Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure includes the steps of: forming a fiber-reinforced polymer paste to a shape of a cavity of a dry fiber preform structure; heating said dry fiber preform structure having said fiber-reinforced polymer in said cavity to an infusion temperature; infusing resin into said dry fiber preform structure and around said fiber-reinforced polymer; and curing said resin-infused fiber preform structure and said fiber-reinforced polymer at a cure temperature higher than said infusion temperature.

Abstract: Modular tool inserts for composite part manufacturing and related methods are described herein. An example method includes disposing a preform and a diaphragm assembly above a tool housing and disposing the diaphragm assembly on an upper perimeter surface of the tool housing that defines a cavity. The tool housing includes a docking station and a modular tool insert removably coupled to the docking station. The modular tool insert includes a mold disposed within the cavity. The method includes applying a vacuum within the cavity that pulls the diaphragm assembly, along with the preform, into the cavity such that the preform conforms to a shape of the mold. The method includes removing excess portions of the diaphragm assembly from around the modular tool insert and removing the modular tool insert, along with the diaphragm assembly and the preform, from the docking station.

Abstract: A tool and its method of use direct a flow of liquid resin through a preform. The tool has a tool surface with a channel recessed into the tool surface to a bottom surface of the channel. A plate is positioned on the tool surface covering over the channel with the plate being supported by the tool in the channel spaced above the bottom surface of the channel and with the top surface of the plate positioned coplanar with the tool surface of the tool. A preform is positioned on the tool surface with the preform covering over the plate. A flow of liquid resin is supplied to the tool surface and a pressure differential communicating with the tool surface draws the flow of liquid resin into the channel, through the channel and through a plurality of perforations through the plate and into the preform.

Abstract: Modular tool inserts for composite part manufacturing and related methods are described herein. An example method includes disposing a preform and a diaphragm assembly above a tool housing and disposing the diaphragm assembly on an upper perimeter surface of the tool housing that defines a cavity. The tool housing includes a docking station and a modular tool insert removably coupled to the docking station. The modular tool insert includes a mold disposed within the cavity. The method includes applying a vacuum within the cavity that pulls the diaphragm assembly, along with the preform, into the cavity such that the preform conforms to a shape of the mold. The method includes removing excess portions of the diaphragm assembly from around the modular tool insert and removing the modular tool insert, along with the diaphragm assembly and the preform, from the docking station.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure includes the steps of: forming a fiber-reinforced polymer paste to a shape of a cavity of a dry fiber preform structure; heating said dry fiber preform structure having said fiber-reinforced polymer in said cavity to an infusion temperature; infusing resin into said dry fiber preform structure and around said fiber-reinforced polymer; and curing said resin-infused fiber preform structure and said fiber-reinforced polymer at a cure temperature higher than said infusion temperature.

Abstract: A modular carpet system includes a carpet tile and an adhesive. The carpet tile is operative for resisting deformation, even under adverse conditions. In some embodiments, the adhesive may comprise a silicone-based adhesive or a urethane-based adhesive.

Abstract: A modular carpet system includes a carpet tile and an adhesive. The carpet tile is operative for resisting deformation, even under adverse conditions. In some embodiments, the adhesive may comprise a silicone-based adhesive or a urethane-based adhesive.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station module is provided. The module includes a vault for below grade installation, the vault comprising a compressor for compressing natural gas, a storage tank for holding compressed natural gas, a dispenser for dispensing compressed natural gas, each of the compressor, the storage tank and the dispenser in fluid communication with each other. Secured to the vault is a canopy for above grade orientation, the canopy comprising a CNG fuel nozzle in fluid communication with the dispenser and an interface for allowance purchase of the CNG.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station module is provided. The module includes a vault for below grade installation, the vault comprising a compressor for compressing natural gas, a storage tank for holding compressed natural gas, a dispenser for dispensing compressed natural gas, each of the compressor, the storage tank and the dispenser in fluid communication with each other. Secured to the vault is a canopy for above grade orientation, the canopy comprising a CNG fuel nozzle in fluid communication with the dispenser and an interface for allowance purchase of the CNG.

Abstract: A floor covering includes a wear layer having an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface, a fiber layer comprising a plurality of fibers, and a backing. The plurality of fibers have a first portion integrally joined to the lowermost surface of the wear layer, and a second portion projecting upwardly from the backing, such that the fiber layer extends between the wear layer and the backing.

Abstract: A modular carpet system includes a carpet tile and an adhesive. The carpet tile is operative for resisting deformation, even under adverse conditions. In some embodiments, the adhesive may comprise a silicone-based adhesive or a urethane-based adhesive.

Abstract: Backings for carpet and carpet tiles are formed from various post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric waste materials, for example, post-consumer textile waste material (e.g., carpet and carpet tiles), post-industrial textile waste material (e.g., carpet and/or carpet tiles), and/or other post-consumer and/or post-industrial polymeric materials.

Abstract: A connector for joining modular flooring tiles to one another on a floor without joining the tiles to the floor includes a tile-contacting surface comprising a material operative for preventing movement of the flooring tiles.

Abstract: A floor covering comprising polyvinyl butyral is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioned floor covering having a backing material formed from waste polymeric material and a blowing agent wherein the blowing agent may be activated either before or after the backing material is adhered to the floor covering. The waste polymeric material includes from about 0 to 40 percent aliphatic polyamide material and is granulated, densified and extruded at a temperature that does not exceed the temperature at which the blowing agent would be activated.

Abstract: A reinforced foam backing for a floor covering is presented. The reinforced foam backing comprises a foam layer comprising at least one thermoplastic polymeric material. The foam layer has a plurality of voids substantially uniformly distributed therein. The reinforced foam backing further comprises a reinforcing material adhered to the foam sheet.