Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of material before the sheet of material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of forming composite structures may include at least one ply of material extending along a length of the composite structure. The at least one ply of material includes sections of material extending along the length of the composite structure.

Abstract: Material preparation devices and related methods include a material or substrate assembly and an application assembly for applying a fiber material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of material before the sheet of material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: Material preparation devices and related methods include a material or substrate assembly and an application assembly for applying a fiber material.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of forming composite structures may include at least one ply of material extending along a length of the composite structure. The at least one ply of material includes sections of material extending along the length of the composite structure.

Abstract: A material preparation device is provided. The material preparation device includes a bias-ply assembly, a feedstock assembly and an application head. The bias-ply assembly is configured to pass a bias-ply backing material along a first path. The feedstock assembly is configured to pass a feedstock along a second path that crosses the first path at a select angle. The feedstock includes resin pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced material (pre-preg) having the fibers at a first orientation relative to an edge of the feedstock. The application head is configured to transfer the pre-preg from the feedstock to the bias-ply backing material at a location where the first path crosses the second path to form a bias-ply with the fibers of the pre-preg having a second, different orientation relative to an edge of the formed bias-ply.

Abstract: A method of preparing pre-impregnated (pre-preg) material is provided. The method comprises treating a first surface of a backing with a corona discharge to enhance surface adhesion and applying the pre-preg material to the treated surface of the backing to form a pre-preg material with backing.

Abstract: A material preparation device is provided. The material preparation device includes a bias-ply assembly, a feedstock assembly and an application head. The bias-ply assembly is configured to pass a bias-ply backing material along a first path. The feedstock assembly is configured to pass a feedstock along a second path that crosses the first path at a select angle. The feedstock includes resin pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced material (pre-preg) having the fibers at a first orientation relative to an edge of the feedstock. The application head is configured to transfer the pre-preg from the feedstock to the bias-ply backing material at a location where the first path crosses the second path to form a bias-ply with the fibers of the pre-preg having a second, different orientation relative to an edge of the formed bias-ply.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: A material preparation device is provided. The material preparation device includes a bias-ply assembly, a feedstock assembly and an application head. The bias-ply assembly is configured to pass a bias-ply backing material along a first path. The feedstock assembly is configured to pass a feedstock along a second path that crosses the first path at a select angle. The feedstock includes resin pre-impregnated fiber reinforced material (pre-preg) having the fibers at a first orientation relative to an edge of the feedstock. The application head is configured to transfer the pre-preg from the feedstock to the bias-ply backing material at a location where the first path crosses the second path to form a bias-ply with the fibers of the pre-preg having a second different orientation relative to an edge of the formed bias-ply.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: A method of preparing pre-impregnated (pre-preg) material is provided. The method comprises treating a first surface of a backing with a corona discharge to enhance surface adhesion and applying the pre-preg material to the treated surface of the backing to form a pre-preg material with backing.

Abstract: A method of preparing pre-impregnated (pre-preg) material is provided. The method comprises treating a first surface of a backing with a corona discharge to enhance surface adhesion and applying the pre-preg material to the treated surface of the backing to form a pre-preg material with backing.

Abstract: Apparatus's and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment a variable material stretch forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section along a width of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section along the width of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

Abstract: A material preparation device is provided. The material preparation device includes a bias-ply assembly, a feedstock assembly and an application head. The bias-ply assembly is configured to pass a bias-ply backing material along a first path. The feedstock assembly is configured to pass a feedstock along a second path that crosses the first path at a select angle. The feedstock includes resin pre-impregnated fiber reinforced material (pre-preg) having the fibers at a first orientation relative to an edge of the feedstock. The application head is configured to transfer the pre-preg from the feedstock to the bias-ply backing material at a location where the first path crosses the second path to form a bias-ply with the fibers of the pre-preg having a second different orientation relative to an edge of the formed bias-ply.

Abstract: A method of preparing pre-impregnated (pre-preg) material is provided. The method comprises treating a first surface of a backing with a corona discharge to enhance surface adhesion and applying the pre-preg material to the treated surface of the backing to form a pre-preg material with backing.

Abstract: A heat dissipating arrangement for a damping system, such as the damping system of a bicycle suspension fork. The heat dissipating arrangement includes a heat sink, which, in a preferred embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical body and radially extending heat sink fins. The heat sink is either positioned over or around a damping cartridge or other damping system containing damping fluid or is formed as the damping cartridge itself. Preferably, the heat sink is positioned within the inner fork tube of a suspension fork with the heat sink fins in close proximity, and preferably contacting, the inner wall of the inner fork tube. Thus, the heat sink fins dissipate heat from the damping system to the inner fork tube. The pumping action of the suspension fork, as well as air passing over the fork as the bicycle is moving, dissipate heat from the fins, and thus from the heat dissipating arrangement and the damping system.

Abstract: A friction damping system for use in a system having at least one of a pair of sliding elements. The friction damping system has a friction producing element positioned between the sliding elements such that at least one of the sliding elements rubs against the friction producing element to generate friction and thereby damp the relative sliding movement of the sliding elements. The friction producing element may be provided in a housing that is fixed to one of the sliding elements with the friction producing element facing and contacting the other sliding element. The friction damping system may further be designed to provide directional sensitivity such that damping of movement of the sliding elements in a first direction is greater than damping of movement in a second direction opposite the first direction. Such directional sensitivity may be accomplished by angling one of the surfaces against which the friction producing element moves during sliding movement of the sliding elements.