Abstract: A tooling apparatus for applying a tape material to a pre-formed insert is provided. The tooling apparatus comprises at least one guiding element coupled to an apparatus frame. An attachment shaft defines a rotational axis and extends through the guiding element. The attachment shaft includes an attachment element for securing the pre-formed insert thereto. An activation element is operatively engaged with the attachment shaft to rotate the pre-formed insert about the rotational axis at a predetermined rotation rate. A tape control assembly is spaced from the attachment shaft for axial translation along a tape control axis at a predetermined translation rate. Rotation of the pre-formed insert about the rotational axis and translation of the tape control element at the predetermined translation rate causes the material to be drawn under tension from the tape control assembly and applied to the pre-formed insert in a plurality of layers.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a beverage dispensing system having at least one fluid conduit. The monitoring system includes at least one monitoring apparatus configured to be coupled to at least one fluid conduit, each monitoring apparatus having at least one sensor and being configured to determine when liquid is flowing through the conduit, at least one hub configured to receive information from the at least one monitoring apparatus about when liquid is flowing through the at least one conduit, and at least one processor configured to determine a volume of liquid flowing through the fluid conduit based on the information received from the at least one monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place.