Abstract: Structurally enhanced preformed layers of multiple rigid unidirectional rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements in a variety of composite components, e.g. wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Individual rods include aligned unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. A plurality of rods are loosely attached, e.g. knitted, together with a coupling that allows for each rod to be axially displaced, e.g. slideable, relative to another rod.

Abstract: A building panel with a high degree of isotropy with regard to the load bearing capacity and flexural strength. The building panel includes a first section and a second section, each section including at least one layer, each of the at least one layer having fibers, whereby the fibers are distributed substantially homogeneously throughout each layer, substantially parallel to the main surfaces of the panel and oriented predominantly in the same direction and the sections are firmly joined in transverse direction, and the first section is thinner than the second section.

Abstract: An overlay mark includes a first feature extending in an X-direction, wherein the first feature is a first distance from a substrate. The overlay mark further includes a second feature extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, wherein the second feature is a second distance from the substrate, and the second distance is different from the first distance, wherein at least one of the first feature or the second feature comprises a conductive material. The overlay mark further includes a third feature extending in the X-direction and the Y-direction, wherein the third feature is a third distance from the substrate, and the third distance is different from the first distance and the second distance. The first distance, the second distance and the third distance from the substrate are along a Z-direction perpendicular to both the X-direction and the Y-direction.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a seal including a main body extending circumferentially between opposed mate faces. The main body has a sealing portion and an engagement portion extending outwardly from sealing portion along at least one of the mate faces. The main body has a core including one or more core plies arranged to establish an internal cavity. An overwrap has one or more overwrap plies arranged to follow a perimeter of the one or more core plies to establish the engagement portion and the sealing portion. A platform insert extends between portions of the core and the overwrap to establish the sealing portion. A method of fabricating a seal for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a composite component, e.g. wind turbine blade, comprises forming a composite structure within a mold, the composite structure including a resin dispersed throughout the fibers in the composite structure and applying a surface treatment, e.g. sanding, to at least one region of the composite structure. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer is employed to irradiate the treated surface area with infrared light; and determining the amount of infrared light absorbed in the treated area of the composite structure to measure the chemical bond (distribution efficacy, chemical composition, and cure state) of the composite product. Calibration models for a variety of materials are made using a partial least squares 2-variable regression. These calibration files incorporate spectrum from samples of varying resin-hardener mix ratio, and at varying degree of cure.

Abstract: Provided are transaction cards with a reduced weight core. In some approaches, a transaction card may include a body having a first outer layer opposite a second outer layer, and a corrugated core between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, wherein the corrugated core comprises a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys coupled to the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The transaction card may further include an identification chip positioned through the first outer layer, wherein the identification chip is directly coupled to the corrugated core.

Abstract: A floatable fish tank comprising: a hull having a lower part with side and bottom walls, the lower part forming an enclosure for fish; a deck arranged at an upper part of the hull; a central column fixed within the hull, wherein the central column is closed at its lower end section and extends from the bottom wall to the deck.

Abstract: A polymer-bound refill for writing, drawing and/or painting devices, in particular for pencils or coloured pencils, including at least one binder, at least one wax, at least one colouring agent and at least one filler. The refill includes polylactide as binder.

Abstract: An automatic laminating apparatus includes: a lay-up head provided with a raw-cloth roller on which a thermoplastic prepreg is wound and a pressing device for pressing the thermoplastic prepreg drawn from the raw-cloth roller against a lamination surface; and a welding device provided with a welding head pressed against the thermoplastic prepreg to temporarily weld the thermoplastic prepreg to the lamination surface, the automatic laminating apparatus laminating the thermoplastic prepreg by performing a lamination operation of moving the lay-up head to lay the thermoplastic prepreg having a predetermined length on the lamination surface, in which the welding device is provided in the lay-up head, and the automatic laminating apparatus further comprises a drive control device that causes the welding device to perform temporary welding of the thermoplastic prepreg laid in the lamination operation in a course of the lamination operation.

Abstract: A stiffening element that includes one or more integral current flowpaths may include: a first layer including carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic plies; a second layer including one or more glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic plies; and/or a third layer including aluminum. The third layer may form an outer surface of the stiffening element. The third layer may form at least part of the one or more integral current flowpaths. A method of using a stiffening element that comprises one or more integral current flowpaths as part of a current return network for a stiffened structure may include: selecting the stiffening element that includes a first layer including carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic plies, a second layer including one or more glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic plies, and/or a third layer including aluminum; and/or routing current from the current return network through the one or more integral current flowpaths of the selected stiffening element.

Abstract: An adhesive tape is made by hot calendering a substrate between two generally identical rolls one of which is heated to a different temperature than the other roll while rotating the rolls at the same peripheral speed to flatten one face of the substrate and reduce air permeability of the substrate by at least 15%. Then an adhesive coating is applied to at least one of the faces of the substrate.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes at least one blade segment defining an airfoil surface and an internal support structure. The internal support structure is formed, at least in part, of a first portion constructed of a first composite material and a second portion constructed of a different, second composite material, the second composite material arranged in a plurality of layers. The first and second portions are connected together via a scarf joint. Each of the plurality of layers of the second composite material includes an end that terminates at the scarf joint. The scarf joint includes a different, third composite material arranged between the first and second composite materials. The third composite material includes a plurality of segments, each of which is arranged so as to completely wrap the ends of the plurality of layers of the second composite material.

Abstract: A laminate structure may include: an aluminum layer; a glass composite layer adjacent to the aluminum layer; and/or a carbon composite layer adjacent to the glass composite layer, opposite to the aluminum layer. The glass composite layer may include one or more glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepreg plies. The carbon composite layer may include one or more carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepreg plies. A laminate structure may include: a first aluminum layer; a first glass composite layer adjacent to the first aluminum layer; a first carbon composite layer adjacent to the first glass composite layer, and opposite to the first aluminum layer; and/or a second glass composite layer adjacent to the first carbon composite layer, and opposite to the first glass composite layer. The first glass composite layer may include one or more glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepreg plies. The first carbon composite layer may include one or more carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic prepreg plies.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorption method includes receiving a force from kinetic energy at a composite article and distributing a load associated with the force across a designated pattern of lower strength length portions or lower modulus length portions of fibers within the composite article, where the load is distributed by: plastically deforming a ply and a matrix material; separating multiple substantially parallel fibers at the lower strength length portions or plastically stretching the multiple substantially parallel fibers at the lower modulus length portions; and creating gaps in the ply where the multiple substantially parallel fibers are separated or creating shear boundaries in the ply where the multiple substantially parallel fibers are plastically stretched.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorptive composite article includes a first ply and a plurality of inherently straight first fibers contained in the first ply. First length portions of the first fibers are arranged with first localized ripples that deviate from and return to individual first routes of respective first length portions. The article includes a second ply parallel to the first ply, a plurality of inherently straight second fibers contained in the first ply or the second ply, and a matrix material at least partially encapsulating the first and second plies. Second length portions of the second fibers are arranged without localized ripples or with second localized ripples that deviate from individual second routes of respective second length portions to a lesser extent than the first localized ripples and return to the individual second routes. The second routes are substantially parallel to the first routes.

Abstract: A method for producing an engineered wood material may include a matrix material and filler material. In some embodiments, a separate binder and/or adhesive is not required. The matrix and filler materials may be bio-based and/or renewable materials. The engineered wood material may be produced by compressing the mixed components together under pressure at an elevated temperature for a predetermined amount of time. An advantage of the present invention may be that such materials are easily and cheaply replenished, as opposed to non-bio-based materials which include petroleum-based or other non-renewable products in their manufacture.

Abstract: A composite down feather sheet is comprised of an insulating core of down feathers bound together by a chemical binding agent or binding fibers or combination thereof. The core of down feathers is of substantially constant thickness and defines opposed flat faces to which is bonded a web of stretchable elastic adhesive. The method of fabricating the composite down insulating fabric sheet is also described as well as the method of bonding the composite down insulating fabric sheet to an outer shell fabric and a liner fabric to provide a composite sheet which facilitate the manufacture of down feather insulated fabric articles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube composite includes: a laminate forming step of forming, on a conductive base material made of a first metal having conductivity, a buffer layer made of a second metal capable of mutual diffusion with the first metal, and forming, on the buffer layer, a catalyst layer made of seed catalyst particles which catalyze formation of carbon nanotubes; a buffer layer diffusion step of performing heat treatment on the laminate; and a carbon nanotube layer forming step of forming the carbon nanotubes on the catalyst layer of the laminate by a chemical vapor deposition method, wherein the heat treatment is performed so as to form a solid phase diffusion region where the first metal and the second metal are solid-phase diffused from a surface of the conductive base material to a predetermined depth selected from depths of 850 nm or more.

Abstract: Many garments made of denim material have factory created one or more discontinuities exposing a group of parallel threads and referred to as “distressed denim”. Sometimes, some or all of these threads become torn or rips or tears occur in the denim garment to create a discontinuity. A patch to cover the discontinuity is made of a plurality of side by side threads attached to one side of an adhesive panel and fabric material is attached to the other side of the adhesive panel. The threads, or entire patch, may be printed with indicia.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced thermoplastic-resin base includes continuous reinforcing fibers aligned in parallel to each other and a thermoplastic resin is impregnated thereinto, wherein the base has a fiber volume content of 40-65 vol % and a dispersion parameter D of the fibers, determined by (i)-(iv), of 90% or more: (i) a cross-section of the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic-resin base that is perpendicular to the alignment direction of the reinforcing fibers is divided into a plurality of sections, and one of the sections is photographed, (ii) the photograph image of the section is divided into a plurality of square units each having a one-side length t, (iii) a dispersion parameter d is calculated, (iv) with respect to other sections, (i) to (iii) are repeatedly performed, and an average value of dispersion parameters d of the plurality of sections is dispersion parameter D.

Abstract: In a system and method for making a capped structure having a variegated cap layer a layer of cap materials is applied to a substrate and pin stripes are applied onto the cap layer through an extrusion die. After these materials exit the extrusion die they are passed through a single opening in a die plate to create a capped structure having a variegated appearance. This capped structure has a smooth surface that enables an embosser to create a consistent embossing pattern on the entire surface.

Abstract: Fiber-containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prepregs are described that include a first and second plurality of fibers. The second plurality of fibers is made from a different material than the first plurality of fibers. The PMMA prepregs also contain a polymerized resin that includes polymethyl methacrylate that has been formed from a reactive resin composition that includes methyl methacrylate. Methods of making fiber-containing PMMA prepregs are also described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a gasket capable of maintaining a surface pressure for a long period of time while securing sealing performance and improving durability and a manufacturing method thereof. A gasket includes a first annular portion which is formed by a metal wire woven fabric and has a seal target hole and a main body portion which is formed by a metal wire woven fabric and is in contact with an outer peripheral edge of the first annular portion, in which a metal wire of the metal wire woven fabric and a metal wire of the metal wire woven fabric are entangled so that the first annular portion and the main body portion are joined to each other and a gap between the metal wires forming the first annular portion is sealed by a resin.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorptive composite article includes a ply containing multiple substantially parallel fibers having inherent failure strains and having inherent moduli. A matrix material at least partially encapsulates the ply. The ply includes multiple lower strength length portions or multiple lower modulus length portions. The multiple lower strength length portions are distributed along individual fibers of the multiple fibers and have failure strains less than the inherent failure strains. The multiple lower modulus length portions are distributed along individual fibers of the multiple fibers and have moduli less than the inherent moduli. A designated pattern of the lower strength length portions or of the lower modulus length portions is distributed to selected locations identified in the ply. An absorptive method includes distributing a load across the designated pattern when the ply receives a force from kinetic energy.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of a tank. The manufacturing method comprises a cooling process of cooling down a resin-adhering fiber bundle that has a resin adhering to a fiber bundle; and a winding process of winding the resin-adhering fiber bundle that is cooled down by the cooling process, on a rotating liner. The cooling process cools down the resin-adhering fiber bundle to make a temperature of the resin-adhering fiber bundle that is being wound on the liner in the winding process, equal to or lower than a set temperature which is set in advance as a temperature to provide a viscosity of the resin that prevents the resin from being splashed from the resin-adhering fiber bundle by rotation of the liner in a course of winding the resin-adhering fiber bundle on the liner.

Abstract: A kinetic energy absorptive composite article includes a first ply and a plurality of inherently straight first fibers contained in the first ply. First length portions of the first fibers are arranged with first localized ripples that deviate from and return to individual first routes of respective first length portions. The article includes a second ply parallel to the first ply, a plurality of inherently straight second fibers contained in the first ply or the second ply, and a matrix material at least partially encapsulating the first and second plies. Second length portions of the second fibers are arranged without localized ripples or with second localized ripples that deviate from individual second routes of respective second length portions to a lesser extent than the first localized ripples and return to the individual second routes. The second routes are substantially parallel to the first routes.

Abstract: An inner peripheral surface of a belt is cogged so that cogs extend in a belt width direction and are arranged adjacent to one another at regular intervals in a belt length direction. A tip portion of the cog and a bottom portion of a groove formed between the cogs have curved surfaces each having an arc-shaped cross section. A curvature radius of a cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion of the groove is set to be larger than a curvature radius of a cross-sectional shape of the tip portion of the cog.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure includes providing a polymer substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A first carbon nanotube layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes is placed on the first surface to form a preformed structure, wherein the carbon nanotube layer and the polymer substrate are stacked with each other. The preformed structure is scanned with a laser according to a predetermined pattern. The treated preformed structure includes a first part and a second part. The first part is scanned by the laser, and the second part is not scanned by the laser. The first part includes a plurality of first carbon nanotubes, and the second part includes a plurality of second carbon nanotubes. The plurality of second carbon nanotubes is removed.

Abstract: A vacuum bagging diaphragm assembly used in forming a component from composite material includes a first sheet of a first material. Also included is a second sheet of a second material for positioning between a three dimensional forming tool and the first sheet. A modulus of elasticity of the second material is greater than a modulus of elasticity of the first material. A method includes a step of positioning a composite laminate material between a first sheet of a first material and a second sheet of a second material. The second material has a modulus of elasticity greater than a modulus of elasticity of the first material. The method further includes a step of positioning the second material of the second sheet in overlying relationship to a three dimensional forming tool with the second material positioned between the three dimensional forming tool and the composite material.

Abstract: A curable resin composition capable of providing good OHC performance at elevated temperatures when used in polymer matrix composites. This resin composition includes, as major components, one or more multifunctional benzoxazine compounds and cycloaliphatic epoxy resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes creating a three-dimensional, carbon-containing structure using an additive manufacturing technique and converting the three-dimensional, carbon-containing structure to a substantially pure carbon structure. Moreover, the substantially pure carbon structure has an average feature diameter of less than about 100 nm. In another embodiment, a product includes a substantially pure carbon structure having an average feature diameter of less than about 100 nm. In yet another embodiment, a product includes an aerogel having inner channels corresponding to outer walls of a three-dimensional printed template around which the aerogel was formed. In addition, the inner channels have an average feature diameter of less than about 100 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a flat fiber-reinforced plastic strand which is produced by curing a twisted resin-impregnated strand and has no disturbed fiber orientation, and a flat fiber-reinforced plastic strand sheet which is produced by using said flat fiber-reinforced plastic strands. According to a method of manufacturing the flat fiber-reinforced plastic strand 2, (a) a twisted resin-impregnated strand f2 in an uncured state, the strand including a plurality of reinforcing fibers f, is fed in a state of tension between a pair of heated steel belts 41A and 41B facing each other and making rotation movements; and (b) the resin-impregnated strand f2 is sandwiched and heated by the steel belts 41A and 41B, and pressurized from both sides of the strand f2 to form a cross section of the strand into a flat shape, and, with the shape being kept, a resin is cured and cooled.

Abstract: A multifunctional fully integral panel system design, a unique material configuration, and a process for fabricating a net shape (or nearly net shape) panel in one production cycle. The panel may comprise a base facing with an outer perimeter, a decorative film applied to the exterior of the base facing, an aft facing having an outer perimeter fused to the base facing, and a reinforcement core disposed between the unfused portions of the base and aft facings, which reinforcement core also acts as acoustic insulation (i.e., a noise attenuator). Alternatively or additionally, a foam core or blanket having thermal and/or acoustic insulation properties is attached to the external surface of the aft facing. The fabrication process involves the application of different heat treatments to panel components having different forming temperature or rubbery/elastic plateaus.

Abstract: A toothed belt includes an endless back portion, a plurality of belt teeth arranged on a face of the back portion at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of the back portion; and a core made of an elastic knitted or unwoven fabric and embedded in the back portion. Both of the belt teeth and the back portion are made of rubber. The core is not exposed from inter-tooth portions which are located between the belt teeth. In the core, a difference between the position of a point that is closest to the belt teeth in a belt thickness direction and the position of a point that is closest to a back face of the belt in the belt thickness direction is limited to 0.5 mm or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a graphene-based touch sensor device using triboelectric effect, the device comprising: a substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate; a graphene channel layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the graphene channel layer is flush with the first electrode layer, and is spaced from the first electrode layer; a gate dielectric layer in partial contact with the electrode layer and the graphene channel layer respectively; source and drain electrodes formed on both opposing ends of the graphene channel layer respectively; and a triboelectric layer formed on the first electrode layer, wherein the triboelectric layer generates a triboelectric potential via contact of an external friction material therewith, wherein the contact of the external friction material is detected based on a current change in the graphene channel layer due to the triboelectric potential applied thereto.

Abstract: Provided are a layered substrate that has excellent mechanical properties such as a flexural strength or a flexural modulus applicable to a structural material, the variations in those mechanical properties are small, exhibits excellent formability into a complicated shape, and is able to be molded in a short time, and a method for manufacturing the same. A layered substrate fabricated by layering plural sheets of sheet-shaped prepregs containing a reinforcing fiber oriented in one direction and a thermoplastic matrix resin, wherein the prepreg has a slit penetrating from the front surface to the back surface, each slit is provided so as to intersect with each reinforcing fiber only one time.

Abstract: Semi-preg material is disclosed adapted for use in composite material comprising a) a first resin layer, b) covered on both side by layers of fibrous reinforcements whereby c) one of the two fabric layers is coated with a second resin layer and d) wherein said second resin layer has a tack level of not more than 100 N. Such semi-preg material has improved handling properties and contributes to the superior mechanical properties of the composite material formed therewith.

Abstract: Compressed carbon nanotube aerogel materials can be used in heat management and thermal shielding applications. Methods for heat management and thermal shielding of an object can include placing a compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material between an object and its surrounding environment, and establishing a thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material by exposing the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material to the object or to the surrounding environment. When the object and the surrounding environment are in thermal communication with one another, the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material can reduce an amount of heat transferred between the object and the surrounding environment. As a result of establishing the thermal gradient within the compressed carbon nanotube aerogel material, an electric current may be generated in some instances.

Abstract: A leather-like sheet containing a microfine long-fiber nonwoven fabric containing an entangled web structure made of bundles of microfine long fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated in the microfine long-fiber nonwoven fabric. The leather-like sheet has a machine direction/transverse direction ratio of breaking strength of 1/1 to 1.3/1, an elongation at break in each of the machine direction and the transverse direction of 80% or more, and a machine direction/transverse direction ratio of elongation at break of 1/1 to 1/1.5. The leather-like sheet has a natural dense feeling, a soft hand, a small difference of mechanical properties in the machine direction and the transverse direction, a moderate resistance to elongation and a durable recovery.

Abstract: A structural member that contains a solid lineal profile (516, 600, 700) that is formed from a plurality of consolidated ribbons (12). Each of the ribbons includes unidirectionally aligned continuous fibers embedded within a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The continuous fiber ribbons (12) are laminated together during pultrusion to form an integral solid profile (516, 600, 700) having very high tensile strength properties.

Abstract: A coil material capable of contributing to an improvement of the productivity of a high-strength magnesium alloy sheet and a method for manufacturing the coil material are provided. Regarding the method for manufacturing a coil material through coiling of a sheet material formed from a metal into the shape of a cylinder, so as to produce the coil material, the sheet material is a cast material of a magnesium alloy discharged from a continuous casting machine and the thickness t (mm) thereof is 7 mm or less. The sheet material 1 is coiled with a coiler while the temperature T (° C.) of the sheet material 1 just before coiling is controlled to be a temperature at which the surface strain ((t/R)×100) represented by the thickness t and the bending radius R (mm) of the sheet material 1 becomes less than or equal to the elongation at room temperature of the sheet material 1.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a steering wheel can comprise: a plastic top armature portion comprising a top rim portion and a top spoke portion, the top spoke portion extending radially inward from the top rim portion; and a plastic bottom armature portion comprising a hub, a bottom rim portion, and a bottom spoke portion, the bottom spoke portion extending radially inward to the hub. The top armature portion can be attached to the bottom armature portion with a plurality of snap mechanisms, wherein each snap mechanism comprises a snap fit protrusion that engages an aperture. The armature can be configured to attach to a vehicle steering column.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion-coated structural systems including one or more reinforced structural members, as well as methods of making and using the same. Structural systems of the present invention that include at least one reinforced member may exhibit enhanced strength, functionality, and/or durability, while being simpler to assemble and more aesthetic than similar conventional systems. Structural systems according to embodiments of the present invention can be suitable for use in a variety of applications, including as ready-to-assemble furniture or cabinetry or as building and construction materials such as wall board, flooring, trim, and the like.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoplastic composite material with continuous fiber reinforcement by stamping. A flat blank comprising a pre-consolidated stack of plies by automatic fiber placement of fibers referred to as the thermoplastic pre-impregnated fibers is obtained. The flat blank is reheated to a temperature greater than or equal to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer making up the matrix of the thermoplastic pre-impregnated fibers. The reheated flat blank is hot stamped and the part formed between the stamping punch and die is consolidated.

Abstract: A decorated card having at least one leaf, and a cutout formed in the leaf and defined by a cutout outline. The card is characterized by the fact that it has at least two threads extending under tension across the cutout outline, and a plurality of spangles, the spangles being held suspended from each of the threads under tension so as to cover at least part of the area defined by the cutout outline. A manufacturing method is also provided.

Abstract: Composite anti-ballistic systems having multiple nested sub-laminates manufactured from layers of unidirectional monofilaments made from engineering fibers with anti-ballistic properties embedded in polymer matrix materials and interfacial materials engineered for controlled compliance, deformation, energy release and rate sensitive behavior.

Abstract: A penetration-resistant article is provided comprising two or more layers of woven fabric. The layers of woven fabric each comprise a first series of fibers aligned in a first direction and a second series of fibers interwoven with the first series of fibers and aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Two or more layers of woven fabric are loosely stacked together so as to permit relative slippage therebetween and are rotationally offset by an offset angle selected so as to inhibit mechanical interference between opposing adjacent surfaces of the woven fabric layers during slippage therebetween. Also provided are methods for assembling penetration-resistant articles.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an article for use in body armor, comprising a plurality of discrete sheet subassemblies contoured to the shape of a female breast arranged in a stack, without bonding, such that the breast contours are positioned on top of each other, each of the subassemblies comprising at least two nonwoven layers of high tenacity yarns such as par-aramid, a binder and a resin.

Abstract: A laminate for joining parts of composite material includes a first layer of adhesive material, a second layer of preimpregnated composite material, adjacent to the first layer, and a third layer of adhesive material, adjacent to the second layer. A method for joining at least two parts of composite material with a laminate includes the steps of providing already cured composite material parts, positioning the laminate for joining between two cured parts, and applying pressure and temperature to the whole structure including the at least two parts and the laminate, in such a way that the laminate is cured and the at least two parts are joined together in a resulting structure.

Abstract: A moldable composite material contains flakes of composite material, i.e., flakes of polymeric matrix materials having fibers embedded therein. An improved substrate is provided by providing a substrate and applying a coating onto the substrate, the coating containing the flakes of composite material. A first construction member can be secured to a second construction member by applying the coating onto an attachment region of the first construction member, and applying a fastener onto the first construction member in the coated attachment region to secure the first construction member to the second construction member.