A fastener for improved electrical contact with a composite structure and improved distribution of electric current to the composite structure. The fastener includes an elongated shaft having a first end with a head portion, a second end with a threaded portion, and a shaft body therebetween. At least one feed channel extends from an opening at the threaded portion, through the shaft body, and terminates proximal to the head portion. The shaft body radially expands upon pressure injection of a resin filler into the feed channel, when the fastener is installed in a corresponding fastener hole formed in the composite structure. Upon radially expanding, the outer surface of the shaft body makes contact with an inner hole surface of the corresponding fastener hole, resulting in the fastener providing electrical contact with the composite structure and providing distribution of electric current.

The present invention relates to a fastener (10) for a non-threaded bore (50), which fastener comprises: a first member (12) with a head (18), an externally threaded shank (20) extending from the head, and an axially extending projection (22) at the opposite end (24) of the shank compared to the head; and a second at least partly deformable member (14) attached to the axially extending projection, wherein the second member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending outer ridges (40a-d). The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a first object (46) to a second object (48) using such a fastener, and to a method of manufacturing a fastener (10).

A screw rotor is made out of polymer. The screw rotor includes a shaft with a rotor body on it. The polymer of the shaft is reinforced with fibers. The shaft features elements that engage the rotor body or corresponding elements on the rotor body, such that the elements prevent an axial and/or rotational movement of the shaft with respect to the rotor body.

An improved design and method is disclosed for constructing a sliding joint that constrains motion along or about one or more axes or directions and allows motion with low friction along or about a different axes or direction. The design simplifies the fabrication and assembly of sliding joints requiring accurate sliding alignment with minimal clearance between sliding members, such as milling machine bases, saddles, tables and columns. The design also enables driving means, such as those commonly found in machine tools using a leadscrew and nut, to be fabricated with essentially zero backlash at a very low cost. Finally, the design enables bearing surfaces to be reformed after they have worn without the need for disassembly of components. This allows for complete recovery of the original precisely guided configuration without the need to disassemble a machine. The simplicity and low cost of the method will be especially advantageous in the manufacture of machine tools intended for education and maker markets.

A composite clip for attaching decking. The clip includes a bottom and a top. The bottom is made of a first material. The top is made of a second material. The first material of the bottom is different than the second material of the top. The first material of the bottom engages in the second material of the top during manufacturing so as to attach the bottom to the top and form the gangable composite clip without a need for any other means to attach the bottom to the top.

A composite clip for attaching decking. The clip includes a bottom and a top. The bottom is made of a first material. The top is made of a second material. The first material of the bottom is different than the second material of the top. The first material of the bottom engages in the second material of the top during manufacturing so as to attach the bottom to the top and form the gangable composite clip without a need for any other means to attach the bottom to the top.

Composite fasteners have a high fraction of discontinuous, randomly oriented reinforcing fibers. A charge of thermoplastic fiber flakes are heated to melting temperature within a reservoir, flowed into multiple mold cavities and compression molded. The molded fasteners have high strength, exhibit quasi-isotropic properties and may be produced in high volume.

A composite clip for attaching decking. The clip includes a bottom and a top. The bottom is made of a first material. The top is made of a second material. The first material of the bottom is different than the second material of the top. The first material of the bottom engages in the second material of the top during manufacturing so as to attach the bottom to the top and form the gangable composite clip without a need for any other means to attach the bottom to the top.

Composite fasteners have a high fraction of discontinuous, randomly oriented reinforcing fibers. A charge of thermoplastic fiber flakes are heated to melting temperature within a reservoir, flowed into multiple mold cavities and compression molded. The molded fasteners have high strength, exhibit quasi-isotropic properties and may be produced in high volume.

A control rod for incorporation into a composite assembly with at least a first composite preform, a second composite preform, and a cured resin includes a shaft defining an axis, wherein the shaft is disposable within an aperture in the composite assembly, and a plurality of threads disposed on at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft is made from, among other materials, a thermoplastic material. The threads define a thread pitch that encompasses more than one individual fiber layer forming at least one of the first composite layer and the second composite layer.