Fiber Embedded In A Metal Matrix Patents (Class 428/293.1)
  • Patent number: 7364794
    Abstract: An oxidation resistant carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite material comprises a matrix and 20 volume % or more of carbon fibers, and is characterized in that: the matrix contains ceramic powder that includes boron carbide powder having an average particle diameter of 5 ?m or less; and an amount of the ceramic powder is 32 volume % or more based on volume of the carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yumi Ohnishi, Toshiaki Sogabe
  • Patent number: 7338703
    Abstract: Composites are provided having improved strength and rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, as compared to known polymeric composites or polymeric composites in combination with metal reinforcement. The composites of the present invention are metallic-polymeric composites and are comprised of polymeric composites and metallic composites. Such metallic-polymeric composites provide for composite parts having improved strength and/or rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, compared to other composite parts. The composite parts of the present invention have potential utility, for example, as aerospace craft leading edges, bodies, panels, and control surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Merriman
  • Patent number: 7279230
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced metal-ceramic composite material having a hot ceramic side and a cool metal side and a graded ceramic-metal zone therebetween, wherein the ceramic content of said composite ranges from 100% at said hot ceramic side to 0% at said cool metal side and the metal content of said composite ranges from 0% at said hot ceramic side to 100% at said cool metal side, and wherein said fiber reinforcement is graded by coefficient of thermal expansion from the hot ceramic side to the cool metal side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kerans, Triplicane A. Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 7220492
    Abstract: Mold components comprising soluble cores, metal matrix composite articles, and methods of making metal matrix composite articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Fick, James P. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7078098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to composites useful for shielding electromagnetic radiation and their manufacture. In general, the composites of the present invention comprise conductive fibers which are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix. The invention also relates to pellets and their manufacture. Such pellets are useful in the manufacture of composites comprising highly dispersed conductive fibers in a polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Bencich Woodside, Dale Edwin McCoy
  • Patent number: 7052763
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a connector or circuit includes a substrate having a plurality of conductive members and a plurality of non-conductive members. The conductive members include a plurality of conductive fibers in association with a polymer material. The conductive members and the non-conductive members are disposed in the substrate member and are selectively situated with respect to each other forming a modular matrix configuration of contacts suitable for an array or association with other circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Swift, Stanley J. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7045207
    Abstract: Friction bodies made of a fiber-reinforced porous carbon material in which the reinforcing fibers are present in the form of woven fabrics, short fibers and/or long fibers and whose pores are filled with metals, wherein carbides of the metals filling the pores are present in the material in a mass fraction of not more than 10%, a process for their production and the use thereof in brake and clutch systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: SGL Carbon AG
    Inventors: Ronald Hüner, Xaver Rothmair
  • Patent number: 6998171
    Abstract: A fine carbon fiber having a multilayer structure having stacked cylindrical carbon sheets and a center axis having a hollow structure. The fine carbon fiber has an outer diameter of 2 to 300 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 15,000, and at least one cylindrical carbon sheet layer among the multiple layers is folded at an end part of the carbon fiber and continued to another cylindrical carbon sheet. The folded and continued cylindrical carbon sheets form a cylindrical structure opened at the end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Showa Denko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Morita, Hitoshi Inoue, Yutaka Suhara
  • Patent number: 6936341
    Abstract: Process for a fiber-reinforced ceramic material whose reinforcing fibers are present in the form of at least one of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers, wherein the mass ratio of the fibers in the form of woven fabrics, short fibers and long fibers is 0-35:25-80:0-45 and at least a part of the reinforcing fibers has at least one protective layer of carbon produced by pyrolysis of resins or pitches, boron compounds or phosphorus compounds or combinations thereof which have been deposited thereon, a process for producing it and its use as material for brake linings
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: SGL Carbon AG
    Inventors: Ronald Hüner, Moritz Bauer, Peter Winkelmann
  • Patent number: 6916550
    Abstract: A method for mechanically cutting a continuous circular shaped groove in a foil sheet for use in a metal matrix composite product. In one form the foil sheet is held adjacent a rotating machine tool by vacuum and a cutting tool is moved relative thereto to cut a spiral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Allison Advanced Development Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Ress, Jr., Jason E. Dundas, Preston E. Light, Brian P. King
  • Patent number: 6855407
    Abstract: An electroconductive resin composition, which comprises a thermosetting resin as a matrix and 40 to 90% by weight, on the basis of the composition, of carbon fibers and graphite as fillers, has a high electroconductivity and is suitable for use as a molding material for fuel cell separators. By using a molding material comprising phenol resin as a matrix and at least one kind of carbon fibers and graphite being coated by an electroconductive metal and molding fuel cell separators from the molding material, followed by post-curing at 130 to 300° C., fuel cell separators with a stable power generation capacity can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ishioka, Shigeru Watanabe, Takaaki Yasudomi
  • Patent number: 6852401
    Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Beacon Power Corporation
    Inventors: Ward R. Spears, Cynthia L. Shirey
  • Patent number: 6844054
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Thermo Composite, LLC
    Inventor: Bradford L. Whatley
  • Patent number: 6842634
    Abstract: Production of a superconducting tape of the powder-in-tube type comprising multiple filaments (1) of superconducting material embedded in a silver matrix (2) having the properties of a filament thickness of less than about 40 ?m and an overall tape thickness in the range from about 0.45 mm to 1.20 mm. A superconducting power cable including a tubular copper former (3) defining a cooling duct (4) about which superconducting tape is helically laid in two layers of either the same or opposite hand. The cable further includes thermal insulation (5), an electrical screen (6), electrical insulation (7), a further electrical screen (8) and containment (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Metal Manufacturers Limited
    Inventor: Francis Anthony Darmann
  • Patent number: 6838161
    Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material is obtained by molding and curing a composition which includes a fibrous base other than asbestos, a binder and a filler wherein the fibrous base contains no inorganic fibers having a length of at least 5 ?m, a diameter of up to 3 ?m and an aspect ratio greater than 3, and the binder includes a resin having a flow of at most 27 mm at 125° C. The friction materials having a porosity of 8 to 20% exhibit a good braking performance and stability, are endowed with good resistance to fade and wear, provide enhanced safety and hygiene during production, and have minimal impact on the human body from dust generated during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Tadokoro, Takayuki Ohe, Takeo Nagata, Jun Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6824861
    Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Beacon Power Corporation
    Inventor: Ward R. Spears
  • Patent number: 6818288
    Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic composites which comprise at least two layers of a multidirectional woven fiber fabric as reinforcement, with at least 5% of the area of each layer of woven fiber fabric being permeated by matrix material, friction disks comprising these composites as core zone or support zone, a process for producing them and their use as brake disks or clutch disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: SGL Carbon AG
    Inventors: Moritz Bauer, Andreas Kienzle, Ingrid Kraetschmer, Mario Krupka
  • Patent number: 6805946
    Abstract: Fibrous monolith processing techniques to fabricate multifunctional structures capable of performing more than one discrete function such as structures capable of bearing structural loads and mechanical stresses in service and also capable of performing at least one additional non-structural function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Mulligan, John Halloran, Dragan Popovich, Mark J. Rigali, Manish P. Sutaria, K. Ranji Vaidyanathan, Michael L. Fulcher, Kenneth L. Knittel
  • Patent number: 6787223
    Abstract: A flexure including a plurality of plies of composite material consolidated everywhere except at at least one predefined region where preselected adjacent plies are purposefully delaminated so they can move relative to each other when the flexure is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Warren
  • Patent number: 6777093
    Abstract: A bond layer for a silicon based substrate comprises a silicon layer having a dispersion of particulate material therein, wherein the particulate material is selected from the group consisting of (1) alumina, (2) yttria, (3) aluminum silicate, (4) compounds of rare earth elements, alkaline earth elements, aluminum, oxygen, yttrium, nitrogen, niobium, tantalum, hafnium, zirconium, carbon, silicon and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Greg C. Ojard, Harry E. Eaton, Shantikumar V. Nair
  • Publication number: 20040142158
    Abstract: It relates to a brake material which has a coefficient of dynamic friction sufficient for exhibiting desired braking performance, and exhibits a wear resistance at least equal to or higher than that of a conventionally used C/C composite even under high temperature conditions. The brake material is characterized by comprising a C/C composite and a matrix comprising copper, and having a coefficient of dynamic friction of at least 0.01.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Hanzawa, Naoki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20040131835
    Abstract: A heat dissipating structure includes a composite having a thermal expansion coefficient between 30° C. and 250 ° C. in a range from 2 to 13.10−6 K−1, a volume mass below 3000 kg·m−3, and a conductivity equal to or greater than 113 W·m−1·K−1. The composite is formed by a matrix which is made of a metal, polymer, or resin, in combination with a reinforcement component. The reinforcement component contains microfibers at a volume proportion in a range from 5 to 90% and nanofibers at a volume proportion from 1 to 60%, with the composite obtained through infiltration of the reinforcement component by the metal in liquid state or the polymer and resin in liquid or uncured state. Applied onto the composite is a surface layer having entirely or at least partially a metallic character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: ELECTROVAC, FABRIKATION ELEKTROTECHNISCHER SPEZIALARTIKEL GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Theodore Nicolas Schmitt, Klaus Dieter Mauthner, Ernst Hammel
  • Publication number: 20040112565
    Abstract: Wires and cables made from ceramic oxide fibers encapsulated within a matrix that includes aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Colin McCullough, Doug E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040086701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced structural element comprising a metallic matrix and a reinforcement comprising inorganic fibers, the reinforcement at least partially penetrating through the structural element. The reinforcement is designed in the form of a fabric in at least two dimensions. The structural element with a wall thickness of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm takes the form of a metal sheet or semifinished product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Brinkschroeder, Wolfgang Fussnegger, Karl-Heinz Fueller, Tilman Haug, Michael Scheydecker, Tanja Tschirge, Karl-Ludwig Weisskopf
  • Patent number: 6730394
    Abstract: On joining a fibre-reinforced plastic part, such as a plastic fibre-reinforced robot arm, to a functional element such as a gear, as a result of the flow characteristics of the plastic in the case of a high pressing action or high pressures, the joints are no longer stable or resistant and instead tend to loosen. To obviate this problem, the invention provides a fibre-reinforced plastic part, in which several metallic parts (6) engage through at least one fibre-reinforced shoulder (4). On one side of the shoulder or shoulders (4) is provided at least one metallic abutment (8) engaging over several metallic parts (6) and a functional element (2) is braced from the opposite side of the shoulder or shoulders (4) with the abutment (8) against the front ends (6a), facing the latter, of metallic parts (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Bayer, Wolfgang Bohlken, Joachim Markert
  • Patent number: 6730412
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal matrix composite having stable performance without extremely weak portions and capable of assuring strength with a simple structure, the metal matrix composite being formed by hot-pressing or hot-isostatic-pressing a flat formation of reinforcing fibers 10 sandwiched between metal matrices 12 and comprising a joined end part 11 in the longitudinal direction of reinforcing fibers 10 which is joined obliquely at a joining angle of 5 to 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of reinforcing fibers or more preferably wherein a plurality of metal matrices 11 and a plurality flat formations of reinforcing fibers 10 are lapped each other to form layers of metal matrices and flat formations of reinforcing fibers so that the adjacent upper layers of flat formations of reinforcing fibers and the adjacent lower layers of flat formations of reinforcing fibers to a layer having a joined part of flat formations of reinforcing fibers are continuous and have no joined part
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kono, Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6697191
    Abstract: An electro-optic display material comprising a first and a second set of fibers, each fiber having a longitudinal conductive element the two sets forming a matrix structure of junctions, preferably woven. The structure further comprises an electro-optically active (EOA) substance at least partially coating the fibers of the first set; and a transparent or translucent conductive layer covering the EOA substance and having electric contact with the fibers of the second set at contact zones in the vicinity of the junctions. The conductivity of the conductive layer is limited to a predetermined value thereby defining, in the vicinity of each contact zone, an electro-optical activity zone (EOA zone) constituting a display element. Alternatively, the conductive layer is laid over the matrix structure in separated spots, each spot overlaying at least one junction and defining an EOA zone constituting a display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Visson IP, LLC
    Inventors: Irina Kiryuschev, Semjon Konstein, Rafael Topelberg, Zeev Kurlianchick
  • Publication number: 20040028886
    Abstract: By rapidly heating a precursor wire having a multifilamentary structure in which multiple composite cores in which a composite compound of an Nb—Ga compound and Nb is embedded in Nb are embedded in Nb, Ta, Nb-base alloy or Tabase alloy as a matrix material to a temperature range of 1400 to 2100° C. in 2 seconds, quenching the precursor wire at a rate of 5000° C./second or larger, and subjecting the precursor wire to additional heat treatment at a temperature range of 600 to 850° C. for 1 to 400 hours, a superconducting wire having a multifilamentary structure in which multiple composite cores in which a composite compound containing Nb3Ga of a stoichiometric composition embedded in Nb are embedded in Nb, Ta, Nb-base alloy or Tabase alloy as a matrix material is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inoue, Yasuo Iijima, Akihiro Kikuchi, Yuji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6635349
    Abstract: The present invention provides a friction material for brake not containing materials including heavy metals such as Cu or antimony. The friction material contains a fibrous component, a binding component and a friction modifying component, wherein magnesium oxide (MgO) and graphite are contained in a friction material in the amount of 45 to 80 vol %, and volume ratio (MgO/graphite) of magnesium oxide (MgO) to graphite is 1/1 to 4/1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., Akebono Research and Development Centre Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Horiya, Osao Ogiwara, Masanori Kato
  • Publication number: 20030175543
    Abstract: A hybrid composite reinforced metal matrix in which the metal is aluminum, aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy containing a relatively high percentage of aluminum. In addition to the reinforcement, which is typically alumina, the metal matrix also includes a hardening agent which is at least one intermetallic compound of aluminum with at least one second metal chosen from iron, nickel, titanium, zirconium, cobalt and niobium. The intermetallic compound(s) can be added as a powder to the metal matrix during formation of the composite, or can be created in the composite by adding the at least one second metal as a powder to the molten metal matrix during composite preparation. When the intermetallic compound(s) are created in the composite, during the addition step the second metal powder should be protected from oxidation. If the intermetallic compound is created in the composite, the composite when made initially can be readily machined and is self hardening through repeated heating cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Sin Hin Lo
  • Patent number: 6592979
    Abstract: Hybrid matrix fiber composites having enhanced compressive performance as well as enhanced stiffness, toughness and durability suitable for compression-critical applications. The methods for producing the fiber composites using matrix hybridization. The hybrid matrix fiber composites include two chemically or physically bonded matrix materials, whereas the first matrix materials are used to impregnate multi-filament fibers formed into ribbons and the second matrix material is placed around and between the fiber ribbons that are impregnated with the first matrix material and both matrix materials are cured and solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Steven J. Deteresa, Richard E. Lyon, Scott E. Groves
  • Publication number: 20030127212
    Abstract: A composite material 5 in which a dispersing material 7 is dispersed in a matrix 6 is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kida, Takahiro Ishikawa, Masayuki Shinkai, Takatoshi Ikematsu
  • Publication number: 20030129437
    Abstract: The invention is to offer a composite material with least uneven distribution of a mechanical strength resulted from dispersing conditions of an inorganic filler and having a by far high mechanical strength in comparison with conventional composite materials, as well as to offer a method of making the same. Inorganic hollow particles and at least one of inorganic fiber sheets are accommodated in a stacked manner within a casting mold, and a molten metal is poured into a casting mold while pressurizing it, followed by cooling, whereby it is possible to produce such a composite material where a first composite layer and a second composite layer continuously exist in a metal matrix, so as to compose a composite material being a single body as a whole, the first composite layer containing at least one of inorganic fiber sheets and the second composite layer containing inorganic hollow particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Kawaguchi, Makoto Katsumata, Tatsuya Kato
  • Publication number: 20030104238
    Abstract: Fibrous monolith composites having architectures that provide increased flaw insensitivity, improved hardness, wear resistance and damage tolerance and methods of manufacture thereof are provided for use in dynamic environments to mitigate impact damage and increase wear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Mark J. Rigali, Manish P. Sutaria, Anthony C. Mulligan, Dragan Popovich
  • Publication number: 20030086995
    Abstract: Continuous strand pellets made of particles, in which reinforcing staple fibers are arranged in a thermoplastic matrix in a helical manner, are provided. The reinforcing staple fibers and the molten matrix material are situated in a peripheral area of the particles and, together with unmolten thermoplastic staple fibers, are present in a core area of the particles. A method for producing the continuous strand pellets from a staple fiber mixture of thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers includes feeding the staple fiber mixture through a preheating zone and then drawing the staple fiber mixture through a heating nozzle to form a strand, which after rotating and consolidation by cooling, is cut into continuous strand pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Ostthuringische Materialprufgesellshaft fur Textil und Kunststoffe mbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Mieck, Thomas Reussmann
  • Publication number: 20030082397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal matrix composite having stable performance without extremely weak portions and capable of assuring strength with a simple structure, the metal matrix composite being formed by hot-pressing or hot-isostatic-pressing a flat formation of reinforcing fibers 10 sandwiched between metal matrices 12 and comprising a joined end part 11 in the longitudinal direction of reinforcing fibers 10 which is joined obliquely at a joining angle of 5 to 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of reinforcing fibers or more preferably wherein a plurality of metal matrices 11 and a plurality flat formations of reinforcing fibers 10 are lapped each other to form layers of metal matrices and flat formations of reinforcing fibers so that the adjacent upper layers of flat formations of reinforcing fibers and the adjacent lower layers of flat formations of reinforcing fibers to a layer having a joined part of flat formations of reinforcing fibers are continuous and have no joined part
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Kono, Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6548167
    Abstract: A continuous fiber granulate material includes granulate particles having reinforcing staple fibers helically arranged in a thermoplastic matrix. The reinforcing staple fibers are located in a sheathed zone of the granulate particles along with a melted matrix material, with the granulate further including a core zone having unmelted thermoplastic staple fibers. The continuous fiber granulates have good free-flowing properties and a uniform distribution of reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ostthuringische Materialprufgesellshaft fur Textil und Kunststoffe mbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Mieck, Thomas Reussmann
  • Patent number: 6544636
    Abstract: A ceramic metal-reinforced metal-based composite material produced by impregnating, under pressure, a semi-molten alloy having a solid phase and a liquid phase coexistent with each other into a preliminarily molded body composed of ceramic whiskers or ceramic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hiroshima University
    Inventors: Hideharu Fukunaga, Makoto Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030049430
    Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ward R. Spears
  • Publication number: 20030049429
    Abstract: A composite-based rim and methods for manufacturing such a rim are provided. The rim includes multiple fiber-based, co-mingled layers, wherein the strength and/or stiffness of the layers increases from the innermost layer of the rim to the outermost layer of the rim, but where the radial stress and strain generated in the rim decreases from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. Incorporation of this rim into a high stress and strain usage environment, such as a flywheel system, allows the rim to be spun at high speeds in order to generate high levels of kinetic energy while beneficially managing the amount of strain and radial stresses generated within the rim, and, in turn, minimizing or at least controlling the formation and propagation of cracks within the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ward R. Spears, Cynthia L. Shirey
  • Publication number: 20030021974
    Abstract: A combustion chamber, in particular for a rocket drive, comprises at least one jacket made of a composite material with a ceramic matrix. The composite material contains a fibrous structure made of carbon-containing fibers, and the fibrous structure comprises layers of fibers that form a three-dimensional matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Steffen Beyer, Helmut Knabe, Dieter Preclik
  • Patent number: 6509088
    Abstract: A metal matrix composite and method of making same wherein a metallic matrix includes fibrous reinforcements and non-fibrous pest particles that have shell walls controlled thick enough to improve fatigue properties of the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6506502
    Abstract: A preform for use in a metal matrix composite, particularly for a magnesium metal composite, and a metal matrix composite, typically made by squeeze casting, using the preform. In the preform the reinforcing material typically is silicon carbide, boron nitride, carbon or graphite. The binder used in the preform is magnesium fluoride, which avoids the known problems which result from the high reactivity of magnesium metal with other binders, such as silica and alumina, which results in the formation of magnesium oxide in the reinforced composite. The presence of magnesium oxide crystals in the metal matrix adversely affects the properties of the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Jason S. H. Lo, Areekattuthazhayil K. Kuriakose, Raul Santos
  • Publication number: 20030004050
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Christ, Michael Heine, Andres Kienzle, Rainer Zimmermann-Chopin
  • Publication number: 20020182397
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Themo Composite, LLC
    Inventor: Bradford L. Whatley
  • Patent number: 6482507
    Abstract: The fiber compound material contains at least one fiber component and at least two matrix components of different material classes which have different thermo-mechanical properties. In a manufacture of the compound material two matrix components can be liquefied and fiber filaments of the fiber component can be wetted by the liquefied matrix components. In this in the liquefied state the one matrix component is not soluble in the other. In a consolidation of the compound material one of the previously liquefied matrix components can be hardened out irreversibly to a duroplastic whereas the other of the previously liquefied matrix components remains meltable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Suizer Markets and Technology AG
    Inventor: Albert Maria Vodermayer
  • Publication number: 20020168505
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite material (10) having a plurality of interlaminar stitches (16) as shown in FIG. 1. The stitches are formed by directing laser energy into the material to melt and recast zones of the material in a direction transverse to the layers of reinforcing fibers(12). The stitches not only improve the interlaminar strength of the material, but they also increase the through-thickness thermal conductivity of the material, thereby reducing thermal-induced stresses. The zones of recast material (18) may define holes (20) extending at least partially through the thickness of the material. The holes may be filled with a filler material (24), thereby mitigating any adverse loss-of-area effect created by the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Jay A. Morrison, Gary Brian Merrill
  • Patent number: 6479144
    Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. This invention relates to polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein. Such formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, triclosan and/or silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium phosphate, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. The inventive spandex yarns exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good anti-tack/frictional characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial spandex yams are provided which exhibit ease in processing, particularly in further knitting, weaving, etc., to produce fabrics therefrom. Such fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Randy D. Petrea, Robert L. Schuette, Leland G. Close, Jr., Shirley Anne Whiteside
  • Publication number: 20020136881
    Abstract: In an expanded carbon fiber product according to the present invention, a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers is exposed at an outer surface or inner surface of the expanded carbon fiber product. At least part of gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers is larger than the gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers at the time of vapor growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: GSI CREOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Yanagisawa, Morinobu Endo
  • Publication number: 20020136882
    Abstract: A carbon fiber product according to the present invention is a carbon fiber product in which one to several hundreds of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a bottomless cup are stacked. Edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of an outer surface or inner surface. The exposed part of the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have a high degree of activity and excel in adhesion to base materials such as resins. Therefore, this carbon fiber product is suitable as a material for composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: GSI CREOS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Yanagisawa, Morinobu Endo