Resin permeation of a dry preform having one or more reinforcement plies is locally influenced during resin infusion using a selectively permeable veil applied to at least one of the reinforcement plies.

Resin permeation of a dry preform having one or more reinforcement plies is locally influenced during resin infusion using a selectively permeable veil applied to at least one of the reinforcement plies.

A brass fitting is in-molded in a plastic pipe fitting, which is coupled to a water supply line in a conventional matter. The brass insert receives a tapered seal with sealing surfaces that seat against the brass insert and a sprinkler head to form a sealed connection. The seal includes a tapered passageway for compression when tightening, as well as an external taper to allow the seal to conform to the socket formed by the plastic pipe fitting and brass insert. Also, a manufacturing method includes in-molding a brass insert within a plastic fitting using an O-ring which interfaces between the brass insert and surrounding molded fitting to seal the brass insert to the fitting. In one embodiment, the seal is used in a polymeric fitting without a brass insert.

A non-metallic flange isolation gasket kit sealing flanged pipeline connections and flanged vessel connections while providing electrical isolation protection between flanges suited for high-pressure and high-temperature cathodic protection applications is presented. The invention protects flange faces from media induced corrosion and mitigates flange rotation induced fatigue and failures. The invention comprises of a retainer, a seal, and a seal pre-load structural ring. The seal pre-load structural ring is inserted into the seal, and seal outer diameter surface is joined to the retainer inner diameter surface. A second embodiment comprises of a composite gasket blank, comprising of a retainer and a seal, and a seal pre-load structural ring. The seal outer diameter surface and the retainer inner diameter surface are joined by thermal fusion bonding. The invention may further comprise one or more gasket seating stress stabilizers and/or a centering ring. Tapered retainer upper and lower surfaces decrease flange rotation.

A bilayer composite thin-film beam structure is described. The structure incorporates a bulk phase change material as small inclusions in one layer of a bimorph. The structure, also referred to as a phase change composite bimorph or PCBM, curls abruptly, and reversibly, at a phase transition temperature. Large curling and effective expansion coefficients are demonstrated. The PCBMs may be employed in various self-assembly mechanisms and actuators.

The present disclosure describes lug clusters for composite tubes and methods for making such lug clusters. Lug clusters of the present disclosure may include a first side, a second side, and a saddle. The saddle may be placed in adjacent contact with a tube and a filament may be wound around the lug cluster and tube. The wound lug cluster and tube may be resin transfer molded. Machining may follow to remove material and finalize the shape of the lug cluster and/or tube. Thus, a lug cluster may be attached to a composite tube.

A method to cast in place an internally threaded hole in an open cell core of a sandwich structural composite panel enables a threaded fastener to be secured to the sandwich structural composite panel without requiring a separate insert for the fastener.

A case for a mobile device with a screen comprises a band arranged to surround the edge of the device. The band comprises a layer of flexible polymer and a layer of a damping material which is softer than the flexible polymer provided within the flexible polymer layer. The damping material has a plurality of integrally formed protrusions projecting inwardly protrusions projecting inwardly from a substantial portion of the inner periphery of the band to engage with the device. The protrusions are provided at least in the corner regions of the case and the protrusions are arranged such that, in normal use there is substantially no contact between the band and the device other than through the protrusions.

Methods of manufacturing vehicle assemblies, such as engine assemblies, are provided. The method includes arranging at least a first component in a mold, arranging a second component or a second component precursor adjacent to the first component in the mold, introducing a sacrificial material into the mold, introducing at least one polymeric fluid into the mold, solidifying the polymeric fluid, and removing the sacrificial material from the mold to form a void space so that the first component, the polymeric composite material, and the void space define the vehicle assembly.

A process for manufacturing products made of composite materials, is disclosed which includes the steps: screwing at least one insert provided with a threaded hole on the outer thread of at least one pin partially inserted in a removable manner in a mold; arranging on the mold one or more fiber layers provided with at least one opening in which the insert is arranged; curing resin with the layers arranged on the mold, so as to obtain a product made of a composite material which incorporates the insert and the layers; and rotating the pin in the insert for removing it from the mold. The present invention also relates to a mold, devices and a kit which can be employed for carrying out said process, as well as to products manufactured with this process and/or these means.