Abstract: The present invention is directed to components of fiber-reinforced plastics which can also be used as load-bearing components in mechanical and automotive engineering. A construction for such components is created that can be used flexibly and enables a defined design of the components. A method is created for this purpose that makes it possible to design and produce such load-bearing components to specific requirements. The method can be automatable and can make highly replicable results possible. The components thus produced of a fiber-reinforced plastic can have low weight with high strength properties and can be economical to produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission striated belt including an elastomeric matrix (21) and a lengthwise supporting structure consisting of polyamide 4.6 twisted strands (20). The supporting structure (21) is selected so that the stress-elongation diagram of the belt exhibits an average slope ranging from 12 to 20 daN/% of elongation per width centimeter. The twisted strands are wound with an almost null nominal tension, and the curing operation and the cooling operation after curing are carried out without any belt tensioning.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for applying individual reinforcing threads onto a tubular layer. The device contains a positioning ring with equidistant holes that lie on a circumferential line, with the positioning ring surrounding and concentric with a rotationally symmetric, funnel-shaped deflection element. The deflection element deflects the reinforcing threads that are guided from radially outward to radially inward through the holes f the positioning ring into an essentially axial direction, wherein all the threads assume an equidistant spacing from one another. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing an unfinished tube consisting of several layers with the aid of the device.

Abstract: A composite tubular assembly formed by a core or tube which is reinforced by a multitape product which is wrapped in alternate non-bonded helical wraps on the core or tube. Each tape is first formed by impregnating a fibrous strip with a resin and then such tapes are fed from spools to the core of the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for joining sheets of woven material such as wire cloth in side-by-side relation to form a unitary sheet of material having a greater width. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a joining mechanism for joining the multiple sheets to form a unitary sheet, and optionally, either or both of a planarizing mechanism for reducing (or eliminating) differences in the thickness of the joint(s) from the bulk of the unitary sheet and a coating mechanism for coating at least areas of the unitary sheet near a joint. Following processing, the unitary sheet can be wound on a spindle to form a roll of woven material having greater than standard width.

Abstract: A thermal protection device adapted to extend along a surface to be protected from a thermally and mechanically severe external environment, having an inside face adapted to face the surface to be protected and an outside face adapted to be exposed to the external environment, includes a composite layer containing a refractory armature buried in a thermally insulative material matrix, the device further including a ceramic, metal or metalloid external layer of which the outside face is part and which is attached to the composite layer.

Abstract: In the present invention, a technique is described for manufacturing microtube devices which have peripheral geometries that are not uniform along the tube or device axis. These geometries may exist in only one location on the periphery of the microtube device or geometries may be repeated either uniformly or non-uniformly with micron or sub-micron precision along the tube or device axis. The preferred manufacturing process involves forming a complex mandrel, ie., (one, for example, that can not be formed by extrusion or pultrusion under constant processing conditions) and giving it at least one metallic and/or nonmetallic coating by any of a variety of techniques. The complex mandrel can then be removed by appropriate chemical or physical means that do not adversely affect the coating(s) desired for the wall. The result is a microtube structure having an axial profile duplicating that on the mandrel from which it was formed.

Abstract: A cord for a tyre includes a strand of metallic core threads and at least two shells of metallic threads arranged around the core strand; the threads of the core strand and of the shells are wound helicoidally and have a “Lang Lay” type winding.

Abstract: A band element for mounting in the crown portion of a pneumatic tire to provide run flat ability to the tire in the event of loss of air pressure and to provide increased puncture resistance. The band is formed of flat strips of tape having fibers embedded in a resin matrix which are twisted and then pultrated to provide a rectangular cross sectional configuration. The twisted tape is wrapped about a mandrel and forms either the only layer, or the intermediate layer of a composite band in combination with inner and outer layers of flat tape or wound filament fibers, whereby the fibers in the tape extend across the central axis of the band to reduce interlaminar sheer. In another embodiment, a plurality of dimples or depressions are formed in the individual tape layers to extend a plurality of the fibers across the layer boundaries to reduce interlaminar sheer.

Abstract: Internet communication technology is combined with global position systems (GPS) to provide anyone with access to the Internet or web to locate and determine conditions relating to a specific unit or vehicle or fleet of units or vehicles anywhere in the world. The unit or vehicle may communicate directly with the web for location based or location valuable information. Communication between units and/or vehicles is also provided. A transceiver device is located onboard the vehicle/unit and can be accessed by a local Internet interface via common carrier such as cellular telephone or the like. The transceiver includes an integral GPS signal generator and other identifying data. Once the transceiver is accessed by the Internet, the identifying data and the GPS signal are transmitted via the transceiver to the web, where it may be reviewed by any party having authorized access to the web site containing the information.

Abstract: A coated abrasive backing consisting of an endless, seamless, loop is provided. The backing loop includes about 40-99% by weight of an organic polymeric binder, based upon the weight of the backing; and an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material engulfed within the organic polymeric binder material. The endless, seamless backing loop includes a length with parallel side edges, and at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material engulfed within the organic polymeric binder material such that there are regions of organic binder material free of fibrous reinforcing material on opposite surfaces of the layer of fibrous reinforcing material. The fibrous reinforcing material can be in the form of individual fibrous strands, a fibrous mat structure, or a combination of the these. A method for preparing the endless, seamless backing loop for a coated abrasive belt is also provided.

Abstract: A coated abrasive backing consisting of an endless, seamless, loop is provided. The backing loop includes about 40-99% by weight of an organic polymeric binder, based upon the weight of the backing; and an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material engulfed within the organic polymeric binder material. The endless, seamless backing loop includes a length with parallel side edges, and at least one layer of fibrous reinforcing material engulfed within the organic polymeric binder material such that there are regions of organic binder material free of fibrous reinforcing material on opposite surfaces of the layer of fibrous reinforcing material. The fibrous reinforcing material can be in the form of individual fibrous strands, a fibrous mat structure, or a combination of the these. A method for preparing the endless, seamless backing loop for a coated abrasive belt is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the application (1) of at least one cable onto a rotating receiving surface (2) revolving at a speed V2, comprising means (10) for feeding the cable that comprise at least one capstan (11) revolving at a speed V1, means (20, 30) to displace the cable transversely relative to the receiving surface (2) and means (40) to position the cable on said receiving surface, characterized in that the means (20, 30) to displace the cable transversely effect said displacement by the combination of a rotary movement about an axis perpendicular to the cable travel direction with a pivoting movement in a plane containing the axis of said rotation, the extent of pivoting being determined by the ratio between the speeds V1 and V2.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a filament wound container includes providing a mandrel for winding a filament composite structure of a given thickness and having a closed end. The closed end is removed from the remainder of the composite structure, and the mandrel then is removed from the composite structure. A replacement closed-end member is positioned on the composite structure at the location of the removed closed end. The replaced closed-end member may be the original removed closed end. An overwrap thickness is filament wound about at least a portion of the composite structure and the replaced closed-end member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a packaging strap coil and its production method, wherein the innermost strap end is securely fixed to prevent un-winding thereof and the strap can be smoothly drawn out to the innermost end for strap-packaging of an item; a packaging strap coil unit which prevents deformation of the strap coil; and a packaging machine. The strap coil 11 comprises a number of layers of a resin packaging strap 11a wound helically and carelessly around a hollow 11b defining the axis of the strap coil 11. The strap 11a is made of a thermoplastic resin at least on its external surface. In the strap coil 11, a plurality of perforations 11d are pierced in the vicinity of an innermost end of the strap 11a through to a plurality of laminated layers. Each perforation 11d provides a melt-bonded area 11e along its periphery to bond the laminated layers of the strap 11a together.

Abstract: A thrust chamber assembly for liquid fueled rocket engines and the method of making it wherein a two-piece mandrel wrapped with a silica tape saturated with a phenolic resin, the tape extending along the mandrel and covering the combustion chamber portion of the mandrel to the throat portion. The phenolic in the tape is cured and the end of the wrap is machined. The remainder of the mandrel is wrapped with a third silica tape. The resin in the third tape is cured and the assembly is machined. The entire assembly is then wrapped with a tow of graphite fibers wetted with an epoxy resin and, after the epoxy resin is cured, the graphite is machined to final dimensions.

Abstract: The interferometric fiber optic accelerometer is viewed as a mass-spring transducer housed in a sensor case. The sensor case is attached to a moving part whose motion is inferred from the relative motion between the mass and the sensor case. A flexural disk is housed in a sensor case which is accelerated in a direction normal to the plate surface. The plate undergoes displacement resulting in strains on the plate surface. A coil of optical fiber, made to be part of an optical interferometer, is attached to the flexural disk, the strain from the disk is transferred to the fiber thus changing the path length of the fiber interferometer. The interferometer output in demodulated providing the acceleration response. The design of the accelerometer housing is such that it is highly immune to extraneous signals, i.e., dynamic and hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manufacture of fiber reinforced structures wherein tooling and a delivery head are employed for the placement of discrete, elongated fiber elements in mutually superimposed relationship to define reinforcement or stiffening members on fiber elements for the interiors or exteriors of composite shells and the consolidation of the fibers to form the cured composite structure. A consolidation medium is provided for the positioning and control of the fiber elements on the hard tooling and during the curing of the fiber elements.

Abstract: To provide a steering wheel which is lightweight, and which has adequate strength and shock resistance, a carbon fiber prepreg 13 is wound on a mandrel 11 or a lightweight foam core 40 so as to obtain a preformer 14. By heating this preformer 14 in a mold 18, a steering wheel is obtained wherein the rim is formed from a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin joined to a metal skeleton 23.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for forming an article includes a moving of at least one first strand of material, such as strand (22), along an appointed machine-direction (34). The at least one first strand of material is attached to a base layer of material (42) to provide a substrate composite (40), and a laminate layer (44) can be placed adjacent the at least one first strand of material to provide a laminate composite web (48). In a particular aspect, at least one second strand of material, such as strand (56), can be moved along its appointed machine-direction, and the at least one second strand of material can be attached to the base layer (42). In another aspect, an appointed portion of the base layer (42) can be folded to substantially enclose the at least one second strand (56) with the base layer material.

Abstract: An innovative new structure, called ChamberCore, is disclosed that is damage tolerant, easy to manufacture, and has an inherent design feature that can be exploited to drastically reduce acoustic transmission through the structure. The structure is composed of previously cured tubes that are sectioned to form chambers and co-cured with facesheets to form a sandwich-type structure. Damage tolerance is derived from the fact that the structure has no weak facesheet-core interface as found in traditional sandwich-type structures. Additionally, each chamber has a hole to it through the inner facesheet effectively converting it into a Helmholtz resonator. These resonators can be tuned to attenuate broadband or specific acoustic transmission through the structure.

Abstract: A tubular fibrous blanket is formed using a rotary fiberizer which produces a tow of substantially continuous thermoplastic fibers and a suction chamber with an annular, vertically extending, collection surface spaced from and surrounding the rotary fiberizer. The fibrous tow is collected on the annular, vertical collection surface or on a foraminous backing sheet passing over the collection surface in a spiral of very low pitch with succeeding portions of the tow at least partially overlapping and preferably, substantially completely overlapping preceding portions of the tow to form the tubular blanket. The tubular fibrous blanket and the backing sheet, when used, can then be slit longitudinally and unfolded to form a flat blanket having continuous fibers extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blanket.

Abstract: A composite laminated, generally cylindrical container for over-the-road transportation of liquids by truck is fabricated using a core of cellular thermoplastic expanded foam material, with an encapsulating layer adhered to each of the interior and exterior surfaces. The encapsulating layers of the cylindrical portion each utilize at least one layer of resin-impregnated unidirectional filament material, with the primary filaments extending in the longitudinal direction to provide bending strength, and a plurality of layers of spirally wound, resin-impregnated filaments to resist shear, torsion and external and internal pressure. The core and the encapsulating layers define a bonded sandwich type of construction. The container can be supported only at its forward and rearward ends during over-the-road transportation of liquids, like presently available stainless steel containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monolithic composite wing without using mechanical fasteners is described. The process begins with the formation of a center wing box in combination with a pair of spars, riblets and a pair of skin-molds including the wrapping and binding of the box by means of resin impregnated composite tapes. Next, additional cells are adjoined contiguously on either side of the current framework and an overlap wrapping and bonding process is continued around the current framework. The overlap wrapping and binding procedure provides increased torsion stiffness and reduced structural weight. All cells up to the leading and trailing edges will be included in the assembly process. Conduits to convey fuel, hydraulic fluid and electrical wiring will also be installed in designated cells. Finally, the completed wing will be cured in an autoclave under uniform pressure and temperature.

Abstract: This invention is a non-fragmenting warhead casing prepared from at least one thermosetting epoxy resin and carbon fibers wherein the epoxy resin is characterized as a liquid, low viscosity resin at ambient temperatures, curable at temperatures ranging up to 175° F. and further characterized has having a glass transition temperature T(g) ranging from about 200° F. to 250° F.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for forming filament wound composite workpieces. The process comprises the steps of: providing reinforcement material; providing an injection die; providing a winding apparatus including a rotatable mandrel; passing the reinforcement material through the injection die; injecting a resin material into the injection die to impregnate the reinforcement material with the resin material to form impregnated reinforcement material; and winding the impregnated reinforcement material about the mandrel so as to form a composite workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates as a whole to composite structures and may be used, in particular, in the manufacture of bodies or compartments of flying vehicles used in rocketry and aeronautics.A composite shell shaped as a body of revolution comprises a load-bearing framework of a multilayer structure consisting of intersecting spiral and annular strips arranged at intervals and forming cross nodes and stiffening ribs therebetween, an outer load-bearing shell, fine-cellular layers consisting of spiral and annular strips therebetween, surrounding the stiffening ribs of the framework in the directions thereof, and having the width exceeding the width of the strips in the ribs and forming their bearing flanges. The spiral and annular strips of the framework and of the fine-cellular layers, and the outer load-bearing shell are made of unidirectional fibers and a polymer binder.

Abstract: A band element for mounting in the crown portion of a pneumatic tire to provide run flat ability to the tire in the event of loss of air pressure and to provide increased puncture resistance is formed of flat strips of tape having fibers embedded in a resin matrix which in one embodiment are twisted and then pultruded to provide a rectangular cross sectional configuration. The twisted tape is wrapped about a mandrel and forms either the only layer, or the intermediate layer of a composite band in combination with inner and outer layers of flat tape or wound filament fibers, whereby the fibers in the tape extend across the central axis of the band to reduce interlaminar sheer. In another embodiment, a plurality of dimples or depressions are formed in the individual tape layers to extend a plurality of the fibers across the layer boundaries to reduce interlaminar sheer.

Abstract: A reinforced composite vessel and a method for its manufacture. A cylindrical mandrel capped by two convex, cylindrically symmetrical caps is supported externally only at a proximal end thereof, and is rotated and translated with respect to a strand delivery system to wrap the mandrel with at least two strands, in multiple strokes. A mechanism is provided to ensure that the strands are laid flat and undamaged onto the mandrel. As the caps pass the strand delivery system, the strands overlap and anchor each other. A liquid binder is mixed intimately with a catalyst and is depressurized to release dissolved gases. The binder is applied to the wrapped mandrel by causing a quantity of the binder sufficient to coat the mandrel to surround one end of the mandrel and then move towards the other end as an advancing annulus. This is accomplished by placing the mandrel vertically in a coating chamber along with the volume of binder, and reducing the volume of the chamber to force the binder up past the mandrel.

Abstract: Flywheel-based energy storage devices are provided along with methods for their use and fabrication. The devices have the capacity to store electric energy as kinetic energy and to generate electric energy from the stored kinetic energy. Preferred devices comprise a pair of counter-rotating anisotropic flywheels which are designed to rapidly rotate within an evacuated housing. The flywheels comprise a lightweight hub and a circumferentially-wound fiber rim. The hub and rim are fabricated from materials having high tensile strength and are connected with system of novel tube assemblies positioned around the hub parallel to the axis of rotation. The flywheel are principally supported by magnetic bearings and are further stabilized during rotation by a self-restoring liquid bearing system.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a continuous web-like intermediate absorbent product including the steps of depositing onto a web-like supporting sheet a predetermined pattern of absorbent material. Bonding the deposited absorbent material to the supporting sheet by means of heat. Depositing longitudinal strips of an adhesive material onto the web-like sheet. Applying at least a further web-like sheet over the assembly, which joins the further sheet to the former in correspondence of the adhesive strips by compression. Longitudinally slitting the web-like composite assembly obtained and separately winding into rolls the narrower webs obtained, which include adjacent absorbent cores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizes a multiple compaction roller ring winder (10) to consolidate multiple tapes of thermoplastic material (34) through conductive heat transfer to form approximately cylindrical structures. This includes rotating a driven mandrel (20) about an axis (24) to present a rotating forming surface. A plurality of material supply reels (30) disperse multiple thermoplastic material tapes (34). The supply reels (30) are positioned around the mandrel (20) such that the thermoplastic tapes (34) are simultaneously wrapped around the forming surface of the mandrel (20) to provide the material for the cylindrical structure. The multiple tapes (34) are compacted against the forming surface of the mandrel (20) by a plurality of heatable compaction rollers (40) that are positioned to rotate and press the tapes (34).

Abstract: Methods for making tubular pressure vessels from polymer-impregnated fibrous material utilize cylindrical mandrels that are helically wound while rotating about a horizontal axis. After end closure fittings are installed on the mandrel, a barrier layer having a thickness of about 0.015 in is created by helically winding a strip of nonwoven polyester fiber material which is impregnated and coated with a mixture of two resin systems, one which is promptly cured by UV radiation while the other remains uncured. The resultant barrier layer is stable and drip-free and is inspected so minor defects can be remedied. A time lag of several hours before winding the major portion of the sidewall of the barrier layer subassembly is completely acceptable if an epoxy resin plus acid anhydride curing agent system is used having an extended pot-life of 12 to 15 hours.

Abstract: The interferometric fiber optic accelerometer is viewed as a mass-spring nsducer housed in a sensor case. The sensor case is attached to a moving part whose motion is inferred from the relative motion between the mass and the sensor case. A flexural disk is housed in a sensor case which is accelerated in a direction normal to the plate surface. The plate undergoes displacement resulting in strains on the plate surface. A coil of optical fiber, made to be part of an optical interferometer, is attached to the flexural disk, the strain from the disk is transferred to the fiber thus changing the path length of the fiber interferometer. The interferometer output in demodulated providing the acceleration response. The design of the accelerometer housing is such that it is highly immune to extraneous signals, i.e., dynamic and hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Members for a rocket nozzle and a fabrication method thereof, wherein members for a rocket nozzle stacked in order of: a heat-resistant element; a first adhesive which is a thermosetting room temperature-hardening epoxy resin; a second adhesive which is a thermoplastic resin; a third adhesive which is a thermosetting medium temperature-hardening epoxy resin; and a structural body. The fabrication method according to the present invention comprises stacking a first adhesive, which is a thermosetting room temperature-hardening epoxy resin, on a surface of a heat-resistant element; stacking a second adhesive, which is a thermoplastic resin, on the first adhesive; stacking a third adhesive which is a thermosetting medium temperature-hardening epoxy resin, on the second adhesive and thereafter performing a vacuum shaping process; and stacking a structural body on the third adhesive and thereafter hardening the members.

Abstract: A composite barrier can and method of making same for use with industrial magnetic drive pumps. The barrier can is used to prevent leakage between the inner magnet assembly attached to the pump and the outer magnet assembly attached to the pump drive or motor. The barrier can is a non-metallic, composite barrier can composed of fiber and resin and includes a pole piece. The nonmetallic material and high strength configuration of the composite barrier can permits pump operation at high speeds and pressures with negligible eddy current generation. Using the composite barrier can results in minimizing heat developed in the coupling area and minimizing horsepower required from the motor. A resistance temperature detector is operatively positioned on the exterior of or within the fiber layer of the can such that the sensing portion of the detector is located proximate the closed end of the can. A method of manufacturing the barrier can is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a binding (19) for winding overhangs (20) of rotors (1) of electric machines, essentially comprising a plastic matrix with fibrous material embedded therein, the binding (19) is formed by winding a fiber tape (15) onto the winding overhang (20). The plastic matrix is composed of a thermoplastic. Furthermore, a method is described for applying the fiber tape to the winding overhang of an electric machine.

Abstract: Novel fibers have been made of reactor grade isotactic poly-alpha-olefin wherein polypropylene is produced by single-site catalysis and has a melt flow rate of greater than zero to about 5,000, MWD in the range of about 1.0 to about 3.5.

Abstract: A quasi-isotropic composite structure includes a multi-sheet rib projecting generally perpendicular to a multi-sheet body with at least one of the body face sheets being bent and attached in a parallel manner to the rib sheet or sheets. The sheet or sheets that are part of both the body and rib are unsevered and integrally contiguous.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article comprises a tubular body and a plurality of fiber braids for reinforcing the tubular body. The fiber braids have a first section parallel to the axis of the tubular body, and a second section forming an angle with the axis of the tubular body. The second sections of the fiber braids form a network capable of enhancing the resistance of the article to flexure and torsion.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a rim preform or rim-element having an axis of revolution by the placing on a preforming matrix pre-assembled fibers along two orientations defining deformable meshes. A winding of a strip of fibers is fastened on a circumference of the preforming matrix with asymmetrical orientation of the fibers, whereupon it is applied progressively until covering the entire surface of the preforming matrix by subjecting it to tensions of substantially circumferential orientation.

Abstract: A multiple ply composite structure used to reinforce, seal and shape concrete structures has a first ply formed of unidirected continuous filament reinforcements which are bonded together by a thermosetting polymeric resin matrix. A second ply comprises a plurality of separately spaced protuberances, each of which is individually coated with a hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin. The hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin of the second ply bonds the first ply to the second ply by forming a concave resin meniscus which anchors each of the protuberances of the second ply to the first ply.

Abstract: A linear bamboo tape containing a series of adhesively connected bamboo sections wherein each section has a predetermined width and thickness. The tapes are made by splitting cut and dried bamboo culms to obtain bamboo sections, sizing the bamboo sections to the desired width and thickness, adhesively connecting the treated sections, and applying a binder having excellent holding properties. The bamboo tape is used to make cylindrical containers or load-bearing structures by treating the tape with a resin and applying the treated tape to a surface of a cylinder to form a strong, lightweight, inexpensive cylinder. A cosmetic surface can be applied to the formed cylinder. The binder/bamboo tape can also be applied to the outer surface of cylindrical forms and treated with polymers to form pipes and tubes.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable case for supporting and controllably combusting propellant and/or gas-generant combustion gases is disclosed. The case is permeable to the combustion gases produced at temperatures above ambient temperature but below the auto-ignition temperature of the propellant and/or gas-generant supported therein. Further, the case is dimensionally stable without the use of metals, alloys or the like that yield shrapnel upon explosion in the barrel section of the case. Thus, an Insensitive Munitions case capable of passing cook-off tests is provided.

Abstract: The process for manufacturing fractal hollow tubes is presented. In order to break through present engineering barriers it is necessary to greatly increase the strength-to-weight ratio of the materials used in construction. The present invention accomplishes this by a process in which the mass and atomic dimentions are minimized while order is preserved in accordance to the quantum atomic compressibility law, E=3 h.sup.2 /8 ml.sup.2. Hollow fibers are formed into tubes which are formed into hollow cylinders which form the walls of hollow columns, etc. In this way the energy available for material strength is realized so that support structures that are stronger than 10.sup.9 Pascals and less dense than 1/2 g/cc are built. This process of fractal microengineering will allow the construction of aircraft, and structures having performance capabilities that were not possible before.

Abstract: Methods for orienting fibers and an apparatus for orienting fibers are provided for the fabrication of improved thin abrasive wheels utilizing uniform non-woven fiber reinforcement discs. The wheels are more resistant to hub push-out failure during grinding than wheels reinforced with woven fiber cloth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a composite laminate comprising the steps of providing unidirectionally oriented parallel fibres (UD filaments) (3) with a resin matrix to form a composite UD layer and laminating a plurality of UD layers to form a UD crossply laminate (18). In the method of the invention, the UD filaments are impregnated with a melt of a resin which in the uncured form solidifies below a certain temperature (Tm). Thereupon the UD filaments-containing resin is cooled to a temperature below Tm to produce the composite UD layer. The produced composite UD layer is irreversibly cured before or after lamination. Notably latent curing resins are suitable. The impregnation is preferably conducted by coating a process belt (8) with solid resin (6), laying the UD filaments onto the resin, and heating the resin so as to form the resin melt. The heating of the resin is preferably conducted by means of IR irradiation (11).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an advanced fibrous composite, concrete-reinforcing bar device by laying down a continuous band of tow or tows, yarn or yarns, or strand or strands of very fine filaments and liquid bonding material along at least an elongate, removable, form piece as a band member of endless belt formation through a delivery eye that reciprocates longitudinally along such form piece, which form piece is removed after setting of the bonding material to provide an empty space between a pair of load-bearing tandem portions of such band member.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and material for forming warhead casin The material itself consists of tightly wound carbon fiber bonded by a low temperature (room temperature) resin. This process of formation gives several advantages, including the ease of manufacturing and the elimination of the need to do inside threading as the interior of the casing can be totally formed during winding of the carbon thread. This also increases the speed of the formation process. The use of carbon thread and low temperature resins also gives several key advantages. First, the low temperature aspect of the resin allows the resulting casing to break down at temperatures significantly less than the ignition point of the munitions held within it. Because the fibers tend to separate as the ambient temperature increases, the casing will auto-ventilate at high temperatures. Additionally, since the casing is formed from carbon fibers, it maintains a high tensile strength while minimizing the weight of the casing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fiber reinforced composite bridge module is described which in one preferred embodiment includes the steps of selecting a cross-sectional shape for the bridge module defined by an outer substantially tubular shell having a top side and a bottom side, and a floor deck near the bottom side and at least one keel beam beneath the floor deck and extending lengthwise of the outer shell, the outer shell, floor deck and keel beams defining a plurality of passageways along the length of the module, winding fiber and impregnating material on mandrels in a plurality tubular sections defining the plurality of passageways, joining the plurality of tubular sections in side-by-side relationship in an assembly substantially defining in cross section the cross-sectional shape of the module, winding fiber and impregnating material around the assembly to a preselected thickness for the outer shell; and curing the fiber and impregnating material.