Abstract: An apparatus for forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two s flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This apparatus can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a shaped product constituted by a fiber-reinforced composite material including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin, the shaped product with maintained isotropy of the fibers to the end thereof even if press-molded under conditions in which charge ratio of a prepreg to a die is low. Specifically, the method includes using a specific prepreg obtained by impregnating the reinforcing fibers with thermoplastic resin, and molding-processing the prepreg under specific conditions.

Abstract: An airbag housing for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof may include a main body receiving an airbag configured to expand upon collision of the vehicle and an inflator expanding the airbag, and including an end being open such that expansion of the airbag spreads in one direction, and a door portion coupled with the main body at the end of the main body to form a closed space therebetween in which the airbag and the inflator may be disposed, wherein the door portion may be open by the expansion of the airbag, wherein the door portion may be formed by combining a stiffness portion with a ductile portion, a ductility of which may be higher than a ductility of the stiffness portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthesis (2) comprising at least one plate-shaped part which is adapted to a body part (3). A deformable plate-shaped support (4) is provided with a curable material (5, 9) and, after adapting the shape of the support (4) by direct deformation onto the body part (3), the curable material (5, 9) present on the support (4) is cured in the shape of the support. The invention allows adaption of the orthesis to the body part (3) without production of a template.

Abstract: A filter, comprising: a filter element comprising pleated filter media having a plurality of pleats configured into a closed loop of filter media, the filter element having an outer perimeter defined by a plurality of outer pleat tips, and an inner perimeter defined by a plurality of inner pleat tips, the plurality of inner pleat tips defining an inner chamber extending through the filter element; a cap disposed on a first end of the filter element the cap being configured to seal a first opening of the first end of the filter; a first plurality of open end pleats positioned between an edge of the cap and the outer perimeter of the filter element, the first plurality of open end pleats defining a first fluid path through the filter media into the inner chamber; a sealing ring disposed on a second end of the filter element the sealing ring being configured to provide an inlet opening providing fluid communication to the inner chamber; and a second plurality of open end pleats positioned between an edge of the

Abstract: A method of making a ballistic resistant composite material having improved resistance to high energy rifle bullets and the like. The method comprises providing at least one fibrous layer comprising a network of high tenacity aramid fibers. The fibrous layer is coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The coated fibrous layer is molded at a pressure of at least about 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa). Preferably, a plurality of fibrous layers are employed, each of which is formed from unidirectionally oriented aramid fibers in a thermoplastic polyurethane resin matrix. Adjacent fibrous layers are preferably oriented at 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: A process for producing an internal cavity in a CMC article and mandrels used therewith. The process entails incorporating a mandrel made of a material that is substantially absorbed during thermal treatment of a preform to form the CMC article. The mandrel material is preferably reactive with one or more constituents of the CMC preform during the thermal treatment. The material is preferably silicon or a silicon alloy.

Abstract: Provided is a method for molding a molded article without voids, porosity, and resin sinks on the surface or inside while maintaining a plate thickness accuracy even for a thick plate member having a plate thickness of 10 mm or more. A RTM method comprising a first temperature raising step comprising impregnating a thermosetting resin in a dry fiber preform disposed in a molding die comprising two or more separate die members, and thereafter raising temperature of any of the die members constituting the molding die to form a temperature gradient having a temperature difference of a predetermined value or more from one side of the dry fiber preform toward the other side; and a second temperature raising step of raising temperature of a die member different from the die member whose temperature is raised in the first temperature raising step.

Abstract: An aircraft part is manufactured using a process that prepares a laminate portion of the part using an out-of-autoclave resin system and then heat cures the laminate while applying a first vacuum one a first side of the laminate and a second vacuum on a second side of the laminate. This results in a high-quality aircraft part that has low cost and avoids the need for an autoclave. In preferred embodiments, each of the vacuums applied to the laminate has a pressure of less than 30 Torr. The aircraft part resulting from this process can further be advantageously cured at a temperature of at least 180° F. for at least 60 min. Especially preferred methods use the MTM-44 or MTM-45 out-of-autoclave resin systems, which have characteristics that permit the resin to be approved in the primary structure of an aircraft.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating polymer composite materials that contain a polymer matrix, reinforcement fabrics, and particles of a filler material. The processes include spraying the particles of the filler material on at least two articles that each comprise at least one of the reinforcement fabrics to form particle-laden articles. The particle-laden articles are stacked to form a stacked structure, and a resin present within the stacked structure is then cured to form a laminate polymer composite material. The process can be employed in the fabrication of at least a portion of an aircraft engine nacelle, for example, the inlet lip of a fan nacelle.

Abstract: A silicone rubber coating material to be bonded to substrates such as on gas turbine components is made by providing a silicone rubber layer having a fiber layer attached to one side of the silicone rubber layer prior to its molding into a compound. The fibers may be either woven fabrics or random fiber sheets and the fiber layer may be from about 3 mils to about 30 mils (0.0762 mm to 0.762 mm) thick.

Abstract: A tool is used to form a joint between a composite dome and a surrounding composite skirt. The tool includes a tool shell on which composite plies may be laid up to form the skirt and a spacer connected with the shell for filling a gap between the dome and the skirt.

Abstract: Process of making a plastic component (1), in particular luggage shell, from self-reinforced thermoplastic material, to a plastic component (1) made of self-reinforced thermoplastic material and an apparatus for making such a plastic component, in particular luggage shell (7). The invention provides a new product and process for manufacturing same on the basis of self-reinforced thermoplastic material by means of the step of tensioning said material (lamina), at least partially tensioning said lamina during all follow-up component shaping and/or molding steps up to a release of a component pre-form shape from the remainder lamina, to form the component. The present invention allow the manufacturing of an ultra-light weight luggage shell (7) on the basis of using self-reinforced thermoplastic material, the manufacturing of same can be further enhanced by permanently tensioning said material during all manufacturing steps up to the final finishing of the product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making PMC's and composites include an infusing step wherein the resin reservoir and the preform are maintained under substantially the same vacuum pressure during the infusing step. Substantially the same vacuum pressure may be accomplished using a collapsible resin reservoir that is enclosed within or external to the vacuum bagging assembly of the fiber preform. This method results in a maximum achievable vacuum compaction pressure and simplified resin infusion process. This process may be used to manufacture prepregs and aerospace grade fiber reinforced resin composites, also disclosed herein, that have fiber volume, void content and laminate quality that meets or exceeds those made using an autoclave.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) molding device is designed to mold a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a chain curing polymer (CCP). A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP to the exterior. An element for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: A mesh screen, for example for filtration wheels used in water treatment, provides a set of pleated filter elements assembled by in-molding the mesh into stringers subdividing a frame. Retention strips following the pleated edges of the filter elements at the stringers include apertures permitting direct clamping of the mesh near the stringers and the ability to visually inspect, after molding, engagement between the molded elements and the mesh while providing an increased engagement area between the mesh and elements of the over-molded frame.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods for manufacturing gel composite sheets using segmented fiber or foam reinforcements and gel precursors. Additionally, rigid panels manufactured from the resulting gel composites are also described. The gel composites are relatively flexible enough to be wound and when unwound, can be stretched flat and made into rigid panels using adhesives.

Abstract: In a process of producing a stretch sheet, a strip-shaped laminate sheet 10A having an elastically stretchable elastic layer 1 and substantially inelastic, inelastic fiber layers 2 and 3 partially joined to each other at bonds 4 or a strip-shaped fibrous sheet containing an elastic component and a substantially inelastic component and having embossed regions formed by embossing in parts is stretched in directions starting from the bonds 4 or the embossed regions to obtain a stretch sheet 10. The stretch sheet has raised ridges and recessed grooves extending in the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction, and the bonds 4 or the embossed regions are present in the ridges.

Abstract: A mouthpiece has a bite-off-prevention feature. The mouthpiece has been manufactured from an elastomeric parent material with at least one first component, where a reinforcing component embedded within the parent material forms the bite-off-prevention feature and derives from the same group of substances or group of materials as the first component. The reinforcing component is preferably composed of fibers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating components (23) based on fiber-reinforced plastics material, in particular with the help of a wrapped mold core (10), includes the following steps: a) fabricating the mold core (10); b) wrapping the mold core (10) with a wrapper (14) that withstands resin; c) applying fiber semi-finished products (16) and introducing resin to create the plastics component (23); and d) hardening the plastics component (23) under the effect of temperature; which method is improved by the fact that, under all circumstances, and during hardening in step d), substantial pressure equilibrium is established across the fiber semi-finished product (16, 20) between ambient pressure (pu) and the pressure (pk) inside the core. A device is also described.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a laminated composite body including a metal foil and a plurality of fiber plies. The method includes perforating a sheet of metal foil, stacking the perforated metal foil sheet and the plurality of fiber plies in face to face relation in a predetermined order and orientation, and infusing resin into the stacked sheet and plies so that resin flows through the perforations in the metal foil sheet and intersperses between the plurality of fiber plies to form the laminated composite body.

Abstract: A process for the production of a stiffener made of composite material that includes a central part with wings on both sides such that when the wings are resting against an element to be reinforced, the central part is separated from the element to be reinforced, with the process including producing a flat strip (16) that includes at least one layer of fibers, placing it on a mold (26) that includes at least one hollow shape that corresponds to the central part of the stiffener that is to be produced, heating the strip (16), and deforming it in such a way as to make it assume the shapes of the mold (26), characterized in that it includes exerting a transverse traction on the strip (16) during the deformation of the strip.

Abstract: A cosmetic product insert for a package for storing and dispensing a cosmetic product or a beauty care product including a biodegradable support component made from compressed fibrous biomass bound by a cosmetically compatible and compostable binder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements can include fabricating a web ply in a flat curve over a removable substrate and laying up the ply on a curved web surface of a manufacturing tool. The method also can include laying up a diagonal ply with fibers oriented at +/?45° from the centerline of the web surface. The method further can include cutting a unidirectional composite tape into segments and laying up the tape segments to form a cross ply with a fiber orientation normal to the centerline of the web surface. One or both edges of the diagonal and cross plies may be folded over one or two sides of the manufacturing tool to form one or two flange surfaces. Additionally, a cap ply can be laid up on one or both flange surfaces using composite tape. The structural element layup can then be inspected and any excess composite material can be trimmed away.

Abstract: A method for making a ladder rail includes the steps of using a central reinforcement to carry structural resin and maintain distribution of structural resin through an impregnation process, wherein the central reinforcement is fed to a curing die at a rate of greater than 5 ft/min. There is the step of forming the rail.

Abstract: Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a composite article comprising a composite plate (1) and at least one fitting (4). The method is characterized by the steps of arranging at least one former on said composite plate (1), arranging at least one fitting (4) on said composite plate (1), producing a lay-up by applying a composite material layer (9) least partly covering an external surface of the former and of the fitting, and curing the layup in a curing process. After curing, said composite material layer (9) forms the walls of a stiffener and at least partly encloses the fitting so as to support it in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material with a hollow form and including a fiber preform (50) that is embedded in a matrix, includes placing the preform (50) in a first chamber (64) delimited by a mold (52) that is in contact with the surface of the piece to be produced outside of the hollow form and a counter-mold (54) that is in contact with the surface of the piece to be produced inside of the hollow form, and using a mold (52) that is made in at least two parts (52.1, 52.2) and elements (78) for controlling the spacing of the at least two parts (52.1, 52.2) that are contiguous using the expansion phenomenon during the polymerization phase.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, at least one placeholder is inserted into a recess in a molding tool, wherein the unfinished component is subsequently produced, the placeholder is removed, at least one lifting pad is inserted into the recess and the unfinished component is removed from the molding tool by inflating the lifting pad. In a system for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, the component removal process is monitored and controlled by a computer unit in order to prevent predetermined maximum component loads from being exceeded. The gentle component removal process makes it possible to avoid consequential costs for repairing or reworking the components.

Abstract: A process for curing a porous muffler preform defined by a plurality of glass fibers and a heat-curing thermoset or thermoplastic materials applied to the plurality of glass fibers is disclosed herein. The process includes the step of enclosing the muffler preform in a chamber. The process also includes the step of surrounding the muffler preform with steam. The process also includes the step of causing steam to enter the muffler preform from multiple directions.

Abstract: A molded product, including a fiber-reinforced composite material containing reinforcing fibers having an average fiber length of 5 mm to 100 mm and a thermoplastic resin, wherein the molded product has thickness gradient, an amount of the thermoplastic resin is 10 to 1,000 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of thee reinforcing fibers, and the reinforcing fibers have a fiber areal weight of from 25 g/m2 to 3,000 g/m2 and are substantially two-dimensionally randomly oriented.

Abstract: A fibrous web structure includes a first broad outer macroscopic surface and a second broad outer macroscopic surface opposite the first broad outer macroscopic surface thereby defining an absorbent fibrous region extending lengthwise in a longitudinal direction between the first and second broad outer macroscopic surfaces. The absorbent fibrous region has a thickness extending in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A formed fibrous feature defines a cavity extending at the first broad outer macroscopic surface. The formed fibrous feature has a wave formed of the fibrous region extending into a mouth of the cavity and a pocket defined by the cavity extending beyond the wave such that the wave overhangs the pocket.

Abstract: A process for the bonding of a fiber-reinforced material to an injection-molding material and an article produced by the process. The process improves the bond between a fiber-reinforced starting material and a material applied by injection. A further plastics material is inserted under pressure into a fiber-reinforced plastics material. This results in interlock bonding between the further plastics material and the fibers of the fiber-reinforced plastics material. This type of bonding is substantially more stable than known bonding.

Abstract: A caul plate system for a laminate structure includes a plurality of layers of curable caul plies disposed over a laminate structure and substantially conforming to a surface of the laminate structure. A resin is applied to the plurality of layers of caul plies. Co-curing of the plurality of layers of caul plies with the laminate structure hardens the plurality of layers of caul plies such that a normal pressure is applied to the laminate structure during cure of the laminate structure.

Abstract: There is provided a production method that is capable of producing a high-strength fiber-reinforced resin member, wherein the desired orientation is ensured for continuous fibers forming a continuous fiber-reinforced member, as a result of which an appropriate part thereof is reinforced with a continuous fiber-reinforced member that possesses desired physical properties (tensile strength, etc.).

Abstract: This present invention is directed to the use of bio-based materials such as functionalized plant oils and natural fibers to provide substitutes for leather materials. The bio-based materials provide composites made with a range of natural fibers such as flax, cotton, jute and kenaf fibers, combined with natural plant oils (triglycerides) such as soy oil, linseed oil and their fatty acids. The natural fibers may be used in their as-delivered woven or nonwoven state and the triglycerides and fatty acids are chemically modified to allow them to react in a controlled manner giving predictable thermal and mechanical properties. The resulting material is a breathable, water resistant, leather-like material. This present invention is also directed to methods of making the substitutes for leather materials.

Abstract: A method for producing FRP in which a preform made of a reinforcing fiber base material is disposed in a cavity of a mold, a resin injection path and a suction path that sucks at least air are provided to the mold, and resin from the resin injection path is caused to flow in the direction toward the suction path in the cavity to be impregnated into the preform, wherein a high flow resistance region for partially making the resin flowing in the preform hardly flow is formed in the preform itself, and a flow front of the resin flowing in the direction toward the suction path through the high flow resistance region is controlled to settle within a permitted region that has been predetermined relative to a shape of a product to be molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, comprising the following steps, for connecting two plastics elements to give a component, where a second plastics element is connected to a first plastics element by molding-on in a molding process or forming process: (a) inserting the first plastics element into a mold, where the first plastics element comprises at least one thermoplastic as matrix material, (b) introducing a plastics molding composition into the mold for molding the second plastics element, where the plastics molding composition comprises at least one thermoplastic having reactive groups or one mixture made of at least one thermoplastic and of a material having reactive groups which react chemically with reactive groups of the thermoplastic of the first plastics element.

Abstract: A propeller blade includes a foam core having a groove formed therein, a fibrous material filling at least a portion of the groove and a structural layer that surrounds the fibrous material and at least a portion of the foam core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyurethane prepregs which are stable during storage, and to mouldings (composite components) produced therefrom. The prepregs or components are produced by mixing (meth)acrylate monomers, (meth)acrylate polymers, hydroxy-functionalized (meth)acrylate monomers and/or hydroxy-functionalized (meth)acrylate polymers with uretdione materials and moreover with aromatic amines which accelerate a free-radical polymerization reaction. This mixture or solution is applied by known processes to fibre material, e.g. carbon fibres, glass fibres or polymer fibres, and is polymerized at room temperature or higher temperatures with the aid of initiators, e.g. dibenzoyl peroxide. Instead of amine acceleration and subsequent hardening with initiators, it is also possible to use other known room-temperature curing systems, e.g. permaleate systems. Polymerization, e.g. at room temperature or at up to 80° C.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes mixing a plurality of carbon fibers in a liquid carrier to form a mixture, depositing the carbon fiber mixture in a layer, forming a plurality of corrugations in the carbon fiber layer, and rigidifying the corrugated carbon fiber layer to form a corrugated carbon fiber preform. In another example, a method includes substantially aligning a first ridge on a first surface of a first corrugated carbon fiber preform and a first groove on a first surface of a second corrugated carbon fiber preform, bringing the first surface of the first corrugated carbon fiber preform into contact with the first surface of the second corrugated carbon fiber preform, and densifying the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform to bond the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform.

Abstract: A speaker edge includes a resin layer including a resin member and a fiber layer including a tangled fiber body. A melting temperature of the tangled fiber body is higher than a melting temperature of the resin member. The hardness of the tangled fiber body is lower than the hardness of the resin member.

Abstract: A method for waking a wind turbine rotor blade half shell includes arranging a fibrous material in a mold, which has an inner side predetermining an aerodynamic surface of the half shell and has a pinching edge defining the profile of a trailing edge of the half shell. A liquid plastics material surrounding the fibrous material is cured. An insert is arranged in relation to the mold in a predetermined position, in which a surface of the insert and a bordering portion of the inner side of the mold conjointly define an acute angle tapering toward the pinching edge, so that a thinly tapering trailing edge of the half shell is formed between the surface of the insert and the bordering portion.

Abstract: Different molding materials and methods are provided for producing a sport bra having moisture-transporting molded bra cups. The different molding materials comprise foams having different average cell sizes, fibers having different average deniers per filament, injection-molding materials having different degrees of hydrophilicity, and different hydrophilic treatments. The molding materials are arranged to create a hydrophilic gradient from a skin surface of the wearer of the sport bra to the exterior of the sport bra.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, methods for molding and curing of composite articles are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a molding apparatus including an elastic layer disposed on a rigid support and a mold disposed on the elastic layer and the support. In one embodiment, the mold includes an inner surface, the inner surface further including a molding surface, and wherein a first surface of the elastic layer and the inner surface of the mold define a molding chamber. In one embodiment, a prepreg is further disposed within the molding chamber, wherein the prepreg is disposed on the first surface of the elastic layer. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a fluid via a fluid inlet against a second surface of the elastic layer, thereby expanding the elastic layer against the inner surface of the mold, and pushing the prepreg against the molding surface of the mold to form a molded composite article.

Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.

Abstract: Structural members and methods for forming structural members are provided. A structural member includes a body portion and a locally reinforced portion. The body portion is formed from a long fiber thermoplastic material, the long fiber thermoplastic material including a plurality of long fibers dispersed in a thermoplastic resin. The locally reinforced portion is formed from a continuous fiber thermoplastic material overmolded by the long fiber thermoplastic material, the continuous fiber thermoplastic material including a plurality of continuous fibers dispersed in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition for RTM molding of a fiber-reinforced composite material includes [A] to [D] below, wherein [A]/[B], which is a blend mass ratio of [A] to [B], is in the range of 55/45 to 95/5: [A] a multifunctional epoxy resin that is liquid at normal temperature or has a softening point of 65° C. or lower, the multifunctional epoxy resin being at least one selected from phenol novolac epoxy resin, cresol novolac epoxy resin, and triphenylmethane epoxy resin; [B] an alicyclic epoxy resin; [C] an acid anhydride curing agent; and [D] a curing accelerator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing storage-stable polyurethane prepregs and molding bodies produced therefrom (composite components), which can be obtained by a method using a polyurethane composition in solution and by impregnation of fibre-reinforced materials such as of woven fabrics and laid scrim using reactive polyurethane compositions.