Abstract: A shape memory alloy composite fabric and a method of use is provided in underwater pressure vessels and as flexible joints in atmospheric diving suits. The atmospheric diving suit internal pressure is one atmosphere for underwater transit to and from an underwater work site. During operations at a work site, the shape memory alloy joints transform to a martensite phase and enable greater flexibility while the pressure in the atmospheric diving suit equalizes with ambient depth pressure.

Abstract: A fastening structure includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a fastening member. The first structural member includes a composite material, and has a first electrically-conductive surface having electric conductivity. The second structural member has a second electrically-conductive surface. The second electrically-conductive surface is in contact with the first electrically-conductive surface and has electric conductivity. The fastening member penetrates the first electrically-conductive surface and the second electrically-conductive surface, and fastens the first structural member and the second structural member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing elastic laminates wherein a first and a second elastic film are stretched in the transverse direction by respective spreader devices, and are applied on a transfer wheel which—in turn—applies the first and second elastic films on a non-woven web held on the outer cylindrical surface of an anvil wheel.

Abstract: A thermoplastic surfacer for providing lightning strike protection to a composite component of an aircraft, methods of manufacturing the surfacer, and methods of applying the surfacer to a composite part. The thermoplastic surfacer includes a broadgood having a thermoplastic resin, one or more fillers embedded into the broadgood, and a lightning strike protection mesh or foil embedded into the broadgood. When applying the surfacer to a composite part of an aircraft, the method includes draping the surfacer on an at least partially unconsolidated composite part, consolidating the at least partially unconsolidated composite part by heating the part to a temperature at or above a melt temperature of a resins used in the part and in the surfacer, and filling at least one surface defect in the consolidated part using the thermoplastic polymer resin and milled fibers provided in the thermoplastic surfacer.

Abstract: A thermoplastic surfacer for providing lightning strike protection to a composite component of an aircraft, methods of manufacturing the surfacer, and methods of applying the surfacer to a composite part. The thermoplastic surfacer includes a broadgood having an amorphous thermoplastic resin, one or more fillers embedded into the broadgood, and a lightning strike protection mesh or foil embedded into the broadgood. When applying the surfacer to a composite part of an aircraft, the method includes draping the surfacer on an at least partially unconsolidated composite part, consolidating the at least partially unconsolidated composite part by heating the part to a temperature at or above a melt temperature of a resins used in the part and in the surfacer, and filling at least one surface defect in the consolidated part using the amorphous thermoplastic polymer resin and milled fibers provided in the thermoplastic surfacer.

Abstract: An absorbent structure can include a matrix of fibers, wherein the matrix is reinforced with a reinforcing member, such as scrim. The scrim is secured to the fibrous matrix by entanglement of fibers with the scrim and entanglement of fibers in the matrix from opposite sides of the scrim with each other. The scrim layer can be restricted to a longitudinally extending, medial region of the absorbent. In a particular arrangement, the scrim has a cross-directional width dimension which is less than a narrowest width dimension of the fibrous matrix. The scrim can be located between two, opposed, major surfaces of the fibrous matrix. The scrim has a reduced stiffness in the cross direction which promotes fit and comfort of the absorbent structure as incorporated into a disposable absorbent garment.

Abstract: A multiple layer fiber reinforced material and method of constructing the same including the provision of a first layer of a roll lofted glass material. Optional variants include the pre-application of plywood, OSB or fiber reinforced cement board materials prior to the first glass layer. A layer of a rolled fiber reinforced material is applied over the rolled glass material, with or without backing board material, and at least a second layer of the roll lofted glass material is applied over the rolled fiber reinforced material. A layer of a second rolled glass material is applied over the subsequent layer of the first glass material and a urethane resin syrup is intermixed with said layers of glass material and the fiber reinforced material. An application of heat and pressure results in the formation of the reinforced material. A flexural, closed cell foam material may also be applied to provide acoustical insulating properties to the multi-layer fiber material.

Abstract: The thermal foot cover is an article of footwear to be worn when the wearer's foot is subjected to cold temperatures. The thermal foot cover has an upper cover portion attached to a bottom panel to define a cavity for insertion of a wearer's shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. The upper cover portion and the bottom panel are made from a material comprising an outer covering, a radiant barrier and a inner covering where the radiant barrier is sandwiched between the outer cover and the inner cover. The radiant barrier is the insulation system of the thermal foot cover, which reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear and keeps the wearer's feet warm. The thermal foot cover is flexible, lightweight and readily washable due to the use of the radiant barrier as the insulation system.

Abstract: A paperboard composite for use in packaging applications includes paperboard adhered to a backing structure, providing enhanced wet tear strength. The backing structure includes an oriented polymer film and a reinforcing scrim, bonded together by a thermal bonding layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the parts of the backing structure are of similar chemical composition, thereby facilitating recycling of scraps and other waste.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing damage resulting from environmental electromagnetic effects on a non-metallic surface. The method includes disposing a polymeric sheet material over the non-metallic surface and disposing a metal layer between the non-metallic surface and the polymeric sheet material. Objects which includes a substrate having a non-metallic surface, a halopolymer sheet material disposed over the substrate's non-metallic surface, and a metal layer disposed between the halopolymer sheet material and the substrate's non-metallic surface are also described. Laminates are also disclosed. One such laminate includes a metal layer having a first surface and a second surface, a halopolymer sheet material bonded or adhered to the first surface of the metal layer, and an adhesive disposed on the second surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: Plastic deformable material web, more particularly bitumen web for use preferably in roofing applications. The material web comprises a modelling mesh as the backing material and at least one plastic deformable covering material layer such as a bitumen layer connected to the mesh. For joining the mesh (4′) to the covering material layer (2′) a thin foam web (3′) is bonded or thermally laminating to the mesh. The foam prevents detachment of the bitumen layer from the mesh due to cold flow and prevents sagging of the bitumen even at high temperatures (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A puncture resistant footwear sole composite is disclosed with a plurality of layers of woven aramid yarn fabric combined with a matrix resin in an amount adequate to adhere adjacent fabric layers together but not so much that the composite is saturated by matrix resin.

Abstract: A soundproof heat shield member for an exhaust manifold comprises a metal substrate of a given three-dimensional shape, a nonwoven fabric disposed on a surface of the metal substrate facing an exhaust manifold, and a woven wire cloth of metal wires disposed on a surface of the nonwoven fabric and fixed to the metal substrate, and is excellent in the sound absorbing property, heat shielding property and durability.

Abstract: A reinforced ceramic fiber enclosure for muffle furnaces and the like defining a cavity therewithin includes a perforate metallic skeleton defining at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the enclosure and fibrous insulation encapsulating the skeleton with fibers of the insulation extending through the perforations of the skeleton. In some embodiments the enclosure is of rectangular cross section with base, top and side walls. The top and side walls generally extend over only a portion of the length of the enclosure, and mounting and support flanges are desirably provided on at least the front end of the skeleton. To make the enclosure, the skeleton is supported on the exterior of a vacuum mold in spaced relationship thereto, and the mold and skeleton are immersed in slurry of ceramic fibers and a bonding agent therefor. The vacuum drawn through the mold causes the fibers and bonding agent to deposit on the mold and encapsulate the skeleton with fibers extending through the perforations of the skeleton.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermal insulation blanket suitable for removable mounting on a structure such as the exterior of a reusable launch vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention include a batting layer with a rigid screen embedded within it. A cover layer is secured over the batting, and a plurality of fasteners are held by the screen in a position where they extend out from the blanket to be mounted on the exterior of the space craft. The blanket can include two layers of batting with the screen disposed therebetween. The structure would have corresponding mating fasteners on its exterior to which those extending out from the blanket cover would be joined for a secure mount. The blanket can be formed of a first and a second batting layer with the screen positioned therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, a cover would be positioned over the batting layers, and the blanket would be quilted to hold the layers and cover in close proximity.

Abstract: A reinforced composite matting is disclosed, to provide a foundation for the development of vegetation to stabilize the channel surface, as a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to rip rap or concrete channel lining. The reinforced composite matting is formed of a bottom netting, a cuspated netting having ridges and troughs extending across the width of the cuspated netting, with the troughs substantially adacent to the bottom netting, and a top netting substantially adacent to the ridges of the cuspated netting. A fiber matrix, preferably of strands of coconut fibers is disbursed between the bottom netting and the cuspated netting, and the bottom netting, fiber matrix, cuspated netting and top netting are secured together, preferably with thread, to form the reinforced composite matting of this invention.

Abstract: An insulating blanket for a bulkhead in an engine nacelle comprises a fabric backing layer, a central insulating core, a ceramic precursor-impregnated hot-side fabric layer and, as required, erosion-preventing wire mesh. The backing layer comprises a fiberglass fabric. The insulating core comprises a ceramic felt. The hot side layer comprises one or more layers of resin-impregnated fiber glass fabric. The blanket is precured to provide a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dimensionally stable gauze three-dimensionally deformed by deep drawing, which is based on a flat-shaped resin-coated textile material capable of being deep drawn, the open meshes of which are formed from the meshes, extended by deep drawing, of a woven fabric or of a knitted fabric, and which has a metallized surface. The surface metal coating has a thickness of up to 300 .mu.m and consists of one or more layers. Various applications and a process for the manufacture of this gauze are also described.