Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite material comprised of reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin, wherein at least some of the reinforcing fibers have their ends in the matrix resin, characterizes in that a second resin having an elastic modulus less than that of the matrix resin is present in contact with fiber ends of at least some of reinforcing fibers having above-mentioned ends and only in the neighborhood thereof.

Abstract: A light-weight, highly rigid, high-strength environment-friendly fiber-reforced plastic (hereinafter, CFRP) board having a surface quality that can endure long-term use suitable for use in automobiles and the like is provided. A method for making the same is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact energy absorption member that is characterized by comprising a long member of fiber reinforced resin having a lengthwise direction and a thickness direction, wherein the ratio of the thickness t (mm) of the long member to the length L (mm) thereof is within the range of 1/11000 to 6/1000 as well as the direction of an external force is substantially in agreement with the thickness direction of the impact member. The member of the present invention sufficiently absorbs impact energy from a moving body when collision occurs and greatly increases safety to collision of transportation equipment, for example, a motor car and the like as well as is light in weight and compact, whereby the member can improve resistance against environment and saves energy. Further, when this member is applied to a house and a building against which the transportation equipment may collide, it can reduce the loss of social properties.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact energy absorption member that is characterized by comprising a long member of fiber reinforced resin having a lengthwise direction and a thickness direction, wherein the ratio of the thickness t (mm) of the long member to the length L (mm) thereof is within the range of 1/11000 to 6/1000 as well as the direction of an external force is substantially in agreement with the thickness direction of the impact member. The member of the present invention sufficiently absorbs impact energy from a moving body when collision occurs and greatly increases safety to collision of transportation equipment, for example, a motor car and the like as well as is light in weight and compact, whereby the member can improve resistance against environment and saves energy. Further, when this member is applied to a house and a building against which the transportation equipment may collide, it can reduce the loss of social properties.

Abstract: A brush holder device for an electric motor has a brush holder, a brush movably received in the brush holder, and a spring which acts between the bottom of the brush holder and the outer end of the brush so as to resiliently press the brush into contact with a commutator. The surface of the bottom of the brush holder on which one end of the spring acts and the outer end surface of the brush on which the other end of the spring acts are inclined in opposite directions along the axis of the motor such that the distance between the surfaces is greater at one axial end than at the other axial end of the brush holder. As a result, the spring is naturally urged to and stably held in the axial end where the distance between these two surfaces is greater. In addition, or alternatively, the bottom surface of the brush holder includes a recessed portion for containing the spring at one axial end of the brush holder.