Abstract: A method of delivering a discrete cord to a transfer member, wherein the method includes providing a supply path fluidly connected to a metered cord supply. The supply path comprises a fluid flow, a transfer member, and a cutting apparatus. The transfer member comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of orifices on the first surface. The method also comprises moving a deployed cord supply towards the transfer member through the supply path by the fluid flow. The method further comprises moving a portion of the deployed cord supply into an orifice of the transfer member and cutting the deployed cord supply to create a discrete cord comprising a first end and a second end; wherein a portion of the discrete cord is in the orifice to the transfer member.

Abstract: A thermostructural composite material part including carbon or ceramic fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix having at least one thin portion in which: the thickness of the part is less than 2 mm, or indeed less than 1 mm; the fiber reinforcement is made as a single thickness of multilayer fabric made of spread yarns having a weight of not less than 200 tex; the fiber volume ratio lies in the range 25% to 45%; and the ratio between the number of layers of the multilayer fabric and the thickness in millimeters of the part is not less than four.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method wherein open spaces in woven fabrics useful as industrial materials, such as coated cloth and cloth for fiber-reinforced plastics, are reduced by allowing the woven fabrics to pass under pressure between a pair of rolls at least one of which vibrates in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: A felting apparatus having an upper and a lower row of driven rollers and including compression beams intermediate any two adjacent rollers in each row whereby the compression beams in one row may be disposed opposite corresponding compression beams or opposite rollers in the other row and define together with the opposing member tapered entry apertures for the material being processed. The compression beams and/or the rollers in both rows may be spring-biased, include heating means and be adapted to be axially reciprocated by driving means.