Abstract: A system is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a support, a discharge head connected to and moveable by the support, a supply of reinforcement, and a rotary tensioner located between the supply and the discharge head. The rotary tensioner may be configured to impart tension to the reinforcement and to generate a signal indicative of the tension. The system may further include a drive associated with the supply, and a controller in communication with the rotary tensioner and the drive. The controller may be configured to selectively adjust a feed parameter of the drive based on the signal to maintain a desired level of tension.

Abstract: A manufacturing tool for forming composite structures includes at least one interchangeable mold template having a plurality of incorporated part shapes, and a backbone that connects to and supports the at least one interchangeable mold template during a process of laying up prepreg composite material to form a plurality of three-dimensional structures corresponding to the plurality of incorporated part shapes.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a high-pressure tank, a fiber bundle impregnated with a thermosetting resin base material is wound around an outer surface of a liner in a state where tension is applied to the fiber bundle in a filament winding step. The filament winding step includes a pressure-bonding step and a cutting step. In the pressure-bonding step, a terminal end portion which is a winding end of the fiber bundle is thermocompression-bonded to an outer peripheral portion of the fiber bundle wound around the liner. In the cutting step, a surplus portion of the fiber bundle is cut by a cutting tool.

Abstract: A unique carbon fiber structure that achieves the strength and durability of steel tower alternatives at 90% less weight and a lower total installed cost, providing affordable carbon fiber telecommunication towers that are engineered for peak strength to weight performance wherein the carbon fiber structure is a vertical elongated tower body of decreasing area with an internal installation shaft provided therein to house one or more radio base stations wherein the tower may be made of multiple cylindrical or cone shaped hollow segments with a shaved upper portion whereby the segments are created with carbon fiber and fiberglass hoop windings.

Abstract: The reinforcing structure for a tire is in the form of a stratified assembly formed of two layers of reinforcing strips of completely connected cross section, and flattened in shape. According to the method, the strips of each layer are laid side by side in a main direction of laying. The strips of the first layer are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of the strips of the second layer and in such a way that the edges of the strips of the first layer overlap the edges of the strips of the second layer. The two layers of strips are separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high-pressure composite pressure vessel for high-pressure being at or above 70 bar (1000 PSI or 7 MPa) includes providing an expandable core vessel defining a hoop section between end domes. An aligned discontinuous fiber composite material is wrapped over the expandable core vessel aligning with a plurality of load paths present in the expandable core vessel being over the hoop section and end domes. The aligned discontinuous fiber composite material has fibers in a prepreg tape that are at least 5 mm in length to 100 mm in length or less. Next, a continuous fiber-reinforced composite is wrapped over the aligned discontinuous fiber-reinforced composite along the hoop section and not wrapped along the end domes. The expandable core vessel may be pressurized and heated to consolidate the composite overwrap. Finally, the vessel is cooled under pressure resulting in the high-pressure composite pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of manufacturing a pressure tank, comprising an inner container and an outer layer made of a fiber material which is wound around the inner container. In performing the method, a retention device with several retention elements protruding therefrom is attached to an inner container so as to wind a local pole cap reinforcement in a dome-shaped pole cap portion of the inner container. Then the retention device is removed and an outer layer is produced by winding of fiber material, the outer layer surrounding the central portion and the pole cap portions of the inner container.

Abstract: A method includes dispensing a first set of lanes, that each comprise a tow of fiber-reinforced material, at a first angle such that the lanes are placed side-by-side with respect to each other, forming a first layer of a multi-lane tow. The method further includes applying a film directly in contact with multi-lane tow that resists shear forces applied to the multi-lane tow, transporting the multi-lane tow to a mandrel, and compacting the multi-lane tow via a Ply-By-Ply (PBP) machine disposed at the mandrel. The method further comprises removing the film from the multi-lane tow.

Abstract: An assembly for connection to a high-voltage system has multiple single-phase transformers each having a transformer tank which is filled with a fluid and in which a core with at least one winding is situated. At least some of the windings of the single-phase transformers are connected to one another, forming a neutral point. A short-circuit voltage curve or impedance of the assembly can be adapted to different requirements. The windings are each connected to the neutral point via a switchover unit and a choke winding. The choke winding has multiple tappings, and the switchover unit is configured to select the tapping via which the winding in question is connected to the neutral point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automated fiber placement system that comprises a robot, an end effector, and a creel assembly that is coupled to the robot and movable with the robot. The creel assembly comprises a spool of a tow and a tow tensioner. The tow tensioner comprises an arm assembly that is pivotable toward and away from a tow direction between a forward position and a rearward position, inclusive, and configured to secure the tow from the spool as the tow unwinds from the spool and moves in the tow direction. The tow tensioner also comprises a biasing member that is coupled to the arm assembly and configured to bias the arm assembly into a neutral position between the forward position and the rearward position. The tow tensioner additionally comprises a potentiometer that is coupled to the arm assembly and configured to detect a position of the arm assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjustable tooling. One embodiment is a method that includes laying up a laminate of fiber reinforced material onto a continuous surface that has a convex profile and that comprises a first contoured surface of a fixed mold of a composite layup tool and a second contoured surface of a movable mold of the composite layup tool. The method also includes displacing the movable mold in a direction that is at least partially towards the fixed mold, breaking the continuous surface and releasing the laminate from the composite layup tool.

Abstract: Both diameter expansion and contraction control and fitting stabilization are achieved at the same time in a pipe end release-type pipe-forming apparatus having a non-inner periphery restriction structure. A driving part (10) provided in an apparatus frame (30) of a pipe-forming apparatus (3N) presses an unformed following strip portion (92) of the strip member (90). A reverse side guide portion (83) is engaged with a pipe end portion (91e) of a preceding spiral pipe portion (91) from a reverse side. A face side guide portion (82) is engaged with the pipe end portion (91e) from a face side. The face side guide portion (82) is shifted to the propulsion rear side beyond the reverse side guide portion (83). The following strip portion (92) is extruded from the driving part (10) toward an inter-guide clearance (84) between the reverse side guide portion (83) and the face side guide portion (82).

Abstract: A method for the production of stiffened components made of fiber-reinforced composite material using two rigid form tools which are suitable for covering the longer end sides of T-shaped preformed reinforcing fibers, using a folded hose core and inflation of the hose core so as to exert pressure on the end side of the preformed reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A device for winding a reinforcing strip onto a repair length on either side of a portion to be repaired of a pipe, including: a carriage bearing a reel holder and a reel, means for rotating the carriage around the pipe and for translating same along the longitudinal axis of the pipe so that the strip is wound around the pipe in the form of a helix, means for reversing the direction of translation movement of the carriage so that, at each change of direction, the carriage moves in a direction opposite to the previous one and a layer of reinforcing strip is wound around the pipe, overlapping the previous layer. The means for translating the carriage include a conveying chain and the reversing means are actuated automatically without the intervention of an operator.

Abstract: A compactor is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing print head. The compactor may include a housing connectable to the additive manufacturing print head. The compactor may also include a compacting wheel, and at least one spring disposed in the housing and configured to exert an axial force on the compacting wheel. The compactor may further include a piston moveable to adjust a distance between the housing and the compacting wheel.

Abstract: In one version there is provided a test system including a layup tool having a layup surface, and two fairing bars attached to the layup surface. The test system includes the composite laminate having a plurality of stacked plies, and positioned between the two fairing bars. The test system includes fiber distortion initiator(s) positioned at one or more locations under, and adjacent to, one or more plies of the plurality of stacked plies. The test system includes two caul plates with a gap in between, and positioned over the composite laminate. When the test system undergoes a pressurized cure process with a vacuum compaction, a restricted outward expansion of the plurality of stacked plies by the fairing bars, and a pressure differential region formed by the one or more fiber distortion initiators at the one or more locations, create the controlled and repeatable out-of-plane fiber distortion in the composite laminate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying lengthwise curvature to composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes fabricating a preform for a curved pultruded gap filler by continuously: heating fiber reinforced material to a sticking point temperature for a constituent material within the fiber reinforced material, and feeding the fiber reinforced material through a die that exhibits a curvature through which the fiber reinforced material travels while the fiber reinforced material is heated to the sticking point temperature, the die forming the fiber reinforced material into a preform for a gap filler. Fabricating the curved pultruded preform further includes varying path lengths of fibers within the preform as the preform passes through the die, and pulling the preform out of the die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-making apparatus and a pipe-making method capable of making a spiral pipe variably adjusting a diameter or a perimeter of the pipe without an inner periphery limiter. An edge 94 of a following strip portion 92 of a strip member 90 is fitted with a corresponding edge 93 of a preceding pipe portion 91 preceding by one turn by a pipe-making part 3a of a pipe-making apparatus 3, the following strip portion 92 following the preceding pipe portion 91 precedingly made into the spiral pipe, the following strip portion not yet made into the pipe. The pipe-making apparatus 3a is propelled along a spiral winding direction accompanying the fitting. A position 9q of the fitting is variably adjusted by a fitting height adjuster such as an operating lever 30 in a machine height direction HD or a pipe inside-outside direction VD.

Abstract: A machine and method of forming an article generally comprising extruding a molten bead of thermoplastic material along x, y and z axes in forming an article consisting of a strata of such material, and passing a roller over each applied portion of such molten bead to compress such bead portion, enhancing the fusion of engaging plies of such extruded material.

Abstract: A filament-reinforced composite material having with load-aligned filament windings enables improvement of mechanical properties for specific loading of parts made from the material. The orientation of the winding within the part may be changed depending on an orientation of an external load to the part. In one example, the part may be a slip in a frac plug or a bridge plug in a downhole application.

Abstract: A method for producing preforms, by layup of fibers on a layup surface, comprising the application of a binder on at least one continuous flat dry fiber, comprising two opposite main faces, and the layup of the fiber provided with binder by means of a layup head in order to form a preform. The application of binder on a fiber is carried out by means of at least one fiberizing nozzle comprising a discharge orifice supplied with liquid or pasty binder, and one or several injection orifices supplied with pressurized gas, in such a way that said nozzle is able to deliver the binder in the form of a spiral filament, the spirals of filament being deposited on a first main face of the fiber running underneath the nozzle in order to obtain a fiber provided with filaments of binder.

Abstract: A mold for use in fabricating a gas turbine fan casing out of composite material includes a mandrel for having wound thereon a fiber preform of a fan casing and an annular wall with an outside surface of profile corresponding to the profile of the inside surface of the casing that is to be fabricated and of two lateral rims of profiles corresponding to the profiles of outer flanges of the casing that is to be fabricated; a plurality of mold cover angular sectors that are assembled in leaktight manner on the mandrel and that are to close the mold and to compact the fiber preform wound on the mandrel; and a plurality of locking keys configured to lock together in leaktight manner neighboring mold cover sectors. A method of closing such a mold, and a method of fabricating a fan casing are included.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: A method of determining tow path surfaces associated with manufacturing a composite ply includes computing, from an initial tow path surface, a projected tow path surface corresponding to a projection of the initial tow path surface onto a layup surface. The method also includes determining, for particular start and end points, edge lengths of opposing sides of the projected tow path surface. The method further includes comparing a difference between the edge lengths of the opposing sides to a threshold, to determine if the amount of curvature along the projected tow path surface is acceptable.

Abstract: An installation for shaping a fiber preform as a body of revolution presenting a profile that varies in radial section, the installation including a storage mandrel for storing a fiber texture, follower rollers, and a mold in the form of a body of revolution on which the fiber texture is to be shaped by winding, the follower roller(s) being placed between the storage mandrel and the mold in the form of a body of revolution. The storage mandrel, each follower roller, and the mold present radii across their axial widths that vary to define outer surfaces having profiles in relief. A follower roller has sectors releasably fastened on the outer surface of the roller, each sector extending over a fraction of the circumference of the roller and over all or part of the axial width of the roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resolver, which includes a stator having at least one excitation coil and at least one output coil, and a rotor disposed at a center space in the stator with a predetermined gap from the stator, the rotor rotating based on a rotary shaft to change a gap permeance with respect to the stator, wherein a thickness (tr) of the rotor and a thickness (ts) of the stator satisfies the equation: tr?ts?0.7 [mm], thereby efficiently offsetting an influence caused by an assembly error, which is commonly generated when assembling a resolver, improving the measurement precision, facilitating a resolver designing work and reducing manufacture costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fiber composite component. The apparatus includes a shaping tool and a plurality of laying units which are mechanically independent of one another and are each configured to lay a fiber material on the shaping tool, wherein the laying units each include a control device which is configured to actuate each laying unit to automatically interact with at least one other laying unit to lay a predetermined fiber arrangement together.

Abstract: A molding system for applying moldable material to a pipe. An elongate mold has at least one elongate mold member movable relative another elongate mold member between open and closed positions. The mold includes a pipe support that extends generally radially into a mold cavity along a support axis. An inner end of the support is configured to support the pipe in a molding position in which an annular portion of the mold cavity extends circumferentially around the pipe. After moldable material in the annular portion of the mold cavity can support the pipe, the support is withdrawn from the mold cavity by moving outwardly along the support axis. An injector selectively dispenses additional moldable material into a space formed by the support in the existing moldable material.

Abstract: A apparatus for laminating an object with a fiber tow, may include a fiber supply device provided with a plurality of first creels on which first fiber tows are wound and a plurality of second creels on which second fiber tows are wound; an impregnation device provided at a lower side of the fiber supply device, and impregnating the first fiber tows supplied from the first creels and the second fiber tows supplied from the second creels with a resin; and a lamination device provided at a lower side of the impregnation device, and laminating an object with the first and second fiber tows that are impregnated with the resin in accordance with a rolling motion of a laminating roller relative to the surface of the object.

Abstract: A technique for maintaining tension on fiber drawn from a spindle includes incorporating a permanent magnet brake into a spindle and controlling tension of fiber paid out from the spindle by rotating an adjustment plate of the permanent magnet brake with a motor. In some examples, a motor (e.g., a stepper motor) is coupled to the adjusting plate of the permanent magnet motor through a set of gears, a timing belt, or a similar transmission medium. Mechanical advantage afforded through gear reduction allows a very small motor to control a large amount of braking torque. Motor control may be accomplished for multiple spindles with little power.

Abstract: A method for making large pressure vessels using a composite over-wrap process and a soluble mandrel structure that is scalable to a much larger vessel size than can normally be accommodated by the over-wrap process. The method allows the production of very large, lightweight vessels with no seams and no metal liners. Extensions of the method provide for the fabrication of fully embedded threaded or non-threaded bosses of composite materials, and fully embedded longitudinal and circumferential stringers or stiffeners.

Abstract: This plant for manufacturing a rigid pipe for drawing up deep water for a marine thermal energy plant is characterized in that it comprises a floating platform on which there is installed a continuous production device in the vertical axis of the pipe, including a first stage of winding webs of fibers impregnated with resin about a winding roll for the partial crosslinking thereof, said wall being formed by modular elements in the form of plates, which are connected together so as to form a strip that moves in a spiral and repeating in the upper part of the roll so as to form a winding surface for the webs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing an existing pipeline. In some embodiments, the methods include positioning a pipeline wrapping apparatus on the existing pipeline, wherein the pipeline wrapping apparatus comprises a winding head, feeding a strip of material through the winding head, attaching an end of the strip of material to the existing pipeline, and helically wrapping the strip around the existing pipeline by rotating the winding head and axially translating the winding head relative to the existing pipeline.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a composite structure comprises a multi-axis positioner and an attached end effector comprising an integrated head and creel. The head has a clamp, cut and restart mechanism and a compaction roller with a rotary axis. The creel has a prismatic shape with a coupling device on the top of the creel for attachment to the multi axis positioner and a centerline which passes through the center of the creel and intersects the axis of rotation of the compaction roller. A composite placement head is attached to the bottom of the creel. A plurality of composite material supply spools are mounted on the sides of the creel and face outward from the creel. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the outside surface of the creel for directing the composite material from the supply spools to the fiber placement head.

Abstract: A composite part is formed by a composite tape application machine that lays up a plurality of tapes on a substrate. The lateral position of the tapes may be adjusted as the tapes are being laid up.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a wound dressing. The method includes the steps of: forming a alginate fiber by a wet spinning process; winding the alginate fiber around a board to form a plurality of first fibers on a surface of the board; spraying an aqueous solution containing sodium ions on the surface of the wound first fiber; rewinding the alginate fiber around the board to form a plurality of second fibers stacked on the first fibers, in which the second fibers are not parallel with the first fibers; and drying the first fibers and the second fibers.

Abstract: A method for creating a layup of reinforcing fibers comprises mounting a face sheet to a spindle of a mandrel tool support, the face sheet having a layup surface for the reinforcing fibers, and counterbalancing the mounted face sheet for stiffness and center of balance.

Abstract: A winding machine (1) according to one embodiment includes a frame (2) that is installed inside an existing pipe (200), a joining mechanism (4) for joining a plastic strip (100), and a wheel (6) for supporting the joining mechanism (4) on an inner surface of the existing pipe (200). The joining mechanism (4) includes an inner roller (42) and an outer roller (43) that sandwich the plastic strip (100) from inside and outside. The wheel (6) includes a rotational shaft at a position different from positions of rotational shafts of the inner roller (42) and the outer roller (43). The outer roller (43) of the joining mechanism (4) is maintained in a state of being separated from the inner surface of the existing pipe (200).

Abstract: A prepreg winding method includes the steps of preparing a plate, a mandrel movable toward and away from the plate, and a press roll movable toward and away from the mandrel and having an axis parallel to the mandrel; mounting a prepreg on the plate, the prepreg being formed by impregnating reinforced fibers with a thermosetting resin sheet; winding a leading end of the prepreg mounted on the plate around the mandrel, and making a pressing force act on the plate and the mandrel therebetween with the prepreg sandwiched between the plate and the mandrel and making a pressing force act on the mandrel and the press roll therebetween with the prepreg sandwiched between the mandrel and the press roll; and winding the prepreg around the mandrel by rotating the mandrel and the press roll.

Abstract: A method of making a composite core can include configuring a plurality of mandrels to have a desired thermal expansion characteristic, placing a composite material around each mandrel, placing the plurality of mandrels in a tool, the tool being configured to constrain the plurality of mandrels as the mandrels experience a thermal expansion, heating the mandrels so that the mandrels thermally expand, thereby applying a pressure to the composite material during a cure cycle, and then cooling and separating the mandrels from the composite core. The mandrel is configured as an internal form for making a tube member of a composite core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.

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: A packaging cushion insert is useful for cushioning a packaged object. The insert comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet; and a plurality of interior sheets between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the plurality of interior sheets are in stacked and laminated arrangement. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and plurality of interior sheets each comprise one or more materials selected from an air-cellular cushioning material, cellular foam material, and crumpled paper material.

Abstract: A liner tube for repairing existing pipes is provided. The liner tube is sufficiently flexible to lie substantially flat under its own weight thereby defining an upper portion and a lower portion. The liner tube includes an inner layer, an outer layer disposed around the inner layer, a first intermediate layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, the first intermediate layer being wrapped around the inner layer to overlap itself and define a first overlap portion in the upper portion, and a second intermediate layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the outer layer, the second intermediate layer being wrapped around the first intermediate layer to overlap itself and define a second overlap portion in the lower portion. The first and second intermediate layers include a porous material and the inner layer includes material substantially impermeable to liquids.

Abstract: A tape laminating machine having a compaction roller lays up composite tape over a substrate having a convex radius. The compaction roller folds the tape as it moves over the convex radius, while simultaneously pivoting about a trailing edge of the tape to prevent the compaction roller from lifting off the tape laid just before the convex radius.

Abstract: A fiber application machine including a fiber application head with an application roller for the production of parts made of composite materials. The fiber application head further includes a guiding system to guide the fibers onto the application roller and/or means for the application of resin to each fiber as the fibers leave the guiding system. The fiber application machine can also include a fiber storing system and conveying means for conveying the fibers from the fiber storing system to the application head. The conveying means can comprise flexible tubes, each tube being able to receive a fiber in its inner channel. The conveying means can further include a tension limiting system positioned between the application head and the storing system. The fiber application machine can further include a system for moving the application head.

Abstract: A system comprises an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine and a layup mandrel tool supported by the AFP machine. The mandrel tool includes a truss core and a plurality of mandrel panels attached to the truss core to form a layup surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for automated connection of two components (25, 27) in joint region (29) is proposed. The device (1) has a rotating winding device, especially a circle-segment-like rotor (3), which is arranged to guide a cloth tape (23) along winding paths (26) and to create a wound joint connection in the joint region (29).

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filament, the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.