Abstract: (1) A carbon film derived from a polyimide film, which has a tensile strength of at least 15 Kgf/mm.sup.2, a tensile modulus of elasticity of at least 5000 Kgf/mm.sup.2 and an electric conductivity of at least 200 S/cm.(2) A process for preparing a carbon film which comprises the following steps:1) reacting a monomer combination selected from the group consisting of a combination comprising a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aromatic diamine and a combination comprising a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, an aromatic diamine, and a polyamino compound having at least three amino groups to form a polyamic acid;2) forming a film of polyamic acid;3) imidizing the polyamic acid film to form a polyimide film having a tensile strength of at least 10 Kgf/mm.sup.2 and a tensile modulus of elasticity of at least 500 Kgf/mm.sup.2 ; and4) carbonizing the polyimide film in an inert gas or in a vacuum until a carbon film having a tensile strength of at least 15 Kgf/mm.sup.

Abstract: Carbon-carbon composites of acceptable shrinkage and with negligible voids re prepared in a single casting step from acetylene-terminated Schiff's base monomers by melting a selected monomer, polymerizing it within a mold to form a green casting, and heating the casting to a carbonizing temperature. Blends of monomers may be used. Graphite may be admixed with the melted monomer to form a slurry before molding. Graphite in the form of woven graphite fiber may alternatively be positioned within the mold before the melted monomer is added thereto.

Abstract: An elongated rod fabricated of polymeric material for use in reinforcing an underground passage includes an integral structure of a shaft portion, washer element and torque receiving end portion. The shaft portion is fabricated of a preselected polymeric material as required to meet the strength requirements of the rod in reinforcing the rock formation surrounding the passage. For use in reinforcing the side walls of a passage, the rod is fabricated of plastic material recycled, for example, from plastic beverage containers. The integral construction eliminates the need to thread the end of the rod to receive a nut. The washer element seats against a bearing block compressed against the side wall. When used with a resin system, the rod is anchored in the bore hole to maintain the bearing block compressed against the side wall to support the surrounding rock strata.

Abstract: This invention broadly relates to methods for producing self-supporting silicon carbide and silicon carbide composite bodies. More particularly, this invention relates to silicon carbide and silicon carbide composites, grown by the oxidation reaction of a silicon metal with a gas comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of fluorinated hydrocarbon gases, chlorohydrocarbon gases, and chlorofluorocarbon gases.

Abstract: Improved composite semipermeable membranes including microporous carbonaceous adsorptive material supported by a porous substrate for use in separating multicomponent gas mixtures in which certain components in the mixture adsorb within the pores of the adsorptive material and diffuse by surface flow through the membrane to yield a permeate stream enriched in these components. Methods for making the improved composite membranes are described including one or more oxidation steps which increase the membrane permeability and selectivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a wide angle light diffusing lens of the type which includes a peripherally extending lip for supporting the lens in a downwardly opening light fixture. The lens includes a downwardly and inwardly converging light translucent side walls as well as downwardly and inwardly extending end walls and which are connected together. These walls effectively form a prismatically shaped lens which permits dispersion of light from planes at a wide angle. The apparatus of the invention includes a form or mold having an upwardly extending rib on its upper surface which generally defines a lower edge of the lens and aids in defining the other edges of the prismatically shaped lens. A plastic sheet as, for example, an acrylic plastic sheet, is heated to a temperature where it softens and is somewhat flowable, moldable and bendable and which is then draped over the rib on the mold. A mold top is then disposed over the mold encapsulating the plastic sheet therein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to thermocrystallize amorphous thermoplastic material in a bottom portion (11) of a preform (10) while producing a container. By means of at least one heating device (20, 30) the plastic material is heated to an elevated temperature at which the material crystallizes thermally. The supply of energy is discontinued once the material crystallizes at a speed entailing that the thus released effect corresponds to or exceeds that effect which departs from the material undergoing crystallization. The apparatus includes a mandrel (26) having a forming surface (24) which at an increased temperature is brought into abutment against a defining surface (18) of the bottom potion. The forming surface has a curvature which deviates from the curvature of the defining surface (18) so that during the initial phase of the abutment the forming surface is abutting against the defining surface only in a central area thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a bent resin tube by heating a certain portion of a straight resin tube to be bent partially by a partial bending means, and bending the heated certain portion partially by a partial bending die, thereby rendering a desired bend shape to the tube. In this method, a large die for constraining the shape of the whose tube or a large oven is not required. Therefore, space for equipment can be reduced, and production efficiency is enhanced because the time required for bending operations is decreased remarkably. The heating may be done by high frequency induction heating, high frequency dielectric heating, or other conventional heating.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing toothed belts of any length, a tubular sleeve comprising a layer of cords (1) and at least a layer of elastomeric material (2) is preformed in an autoclave without being vulcanized so as to produce, on the inner surface thereof, a plurality of grooves (5) spaced apart from one another according to a predetermined toothing pitch (P). The sleeve is helically cut to obtain a continuous strip (7) to be subsequently wrapped over two wrapping drums (8, 9) suitably spaced apart from each other depending on the circumferential extension to be given to the belt. The obtained annular element (10), when the wrapping has been completed, is trued up by means of the provided grooves, between a molding matrix (11) and opposite mould (12) and is submitted to a pressing step and simultaneous cross-linking of the elastomeric material (2) by closing said elastomeric material between the molding matrix (11) and opposite mold (12) according to stages in succession.

Abstract: A molding having an attractive end portion or other portion with a formed contour is provided by the steps of providing an extruded elongated molding. Thereafter a portion of the molding is removed for forming a cavity. A second core material is injection molded into the cavity while reshaping the molding to a desired shape. A molding of the present invention has a first core with a relatively thin skin extruded thereover and a second core material in a reshaped portion of the molding. Alternatively, a molding can be made from a solid extrusion with a replacement of a core of the solid extrusion at a portion of the molding to be reformed.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the invention provides a catheter of a selected length, and having a main body of a first cross-section and a tip section of smaller cross-section, the tip section being formed integrally with the main body from a catheter blank having a length less than the selected length. Also, in another of its aspects, the invention provides a method of making a catheter tip on a main body of thermoplastic synthethic plastics material and having a first cross-section. A progressive forming technique is used to reduce the cross-section of the body to create a tip section of smaller cross-section.

Abstract: Tooling for facing a wall includes a plurality of cavities which are formed by four blades, each of the cavities corresponding to various brick sizes. Six lines of interconnected cavities are attached to a cross beam. Adjacent cavities and lines are spaced from another by a predetermined dimension. Unset settable building material is mixed with appropriate coloring and waterproofing agent and is applied to a wall to form an outer layer. The surface thereof is sponged to produce a brick like surface relief. The tooling is pressed into the outer layer to impress a pattern resembling brickwork. Unset material is sucked from the joint line space between adjacent cavities and the layer is allowed to set. Then, mortar is added to the joint line. Once the mortar has set, the final outer layer has a true brick finish that resembles a real brick wall. The unset settable material can be applied to damaged or wood walls so that a true brick finish can be given to a wall in a quick, simple and cost effective manner.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of flee-formed prongs joined to an embossed or raised substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has an engaging means projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto the embossed or raised portion of a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the embossed or raised substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging means of the prong. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent garment, specifically a diaper, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A threaded tubular connection is depicted (120) for connecting joints of reinforced thermosetting resin pipe. Box threads are formed in both ends the joints as at (107) for connection by means of a coupling (102) formed with pin threads (104) on both ends. The coupling is formed of a material having a more reliable compressive strength than the pipe material, to prevent cracking and shattering of the pipe material upon make-up. A process for forming threads with the pipe joints is disclosed.

Abstract: A clay column slug is efficiently and accurately notched around its entire circumference before being cut into individual bricks. The slug is pushed into a roller assembly having two opposing upper parallel rows of rollers and two lower parallel rows of corresponding rollers to form notches in upper and lower surfaces of the slug. The upper and lower rows of rollers are compressed vertically together to form partial notches in front and rear surfaces of the slug. The slug is elevated up and out of the compressed roller assembly between the two opposing upper rows of rollers which completes the notches in the front and rear slug surfaces. After notching, the slug is further elevated through a set of parallel wires aligned with and positioned directly above the upper rows of rollers. Alignment with corresponding rollers insures the wires cut the clay slug through the slug notches. The resulting bricks have smooth, beveled, and uniform edges free of lugs, burrs, and other material buildup.

Abstract: A tamper indicating package comprising a container having a neck with a threaded finish, an annular bead on the neck, a plastic closure which includes a base wall and a depending peripheral skirt having threads interengaging the threads of the container, and a tamper indicating band attached to the skirt by a plurality of weakened portions defining a line of severing. An annular flange extends axially upwardly and inwardly from the tamper indicating band toward the base wall of the closure and comprises a first continuous annular flange portion connected to the band by a hinge portion and a second portion which has free ends of the segment portions engaging beneath the bead on the container when the closure is threaded onto the container. In one form the second portion comprises a plurality of segment portions extending upwardly and inwardly from the first continuous portion. In another form, the second portion comprises a second continuous flange portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a preform mass of thermoplastic material into a lens without the formation of air bubbles or the entrapment of air pockets in the finished lens includes softening the preform mass under a predetermined pressure and temperature and continuing to apply the predetermined pressure while increasing the temperature until the mass has been compressed between two molds into the shape of the lens.

Abstract: A novel method of molding an article includes providing a mold with a vent of a pre-determined size such that, due to the difference in viscosities, gases to be vented from the mold may easily pass through the vent while the material to be molded cannot quickly pass through the vent. In fact, the vent is designed such that the material to be molded which enters the vent, does not exit the end of the vent. In the most preferred embodiment, the vent is in the form of a thin ribbon-like groove so that the material to be molded which does enter the vent forms a thin ribbon of extruded material which need not be removed prior to a finish cover being applied to the molded article.

Abstract: A process for providing activated carbon fibers consisting of optically anisotropic components and optically isotropic components by spinning a pitch into fibers, and infusibilizing the resulting fibers, followed by an activation treatment. The pitch for spinning is prepared by melt mixing together (A) 100 parts by weight of an optically isotropic pitch having a softening point of 230.degree.-300.degree. C. obtained by heat treatment of a pitch while blowing an oxygen containing gas into the pitch, and (B) 10-50 parts by weight of an optically isotropic pitch having a softening point of 200.degree.-270.degree. C. obtained by polymerization of naphthalene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The optically isotropic pitch (B) is further characterized as having the property of being converted into an optically anisotropic pitch by the stress occurring at the time of spinning.

Abstract: To achieve the hot deformation of a work piece (2), for example by folding a piece of plastics material, the method includes exerting on the work piece (2), in the zone (2a) to be deformed, a controlled deforming pressure (P1) and, during at least the initial stage of the application of this pressure, heating the work piece in a controlled manner, at least in the zone (2a) to be deformed, whereby, under the combined effect of the pressure and the heat, the work piece is deformed into the desired final state when it has reached a temperature in relation to the mechanical deformation stress to which it is subjected.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for moving magnetic tapes or disks has a metal load-bearing plate provided with openings and injection molded plastic control rods and shafts held in phase by injection molded plastic retention pieces connected through the openings. These retention pieces are provided with a greater clearance relative to the metal load-bearing plate than that achieved by injection molding by a deformation blow to the plastic control rods and shafts after molding.

Abstract: A sail batten formed of a fiber reinforced composite material extended longitudinally and varying in transverse cross sectional from an ellipse at one end to a flattened ellipse at the other end. A two step processing for fabrications the batten commences with fabrication of a tube of substantially constant cross section in the thermoplastic condition as a first step. The second step processing heats the tube to a malleable condition and squishes one end of the tube to form a tapered structure with one cross sectional dimension decreased to reduce stiffness in that dimension.

Abstract: An optical coupler using round optical fibers whose ends have been formed into a predefined shape to allow greater physical packing densities in order to achieve greater uniform illumination efficiency. The interstitial space between optical fibers is greatly reduced by thermoforming the ends of round optical fibers in a mold that makes a gradual transition from a circular shape to the predefined shape to avoid optical loss. Since the change in shape is gradual, the total cross-sectional area of the fibers remains constant; and optical loss is minimal because there is no reduction in mode volume. The predefined shape may be substantially square or rectangular. The core and cladding materials of the optical fiber are carefully chosen with respect to the glass transition state temperatures of both materials because the temperature at which the materials are formed by a mold are slightly above the glass transition state of the core or cladding, whichever is higher.

Abstract: A method for making an anti-skid apparatus for an automobile tire includes coating a plurality of core materials with rubber to form a plurality of cords; placing the cords in grooves of a preliminary molding plate and knitting the cords to form a net body; molding the cord into a non-vulcanized net body which inherently possesses crossing sections-where one of the plurality of cords lies on top of another of the plurality of cords; pressing the crossing sections so as to cause the core materials at the crossing sections to become linearly aligned; and vulcanizing the pressed non-vulcanized anti-skid net bodies to form a vulcanized net body. The step of pressing the crossing sections temporarily fixes the respective cords to each other at respective crossing sections. Also, affixing elements are attached to the vulcanized net body to detachably secure the vulcanized net body to an automobile tire.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon fiber includes the steps of providing a solution of a coal-derived material in a solvent, typically dimethylformamide, adding polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of at least 3.times.10.sup.6 daltons to the solution to provide a spinning solution, spinning the spinning solution into a fiber and causing the fiber to gel, typically by contacting it with a gelling solvent. The coal-derived material will have a composition, free of solvent, of 70 to 91 percent by mass of carbon, 2 to 6 percent by mass of hydrogen and 3 to 20 percent by mass of oxygen.

Abstract: At least one edge of a substantially planar panel of microporous thermal insulation material is shaped by first restraining the planar faces of the panel so as to resist deformation of the faces of the panel adjacent to the edge of the panel to be shaped. A forming member is then urged against the edge of the panel so as to shape the edge, the forming member being profiled such as to cause the edge of the panel to be recessed. The forming member is then removed from the edge of the panel so as to permit the panel to adopt a relatively square edge, and the planar faces of the panel are released.

Abstract: This composite material with a fibrous reinforcement has refractory fibres (2) embedded in a nonmetallic matrix (4) and an interphase material (6) interposed between the fibres and the matrix, the interphase material being boron carbonitride with a lamellar or amorphous structure containing in atomic %, 0 to 98% nitrogen, 1 to 99% carbon and 1 to 99% boron. The composition of the interphase material can be homogeneous or vary gradually from the fibre-material interface (8) to the material-matrix interface (10).

Abstract: In bending rods reinforced with continuous fibers, buckling or stretching of reinforcing fibers is reduced by conforming the continuous fibers to a helical configuration within the rods before or when the rods are bent. The helical configuration causes fibers near the surface of the rod to travel substantially the same distance when the rod is bent whether the fibers are on the inside radius or the outside radius of the bend.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tube, and method for forming such a tube, has a tube body portion formed from an inner layer of thermoplastic material, a barrier layer, and an outer layer of thermoplastic material. The outer layer does not extend completely about the periphery of the tube body and a strip of thermoplastic material having the same composition as the inner layer, fills each gap in the outer layer to form a smooth surface about the tube. The strip may be transparent or of a color different than the color of the outer layer. In a preferred tube, a first layer of adhesive material is provided between the inner layer and the barrier layer, and a second layer of adhesive material is provided between the barrier layer and the outer layer and strip.

Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.

Abstract: The invention is a refastenable mechanical fastening system, made of free formed prongs joined to a substrate. The prongs taper and are nonperpendicularly oriented relative to the plane of the substrate. Each prong has in engaging means projecting laterally from the periphery of the prong. The free formed prongs are manufactured by the process of depositing liquid material onto a moving substrate, stretching the liquid material in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate and severing the stretched material to form the distal end and engaging means of the prong. The advantageous usage of the fastening system in an article of manufacture, such as a disposable absorbent garment, specifically a diaper, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is reported for shaping an end of a solid cosmetic stick such as a deodorant or antiperspirant. The apparatus operates through a method that includes the steps of filling a package body with a molten cosmetic composition, solidifying the composition into stick form, heating a mold or package cap, elevating the stick to extend the package body opening, and contacting an end portion of the stick with the heated die or cap. A pattern such as a trademark or logo may be molded through this process onto the end portion of the stick.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery which comprises a vessel, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte. Both of the electrodes are placed in the vessel and the vessel is filled with the electrolyte. The negative electrode includes carbonaceous material spherical particles or carbonaceous fibers which absorb and discharge lithium ions. The carbonaceous material has a graphite-like layered structure part and a turbulence-layered structure part. Fine structures of the carbonaceous material spherical particles are arranged in point-orientation.

Abstract: A sun visor having a sun-visor body with a stiffening at or close to the edge of the sun-visor body. The sun visor body and stiffening being comprised of polypropylene particle foam, the stiffening being substantially harder and stiffer than the remaining regions of the sun-visor body. A method and an apparatus for the manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention broadly relates to methods for producing self-supporting silicon carbide and silicon carbide composite bodies. More particularly, this invention relates to silicon carbide and silicon carbide composites, grown by the oxidation reaction of a silicon metal with a gas comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of fluorinated hydrocarbon gases, chlorohydrocarbon gases, and chlorofluorocarbon gases.

Abstract: The process includes impregnating carbon threads with molten pitch in an impregnation tank 4, shaping them by means of a short die 8, subjecting the so thread to thermal treatment by progressive heating while it is continuously passed through a treatment furnace 9, then cutting the shaped member when it leaves the furnace.

Abstract: The thermostructural composite material is produced by forming a fibrous preform made from refractory fibers coated with a sizing agent. The preform is densified by a refractory matrix, in particular ceramic, while a carbon interphase is provided between the fibers and the matrix. The fibrous preform is made from refractory fibers coated with a sizing agent of the type that leaves behind a carbon residue upon thermal decomposition. The carbon interphase is produced by the thermal degradation of the sizing agent, occurring for example after the preform is made. The sizing agent is chosen among phenolic, acrylic and cellulose resins, and in particular carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: A method for forming a tampon applicator having a dome shape forward end, in which the stability of the petal tips to maintain their closure, is enhanced. During the manufacture of the tampon barrel, the petals which collectively form the dome shape tip are sprayed with a predetermined amount of moisture prior to their being presented to the heated tip forming die. It has been observed that the addition of moisture prior to petal tip formation counteracts the tendency of the petal tips to thereafter move towards their opened condition.

Abstract: Carborane is used to catalyze the graphitization of polyarylacetylene (PAA) in order to form a uniform matrix microstructure both in bulk and as a composite matrix.

Abstract: A thin-walled, wide mouth molded plastic container is provided with a tamper evident band initially molded as a straight-walled cylinder spaced outwardly of the lip of the container and connected thereto by a frangible horizontal bridge. The upper edge of the cylindrical band extends above the level of the container lip. Subsequent to molding and preferably before capping, the band is curled inward by application of a curling tool. The container lid is axially applied, the outer edge of the lid displacing the curled band outward. The resilience of the band and bridge permits outward deflection and immediate restoration of the curl to its initial position. The curl prevents removal of the lid without fracture of the bridge and removal of the tamper-evident band.

Abstract: A carbon micro-sensor electrode is disclosed which is prepared by impregnating, adsorbing or chemically modifying a pure composite carbon wire having many micropores extending to its surface and interior with a reactant such as an enzyme, a metal complex compound, an organic compound or a metabolite; and a method for preparing this carbon micro-sensor electrode is also disclosed.The above-mentioned electrode can be used for a long period of time, since the reactant is received in the many micropores. Furthermore, after used, the electrode may be cut off to expose a new electrode surface, and this new electrode surface may be coated with a material which does not impede an electrode reaction, whereby the reactant can be prevented from flowing out. Thus, the carbon micro-sensor electrode of the present invention can be repeatedly utilized.

Abstract: A process for producing a friction material under low-temperature conditions using, as a reinforcement, one or more fibers selected from a metal fiber, an organic fiber and an inorganic fiber and, as a binder, a compounded pitch that consists of a mesophase pitch and sulfur and/or an aromatic nitro compound. The content of an optically anisotropic phase in the mesophase pitch is at least 80% and the softening point of the mesophase pitch is not higher than 270.degree. C. The friction material produced exhibits consistent friction characteristics over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: A container is manufactured by placing a length of extruded thermoplastic tubing over a mandrel so that an end of the tubing extends beyond the mandrel to form an annular rim and placing a thermoplastic slug on the mandrel within the rim. An ultrasonic resonating horn is provided having a cavity adapted to receive the rim. The horn cavity has a base and an annular tapered portion formed around the base and engageable with the rim. The tubing and the resonating horn are pressed together with a relatively moderate force so that the tapered portion of the horn cavity engages the rim of the tubing and softens and folds it inwardly in such a manner that it is in alignment with the slug, the mandrel, and the base of the cavity. The mandrel and the resonating horn are then brought together with a relatively large force to squeeze the folded rim and the slug tightly together between the mandrel and the base of the cavity.

Abstract: A graphite fiber having an elastic modulus E of 340-680 GPa, a microvoid radius of not larger than 20 .ANG. and a crystal size L.sub.c (.ANG.) satisfying the following formula:L.sub.c.sup.3 .ltoreq.0.918.times.10.sup.3 E-3.times.10.sup.5is valuable for a composite material having an improved compression strength. The graphite fiber is made preferably by oxidizing an acrylonitrile polymer precursor containing 0.05-8 wt. % of comonomer units and having an iodine adsorption amount of not larger than 3 wt. % and an orientation degree of at least 85%, at 200.degree.-300.degree. C. in an oxidative atmosphere under tension to obtain an oxidized fiber having a water adsorption of not larger than 7 wt. % and an orientation degree of at least 78%, followed by carbonization and graphitization of the oxidized fiber under tension.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes a carbon-coated refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group.

Abstract: PAN-based precursors are stabilized prior to carbonization in separate non-oxidizing and oxidizing environments according to process of the invention. Advantages of process include safer, more rapid stabilization and increase in the types of polymers which may be effectively stabilized.

Abstract: A method for producing high density, high strength carbon-carbon composite material, is provided by using pitch-based carbonaceous fibers carbonized at a temperature lower than 2200.degree. C. or structures, including said carbonaceous fibers as a principal constituent, as a reinforcement material, impregnating said reinforcement material with a carbonaceous material such as pitch or the like and then heat treating said impregnated material.

Abstract: A method of making a rotor for a rotary valve including cutting a round slug of a plastic material to a desired length, turning the round slug on a lathe to provide a desired outside diameter, milling the slug on a vertical milling machine to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets, each of the pockets having rounded wall junctures and corners on a vertical milling machine, and milling an axial hole in the slug for receiving an end portion of a drive shaft.

Abstract: A method and tool for fabricating composite shafts with at least one flared end. The tool includes a specially adapted end fitting for each flared end which define the angle and direction of flaring The end fitting includes structure for conforming/compacting the composite material at the flared ends either during and/or after the composite build-up is completed and during cure the conforming/ compacting insures that the external surfaces of the flared ends achieve dimentional control and a machined like quality without the necessity of machining.

Abstract: A process for preparing an impermeable carbon fiber reinforcing deposit material including placing a preformed carbon fiber material and an impregnating material of pitch or heat-resistant glass or mixtures thereof into a heat-resistant capsule; placing said capsule into a pressing container; heating the mixture to the melt temperature of the impregnating material under pressure of an inert gas; after maintaining temperature for a given time reducing the temperature and pressure; subsequently, raising the temperature gradually while maintaining the reduced pressure; after heating to a maximum temperature, maintaining said maximum temperature at the reduced pressure for a given time; then injecting an inert gas to raise the pressure to a given value; and, after maintaining the pressure for a given time, reducing both the pressure and the temperature.