-polymer composites, whisker reinforced polymer composites, and carbon fiber containing composites.

Abstract: A bipolar or unipolar separator plate for an electrochemical fuel cell is formed of an insulating slab of plastic material such as a polymer matrix having a plurality of electrically conductive elements embedded therein for conducting electricity from an adjacent electrode of the cell to an electrical conductor on the opposite side of the slab for deriving electricity from the cell. The conducting elements are preferably formed of aligned carbon fiber composite cylinders and the insulating slab is formed of a plastic such as epoxy, polyamide, polystyrene, polyphenylene oxide or polyphenylene sulfide molded around the conductive elements.