Abstract: A system is presented for training emergency personnel in the control, containment, and extinguishment of fires. The system includes an array of waterless burn plaques in selective communication with a pressurized source of combustible gas, such as propane. A flameless igniter is associated with each burn plaque, each flameless igniter igniting the combustible gas emitted from the associated burn plaque. When activated, the igniter is continuously operating, emitting electrical sparks across a gap between electrodes and operating substantially unaffected by its environment. Being waterless, the burn plaques are of a low profile and present minimal interference with trainees maneuvering thereabout.

Abstract: A system is presented for training emergency personnel in the control, containment, and extinguishment of fires. The system includes an array of waterless burn plaques in selective communication with a pressurized source of combustible gas, such as propane. A flameless igniter is associated with each burn plaque, each flameless igniter igniting the combustible gas emitted from the associated burn plaque. When activated, the igniter is continuously operating, emitting electrical sparks across a gap between electrodes and operating substantially unaffected by its environment. Being waterless, the burn plaques are of a low profile and present minimal interference with trainees maneuvering thereabout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed mold sections having first and second molding membranes that define a mold plenum. The mold sections have a thin-skin mold section configuration. Each mold section can be filled with a gas backing. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the gas backing.

Abstract: A composite construction, such as a boat hull, comprising a thermoplastic layer and a fiberglass reinforcement composite. The thermoplastic layer comprises an acrylic film having a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm and an ABS layer having a thickness of 0.5 to 15 mm. The reinforcement may also include cured polyurethane foam stringers or logs to provide additional rigidity and strength to the construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a smooth attractive surface on a composite molded article. More particularly, the invention relates to combining materials in a mold to result in a composite article having a finished surface. The invention relates to a method having improved efficiency and reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants used in making composite molded articles comprising a reinforced thermosetting material having a thermoplastic exterior layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a smooth attractive surface on a composite molded article. More particularly, the invention relates to combining materials in a mold to result in a composite article having a finished surface. The invention relates to a method having improved efficiency and reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants used in making composite molded articles comprising a reinforced thermosetting material having a thermoplastic exterior layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a smooth attractive surface on a composite molded article. More particularly, the invention relates to combining materials in a mold to result in a composite article having a finished surface. The invention relates to a method having improved efficiency and reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants used in making composite molded articles comprising a reinforced thermosetting material having a thermoplastic exterior layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of a smooth attractive surface on a composite molded article. More particularly, the invention relates to combining materials in a mold to result in a composite article having a finished surface. The invention relates to a method having improved efficiency and reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants used in making composite molded articles comprising a reinforced thermosetting material having a thermoplastic exterior layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: A system is provided that monitors and controls a manufacturing process at a manufacturing location from a remote location. The system includes at least one sensor which measures a discrete measurable parameter of the manufacturing process such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, cycle time or cure time. A signal generator connected to the sensor produces a digital signal which is transmitted from the manufacturing location to the remote location. The transmitted signal is processed at the remote location and operational instructions are sent from the remote location to the manufacturing location as needed.

Abstract: A method of molding composite articles including arranging a pair of matched-tool mold sections in an opposed relationship, each mold section having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber; filling the fluid-tight chambers with a non-compressible backing fluid; and accommodating thermal expansion of the backing fluid by an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid tight chambers. The method further includes defining a mold plenum between the semi-rigid membranes when the mold sections are closed together; inserting reinforcement materials between the semi-rigid membranes prior to closing the mold sections; and injecting and curing a molding fluid after closing the mold sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding composite articles includes a pair of opposed matched-tool mold sections, each having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber therein. The chamber of each mold section is filled with a noncompressible heat-conductive fluid to provide fluid backing to the portions of each membrane defining the molding surfaces of each mold section. A system of temperature control coils extending within each chamber are connected to an external heater/chiller unit to permit circulation therethrough of a suitable temperature control fluid, whereby positive control of the temperature of the backing fluid and, correlatively, the molding surfaces of the membranes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding composite articles includes a pair of opposed matched-tool mold sections, each having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber therein. The chamber of each mold section is filled with a noncompressible heat-conductive fluid to provide fluid backing to the portions of each membrane defining the molding surfaces of each mold section. A system of temperature control coils extending within each chamber are connected to an external heater/chiller unit to permit circulation therethrough of a suitable temperature control fluid, whereby positive control of the temperature of the backing fluid and, correlatively, the molding surfaces of the membranes.

Abstract: In a weight lifting machine having a manually engageable mechanism which is movable along a predetermined path of movement wherein the manually engageable mechanism is anchorable to a weight mechanism which resists movement of the manually engageable mechanism, an apparatus for positioning the manually engageable mechanism in a selected initial position along the path movement, the apparatus comprising, an elongated rod having a mesh mechanism on a surface of the rod and a sleeve having a mesh mechanism receivably interlockable with the mesh mechanism of the rod, one of the rod and the sleeve being connected to the manually engageable mechanism and movable in unison with movement of the manually engageable mechanism, the other of the rod and the sleeve being anchored to the weight mechanism, the mesh mechanisms of the rod and the sleeve being reversibly interlockable and unlockable such that the rod and the sleeve move in unison with each other when interlocked and such that the manually engageable mechanism