Abstract: A system and method for fabricating large composite fuselages or other vehicle structures, in which the composite structure is fabricated and cured as on a tool, segmented and removed from the tool without disassembling the tool, and then reassembled off the tool to reform the large structure. The tool includes mandrel segments attached to a substructure. The attachments may be moveable to accommodate differential expansion and contraction during curing, and the tool may be rotatable to facilitate access. A composite material of resin and synthetic fibers is applied over the mandrel segments to fabricate the structure on the tool. Caul plates are secured over the composite material, and the composite material is cured on the tool. The resulting structure is cut into part segments which are then removed from the tool, and the part segments are joined to reassemble the large composite structure off the tool.

Abstract: In various specific embodiments, a localizer can include a plurality of coil groups, where each coil group includes three coils that are formed around a single center. Each of the three coils can be formed around separate jigs and the jigs can be interconnected to form the coil group. The jigs need not be annular, but may be formed in any appropriate configuration of shape or geometry for forming the final coil group.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a part made of composite material. The method is performed by a system providing a mandrel around which a composite material is wound, and a reel around which a strip of the composite material comes to be wound.

Abstract: A method of forming a fracking tool, such as a frac ball or a frac plug mandrel, may include: applying a resin to wet a filament; winding the wetted filament to form a cylinder; placing the cylinder in a cylindrical mold; increasing a pressure in the cylindrical mold to at least 3,000 psi; curing the resin at the pressure and a temperature of at least 250° F.; and extracting the cylinder from the mold. In some instances, the method may further include adding the resin and/or another resin into the cylindrical mold.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an oxygenator comprises multiple tube sections, each having a longitudinal tube axis, wherein the tube sections are disposed as a bundle having a longitudinal bundle axis, and the tube sections are connected to each other in at least one connecting section of the bundle by joining by way of chemical and/or physical bonded joints. A method for producing the heat exchanger is also provided.

Abstract: Screening members, screening assemblies, methods for fabricating screening members and assemblies and methods for screening materials are provided for vibratory screening machines that incorporate the use of injection molded materials. Use of injection molded screen elements provide, inter alia, for: varying screening surface configurations; fast and relatively simple screen assembly fabrication; and a combination of outstanding screen assembly mechanical and electrical properties, including toughness, wear and chemical resistance. Embodiments of the present invention use a thermoplastic injection molded material.

Abstract: Screening members, screening assemblies, methods for fabricating screening members and assemblies and methods for screening materials are provided for vibratory screening machines that incorporate the use of injection molded materials. Use of injection molded screen elements provide, inter alia, for: varying screening surface configurations; fast and relatively simple screen assembly fabrication; and a combination of outstanding screen assembly mechanical and electrical properties, including toughness, wear and chemical resistance. Embodiments of the present invention use a thermoplastic injection molded material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic product includes a fabric-based reinforcing sheet and a polymerized thermoplastic material. The fabric-based reinforcing sheet is wound about a mandrel to form a plurality of layers having a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the mandrel. The fabric-based reinforcing sheet includes a plurality of fiber bundles, which may have a bidirectional orientation or configuration. A polymerized thermoplastic material is disposed within each layer of the fabric-based reinforcing sheet. The polymerized thermoplastic material bonds each layer of the fabric-based reinforcing sheet to an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a rope material from a loose feed scrap includes a number of operations to mechanically bind the loose feed scrap. The feed scrap is collected. The feed scrap is twisted and compressed, operations that may be performed simultaneously. This twisted and compressed feed scrap, now in the form of a rope material, is then fed into a melter system.

Abstract: A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device.

Abstract: A system and a method of manufacturing continuous glass filament fiberglass media comprises melting glass within a temperature controlled melter. Molten glass exits through a bushing plate with orifices of varying row configurations and orientations. The resulting fiberglass filaments are received on a rotating drum and sprayed with resin and aqueous solution. The resulting fiberglass mat is placed onto a let-off table then sprayed with aqueous solution before further processing.

Abstract: A method of forming a rope material from a loose feed scrap includes a number of operations to mechanically bind the loose feed scrap. The feed scrap is collected. The feed scrap is twisted and compressed, operations that may be performed simultaneously. This twisted and compressed feed scrap, now in the form of a rope material, is then fed into a melter system.

Abstract: A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. The length of the fibers of the second group varies progressively in accordance to their proximity to the fibers of the first group; the fibers of the second group closest to the fibers of the first group being longer than the fibers of the second group further from the fibers of the first group. The fiber of the second fiber layer winds circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the balloon substantially over the entire length of the balloon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article made of a composite material including a polymer matrix reinforced by a fibrous structure, the method including: placing the fibrous structure on a substrate; forming a molding surface, covering the structure with a mating mold; and compacting the structure by moving the surface of the mating mold toward the surface of the substrate. The substrate includes a cylindrical portion and a wall positioned radially relative to the cylindrical portion, and the mating mold includes two portions that are mobile relative to one another and that are moved toward the axis of the cylindrical portion and towards the radial wall of the substrate, respectively. The method can be used for example for manufacturing a fan casing of a turbojet engine.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for preferably producing a two layer off-axis composite prepreg material in tape form that has fiber direction at angles such as plus or minus five degrees to the longitudinal direction of the backing paper. The use of such off-axis prepreg composite material tape is primarily for fabricating high length-to-width ration parts such as composite wing stringers or spars for aircraft.

Abstract: A panel former is provided for producing a panel that is formed from polymer tubing for solar collectors, heat exchangers, and other devices. The panel former can receive the tubing and continuously wrap the tubing around a drum so that support members can be welded to the tubing. After the support members are welded to the tubing, the tubing can be cut along a line substantially parallel to the support members to remove the tubing from the panel former and to form the risers in a panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reeling up of fiber bundles, in particular of hollow fiber membrane bundles, and in particular for the manufacture of dialysis filters, includes a reel carrier rotatable around a main axis. The apparatus includes at least two reels which are rotatably supported on the reel carrier, with the axes of rotation of the reels being perpendicular to the main axis of the reel carrier. The apparatus can be used for the wrapping of a fiber bundle with a film, having a receiver of first and second side elements and a flexible channel fastened between them for the reception of the film and the fiber bundle. A drive is provided to move at least the first side element transversely to the channel, and at least one folding device movable transversely to the channel for the folding of the film around the fiber bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a composite sheet. A plurality of layers is first assembled, each layer being comprised of an untreated, unidirectional array of strands. The assembled layers are then placed adjacent one another to form an assembled sheet, with adjacent layers being in a non-parallel orientation, and without any of the layers having been treated with a matrix or binding component. The assembled sheet is then impregnated with a matrix component, which comprises a binding component and may also comprise a radiation-absorbing component.

Abstract: A plurality of tubes are connected in a bundle that is bent to follow a curved tortuous path. The method includes providing a plurality of individual tubes and then encapsulating the tubes within a molded or extruded encapsulating material so that the tubes are joined and supported together in a tube assembly. Connectors are provided on the ends of the tubes, either before or after the encapsulating of the tubes. The tube assembly is then bent to the desired bent tortuous shape.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened structure from fiber-reinforced composite materials. A skin is applied to a smooth, hard base tool. Ribs comprised of carbon-fiber tows are formed on the skin, and shallow cavities are formed between the ribs and the skin. An expansion block is placed in each of the cavities, and is held in place by an elastomeric contact adhesive having adhesive properties that are substantially diminished when the adhesive is heated to an elevated curing temperature. The assembly is then autoclave cured. After cooling, the formed structure is separated from the base tool and the expansion blocks are removed from the cavities. A grid-stiffened sandwich structure is formed by applying an outer skin over the ribs and expansion blocks, before curing the assembly. After cooling, the outer skin is removed to allow extraction of the blocks, and subsequently bonded to the ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a composite sheet. A plurality of layers is first assembled, each layer being comprised of an untreated, unidirectional array of strands. The assembled layers are then placed adjacent one another to form an assembled sheet, with adjacent layers being in a non-parallel orientation, and without any of the layers having been treated with a matrix or binding component. The assembled sheet is then impregnated with a matrix component, which comprises a binding component and may also comprise a radiation-absorbing component.

Abstract: A flat self-curling permeable sheet membrane containing a matrix formed of crosslinked biopolymeric fibers. The matrix self-curls into a predetermined shape upon absorption of an aqueous fluid and is permeable to molecules having molecular weights not greater than 1×106 daltons. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a flat self-curling permeable membrane.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a prepreg sheet includes steps of (A) forming a resin layer 61 on a surface of a supporter 3, (B) winding a reinforcing yarn 10 around the resin layer 61, and (C) embedding at least a part of the reinforcing yarn 10 in the resin layer 61. Preferably, in step (C), the surface of the supporter 3 is relatively moved towards the reinforcing yarn 10.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened structure from fiber-reinforced composite materials. A skin is applied to a smooth, hard base tool. Ribs comprised of carbon-fiber tows are formed on the skin, and shallow cavities are formed between the ribs and the skin. An expansion block is placed in each of the cavities, and is held in place by an elastomeric contact adhesive having adhesive properties that are substantially diminished when the adhesive is heated to an elevated curing temperature. The assembly is then autoclave cured. After cooling, the formed structure is separated from the base tool and the expansion blocks are removed from the cavities. A grid-stiffened sandwich structure is formed by applying an outer skin over the ribs and expansion blocks, before curing the assembly. After cooling, the outer skin is removed to allow extraction of the blocks, and subsequently bonded to the ribs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a housingless hollow fiber filtration apparatus using batch, continuous, and semi-continuous processes. Also provided is manufacturing methods to increase rigidity of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention can efficiently provide a carcass member constituting a carcass layer of a radial tire, particularly, a carcass member a direction of a cord of which constitutes an angle of substantially 90° relative to a tire circumferential direction, and can easily adjust a length in accordance with a size, one piece of a cord (C) is continuously passed through a rubber coating die (14) to coat rubber on the cord, the rubber coated cord (C1) is shaped such that a sectional outer shape thereof constitutes an elliptical shape, the rubber coated cord (C1) is wound around an aligning drum (30) while adjusting a direction of the elliptical shape by way of an aligning guide (20) to bond without producing a gap to form a cylinder-like member (A1), thereafter, the cylinder-like member (A1) is cut in a direction in parallel with the drum axis center to constitute a sheet-like shape.

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: 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: Processes for making fiber-on-end materials from multicomponent fibers and hollow fibers are provided. The fibers are arranged parallel to each other and continuously thermally fused into a ribbon or fabric, which in turn is thermally fused into a fully consolidated block of material that is skived to produce membranes or capillary arrays having narrow, well-defined pore size distributions. The skived materials are particularly useful in filtration and protective clothing applications.

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

Abstract: Noise and vibration of a helically-toothed-belt transmission device driven under heavy load or at a high-speed rotation, are reduced. A backlash “D” is selectively enlarged in a helically-toothed-belt transmission device that transmits drive force by meshing between a helically toothed belt and a helically toothed pulley. That is, a tooth helix angle “?” is set in a range of ?0.2?1?W·?/Pt?0.75, with “Pt” being a tooth pitch, “?” a tooth helix angle, and W the width of the belt. The backlash “D” between the helically toothed belt and the helically toothed pulley is set to be 1.6%-3% of the tooth pitch “Pt”.

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 method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

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 apparatus for manufacturing for a rubber sheet reinforced with a cord, it consists of a first cylinder formed to wrap around a rubber coated cord on a surface of the cylinder by rotating centering an axis of the cylinder and a second cylinder that is a smaller cylinder diameter than a cylinder diameter of the first cylinder and is established in parallel aligning a cylinder axis direction to the first cylinder, spirally winding continuously a great number of rubber coated cords on the surface of the cylinder contacting with each other by transferring the rubber coated cord from the first cylinder to the second cylinder.

Abstract: Articles (12) made by winding of filamentary material (11), such as yarn and thread, are especially suitable for providing brushes and pile weatherstripping. In order to enable the yarn (11) to be unwound and payed out of spools (24) disposed in a stationary or static array, the yarn is fed from the spools (24) through a rotating spindle (30). A frame (14) located at the beginning of the path and may be provided by laterally spaced pairs of wire (52) which travel around posts (36) provided by rollers on a stationary bracket (38). In order to support the bracket (38) and the frame (14), a shaft (28) reciprocates a pair of support rods (100, 102) in synchronism with the rotation of the spindle (30). Bindings (60, 62) are applied to the ends of the loops (54) as they leave the winding station (14). Slitters (20) divide the loops (54).

Abstract: A method of making a wound glass filament web, the method including forming a plurality of continuous glass filaments, winding the filaments on a drum, and contacting the filaments with an aqueous binder composition having a pH of at least 4.0 and including an aqueous carboxy functional polymer and a condensation catalyst.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a bent reinforcing rod in a composite material is described, where the reinforcing rod is composed of longitudinal fibers and a sheathing layer of fibers or foil, comprising the steps: to moisten fiber thread with a binding agent, to reel the moistened fiber thread to a bundle with a closed, approximately circular shape, consisting of a layer of longitudinal, parallel fibers of a desired thickness, whereby all the fibers in the layer obtain an approximately equal axial tightening, and to envelope an outer layer of fiber threads, and/or foil, or other suitable material, around the layer of longitudinal fibers, and that the fabricated blank is given a final form in a second forming process. The invention also relates to a device (10) for carrying out the method.

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 a synthetic elastomer-based adhesive 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 expansion blocks are removed and the formed structure is removed from the hard base tool. 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: An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns assembled on a beam in parallel aligned relationship and having an adhesive scrim thereon includes a supply roll of the warp yarns on such a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns and controlling them for application of the weft yarns. A transfer belt and warp yarns are first folded between folding bars into a cylindrical configuration where they are formed around the perimeter of an elongated mandrel having a heated section at its upstream end and a cooling section at its downstream end. The adhesive scrim is softened as the warp yarns pass over the heated section of the mandrel and shortly thereafter, weft yarns are wrapped around the warp yarns and the supporting transfer belt within a rotating tube having a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced spools of weft yarn disposed on its outer surface.

Abstract: A radial pneumatic tire includes a body ply and two belts. Each of the body ply and the belts has ribbon pieces that are arranged along the circumferential direction of the tire. Each ribbon piece is joined with the adjacent ribbon pieces at the lateral sides. Each ribbon piece has parallel cords coated with rubber. The cords are arranged at a predetermined first cord interval. The cords at the joined ends of the adjacent ribbon pieces, or the cords with the joint in between, are arranged at a predetermined second cord interval. As a result, a tire having a high consistency and an improved weight balance is obtained.

Abstract: A method for the production of reinforced tube-shaped structures (1) of rubber layers and reinforcement layers (2, 3) has the steps of: a) applying a first rubber layer (2a) with a first extrusion unit (4a) onto a series of sequential rigid cylindrical mandrels (5) which are coupled to each other and which are driven at an advancement speed (v) in the direction of an advancement axis (x); b) applying a first filament layer at defined desired filament angles (?1) referred to the advancement axis (x) with a bobbin creel unit (10a) having means which rotate about the advancing mandrels (5); c) applying atleast one further rubber layer (2b) to the first filament layer utilizing at least one additional extrusion unit (4b); d) continuously measuring the advancement speed (v) of the mandrels (5); controlling the quantity, which is applied via the first extrusion unit (4a), in dependence upon the measured advancement speed (v) in order to obtain a defined desired thickness of the first rubber layer (2a); f) controlli

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 method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a belt material for tire, comprising the steps of spirally winding a ribbon, having a plurality of linear cords disposed longitudinally and coated with rubber, on the outer peripheral surface of a drum at specified pitches while the drum is rotated, sticking the side edges of the wound ribbon to each other so as to form a cylindrical wound body, and a linearly moving rotating blade in the axial direction of the drum in contact with a spiral blade groove formed in the drum at specified pitches while the drum is rotated so as to cut the wound body spirally so as to form a belt material having a specified width and a cord inclination angle.

Abstract: The peripheral length (M) dimension of the outer peripheral surface of drums (35, 36) is set equal to the width (W) dimension of body ply materials (46A, 46B) used for tires or integral multiples thereof. The wrapping length (L) of the wrapper (40) in the direction of the length of the drum is set equal to the length dimension (L1) of the body ply materials (46A, 46B) used for tires. A ribbon (39) of predetermined width dimension in the form of a cord having a rubber covering applied thereto is produced. The ribbon (39) is spirally wound on the outer peripheral surface of the drums (35, 36) and the lateral edges of the ribbon are bonded together, thus producing the wrapper (40). The wrapper (40) is cut along a gentle curve which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the length of the ribbon, thus providing the body ply materials (46A, 46B).

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a production method capable of efficiently producing an anisotropic conductive connector having a structure wherein the center line of plural conductive paths penetrating in the thickness direction of a film substrate forms an angle with a line perpendicular to the principal plane of the film substrate, which shows high reliability of connection with the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns assembled on a beam in parallel aligned relationship and having an adhesive scrim thereon includes a supply roll of the warp yarns on such a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns and controlling them for application of the weft yarns. A transfer belt and warp yarns are first folded between folding bars into a cylindrical configuration where they are formed around the perimeter of an elongated mandrel having a heated section at its upstream end and a cooling section at its downstream end. The adhesive scrim is softened as the warp yarns pass over the heated section of the mandrel and shortly thereafter, weft yarns are wrapped around the warp yarns and the supporting transfer belt within a rotating tube having a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced spools of weft yarn disposed on its outer surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus 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 high pressure rubber hose has a plurality of reinforced layers. Each reinforced layer is buried by way of an intermediate rubber layer between an inner rubber layer and an outer rubber layer, in which an organic fiber reinforced layer braided from organic fiber cords into two spiral layers or one braided layer is disposed to the inner rubber layer on the outer circumference thereof. A steel wire reinforced layer braided from steel wires into two spiral layers is disposed to the organic fiber reinforced layer at the outer circumference thereof. The braiding angle of the organic fiber reinforced layer is less than braiding angle of the steel wire reinforced layer and the braiding tension of the organic fiber reinforced layer is higher than the braiding tension of the steel wire reinforced layer.