Abstract: A novel carpet seaming method and tools for reducing or eliminating seam peaking and profiling is provided. The backing of abutting pieces of carpeting can be reinforced along their respective edges. A staple is supported on an anvil with its legs facing the carpet backing beneath the seam line while a hammer is driven onto the carpet pile and the underlying staple base. The impact of the hammer impales the carpet backing over the legs of the staple, and compresses the staple base against the anvil. The legs can then be forced towards each other to lock the staple in position. The process is repeated along the length of the seam line until a row of staples spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and extending from one end of a seam to the other end securely holds the abutting pieces of carpet together to form a seam. After seaming, the carpet may be stretched conventionally and secured to tack strips along the periphery of the area being carpeted.

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 molded plastic automobile body is bonded to a steel frame by depositing an adhesive layer between the body and frame in a circular pattern, to facilitate thermal expansion of the body relative to the frame. To prevent the body from peeling away from the frame, anti-peeling bolts further connect the body to the frame. To diffuse over a large area the downward force of the bolt heads on the plastic body, thereby reducing scalloping of the plastic body, spring washers having large surface areas are sandwiched between the bolts and the body.

Abstract: A fume exhaust duct joint, a clamping collar for clamping two cylindrical dual-laminate duct sections joined by an internal slip collar, and a method for assembling the joint. A first embodiment of the clamping collar has two clamp portions each including a metal outer skin spot-welded to a metal inner skin. The inner skins have bifurcated protrusions whose bifurcations penetrate the duct section outer surfaces when the collar is tightened, and, optionally, two circumferential beads of fire retardant caulking. The inner skins and slip collar are bonded to duct section surfaces using a putty-like sealant including a settable admixture of curing agent and novolac epoxy resin. A second embodiment of the clamping collar, preferred for duct sections 3-inches in diameter or smaller, has a single circumferential clamp portion.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a support having a first member and a second member, and a support bar disposed adjacent the first the second support members. A junction box is provided adjacent the support bar. A first fixture fastener extends from said support into the junction box cavity. The first fixture fastener is configured for transferring forces exerted on said first fixture fastener substantially without exerting such forces on the junction box.

Abstract: The present invention is a dowel-adhesive method for repairing ceramic matrix composites. The dowel adhesive method embodied in the present invention incorporates both adhesive and mechanical bonding of a patch to a damaged CMC surface area. The damaged area is first identified and then pre-processed. Next, a CMC patch plug is produced and adhesively and mechanically bonded to the pre-processed area. Mechanical bonding is accomplished with dowel pins and corresponding dowel pin holes in the patch plug and the panel. The dowel pins anchor the CMC patch plug to the panel. Adhesive bonding is accomplished by placing a ceramic adhesive between the patch plug and the panel. Also, the dowel pins are adhesively bonded within the dowel pin holes of the plug and the panel. The ceramic adhesive is set by a low temperature cure (if required) and a high temperature firing.

Abstract: The strength of composite patches is improved over conventional bolted or bonded patches by including Z-pins in the patch/parent structure interface to provide a mechanical link with small stress concentration between the patch and the parent structure. In some cases, we achieve a stronger repair removing the pins to leave holes that fill with resin from the patch during the curing or bonding operation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite parts having improved pulloff strengths between portions of the composite part. In one embodiment, a sine wave spar is formed from two U-shaped channels having opposing flanges and a central web. The U-shaped channels are joined along the webs. The triangular gaps between the edges of the joined U-shaped channels are filled using a titanium radius filler that is configured to fit within the gaps. After the titanium radius filler is placed within the gaps, additional layers of composite material are placed over the titanium radius filler and the flanges of the U-shaped channels to form the caps of the I-beam. The resulting composite workpiece is then placed within appropriate tooling and cured within an autoclave. In other embodiments, the method of the invention is used to form spars, ribs, stringers, or bulkheads from composite materials.

Abstract: An improved stiffener reinforced assembly and method. There is a skin member and a stiffener member including a web portion, a flange portion, and a radius region interconnecting the web portion and the flange portion. The flange portion resides on the skin member. A plurality of reinforcing pins are disposed through the radius region of the stiffener member and into the skin member to secure the stiffener member to the skin member.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a duct assembly system for the shaping and support of skins against a bulkhead, including an articulating skin expanding member conforming, in an extended position, to a cross section of the bulkhead, and a support means attached to the expanding member for insertion of the expanding member into the skins and alignment of the expanding member adjacent to the bulkhead.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fastening system wherein an ultrasonic transducer is used to insert a plurality of fasteners supported by a compressible member into two components to be joined or a single composite part to be reinforced.

Abstract: An improved stiffener reinforced assembly and method. There is a skin member and a stiffener member including a web portion, a flange portion, and a radius region interconnecting the web portion and the flange portion. The flange portion resides on the skin member. A plurality of reinforcing pins are disposed through the radius region of the stiffener member and into the skin member to secure the stiffener member to the skin member.

Abstract: A reinforced tape strip for securing a membrane roof to a roof deck or a parapet wall of a roof deck. The reinforced tape strip includes a layer of a single ply reinforcement material, at least one adhesive layer of a uniform thickness bonded to the single ply reinforcement material, and a protective layer covering the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A woven fabric is formed from polypropylene fibers by simply weaving the fabric using polypropylene fibers in both the warp and weft directions. The edges are left frayed and could become unraveled. In order to prevent the fabric from fraying further, particularly during washing, binding fibers are incorporated at least in the weft direction, but only along the edges. The binding fibers are polyester fibers coated with a low-melting-point thermoplastic adhesive. The thermoplastic adhesive is one that melts at a temperature lower than the melting point of the polypropylene fibers. Once these are incorporated into the fabric at the loom, the fabric is placed in an oven and heated to a temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic adhesive and below the melting point of the polypropylene fibers to cause the thermoplastic adhesive to melt, binding the polypropylene fibers together.

Abstract: An automotive trim panel is made by using an apparatus and method that bond together two trim coverstock segments having different colors, gauges or textures and two rigid substrate components into a single trim panel with the two coverstock segments meeting along a finished joint line. The method includes joining the coverstock segments together to form a rough seam, supporting the substrate components on two spaced-apart movable mold components with each substrate component having a mating flange that extends into the space between the mold components, applying an adhesive layer to the substrate upper surfaces, heating the joined coverstock segments and vacuum or positive air pressure-forming them across the substrate upper surfaces with the rough seam lying midway between the spaced-apart mold components.

Abstract: A clamp holds a wall panel against an adhesive bead on a wall frame support assembly as the adhesive bead cures. The clamp is actuated to secure the clamp to the support assembly adjacent the panel and hold the panel against the adhesive bead as the bead cures. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp includes a clamping portion having vacuum chambers and a reference surface. A vacuum is drawn on the vacuum chamber, thereby pulling the edges of abutting panels against the reference surface, drawing adjacent panel edge portions of the panels in the parallel relation. The clamping portion also includes a mechanical control which secure the clamping portion to the support assembly holding the panels against the adhesive in coplanar relation. In a method according to this invention polymer adhesive is applied to coplanar surfaces of support members. A clamp is placed adjacent a panel and actuated to hold the panel against the first surface of the clamp.

Abstract: There is provided herein a protective cover made from conjugate fiber nonwoven fabric having a basis weight between about 1 and 8 osy laminated with a film. The conjugate fibers may be in a configuration such as sheath/core, side-by-side and islands in the sea and may be formed from polyolefins and polyamides. The preferred fiber embodiments are a side-by-side polypropylene-polyethylene fiber and a sheath/core polyethylene/nylon 6 fiber. The fabric is preferably extrusion coated with a polyethylene film to form the protective cover. The cover is light weight, waterproof and provides sufficient burst and tensile strength so that the cover may be used during transportation of, for example, a boat.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. Hooks are carried by the base cooperating with complementary loops carried on material when pressed against the attachment members on the base. Permanent anchors are carried by the base and are spaced apart sufficiently to allow foam intrusion between the anchors to attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article, such as, for example, a cushion. First and second magnetically-attractable side edge seals are attached to the base for being attracted to magnets positioned in a mold in which the cushion is molded. The side edge seals form a foam-tight seal between the side edges of the base and the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam during molding of the article.

Abstract: Optical fiber support members (30 and 31) are formed by making an array of V-grooves (25) in a monocrystalline material (26), depositing metal (27) on the array, and removing the metal member to provide an insert. The insert is used to form the support members by injection molding.

Abstract: A method of and system for inserting reinforcing pins in a composite structure in which a number of reinforcing pins are inserted in a compressible material; the compressible material/pin combination is assembled on the composite structure; ultrasonic energy is applied to the pins; and pressure is applied simultaneously with the application of ultrasonic energy to compress the compressible material and insert the pins into the composite structure to join two laminates or reinforce a single composite structure.

Abstract: Bound and structurally reinforced thermoplastic-fabric composite construction materials, that are moldable, are described, comprising a structurally reinforced multilayer bound together in a binding process. A barrier fabric layer, and/or a decorative layer, may also be included in order to produce or vary decorative, and/or other effects. The structurally reinforced multilayer is made from a thermoplastic resin system and at least one fabric layer containing reinforcing fibers. Reinforcing fibers are introduced into components of the structurally reinforced multilayer, within the fabric layers, and may also be comingled with or layered into the thermoplastic resin system before addition to the fabric.

Abstract: A method of making belts through the use of a belt buckle defining a recess at a free end thereof, a detent in the recess and openings extending therethrough into the recess adjacent the detent and a belt blank having an end portion configured to receive the detent and to be received in the belt buckle recess is provided. The method is performed by providing a marketing indicator bearing marketing indicia and of dimensions compatible for assembly with the belt blank end portion and to extend, on assembly of the belt blank and the belt buckle, outwardly of the belt buckle to expose the marketing indicia, the marketing indicator having openings registering with the openings of the belt buckle on such assembly. The marketing indicator is applied to the belt blank by placing the marketing indicator openings so as to be in registry with the belt buckle openings on the assembly.

Abstract: The process for anchoring securing elements in drill holes, particularly screws, nails, anchors, clamp irons, and bolts, by using two-component adhesives and metal additives, is such thata) the drill holes optionally rebored, cleaned and degreased in advance are filled up to from half to three quarters with a compressible mixture of highly wear-resistant fibers or chips made of metals, polymers and/or ceramics with an average length smaller than half the drill hole diameter, subsequently, a blocker is optionally added, then both adhesive components are introduced successively or simultaneously, and then the residual portion of the required amount of fibers or chips is filled in, orb) a kneadable mixture is prepared from a compressible mixture of highly wear-resistant fibers or chips with an average length smaller than half the drill hole diameter and both adhesive components, and the mass is forced into the drill holes,and subsequently, the securing elements are inserted and optionally secured.

Abstract: Method for producing a fibrous reinforcement (1) for a component of composite material comprising at least two non-coplanar walls, which are for example orthogonal.According to the invention, at least one first fibrous element (2) is produced as a fiber mat, said first fibrous element (2) is applied via one of its narrow sides (4) against a first face (5) of a second element; and there are inserted, through a second face (7) of said second element (3), on the opposite side to said first face (5), and by the stitching without knotting of a continuous filament (F) by means of a needle, transverse fibers passing through said second element (3).Production of fiber-matrix composite components.

Abstract: A sealed aperture is formed in a laminated assembly by prepunching a central sheet such as a paper art print to form a first aperture and then laminating the art print between two sheets of laminating film to form a laminated assembly in which the two films are fused together in the aperture to form a single film in the form of a disc. A second aperture is then punched through the disc having a smaller diameter than the film aperture such that a sealed border remains between the second aperture and the first aperture.

Abstract: A combination of a rubber or other elastomer part and a plastic or metal part is bonded by both chemical and mechanical means. The mechanical means is in the form of molded rivets integrally manufactured in the molding process as part of the elastomer. Appropriate mating holes are made in the plastic or metal parts to receive the rivets during the molding process or at least before the rivets are cured. Conventional chemical bonding materials for the circumstance are employed with the rivet bonding to provide dual bonding strength. The parts of a blowout preventer, such as at the T-seal and the upper seal, are disclosed as preferred examples of locations that are subject to high pressure and temperature where an elastomer part is bonded to a plastic or a metal part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water barrier fabric, in flexible or rigid form, and articles manufactured thereby, formed by dispersing a water-absorbent material, in powdered or granular form, among a mass of fibers during the formation of a loose mat of said fibers, to homogeneously disperse the powdered or granular water-absorbent material above, below and on each side of the fibers forming the mat, and thereafter densifying and structurally consolidating the mat, to secure the fibers in position surrounding and entrapping the water-absorbent material, such as by sewing, quilting, needle punching or otherwise bonding the fibers into a consolidated, structurally secure fabric at least partially filled with the powdered or granular water-absorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, one, or both, major surfaces of the fabric is coated with a water-insoluble adhesive to substantially increase the tensile strength of the fabric and to prevent shifting of fibers when installed on sloping surfaces.

Abstract: A method of installing a metallic threaded insert in a composite/rubber pl consists of threading a first insert section into a pre-formed hole in a fiberglass composite panel, and bonding a rubber panel over the fiberglass composite panel. The rubber panel includes an opening which is positioned over the first insert section. A second insert section is threaded onto an elongated positioning panel bolt and then the positioning bolt ms threaded into the first insert section. The second insert section is threaded downwardly on the positioning so as to be in adjacent relation to the first insert section, and the opening in the rubber panel is filled with a rubber compound. The rubber compound is cured, preferably at room temperature, to set the second insert section in position and the positioning bolt is threaded out of the first and second insert sections.

Abstract: A graphite panel (10) with a hole (11) having a damaged thread (12) is repaired by drilling the hole (11) to remove all of the thread and make a new hole (13) of larger diameter. A bolt (14) with a lubricated thread (17) is placed in the new hole (13) and the hole (13) is packed with graphite cement (16) to fill the hole and the thread on the bolt. The graphite cement (16) is cured, and the bolt is unscrewed therefrom to leave a thread (20) in the cement (16) which is at least as strong as that of the original thread (12).

Abstract: The invention is to a roofing material and the method of making the roofing material. The roofing material is in the form of a standard material know as "felt" or "tar-paper" that has a plurality of nail tabs attached to the felt base material prior to coating the felt base with a water resistant material such as petroleum "tar". In a second embodiment, the nail tabs are attached to the felt during installation of the felt on a roof. The roofing material is attached to a roof with roofing nails that are driven through the tabs.

Abstract: A self-locking agent for a fastening device comprises a microencapsulated adhesive composition comprising the following constituents (a) to (c):(a) an epoxy compound having at least two epoxy groups,(b) an aromatic diamine represented by the following formula (a) or (b): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 to R.sub.4 each represent CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, C.sub.3 H.sub.7, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, C.sub.4 H.sub.9 or a halogen, or ##STR2## wherein R.sub.5 to R.sub.7 each represent CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, C.sub.3 H.sub.7 or a halogen, and(c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of thiosalicylic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic anhydride, boron trifluoride and boron trifluoride complexes, wherein at least one of the epoxy compound (a) and aromatic diamine (b) is microencapsulated to keep them apart from each other, said self-locking agent has excellent thermal resistance and storage stability.

Abstract: A replaceable tip portion (20) for a helicopter rotor blade (14) is selectively swept, tapered and anhedral. The tip portion is formed of an upper and lower composite tip skin layer (35), each tip skin layer having bonded thereto a honeycomb core (38). The density of the core varies from a leading edge of the tip to a trailing edge of the tip from a high density to a lower density. A channel (recess) (40) is formed in the honeycomb for receiving a rotor spar tip end (30), and the tip portion is removably attached (60) to the rotor spar and the remainder of the rotor blade. The honeycomb core is attached to the upper and lower tip skin layers in halves, and is machined along the rotor blade chord plane (70) prior to assembly of the halves on the rotor spar, the machined core providing tight tolerance control in the construction of the blade tip portion.

Abstract: A structural connection is obtained between elements (21, 22) of the reinforcement texture to be assembled by using at least one blocking means (23). The latter is made of a fibrous texture that is compacted prior to being inserted in a corresponding lodging formed in at least one of the elements of the reinforcement texture in order to conform with the shape of the lodging. The blocking means (23) then locks itself into the lodging by relaxation of its fibrous texture, as a result of a removal of the prior compacting. The blocking means can be in the form of a dowel (23) inserted inside aligned lodgings formed in the elements (21, 22) of the reinforcement texture to be assembled, or may alternatively be part of one of the elements of reinforcement texture to be assembled.

Abstract: The method for inserting a screw or insert having a barbed or other irregular surface or barbed type insert includes the steps of providing a tool having an ultrasonic horn and a cavity for an insert; filling the cavity with plastic filler material and positioning the insert against the center of the filler material; thereafter, activating the horn to vibrate the insert to soften and penetrate the insert into the opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipe liner with which a pipe is internally lined,forming a tubular body from a lengthy rectangular belt of a resin-absorbable flexible material by sewing the longer sides of the rectangle together; andcoating either the inner or outer surface of the tubular body with an airtight plastic film, for example, by:(a) inserting the tubular resin-absorbable flexible material into the airtight plastic film tube;(b) wrapping the two-layer tube with a tubular film of release means;(c) inserting an inflatable bag into the multi-layer tube;(d) pneumatically inflating the inflatable bag to thereby radially press the multi-layer tube from inside to thereby cause the multi-layer tube to become cylindrical;(e) causing the airtight plastic film to adhere closely to the resin-absorbable flexible material by removing the air trapped between the resin-absorbable flexible material and the airtight plastic film tube by drawing the air from the resin-absorbable flexible material by means of a suction mea

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a protective member for a drum from a supply of used tires. A first used tire is obtained from a source and the sidewalls are removed to define a first cylindrical tread section. The first cylindrical tread section is severed to form a first strip. A second tire is obtained from the source and the sidewall removed to define a second cylindrical tread section. The second cylindrical tread section is severed to form a second strip. The first and second strips are thereafter joined together to form a unitary structure. A plurality of substantially rectangular members are cut from the sidewalls of either the first or second used tire. The plurality of rectangular members are attached to the unitary structure to form cleats. The cleats are fixed to a floor to position said unitary structure around the drum and hold the drum in a stationary position.

Abstract: A fastener system to join lightweight panels such as honeycomb or foam core panels. The fastener system comprises a unique hollow, threaded fastener pin (12) and drive assembly (18). The drive assembly (18) attaches to an electric drill and is made up of a cartridge housing (14) for carrying a disposable, dual piston (epoxy resin and hardener) cartridge (20), and a plunger assembly, clutch mounted to the cartridge housing (14). The nose (62) of the cartridge (20) is adapted to receive the proximal end of the pin (12). The plunger assembly (16) mounts to the chuck of the drill. The panels are aligned and the pin (12), mounted to the nose (62) of the cartridge housing (14), is placed against the panels at the point to be joined. The drill is activated and the pin (12) is threaded in until its flared, distal end (26) is seated flush against the skin of the panel.

Abstract: A technique for the translaminar reinforcement in the z-axis direction of composite laminates utilizing an apparatus and method for heating and softening the composite laminates by ultrasonic energy, penetrating the composite laminate, moving the composite laminate fibers aside, inserting a reinforcing fiber into the composite laminate and allowing the composite laminate and reinforcement fiber to cool and bond.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a finished wood material beam assembly and, in particular, a finished prestressed wood material beam assembly. The device includes a support having a top that has movable chord and web adjusters carried thereon. The adjusters may be selectively moved and adjusted as desired both horizontally and vertically, so that the chords and web of the assembly may be received thereon at selected desired heights. As such, the adjusters may be selectively adjusted to precisely conform to the specific size and dimensions of the chords and the web being supported thereby. Securing cylinders and stops carried by the table are also adjustable to securely hold the assembly in place. A prestressing cylinder and prestressing stop carried by the table are also adjustable to prestress a portion of the assembly disposed therebetween. Mechanical and adhesive fasteners are applied to the portions of the assembly by respective devices.

Abstract: Platelike or panel-shaped composite wall structure is provided by sandwiching within a frame between planking affixed to the opposite sides of the frame, an insulating body. The body is formed by depositing therein layers within the frame in the form of wood wool which is sprayed with a water glass solution. As a result a mineral-like structure of the insulation is obtained which does not tend to shift when the panel is erect. A moisture barrier which is applied in the form of a layer of bees wax can be formed directly on the planking which is to constitute the inner wall of a prefabricated structure into which a composite wall is built.

Abstract: A repair patch for damaged sections of panels made of composite materials, wherein the damaged section of the panel has been cut out by, for example, a hole cutting saw, includes a bolt which is inserted through the hole and a rigid washer on the bolt, of about the same diameter as the hole. A flexible washer, substantially larger than the hole, is pushed through the hole and the rigid washer bears against it. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: A method for applying ornamental elements is described. These elements have a layer of melt adhesive provided on the application side. The melt adhesive layer is designed as a shaft extending in the application direction, which can be passed through perforated material in order to obtain a good connection with the application material, in particular in the case of stratified materials such as leather, due to the formation of a flange on the back of the material.

Abstract: A technique for permanently joining thermoplastic parts in a single stroke converts kinetic energy into thermal energy. In this technique, one of the thermoplastic parts includes a linear shaft while the other includes a cavity having the same general shape but being slightly smaller in its cross-section. The thermoplastic parts are permanently joined when the shaft is thrust into the cavity at a velocity that exceeds a predetermined minimum value which is a function of the thermoplastic materials used and the relative dimensions of the shaft and cavity. An interference fit between the shaft and cavity causes frictional heat to be generated which melts the contacting surfaces and thus welds the parts together after a brief cooling period.

Abstract: Method for producing an aerospace structure composed of two elements having mutually opposed mating surfaces, at least one of which is irregular. The mating surfaces of the elements are fastened and compressed against a noncompressible cast-in-place void filler having complimentary shape to the two mating surfaces. The void filler is prepared by admixing a polymerizing matrix selected from polyesters, epoxides, polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, polyvinyl alcohols and organosilicone polymers and a space filling material selected from phenolic microspheres, carbon microspheres, metal coated microspheres, chopped fiberglass, alumina, fumed silica and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A vehicle body consists of a plurality of independent body sections, i.e., an engine compartment assembly, floor assembly, a pair of body side assemblies and a roof assembly. The assemblies are prepared and painted independently and have joining portions which are to be lapped one upon another, respectively. The assemblies are joined together by fastening with bolts and nuts the joining portions while at the same time bonding the joining portions with a sealant adhesive which is applied to the joining portions prior to lapping the joining portions one upon another.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced resin composites formed by elements joined by a high shear strength, high fracture toughness adhesive are disclosed. The elements are created in easily produceable cross-sectional shapes such as flat, C-shaped, Z-shaped or T-shaped. When joined, the elements form delamination resistant fiber reinforced resin composites having more complex shapes. The strength of the junctions between a pair of elements, such as a panel and its associated reinforcing members, can be enhanced by fasteners, such as rivets, if desired.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged sections of panels made of composite materials includes the steps of cutting the damaged section out of the panel and inserting, from the near-side, a bolt having a rigid washer, of about the same diameter as the hole to be repaired, and a flexible washer that is substantially larger than the hole, and against which the rigid washer bears. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: An improved fastening device is disclosed for securing a longitudinally extending body member within an aperture of a workpiece. The fastening device is designed to accept resilient material after the fastening device is inserted within the workpiece. In one alternative embodiment the inserted resilient material acts in cooperating with the longitudinally extending body member to lock the device in place and to provide a supporting structure to the workpiece. In another alternative embodiment, the body member, after injection by the resilient material, assumes the shape of the workpiece aperture.

Abstract: The invention is to a roofing material and the method of making the roofing material. The roofing material is in the form of a standard material know as "felt" or "tarpaper" that has a plurality of nail tabs attached to the felt base material prior to coating the felt base with a water resistant material such as petroleum "tar". In a second embodiment, the nail tabs are attached to the felt during installation of the felt on a roof. The roofing material is attached to a roof with roofing nails that are driven through the tabs.