Abstract: The pressure vessel of the present invention comprises an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier and a pressure resistant outer shell provided to cover the inner shell, said outer shell being made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain. The present invention can provide a pressure vessel not only light in weight, but also excellent in retaining its internal pressure against repetitive impacts and also excellent in reliability. The process for producing a pressure vessel of the present invention comprises the step of forming a pressure resistant outer shell made of an FRP comprising reinforcing fibers and a resin and is 35 GPa or more in tensile modulus and 1.5% or more in tensile breaking strain, around an inner shell capable of serving as a gas barrier, by a filament winding method or a tape winding method.

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 for fabricating a composite vessel includes the steps of: A) preforming (e.g., by winding fiber and at least one thermoplastic substance onto a thermoplastic liner) a thermoplastic shell which has at least one opening for access to the interior; B) extruding a circular cross section of a fluid parison of thermoplastic material (which preferably is chosen to have a melting point lower than that of the thermoplastic shell) into the interior of the thermoplastic shell through the opening; C) in a mold, applying at least one force (such as gas under pressure) which tends to urge the fluid parison toward the interior walls of the thermoplastic shell (which may be preheated prior to introduction into the mold) such that the fluid parison imparts heat to the thermoplastic shell; D) continuing step C) until the thermoplastic shell and the fluid parison consolidate to form a composite vessel; E) cooling the vessel until it is solidified; and F) removing the vessel from the mold.

Abstract: Pressure vessels having end closures for sealing at least one open end are constructed so as to provide full-bore access to a generally tubular shell portion wherein one or more filter cartridges will be disposed. A sealing ring (45) of rectangular cross section is seated in a groove provided in the tubular shell (15) at a location axially inward of a cylindrical surface region wherein a central annular groove is provided. A closure head (39) fits within this annular surface and includes a shoulder (73) which prevents insertion past the scaling ring (45).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable air mandrel for use in manufuring towed sonar arrays. The removable air mandrel is used to position hydrophone mandrels and has an inflatable tubular structure which includes expansion limiters. The expansion limiters are preferably fibers incorporated into the tubular structure. A process for using the removable air mandrel to assemble a towed sonar array is also disclosed.

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 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: A method of making golf clubs of thermoplastic composite material is disclosed. The present method is characterized in that the composite material wound around a mandrel is consolidated by using a metal sheet. This method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a tapered mandrel, and wrapping the mandrel with at least a sheet of thermoplastic prepreg to form a laminated outer shell; (b) heating the thermoplastic prepreg to a molten state; (c) enclosing the laminated outer shell with at least a metal sheet, and heating the metal sheet and the laminated outer shell while constricting said metal sheet to thereby consolidate the molten prepreg to form a tubular body; and (d) releasing the metal sheet and withdrawing the mandrel from the tubular body.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for U-bolts comprising the steps of (a) winding a linear, tape or cloth member made of fiber reinforced plastics in which at least a part of the fiber is oriented in three-dimensional directions around a mandrel having a substantially oval or rectangular section (b) making a pipe molded article by hardening the linear, tape or cloth member wound around the mandrel, (c) cutting the hardened pipe molded article into slices transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mandrel, (d) separating the molded article cut into slices into at least two U-shaped portions, and (e) forming screw portions at tip portions of a pair of separated U-shaped portions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a flat or shaped fabric structure of yarn groups each yarn group comprising a plurality of yarn subgroups, each group positioned for covering an area. The structure comprises at least a first group of flexible yarns densely covering an area , the yarns within the first group following substantially parallel paths in a first direction and forming a stack with at least a second group of flexible yarns densely covering substantially the same area, the yarns within the second group following substantially parallel paths in a second direction; the yarns in the first group arranged to cross the yarns in the second group, optionally containing other groups of yarn, the yarns in the upper-most subgroup of the stack are connected to the yarns in the bottom-most subgroup of the stack either directly of through the yarns in other subgroups providing an interlaced fabric structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making elongated articles are disclosed. One method includes feeding at least one base string along an axis, wrapping at least one monofilament around the axis to produce a number of monofilament wraps per length of base string which are transported by the base string, bonding the wraps to the base string with ultrasonic energy, and cutting the wraps at a point downstream of where the wraps are bonded to the base string. The result is an article having two rows of monofilament segments connected to the base string.

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: Side-by-side conjugate filaments made from thermoplastic elastomers and spunbond-type polyolefins exhibit an extremely high propensity to self-crimp. At appropriate polymer ratios and processing conditions (with mechanical or aerodynamical drawing) the crimp develops spontaneously after relaxation of the attenuation force. The amount of crimp and the degree of elastic properties depend on the elastomer content and the processing conditions. The resulting crimp is typically in the range of 25-200 crimps per inch. This combination of exceptionally high crimp and an elastomer component imparts stretch and recovery properties. The filaments can be wrapped around a cylindrical supporting structure to create a continuous, seamless elastic band, useful for body-fit articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing rod with preinserted fishing line guide members. A prepreg formed of a high-strength fiber impregnated or mixed with resin is wound to form the rod pipe. A plurality of wide fishing line guide members each having a flat-shaped section are fixed integrally to the inner peripheral surface of the rod pipe, the inner peripheral side portions of the wide fishing line guide members are respectively projected inwardly from the rod pipe inner peripheral surface, and the outer portions of the rod pipe existing in the wide fishing line guide fixed portions are respectively bulged outwardly and widely. The fishing line guide members are strongly fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rod pipe without lowering the strength of the rod pipe.

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: A composite insulator includes a hollow and tapered core portion composed of fiber-reinforced plastics, and a sheath and sheds composed of an insulating polymeric material integrally molded on the outer surface of the core portion. The core portions of composite insulators for a plurality of voltage classes are formed by using a mandrel assembly in which a plurality of mandrel members are combined. The so-prepared core portion is placed within a mold unit in accordance with the voltage class of the composite insulator to be manufactured, and the insulating polymeric material is poured into the mold cavity to integrally mold the sheath and the sheds.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a structural member comprising a thermoplastic composite core with an exterior reinforcing layer, the core member is initially extruded in the shape of a profile. The profile is then contacted with reinforcing fiber and resin to form the exterior reinforcing layer. The exterior thermosetting layer is cured to form a reinforcing layer. The structural member is preferably manufactured using a pultrusion method in which a tractor device is used to provide linear movement of the profile from the extrusion head to the exterior coating operation. The fiber-reinforced thermoset is coated on the entirety of the exterior of the profile or is applied only on a portion of the profile requiring reinforcement in a defined load-bearing direction. The preferred thermoplastic core comprises a polymer-fiber composite material.

Abstract: A golf club shaft manufacturing process for making a lightweight golf club shaft that is not uniformly tapered along its length by using standard table-rolling tools and equipment. The process consists generally of creating one or more hollow sleeves and securing them around the exterior of a mandrel, the sleeves having a length and an exterior shape equal to the desired dimensions of the non-tapered portions of the shaft. Graphite flags are then rolled around the mandrel and sleeve, shrink tape is applied and the entire assembly is placed in a curing oven to cure the graphite shaft. The curing temperature is less than the melting point of either the mandrel or sleeve. Once the shaft has been cured, the shrink tape is removed and the mandrel is extracted. The remaining shaft and sleeve assembly is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the sleeve material so that the sleeve is liquefied and can be poured out of the shaft. The cured shaft can then be cut, sanded and finished as desired.

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 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: An apparatus and method of making a thinwall guide catheter useful in delivery of therapeutic devices through a body vessel. The method comprises braiding a flat wire over the surface of a cylindrical core, placing a heat bondable polymer tube over the braid, surrounding the polymer tube with a heat shrink sleeve, heating the assembly to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to expand the core into braid interstices and bond the polymer tube to substantially only the outer surface of the braid and finally removing the heat shrink sleeve and core. The resulting guide catheter has approximately half the wall thickness of prior guide catheters and has excellent column stiffness and kink resistance.

Abstract: Coiled medical plastic tubing is set in the coil shape by exposing it to a radio-frequency field while it is subjected to slight radially inward pressure. The amount of pressure and the power of the RF field are so adjusted as to cause the rungs of the coil to lightly stick together without deforming or weakening the coil itself.

Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite pressure vessel comprising layering up of an uncured carbon fiber fabric/resin prepreg on a mold. Thereupon an uncured insulating rubber is layered up and combined with the uncured carbon fiber fabric/resin prepreg by autoclaving. This method produces an insulator for a composite pressure vessel which insulator is an aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: Continuous, filament reinforced, wound poles, and the method of making, where the poles are formed by winding a base mandrel with continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement, coaxially abutting an incremental mandrel and winding both the incremental mandrel and the wound first mandrel with a second layer of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement. The base mandrel is thus wound with two layers of reinforcement. Additional incremental mandrels and additional layers of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement are successively wound as desired. Preferably all windings occurs prior to the curing of any previous winding. The ends of the mandrels and any cross winding across these ends form stabilizing members within the poles to counteract against compressive forces. The pole has a smooth outer surface when the additional mandrels are properly sized to mate with the wound ends of the previous adjacent mandrel.

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 involves annular hollow fiber membrane bundle comprising a plurality of helically wound layers of semi-permeable hollow fibers helically wound thereon and at least one reinforcement filament which has been helically wound concurrently with said hollow fibers into the hollow fiber membrane bundle. A preferred embodiment provides that the reinforcement filament is uniformly distributed throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle. Though, other embodiments provide a non-uniform distribution throughout the diameter of the bundle and/or across the axial length of the bundle.

Abstract: A composite manufacturing system moves a multi-fiber tow through a processing space. A resin particle source provides particles to the space. This source may include an airstream entrained with particles which is discharged into the space through an orifice; the airstream diverging as it enters the space. An electrode is disposed in the space to electrostatically charge the particles and facilitate deposition of the charged particles on the tow. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a corona wire disposed proximate to the tow to provide a generally cylindrical charging region. An electric field useful to direct deposition of the particles may be generated by appropriately shaping a wire electrode and orienting it in a predetermined manner relative to the tow. After the particles are deposited, a fixation unit may be used to at least partially melt the deposited particles. A processing stage may be included which has a pair of surfaces configured to heat and compress the tow therebetween.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-lumen catheter which includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen first tube, winding a flexible filament onto the first multi-lumen tube, and positioning a second tube over the wound filament layer of the first tube is disclosed for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter. The second tube is melted and bonded to the first tube and an occluding member is mounted onto the second tube to occlude a patient's ascending aorta when the occluding member is expanded.

Abstract: A production method of a golf club shaft made of a fiber-reinforced resin according to the present invention comprises the steps of driving and rotating a shaft substrate made of an uncured fiber-reinforced resin on the axis thereof, moving a plurality of creel stands in parallel in the axial direction of the shaft substrate, and feeding out tapes from a plurality of the creel stands and winding and laminating the tapes simultaneously and spirally on the outermost layer of the shaft substrate for integrally molding them while the rotating speed of the shaft substrate and the moving speed of the creel stands are being controlled simultaneously.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber composite structure particularly suitable for use as a hot gas cleanup ceramic fiber composite filter and method of making same from ceramic composite material has a structure which provides for increased strength and toughness in high temperature environments. The ceramic fiber composite structure or filter is made by a process in which a continuous ceramic fiber is intimately surrounded by discontinuous chopped ceramic fibers during manufacture to produce a ceramic fiber composite preform which is then bonded using various ceramic binders. The ceramic fiber composite preform is then fired to create a bond phase at the fiber contact points.

Abstract: Composite article comprising an injected hollow body or a solid body based on at least one plastic A, reinforced by at least one bundle of continuous reinforcing fibers, the bundle being wound externally at its surface, substantially perpendicular to its axis, as well as by reinforcing fibers dispersed within it, substantially parallel to its axis, and continuous process for manufacturing it.

Abstract: A dual-chamber composite pressure vessel includes a first enclosure formed of a fiber reinforced resin matrix, having a hollow cylindrical central section, and first and second oblate end sections formed integrally over respective ends of the central section to define a first chamber. Also included is a second enclosure formed of a fiber-reinforced resin matrix, integrally with the first enclosure, and having a second hollow cylindrical section which is joined at one end to and extends from the second end section co-cylindrically with the central section of the first enclosure. The second enclosure also includes a third oblate end section formed integrally over the other end of the second cylindrical section to define a second chamber.

Abstract: A hollow and cylindrical laminated molded product which is constituted by mutually overlapped joining of edge sides in a longitudinal direction of at least one or more elongated laminated articles formed by layered lamination of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin plates containing reinforcing fibers of not less than 30% and not more than 85% in volume content, and a method of producing the above-mentioned laminated molded product using a simple molding tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along its length utilizes first and second elements which define an aperture therebetween. The elements are advantageously roller elements having grooves around their circumference which change in size and shape. A core die can be used for creating the interior of the element and a fiber weave can be wrapped around the core die to create the body of the elongated member. The core is pulled through the aperture between the first and second elements as the elements rotate in opposite directions to create the varying shape.

Abstract: A method for fabricating, and a resulting structure for, a seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel suitable for forming a plurality of seamless and hollow fiber wound vessels upon is disclosed. A destructible mandrel is used to form the seamless reusable mandrel. The destructible mandrel is preferably formed from a material which can be destroyed by dissolving, for example, materials such as foam or plaster. The seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel includes a plurality of different layers including a gas impermeable layer, a continuous fiber wound layer, and a release surface forming the outermost layer of the seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel. The resulting seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel has advantages over mandrels which include a seam. Such advantages include a longer useful life and consistently high quality fiber wound vessels at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: The inventions relate to the field of machine manufacturing and more specifically, to shell-type construction of base members used in aviation engineering and rocketry, which operate under conditions of combined stressed state, to the methods of and mandrels for their manufacture.A load-carrying tube-shell comprises a cellular framework 1 made of spiral and annular strips 4, 5 crossing each other to define layers 3 of systems repeated over the thickness of the wall thereof so that stiffening ribs 6, 7 with criss-crosses 8, 9, 10 are thus formed, and outer coating layers 2 respectively made of unidirectional filaments 11 bound by a cured polymeric binder 12. Damping-absorbing layers 14 of resilient-elastic material such as rubber or polyurethane are disposed between the layers 3.A method of the manufacture of the tube-shell comprises a step of introducing intermediate continuous forming strips 20 placed beneath the layers 4, 5 laid down under tension.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having rows of pile and longitudinal fins both within and external to the rows of pile. The heights of the fins with respect to the height of the pile may be independently varied and controlled. A travelling endless band receives a pair of first webs providing internal fins on opposite sides of the band. The first webs are indexed to the edges of the band, which defines the heights of the fins. Each web may be independently indexed. Alignment of the webs on the band is provided either by an aligning fixture or by coining the webs to provide lines of indentations which index the webs at the edges of the band. The yarn which forms the pile is wound around the first webs. Second webs providing the external fins are indexed through the yarn and first webs to the edges of the band and are also aligned by a second aligning fixture or by coining. Backing strips are attached, as by ultrasonic welding, along the edges of the band. Then the yarn is slit without cutting into the webs.

Abstract: A method for fabricating, and a resulting structure for, a seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel suitable for forming a plurality of seamless and hollow fiber wound vessels upon is disclosed. A destructible mandrel is used to form the seamless reusable mandrel. The destructible mandrel is preferably formed from a material which can be destroyed by dissolving, for example, materials such as foam or plaster. The seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel includes a plurality of different layers including a gas impermeable layer, a continuous fiber wound layer, and a release surface forming the outermost layer of the seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel. The resulting seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel has advantages over mandrels which include a seam. Such advantages include a longer useful life and consistently high quality fiber wound vessels at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a carpet formed from a plurality of tuftstrings bonded to a backing. Methods and apparatii for accurately positioning the tuftstring and ultrasonically bonding multiple tuftstrings to the backing is disclosed.

Abstract: A mandrel is fitted with a molded sleeve of low-temperature alloy for forming a rigid bulge along the surface of the mandrel. The sleeve is shaped to define the internal surface of the shell at the bulge. After the mandrel has been so modified with the low-temperature alloy sleeve, it is wrapped with composite cloth containing any thermosetting resin. These resins heat to a known temperature, and permanently set when cured at the set temperature. The curing temperature of the prepreg cloth composite material is lower than the melting point of the low temperature alloy. After curing, the temperature in the curing oven is raised above the cure temperature until it reaches the melting point of the low-temperature alloy, and the alloy liquifies and drains out the drain passageways provided in the mandrel without melting the thermoset resin binder in the fiber cloth as well as leaving the bulge formed by the composite cloth in the shell without obstructing the removal of the mandrel.

Abstract: Filtration medium is formed of a mass of nonwoven melt blown support and filtration fibers which are integrally co-located with one another. The support fibers have, on average, relatively larger diameters as compared to the filtration fibers which are integrally co-located therewith. Preferably, the filtration medium is disposed within at least one annular zone of a filtration element, for example, a disposable cylindrical filter cartridge having an axially elongate central hollow passageway which is surrounded by the filtration media. A depth filter cartridge in accordance with the present invention may thus be formed having one or more additional filtration zones (which additional filtration zones may or may not respectively be provided with integrally co-located support fibers) in annular relationship to one another.

Abstract: Concrete structures, such as beams, columns, decks, walls, and the like are reinforced by advanced fibrous composite, concrete reinforcing devices, embedded in concrete, the devices comprising, respectively, at least one continuous band of tow, yarn, or strand of high strength, high modulus, fibrous laminate material having a multitude of very fine structural filaments as laminae bonded together in endless belt formation, such band or bands forming a bar of endless belt formation having at least two length portions extending longitudinally in substantially coextensive spaced relationship as load-bearing tendons, with end portions continuing around opposite ends of the device in unbroken continuity. The tendons of the bar may be either straight or deflected and may be pre-tensioned or post-tensioned. A band may be interlaced as a continuous perimeter, mesh shell.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped product having superior filtrability, water-permability, etc., a process for producing the same in a good efficiency, and a filter and a draining material using the same are provided, the cylindrically shaped product obtained by winding multi-component, conjugate spun-bonded long fibers, consisting of at least two components of a lower melting resin component and a higher melting resin component, the melting temperature difference therebetween being 10.degree. C. or higher, and cylindrically shaped product having been hot-melt-adhered by the lower melting resin component.

Abstract: An elongated pile article having a support strand for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles, the yarn bundles including a dense portion with the filaments bonded to each other and bonded to the support strand, pile surface structure comprised of a plurality of elongated pile articles placed one next to the other, and a method and apparatus for making the elongated pile article.

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.