Abstract: A method for producing an extruded sheet material wherein a polymeric material is formed into a sheet and a variety of materials are incorporated into the extruded material prior to hardening. The sheet materials produced incorporate, either sheet, filament or particulate matter onto either side of the finished product, allowing for great variability in the finished product.

Abstract: In a method and device for applying a thread to a moving substrate, a thread is continuously dispensed to a pick-up point adjacent to the point of contact of two rotating wheels (2, 3) that are inclined towards each other. The peripheries of the wheels have fingers (7) which hook the thread and move it to one side or the other as the wheels rotate, and then deposit the thread extended between the fingers 180° from the pick-up point. Long spaces between the fingers (7) on one wheel or the other make it possible to lay the thread longitudinally (8b) or in a long diagonal line instead of merely in a lateral zigzag pattern. The method and device may be used to make an absorbent article, such as a diaper.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing a preform for a RTM molding process that will increase both the handling capability of the preform and the final part quality. The invention consists of applying a patterned discontinuous layer of liquid resin over at least one side of a layer of reinforcing fibers. The resin film can consist of a homogeneous liquid, an aqueous dispersion or a melted resin applied at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, there is present a roller having a patterned surface. Liquid resin is applied to the surface of the patterned roller via a second roller. The layer of reinforcing fibers is passed by the roller in such a fashion that the resin from the pattern on the surface of the roller is transferred to the layer of reinforcing fibers. The contact of the roller with the layer of reinforcing fibers is sufficient to force some of the resin into the fibers themselves.

Abstract: A method for producing a film with attached fibrils having a cloth-like look and feel. A flocking or metering device is provided for dispensing a layer of the fibrils. The fibrils are next delivered onto a moving vacuum belt, which has a porous surface for drawing the layer of fibrils thereto. After dispersion, the fibril layer is transported and held by the vacuum conveyor belt to a position under a slot cast extrusion die, where a lower temperature melt polymer is released. Upon release, the lower temperature melt polymer and fibril layer fuse and combine to interlock to create a composite temporary web. In one embodiment, the fibril layer and lower temperature melt polymer are delivered at a first nip point between a pair of nip rollers to create the composite temporary web. The composite temporary web may next be collected on collection rolls, or combined with a higher temperature melt polymer under a second slot cast extrusion die to form a permanent film with fibrils.

Abstract: A method for grounding reinforcement (12) and composites (17) on a calender line reduces static build up on the composite (17), and makes it possible to subject a wire reinforced composite to electron beam processing (EBP). The method employs a slip ring (36) attached to rolls which contact composite (17) on the calender (11), and reinforcement (12) before it reaches the calender (11), wherein the slip ring (36) rotates with the rolls while the rolls are working polymer into the reinforcement, and a terminal (34) connected to the slip ring (36) remains stationary, and the terminal (34) is attached to ground (27). The method effectively grounds the composite as well as the reinforcement to prevent electrical discharge during EBP.

Abstract: A transverse fiber web includes a base stabilizing layer, a fiber layer and a second stabilizing layer. A longitudinal fiber web with sides that are substantially parallel to the fibers is cut into web parts, which are then reassembled to form the transverse fiber web. The fibers of the transverse fiber web form angle with a longitudinal direction of the transverse fiber web that is greater than 0°. The material selected for the base stabilizing layer can absorb tensile forces in the longitudinal direction of the transverse fiber web to increase the stability of the transverse fiber web during manufacture. The wed parts used in the assembly of the transverse fiber web can be complementary shaped to interlock with each other, or can overlap to permit flexible assembly of the transverse fiber web.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing anti-theft and/or traceability devices associated with stoppering and covering means The invention relates to the high-rate industrial manufacture of remote-detectable devices used in particular as anti-theft devices but also to carry information, associated with means for stoppering and covering containers. To this end, a material in web form is unwound and caused to travel along, and at least one detectable means such as a filament or an oriented-particles film or an electronic tag is deposited in continuous or discontinuous form on this material, this or these detectable means running or following on from one another in the direction of travel of the web-form material. This material is cut according to the singular or plural detectable means deposited on it, so as to separate individual elements each equipped with a detectable means such as a filament, and themselves constituting stoppering or covering means, or parts of such means, for example gaskets for caps.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The invention includes novel apparatus for producing a continuous lightweight composite beam by combining solid pultruded cap sections with composite sandwich panels. The invention further provides novel means by which pultruded composite tubular structural elements can be made of composite materials, wherein the tubular elements include solid pultruded corners.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber array by connecting bare fibers to connection elements in a facing arrangement, comprising a step of aligning a plurality of bare fibers using a bare-fiber guide; a step of bringing a flat member into contact with the aligned bare fibers, tacking the bare fibers onto the flat member by direct or indirect bonding means while keeping the bare fibers sandwiched between the bare-fiber guide and the flat member, and separating the bare fibers and the bare-fiber guide thereafter; and a step of forming a coating of uncured material on the external peripheral surfaces of the tacked bare fibers and on the flat member exposed between the bare fibers, curing this material, and bonding the bare fibers to the flat member. This method dispenses with the need to provide a bare fiber guide member and allows manufacturing costs to be reduced.

Abstract: An elastic laminate suitable for use with a nonwoven garment has an elastic film with elastic strands placed thereon. The laminate is particularly suitable for combining with facing materials when making “targeted elastic materials” for placement into the structure of the nonwoven garment. A disposable garment may then utilize the elastic laminate, or the targeted elastic material made therefrom, to include an area of elasticized gathering under tension to better conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.

Abstract: A targeted elastic laminate material having different zones of tension across a width of a material roll and methods for making the same. At least two polymers or polymer blends having different set properties are used to produce varying tension zones across the material. The targeted elastic laminate material has elastic properties that provide improved fit characteristics to disposable personal care products, while maintaining a flat roll profile that allows the material to be easily processed at a high speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for making a fabric from one or more reinforcing fibers. The apparatus comprises a non-planar form about which the one or more reinforcing fibers are wrapped. The apparatus further includes conveying apparatus, fiber dispensing apparatus, drive apparatus, and separating apparatus. The conveying apparatus includes at least one conveyor element traveling along the form and also about which the fibers are wrapped for moving the wrapped fibers along the form. The drive apparatus is coupled to the conveying apparatus for effecting movement of the at least one conveyor element. The fiber dispensing apparatus supports one or more fiber sources such that the one or more fiber sources are movable with the dispensing apparatus around the form thereby allowing the fibers from the one or more fiber sources to be wrapped about the form and the at least one conveyor element as the dispensing apparatus moves around the form.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The process includes a first step of forming a tubular element from fibers of composite material, a second step of separating the tubular element into longitudinally extensive, circumferentially separated, corner caps, a third step of securing sandwich panels between adjacent corner caps to form a tubular beam, a fourth step of shaping the tubular beam, and a fifth step of curing the shaped tubular beam. Also disclosed is an exemplary beam constructed in accordance with the process of the present invention.

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

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: A flat strip (1) including at least one layer (2) of longitudinal filamentary rovings (3), and means for assembling said filamentary rovings. The assembly means comprise a bonding material (5) and retaining means (4) surrounding and clamping said layer (2). The longitudinal filamentary rovings (3) are agglomerated into a relatively flat strand with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and each filamentary roving (3) has a predetermined average compactness of at least 60%. The retaining means (4) consist of a flat tubular sheath including elements (7) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of said filamentary rovings (3). Said strip is particularly useful for reinforcing ducts used in the oil industry.

Abstract: A synthetic textile support for bituminous sheaths, particularly for the coating of roofs. The textile support consists of two layers of non-woven lap of polyester fibers, between which there is interposed a plurality of continuous polyester threads arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the textile support.

Abstract: A three dimensional sail of one piece construction is made on a rotating roll having a deformable outer surface. The roll is divided into a large number of segments, extending across the width of the roll, with the convex profile of each segment being adjustable. A sail is made on the roll on a continuous basis by applying a first layer of film, deforming the film on the roll, applying adhesive and reinforcing the yarns, and applying a second layer of film to form a 3-D laminate.

Abstract: A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments.

Abstract: A composite elastic material includes a layer of ribbon-shaped elastomeric elements disposed in machine direction alignment and point bonded to an extensible layer which may be a gatherable layer or a stretchable layer. A layer of meltblown elastomeric fibers may be bonded to the layer of elastomeric ribbon-shaped elements before bonding to the extensible layer. The elastic composite has excellent cohesion, controlled breathability to air and water vapor, an opaque appearance, and is easy to cut and convert to end use products such as garments, pads, diapers, and personal care products where elasticity is desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base inliner comprising a textile sheet material and a reinforcement, wherein said reinforcement comprises monofilaments whose diameter is at least 0.1 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. The base inliner is useful for producing optionally bituminized roofing and sealing membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and low cost procedure for joining webs and films containing dissimilar polymers. It is especially applicable but not limited to the construction and assembly of disposable products such as infant and adult incontinent products, feminine hygiene products, and other low-cost, high volume disposable products. The process involves producing a high rate of heat flux through the dissimilar materials where the material with the higher plastic point is at the influx point and the lower plastic point material is adjacent and further from the heat source. In addition to this constraint and as a necessary component the application of the high rate of heat flux must be accompanied by a pressure of appropriate to the difference in plastic points and to the relative thickness of the dissimilar materials to be joined.

Abstract: An assaying device and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The assaying device includes a unitary, absorbent membrane having multiple reagent stripes incorporated therein. The reagent stripes display an observable reaction if a sample component is present in a fluid sample being tested. The reagent stripes are deposited simultaneously on a continuous membrane ribbon and individual membranes are die cut therefrom. Each individual membrane includes commonly connected channels having die cut slots therebetween. The channels are preferably disposed perpendicularly with respect to the reagent stripes and provide means for causing contact between the fluid and reagent stripes. The present invention preferably includes a cassette for containing the membrane and for facilitating analysis of test results.

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

Abstract: A spray device is prepared has a plurality of nozzles each of which has a capillary tube surrounded by a gas discharge pore at the end of the nozzle. A molten resin liquid is blown out to a reinforcing fiber from the capillary tube by heated air stream discharged through the gas discharge pore, so that a binder resin layer is formed on the reinforcing fiber. Following this, a resin-permeable supporting sheet and then a back-up sheet are applied to the binder resin layer side of the reinforcing fiber, and a releasing sheet is applied to the other side of the reinforcing fiber. The thus obtained superposed layers are pressed to adhere the reinforcing fiber, the supporting fiber and the back-up sheet to each other.

Abstract: A method of making a stretchable composite by applying an elastomeric precursor to a neckable material, neck-stretching the neckable material and heating the elastomeric precursor such as by heating, while the neckable material is in a necked condition. The elastomeric precursor can comprise a latex or thermoset elastomer which is applied to the fibrous neckable material in an amount between 5 g/m.sup.2 to about 50 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of loop material in which a sheet of fibers is passed between a first cylindrical forming member having sockets and a second cylindrical forming member having mating posts to generally conform the sheet of fibers to the peripheral surface of the first forming member and retain it there for a distance after which molten thermoplastic material is bonded to it to form a backing layer. Arcuate portions of the sheet of fibers that were in the sockets then projecting from the backing. The formed sheet of fibers is retained along the peripheral surface of the first forming member for said distance by drawing air through those air passageways in the bottoms of the sockets. The first forming member can be heated, and a source of heated air can be supplied to restrict cooling of the first forming member.

Abstract: Hand-tearable barrier laminates are provided which include a reinforcing layer having a first tensile strength laminated to flexible cellulosic web comprising open porosity and a second tensile strength which is less than the first tensile strength. The web is treated with a water-resistant polymeric resin for providing liquid water resistance to the web while permitting water vapor to pass through it. Inexpensive web materials can be substituted for polymer foam and microperforated plastic films currently employed by the housing industry.

Abstract: Process and device (1) for applying a thread (3) onto a support (9) while parting to the thread (3) a sinuous shape, which are characterized by the following features:a) the thread (3) is delivered with a controlled linear speed of value V.sub.1 ;b) the thread (3) is displaced transversely to its direction of advance;c) it is applied onto the support (9), the thread (3) and the support (9) at the contact being driven with a linear speed V.sub.2 which is less than V.sub.1 ;d) the conformation ratio of the thread (3) is thus defined by the ratio V.sub.1 /V.sub.2.Plies obtained by the process and device (1) of the invention.Articles, in particular tires, made using such plies.

Abstract: There is provided a loop fastening material for engaging a suitable male mechanical fastening element for a backing substrate of an oriented sheet material having a first face and a second face and substantially continuously attached to at least the first face a plurality of discrete, multi-filament transversely expanded yarns, such yarn filaments providing open loop structures. The yarns are expanded by transverse orientation of the backing to which it has been previously attached by extrusion bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. The resulting loop fastener provides a low cost, readily manufactured loop having good fastening properties to hook materials.

Abstract: A process for making a laminated sheet by cutting a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet into a plurality of cut sheets. The cut sheets are feed to a butting apparatus to bring adjacent end faces of the cut sheets against each other. The abutted cut sheets are joined to a continuous sheet, which is a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet, by melt welding using a heated roller where the cut sheets and the continuous sheet cling to the heated roller. Cooling of the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet occurs by causing such to cling to a cooling roller. A correcting roller is moved along the cooling roller, where the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet are between the cooling roller and the correcting roller, so that the amount of contact arc between the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet is changed to adjust the amount of warp in the joined cut sheets and continuous sheet.

Abstract: A machine is described for the production of pre-man made-reinforcement formations especially having a thermoplastic matrix. The machine has a guiding-in device for reinforcement fibers and down-stream in the feeding direction there is a calender roller and thereafter is a winding device. At least in the area of the guiding-in device for the reinforcement fibers there is provided a needle track formed as a transport conveyor which serves as a fixation for the guided-in and deposited reinforcement fibers prior to being calendered.

Abstract: A method of making continuous rolls of a thin laminate composite that is ideally suited for the large scale production of reclosable bags which can be used for sealably packaging a wide variety of articles, including food products. The bags of the invention, after being opened, can quickly and easily be closed by rolling the open end downwardly upon itself in a manner to sealably deform one or more inelastic, malleable metal filaments which are interconnected with at least one of the laminate side walls of the bag.

Abstract: A multi-density batt having a plurality of overlaid thermoplastic fiber web layers. Each of the web layers comprise a homogeneous blend of matrix fibers and binder fibers. The binder fibers have a relatively low predetermined melting temperature and the matrix fibers have a relatively high predetermined melting temperature. The binder fibers and matrix fibers are heat-fused together. The batt has a width defining a cross direction and a length defining a machine direction. At least one integrally-formed, relatively thick, high density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction of the batt. At least one integrally-formed relatively thin, low density region extends in both the cross direction and machine direction. The batt can be used to form a cushion, such as a seat cushion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral hygiene and specifically to an improved method for adding chemotherapeutic agents to dental floss containing several multi-fiber bundles, to methods of treating the oral cavity with the improved dental floss and to the improved dental flosses per se.

Abstract: A spray device is prepared has a plurarity of nozzles each of which has a capillary tube surrounded by a gas discharge pore at the end of the nozzle. A molten resin liquid is blown out to a reinforcing fiber from the capillary tube by heated air stream discharged through the gas discharge pore, so that a binder resin layer is formed on the reinforcing fiber. Following this, a resin-permeable supporting sheet and then a back-up sheet are applied to the binder resin layer side of the reinforcing fiber, and a releasing sheet is applied to the other side of the reinforcing fiber. The thus obtained superposed layers are pressed to adhere the reinforicing fiber, the supporting fiber and the back-up sheet to each other.

Abstract: A nonwoven abrasive or scouring article having at least one major surface and an interior region comprises an open, lofty web of first and second crimped, staple organic thermoplastic fibers, wherein the first organic thermoplastic fiber comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polyamides, pololefins, and polyesters, and wherein said second organic thermoplastic fiber comprises at least two materials of different heat stability. The first and second organic crimped, staple thermoplastic fibers are melt-bonded together at least at a portion of points where they contact. At least a portion of the first and second fibers of one major surface of the nonwoven article have an abrasive coating bonded thereto, and at least a portion of the first and second fibers of the interior region have no abrasive coating bonded thereto, a structure which minimizes the amount of binder which must be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a machine for producing a reinforcement in the form of a block for a composite component formed by said reinforcement embedded in a cured matrix.According to the invention, said block (B) is made up by continuously forming a succession of superposed sheets, and the machine, comprising a stand provided with a subframe and with uprights for mounting at least one frame which can move along said uprights, capable of receiving a thread laying-down tool which can move in a plane transverse to said uprights, is noteworthy in that it comprises an additional frame (6) which can move along said uprights (4) and is provided with pegs (9) for hooking on said straight portions of thread (F).

Abstract: Glass ribbon-reinforced transparent polymer composites which provide excellent optical transparency and a low distortion level over a wide temperature range while exhibiting superior mechanical properties as compared to non-reinforced polymer counterparts, and equivalent properties as compared to glass fiber-reinforced counterparts.

Abstract: A breathable membrane and a method of constructing a fabric having the membrane, wherein the membrane is resistive to transport of liquid water, has a layer of breathable material and is stabilized dimensionally against distension by a force field, such as forces which may be applied to the membrane or resulting from a hydrostatic pressure, by a reinforcing matrix of nonwoven filaments extending in plural directions along the layer of breathable material to inhibit the distension. In the matrix, the filaments are arranged in a first plurality of the filaments which intersect a second plurality of the filaments to form cells. A minimum diameter of an individual one of the cells is greater by at least approximately an order of magnitude than a diameter of one of the filaments to provide open areas of the layer of breathable material which are free from obstruction by the filaments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drawn, polyolefin fiber useful for nonwoven fabrics, the thermobonding index of said fiber being 4.5-9 Newtons, and the flexibility index thereof being 1020-1500. The fiber is composed of a blend of specified polymers. Also disclosed is a process for making the fiber by spinning the blend from a die hole having at the output end a diameter less than 0.5 mm, and drawing the resulting fiber at a draw ratio of 1.1 to 1.8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of applying dry powder in a controlled manner to a variety of surfaces to form shapes, coatings, or composite materials. This is achieved by coating the surface with a tacky substance, applying the powder, and then coating the powder with a barrier coating that is insoluble in the solvent used in the tacky layer. The process is repeated to add the desired amount of powder. By the selection of powder size, size distribution, shape, and number of layers, precise control of mass loading can be achieved. The method can be used with titanium powder to form powder-coated fiber, non-woven mat, and tape cast performs which can be processed into fiber reinforced composite materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing glass strands, the method comprising coating glass strands with a heat-polymerizable composition constituted by a solution with a solvent content of less than 5% by weight and a viscosity of less than 400 cP, the solution comprising a basic structure which can be polymerized or cross-linked thermally, the structure comprising at least 60% by weight of one or more components with molecular weights of less than 750, having at least one acrylic and/or methacrylic and/or vinyl other and/or N-vinylamide and/or N-vinyllactam function, the proportion of polyfunctional components within these components being at least 45% by weight of these components, so as to produce glass strands coated with a non-polymerized, heat-polymerizable composition.

Abstract: An elongated wood structural member or beam for bearing predetermined loads transverse to the lengths of the members preferably includes multiple elongate wood segments bonded together with their lengths generally aligned with the beam length as in a glue-laminated members. The predetermined load corresponds to a resisting moment that produces compressive and tensile stresses in the structural member in respective compression and tension portions of the beam on opposite sides of a neutral axis. A synthetic tension reinforcement having multiple synthetic fiber strands held within a resin matrix is adhered to at least one of the wood segments in the tension portion of the structural member and is selected to be substantially capable of bearing the tensile stress produced by the resisting moment and cooperates with the wood segments to position the neutral axis within the beam.

Abstract: A pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced composite material is improved with regard to its compressive strength and compression strain at failure by combining polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers. The pitch-based carbon fibers have a modulus in tension of not less than 400 GPa, a tensile strength of not less than 2000 MPa, a compressive strength as a unidirectionally reinforced composite material of 100 MPa to 800 MPa and a fiber diameter of 4 .mu.m to 15 .mu.m and the polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers have a modulus in tension of not less than 200 GPa, a compressive strength and compression strain at failure as a unidirectionally reinforced composite material larger than those of the pitch-based carbon fibers, and a fiber diameter smaller than that of the pitch-based carbon fibers.

Abstract: A glue laminated structural wood member for bearing a structural loads transverse includes multiple laminae bonded together and arranged according to their moduli of elasticity. In an alternative embodiment, the structural wood member includes a synthetic compression reinforcement positioned in a portion of the member subjective to compressive stresses.

Abstract: A method of joining adjacent, non-coplanar, fiber reinforced composite structures includes machining a plurality of serrations (4) into an edge (6) of a consolidated first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) such that reinforcing fibers continue from a main body (14) of the first fiber reinforced composite structure (2) into the serrations (4). One or more reinforcing fiber plies (16) are then laid up around the serrations (4) to form an unconsolidated second structure such that the serrations (4) protrude through at least one reinforcing fiber ply (16). In addition to the one or more reinforcing fiber plies (16), the unconsolidated second structure also includes a matrix precursor. Sufficient heat and pressure are applied to the unconsolidated second structure and the serrations (4) to consolidate the second structure into a fiber reinforced composite structure (8).