Abstract: A heater assembly includes both a carbon allotrope heating element for ice protection and a metallic carrier material for lightning strike damaged protection. The carbon allotrope heating element is formed on the metallic carrier material to create an integrated heating and lighting protection assembly.

Abstract: One example of a heating element includes a first carbon nanotube (CNT) layer and a second CNT layer. At least a portion of the first CNT layer overlaps at least a portion of the second CNT layer, and the first CNT layer includes a first perforated region having a plurality of perforations. Another heating element includes a CNT sheet with a first perforated region having a plurality of perforations and a first perforation density and a second perforated region having a plurality of perforations and a second perforation density different from the first perforation density. A method of forming a heating element includes perforating a first CNT layer so that it includes a perforated region and stacking the first CNT layer with a second CNT layer such that at least a portion of the first CNT layer overlaps at least a portion of the second CNT layer.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel assembly includes a first vessel having a first inner layer and a second vessel having a second inner layer. An outer layer of the assembly is in contact with and substantially envelopes the first and second inner layers. A junction of the assembly has outer boundaries defined by segments of the first inner layer, the second inner layer and the outer layer. A cross-layered component of the assembly is disposed in the junction, the first and second inner layers and the outer layer for adding strength to the junction and restricting delamination.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system and a method for making the same is provided. The belt includes a plurality of tension members that extend along a length of the belt and a jacket. The jacket substantially retains the plurality of tension members. The jacket maintains a desired spacing and alignment of the tension members relative to each other. The jacket includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers. The jacket defines at least one exterior, traction surface of the belt. The first fibers are at least partially disposed between the tension members and the traction surface of the belt. The second fibers are fill fibers. The first fibers have at least one property that distinguishes them from the second fibers.

Abstract: A belt (30) for suspending and/or driving an elevator car (14) includes a plurality of tension elements (32) extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements having one or more tension element coating layers (46) applied thereto. A plurality of fibers are interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A belt coating (44) at least partially encapsulates the composite belt structure.

Abstract: A high-pressure fluid vessel includes a stack of capsules with a curved shape. Each capsule includes a first domed end, a second domed end opposite of the first domed end, a semicylindrical portion extending between and connecting the first domed end and the second domed end, and a cavity defined by the first domed end, the second domed end, and the semicylindrical portion. The semicylindrical portion has a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The cavity has an internal volume. The internal volume of at least one of the capsules is greater than at least the internal volume of one adjacent capsule.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high-pressure fluid vessel includes forming a first portion of a high-pressure fluid vessel with a molding process. The high-pressure fluid vessel includes a stack of capsules. Each capsule includes a first domed end, a second domed end, and a semicylindrical portion extending between and connecting the first domed end to the second domed end. The method further includes forming a second portion of a high-pressure fluid vessel with the molding process. The second portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel. The second portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel is welded to the first portion of the high-pressure fluid vessel.

Abstract: A load bearing member (30) for a lifting and/or hoisting system includes a plurality of tension members (32) arranged along a width of the load bearing member. Each tension member includes a plurality of load carrying fibers (34) arranged to extend in a direction parallel to a length of the load bearing member and a matrix material (36) in which the plurality of load carrying fibers are arranged. The load bearing member further includes a lateral layer (40, 42) and a jacket material (50) at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members.

Abstract: A pressure vessel fluid manifold assembly includes a pressure vessel having a plurality of lobes joined to each other, each of the plurality of lobes having a wall disposed in contact with an adjacent wall of an adjacent lobe, and wherein the manifold can be external or internal to the lobes.

Abstract: A pressure vessel configured to store a pressurized fluid is provided including a plurality of lobes. Each lobe includes at least one vertically arranged interior wall. The plurality of lobes are positioned in a side by side configuration such that a first interior wall of a first lobe is positioned adjacent a second interior wall of a second adjacent lobe. The first interior wall and the second interior wall are configured to contact one another at a first point of tangency. A first tangent intersects the first lobe at the first point of tangency and a second tangent intersects the second lobe at the first point of tangency. The first tangent and the second tangent are separated by about 120 degrees.

Abstract: A belt and sheave assembly for an elevator system includes a sheave having a plurality of tracking grooves laterally spaced across a sheave width, and a debris channel located in a tracking groove of the plurality of tracking grooves defining a radially inwardmost extent of the tracking groove. The assembly further includes a belt having a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, a jacket at least partially enclosing the tension members, the jacket defining a side of the belt configured to interface with the sheave, and a plurality of tracking features extending from the side of the belt. The tracking features are laterally spaced across the belt width. Each tracking feature is configured to be received in a tracking groove, and each tension member is laterally offset from each of the tracking features.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes one or more tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, each tension member including a plurality of fibers extending along the belt length. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car located in the hoistway and movable therein, and a belt operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway. The belt includes one or more tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, each tension member including a plurality of fibers extending along the belt length. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to providing redundant heating elements to a surface of an aircraft skin for the purpose of controlling ice accretion thereon. Each of the redundant heating elements can be used alone or in conjunction with the other(s) of the redundant heating elements. In some embodiments, a second heating element can be used if or when a first heating element fails and/or is insufficient to perform the heating task. In some embodiments, the first and second heating elements can be controlled so as to create a heating profile of the surface of the aircraft skin. A heat controller provides electrical control signals to the first and second heating element. In some embodiments, the heat controller can provide such electrical control signals in response to detected ice accretion, flight conditions, and/or detected atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A chamber sealing mechanism and a pressurization bubble-eliminating equipment are provided. The chamber sealing mechanism includes an annular groove and a sealing ring, wherein the sealing ring and the annular groove are connected to form a closed cavity; the annular groove is provided with a gas charging valve that communicates with the closed cavity and is configured to charge air into the closed cavity and discharge air from the closed cavity.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel assembly includes at least one liner defining a chamber. The liner is perforated such that an applied composite layer envelops the liner and at least partially extrudes into the perforations during manufacture and when the chamber is placed under a vacuum.

Abstract: A pressure vessel assembly includes a vessel including a wall defining a chamber and a circumferentially continuous lip projecting into the chamber from the wall. The lip defines a through-bore in fluid communication with the chamber. A nozzle assembly including a tube and a flange projecting radially outward from the tube. The tube includes a first portion projecting from the flange and through the through-bore and an opposite second portion projecting outward from the flange. The flange is in contact with the wall and the first portion includes an outer surface having a contour configured to produce sealing friction between the lip and the outer surface.

Abstract: A pressure vessel assembly includes a composite layer surrounding at least one chamber. A heating element is embedded in the composite layer for extracting gas from the chamber.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel assembly includes a first and second vessels aligned side-by-side. Each vessel has a liner defining respective chambers. First and second mid-layers of the assembly cover the respective liners with portions of the respective mid-layers being in contact with one-another. An outer layer of the vessel assembly is in contact with and substantially envelops both mid-layers except for the mid-layer portions.

Abstract: A method of making monolithic carbon nanotube heater elements with geometric shape with multiple, complex curvatures is disclosed. The method includes depositing carbon nanotubes on to a forming surface, draining the carbon nanotubes, and drying the carbon nanotubes. Alternatively, the method includes thermoforming carbon nanotube sheets containing thermoplastic binders. The resulting carbon nanotube heater element is a thin, monolithic carbon nanotube heater sheet having a geometric shape with complex curvatures.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. Each tension member includes a plurality of first fibers, and a plurality of second fibers different from the first fibers dispersed into the first fibers. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car located in the hoistway and movable therein, and a belt operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway. The belt includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. Each tension member includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers different from the first fibers dispersed into the first fibers.