Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a seal between an aircraft structure (14) and a removable panel (26) mountable on the structure to close an opening (12) therein. According to the invention, the method comprises applying a sealant compound (28) for example a polysulphide rubber compound, to one of the structure and the panel, forming a rebate (46) in the sealant compound, and providing a sealant tape (48) to fit within the rebate. Subsequently, the panel is fastened to the structure with the seal (50) comprising the sealant compound and the sealant tape being sandwiched between the structure and the panel and encircling the opening.

Abstract: A joining pin (3.2) with which two parts (1 and 2) made from a porous material, particularly wood or a wood-like material, are to be joined together, is anchored in the porous material at predetermined anchoring points (31, 33). For this purpose, a bore (4.2) with a closed inner end (41) is made in the parts (1 and 2). The shape of this bore (4.2) is so matched to the joining pin (3.2) that it can be introduced substantially without force expenditure into the bore and is positionable in a first position. At least one predetermined anchoring point (31, 33) between the joining pin (3.2) and the wall of the bore (4.2) is formed when pressure is built up by pressing the joining pin (3.2) with a pressing force (F) more deeply into the bore to a second position. Energy is supplied in a planned manner to the joining pin (3.2) so that at the predetermined anchoring points (31, 33) the thermoplastic material of the joining pin (3.2) is plasticized.

Abstract: A water pump having a housing with an opening defined by an axial inner retention surface and a radial outer surface. A plug formed of sheet metal includes a radial closure portion surrounded by a continuous axial flange adapted to be press fitted into the inner retention surface of the housing. Before assembly, an adhesive is applied to either the axial flange of the plug or the inner retention surface of the housing. The plug is then pressed into the housing so that the flange of the plug engages the inner retention surface of the housing. After the adhesive sets, a water tight seal is formed between the plug and the housing adequate to hold pressurized coolant within the housing of the water pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous paper machine clothing (1, 11) for dewatering a paper web in a paper machine, comprising a filament lay-up made of at least one layer (2, 12) of longitudinal filaments (3, 13) and at least one layer (4, 14) of transverse filaments (5, 6, 7; 15) which cross the longitudinal filaments (3, 13), wherein the longitudinal and transverse filaments (3, 13; 5, 6, 7; 15) are adhesively bonded to each other via an adhesive at crossing points (8, 16). The invention further relates to a method of producing porous paper machine clothing such as this.

Abstract: Techniques to bond two or more smaller bodies or subunits to produce a unitary SiC composite structure extend the capabilities of reaction-bonded silicon carbide, for example, by making possible the fabrication of complex shapes. In a first aspect of the present invention, two or more preforms are bonded together with a binder material that imparts at least strength sufficient for handling during subsequent thermal processing. In a second aspect of the present invention, instead of providing the subunits to be bonded in the form of preforms, the subunits may be dense, SiC composite bodies, e.g., RBSC bodies. In each of the above embodiments, a preferable means for bonding two or more subunits combines aspects of adhesive and mechanical locking characteristics. One way to accomplish this objective is to incorporate a mechanical locking feature to the joining means, e.g., a “keyway” feature.

Abstract: A wallboard, wallboard joint and method for joining adjacent wallboards. A first wallboard has first and second edges extending between a face and back of a core. The second edge is an inverted mirror image of the first edge. A facing-material covers the face and has a first end extendable beyond the face. The first end has an adhesive surface covered by a removable strip. The wallboard joint and method for joining adjacent wallboards provides for overlapping and mating the first edge of the first wallboard with a second edge of a substantially similar second wallboard, securing the first and second wallboards to a structural member by passing a fastener through the first and second edges and into the structural member, and adhering the adhesive surface of the face of the first wallboard to the second wallboard.

Abstract: A method of nondestructive, reversible fixing of a coherent layer to a substrate, comprising the steps of anchoring a nonfibrous coherent layer to a film having either or both of projecting or embedded anchoring elements, wherein the anchoring elements provide mechanical anchorage of the coherent layer to the film, and fixing the coherent layer and film to the substrate. The coherent layer is anchored by applying a liquid or paste form material to the substrate that sets on the substrate to form the coherent layer, which is nonadhesive or only slightly adhesive to the film.

Abstract: A method for using a three-dimensional, woven preform to assemble two components. The woven preform is infused with an adhesive, and at least one surface of the preform is bonded to at least one surface of one of the components using the adhesive within the preform. The other of the components is attached to the preform, and this may occur with fasteners after the adhesive is cured or by bonding the second component to the preform with the adhesive. Use of an adhesive, instead of a resin, creates a stronger joint, especially with fiber-reinforcement of the adhesive. The thickness of the compressible, three-dimensional weave provides for a larger dimensional tolerance at each bond line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an article of manufacture. The method includes bringing at least a portion of a heated thermoplastic sheet into contact with at least a portion of the first surface of a support having a plurality of perforations. A vacuum is formed on the second surface of the support, and portions the heated thermoplastic sheet are drawn through the perforations of the support and to the second surface side of the support. Thermoplastic attachment heads are formed on the second surface side of the support, from the thermoplastic material of the sheet that is drawn through the perforations. The thermoplastic sheet and the support are fixedly attached one to the other by means of the edges of the perforations being embedded in the thermoplastic material of the sheet drawn therethrough, and the thermoplastic attachment heads. Also disclosed are articles of manufacture, such as interior and exterior automotive body panels and components.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a woven preform having a base and at least one leg extending from the base. The preform is used to assemble first and second composite laminate components formed from tape or fabric and a resin matrix. Z-pins are inserted into the first component prior to its being cured, forming a stubble extending above a surface of the first component. The uncured preform is placed on the surface of the first component, the stubble extending into the preform. The cured second component is attached to the preform. Over-wrap plies are optionally placed on the outer surfaces of preform. Adhesive is optionally placed between the preform and the first and second components. A vacuum bag and tooling are used while curing the preform to adhere the legs of the preform to the second component and the base of the preform to the first component.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles from bulk starting polymeric materials including virgin and on-line recycled polymeric materials. The production line includes a continuous process that links the steps of forming the webs with the steps of converting the webs into disposable absorbent articles. The production line recycles non-woven materials produced on the production line back into the production process of producing disposable absorbent articles. The recycling operations can also include a spun-bonded recycling and a melt-blown recycling. The production line can be a single-product-lane operation or a multiple-product-lane operation.

Abstract: One leg of a connector connector is embedded inside a slot cut in a base panel structure. Adjacent laterally extensive legs overlap and are bonded to the face sheet of the base panel structure. Structural members can be attached to the remaining leg(s) of the connector. The legs bonded to the base panel structure enable loads to be transferred to or from the panel structure, and enable peel-off loads to be distributed through the base panel structure.

Abstract: A structural panel comprised of a composite preform having an electrically conductive stitching. The stitching forms an electrically conductive grid-like network on the structural panel to better dissipate electrical energy received in a lightning strike throughout at least a portion of the thickness of the composite preform. Advantageously, the electrically conductive stitching is applied to the composite preform during the primary manufacturing process, rather than in a subsequent manufacturing step, to thereby help reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the structural panel. In one alternative embodiment a non-conductive polymer stitching is also applied throughout the entire thickness of the composite preform.

Abstract: A process for increasing the strength of plywood. The process includes pressing the piece of plywood between two hard faces which have parallel ridges contacting the two outer sides of the plywood to be strengthened. The plywood is subjected to pressure which permanently impresses a series of parallel grooves in the two outer faces of the piece of plywood. This strengthens the piece of plywood so that it takes more force to break it than the same piece of plywood without such parallel grooves.

Abstract: An improved method of countertop manufacture having a laminate or veneer horizontal upper surface and a laminate or veneer vertical face with a corner element with an arcuate surface that smoothly fairs into both the upper surface and the face. The countertop is manufactured by first mounting a piece of solid surface to a backer and finishing to a desired arc. The solid surface is then bonded to the vertical laminate surface and substrate to create a joined edge piece. The joined edge piece is finished to form a flat base. The finished edge piece with an arcuate corner element is then bonded to the horizontal surface to form a countertop with a rounded corner joining the vertical laminate surface and horizontal upper surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous composite structure includes the steps of predetermining relative proportions of a liquid resin forming material, a catalyst, and a inhibitor from respective reservoir (32, 33, 34) based on the ambient temperature and a porous blanket. The predetermined proportions are recirculated independently substantially continuously and coordinated at preselected rates. The predetermined proportions are simultaneously withdrawn and continuously mixed in a chamber (39) having a dispensing outlet (40). A pool (46) of the mixture is formed on the blanket (44) and a leading edge (68) is advanced substantially immediately into permanent contact with a preselected final surface and adhered thereto. Part of the catalyzed and inhibited resin forming material migrates through the blanket to form a continuous resin matrix therein.

Abstract: A system and method of strengthening members of a tower comprises providing a tower including at least one tower member, and at least one reinforcing member. A structural adhesive is applied to the tower members and the reinforcing members. The reinforcing members are placed against corresponding tower members. The structural adhesive is cured to thereby permanently attach the reinforcing members to the tower members. The reinforcing members are secured to the corresponding tower members preferably by bolts while the structural adhesive is curing.

Abstract: In the present method for producing a planar element (2) for car bodies in sandwich construction, which includes an external skin (4) and a hump plate (6) having edge profiles (8, 10) arranged between them, in a first step the edge profiles (8, 10) are joined to the hump plate (6), at least partially using a mechanical joining method, in a second step the hump plate (6) is glued to the external skin (4), and in a third step the edge profiles (8, 10) are joined to the external skin (4), at least partially using a mechanical joining method. Through these measures, high shear and buckling resistance of the planar element is achieved.

Abstract: In a method of forming an airbag, first and second main panels for constituting an airbag, and first and second inner panels in a form of a strip are prepared. The first and second inner panels are sewed together along longitudinal directions thereof without interposing a material therebetween, and an adhesive is provided at edge portions of the first and second main panels. The first and second inner panels sewed together are disposed between the edge portions of the first and second main panels so that the first and second main panels are directly joined together along the peripheries of the first and second main panels by the adhesive. The first and second inner panels sewed together are directly joined to the first and second main panels by the adhesive, respectively.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for an end of a ladder rail is provided. In one form, the method comprising the steps of: using at least one material to make a shell; using at least one other material to make a tread; and bonding at least a portion of the tread with at least a portion of the shell. Preferably, the shell and the tread are bonded to one another during the manufacturing process such that the shell and tread need not be mechanically fastened to one another in a separate and additional step.

Abstract: A method uses a three-dimensional, adhesive-infused, woven preform to assemble two components, each component having z-pins extending from bonding surfaces. The components and preform are assembled with surfaces of the preform contacting surfaces of the components, the z-pins penetrating into the preform. The adhesive in the preform is then cured, adhering the preform to the components and retaining the z-pins within the preform. The adhesive may be cured at room temperature or through heat applied to the outer component. Alternatively, an electron-beam may be used to cure the adhesive. Use of z-pins in the bond area and an adhesive, instead of a resin, creates a stronger joint, especially with fiber-reinforcement of the adhesive. The thickness of the compressible, three-dimensional weave provides for a larger dimensional tolerance at each bond line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an improved pultruded and clinched Z-axis fiber reinforced composite laminate structure. The upper and lower skins and the core are pulled automatically through tooling where the skin material is wetted-out with resin and the entire composite laminate is preformed in nearly its final thickness. The preformed composite laminate continues to be pulled into an automatic 3-dimensional Z-axis fiber deposition machine that deposits “groupings of fiber filaments” at multiple locations normal to the plane of the composite laminate structure and cuts each individual grouping such that an extension of each “grouping of fiber filaments” remains above the upper skin and below the lower skin. The preformed composite laminate then continues to be pulled into a secondary wet-out station.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous paper machine clothing (1, 11) for dewatering a paper web in a paper machine, comprising a filament lay-up made of at least one layer (2, 12) of longitudinal filaments (3, 13) and at least one layer (4, 14) of transverse filaments (5, 6, 7; 15) which cross the longitudinal filaments (3, 13), wherein the longitudinal and transverse filaments (3, 13; 5, 6, 7; 15) are adhesively bonded to each other via an adhesive at crossing points (8, 16). The invention further relates to a method of producing porous paper machine clothing such as this.

Abstract: A method for repairing a composite structure is herein disclosed, as well as a corresponding structure repaired using such methods. The structural repair method is a new fill-and-patch-type system that generally includes forming a recess in the structure and placing both a threaded insert and a potting material in the recess. Generally after the potting material has hardened, a patch is adhered to the potting material-filled recess, and a fixture is disposed over the recess. By directing a threaded fastener through the fixture and into the threaded insert, the fixture is drawn toward the structure and compresses the patch against the filled recess via the threaded fastener being tightened to supply sufficient compressional force to assist in bonding the patch to the repaired structure.

Abstract: A method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a multi-layer composite laminate. Layers of material made up of z-axis fiber and y-axis fibers are automatically transported into a z-fiber deposition machine having a housing with upper and lower surfaces. Z-axis apertures are formed in the respective upper and lower surfaces. An elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip is aligned in close proximity to the aperture n the bottom surface. The rod is first rotated by a motor and then actuated upwardly completely through the thickness of the layer of x-y material by an actuator. A first hollow tube having a z-axis is axially aligned with the aperture in the top surface and a fiber bundle is threaded downwardly through a first hollow tube to a position adjacent its bottom end.

Abstract: A three dimensional textile joint reinforcement joins and reinforces a composite panel and a support structure. The composite panel includes lamina of textile fibers in the plane of the panel. The joint reinforcement is attached to the composite panel by staples. The support structure, which is typically perpendicular to the plane of the composite panel, is also attached to the joint reinforcement. Out of plane forces act upon the assembled structure and the joint reinforcement transfers out of plane loads between the support structure and the composite panel. The staples provide transfer of load to the plane of the textile fibers in the composite panel, where the composite panel is strongest.

Abstract: This invention provides multi-layered composites, laminates and composite joints in which at least one resin-impregnated, fiber-containing layer is joined or laminated to a core layer having a lower flexural modulus or higher elongation at break, higher toughness, or a combination of all or some of these properties. The multi-layer composite produced by laminating or joining these materials together has improved shearout, impact and cutting resistance, since stresses caused by outside forces can be more widely distributed throughout the composite.

Abstract: Cementitious building panels are connected together using a connector plate made of a composite material of carbon fibers embedded in an organic matrix. The interconnection is made by removing cementitious material to form recesses in the building panels, applying an adhesive material into the recesses prior to placing the connector plate into the recesses, and thereafter affixing the connector plate to the first-panel face and to the second-panel face in the recesses and extending across the gap between the first-panel edge and the second-panel edge.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mop wherein a cylindrical member is fixed in a groove of a sponge. The cylindrical member has a smaller length than the sponge and a flat surface located midway between a first end and second ends thereof. The flat surface is located in a same horizontal plane as first and seconds lands defined by the groove in the sponge. A single screw is turned into the cylindrical member at the center of the flat surface and a handle is turned onto the screw until an end of the handle engages the flat surface. A roller with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical member has a first axial projection, which is located in a first opening in a strap, and a second axial projection which is in a second opening in the strap. The strap is flexed and the first and second axial projections on the cylindrical member are located in third and fourth openings in the strap such that the roller and cylindrical member are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a woven preform having a base and at least one leg extending from the base. The preform is used to assemble first and second composite laminate components formed from tape or fabric and a resin matrix. Z-pins are inserted into the first component prior to its being cured, forming a stubble extending above a surface of the first component. The uncured preform is placed on the surface of the first component, the stubble extending into the preform. The cured second component is attached to the preform. Over-wrap plies are optionally placed on the outer surfaces of preform. Adhesive is optionally placed between the preform and the first and second components. A vacuum bag and tooling are used while curing the preform to adhere the legs of the preform to the second component and the base of the preform to the first component.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a three-dimensional woven preform to a first composite laminate component, the preform having a base and at least one leg extending from the base. The preform may be used to attach a second component or may be used alone to stiffen the first component. The preform and the first component are uncured, whereas the second component is cured prior to assembly. The preform is positioned on the first component, adhesive optionally being located between the preform and the first component. Z-pins are driven through the base of the preform and into the first component, the pins extending into the base and the first component. The second component is attached to the leg of the preform. A vacuum bag and tooling are used while curing the first component and the preform and the preform to the first component. The second component may be bonded or fastened to the preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing a seal between an aircraft structure (14) and a removable panel (26) mountable on the structure to close an opening (12) therein. According to the invention, the method comprises applying a sealant compound (28) for example a polysulphide rubber compound, to one of the structure and the panel, forming a rebate (46) in the sealant compound, and providing a sealant tape (48) to fit within the rebate. Subsequently, the panel is fastened to the structure with the seal (50) comprising the sealant compound and the sealant tape being sandwiched between the structure and the panel and encircling the opening.

Abstract: An on-board mounting electronic apparatus including an apparatus body 6, made up of a main board 4 and terminal pins 5 for connection with a circuit board 21. The terminal pins 5 extend from an underside of the main board 4. A heat dissipation plate 8 is arranged on an upper surface of heat generating components 2 mounted on the main board 4. The heat dissipation plate 8 is thermally connected with the surface of the heat generating components 2. Such structure may be applied to an on-board mounting electric power supply as well.

Abstract: A self-dispensing fastener for attachment to a substrate by a quick-setting photocuring adhesive has a UV transparent flange for placement against the substrate and UV opaque adhesive reservoir for containing the adhesive in the fastener, and upon pressing the fastener against the substrate the adhesive is expelled into the interface formed between the flange and the substrate for curing by UV radiation.

Abstract: A synthetic magnetodielectric composite material for absorbing electromagnetic radiation has a sheet of fabric having first and second surfaces. The fabric is formed of an insulating material. Magnetically permeable thread is disposed within the fabric. The magnetically permeable thread comprises a material having a permeability substantially greater than the permeability of free space. The fabric is impregnated with resin. The magnetically permeable thread is configured to provide predetermined permittivity and permeability within a selected frequency range, so as to provide desired absorption/transmission of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of splicing two damaged ends of a conveyor belt together such that the resultant spliced belt is stronger than typical splice methods. The damaged belt is cut apart and the ends are prepared so that the ends may be spliced together. The belt ends are stripped of the rubber coating that covers the cord core through cutting or abrading the coating away. The belt ends can be prepared in any fashion from blunt end cuts to stepping the cut of the core such that the steps of one end of the belt complement the steps of the other end of the belt. The prepared belt ends are mated together and sewn. A new layer of rubber is then placed over the sewn portion of the belt. The new layer of rubber is then vulcanized, through either hot or cold vulcanization techniques. The resultant sewn and vulcanized belt is a stronger belt than a belt repaired by only mechanical or vulcanization methods.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a NBC Filter comprising a tubular formation of an inner filter medium closed at lease one end by a metallic inner end cap, a tubular mass of granulated carbon surrounding said inner filter medium to form an outer filter medium, a tubular mesh enclosing said outer filter medium, an annular, resilient gasket surrounding said inner end cap and an outer end cap of metallic material having a peripheral skirt which, in use, surrounds one end of the mesh tube while the gasket is compressed between the outer end cap and the carbon mass. A thixotropic adhesive is interposed between the inner periphery of the gasket and the inner end cap, between the outer periphery of the gasket and mesh tube and between the gasket and the outer end cap.

Abstract: A fabric gripper for securing a fabric or covering to a surface comprises an elongate body and a plurality of upwardly protruding barbs on the upper surface of the body. The gripper is formed as one piece and can either be manufactured from a single thermoplastic material or else the body and barbs can be manufactured of first and second thermoplastic materials, respectively, where the second material is harder than the first material. Where the gripper is to be made of first and second materials, a method of manufacture is provided where the second material is injection moulded into channels in the body to form the barbs.

Abstract: To make an annular fiber structure, a strip-shaped fabric (50), is used which is made up of two superposed unidirectional sheets, with the directions of the sheets forming opposite angles relative to the longitudinal direction of the strip, the two sheets being bonded together so as to form deformable elementary meshes, the fabric being wound while being deformed so as to transform it into a flat helix, the elementary meshes deforming in such a manner that variation in mass per unit area between the inside and outside diameters of the turns remains small, and the flat turns are pressed against one another.

Abstract: An air removal and fastener extraction system for use in retreading tires is disclosed. The system includes a strap that is disposed over a splice region of the tread during precure retreading. A plurality of fasteners are inserted through the strap and across the splice. This securely holds the splice region intact, allows air to be vented during curing, and permits removal of all fasteners in a single pulling motion exerted on the strap after the curing process is completed.

Abstract: One or more reinforcement pins are inserted between the lid and base of a sealed integrated-circuit package. The reinforcement pins reinforce a sealing layer between the lid and the base, particularly against shear forces exerted on the sealing layer between the lid and the base of a package. Shorter pins are provided which do not extend through the lid or base. Longer pins are provided which extend through the lid or base, with the ends of the pins being mechanically secured to the lid or base and sealed with solder, glass, or epoxy material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipe liner bag which is composed of a tubular resin absorbent material having an outer surface covered with a highly air-tight plastic film and a hardenable resin impregnated in the tubular resin absorbent material. The method involves folding a strip-shaped resin absorbent material and aligning both ends thereof in the width direction, straight sewing overlapped portions to form a tubular resin absorbent material while leaving a sewing margin, turning the tubular resin absorbent material inside out such that a previous inner surface thereof appears outside, and welding or adhering a plastic film entirely or partially on the outer surface of the tubular resin absorbent material to air-tight seal the outer surface. The method can reduce a time required for a joining operation and simplifying a sealing operation after both ends of the strip-shaped resin absorbent material have been joined.

Abstract: A skateboard deck and a method of making the same. The initial stage of making the skateboard deck comprises the step of stacking multiple veneer layers of wood upon each other and applying a coat of glue between each layer and then pressing the layers in a hydraulic press to form a first block of wood. Next the outline shape of the skateboard deck is formed on a CNC shaper machine. Following this two sets of four bore holes are machined in the first block of wood and they are counterbored on the initial top surface of the skateboard deck. Truck mounting inserts are then pressed into the bore holes in the initial top surface of the skateboard deck. One or more veneer layers of wood are then stacked onto the initial top surface of the skateboard deck and a coating of glue is applied between each layer and they are pressed together in a hydraulic press to form a second block of wood. The second block of wood is trimmed to the same shape programmed previously.

Abstract: A method of making evaporative cooler pads having a mat of absorbent material substantially uniformly distributed throughout the mat to provide the desired thickness and density to efficiently cool by evaporation warm air that is passed through the mat attached to an evaporative cooler system. The absorbent material can comprise excelsior in the form of aspen wood fibers. This material is cut into mats of the desired size and separated from other mats to create gaps between the mats. A mesh netting encloses the mat and the gap between mats. A stitching machine adds stitching to the mat and to the netting in the gaps between mats to bind the netting to the mat and to interconnect the netting layers in the gap. Adhesive material is applied to the netting and stitching in the gaps to retain the mat inside the netting. A cutting assembly cuts in the gap between the mats to form individual cooler pads.

Abstract: An open web beam composed of wooden top chord and an open web central structure terminated on at least one end by wooden members in the form of a closed web wherein the closed web is reinforced by insertion of a portion of the closed web into a strut and the two chords which have been slotted or grooved for this purpose. The closed be being oriented strand board using structural adhesive without interfering mechanical fasteners in the web.

Abstract: Reinforcement preforms and methods for making same for use in fiber-reinforced composite materials structures are disclosed, in which the reinforcement preforms comprise first and second reinforcement preform elements which include strength reinforcement fibers that are in desired directional orientation. The first element has a cross-fiber surface which extends transverse of its constituent strength reinforcement fibers and is in contacting juxtaposition to a selected surface region of the second element, forming an abutment therebetween. Abutment strength reinforcing fibers, which may optionally be introduced in situ by a continuum of fibers, such as a yarn or thread, extend through at least a portion of said second element and its said selected surface region, the abutment, said cross-fiber edge surface, and into the first element substantially in the direction of orientation to its constituent strength fibers to which its cross-fiber surface is transverse.

Abstract: Reinforcing members for securement of reinforced plastic composite components in restricted and confined space locations as a substitute for reinforcing stitching. The reinforcing members are highly effective for securing "T" stiffeners and the like to a skin structure in confined and restricted locations where a stitching machine cannot be used. The composite pieces which are reinforced and secured together by the reinforcing members provide excellent damage tolerance, are highly resistant to delamination and are resistant to tensile pulling and plane shear properties. The reinforcing members primarily comprise a plurality of pins or spikes which are effectively formed by sewing through a disposable and eliminatable core such that when the core is removed, all of the pins, which originally constituted threads passing through the core are secured together in an array by an open mesh physical cross-linking of the pins.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a specialized structural member having an internal cavity to a foundation to resist uplift forces imposed on the structural member. Structural members having interior cavities with external openings are anchored to foundations by way of an anchor member embedded in the foundation and received and enveloped by the internal cavity. The anchor member is connected to the structural member by a plurality of fasteners. The anchor member is formed to provide multiple point-to-point contact with the structural member.

Abstract: I improve the impact shock resistance of bonds between composite elements by including Z-pin reinforcement. I prepare stubbled composite structure by using peel plys over the appropriate surface of the composite during pin insertion using conventional processes. I then use the stubbled composite structure with padups, as necessary, to produce the Z-pin reinforced joint or bond between composite elements using any of adhesive bonding, cocuring, or thermoplastic welding.

Abstract: A sealant in its liquid phase is placed between attachment portions of paint coated metallic parts for subsequent in-place solidification into a gasket for both sealing and permanent bonding purposes. The attachment portions are then interconnected by screws extending through the gasket to increase its bonding strength.