Abstract: A low cost, high web integrity fabric that can be economically produced and tailored to provide a variety of different combinations of characteristics and properties for different end uses. It is a fabric wherein the strength in any direction can be predetermined and also wherein the elasticity in any direction can be varied in a predetermined fashion. It is also a fabric that combines continuous filaments, ranging from elastomeric to non-elastic but elongatable to at least a minimum extent, for strength and elasticity with the predetermined indepth intermingling of fibrous melt blown webs for interlocking of the said continuous filaments in the formation of the integrated, fibrous and continuous filament matrix.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly coating one or more fibers (10) with particles of a material is described. The method uses a vibrator preferably an acoustic speaker (17b) in a housing (17c) to fluidize the particles (P.sub.1) in a chamber (17 or 30) to deposit them on spread fibers (10b). The fibers can be in the form of a tow of fibers. After the particles are coated on the fibers, the particles can be bonded to the fiber such as by using a heater (19). The resulting product has a uniform deposit of the particles and in the case of the tow of fibers can serve as a prepreg for laminate structures to be produced from the coated tow of fibers.

Abstract: A gripper rod for shuttleless looms has a toothed rack made of fiber reinforced composite material. The prepregs are stacked in such a way that the fiber orientation in one layer crosses the fiber orientation of at least one neighboring layer. A sufficient number of layers are preferably stacked relative to a central plane of symmetry. The so prepared stack is then placed into a pressing die to form the toothed rack configuration. Due to the pressing, the initial fiber orientation changes so that the fibers after the pressing extend approximately in parallel to the surfaces of the toothed rack, especially at the tooth flank forming surfaces and along the edges, whereby the strength of the toothed rack and the wear and tear resistance, especially of the tooth flanks is improved. The angular orientation of the fiber directions relative to a longitudinal edge of a prepreg may be within the range of about 15.degree. to about 25.degree.

Abstract: A reinforcing woven fabric comprising warps of reinforcing filamentary yarns arranged to form a high-density portion of warps and low-density portion of warps in the transverse direction and wefts of reinforcing filamentary yarns extending obliquely to the warps, a preformed material formed using a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics, a fiber reinforced composite material formed using the preformed material and a beam particularly suitable as the fiber reinforced composite material. The high-density portion of warps in the reinforcing woven fabric can satisfy the strength and rigidity against bending or tensile stress required for the flange of the beam and the obliquely extending wefts in the low-density portion of warps can satisfy the strength against shear stress required for the web of the beam, when a plurality of the reinforcing woven fabrics are laminated to form the preformed material for the beam. The mechanical properties required for the beam can be efficiently obtained.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire reinforced by a reinforcing belt is provided, the reinforcing belt having at least one cord reinforced ply, and, in turn, the cord reinforced ply having a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart elongated cross-section reinforcing cords. The ply may be a bias ply in which the reinforcing cords are disposed at a bias angle, or it may be an overlay ply being axially longer than any other plies and having curving ends which overlay and curve over the ends of any other plies to strengthen shoulder portions of the pneumatic tire. Preferably, in the case of an overlay ply, the reinforcing cords are disposed substantially circumferentially. Preferably also, the elongated cross-section of the reinforcing cords is elliptic; and, the reinforcing cords are thermoplastic monofilaments formed by extrusion.

Abstract: The low-inertia and high-strength accelerating lever comprises a hub part, arm and end part made of a thermoplastics reinforced by high-strength fibers. The lever is built up from a number of layers in the form a Prepregs or semifinisheds, which are placed one on another, the layers having different fiber orientations and extending substantially parallel to the movement plane. Longitudinal components of the fiber orientations predominate in the arm with a gradual transition to the hub part and end part; the hub part and end part having a substantially isotropic distribution of the fiber orientations.

Abstract: A bulky and reinforced non-woven fabric and a process for producing the fabric are provided, which fabric is composed of a web consisting of 30-100% by weight of hot-melt-adhesive fibers and 70-0% by weight of fibers having a m.p. higher than that of the hot-melt-adhesive component of the hot-melt-adhesive fibers and monofilaments, fibers constituting the web being adhered onto one another and also to the monofilaments and the fabric having wrinkles at a wavelength of 0.1 to 20 mm over the whole surface of the fabric; and which process comprises arranging monofilaments of a percentage of shrinkage of 20% or higher under heat treatment conditions for melt-adhering the hot-melt-adhesive fibers over the whole surface of the web; adhering the fibers constituting the web onto one another and also to the monofilaments through hot-melt-adhesion; and also causing the web to shrink through shrinkage generated in the monofilaments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unitary composite laminate structure, particularly as it relates to the manufacture of macro-scale unitary composite laminate structures. The laminate structure of this invention comprises a unitary composite having an inner core layer and an outer encapsulating layer co-adhered one to the other by a bonding material. The respective inner core and encapsulating layers are chemically fused together to produce the unitary structure. A high shear strength, load-bearing matrix is disposed between the respective inner core layer and the outer encapsulating layer. The matrix is oriented substantially entirely in the load bearing direction so that the unitary composite structure is capable of resisting delamination under conditions requiring high tensile and high shear strength.

Abstract: An improved multifilamentary fibrous material is formed having solid particles of a matrix-forming thermosetting resin substantially uniformly dispersed among adjoining filaments in the absence of fusion bonding. The thermosetting resin particles initially are dispersed in an aqueous medium containing an effective amount of a dissolved polymeric binding agent and the viscosity of the medium subsequently is substantially increased to at least 50,000 cps. to form a gelled impregnation bath having a plastic flow characteristic with shear-thinning behavior wherein the thermosetting resin particles are substantially uniformly suspended. The resulting impregnation bath is caused to flow between the adjoining filaments of the multifilamentary fibrous material with a concomitant viscosity reduction which aids in the incorporation of the resin particles. The concentration of the aqueous medium in the product is controlled to yield a uniform, handleable, drapable, tacky, and highly stable product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composite component. For making a non-cylindrical composite component such as a nozzle, a longitudinal winding of at least one fiber strand impregnated with resin is applied onto a generally cylindrical mandrel at a predetermined angle relative to a line parallel to the mandrel rotational axis. A transverse tape is then spirally cut from the layer and wound onto a component mandrel. The wound transverse tape is then compacted and cured and the mandrel removed. A nozzle exit cone is also disclosed made from such transverse tape so that the fiber strand portions are short enough that they do not follow the curvature of the nozzle and thereby peel. The windings are shingled onto the nozzle exit cone so that only one end of each of the fiber strand portions is exposed to the nozzle surface. The fiber strand portions are oriented at a predetermined angle which may be optimized for erosion resistance and stress requirements.

Abstract: Ceramic matrix composites and a method for making them are provided, the composites comprising a matrix of an alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass or an alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass-ceramic reinforced with inorganic fibers such as silicon carbide fibers, and the matrix being modified by the incorporation therein of an inorganic particulate additive, the additive being present in a proportion at least effective to increase the interlaminar shear strength, transverse flexural strength, and/or fracture toughness of the composites.

Abstract: A threaded fastener is made of a composite material made of layers extending parallel to the fastener axis and having elongated filament fibers. A portion of the fibers extend parallel to the axis of the fastener to provide tensile and shear strength to the fastener, and a portion of the fibers extend parallel to the load-bearing thread faces to enhance tensile strength to the threads.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved prepreg layer, multilayer composition based on the improved prepreg layer, and article made from the multilayer composite.The prepreg layer of the present invention comprises an array of at least one adjacent, coplanar fibrous element. Each element has a longitudinal axis and each element comprises a plurality of unidirectional coplanar fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The fibers are at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the element. The fibers are up to eight inches, preferably from one to eight inches, and more preferably two to six inches long. The adjacent elements are connected by the polymer matrix. Typically, the elements are in strip or sheet form with the longitudinal axis corresponding to long dimension of the strip or sheet. Alternately, the prepreg layer can be a fabric layer, where the fibers are woven or knit and the fibers are at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A coating of a viscous lubricant applied prior to stretch-breaking permits forming slivers of stretch-broken carbon fibers. When an anti-static ingredient is added to the viscous lubricant cohesive slivers of stretch-broken glass fibers can be formed. Composites of matrix resin reinforced with these slivers exhibit high strength, tensile stiffness, and good formability.

Abstract: A coating of a viscous lubricant applied prior to stretch-breaking permits forming slivers of stretch-broken carbon fibers. When an anti-static ingredient is added to the viscous lubricant cohesive slivers of stretch-broken glass fibers can be formed. composites of matrix resin reinforced with these slivers exhibit high strength, tensile stiffness, and good formability.

Abstract: A film tube extruded from high density polyethylene is biaxially oriented in longitudinal or machine direction as well as in cross machine diameter-increasing direction, and an extruded closure strip carried helically on one wall of the tube is correspondingly stretched as a result of the biaxial stretching to which the film of the tube is stretched. The closure-strip-carrying, biaxially oriented tube is adapted to be converted into a ribbon sheet form with the closure strip extending as individual closure strip sections across the ribbon sheet form at longitudinally spaced intervals, and adapted for making bags. A method of making the material, and apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A structure based on velour fabric, having at least a first layer and a second layer and intermediate ribs connecting these layers provides a production-efficient, stable and nevertheless light-weight product. The velour fabric is made of a commercial yarn such as aramid fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber or in particular glass fiber. The velour fabric is resin-hardened, wherein the intermediate ribs for rigid spacing elements between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven thermal insulating batt is provided. The batt comprises structural staple fibers and bonding staple fibers, the fibers being entangled and substantially parallel to the faces of the batt at the face portions and substantially perpendicular to the faces of the batt in the central portion of the batt. The bonding staple fibers are bonded to the structural staple fibers and other bonding staple fibers at points of contact. Also provided is a method of making the nonwoven thermal insulating batt which comprises air-laying a web of structural staple fibers and bonding staple fibers with the fibers being entangled and substantially parallel to the faces of the web at the face portions and in an angled, layered configuration in the central portions of the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective waterproof membranous sheeting which will prevent the passage of water and corrosive salt solutions into structures.The protection membrane comprises a bituminous adhesive waterproof sheet 1, a flexible polymeric protection grid 2 and a release sheet 3. The waterproof sheet 1 may comprise a fibre core in a matrix of a polymer modified bitumen polymer. The protection grid is partially embedded in the waterproof sheet 1, and is formed with drainage channels 13,14 on each face, provided by ribs or strands 4 and 5 defining the grid. The aperture size of the grid may be up to about 10 mm across. A filter web may be fixed to the face of the grid.

Abstract: The multi-layer structure enables the accomplishment of very light-in-weight and squashing-resistant tubular elements, in particular fishing rods, as it consists of a plurality of layers made of very thin carbon fibers (1) having a high or very high modulus of elasticity, disposed parallel to and alongside each other and impregnated with a matrix resin, said layers being alternated by further layers of very thin aramide fibers (2) disposed parallel to and alongside each other and impregnated with a matrix resin. Carbon fibers and aramide fibers are inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: Nonwoven web and method of making including interbonded thermoplastic fibers in an array of hollow projections extending outwardly from at least one surface of said web. The projections are separated by land areas of interbonded fibers, and the fiber orientation is greater in the projections than in the land areas. Either the projections or the land areas may be perforated as desired for controlled porosity and fluid flow properties. The nonwoven webs of the invention may be made by a number of processes but, preferably, are made by forming directly on a surface with corresponding projections with or without apertures and a vacuum assist or by forming on an apertured surface with a pressure differential sufficient to draw the fibers through the apertures forming the projections.

Abstract: High strength, fracture tough, high temperature oxidatively stable, gas turbine engine core engine components are described made of silicon carbide fiber reinforced ceramic matrix or silicon carbide fiber reinforced glass matrix material. A gas turbine engine containing core engine components as above described is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extruded film tube has joined to its inside surface a closure strip extending generally transversely, preferably helically, relative to the axis of the tube and the tube and closure strip are adapted to be converted into a ribbon sheet form with the closure strip extending as individual closure strip sections across the ribbon sheet form at longitudinally spaced intervals, and adapted for making bags. A method of making the material, and apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A wrapped core for a ski comprising a wood or foamed plastic longitudinally extending core having first longitudinal strands of material positioned on the top and or bottom surfaces of the core and second strands of fiber reinforcement braided thereover to surround the core and capture said first strands. Third longitudinally extending strands of fiber reinforcement are intertwined with said second braided strands. The method and apparatus for forming the wrapped ski core.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a fiber reinforced resin matrix composite article having fiber reinforced resin matrix bushings. These bushings are formed by tightly wrapping the fibers to form a plug having the fiber orientation from about .+-.20.degree. to about .+-.60.degree. to the central axis around which the fibers are wrapped. The plug is then snugly inserted into a hole which has been cut in the composite article such that the central axis of the plug is perpendicular to the fibers in the composite article. The entire composite article containing the plug is then cured and the plug is then drilled out forming the bushing.

Abstract: A spoke plate is made from a lamination of an odd number of carbon fiber fabric layers having fibers extending in both horizontal and longitudinal directions and alternating with an even number of fiber layers having fibers extending only in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A film adhesive of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric insulative material can be imparted with anisotropic electroconductivity by dispersing electroconductive fibrils of specified dimensions therein in orientation each lying within a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the film adhesive. The film adhesive is useful in adhesively bonding two circuit boards each having a plurality of electric terminals to be electrically connected each on one circuit board to the oppositely positioned terminal on the other circuit board. The orientation of the fibrils in a plane parallel to the surface of the film adhesive may be either unidirectional or at random.

Abstract: A fiber bed separator formed of a bed of staple fibers is provided. A discontinuity is created within the bed of fibers at a selected location to improve the drainage of liquids from the fiber bed.

Abstract: A mounting member for mounting an engine or transmission on a supporting ucture of a motor vehicle, is constructed as a one piece integral component made of fiber compound material in which the fiber layers have defined, preselected orientations. The damping characteristics can be optimally tuned for specific types of use or vehicles by controlling the materials and orientation of the fibers in each layer, and by controlling the number of layers. Additional damping may be achieved by inserting an elastomeric intermediate layer between the individual fiber layers. The shape of the mounting member also varies according to the load or stress to which the member will be exposed in use. The available space and the type of motor vehicle in which the member will be used are also taken into account in determining the shape, cross-sectional configuration and other structural details of the mounting member.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a fiber reinforced resin matrix composite article having fiber reinforced resin matrix bushings. These bushings are formed by tightly wrapping the fibers to form a plug having the fiber orientation from about .+-.20.degree. to about .+-.60.degree. to the central axis around which the fibers are wrapped. The plug is then snugly inserted into a hole which has been cut in the composite article such that the central axis of the plug is perpendicular to the fibers in the composite article. The entire composite article containing the plug is then cured and the plug is then drilled out forming the bushing.

Abstract: The method of the present invention produces a tape of high performance reinforcing fibers having improved alignment between the fibers and improved maintenance of that alignment in processing and molding applications. The method involves contacting one or more of the continuous high performance reinforcing fibers with a polymer impregnated mat. The polymer is compatible with any polymeric material used in the subsequent processing or molding applications. The contacting is performed with the high performance fibers under tension, and the tension is removed when the fibers are properly aligned into a tape in contact with the impregnated mat. The tape material can be used with various molding compounds such as sheet molding compounds and high reinforcement content molding compounds and thermoplastic molding materials wherein the molding compound is contacted with the tape product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an extended elongate pressed composite assembly from a plurality of strands by subjecting the strands to heat and pressure. The improvement of the present invention comprises methods for compressing a particularly arranged composite mat of strands so as to compensate for internal stresses imparted to the pressed composite assembly during its subjection to pressure because of a converging compressing zone and card decking.

Abstract: A method and device for use in the method for forming a reinforcing filamental network is the subject of this application. The network includes a pair of straight filaments (54, 56) which can extend generally parallely with respect to one another and be spaced at a given distance. A serpentine filament (58) is made to sinuate across the straight filaments (54, 56), and can be bonded thereto at intersections by means of a hot melt adhesive which impregnates the filaments (54, 56, 58) and which has a measure of flow potential when subjected to pressure.The device for forming the network includes a cylindrical cam (100) which is disposed for rotation about an axis generally parallel to the axis of one of two pressure rollers (76, 90) which effect cold flow of the hot melt adhesive with which the filaments (54, 56, 58) are impregnated. The cam (100) has a groove (110) formed in its outer surface. A shoe (108) of a reciprocating filament guide (102) rides in the groove (110).

Abstract: An annular tire tread belt is assembled of uncured resilient material having reinforcing cords. An annular container of resilient material has reinforcing cords extending between annular bead rings at the edges. The container is shaped in a toroidal configuration and the tread belt stuck to the container by a layer of suitable tacky barrier material with sufficient tack to maintain the tread belt in a centered position on the container for engagement with a centered portion of the mold. The barrier material also is sufficiently incompatible with the materials of the container and tread belt to prevent appreciable chemical bonding across the interface during curing of the tread belt. After at least partial curing of the tread belt, the tread belt is detached from the container and is ready for use in a tire.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate or sandwich suitable for structural purposes and which comprises a lightweight foam core having bonded on one or both sides a lightweight structural skin. More particularly the structural skin adapted to be bonded to the foam core to form the laminate or sandwich construction comprises a composite of resin and monofilaments. This structural skin is characterized in that these monofilaments are laid to extend along the skin without directional change relative to the extent of the skin. The monofilaments are at least 10 cm in length and are neither crimped nor woven. Within the composite forming the structural skin the ratio of resin to monofilament is ess than 2:1 by weight.

Abstract: A process of reinforcing a sheetlike substrate by applying a plurality of linear reinforcements comprising a filamentary core having a pre-coating of "hot melt" adhesive to the substrate with at least one of the linear reinforcements applied in a generally serpentine or waveform pattern to provide both in-machine and cross-machine tensile strength and tear resistance. The present invention is also an improved reinforced sheetlike substrate having the linear reinforcements applied thereon in accordance with the process. In one embodiment, adjacent linear reinforcements are applied in an overlapping or interlocking serpentine configuration onto the substrate. In one embodiment of the process, the sheetlike substrate is conducted along a path defined as the in-machine direction while the plurality of linear reinforcing members are fed through a guide member that is reciprocating transversely with respect to the in-machine direction.

Abstract: A method and device for use in the method for forming a reinforcing filamental network is the subject of this application. The network includes a pair of straight filaments (54, 56) which can extend generally parallely with respect to one another and be spaced at a given distance. A serpentine filament (58) is made to sinuate across the straight filaments (54, 56), and can be bonded thereto at intersections by means of a hot melt adhesive which impregnates the filaments (54, 56, 58) and which has a measure of flow potential when subjected to pressure.The device for forming the network includes a cylindrical cam (100) which is disposed for rotation about an axis generally parallel to the axis of one of two pressure rollers (76, 90) which effect cold flow of the hot melt adhesive with which the filaments (54, 56, 58) are impregnated. The cam (100) has a groove (110) formed in its outer surface. A shoe (108) of a reciprocating filament guide (102) rides in the groove (110).

Abstract: A novel artificial reef unit comprising a hollow structure with its peripheral framework having oblique lattice pattern windows arranged in specific relationships with fiber-reinforced plastic bands in the framework is found to be durable in the marine environment and extremely effective for gathering fish, shellfish and the like. Representative of the specific relationships include requirements that the peripheral framework of the hollow structure has a total band surface area of 15 to 50% based on the imaginary entire surface area of framework and that the windows in the framework each have an open area of 0.1 to 0.8 m.sup.2.

Abstract: Method of manufacture of discs of fiber-reinforced composite comprising layers of segments with axial and circumferential fiber alignment for superior stiffness and resistance to radial and circumferential stresses in the plane of the disc.

Abstract: A composite structural panel of high strength and toughness is relatively inexpensively formed with state-of-the-art corrugated paperboard equipment and technology by bonding structural reinforcing fiber to a corrugated medium at an approximately 15.degree. orientation angle relative to the medium flute axes.

Abstract: A high strength, fracture tough, high temperature oxidatively stable, heat insulating internal combustion engine combustion chamber component is described made of a silicon carbide fiber reinforced ceramic matrix or a silicon carbide fiber reinforced glass matrix material. An internal combustion engine containing combustion chamber components as above described is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bias fabric having parallel, spaced-apart yarns oriented .+-.45.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric is formed by directing one or more pluralities of the yarns back and forth across the width of the fabric and securing the yarns around pins mounted on movable conveyors at the opposite sides of the fabric. Alternatively, the yarns are mounted on strips of film with the film strips being secured to the opposite conveyors. In one preferred embodiment one or more elongated yarn laying units arranged to supply yarns through apertures along the length thereof are cycled laterally between the opposite conveyors as the conveyors are moved at a controlled speed to form a 2-ply fabric, the yarns being wrapped around pins on the opposite conveyors using an adjustable roller arrangement mounted on the shuttle or a plurality of pin mounting rings the alternate ones of which move in unison so as to engage odd and then even numbered yarns in the yarn array.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite is disclosed having high strength, fracture toughness, and oxidative stability even at high temperature use. The composite is made up of a plurality of ceramic layers, each layer reinforced with a plurality of unidirectional continuous length silicon carbide fibers, each layer having an axial flexural strength greater than 70,000 psi and a high fracture toughness, exemplified by a critical stress intensity factor greater than 10.times.10.sup.3 psi (inch).sup.1/2. The composite is formed by starting with the ceramic matrix material in the glassy state and converting it from the glassy state to the ceramic state after densification of the composite.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite vehicle wheel, and a method and apparatus for construction thereof. The wheel comprises a disc portion having reinforcing fibers in substantially random orientation disposed predominantly in planes perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a rim portion having directional first reinforcing fibers substantially parallel to each other and oriented circumferentially of or substantially parallel to the wheel axis, or both, and second reinforcing fibers which are substantially randomly oriented circumferentially of the wheel axis. The method includes formation of separate rim and disc charges from sheet molding plastic resin compound and compression molding of the charges to form an integral composite rim and disc structure of essentially homogeneous resin reinforced by the fibers.

Abstract: A machine degradable reinforced paper barrier material embodies at least two laminar sheets of paper in face-to-face relationship with a plurality of reinforcing strands of repulpable paper therebetween. The sheets are secured to each other and to the reinforcing strands by an adherer.

Abstract: A reinforced thermoplastic lightweight film sheet is disclosed in which a lightweight plastic net or net-like product is freely sandwiched between at least two layers of lightweight thermoplastic film. The net is freely movable with respect to the film layers except along selected strips where at least the plastic film layers are bonded together fixedly securing the net thereat therebetween. The reinforced sheet is especially useful as bagging material where it exhibits increased burst strength and rupture resistance and reduced elongation and creep.

Abstract: A no-wax ski base is formed of a composite material in which relatively harder particles are uniformly distributed in a plastic matrix. The harder particles are angularly oriented with respect to the gliding surface of the ski base to provide a unidirectional friction coefficient that combines good gliding properties in the ski forward direction with good grip properties in the backward or "kick off" direction of the ski. These friction properties are maintained throughout the entire life of the ski base irrespective of wear. The ski base may be manufactured by extruding the plastic composite material through a split nozzle while causing it to flow substantially asymmetrically through the split nozzle to obtain the angular orientation of the harder particles in the plastic matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure having a preferential direction, said structure comprising a main bundle constituted by equidistant rectilinear elements parallel to the preferential direction and four connecting bundles oriented in four different directions. A first and a second connecting bundle are formed of elements disposed in rows in planes parallel to the planes defined by the rows of the main bundle, the rows of the first and of the second bundle being disposed alternately in gaps between rows of elements of the main bundle. A third and a fourth connecting bundle are formed of elements disposed in rows in planes parallel to the planes defined by the alignments of opposite elements of adjacent rows of the main bundle, the rows of the third and fourth bundles being disposed alternately in gaps between alignments of elements of the main bundle. The structure is suitable as reinforcement for a composite material.

Abstract: An improved elongated blade or blade spar comprises successive low-pitch circumferentially wrapped convolutions of a synthetic resin impregnated tape having elongated cut glass and substantially parallel and equal length filaments wherein successive convolutions are overlapped approximately 50% and wherein the axis of the elongated strands lie at an angle of less than 30.degree. from the elongated spar axis. Preferably, resin impregnated filamentary strands are circumferentially wrapped around the mandrel substantially parallel with the direction of the tape wrap between selected tape layers. The improved blade spar mandrel wrapping apparatus includes a split ring support for the mandrel and through which the mandrel extends. The support ring halves may be separated, moved and rejoined during the mandrel wrapping process.

Abstract: A structure based on velour fabric, having at least a first layer and a second layer and intermediate ribs connecting these layers provides a production-efficient, stable and nevertheless light-weight product. The velour fabric is made of a commercial yarn such as aramid fiber, carbon fiber, ceramic fiber or in particular glass fiber. The velour fabric is resin-hardened, wherein the intermediate ribs .[.for.]. .Iadd.form .Iaddend.rigid spacing elements between the first layer and the second layer.