Abstract: Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a vehicle chassis having a base member with raised surface features on the upper surface outlining individual cells, each cell configured to receive at least one battery; a cover member having a plurality of depending surface features on the lower surface which are aligned with the surface features of the base member. The cover member includes a channel formed in the upper surface thereof, aligned with and extending along a length of the depending surface feature disposed on the bottom surface. A lattice support structure is also included which has a plurality of support members extending axially and transversely, wherein the lattice support structure is configured to be at least partially disposed within the channel of the cover member and mounted to the vehicle chassis. The lattice support member providing increased rigidity and a load distribution path for externally applied forces (e.g. crash events) to prevent or inhibit enclosure breakage or puncture.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system for controlling the buoyancy of a tube may includes generally tubular length of buoyancy control material having a selected buoyancy characteristic. The length of buoyancy control material may be attached to a section of the length of the tube to adjust the buoyancy of the section of the tube. The length of buoyancy control material may be an integral, coaxial layer of the tube or, alternatively, the length of buoyancy control material may be externally attached to tube. In embodiments in which the length of the buoyancy control material is externally attached, the buoyancy control material may have a longitudinal axis that is spaced-apart from a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of composite tubing having properties tailored to meet a wide variety of environmental and working conditions. Composite tubes disclosed herein may include one or more of the following layers: a internal liner, a composite layer, a thermal insulation layer, a crush resistant layer, a permeation barrier, buoyancy control layer, a pressure barrier layer, and a wear resistant layer. Grooves may be provided in one or more layers of the composite tube to provide increased axial permeability to the composite tube. A venting system, including vent paths, may be provided in the composite tube to vent fluid that may become trapped within the wall of the composite tube.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system for controlling the buoyancy of a tube may includes generally tubular length of buoyancy control material having a selected buoyancy characteristic. The length of buoyancy control material may be attached to a section of the length of the tube to adjust the buoyancy of the section of the tube. The length of buoyancy control material may be an integral, coaxial layer of the tube or, alternatively, the length of buoyancy control material may be externally attached to tube. In embodiments in which the length of the buoyancy control material is externally attached, the buoyancy control material may have a longitudinal axis that is spaced-apart from a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: Buoyancy control methods for tubes are described. In one embodiment, a buoyancy control method can include a composite tube and a buoyancy control material for controlling the buoyancy of the composite tube. The composite tube can include an internal liner an external coaxial composite layer of fibers embedded in a matrix. One or more portions of the buoyancy control material can be attached to one or more portions of the composite tube to adjust the buoyancy of the one or more portions of the tube.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.