Abstract: A process for producing a carbon sheet molding compound (SMC). An SMC manufacturing line including at least one conveyor line for laying up SMC resins on a carrier film is provided. A chopped carbon fiber which is evenly distributed using dehumidified supply air and using a pressurized air venturi apparatus which is used to debundle and randomize the carbon fibers, onto the resin on the carrier film as the carrier film moves along the conveyor.

Abstract: Impregnated veil and compression molding process of reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated continuous and discontinuous thermoset and thermoplastic materials. Veils are incorporated within the process, filming or laminating stages of the pre-pregging, either hotmelt or solvent based processes, in a variety of chosen resins. The veils help to improve visual part quality, reduce fiber splitting, and provide an isolating material in applications where incompatible materials must exist.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbon sheet molding compound (SMC). An SMC manufacturing line including at least one conveyor line for laying up SMC resins on a carrier film is provided. A chopped carbon fiber which is evenly distributed using dehumidified supply air and using a pressurized air venturi apparatus which is used to debundle and randomize the carbon fibers, onto the resin on the carrier film as the carrier film moves along the conveyor.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbon sheet molding compound (SMC). An SMC manufacturing line including at least one conveyor line for laying up SMC resins on a carrier film is provided. A chopped carbon fiber which is evenly distributed using dehumidified supply air and using a pressurized air venturi apparatus which is used to debundle and randomize the carbon fibers, onto the resin on the carrier film as the carrier film moves along the conveyor.

Abstract: Impregnated veil and compression molding process of reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated continuous and discontinuous thermoset and thermoplastic materials. Veils are incorporated within the process, filming or laminating stages of the pre-pregging, either hotmelt or solvent based processes, in a variety of chosen resins. The veils help to improve visual part quality, reduce fiber splitting, and provide an isolating material in applications where incompatible materials must exist.

Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material. Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet (10) disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers (14) embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material (16). Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbon sheet molding compound (SMC). An SMC manufacturing line including at least one conveyor line for laying up SMC resins on a carrier film is provided. A chopped carbon fiber which is evenly distributed using dehumidified supply air and using a pressurized air venturi apparatus which is used to debundle and randomize the carbon fibers, onto the resin on the carrier film as the carrier film moves along the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet (10) disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers (14) embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material (16). Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: A device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for curing a composite material, including a heating unit support (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b, 612c) supporting a plurality of heating units (16) each having a radiant heat source directed toward a corresponding portion of a heating volume (V) with at least some of the heating units (16) being controllable independently of one another. The heating volume (V) is formed by the combination of radiations emitted by the heating units (16) when the heating units are powered. A mold support (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) is configured to retain a mold (11311, 411, 511) containing the composite material to be cured such that the mold is separated from the heating units (16) by a planar section (S) of the heating volume (V). A method and a control system for curing first component made of composite material using radiant energy are also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy storage includes a cell that defines a flow chamber for receiving electrolyte, and an electrode arrangement positioned in the cell. The electrode arrangement includes a plate having first and second sides. The plate further has multiple openings that vary in size to facilitate electrolyte flow on both sides of the plate.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to a patch panel for networking components. The patch panel may facilitate access to the rear ports of the networking components. In one example, the patch panel may include a body and a face, and may mount to the networking component. Once mounted, one or more jumpers may be connected to rear ports on the component as well as connection interfaces mounted on the face of the patch panel. In this way, the rear ports may be accessible from the front of the component by the connection interfaces.

Abstract: An energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes a cell having an electrode and a deposition facilitating structure proximate the electrode for facilitating deposition of material on the electrode. The deposition facilitating structure includes first and second outer layers and an intermediate support arrangement positioned between the outer layers and connected to the outer layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator for positioning a test head relative to a prober or other reference. The manipulator has a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame and including first and second links having freedom of rotation about respective pivots and a third link coupled to the first and second links such that the third link has translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement; and an adaptor coupled to the third link and configured to attach to a test head. The invention also provides a method of controlling the manipulator.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator for positioning a test head relative to a prober or other reference. The manipulator has a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame and including first and second links having freedom of rotation about respective pivots and a third link coupled to the first and second links such that the third link has translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement; and an adaptor coupled to the third link and configured to attach to a test head. The invention also provides a method of controlling the manipulator.