Abstract: A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

Abstract: A method and a manufacturing line for manufacturing wind turbine blades having a composite shell structure comprising a matrix material and a fiber reinforcement material by use of a resin transfer moulding process. The method comprises a manufacturing line, where wind turbine blades are formed in a number of moulds. Each number of moulds comprising at least a first mould part comprising a first mould cavity. The manufacturing line further comprises a gantry means movable along the manufacturing line. The method comprises the following steps: a) arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a first mould using the gantry means, b) moving the gantry means along the manufacturing line to a second mould, c) supplying curable matrix material into the first mould cavity of the first mould, while substantially simultaneously arranging fiber reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a second mould using the gantry means.

Abstract: A reversing fiber placement head that is capable of bidirectional fiber placement on an application surface includes a feed mechanism for delivering fiber along two feed paths that are in a V-shaped orientation relative to one another. A pressure tip assembly including a compaction roller receives fiber from the two feed paths and applies the fiber to an application surface. A shifting mechanism shifts the pressure tip assembly from a first position on the fiber placement head to a second position on the fiber placement head to move the compaction roller along a linear path relative to the fiber placement head, allowing the compaction roller to change its direction of rotation in order to apply fiber to the application surface in opposite directions.

Abstract: Electric welding sleeve having a cylindrical sleeve body for the welding of pipes made of thermoplastic material or other weldable plastics, containing at least two heating zones having respectively a plurality of electrically conductive windings and contacts for the supply of the electric current, wherein at least one longitudinally running groove is arranged along the outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and methods for fabricating a composite article having a plurality of material dispensers, which can increase productivity. In one embodiment, a device includes a structure defining a work surface datum, and material dispensers movable relative to the structure. Each material dispenser applies strip material to the work surface datum along a predetermined axis. The predetermined axes are generally parallel to one another. The strip material applied to the work surface datum forms a layer of the composite article.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preparing a pre-form including at least one layer of fiber tows being at least partly fixed by a resin. The apparatus includes a work surface, a fiber tow distribution device, a fiber tow retention device, and a manipulation, device which is adapted to move the fiber tow distribution device relative to the fiber tow retention device. The apparatus is arranged so that free ends of the fiber tows can be delivered from the fiber tow distribution device to the fiber tow retention device, and the fiber tow retention device is adapted for retention of the free ends so that mutual movement of the fiber tow distribution device and the fiber tow retention device away from each other causes drawing of the fiber tows through distribution passage and distribution hereof onto the work surface.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, an actuated fabricator deposits structural elements (e.g., tensile structural elements) in a 3D pattern over large displacements. The fabricator is supported by at least three elongated support members. It includes onboard actuators that translate the fabricator relative to the ends of the support members. The fabricator is configured, by actuating different translations along different support members, to translate itself throughout a 3D volume. In some implementations, each of the actuators use fusible material to fuse metal tapes together, edge-to-edge, to form a hollow structure that can be shortened or lengthened.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion-splicing device is equipped with a fusing unit disposed on a housing, which fuses optical fibers F to each other, and a windproof cover that prevents winds from entering the fusing unit. The windproof cover is provided with a blocking elastic body arranged so as to block, in cooperation with a blocking elastic body of the housing, an inlet for introducing the optical fiber F into the fusing unit, a bias spring that biases the blocking elastic body toward the blocking elastic body, and a transmission member that transmits a biasing force of the bias spring to the blocking elastic body.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for welding a tubular lining of a wastewater pipe, comprising a retainer for the butt-jointed longitudinal edges (8, 9), which are intended to be welded, of a plastic panel (5) bent to form a pipe, and comprising a welding apparatus (25).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composite pipe having improved bonding strength between heterogeneous materials, which provides continuous bonding strength by chemical bond between heterogeneous materials, thereby preventing separation between the heterogeneous materials even at a high temperature and a high pressure, so as to replace a metal-based pipe used in fields of industry demanding heat resistance and chemical resistance, and an apparatus and a method of manufacturing the composite pipe. Accordingly, strong bonding strength according to chemical bond in the unit of nano between the heterogeneous materials is achieved, so that separation between the heterogeneous materials is not generated even at a high temperature and a high pressure, thereby being capable of further expanding the applicable fields of industry.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure according to one embodiment includes forming a first ply; and forming a second ply above the first ply. Forming each ply comprises: applying a bonding material to a tape, the tape comprising a fiber and a matrix, wherein the bonding material has a curing time of less than about 1 second; and adding the tape to a substrate for forming adjacent tape winds having about a constant distance therebetween. Additional systems, methods and articles of manufacture are also presented.

Abstract: A method for producing a fibrous material including carbon fibres or glass fibres or plant fibres or polymer-based fibres, that are used alone or in a mixture, and are impregnated by a thermohardenable polymer using a mixture containing a hardener and carbon nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT). A mixture containing said nanofillers, such as CNTs, and the hardener is used to introduce said nanofillers into the fibrous material. A continuous production line (L) for producing the material in the form of at least one calibrated and homogeneous strip (20) of reinforcing fibres impregnated with a thermohardenable polymer, includes the device (100) for arranging two series of fibres (1, 2) used to form a strip in such a way as to arrange the two series of fibres such that they are brought into contact with each other by means of two calendering devices.

Abstract: A preform for the molding of a fiber-reinforced resin beam, the preform comprising: a reinforcing-fiber beam which has been formed from a reinforcing-fiber base made up of many reinforcing fibers and has a cross-sectional shape comprising at least one linear part and at least one curved part connected to the linear part; and a release sheet bonded and united through an adhesive resin to at least part of a surface of the reinforcing-fiber base along the lengthwise direction for the base. A process for producing a preform comprises: a step in which a continuous flat reinforcing-fiber base having a release sheet bonded and united to a surface thereof is shaped so that the cross-sectional shape of the base comes to have a curved part to thereby produce a preshaped object; and a preshaped-object uniting step in which the preshaped object is bonded and united to another preshaped object.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbonizing tool has amain body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a thickness, the upper portion the lower portion having openings therein. The opening in the upper portion holds the optical fibers, while the opening in the lower portion allows the tool to be opened. An indentation is provided around the opening in the upper portion to hold an adhesive and to apply the adhesive as the optical fibers are drawn through the tool.

Abstract: A fiber placement system including positioner and a fiber delivery apparatus having a creel assembly and a fiber placement head is provided. The positioner moves the entire fiber delivery apparatus including the creel assembly and the fiber placement head via at least three linear degrees of freedom. The fiber delivery apparatus includes an articulating wrist for moving the fiber placement head relative to the creel assembly. The fiber placement apparatus is substantially free of linear degrees of freedom within the fiber tow paths between the spools and the fiber placement head. One or more rotational degrees of freedom may be provided along the tow path. In one embodiment, the interface between the fiber delivery apparatus and the positioner is laterally offset such that a portion of the creel axially overlaps with vertical ram of the positioner.

Abstract: A modular production device for integral fibre semi-finished products and a method for the creation of endless fibre composite components having a hollow body structure after the production of such integral fibre semi-finished products. The modular production device has at least one moveably guided fibre guide tube (100), at least one base element (2, 2?) and a plurality of hollow bodies (7) that are separated from one another in a row by a gap (8) and that can be fastened to an inner wall of the base element (2, 2?). Each hollow body (7) has at least one base (6) at least on one side, wherein the gap (8) has a width that provides a passage for the fibre guide tube (100).

Abstract: A fiber placement system for producing small sized flat laminates having a length and width that extends in the X and Y axes, and a constant height measured in the Z-axis includes a fixed creel for delivering fiber used by the system, and a fixed bracket attached to the creel. A fiber placement head is supported by the fixed bracket and a movable table for supporting a tool is positioned under the fiber placement head. The fiber placement head is fixed in the X, Y, and Z-axis during the application of fiber to the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a nonwoven fabric having the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. A warp yarn alignment station includes two sets of rollers spaced apart to allow the warp yarns to pass between the two sets of rollers, wherein the of rollers are over-driven to provide a roller surface speed greater than a predetermined speed of the warp yarns.

Abstract: An automated in-line feed-through system integrating the delivery, application and infusion of a resin to one or more fiber tows and layup of the one or more infused fiber tows to form a composite structure. The system includes an automated resin delivery, deposition and infusion system configured to deposit the resin on one or more fiber tows and form the infused fiber tows. The system integrates an automated layup system including a compaction roller, a guide roller coupled to an extending cylinder, and an auxiliary roller configured to adhere the one or more infused fiber tows to a substrate. The system further includes a controller configured to control system parameters, including the control of tension of the one or more infused fiber tows within the automated layup system. Other aspects of the automated in-line manufacturing system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes the method of coating glass fibers with thermoplastic resins and the subsequent winding on tubular matrices in order to form tubular profiles of any geometry (round, square, rectangular, triangular) with thermoplastic resins, avoiding the use of thermosetting resins.

Abstract: Strain sensor, including an elongated protective encasing (5) surrounding an inner space, and an optical fiber (3) extending through the encasing (5), the fiber (3) at least including a fiber core (3a) and a fiber cladding (3b), wherein a cured filler material fills (4) at least part of a space between the fiber (3) and the protective encasing (5), the cured filler material (4) being configured for allowing strain coupling between the protective encasing (5) and the fiber (3), wherein an outer diameter of the fiber (3) is at least about 250 ?m, and wherein the cured filler material (4) is one or more of: a flexible material, a resilient material, and a material having a shore A hardness that is lower than about 50. The invention also provides a method and system for manufacturing a strain sensor.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an apparatus for use with a plaster taping device, the apparatus comprising a base for removably attaching the apparatus to the plaster taping device and a frame having a first end coupled to the base and a second end for supporting a wheel member rotatably connected thereto, wherein the wheel member facilitates application of a tape material along an internal corner joint.

Abstract: The present invention describes composite rods keeping two elements apart a determined distance carrying the loads between them, such as railways, industrial premises, etc. Besides, the manufacturing method thereof and the tool involved in this process are also described.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus is provided for depositing a sliver on a surface with a first segment and at least one second segment that can respectively roll along the surface. The pressing apparatus furthermore features an assembly frame for holding the segments. The first segment features a first rolling element and a suspension apparatus and the second segment features a second rolling element. The suspension apparatus is designed for attaching the first segment to the assembly frame and for rotatably mounting the first rolling element on the assembly frame. The suspension apparatus is designed for allowing a relative movement between the first rolling element and the second rolling element in a radial direction of the first rolling element.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member; a second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap formed between the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member; and a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap within a very tight die cavity gap tolerance.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.

Abstract: A device for twisting plastic wires to form a plastic open mesh net comprises a front twist mechanism and a back twist mechanism which have corresponding pairs of front and back thread-holes for receiving plastic wires to be twisted. Each couple of a front thread-hole and a back thread-hole is connected by a corresponding heat-conductive thread guide, preferably in the form of a pipe, which provides a uniform heating of the plastic wire which is guided therein. A machine for manufacturing a plastic open mesh net comprises a holding device downstream of the twisting device to maintain a uniform shape of the just formed open mesh net.

Abstract: A fiber placement machine has a fiber placement head and a K-axis housing that is supplied with fiber tow from a creel. The fiber placement head is mounted on the front of the K-axis housing. The fiber placement head has a compaction roller and a cut, clamp, and restart mechanism positioned adjacent to the compaction roller that receives fiber tow from the K-axis housing. A separable coupling connects the fiber placement head to the K-axis housing, whereby the fiber placement head may be disconnected from the K-axis housing for docking purposes.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus (2) for a curable liquid material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flexible bag (8) defining a first compartment (10) for accommodating a first component of a curable liquid material, and a second compartment (12) for accommodating a second component of the curable liquid material and adapted to communicate with the first chamber to enable mixing of the first and second components to initiate curing of the curable liquid material. A first clamp (14) temporarily prevents mixing of the first and second components, and an elongate nozzle (16) communicates with the second compartment to dispense the mixed curable liquid material therefrom. A second clamp (18) temporarily prevents passage of the curable liquid material from the second compartment to the nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a filament winding apparatus (1) which moves a liner (2) while rotating the liner (2) and winds a fiber bundle (FB) around the outside peripheral face (2a) of the liner (2), said fiber bundle (FB) being guided by a fiber-feeding guide (44) positioned around the trajectory of the liner (2). The filament winding apparatus has a resin-spraying nozzle (45) for spraying a resin onto the fiber bundle (FB) at a position before the fiber bundle is wound around the liner (2), and the resin-spraying nozzle (45) is disposed so as to spray the resin onto the downstream side of the rotation direction of the liner (2) relative to an imaginary line (VL1) defied by a straight line connecting the spray nozzle (45N) of the resin-spraying nozzle (45) with the rotation axis of the liner (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing plastic packaging in tubular form, which process comprises a wrapping step during which a laminate (11) is wrapped, an abutting step during which the edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are butted together and a fastening step during which said edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are welded together, characterized in that a bead (12) of plastic in the molten state is extruded and deposited on the internal face of the packaging so as to cover at least the weld zone (10) defined between the edges. The energy needed to produce the weld (10) comes from the plastic bead (12). The invention also relates to packaging obtained from the aforementioned process and to a device for implementing said process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head for application of carbon-fibre strips that has at least two spools (1) conveying respective carbon-fibre strips for the selective feed of said strips and in order thus with said strips to make up the width of the stripping for application. These spools (1) are arranged on a master roller (5) formed by independent sections that are actuated individually by respective rotary transmissions.

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

Abstract: An optical fiber is permanently routed easily, quickly, and unobtrusively at a customer premises using an inventive hand tool, without staples or other fasteners. The fiber has an adhesive outer coating that is activated as the fiber is applied by the tool on an exposed surface such as a wall, ceiling, molding, groove, or corner at the premises. When the activated coating hardens, the fiber is bonded to the surface on which it was applied, and the hardened coating also provides physical protection for the fiber. In the disclosed embodiment, the coated fiber is supplied on a spool that mounts on the tool, and the coating is activated by guiding the fiber as it unwinds from the spool through a chamber containing an activating substance. The fiber with the activated coating is then guided to an applicator wheel on the tool which applies the fiber to the surface.

Abstract: A fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials comprising a compacting roller for applying on an application surface a band formed of at least a resin pre-impregnated flat fiber, and a heating system able to emit a heat radiation towards the band. The compacting roller comprises a rigid central tube provided with radial holes, and a cylinder made of an elastically deformable, flexible material, assembled on the central tube, and having a fluid communication assembly that brings the radial holes into fluid communication with the external surface of the cylinder. The machine includes a thermal regulation system that injects a thermal regulation fluid in the central tube internal passage.

Abstract: A spin weld apparatus for spin welding a prepared end of a coaxial cable with a coaxial connector includes a cable clamp dimensioned to grip the coaxial cable and a drive collet dimensioned to enclose and rotationally interlock with a lateral surface of the coaxial connector. The drive collet is dimensioned to rotationally interlock with an interlocking portion of a spin welder. The spin welder is dimensioned to axially align the coaxial connector with the coaxial cable for spin welding when the drive collet is rotationally interlocked with the spin welder.

Abstract: Binders to produce or promote cohesion in non or loosely assembled matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating an encased cable seam includes a transportable support frame with a roll of encased cable material supported by a support bar, boom and spindle. Heating units supported by the frame heat the bottom surface of the membrane portion of the encased cable material. The encased cable material released from the roll toward the substrate to create an overlapping seam of the encased cable material on the membrane substrate of a roof deck. The apparatus includes a handle and a roller, whereby the roller presses the encased cable material causing a welded bond as the handle moves the apparatus forward.

Abstract: A base is removably mounted to a holder mounted on a frame. A feed reel for feeding a tape member formed by lamination of a separator and anisotropic conductive tape, and a wind-up reel which is placed coaxial with the feed reel and which serves for winding up the tape member of which the anisotropic conductive tape has been press-applied to the board by a press-applying head mounted on the holder are mounted on the base.

Abstract: A commercial tape applicator capable of folding at least one side edge of a tape as it is fed to the applicator to provide an easily a gripped edge on the tape after it has been applied to the case. The invention provides a folding station on a dancer platform mounted on a dancer arm that has a nip roll at its free end and the arm is biased so that the nip roll is in contact with the periphery of a tape roll forming the source of tape and is usable to align the tape path through the folding station with the tape leaving the tape roll and accommodate deformation of the roll. A latch and cooperating cog wheel may be used to control the off feeding of the tape for the supply roll.

Abstract: A method and a manufacturing line for manufacturing wind turbine blades having a composite shell structure comprising a matrix material and a fibre reinforcement material by use of a resin transfer moulding process. The method comprises a manufacturing line, where wind turbine blades are formed in a number of moulds. Each number of moulds comprising at least a first mould part comprising a first mould cavity. The manufacturing line further comprises a gantry means movable along the manufacturing line. The method comprises the following steps: a) arranging fibre reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a first mould using the gantry means, b) moving the gantry means along the manufacturing line to a second mould, c) supplying curable matrix material into the first mould cavity of the first mould, while substantially simultaneously arranging fibre reinforcement material in the first mould cavity of a second mould using the gantry means.

Abstract: A modular fiber placement machine head assembly and refrigerated creel assembly affixed to a cradle for an interchangeable platform system adapted for composite fiber manufacturing through an automated, computer controlled, fiber placement machine is described.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a fiber-reinforced resin strand including spreaders that spread a reinforcing fiber bundle and are provided inside a crosshead to which a molten resin material is supplied continuously from an extruding machine, twisting rollers provided at a downstream position from an exit nozzle of the crosshead and that pultrude a fiber-reinforced resin strand formed of a resin-impregnated fiber bundle from the exit nozzle while imparting twists thereto, and twist retaining rollers provided at a downstream position from the twisting rollers and that retain twists of the fiber-reinforced resin strand. The twisting rollers and the twist retaining rollers are made of metal with asperities being formed on the surface thereof. The manufacturing apparatus can achieve excellent durability and is capable of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin strand at a high production rate without causing slipping.

Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to chance the direction of the lacer and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.

Abstract: Among other things, a communication line is attached along a target surface of a building by laying out the line from a tool. An outer surface of the line is in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out along the surface. The line is in the temporarily tacky condition based at least in part on an adhesive component having been pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The line becomes non-tacky after it has been attached.

Abstract: This invention provides single-step pultrusion processes for producing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) articles that may have variable cross sections and/or non-linear shapes. This unique capability results from the use of two sets of dies to form the article. The first is a set of moving dies connected together to form mating continuous loops of moving die links to: a) draw the FRP material into the apparatus; b) shape the cross section of the FRP material; c) cut the FRP material to the appropriate length; and d) hold the uncut FRP material in position for the next production cycle. The second set of dies forms a guide path mounted on opposing conveyers. The guide path includes heated die segments to define a curing section that may be non-linear. Cycling the moving die links through the curing section and/or cycling the conveyers provides a straightforward method for automated production of finished pultruded articles with unique shapes.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member; a second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap formed between the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member; and a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap within a very tight die cavity gap tolerance.

Abstract: A tape-dispensing apparatus may include a removable part and a base part.

Abstract: An illumination device includes an optical fiber holder configured to hold an optical fiber, a phosphor holder configured to hold a phosphor and faces the optical fiber holder, and a bonding material configured to intervene between the optical fiber holder and the phosphor holder to bond them. The illumination device includes adjustment guide members configured to intervene between the optical fiber holder and the phosphor holder, relatively positionally adjust the optical fiber holder and the phosphor holder so as to arrange an optical axis of the optical fiber and an optical axis of the phosphor on one line, and configured to prevent the optical fiber holder and the phosphor holder from tilting when the bonding material is cured.