Abstract: This invention relates to a composite sheet and a method of making a composite sheet. A core having end walls is provided. Continuous fibers or a continuous fiber mat is secured to the core such that the continuous fibers align with the end walls of the core. Various manufacturing methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for molding a fiber-reinforced plastic member involves disposing a reinforced-fiber base material 2 inside a molding space S, which is created between a mold 1 and a bag film 6, and then depressurizing the inside of the molding space S and curing a resin composition R contained in the reinforced-fiber base material 2, wherein a flat pressure plate 5 made of spring steel is disposed between the reinforced-fiber base material 2 and the bag film 6. The pressure plate 5 elastically deforms along the shape of the reinforced-fiber base material 2 while the inside of the molding space S is being depressurized, and returns to its original flat shape when depressurization is stopped and the bag film 6 is removed after curing of the resin composition R.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite is provided herein, including laying at least one reinforcement layer onto the inner surface of a mould, positioning a degradable membrane onto the outermost reinforcement layer of the at least one reinforcement layer, applying suction between the inner surface of the mould and the degradable membrane to press the at least one reinforcement layer towards the inner surface of the mould, covering the degradable membrane with at least one vacuum film, generating a vacuum in the region between the vacuum film and the mould, injecting resin into this region by means of vacuum, and letting cure the resin, initiating a degradation of the degradable membrane by provoking a physical or chemical change of the membrane material after having generated a vacuum in the region between the vacuum film and the mould and before the resin has cured completely.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a medical component such as a medical implant for example a graft or stent-graft, said medical component comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, a medical component obtainable by said process as well as uses of said process and medical component.

Abstract: Provide is a molded product showing low water absorption, high chemical resistance, high crystallinity index. A molded product formed from a polyamide resin composition containing 50 to 99 parts by mass of (A) an aliphatic polyamide resin and 50 to 1 parts by mass of (B) a polyamide resin including 70 mol % or more of a diamine structural unit derived from xylylenediamine and 50 mol % or more of a dicarboxylic acid structural unit derived from sebacic acid, provided that the total of (A) and (B) is 100 parts by mass.

Abstract: A method for producing an analysis tape for fluid samples, in particular body fluids, is proposed. The method comprises providing a laminate tape having a laminate carrier tape and at least one diagnostic functional layer, and cutting the laminate tape in such a way that a diagnostic auxiliary label arises; transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a vacuum roller; and transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a carrier tape. In general, at least one vacuum roller is used for the transfer of the diagnostic auxiliary label to the carrier tape. The cutting of the diagnostic functional layer is effected in such a way that a free end of the diagnostic functional layer is lifted off from the laminate carrier tape by guiding the laminate carrier tape around a cutting edge with a small radius, wherein the diagnostic functional layer is cut at a predetermined distance from the lifted off free end by means of a cutting device.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a resin tray is provided where a block mold is selected to be installed in a base mold according to the specification of the tray to be molded; a molding surface is composed of the upper surface of the block mold fixed to the base mold; thermoplastic resin material in the molten state is arranged opposite to the cavity; a step where thermoplastic resin material is molded by pushing it against the cavity; and as a result, recess part stored at a prescribed position.

Abstract: An assembly for vacuum bag molding includes a mold for receiving a workpiece. An edge breather comprising a plurality of braided polymer threads is disposed about a periphery of the workpiece. A vacuum bag film is disposed over the workpiece and the edge breather. A seal seals the vacuum bag film to the mold and a passageway in fluidic communication with the edge breather.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition [composition (C)] comprising: (i) from 30 to 90% by weight of at least one epoxy compound [compound E], based on the total weight of the composition (C); (ii) from 0 to 60% by weight of at least one curing agent [agent C], based on the total weight of the composition (C); (iii) from 0 to 15% by weight of at least one accelerator, based on the total weight of the composition (C); (iv) from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone) (I) [PAES (I-1)], based on the total weight of the composition (C) and wherein said PAES (I-1) polymer comprises amine functional groups in an amount equal to or more than 200 ?eq/g; (v) from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone) (I) [PAES (I-2)], based on the total weight of the composition (C), and wherein said PAES (I-2) polymer is different from the PAES (I-1) polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part comprising fiber material impregnated with cured resin is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface with a contour that defines at least a part of an outer surface of turbine blade shell part, b) arranging fiber material in the first mold part, the fiber material comprising fibers of a magnetizable material, c) providing a resin in the first mold part simultaneous with and/or subsequent to step b), and d) curing the resin in order to form the wind turbine blade shell part or wind turbine blade. The fiber material is retained against the first forming surface by use of magnet means during step b) and/or step c).

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a prepreg comprising a thermosetting resin, and reinforcing fibers in the thermosetting resin, wherein when the prepreg is cured in vacuum bag only conditions, and a method of making the same. The method also applies for autoclave processing. Embodiments also relate to a cured fiber reinforced composite material made by thermally curing the prepreg.

Abstract: A vacuum-forming system for deforming a forming blank is disclosed. The system includes a tool and at least one regulator bag disposed adjacent to the tool. The regulator bag includes a sealed bag having an exterior and an interior and a first volume and a defined passage from the interior to the exterior of the regulator bag. The passage is configured such that the regulator bag has a rate of deflation wherein the sealed bag will deflate from the first volume to a second volume over a determined period of time while the exterior of the sealed bag is at a determined reduced pressure. The system also includes a vacuum membrane coupled to the tool, the membrane configured to form a vacuum space enclosing the forming blank and the at least one regulator bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modified polypropylene comprising from 0.3 to 2 long-chain branches per 1,000 carbon atoms, wherein said long-chain branch has more than 1,000 carbon atoms and 0 to 6% of ethene and/or alpha-olefinic comonomer having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. The polypropylene of the present invention is a homopolymer, a random copolymer, or a heterophasic copolymer. The present invention also relates to large, deep, complex and/or thick articles which are thermoformed from said polypropylene. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the process for thermoforming said modified polypropylene into large, deep, complex and/or thick articles. The present invention also relates to the use of the polypropylene to prepare large, deep, complex and/or thick articles.

Abstract: A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A method is described in which a composite tape or sheet is processed such that it has an improved drapability when applied to a former having a complex geometrical form. The tape or sheet is selectively perforated across its width as it is dispensed, with a suction force being subsequently applied over the tape's surface to thereby cause stretching of the tape. The degree of stretching varies across the width of the tape in proportion to the degree and local density of the selective perforations.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination system and a vacuum lamination method are provided in which, when a laminate film and laminate base items are laminated and an excessive portion of the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon, a high precision lamination is enabled and the cutting process including a conveying device for cutting the excessive portion of the laminate film can be simplified. In the vacuum lamination system, a laminate film and laminate base items that are conveyed on the carrier film are laminated by the batch type vacuum laminating device, and the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon.

Abstract: A method of molding a composite article includes providing a first floating mold that has a fluid backing, wherein the fluid defining the fluid backing is stored in a fluid chamber positioned beneath the first floating mold, providing a second non-floating mold that does not include a fluid backing, and sealing the first floating mold to the second non-floating mold to define a molding chamber thereinbetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a first vacuum against an elastic forming medium for transmitting forming forces from the elastic forming medium to the blank. The elastic forming medium is evacuated with the first vacuum for allowing the elastic forming medium to stretch and conform the blank to the forming surface sections. The elastic forming medium includes at least one void. A second vacuum is applied to the void for achieving a stiffened section of the elastic forming medium corresponding with the location of the void and corresponding with, when the elastic forming medium after the completion lies against the forming tool having the blank in between, a forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of surrounding sections of the elastic forming medium.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to decorative thermoplastic resin panels, which can include one or more recesses. The recess of the thermoplastic resin panels can have texture or texture patterns that differ from the texture or texture patterns of non-recessed portions or other recesses of the decorative thermoplastic resin panel. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for forming recesses in thermoplastic panels with a flexible die.

Abstract: An insulator base for an electronic faucet includes a housing supporting a light assembly and a connecting wire electrically coupled to the light assembly. A polymer housing secures the light assembly and the connecting wire within the housing. A non-conductive exterior film allows the isolation base to match the finish on an electronically controlled faucet for electrical isolation and faucet status display.

Abstract: A vacuum set-up to pressurize a component part during its production is provided. The set-up includes a base with a contact surface for component part, and a casing that is airtight to contact surface that can be sealed to cover component part to effect pressurization of component part by evacuating an internal space of casing. To also effect a defined pressurization of component part on at least one component part edge in lateral direction, on at least this component part edge together with component part, a pressure strip system that can be mounted in the interior space is provided that is formed by at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes, that work together in such a way that pressure exerted on pressure strip system by the evacuation of the interior space, generates pressure acting laterally on component part edge.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank. A first mold having a first molding surface corresponding to a first portion of an outside surface of the tank is provided. A second mold having a second molding surface corresponding to a second portion of the outside surface of the tank is provided. The first portion and the second portion form the outside surface of the tank having an opening disposed therein. A mold release agent is disposed onto the first and second molding surface. A molding bladder is provided. An outside surface of the molding bladder when inflated substantially corresponds to an inside surface of the tank having the opening disposed therein. A reinforcement material is disposed onto one of the molding bladder and the molding surfaces. The first and the second mold are combined in a sealed fashion. The first and the second mold have accommodated therebetween the reinforcement material and the molding bladder.

Abstract: A pressure-maintenance device for a resin injection system including an injection network connected to an injection mould, includes a pressurisation device adapted to inject a pressurised gas into a channelling; a first connector adapted to be connected to the resin injection network and adapted to be connected to the channelling; a second connector adapted to be connected to the injection mould of the injection system; the first connector being connected to the second connector by a pressure-maintenance channelling adapted to receive the gas injected under pressure.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system can be used to fuse different layers of material together for forming an article of footwear. The system includes a base portion, an intermediate member and an upper member. The intermediate member includes a flexible membrane. The intermediate member can be sealed with the base portion and a vacuum can be provided to pull the flexible membrane over layers of material placed on the base portion. The upper member can be sealed against the intermediate member so that external pressure can be applied to the flexible membrane. The intermediate member and the upper member can be moved independently.

Abstract: A system and method for patterning a substrate includes a mold holding fixture for holding a mold with nanostructures and a substrate holding fixture for holding a substrate having a molding surface, a stage assembly has two or more independent axis movements for moving either the mold or the substrate therein, a contact force sensor sensing a contact force between the mold surface and the molding surface, a chamber for holding the mold and substrate and for the applying of a pressure inside that is higher or lower than atmospheric pressure, a pressure regulator and a manifold for changing the pressure inside the chamber, a door on the chamber housing provides for selectively allowing the substrate and the mold to pass there through, and means to divide the chamber into two fluidly separate sub-chambers.

Abstract: A beam of fiber-reinforced curable thermosetting composite material is preliminarily assembled in an uncured condition. The beam is placed between two forming tools, namely a lower and an upper tool, shaped in such a way as to give the lower and upper flanges a predetermined shape, at least one of the flanges having a non-rectilinear profile viewed in a longitudinal vertical plane. Two longitudinally elongate rigid inserts are placed between the flanges at the sides of the web and are covered in respective airtight tubular bags. The spaces between the upper tool and the lower tool on the two opposite longitudinal sides are sealed. The open opposite ends of the tubular bags are also sealed in such a manner that the pressure applied in an autoclave during the step of curing causes the tubular bags to swell and presses them against the two opposite faces of the web and against the flanges of the beam. On completion of curing, the upper forming tool is removed and the inserts are extracted sideways.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an object made of a constituent material obtained from a sol-gel solution, the process including, successively: a) introducing the sol-gel solution into a mold of the object to be manufactured; b) gelling the sol-gel solution; c) drying the gel obtained in b) in the mold, by which the gel is converted into the constituent material of the object, wherein the mold includes a closed chamber and includes a material configured to allow evacuation of gases formed during b) and/or c).

Abstract: A mold cooling system is provided for cooling a polymer product shaped in a mold. The mold cooling system includes a moving manifold having a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a mold housing having a mold surface that defines a cavity. The mold housing has a connector configured to receive the cooling fluid supply and cooling fluid return of the moving manifold; and a passageway that extends through the mold housing adjacent to the mold surface, the passageway connecting the cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid return when the moving manifold is received in the connector. A method is also provided for cooling an extruded, blow-molded product before the product is released from a mold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining cured stringers to at least one structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft, including placing the stringers onto the at least one structural component, depositing and pressing respective vacuum film strips such that each strip is attached to a pair of stringers and present between the pair of stringers with the use of vacuum sealing means in such a manner that a continuous vacuum arrangement, comprising the covering vacuum films and the vacuum film strips, is formed, and pressurized joining of the stringers to the at least one structural component by means of the continuous vacuum arrangement formed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compound is formed using a blend that includes one of processed fly ash, cinders and processed fly ash and cinders with a fractional melt having a melt flow index of less than 1 or a low melt resin with a melt flow index between 1 and about 3 or both, and a resin compatible with the fractional melt or low melt resin and having a melt flow index that is different from the melt flow index of the fractional melt or the low melt resin. Presence of the processed fly ash and cinders is believed to reduce cycle time for forming the thermoplastic compound into a plastic product from about 5 percent to about 30 percent merely because of the presence of the processed fly ash and cinders. Presence of the processed fly ash and/or cinders also permits the increased use of more fractional melt than conventionally attempted and also allows for use of thermoplastic regrind from recycling sources.

Abstract: A multi-well plate with wells having ultra-thin walls and yet with sufficient structural rigidity to allow reliable use of the plate in automated instrumentation is formed by first forming a plate blank by injection molding, the blank being of a thickness that provides the desired rigidity, and then subjecting the blank to vacuum forming to stretch designated areas in the blank to form wells or to extend wells already formed, the stretching resulting in a reduction in thickness of the molded resin at the walls of the wells only.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cylindrical part from composite material, and a molding device to implement the method, the method including: installation of a fibrous structure on a horizontal mandrel; formation of an annular enclosure for molding around the fibrous structure and the mandrel; supply of the enclosure with resin via a first axial end, while keeping a second axial end of the enclosure at a pressure lower than a supply pressure of the resin. The second end includes at least two sectors of vents in a form of ring sectors, each being independently kept at a pressure lower than the supply pressure.

Abstract: A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups comprising a first cup holder which is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup. The first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the crushing process, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup. The first cup and second cup have different sidewall angles to promote pill crushing while inhibiting migration of the crush material to prevent the crushed material from reaching the open gap between the top perimeters of the nesting cups. Each cup includes a plurality of lugs having a curved profile configured to engage respective recesses on the cup holders. Each cup is fabricated through thermoforming or vacuum forming techniques.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fibre reinforced composite by means of a vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding, comprising the steps of placing a fibre material in a mould, placing a flow distribution medium onto the fibre material, and covering the fibre material and the flow distribution medium with a vacuum foil for forming a closed mould cavity between the mould and the vacuum foil is described. It is characterised in using a flow distribution medium with a thickness depending on a pressure gradient over the vacuum foil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fiber reinforced composite structure comprising at least two components, a hard base tool presenting a first tool face, a second tooling element presenting a second tool face to locate the second component against the first component. Components are of a dry fibrous form and are to be injected with a liquid resin. A flexible bagging blanket forms with the tools a sealed enclosure into which the resin is injected to form the structure by resin transfer infusion. To maintain the relative dispositions of the components without the need for elaborate mandrel plates, control rods are inserted at least partially through the two components to act as fasteners and to maintain the relative disposition of the components during resin injection. After injection the assembly is cured and the control rods may remain in situ or be removed from the structure.

Abstract: A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a curable composition for padding-free encapsulation of instrument transformers comprising (a) a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, (b) a polyoxyalkylene diglycidylether (c) an OH-terminated polysiloxane, (d) a cyclic polysiloxane and (e) a non-ionic, fluoroaliphatic surface-active reagent, (f) a filler, (g) a hardener selected from anhydrides, (h) a curing accelerator selected from accelerators for anhydride curing of epoxy resins.

Abstract: Dissolvable unit dose constructs and their method of manufacture are disclosed in which the unit dose constructs are formed of a composition including a polymer matrix that includes a water soluble polymer, active ingredient, and a liquid carrier. The composition is deposited directly, such as by stenciling, to form individual unit doses without the need to cut and convert long, continuous rolls of film.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to resins/filler composites that are formed via a resin infusion process. Certain embodiments are directed to methods and systems that may be used to produce a moulded composite article. An exemplary method comprising: a) filling to a predetermined level a mould tool with particles; b) infusing a resin composition into the mould tool filled with the particles in order to form a composite; c) vibrating the mould tool for a portion of time at one or more of the following stages: during the filling with the particles, after the filling with particles, during the infusing of the resin composition and after the infusions of the resin composition; wherein the composite comprises between 10% to 50% by weight of the resin composition and between 50% to 90% by weight of the particles; and d) curing the composite to form a moulded composite article.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining device for a resin injecting system, including a first chamber that can be connected to a pressurizing device and is able to be connected to a vacuum generating device; a second chamber that can be connected to a resin injection network of the injection system by a resin injection pipe and a resin outlet pipe, the first chamber and the second chamber being arranged so that the one is unable to leak into the other; a flexible body able to transmit pressurizing of the first chamber to the second chamber so as to apply pressure to the injection network of the injection system; a perforated rigid plate able to limit the deformation of the flexible body when the vacuum is created in the first chamber.

Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner, even without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core member, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core member. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core member on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).

Abstract: In one or more embodiment, a method is provided for forming an insulating article from an insulating material having a first thickness, the method including the step of: compressing the insulating material to form a compressed insulating material having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; and subsequent to the step of compressing, subjecting the compressed insulating material to a vacuum to form the insulating article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite material by vacuuming and resin injection includes the steps of starting with placing and sealing a fiber substance into a mold. The mold is pumped by a vacuum pumping device, and a pressure tank containing resin is pumped by a vacuum pumping device. After the pressure tank and the mold reaching predetermined vacuum conditions, a valve between the vacuum pumping device and the mold and a valve between the vacuum pumping device and the pressure tank are closed. A valve between the pressure tank and the mold is thus opened. Resin inside the pressurized pressure tank is pushing into the mold. After the mold reaching a predetermined pressure, a heater is turned on to heat the resin and fiber for thermosetting process. The heater is turned off after a predetermined reaction condition being reached, and a cooler is thus turned on to cool the mold.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible delay line for a transducer, a flexible delay line, and a transducer are provided. The method includes providing a mold having a desired geometry, applying a flexible material to the mold, curing the flexible material in the mold, and removing the cured material from the mold. The cured material forms a flexible delay line having a geometry conforming to a face of the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible delay line for a transducer includes a flexible material having an aperture shaped to receive a face of the transducer. The flexible delay line is operable to conform to a flat or an irregular surface.