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 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. 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 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: 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 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.

Abstract: A footrest peg reinforcement is designed for use on motorcycles. The reinforcement includes an expansion plug, a fastener, such as a threaded stud or a bolt, and a support plate added to a standard footrest peg assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the support plate is made from carbon fiber.

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 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: The carbon fiber c-shaped clamp tool is preferably used in wood working and instrument manufacturing. The carbon fiber c-clamp tool preferably includes a main body, carbon fiber sleeves, pads, one or more threaded rods, and turning knobs. In a preferred embodiment, the main body and sleeves are made of unidirectional carbon fiber. A method connects the main body and sleeves by extending the carbon fibers from the main body to the sleeves and wrapping them around threaded inserts.

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.