Abstract: Apparatus for multiplying layers in a composite polymer stream includes an intermediate section having open conduits sandwiched between housing sections that close the conduits. The conduits have respective first stages separated by a first blade extending to a first face, and respective second stages separated by a second blade extending to a second face. The first stages separate the stream into sub-streams and compress and shift the sub-streams in a first dimension, whereas the second stages shift the sub-streams in a second dimension. In order to maintain a constant cross-sectional area of the sub-streams, the housing sections may be provided with complementary open channels. The apparatus can be used to multiply layers which are side-by-side or one-over-another by changing orientation in the direction of flow.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a blade shell half of a pre-bent wind turbine blade by means of vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM), a fibre lay-up (16) is placed on a mould surface (14) and a distribution layer (24) is placed above the fibre lay-up (16). At least one segmentation area is provided in the distribution layer by providing at least one transversely extending flow barrier in the distribution layer (24) preventing or restricting longitudinal resin flow to the distribution layer. A longitudinally extending first feed channel (27) is placed above the distribution layer (24). The first feed channel (27) is divided into at least two feed channel sections, a feed channel section being arranged in each distribution layer segment. A vacuum bag (43) is arranged on top of the mould part (13) to define a mould cavity. The mould cavity (44) is evacuated and liquid resin is supplied to each feed channel section through a resin inlet to fill the mould cavity and impregnate the fibre lay-up.

Abstract: A composite repair system and method for assisting in the repair of a cured composite part in which a damaged portion has been cut out and removed, exposing a plurality of composite plies and their corresponding composite ply edges. The composite repair system may comprise a light source to illuminate the ply edges, an image capturing device to obtain an image of the ply edges, and a computing device for processing the image of the ply edges and creating a map of the ply edges based on the image. The map may be used to manufacture filler plies having peripheral edges shaped to correspond with the composite ply edges for replacing the damaged portion of the composite part.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a piezoelectric ceramic device is disclosed, wherein the process includes the following steps: securing a metal plate in a mold cavity body by maintaining a binding area on a top surface of the metal plate, and that the top surface other than the binding area is enveloped, confined and secured; coating a metal paste on the binding area; placing a piezoelectric ceramic powder on the metal paste; pressing a pressing pillar on the piezoelectric ceramic powder; securing the pressing pillar in position; heating the mold cavity body so as to sinter the piezoelectric ceramic powder as a sintered body, and heating the mold cavity body so as to treat the sintered body to become a not-yet polarized piezoelectric ceramic sheet. Therefore, the same mold is employed for the piezoelectric ceramic powder sintering, the heat treatment, and the positioning and binding to the metal plate.

Abstract: An SU-8 microneedle for monitoring and stimulating neurons, has a thickness less than 100 micrometers and a length of 50 micrometers to 10 centimeters. A manufacturing method allows removing the microneedle from the substrate without using mechanical devices due to the initial coating of a rigid substrate with an aluminium layer as a sacrificial layer and the final chemical etching of the aluminium layer for chemically removing the microneedle obtained in known intermediate photolithographic manufacturing steps.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a resin composition and a prepreg produced using the resin composition. The resin composition comprises, as essential components: 100 parts by mass of a component (A) which is an epoxy resin; 41 to 80 parts by mass of a component (B) which is thermoplastic resin particles; and 20 to 50 parts by mass (in terms of diaminodiphenylsulfone) of a component (C) which is diaminodiphenylsulfone microencapsulated with a coating agent. The thermoplastic resin particles (B) comprise at least thermoplastic resin particles (B1) having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 ?m and thermoplastic resin particles (B2) having an average particle diameter of 2 to 100 ?m at a mass ratio of 3:1 to 1:3. The average particle diameter ratio D2/D1 of the average particle diameter D2 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B2) to the average particle diameter D1 of the thermoplastic resin particles (B1) is 2 or more.

Abstract: A multilayer structure having a layer of an adhesive resin composition (A) and a layer of another resin (B), wherein the adhesive resin composition (A) includes a thermoplastic resin (a1) containing functional groups of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group and boron-containing groups capable of being converted into a boronic acid group in the presence of water, and a polyolefin (a2) which does not contain the functional groups, the blending weight ratio (a1/a2) of the thermoplastic resin (a1) to the polyolefin (a2) is 1/99 to 15/85, and particles of the thermoplastic resin (a1) are dispersed with an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.2 ?m in a matrix of the polyolefin (a2). Consequently, a multilayer structures having satisfactory interlayer adhesion strength can be provided even if the content of the resin having a special functional group in the adhesive resin composition layer is reduced.

Abstract: A method of making a composite prosthetic device, such as a hernia repair device, includes providing a support layer, juxtaposing a layer of an absorbable material with the support layer, and disposing an absorbable adhesive between the support layer and the layer of an absorbable material. The method includes heating the layers for melting the absorbable adhesive so as to bond the support layer with the layer of the absorbable material. Before the heating step, the moisture content of at least one of the layers is increased for improving thermal conductivity between the layers so as to enhance the strength of the bonds formed between the layers. The moisture content may be increased by exposing at least one of the layers to an environment having elevated relative humidity. In one embodiment, the support layer is polypropylene mesh, the layer of the absorbable material is oxidized regenerated cellulose, and the absorbable adhesive is polydioxanone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing profile parts, each having an L-shaped cross-section, or an assembled profile part having, in particular, a T-shaped cross-section. For this purpose a lay-up made of composite fiber material is initially placed on a forming tool. In a further step, the lay-up is deformed by the forming tool to form a profile having a preferably U-shaped cross-section, the profile thus exhibiting the book effect at each opposite end. In a further step, the profile is preferably cut in the longitudinal direction in order to produce two profile parts. The idea on which the invention is based is to allow the layers in the lay-up to shift during the deformation process and subsequently to produce a substantially right-angled chamfered end on the profile parts by means of a cutting process. The disadvantageous formation of corrugations and complex clamping of the lay-up are thus avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing composite structures formed by two subcomponents of the same material, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a first subcomponent (13), particularly a skin; providing a tool (15) made of a composite and precured for the manufacture of the second subcomponent (17), particularly a stiffener; positioning said tool (15) on said first subcomponent (13); applying preimpregnated composite (21) on said tool (15) so as to form the second subcomponent (17); consolidating the composite structure by means of a process of curing the assembly resulting from the previous steps under suitable pressure and/or temperature conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feedstock material for use in net shape molded component that includes an integral metallized coating or layer on the exterior surface thereof. The feedstock includes a carefully matched mixture of polymer resin and a metallic alloy that is suitable for use in a molding method that includes melting and injecting the material into a mold cavity under pressure. Due to the differential in material viscosities, the metal tends to migrate to the outer surface of the molded part when placed under pressure, ultimately creating a net shape molded part having a polymer core with a metallic layer at the exterior surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an infusion mesh for producing a curved rotor blade for a wind turbine rotor is provided. The method includes providing an infusion mesh including a polymer; placing the mesh into a curved mold and arranging the mesh to have the curved shape of the mold, and applying thermal energy to at least parts of the infusion mesh, so that at least parts of the mesh are heated to a melting temperature of the polymer material.

Abstract: A method for making a waste collection tube for a dry electrophotographic printer includes molding an open construction waste tube which has mirror construction symmetry. A first half and a second half of the open construction waste tube are joined by a flexible hinge. The first half and the second half of the open construction waste tube is folded together along the hinge which joins the first half and the second half together.

Abstract: A molded interconnect device (MID) with a thermal conductive property and a method for production thereof are disclosed. A thermal conductive element is set in a support element to improve the thermal conductivity of the support element, and the support element is a non-conductive support or a metallizable support. A metallization layer is formed on a surface of the support element. If a heat source is set on the metallization layer, heat produced by the heat source will pass out from the metallization layer or the support element with the thermal conductivity material element.

Abstract: An antimicrobial article prepared by a method includes forming an antimicrobial mixture by adding a calculated amount of antimicrobial agent to a solution of water and alcohol, depositing the antimicrobial mixture in a container, the antimicrobial mixture having a thickness of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, evaporating the water and alcohol of the antimicrobial mixture to form the layer of antimicrobial coating, adding silicone resin on top of the layer of antimicrobial coating and allow the silicone resin to permeate and crosslink with the layer of antimicrobial coating, and removing the silicone composite with the layer of antimicrobial coating from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic composite for thermal and/or acoustic insulation comprising an expanded polymer (A) protected against fire by a high strength polymeric flame retardant layer (B), the process for manufacturing of such composite, and the use of such composite.

Abstract: In certain embodiments novel nanoparticles (nanowontons) are provided that are suitable for multimodal imaging and/or therapy. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles include a first biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer, an inner core layer (e.g., a non-biocompatible material), and a biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer. The first gold layer includes a concave surface that forms a first outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The second gold layer includes a convex surface that forms a second outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The first and second gold layers encapsulate the inner core material layer. Methods of fabricating such nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel is provided with a rigid trim portion and a flexible trim portion. The rigid trim portion includes an assist grip opening. The flexible trim portion is attached to the rigid trim portion along an edge of the assist grip opening with the flexible trim portion at least partially covering the assist grip opening of the rigid trim portion.

Abstract: A bowl-shaped container (10a) which is as a biodegradable molded article adheres a coating film (12) mainly made of biodegradable plastic and having at least hydrophobicity to the surface of the main body (11a) of the container mainly made of starch. The main body (11a) is molded through steam expansion of a slurry or dough molding material containing high-amylose starch and water, or a slurry or dough molding material containing starch, polyvinyl alcohol and water. For these reasons, it is possible to accomplish sufficient strength and at least sufficient water resistance, to exert a very excellent biodegradability and further to provide a biodegradable molded article having excellent moisture absorption strength mainly made of starch even if the biodegradable molded article has a complicated shape.

Abstract: A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon-based material includes steps (a), (b) and (c). In the step (a), an elastomer and at least a first carbon material is mixed and the first carbon material is dispersed by applying a shear force to obtain a composite elastomer. In the step (b), the composite elastomer is heat-treated to vaporize the elastomer, and a second carbon material is obtained. In the step (c) the second carbon material is heat-treated together with a substance including an element Y to vaporize the substance including the element Y, a melting point of the element Y being low.

Abstract: In a method of making a multilayer wiring board having a substrate and a wiring pattern formed in the substrate, base films are stacked in a predetermined direction to form a stacked film structure. Each base film includes thermoplastic resin. Pressure and heat are applied to the stacked film structure from its both sides in the stacked direction so that the base films are joined together to form the substrate. At least one of the base films is a combined film including a fiber sheet. Both sides of the fiber sheet are covered with the thermoplastic resin in such a manner that air space remains in the fiber sheet.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. The web may be a cellulosic fibrous web, a portion of which is lignin-rich, high coarseness fiber having generally tubular fiber configuration. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may be present for manufacturing. A shell may be formed having a support structure located in a cavity in which the shell and the support structure may be formed using an additive manufacturing system from a design of a tool. The cavity of the shell may be filled with a filler material through an opening in the shell. The shell may be cured with the filler material to form the tool.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The plastic component is located in the metal component channel forming a crash can. The plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to the metal component and/or the plastic component. In one embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing device can comprise: co-molding the metal component and the plastic component to form a crash can. The energy absorbing device can be used on a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle component.

Abstract: A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade 1 having a first member 2 with a first joining surface and a second member 3 with a second joining surface. The method comprises applying at least one resin barrier 4,4a to one or both of the joining surfaces, and subsequently locating the first and the second members 2,3 adjacent each other so that they are joined by the at least one resin barrier 4,4a. Hereby at least one cavity is formed between the first and second joining surfaces, which cavity is delimited by the at least one resin barrier 4,4a. Subsequently resin 5 is filled into the at least one cavity, and the resin 5 is cured. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first member 2 is a blade shell, and the second member is a blade spar 3. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade 1 manufactured by such a method and to a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine blade 1.

Abstract: In a molded composite article, a resin member comprising a non-urethane thermoplastic resin and a resin member comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane resin are directly joined with each other. The non-urethane thermoplastic resin comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyamide component having an alicyclic ring and an amino group-containing compound, or each of the non-urethane thermoplastic resins and the thermoplastic polyurethane has a polyether segment. Even if the base resin is a non-urethane thermoplastic resin, the present invention provides a direct and firm bonding between the non-urethane thermoplastic resin member and the thermoplastic polyurethane resin member.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes a skin (12) and a shear tie (18). The shear tie (18) resides within and is integrally formed with the skin (12). The shear tie (18) is separate from and configured for frame attachment thereon. A multi-ring system (79) for fuselage barrel formation includes a mold (68) with a ring (50). The ring (50) has width (W2) approximately equal to a separation distance (D) between two adjacent fuselage frames (22) and includes a module (52) that has a circumferential length (L1) that is greater than a circumferential distance between two fuselage longerons (14). A support structure (80) is coupled to and supports the mold (68). A method of forming the aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes constructing the support structure (80). Rings (86) of the mold (68) are attached to and over the support structure (80). The mold (68) is constructed. Material is laid-up onto the mold (68) to integrally form the one-piece fuselage barrel (10) including a Hat-configured longeron (14).

Abstract: A system for moulding plastics material, includes: at least one injection nozzle (2) with a cylindrical body; at least one hot chamber (24) on which the at least one injection nozzle is mounted; at least one penetrating ram rod (15) which extends coaxially with the injection nozzle; at least two passages (4, 5) for supplying the moulding material to the injection nozzle; the injection nozzle (2) including: at least one containing collar (7); at least one injection valve (11) mounted coaxially with the containing collar (7) and having a supply end (13); the injection valve (11) including: at least a first supply channel (18) for a first moulding material; at least a second supply channel (19) for a second moulding material; the first and second injection channels remaining separate as far as the supply end.

Abstract: The invention relates to ductile and low-warpage, that is to say dimensionally stable, two-component molded parts which are stress cracking-resistant with respect to the influence of chemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to golf balls, and more specifically, to a golf ball having a single cover layer that is comprised of a blend of two or more distinct resinous materials. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a single cover layer of heterogeneous composition. One embodiment of the invention describes a method wherein a core, comprising one or more layers, has pre-molded hemispherical cover cups placed about the core and each cover cup has at least two layers of distinct resinous materials, and the cover cups are heated and compressed such that the resinous materials in the cover cups intermingle with each other to form a single cover layer comprised of a non-distinct blend of the materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reinforcing a structure (10) having an elongate hole (14) or drilling the hole having an open proximal end (11) and a closed distal end (16). The method comprises the steps of inserting into the open end of the hole an elongate reinforcement core (20) carrying over at least part of its length an expandable sock (30), introducing a settable liquid (40), such as grout, into the sock at a first pressure so as to cause expansion of the sock toward the wall (18) of the hole (14), the sock being formed from a material which is permeable to the grout so as to allow the liquid to seep through the sock, reducing the pressure in the hole by means of a vacuum tube (23), whilst said introducing step is taking place, to at least a second pressure lower than the first pressure so as to encourage the grout to seep through the sock, to substantially fill the hole.

Abstract: A process to effect random color variation in multi-color molded articles includes feeding individual colors to molding equipment in a pre-established sequence and manner that prevents substantial mixing of the colors, and at pre-established ratios in relation to a non-integer multiple of the volume associated with the molded article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for deforming a plastic plate comprising a core of resin-treated fibers, wherein the plate is obtained by-compression under elevated pressure and temperature conditions and the plate thus obtained is deformed in a mold (1, 2, 3), characterized in that the plastic plate must have a temperature in the range of (Tg+15?C)-(Tg+115?C) prior to being deformed in the mold, wherein Tg (?C) is the deformation or glass transition temperature of the plastic plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous membranes having at least two layers, a first layer comprising polymethylpentene and a second layer which comprises a polymer and has a composition that is not substantially the same as that of the first layer. The invention also relates to methods for making such membranes and the use of such membranes as battery separator film in, e.g., lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of plastic molded skins, which are formed by consecutively performing a plurality of partial melting processes of a plurality of plastic materials, wherein the first plastic material is applied to the mold as a plastic powder in a centrifugal molding method and the second plastic material by a spraying method.

Abstract: A building panel for residential and commercial construction uses a plurality of insulating blocks connected together by adhesive. The insulation blocks are typically made of foam. A plurality of support members are disposed on opposite sides of the insulating blocks and offset with respect to the adjacent support member. The support member are typically made of metal and can have different shapes including “T” shape, “U” shape, and “L” shape. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the insulating block and a stem portion extending into the insulating block and having a length less than a width of the insulating block so that a thermal conduction path of the support member is discontinuous across the insulating block. The panel can be used as a curtain wall panel in high-rise construction, as well as bodies for aircraft, automotive, and marine applications.

Abstract: The hydrogen-oxygen generating electrode plate using a carbon nano tube includes a carbon nano tube (CNT); a carbon (C); NiO; NaTaO3; and a catalyst. The method for manufacturing a hydrogen and oxygen generating electrode plate using a carbon nano tube, includes a step S1 for grinding into high-density powders; a step S2 for uniformly mixing carbon nano tube powder, carbon powder, NiO powder, NaTaO3 powder and catalyst and forming a mixture having a high distribution degree; a step S3 for inputting the mixture into a mold and pressing the same and forming a pressing forming object; and a step S4 for plasticity-forming the pressing forming object in a vacuum plasticity furnace.

Abstract: A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.

Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.

Abstract: Vehicle headliners are prepared with a core layer of a fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is prepared from a polyurethane-forming composition that uses water as a blowing agent and polyol or polyol mixture that has a high functionality and an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of 100-130. The selection of polyols permits cycle times to be reduced by allowing for faster demolding and shortened aging times before post-molding heat lamination steps can be performed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating silicone composite with a layer of antimicrobial coating, the method includes forming an antimicrobial mixture by adding a calculated amount of antimicrobial agent to a solution of water and alcohol, depositing the antimicrobial mixture in a container with a thickness of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, evaporating the water and alcohol of the antimicrobial mixture to form the layer of antimicrobial coating, adding silicone resin on top of the layer of antimicrobial coating and allow the silicone resin to permeate and crosslink with the layer of antimicrobial coating and removing the silicone composite with the layer of antimicrobial coating from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer film coextruded from an aliphatic polycarbonate and polylactic acid-based polymer and a method for producing the same. According to the present invention, a multilayer film having excellent adhesive property can be manufactured even without a separate adhesive layer.

Abstract: A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided.

Abstract: A second mold is placed on a planar surface of a first mold to form a first mold cavity, which is filled with a first material slurry containing a first material powder and the molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a first molded part on the planar surface of the first mold. A third mold is placed on the planar surface of the first mold from which the second mold is removed and on which the first molded part is formed, thereby forming a second mold cavity. The second mold cavity is filled with a second material slurry which contains a second material powder different from the first material powder so as to mold the slurry in contact with the first molded part. The molded slurry is caused to set, thereby forming a second molded part on the planar surface of the first mold.

Abstract: A class of lightweight ballistic protection material and methods of forming such materials are disclosed. The material comprises a composite of polymeric material comprising high modulus resins and ceramic materials. The composite materials offer the advantage of being relatively easy to fabricate and lower in cost than competing materials. Body armor, blast protection panels and other articles comprising the new ballistic protection materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intravaginal device comprising: (a) an annular first matrix comprising a pocket and a pocket wall, wherein the pocket wall has a uniform thickness, and wherein the pocket wall encompasses the pocket; and (b) a second matrix comprising an anticholinergic agent, wherein the second matrix is located in the pocket. The present invention is also directed to a method of making an intravaginal device, the method comprising: (a) placing a first matrix into a mold, the mold being shaped so as to form an annular intravaginal device comprising a pocket and a pocket wall, wherein the pocket wall has a uniform thickness, and wherein the pocket wall encompasses the pocket; (b) curing the first matrix; (c) placing a second matrix comprising an anticholinergic agent in the pocket; and (d) curing the second matrix.

Abstract: A frame is injection molded onto a group of panels to form a container. The panels extend at least partially around, and at least partially define, a cavity of the container.

Abstract: In one step of a method of fabricating a composite tube, layers of uncured composite material may be laid over a surface. In another step, spaced-apart strips of at least one of uncured, partially cured, and completely cured composite material may be laid lengthwise over the laid layers of composite material. In still another step, the spaced-apart strips may be compacted against the layers of uncured composite material. In an additional step, the compacted spaced-apart strips and the layers of uncured composite material may be further consolidated and/or cured to form a composite tube.