Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing large parts based on composite materials, such as the roots of blades for wind generators. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: helically winding a band of fibre- and resin-based composite material around a mould; applying a removable protective sheet to the surface of the body; applying a heat-shrinkable strip to the sheet; compacting the laminate thus formed under a vacuum; curing the resin; aligning the cured body, machining the transverse surface to be applied to the blade and forming axial housings in said surface; and positioning and affixing inserts in the axial housings in order to secure the blade.

Abstract: A technique facilitates construction of high temperature fiber reinforced polymer oilfield tubulars. The technique comprises a method of combining a fiber material and a high temperature thermoset resin to create a high performance composite material. The composite material is formed into an oilfield tubular that can be used in a variety of downhole applications. The method of combining the high performance materials with low modulus, high temperature coating materials during the manufacturing process produces composite tubular products that can survive prolonged exposure to deleterious well fluids in high temperature and high pressure downhole environments.

Abstract: A macro-scale carbon nanotube composite hollow structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a polymer. The carbon nanotubes are combined with each other via van der Waals attractive force. The polymer is at least partly attached to the carbon nanotubes. A method for making the carbon nanotube composite hollow structure includes the steps of providing a linear structure and a carbon nanotube structure including at least one carbon nanotube film or at least one carbon nanotube wire, wrapping the carbon nanotube structure around the linear structure to form a first carbon nanotube composite structure, applying a polymer liquid to the first carbon nanotube composite structure such that a second carbon nanotube composite structure is formed, and removing the linear structure from the second carbon nanotube composite structure.

Abstract: A composite ring gear (10) with a metallic gear insert (30) has at least one filament (34) wound about the gear insert and an eyelet (32) a plurality of times. The filament is adapted to withstand a portion of a tensile load transmitted between the insert and the eyelet. The insert, eyelet and filament are then embedded in a composite material.

Abstract: Three-dimensional textile component structure made of high-tensile yarns, subject to loads in defined directions in use, comprises wound layers one above the other of yarn sheets (3, 4) made of the high-tensile yarns and at least one yarn sheet (2) extending along the structure, made of the high-tensile yarns with the yarns of each yarn sheet (2) fixed in position by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems. Such textile component structures are made by a method wherein yarn sheets (2-4) are laid as layers at different angles one after the other around a preshaped core (1) to produce independent layers of parallel high-tensile yarns, with at least one yarn layer (2) being fixed by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems, while the remaining yarn sheets (3, 4) are wound.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus includes a control unit, a rotation mechanism that rotates a mandrel, a hoop winding head that performs hoop-winding, and a helical winding head that performs helical-winding. The hoop winding head includes bobbins that feed fiber bundles to the mandrel and a circulation mechanism that circulates the bobbins around the mandrel. The control unit controls the rotation and circulation mechanisms such that the mandrel is rotated and the bobbins are circulated in the same direction during helical-winding. It is not necessary to cut fiber bundles after hoop-winding, and wasted fiber is not fed during helical-winding, thereby increasing economy and productivity.

Abstract: A composite core includes a plurality of tubes, each the plurality of tubes comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Adjacent tubes of the plurality of tubes are adhesively bonded to one another along sides of the adjacent tubes. A method of making a composite core includes the steps of providing a plurality of tubes, each of the plurality of tubes including a plurality of fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix, and adhesively bonding adjacent tubes of the plurality of tubes along sides of the adjacent tubes. A method of making a composite core such that a removable band is included in the core, the removable band being configured to be removable through a procedure subsequent to the cure of the composite core, thereby producing gaps in the core.

Abstract: A drive shaft for a wind turbine is shaped so as to allow for increased bending of the shaft, while being suitable for transferring torque in a wind turbine system. An example of such a shaping is a drive shaft having a helical rib defined on the surface of the shaft. A wind turbine incorporating such a shaft, and a method of manufacture of such a shaft are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices, having a robust structure and possessing a thrombus anchoring effect. Furthermore, the inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices does not deform or exhibit loss of dimensional accuracy during the manufacture process. These features are achieved by a porous structure formed of one or more linear elements or of a porous shaped article.

Abstract: A linerless tank structure has a body that defines an enclosed interior volume. The body has a cylindrical section having an axis of symmetry and a dome section coupled with the cylindrical section. The construction of the pressure vessel includes multiple fiber plies. At least one of the fiber plies is a helical ply having fibers traversing the dome helically about the axis of symmetry. At least a second of the fiber plies is a braided or woven ply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated method for manufacturing layer by layer a composite part with rotational symmetry and complex cross-section, comprising the following stages: a) a reel or roll comprising a reinforcement is continuously unwound; b) as an option, the reinforcement is impregnated with a liquid resin by passing through a bath; c) the impregnated reinforcement is wound onto a rotating cylindrical mandrel; d) the impregnated reinforcement is completely or partially polymerised in order to obtain a composite material; e) a support and/or support material is deposited on both sides of the composite material forming the part being manufactured in such a way as to fill the gaps surrounding said part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a casing-and-diverging-portion unit, the method comprising the following steps: forming fiber reinforcement from a first fiber preform made with a first type of fiber and a second fiber preform made with a second type of fiber different from the first type of fiber, said second preform being placed on the first preform; maintaining the fiber reinforcement in tooling so that it has a shape identical to the shape of the casing-and-diverging-portion unit that is to be made; and impregnating said fiber reinforcement with a thermosetting resin and impregnating the resin.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fiber application method and a fiber application machine for producing parts in composite material, such as for the application of a band of fibers on convex surfaces and/or with edges. The machine comprises a fiber application head and a moving system for moving the application head. The application head comprises a compacting system including a compacting roller intended to come in contact against the application surface to apply the band, and a compacting member placed downstream from the compacting roller and exhibiting a substantially planar contact surface, said compacting member being capable of being pressed by its contact surface, against an application surface, substantially on the entire width of a band, by at least one contact line.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a fiber strand onto a bobbin having a longitudinal axis has a support holding the bobbin for rotation about the axis, a supply for feeding the fiber strand in a travel direction generally radially or tangentially to the bobbin, and a drive for rotating the bobbin about the longitudinal axis and for, when a fiber strand is engaged with the bobbin, winding the fiber strand onto the bobbin. A handling device is rotatable about the axis adjacent the bobbin and carries a strand layer for at a start of a winding operation moving into a predetermined angular position and pressing a leading end of the fiber strand against the bobbin. The handler also carries a cutter on the handling device for at an end of a winding operation cutting the fiber strand and thereby forming a trailing end attached to the bobbin and a new leading end.

Abstract: A fiber placement tool comprising a plurality of tool segments, each tool segment having an outer surface defining a predetermined profile, each tool segment being removably mounted on at least one elongate shaft.

Abstract: A composite panel and method of manufacture includes a support structure and a tape skin wound about the support structure. A mandrel assembly with extractable longitudinal mandrels facilitates winding of the tape skin onto the support structure. The composite panel is suitable for use in an aircraft floor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for substantially containing dust generated along a fiber tow path extending from a creel to a compression roller in an automated fiber placement machine, by enclosing substantially all of the path of the fiber tows between the creel and the compression roller within a barrier that is substantially impermeable to dust. A dust collection apparatus may have a porous media and/or utilize an electrostatic charge for entrapping the dust.

Abstract: A composite section including a concentric arrangement of inner and outer laminates having an interstice therebetween is provided. Both the inner and outer laminates include a matrix material and a fabric layer. A plurality of tubes having an inner cavity, are situated in the interstice of the inner and outer laminates. A reinforcing material is disposed in the interstice and along the length of the concentric arrangement unoccupied by the plurality of tubes to create a composite section. A plurality of tension members are threaded though the plurality of tubes to provide post tensioning to each of the composite sections. The components are easily transported and assembled to form composite sections to provide cost effective on-site tower formation. Also provided is an apparatus to form the inner and outer laminates and a method of formation of the composite section.

Abstract: There is described a method for making a vehicle (2), including a body comprising carbon fibres, preferably a military vehicle. The method consists of the body being wound up over a mandrel with threads (28) wetted in glue. The threads (28) contain carbon fibres. The threads (28) wound around the mandrel (22) are subsequently cured. After the curing, the body is drawn off the mandrel (22), and the ends of the body are cut off at appropriate angles. Then the front end and rear end of the body are closed with closure elements, preferably closure elements containing carbon fibres and armouring materials. During the winding process, one or more layers of lightweight ceramic and/or other armouring materials (26) are laid in, which thereby become integrated in the basic body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a pre-cured composite strip to a composite component. A pre-cured composite strip having a thermoset resin may be placed on a surface of a portion of the composite component where a caul plate seam may be expected. Caul plates may be placed on the composite component after placing the pre-cured composite strip to form the caul plate seam. The composite component may be cured after placing the caul plates on the composite component.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tubes formed from fiber reinforced composite material, the apparatus including: an elongate hollow mandrel (3) having an internal mandrel cavity (5), the mandrel having an external surface (7) upon which reinforcing fiber material (9) can be wrapped to provide a composite lay-up (10) supported thereon; and fluid flow means (11) for enabling heat transfer fluid of different temperatures to be circulated through the mandrel cavity (5), such that when fluid at an elevated temperature is circulated, heat is transferred from the fluid, through the mandrel (3) to the composite lay-up (10) for curing or forming said lay-up.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a tube member made of fiber-reinforced resin in which it is unnecessary to fold back an end portion of a fiber layer impregnated with uncured resin, and which is capable of joining a tube member, which comprises a resin fiber, and a flanged tube material, which is to be directly rigidly coupled with an engine box or the like, while maintaining the fiber orientation in the initial orientation posture and through an extremely simple process as well. In the process, there is provided a base member 10 comprising a mandrel 1, and an end portion attachment member 2 that is attached to one end thereof and that has a protrusion and a wide diameter portion of a wider diameter as compared to the mandrel. A fiber impregnated with uncured resin is hoop wound around the outer circumference of the mandrel 1 to form a first wound layer 3. A fiber is further helically wound around the outer circumference thereof to form a second wound layer 4.

Abstract: A device for draping and pre-shaping curved profiled structural components of fiber materials includes at least one shaping tool having a curved shaping face which has a profiled cross-section and which defines the outer contour of the profiled structural component. The device also includes a plurality of unwinding devices each for discharging a web-like fiber material, a device for performing a relative movement between the shaping tool and the plurality of unwinding devices for tangentially winding the web-like fiber materials onto the curved shaping face under tension, and a fixing device for finally fixing the shape of all of the web-like fiber materials wound on the curved shaping face. A method of draping and pre-shaping curved profiled structural components of fiber materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for making fiber-on-end materials are provided. The materials can be used to make a variety of finished articles.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber layer and the fibers of the second fiber layer form an angle and a binding layer coating the first fiber layer and said second fiber layer. The interior surface area of the non-compliant medical balloon remains unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a product including a layer of fiber to a surface of a mold is provided. The system includes a mold and an apparatus. The mold is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. An apparatus includes a base and a head coupled to the base. The base is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation. The head is configured to apply the fiber to the surface of the mold to form the product. The product includes at least one layer including at least one fiber applied using centrifugal force.

Abstract: A pile article is provided having a band of textile material, and a plurality of fiber loops defining a pile having sides from ends extending longitudinally along the band. The band is ultrasonically welded to the ends and a portion of the sides of the pile, and is sufficiently wide to support the sides of the pile substantially upright. An interior textile strip may optionally extend longitudinally within the pile at the ends of the pile and within a portion of the pile sides.

Abstract: A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.

Abstract: Embodiments include an infusion-occlusion system having a delivery catheter, a guide catheter adapted to receive the delivery catheter, and a guidewire with an occlusion device adapted to be received within the guide catheter. The guide catheter of the catheter kit may be provided with an occlusion device at the distal end of the guide catheter. The delivery catheter may have an accessory lumen, coaxial or co-linear lumen, a supporting mandrel, or an occlusion device at its distal end. Moreover, according to some embodiments, occlusion devices may be a single material or a composite balloon having an inner liner and an outer layer of different materials, a high compliance low pressure balloon, or a filter device that restricts particles from passing through but does not restrict fluid, such as blood. An inflation device with a large volume and low volume syringe can be used to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solenoidal magnet having one or more coils wound onto a cylindrical former, and an annular end coil (20), mounted onto an end of the former such that no part of the former is present on the radially inner (A1) or axially outer (B2) sides of the end coil.

Abstract: Methods for making a structure having an integral mounting flange involving providing a primary composite structure having a circumference, applying at least one circumferentially oriented core fiber about the circumference of the primary composite structure, applying at least one layer of attachment fibers to operably connect the core fiber to the primary composite structure about the circumference to obtain an integral mounting flange preform, and curing the mounting flange preform to obtain an integral mounting flange.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened structure from fiber-reinforced composite materials. Ribs are formed on a smooth hard base tool. Expansion blocks are placed in the shallow cavities formed by the ribs and the base tool, and held in place by one of several means while a skin is placed over the ribs, expansion blocks, and base tool. The assembly is then placed in a vacuum bag and autoclave cured. After cooling, the formed structure is separated from the base tool and the expansion blocks are removed from the cavities. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and is intended to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.

Abstract: For use in the manufacture of reinforcement layers for flexible pipes which are capable of absorbing compressive or tensile forces, and which are used for the transport of oil and gas, a thermoplastic material is applied to a strength-imparting layer. The strength-imparting layers are reeled on reels, and following unreeling they are laminated by application of heat and in direct continuation applied to the flexible pipe. The strength-imparting layer expediently consists of a polymer which is reinforced with at least 20% by volume of fibres. The thermoplastic material is of a reversible type, i.e. it may change from being relatively soft, but non-sticky by changes in temperature. The use of the method according to the invention allows manufacture of very strong reinforcements for flexible pipes which cannot be manufactured using a solid material, such as steel, since high performing bending forces are required in the shaping.

Abstract: Three-dimensional textile component structure made of high-tensile yarns, subject to loads in defined directions in use, comprises wound layers one above the other of yarn sheets (3, 4) made of the high-tensile yarns and at least one yarn sheet (2) extending along the structure, made of the high-tensile yarns with the yarns of each yarn sheet (2) fixed in position by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems. Such textile component structures are made by a method wherein yarn sheets (2-4) are laid as layers at different angles one after the other around a preshaped core (1) to produce independent layers of parallel high-tensile yarns, with at least one yarn layer (2) being fixed by a textile structure (5) made of intersecting yarn systems, while the remaining yarn sheets (3, 4) are wound.

Abstract: A pressure vessel and method for producing a pressure vessel is disclosed. The pressure vessel comprises a liner shell fabricated from composite material applied to a soluble mandrel having a body shaped to pattern an interior of the pressure vessel, the liner shell having an opening, a boss having an aperture therethrough, the boss sealingly bonded to the liner shell with the aperture adjacent the opening, and an outer shell fabricated from plies of composite material filament impregnated with matrix material wound over the liner shell and the boss, but not over the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a composite container with different opening sizes, which is accomplished by winding with fibers impregnated with resin. First, fibers impregnated with resin are wound on a first substrate for winding a first container, wherein first openings are positioned at both ends of the first container. Then, cut the first container into two shells with a first opening each, and slip one of the shells on a second substrate. Next, fibers impregnated with resin is used for winding the second substrate and the shell such that the fibers impregnated with resin wound on the second substrate and the shell are combined to form a second container, where both ends of the second container are the first opening and a second opening with different opening sizes. Thereby, filament winding can be applied for manufacturing containers with different opening sizes on both ends, and the technique of manufacturing and performance of containers are enhanced.

Abstract: An end effector, and methods for constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure shell formed by winding reinforcement fibers with resin material for hardening on an outer surface of a hollow tank base body, a high-pressure tank having the pressure shell, a manufacturing method of the high-pressure tank, and an apparatus for manufacturing the high-pressure tank. The pressure shell adopts the laminated structure in which a large number of fiber layers each formed by winding the reinforcement fibers around the tank base body are laminated. In a state the inside of the high-pressure tank is emptied, a compressive stress is applied to a lower fiber layer and a tensile stress is applied to an upper fiber layer. Particularly, in winding the reinforcement fibers around the tank base body, the reinforcement fibers are wound while filling fluid for pressure regulation in the tank base body, regulating a pressure applied to the fluid for pressure regulation, and adjusting a tension applied to the reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A method of making a cylindrical pressure vessel (11) with a large diameter port in its sidewall includes the step of providing a mandrel (23) of desired diameter and filament winding upon the same. After winding one overall innermost layer, an annular reinforcement belt (16) is helically wound atop a defined region using a band (60) of resin impregnated parallel strands (39) under tension. The annular belt (16) is then itself helically overwound with the resin impregnated parallel strands of filamentary material under tension to provide two complete outer layers. After curing and removal from the mandrel (23) at least one aperture (71) is cut in the sidewall within the reinforcement belt (16) and a side port fitting (75) is installed in the aperture (71).

Abstract: A fiber composite article is wound on a mandrel in a vertical orientation to ensure even tension in the fibers. Composite material is preferably glass fibers and cement. The fibers are applied by an assembly that moves in vertical and horizontal directions and the cement may be applied to the fibers before they are wound. After the fibers and cement are applied to the mandrel, the article is vibrated to allow escape of air and to ensure even coating of the fibers. The apparatus for vibrating the wound article includes a flexible sleeve that surrounds the article and moves vertically to apply a vibrating radial compacting force. The article may then be wound with tape to compress the applied glass fibers and cement prevent the loss of water during curing. A compressible sock is placed on the mandrel between the mandrel and the article for easier removal of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device delivery system. The delivery system includes an introducer sheath having an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and is configured to receive a medical device moveably disposed therein, where at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner tube comprises a non-uniform surface configured to reduce surface contact between the inner surface and the medical device. The delivery system includes an inner catheter configured to slidably extend throughout the passageway of the introducer sheath. A prosthesis is disposed within a distal portion of the introducer sheath, where the prosthesis is supported within the introducer sheath by the inner catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fiber placement head assembly and an infrared heating assembly is provided. The fiber placement head assembly includes a compaction roller assembly and a feeder assembly. An infrared heating assembly, a cooling mechanism, temperature sensors, and a controller are operably coupled to the fiber placement head assembly. The infrared heating assembly includes an infrared heater that generates a heating profile. The heating profile defines a heating zone on either a tool or previously laid tows. If the burn point of either the tool or previously laid tows within the heating zone is approached, the controller, which receives temperature readings from the temperature sensors, simultaneously disables the infrared heater and activates the cooling mechanism. As such, the tool and the previously laid tows are protected from being ruined due to an over temperature condition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite tower, includes at least partially filling a form with a curable resin; at least partially curing the resin in the form; raising the form partly over the at least partially cured resin; and at least partially filling the raised form with more curable resin applied against the cured resin.

Abstract: A tubular composite member with two ends for connecting ceramic components made of a composite of an inorganic matrix reinforced with inorganic fibers is formed with an at least partially threaded internal surface and an external surface. A ceramic member has at least one surface formed with one or more annular grooves with an inner shell surface, an outer shell surface, and a root. The inner shell surface is at least partially threaded. A resulting ceramic member assembly includes at least two ceramic members connected by at least one tubular composite member. The ends of the tubular composite member are screwed into the corresponding annular groove of two adjacent ceramic members. The such fastened/joined ceramic members can be operated at high temperatures especially under thermal cycling and/or thermal shock conditions as well as dynamic mechanical load in different directions. Methods to manufacture tubular composite members according to this invention are described.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of winding collagen fiber to make medical constructs and related collagen fiber tube and patch devices.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a body, a device for implementing the method, and products obtained by the method. In the method, at least a first heated composite strip is introduced into at least one die, and at the same time, at least one molten material is introduced into the die in contact with the first composite strip, to obtain at least one second composite strip, and the second composite strip is wound around a support rotating about its axis.

Abstract: An assembly and method for manufacturing a composite reinforcement for unitizing a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom to define a structure about which a composite fiber is wound to define a composite reinforcement preform. The assembly also includes a plurality of mandrels positioned adjacent to the base and at least a portion of the composite reinforcement preform, and a cap that is positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of mandrels. The cap is configured to engage each of the mandrels to support the mandrels and the composite reinforcement preform during a curing process to form the composite reinforcement.

Abstract: A golf club head and a method of making a golf club head are disclosed. The method provides for winding a single continuous filament multiple times about a soluble core. The wound core is located in a mold and pressure coated with a pure or non-continuous fiber filled resin. The resin is allowed to cure to form a filament and resin shell about the core. The soluble core is removed leaving the continuous filament in the shell.