Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating composite parts. One embodiment is a method for fabricating a composite part. The method includes forming a skin panel preform comprising fiber reinforced material, disposing rigid end caps at the skin panel preform at end locations of stringer preforms that will be placed at the skin panel, locating the stringer preforms at the skin panel preform via the rigid end caps, and anchoring the stringer preforms to the skin panel preform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming machine with enhanced setup and health feedback. One embodiment is a forming machine including a positioning system to move a forming member and mandrel relative to one another for forming a shaped part, and a sensor disposed between the forming member and the mandrel. A forming controller obtains a first coordinate position of the forming member and the mandrel in position to produce a target baseline parameter at the sensor prior to placement of a part over the mandrel. The forming controller calculates a second coordinate position of the forming member and the mandrel for forming the part based on the first coordinate position and a thickness of the part. After placement of the part over the mandrel, the forming controller directs the positioning system to move the forming member and the mandrel to the second coordinate position to shape the part.

Abstract: Methods and devices of fabricating a stringer for a vehicle. The stringer can be constructed from two charges that are formed together into the stringer. During fabrication, the charges are placed over support members with the ends of each charge extending over a die cavity. The charges are secured and a punch die forces the first ends into the die cavity forming blades of the stringer. The charges are secured thus tensioning the charges during the punch process.

Abstract: A cushion member (100, 200) for a patient interface device (4) that includes a sealing portion (110, 210) having a flap portion (111, 211) including a first layer (116, 216) and a second layer (118, 218) mechanically bonded to the first layer. The first layer is structured to engage a face of a patient and is made of a fabric material. The second layer is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a monomer, a polymer, and a mixture of a monomer and a polymer. A base portion (170, 270) is bonded to the second layer. The base portion is structured to be coupled to a gas delivery conduit (8).

Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus includes a baseplate, an adhesive layer disposed on the baseplate, and an electrostatic chuck disposed on the adhesive layer to hold an object, wherein a first side surface of a first portion of the electrostatic chuck is at a same position in a plan view as a second side surface of a second portion of the baseplate, the first portion being in contact with a first face of the adhesive layer, the second portion being in contact with a second face of the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer has a protruding part extending outwardly from the first side surface and the second side surface, and wherein the first face and the second face are flat planes extending from an inside of the first side surface and the second side surface to an outside of the first side surface and the second side surface.

Abstract: Layers of plies of composite material are laid on a convex tool surface. A first layer is placed with a first ply of a first section having a gap edge adjacent a gap edge of a first ply of a second section, the edges being parallel and a contraction distance from each other. A second layer is placed with a second ply of the first section having a gap edge adjacent a gap edge of a second ply of the second section, the edges being parallel and a contraction distance from each other, the second ply of the second section overlapping onto the first ply of the first section by a splice distance. Consolidation and curing cause contraction of the layers toward the tool, allowing the adjacent gap edges of each layer to be in close proximity or in contact after moving toward each other during the contraction.

Abstract: A method for producing sealing tape rolls of flexible, compressible foam having at least one external, radially oriented barrier layer comprises the steps of providing a foam web of flexible foam; forming a foam-barrier layer web by application of a barrier layer to a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the foam web; producing a plurality of sealing tape strips by introducing at least one continuous cut into the foam-barrier layer web in a longitudinal direction of the foam-barrier layer web and perpendicularly to the at least one barrier layer; and winding up each sealing tape strip of the plurality of sealing tape strips into a roll in such a way that the at least one barrier layer extends in the radial direction and is arranged on at least one of the two axial end surfaces of the roll.

Abstract: Apparatus configured to enable the staking of an interfacing part to a base is provided. The apparatus includes a retainer configured to convey a stake and the interfacing part to the base. The apparatus is further configured to provide a heat and/or vibration to effect the simultaneous attachment of the stake to the base and the interfacing part to the base.

Abstract: A system and method for splicing multiple plies of material together during the construction of a stringer sheet. A first ply layer is laid onto a portion of a surface of a tool having a contour which defines a stringer, and the first ply layer is pressed down such that an edge of the first ply layer is located on the contour. A second ply layer is laid onto an adjacent portion of the surface, and the second ply layer is pressed down such that the edge of the second ply layer is located on the contour and overlaps the edge of the first ply layer. This process may be repeated for additional ply layers. The system may include an end-effector having a dispenser of the plies of material and a roller for pressing the plies, and a movement mechanism for moving the end-effector over the tool.

Abstract: A non-fibrous oriented polyethylene monolayer comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, the polyethylene having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 2,000,000 or greater, wherein (i) the monolayer has a width of 10.0 mm or greater and a modulus of at least 100 N/tex, (ii) the monolayer has a tan ? when measured in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of tensile response in a frequency sweep between 0.1 Hz?f?1.0 Hz meeting the inequality of tan ?<1/(f×a)+b?(f×c) where a=120, b=0.045 and c=0.016, and (iii) the monolayer has a maximum areal weight of no greater than 45 gsm.

Abstract: A zipper fastener system is provided for removably connecting separate structures. More particularly, a zipper fastener system is provided having connection sections attached to independent pieces that may be secured to and removed from each other utilizing two sliders, such that, when the connection sections are secured to each other, the two sliders permit an access opening of variable length and location along the connection sections and permit adjustments from either side of the zipper fastener system.

Abstract: A component arrangement having a first component and a second component is provided. At least one component has a plurality of preforms, wherein the plurality of preforms of the first component overlap a preform of a second component in the connecting region of the two components.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning sheets of material in a wind turbine blade mold to form a shell of a wind turbine blade, the mold having a mold surface defining the profile of a portion of the shell, the apparatus comprising: a rail that, in use, is mounted proximate to the mold and follows a path in a direction along the longitudinal length of the mold; and a sheet mounting apparatus coupled to the rail, the mounting apparatus configured to releasably hold a sheet of material and to move along the rail.

Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate transfer member comprising a belt comprising conductive particles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyester, polyphenylsulfide and polyamide. The belt has a welded seam. There is an overcoat disposed over the welded seam comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone and polyethersulfone. A method of manufacturing the intermediate transfer member is provided.

Abstract: A seaming element for an industrial textile and a method of manufacture. The seaming element comprises an elongate body folded along its length at a folded connection region comprising a plurality of channeled protrusions securable to corresponding channeled protrusions of a complementary seaming element affixed to an opposing seamable edge. First and second body members extend from respective edges of the folded connection region, each body member being directly securable to the first seamable edge. At least one of the body members comprises a longitudinal profiled region proximate and substantially parallel to a free edge of the respective member. The method includes providing an array of apertures to form the channeled protrusions, and the profiled region is formed in a progressive roll forming process. The seaming element enables improved consistency and reliability of bonding of the element to the textile by laser welding, adhesives or other methods.

Abstract: A process for producing components containing ceramic materials. The process entails forming a first region of a component with plies containing a reinforcement material in a precursor of a ceramic material. The plies include at least a first set of plies between at least second and third sets of plies. Distal portions of the second and third sets of plies are then folded away from the first set of plies so that they are oriented transverse to the first set of plies. A fourth set of plies is then interleaved among the folded distal portions of the second and third sets of plies.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a first composite section including a fiber reinforcement and a composite matrix, a second composite section including the fiber reinforcement and the composite matrix, and a flexible section interposed between the first composite section and the second composite section. The flexible section may include the fiber reinforcement and a reduced portion of the composite matrix or no portion of the composite matrix. The composite structure is bendable at the flexible section to permit repeated rotation of the first composite section relative to the second composite section by more than 90 degrees.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is made of a first material and includes a first wall extending in a first direction, an edge portion of the first wall, and a projection protruding from the edge portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second portion is made of a second material and includes a second wall extending from the edge portion of the first wall, and a fastening portion configured to be fastened to the projection.

Abstract: A sheet roll comprises two glass films and a coupling portion, wherein end portions of the glass films are coupled together via the coupling portion and the coupled glass films are rolled into a roll shape. The coupling portion is a sheet-like coupling member formed of a resin film and placed on the end portions of the two glass films in a rolling direction so as to span therebetween. The sheet-like coupling member includes wide joint portions joined respectively to the end portions of the two glass films, and a necked portion which is narrower than the wide joint portions and is formed at a middle portion of the sheet-like coupling member in the rolling direction.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material structure enabled to be reduced in weight. The composite material structure includes a front section (3a) extending in one direction and formed as a composite material made of fiber reinforced plastics, a rear section (3c) separated from the front section (3a) by a predetermined space, extending in the one direction, and formed as a composite material made of fiber reinforced plastics, and access panels (5) provided between the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c) and having a dimension in the one direction shorter than the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c). The access panels (5) are fixed to the front section (3a) and the rear section (3c) in an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the one direction and set to be displaceable in the one direction and are removable.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor package is disclosed, which includes the steps of: providing a first substrate; disposing a second substrate on the first substrate through a plurality of supporting elements, wherein the second substrate has at least a cleaning hole penetrating therethrough; and performing a cleaning process to clean space between the second substrate and the first substrate through the cleaning hole, thereby preventing a popcorn effect from occurring when the first substrate is heated and hence preventing delamination of the semiconductor package. Further, the cleaning hole facilitates to disperse thermal stresses so as to prevent warping of the first and second substrates during a chip-bonding or encapsulating process, thereby overcoming the conventional drawbacks of cracking of the supporting elements and a short circuit therebetween.

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

Abstract: A component composite that includes a first component, a second component; and at least one connection piece penetrating the first component at least over the entire thickness of the first component and connected at an end thereof to the second component.

Abstract: A narrow prepreg sheet 20N is bonded along a ridge C, and wide prepreg sheet 20W is bonded to other portions, whereby the wide prepreg sheet 20W having no cut line is bonded to both side portions of the ridge C. In a portion in which a spar 10 is curved, the narrow prepreg sheet 20N is bonded in an axial direction of the spar 10 while divided into plural pieces, and a length of the narrow prepreg sheet 20N is adjusted according to a radius of curvature of the curved portion in the axial direction of the spar 10, whereby various radii of curvature are easily dealt with.

Abstract: A curved composite structure, comprises at least two curved composite panel segments joined together. Each of the panel segments includes a fluted core sandwiched between first and second facesheets. A layer of adhesive is used to rigidly bond the panel segments together.

Abstract: A lightweight board having an upper covering layer, which extends in a longitudinal direction, a lower covering layer, which extends parallel to the upper covering layer and is spaced apart from the upper covering layer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a light middle layer, which extends between the upper covering layer and the lower covering layer, and a bar, which extends between the upper covering layer and the lower covering layer and consists of wood or wood-based material. To simplify the production of a connection arrangement, the bar has a machine-worked tongue profile and/or groove profile, which is formed for mechanical locking in the longitudinal direction and in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a corresponding profile of a further component. The invention also relates to a corresponding connection arrangement and a corresponding method for producing a connection arrangement.

Abstract: An engineered floor board or wood panel for the fabrication thereof is comprised of a thin top wood layer fabricated from a quality wood material. The top wood layer is glued to a core layer wood product having a grain orientation disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the top wood layer. A base wood layer is fabricated from oriented strand board (OSB) which is glued to the bottom of the core layer. The base wood layer is fabricated from a single sheet having wood particles and fibers oriented in at least two layers with at least a top layer having its wood particles and fibers generally oriented along the longitudinal axis of the top wood layer and transverse to use core layer to substantially prevent displacement and deformation of the core layer caused by expansion and retraction thereof and thereby preventing deformations in the top wood layer.

Abstract: Two film webs (1), (2) (in each case transfer film or laminating film) with a carrier film (11) and decorative layer (14), in particular metal layer and/or color layer (14), are to be joined to each other. Instead of using a conventional adhesive tape with cold-setting adhesive as hitherto, in the present case a hot-melt adhesive or an adhesive which can be cured using (UV) radiation is used. For example, using hot stamping, a carrier (63) with a PET layer (64) and an adhesive (65) can be applied which joins together two film webs (1, 2) which are in abutment.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a method for cleaning the processing chamber of a flexible substrate processing apparatus without breaking the vacuum in the processing chamber is provided. The method for cleaning the processing chamber includes guiding a sacrificial foil into the processing chamber; initiating a first pump process in the processing chamber; plasma cleaning the processing chamber while the sacrificial foil is provided in the processing chamber; initiating a second pump process in the processing chamber; and guiding a flexible substrate into the processing chamber.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises stacked sets of laminated fiber reinforced resin plies and metal sheets. Edges of the resin plies and metal sheets are interleaved to form a composite-to-metal joint connecting the resin plies with the metal sheets.

Abstract: A modular construction member and kit including panels having sides, each side defining a matrix of holes. The matrices of holes are complementary to one another so that when connected to one another by connectors, any one of the connected sides may be coplanar with a side of the other panel.

Abstract: An artificial skin such as an outer covering or skin for an animatronic character. The skin may be formed by a method that includes providing a mold assembly with an exterior mold and a core. In the mold assembly, a cavity is formed between inner surfaces of the exterior mold and exterior surfaces of the core that defines the skin system. The mold assembly includes a seam-forming wall extending between the inner and exterior surfaces. The method includes inserting an elongate, tubular guide through holes in the seam-forming wall and pouring an elastomeric material into the mold to occupy the cavity between the exterior mold and the interior core. The method includes, after the material has hardened, cutting a seam in the skin system by cutting the material along the seam-forming wall. The tubular guide is separated into guide segments and a staggered joint is formed at the cut seam.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural member and a structural member produced thereby includes positioning a first composite section and a second composite section within a tool. The tool has an inner surface and a wall intersection and is supported by a tool platform. The tool platform and a pressure platform are relatively movable between an open position and a closed position. The tool has a non-planar outer surface against which the member may be pressed. A composite splice member is positioned at least partially overlapping both the first composite section and the second composite section to form a joint in the composite structural member. The composite structural member is pressed against the non-planar outer surface of the tool by applying pressure to the joint from a pressure bladder. Heat is applied to the composite structural member at the joint to cure the composite splice member to the first composite section and the second composite section.

Abstract: Honeycomb cores for use in aerospace applications include two honeycomb core sections operably joined at a splice joint, the splice joint defined by a foam adhesive that is sandwiched between a sheet of film adhesive. Methods of assembling honeycomb cores also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and an apparatus (1) for the fabrication of an endless band (300) containing fiber material, in particular wood, comprising at least the following method steps: providing at least one fiber material block, the fiber material block having a face side; cutting off a plate element (31) from the face side of a fiber material block, the plate element (31) having a cutting surface from the fiber material block, a main surface facing the cutting surface, and an edge surface connecting the cutting surface and the main surface; arranging in relation to each other the cutting surface of the plate element (31) and a fiber material block such that the main surface of the plate element (31) follows the face surface of the fiber material block, wherein said face surface forms the main surface of a further plate element; connecting the plate element and the further plate element by a connecting means; cutting off the further plate element from the face side of the fiber material block.

Abstract: A wrapping material is provided comprising a plurality of wrapping units, each said wrapping unit having a leading edge at one of thereof and a tail edge at an opposing edge thereof, where each one of said plurality of wrapping units is serially connected to at least one other of said plurality of wrapping units at the corresponding leading edge, tail edge, or both. In a further embodiment, discrete adhesive areas are disposed on the first surface of said plurality of wrapping units. In a still further embodiment, the discrete adhesive areas are covered by a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is attached to the first surface of the next said serially connected wrapping unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapour barrier collar (1) comprising a number of sheet elements (2, 3, 4, 5) including side sheet elements (2, 3), which extend substantially along a longitudinal axis (L), and top (4) and bottom (5) sheet elements, respectively, which extend substantially along a lateral axis (A), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). Each sheet element (2, 3, 4, 5) has two end edges (6) adjacent to a first edge (7) of the sheet element (2, 3, 4, 5). The sheet elements (2, 3, 4, 5) are mutually joined together in joints (8) extending along the end edges (6), and mounting means (9) are provided along the first edges (7) of the sheet elements (2, 3, 4, 5). The mounting means (9) extend uninterruptedly along the entire length of the first edge (7) of each sheet element (2, 3, 4, 5).

Abstract: A catalytic converter holding mat that is inexpensive, and exhibits an excellent heat insulation capability is provided by utilizing an inexpensive heat insulating material that exhibits an excellent heat insulation capability. The catalytic converter holding mat is provided in a gap between a tubular catalyst carrier and a casing that houses the catalyst carrier, and includes a retaining section that is formed of first inorganic fibers having a thermal shrinkage ratio at 1000° C. of 1% or less, and an insulation section that is disposed adjacent to the retaining section, and formed of second inorganic fibers having a thermal shrinkage ratio at 1000° C. of more than 1%.

Abstract: A fiber composite tape has a first two-layer strip having a first top layer with fibers angled at ? and a first bottom layer with fibers angled at 0, a second two-layer strip having a second top (or bottom) layer with fibers angled at ?? and a second bottom (or top) layer with fibers angled at 0, and a paper backing tape affixed to the two two-layer strips and joins them side-by-side at their edges to form a seam.

Abstract: A protective garment system fabricated from ballistic textiles having a V50 on 2 grain RCC of at least 300 fps as measured by Mil-Spec 662F provides good ballistic and fragmentary protection, and can be worn in lieu of conventional clothing without discomfort to the wearer. Embodiments overcome prior art ballistic fabric limitations by incorporating novel construction, such as plaiting and/or twill or satin weaving, as well as novel yarn selection, to enable comfortable skin contact, and by applying coatings to improve abrasion resistance, UV resistance, and color acceptance. Embodiments incorporate layers of ballistic fabric in critical areas, either by overlapping protective clothing articles, and/or by incorporating multiple layers of protective fabric into an individual protective garment. Embodiments provide good moisture transport for long term comfort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier for manufacturing a printed circuit board, which includes a first carrier including a first binder having a first opening and a first metal layer formed in the first opening of the first binder, and a second carrier, stacked with the first carrier and including a second binder having a second opening and a second metal layer which is formed in the second opening of the second binder and which partially overlaps with the first metal layer, so that the carrier is simply configured and the binders are formed not only on the lateral surfaces of the metal layers but also on the upper surfaces thereof, thus improving the reliability of bonding of the carrier at the periphery. A method of manufacturing the carrier and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board using the carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A wall insulation panel for use on a wall comprises at least the successive layers of: a first protective panel having a wall-meeting surface and a vacuum insulating panel (VIP) facing surface, an intermediate VIP panel; and a second protective panel having a VIP facing surface and an outward facing surface. There is an expansion region between at least one of the first and second protective panels and the VIP panel to allow for expansion of the VIP panel without deformation of the outward facing surface of the second protective panel. In this way, the expansion region allows for expansion of the VIP panel without deformation of the VIP facing surface of the second panel, and thus without deformation of the outward facing surface. This maintains the integrity and aesthetic appearance of the outward facing surface, and any further surface or layer thereon, such as a rendered layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for method for producing construction timber planks, construction timber and laminated planks or beams. The method includes the steps of sawing debarked and plantation dried logs from Eucalyptus trees having a moisture content of 18% or higher into planks having lengths suitable for the next step as described below. The planks are cross cut into lengths of about 0.5 m to 2.5 m and their end edges are profiled for finger jointing. The end edges of a series of profiled planks are joined by longitudinally pressing end edges together using a polyurethane glue to lengths required for construction timber planks.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ornamental purfling strip which has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The ornamental purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an ornamental layer, with an adhesive or bonding agent attaching the layers together. The ornamental layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the ornamental layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The ornamental layer may comprise organic shell material or synthetic materials such as synthetic opal.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer, a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer and a polymeric layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an article including a first layer, second layer, and third layer. The first layer includes a fluoropolymer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The second layer overlies the first major surface of the first layer and includes an adhesive layer. The third layer overlies the second layer and includes a polymeric material. The article has a burst performance greater than 200 N as measured by ASTM D751 and a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned multi-layer article.

Abstract: A X-Y plane is a plane parallel to abutting surfaces on which a joining portion is formed, and a Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane. A sealing member is held between the outer circumference side of a guide provided on a lid body and the inner circumference side of a rib provided on a case, and is pressed in a direction parallel to the X-Y plane. Laser light is scanned on the inner circumference side with respect to a ring-shaped pressurization jig with a stopper pressurized by the pressurization jig, so the pressurization jig does not break the path of the laser light. This expands the range of options in the material for the pressurization jig, which enables an easy-maintenance jig to be used, improving productivity.

Abstract: A composite reinforcement component for an aircraft or spacecraft, including a first element assembly aligned in a first extension plane, and a second element assembly aligned in a second, perpendicular, extension plane, the second element assembly intersecting the first element assembly at an intersection of the first and second extension planes. The first and second element assembly each have a pair of staggered comb components. Each comb component includes a base and a plurality of rectangular protrusions extending coplanar from the extension planes of the respective element assembly. The rectangular protrusions form comb teeth of one comb component which are overlapping with comb teeth of the other comb component of the pairs of comb components. The comb teeth of the first element assembly are offset along the intersection by a single comb tooth width with respect to the comb teeth of the second element assembly.

Abstract: Techniques for joining textile materials are provided. In one non-limiting form, a system includes a woven structure having a first woven layer and at least a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first fringe portion and a first set of fibers, and the second section includes a second fringe portion and a second set of fibers. The fibers of the first and second sets of fibers are configured in the first and second fringe portions to provide an interlocking arrangement between the first and second sections. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects shall become apparent from the description and drawings.