Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A deformed metal composite wire (14) comprises a matrix (12) of a first metal having a first melting point. The composite wire also comprises two or more filaments (10) of a second or further metal embedded ion the matrix (12) and surrounded by the matrix (129. The second or further metal has a melting point which is higher or equal to the first melting point. Either the second or further metal is carbon steel or stainless steel in order to provide the necessary reinforcing or strengthening effect. The wire (14) is in a deformed state so that the two or more filaments (10) have a non-circular filament cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure, comprising metallic elements, to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements (201, 202) which are part of a textile fabric. The metallic elements have at least one structural deformation, other than the deformation they have due to their presence in the textile fabric. This additional structural deformation improves the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing structure (13), comprising metallic elements (15) (16), to be used to reinforce stiff composite articles (14) comprising such reinforcing structure and a polymer matrix. The reinforcing structure comprises metallic elements with structural deformations in order to improve the bending properties of the reinforcing structure and the impact properties of the stiff composite article, for which the reinforcing structure is used. The metallic elements run essentially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A double-twisting device (2) includes two half-shafts (4) and at least one flyer (6). The flyer (6) connects the two half-shafts (4) and causes axial forces F.sub.a which are exerted upon the half shafts (4) during rotation. The double-twisting device (2) further includes a magnetic device (22, 24) which are suited to compensate at least partially for the axial forces F.sub.a. This increases the life span of the bearings (8) and considerably reduces the maintenance costs of the double-twisting device.