Abstract: A vane for a turbine engine includes a body in the form of an aerodynamic profile formed by a shell produced from a composite material formed from a three-dimensional textile of reinforcement fibres consolidated by a hardened resin. The shell forms a pressure surface and a suction surface of the vane connected to each other while forming on one side a leading edge and on the opposite side a trailing edge of the vane, and a core including a core body surrounded by the shell. The core is produced from non-porous plastics material, and the core body is in the form of an aerodynamic profile and delimits at least one closed cavity of the core.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic control surface may comprise: stacking plies of thermoplastic composite sheets to a first desired thickness to form a first skin; stacking plies of thermoplastic composite sheets to a second desired thickness to form a second skin; forming the first skin in a first contour; forming the second skin in a second contour; forming a stiffening member including a thermoplastic resin, the stiffening member including a shape having a plurality of peaks and troughs; assembling the stiffening member between the first skin and the second skin; and joining the stiffening member to the first skin and the second skin.

Abstract: An inflatable launchable toy system comprising a launcher and an inflatable launchable toy configured to detachably couple to the launcher. The launcher having a launcher handle and a launching elastic. The inflatable launchable toy comprises an outer fabric layer that is substantially airtight. A fabric seam joins edges of the airtight fabric layer. A launching hook is attached to the fabric seam. The outer fabric layer when inflated gives an intended shape to the inflatable launchable toy. The inflatable launchable toy configured to detachably couple to the launching elastic through the launching hook.

Abstract: A method of making a prefabricated root section (26) for a wind turbine blade (10) is described. The method comprises: providing a male mould (28) extending longitudinally in a spanwise direction between an inboard end (30) and an outboard end (32) and extending transversely in a chordwise direction between a leading edge (34) and a trailing edge (36), the male mould (28) defining a male mould surface (38) of convex curvature in the chordwise direction; providing a root plate (48) having one or more root inserts (50) projecting therefrom, the or each root insert (50) being arranged along an arcuate path; arranging one or more inner fibrous layers (40) on the male mould surface (38); arranging the root plate (48) at the inboard end (30), of the male mould (28) such that the or each root insert (50) overlays an inner fibrous layer at the root end of the mould (28).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a breathable, reusable, leakproof, absorbent, antimicrobial, waterproof and vapor disperser multilayer lining for clothing. A purpose of this lining is to avoid the release of body fluids such as sweat, blood, vaginal fluids, menstrual fluid, urine, breast milk or postoperative fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a wind turbine blade (10) including first and second outer shell portions (16, 18) and an internal web (12) are provided. An adhesive material (42) is applied to a top end (30) of the internal web (12) as well as the edges (62, 64) of the first outer shell portion (16) for connection to the second outer shell portion (18). Localized heat energy is applied to pre-cure the adhesive material (42) at the top end (30) of the internal web (12) before applying heat energy to fully cure all of the adhesive material (42) in the wind turbine blade (10). The pre-curing is performed by a removable localized heater device (72), and it assures that the integrity of the bond between the internal web (12) and the second outer shell portion (18) is maintained during the full curing of the blade (10), when temporary thermal deformation of the outer shell (14) sometimes occurs.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant article includes a first layer that has first unidirectional fibers disposed in a first polymer matrix. The first polymer matrix is composed of a thermoset polyurethane. A second layer is laminated to the first layer. The second layer includes second unidirectional fibers disposed in a second polymer matrix. The second unidirectional fibers are cross-oriented with respect to the first unidirectional fibers.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to one or more examples are provided for laminating composite materials. In one example, a method comprises receiving a first layer material and a second layer material at a nip roller assembly and laminating, by the nip roller assembly, the first and second layer material to provide a laminated composite material comprising a main portion and at least one edge portion. The method further comprises delaminating the at least one edge portion of the laminated composite material to provide a partially laminated composite material for use in manufacturing a composite product.

Abstract: An addition to additive manufacturing sews a number of printed substrate sheets together using industrial sewing machine technology. Portions of the final 3D object that will be solid are sewn together into bundles of the object with a needle protruding through the top of the bundle via a sewing machine with a looping mechanism connecting the thread loops under each bundle of printed substrate sheet layers. This will result in many well connected stack bundles that are then stacked in alignment to form the final stack. During heat and compression, the stitch thread may bunch together and become entangled with the cooled plastic of the final solid 3D object. Removal of the excess substrate may proceed as usual, since the sewing is applied only in the solid portions of the final object. The end result will be a part with much higher strength in the Z axis.

Abstract: A method of making a joint for a structure comprises forming a thermoplastic filler, applying an uncured first thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler, applying an uncured second thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler, and applying an uncured third thermoset layer into direct contact with the thermoplastic filler. The method additionally comprises curing the uncured first thermoset layer, the uncured second thermoset layer, and the uncured third thermoset layer at a temperature below a melting temperature of the thermoplastic material to form a cured first thermoset layer, a cured second thermoset layer, and a cured third thermoset layer and bonding together the cured first thermoset layer, the cured second thermoset layer, the cured third thermoset layer, and the thermoplastic filler.

Abstract: A heat-insulation box, includes: a heat-insulation-box main body that has a space; a door that seals the space; and a partition plate that partitions the space, wherein the partition plate includes (i) a design plate that is placed at a side of the door, (ii) a first plate part and a second plate part that are each provided at both edges of the design plate, (iii) a heat-insulation material that is located in a region surrounded by the design plate, the first plate part, and the second plate part, and (iv) a heat-insulation member that is placed in at least one of a gap between the design plate and the first plate part, and a gap between the design plate and the second plate part.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing joints between one or more components is presented. Adhesive is applied to joint areas of contact between the components and the components are stitched together at the joint areas to ensure that the joints are mechanically stable enough to withstand stresses such as pressurization and external manipulation.

Abstract: A fabric processing method and component (e.g., a vehicle component) includes providing and/or arranging a first fabric charge and a second fabric charge. A multi-piece fabric assembly is formed for single stage draping by stitching together the first and second fabric charges along a neutral stitching path. The multi-piece fabric assembly is formed into a three-dimensional shape and is then impregnated with a polymeric material to form the component.

Abstract: A high-quality multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material having excellent mechanical properties and drapeability in which a thermoplastic resin excellent in recycling efficiency and shock resistance is used as a matrix. A thermoplastic-resin multilayer reinforced molding formed of the multilayer thermoplastic-resin-reinforced sheet material, in which the high quality and the mechanical properties are maintained.

Abstract: A strip of fiber-reinforced polymeric material for a longitudinal reinforcing structure of a wind turbine blade, the strip having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces and extending longitudinally between first and second transverse edges, wherein an end region of the strip tapers in thickness towards the first transverse edge, and wherein one or more slots are defined in the tapered end region, the or each slot extending longitudinally from the first transverse edge of the strip into the tapered end region.

Abstract: A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining member that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining member.

Abstract: A turbine component, a turbine blade, and a turbine component fabrication process are disclosed. The turbine component includes ceramic matrix composite plies and a feature configured for preventing interlaminar tension of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The feature is selected from the group consisting of ceramic matrix composite tows or precast insert tows extending through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix composite plies, a woven fabric having fiber tows or a precast insert preventing contact between a first set of the ceramic matrix composite plies and a second set of the ceramic matrix composite plies, and combinations thereof. The process includes laying up ceramic matrix composite plies in a preselected arrangement and securing a feature configured for interlaminar tension.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a collapsible, flexible storage tank is provided that is capable of holding a liquid material. The tank includes a sheet of flexible, moisture impervious side wall material; at least one opening for receiving a fitting to fill and drain the tank; joining seams wherein edges of the sheet are joined, the seams extending about the tank in a spiral orientation; and closing seams wherein the side ends of the pillow tank are sealed. In another aspect, a collapsible, flexible storage tank is capable of holding a liquid. The tank includes a sheet of flexible side wall material; at least one opening for receiving a fitting to fill and drain the tank; and butt seams wherein edges of the flexible sheet are joined together in the same plane in a butt joint configuration using an overlapping piece of flexible, moisture impervious sealed material over the top thereof.

Abstract: A structural joint includes a first member having a first base portion and a first leg portion. The structural joint further includes a second member having a second base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion and the second base portion are coupled together at an overlapping portion. The first leg portion and the second leg portion form a cavity for structurally coupling to a structural member.

Abstract: Sealing Tapes adapted for bonding to a fabric laminated product are described herein. The sealing tapes exhibit a total cover factor of 1400 or less and exhibit a porous open structure having water resistance characteristics. In some embodiments, the sealing tape of the present invention comprises a base film and a woven fabric laminated on one side of the base film and an adhesive layer laminated on the other side of the base film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber with a tensile element includes manufacturing a tensile element and incorporating the tensile element into a chamber. A first material layer, a second material layer, and a spacing structure having a plurality of support portions and a plurality of gaps may be stacked. The material layers may be located on either side of the spacing structure or on one side of the spacing structure. A strand may be stitched through the gaps to join the material layers and to form the tensile element. The spacing structure may be removed, and the first material layer may be spaced from the second material layer such that segments of the strand extend between the material layers. The tensile element may then be secured to opposite interior surfaces of an outer barrier, and the outer barrier may be pressurized to place the strand in tension.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite shell structure in the form of a wind turbine blade shell part having a reinforced fiber material embedded in a cured resin includes: providing a mold part having a contour defining the outer surface of the composite shell structure; providing a preform forming part shaped complementary to the mold part molding surface; forming a preform of dry fiber material on the surface of the preform forming part; arranging the mold part and the preform forming part in an assembled position with the mold part molding surface facing the preform forming surface; releasing the preform from the preform forming surface so that it is received on the mold part molding surface; removing the preform forming part from the mold part; forming a mold cavity by means of a second mold part arranged on the preform; providing resin in the mold cavity; and curing the resin.

Abstract: An insulation package and method of formation including a functional layer, a breathable water repellant insulating layer, and a highly breathable microporous membrane layer having a network of pores. The functional fabric, the highly breathable insulating layer and the microporous membrane layer are laminated to one another to form a waterproof breathable insulated fabric.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular structural component and device for production thereof are disclosed. A tubular molding tool has an inner mold surface shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component. A support surface of an expandable support, formed corresponding to the molding tool shape such that in an unexpanded state the support fills the molding tool while the support surface and the mold surface run parallel leaving an expansion spacing of the support surface to the mold surface, is covered with a tubular non-crimp fiber fabric, such that fibers of a fiber layer of the non-crimp fiber fabric run diagonally around the support. After the support has been arranged in the molding tool, the non-crimp fiber fabric is pressed against the mold surface by expanding the support with radial expansion of the non-crimp fiber fabric. The non-crimp fiber fabric is infiltrated by a curable matrix.

Abstract: A protective pocket is provided for a substantially two-dimensional object, such as a race bib. The protective pocket includes cooperating first and second lightweight fabrics, and an opening for receiving the object. The first fabric may be an item of a race participant's apparel or a backing that itself is attached to such an apparel item. The second fabric may be a mesh member having spaced apertures through which the object is visible and exposed to elements. The protective pocket is configured to maintain the object in a substantially vertical planar orientation, and thereby in an “upright” position, such that it that is (a) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent surface of the race participant's apparel item, and (b) substantially parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent body part of the race participant (e.g., a torso or leg). This positioning also improves the visibility of the indicia printed on the object through the mesh member.

Abstract: A process for the production of a textile product includes placing a flat motif template on a textile substrate, sewing the motif template onto the textile substrate in such a way that a perforation defining a desired motif in the motif template is produced, removing the part of the motif template, that is outside the motif defined by the perforation, and permanently fixing the remaining part, having the motif, of the motif template to the textile substrate.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: Composite sandwich structure and method for producing such structure A method for producing a composite sandwich structure comprising at least a first and second face sheet of a fibrous reinforcing material sandwiching between them a sheet of a core material, the method comprising the steps of forwarding the multilayer object towards a connecting fibre inserting device and connecting the first and second face sheet and the core material together by inserting connecting reinforcing fibres.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein include methods of manufacturing related to a spaced array of individually formed void cells, which are linked together. The void cells are protruding, resiliently compressible cells manufactured by thermoforming, extrusion, injection molding, laminating, and/or blow molding processes. The individual void cells are molded and arranged in an array. A separate, porous binding layer is attached to the individual void cells in the array. In one implementation, two arrays may each comprise of linked individually formed void cells, wherein each array is aligned with the other array, and linked individually formed void cells of one array are positioned opposite the linked individually formed void cells of the other array, sharing the same binding layer. In another implementation, multiple arrays can be stacked upon one another. In another implementation, the linked individually formed void cells have substantially different force-deflection characteristics.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing carbon fiber fabrics, in which a fabric of carbon fiber (1) is impregnated with a silicone, polyurethane or acrylic emulsion (4) which is then dried together with the fabric (1). The present invention also relates to a fabric manufactured with this process as well as a coating for motor vehicles comprising this fabric.

Abstract: A segment and a method for producing such a segment, in particular for an aircraft, having a skin field and a skin field stiffening structure. The skin field and stiffening structure are made from fiber-reinforced plastic materials. The stiffening structure is bonded to an inner surface of the skin field and comprises a multiplicity of first stiffeners and mounts which are formed integrally with the first stiffeners and extend in a transverse direction of the first stiffeners for the connection of second stiffeners to form an integral lattice structure. Reinforcement elements are provided for mechanically fixing the mounts to the skin field. Each reinforcement element has a connection section and a blocking section having an extension in a direction inclined to the connection section. The connection section penetrates the skin field and the mounts, and the blocking section is in contact with an outer surface of the skin field.

Abstract: A fabric (30) includes a first flexible fabric layer (32), having fabric emissivity properties in a visible radiation range that are selected so as to mimic ambient emissivity properties of a deployment environment of the fabric, and at least one second flexible fabric layer (34), which is joined to the first flexible fabric layer, and which is configured to scatter long-wave radiation that is incident on the fabric. The first and second flexible fabric layers are perforated by a non-uniform pattern of perforations (44) extending over at least a part of the fabric.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an aircraft landing gear rocker beam comprising a body having a clevis (24) with two lugs (19, 21) parallel to a direction that is radial relative to the body, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first mandrel; applying one or more first braided fiber layers (11) on the first mandrel; fitting a second mandrel element on the assembly as constituted in this way, the second mandrel element extending between the two lugs (19, 21) of the clevis (24) that is to be formed; applying one or more second braided fiber layers (17) on the assembly as constituted in this way; injecting resin into the various layers (11, 17) and polymerizing the resin; and machining the resulting workpiece blank in order to cut away a region of the second braided layers (17) in order to separate the two lugs (19, 21) of the clevis (24) from each other.

Abstract: A medical gown (701) includes a layer of material (100) with a seam (401) disposed across the layer of material. The material can include a weave (110) of untwisted, continuous filament polyester. The material can also include a carbon filament (109). The seam is sealed by applying a tape (200) across the seam and applying heat to cause the tape to attach to the weave.

Abstract: A method for fastening a button to a panel of fabric includes the steps of looping a thread having at least a thermo-fusible element between the button and the fabric panel to create at least two runs of thread between the panel and the button; gathering thread from the runs into mutual contact and applying heat to the shank to melt the thermo-fusible element of the runs of thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention is a stitching apparatus and method of use wherein large spools of material can be used and driven into position in a sewing, embroidery or other stitching machine, thereby decreasing the complexity of the stitching process and reducing breakage and thread depletion. The apparatus generally comprises an upper thread feeding assembly, a lower thread feeding assembly, a stitching surface area and an activation assembly, wherein the activation assembly bonds the upper thread to the lower thread at the stitching surface area.

Abstract: A yarn or thread may include a plurality of substantially aligned filaments, with at least ninety-five percent of a material of the filaments being a thermoplastic polymer material. Various woven textiles and knitted textiles may be formed from the yarn or thread. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be thermal bonded to other elements to form seams. A strand that is at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polymer material may extend through the seam, and the strand may be thermal bonded at the seam. The woven textiles or knitted textiles may be shaped or molded, incorporated into products, and recycled to form other products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing single- or multi-layered fiber preforms by the TFP process with fiber strands which are aligned in particular such that they are oriented with the flux of force, wherein the fiber preforms have virtually any desired material thickness without troublesome backing layers and have virtually any desired surface geometry, comprising the steps of: laying and attaching the fiber strands on a flexible and elastic base, in particular a base formed by an elastomer, with a fixing thread led through a sewing head to form the fiber perform; and lifting the fiber preform off the elastic and flexible base.

Abstract: The method relates to a trim part with an airbag cover, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier and a haptics layer which are weakened along a tear line delimiting the airbag cover, and a decor layer of leather which covers the carrier and the haptics layer, wherein additionally a reinforcement layer is arranged between the haptics layer and the decor layer. According to the invention, the decor layer and the reinforcement layer have a constant thickness. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a trim part.

Abstract: A method for producing and connecting fibre-reinforced components, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a textile planar structure, of which merely a first sub-region is impregnated with a matrix; (b) heating the textile planar structure which is impregnated in part, in such a way that the matrix provided in the first sub-region of the textile planar structure cures; (c) connecting the textile planar structure in a second sub-region of the textile planar structure, different from the first sub-region, by stitching the second sub-regions; (d) introducing a further matrix at least into the stitched second sub-regions of the textile planar structure; and (e) heating the impregnated textile planar structure in such a way that the further matrix present in the stitched second sub-regions of the textile planar structure cures. The present invention further relates to aircraft or spacecraft production.

Abstract: A fastener and a method of making and using the fastener is provided in which the fastener includes a base having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an adhesive layer portion. An elongated pliable core member is coupled to the base, with the core member having first and second ends, with at least the first end extending beyond an edge of the base. In another embodiment the base is configured to define a plurality of notches, with each notch configured to define an apex proximate the center of the base and extending with the edges toward an edge of the base and with two notches on each side of elongated pliable core member. The plurality of notches defines two sections of the base, with one section configured independently of the other section and with one section on each side of the elongated pliable core member.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing having a plurality of panels forming an external exposed surface of the ball, wherein adjacent panels abut one another at seams. A substantial majority of the seams may each be formed by a first panel having a first edge and a second panel having a second edge abutting the first edge of the first panel at an interface, and a reinforcing strip affixed to a first internal surface of the first panel with a first thermal bond and to a second internal surface of the second panel with a second thermal bond, the reinforcing strip extending across the interface between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A trim part for an interior of a vehicle, the trim part having a substantially rigid carrier including a front side and a rear side and a covering arranged on the front side of the substrate. The substrate and the covering are connected to each other by a yarn seam. Also provided is a method for producing such a trim part and a sewing machine for making such a trim part.

Abstract: A form-fitting case is comprised of two major components: 1) a structure for carrying mobile communications devices, and 2) a pocket for carrying of credit card sized devices. The pocket may be fabricated of fabric or leather. The pocket and structure are permanently adhered to create a single carrying case for both mobile communications devices such as cell phones and for items such as credit cards or paper money.

Abstract: A composite structure is provided including a first fabric and a second fabric. A substantially elongate and substantially rigid first member is spaced apart from and coupled with the first fabric via the second fabric. A resin substantially is infused into the first fabric and the second fabric, and substantially encapsulates the first member to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a new process for manufacturing mesh bags using a tube cloth. The process involve supplying a continuous tube cloth and at least one band with preprinted labels, propping up the tube cloth with a dynamic guiding assembly, attaching the preprinted labels to the tube cloth using hot melted adhesive or heat sealing methods and manufacturing a product from the tube cloth with the horizontal preprinted labels, and attaching plastic film to the tube mesh cloth.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component including decorative stitching along a stitch path includes a seam filler located between a component substrate and an overlying decorative covering. The seam filler lies along the stitch path and supports the decorative covering directly beneath at least a portion of a line of decorative stitching, where the covering may include a reduced thickness portion. The seam filler can have any number of configurations to prevent visual defects along the stitch path and/or to cause the appearance of simulated seams to be more realistic. The seam filler may be deposited along the stitch path as a curable filler material that cures, or it may be provided as a pre-formed piece for attachment to the decorative covering.

Abstract: A prosthetic anatomical device, such as, for example an annuloplasty prosthesis, is disclosed in which the prosthesis comprises a generally annular core and a cover surrounding the core, with at least a portion of the cover forming a cuff. In some embodiments, the cover may be particularly configured about the core to form the cuff. Various methods and structures for mitigating or retarding movement between the annular core and the fabric cover are also disclosed.