A composite structural component includes a longitudinally extending elongated base element and a plurality of longitudinally extending elongated reinforcing members each secured to the base element along a length of the reinforcing member at spaced apart locations on the base element. The base element is of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a first modulus of elasticity. The plurality of longitudinally extending elongated reinforcing members are of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, such that the composite structural component has an effective coefficient of thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction that is less than 25% of the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

A snap fitting for use in plumbing is provided. The snap fitting includes a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe and an inset for extending from an interior side of the main body into a hole in the cylindrical pipe.

Plastic microfluidic structures having a substantially rigid diaphragm that actuates between a relaxed state wherein the diaphragm sits against the surface of a substrate and an actuated state wherein the diaphragm is moved away from the substrate. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic structures formed with this diaphragm provide easy to manufacture and robust systems, as well readily made components such as valves and pumps.

The intense purple dye normally found in purple primers for use in the adhesive bonding of plastics is replaced with a leuco dye capable developing a visually intense color when activated through contact with the particular plastic being bonded or a complementary solvent cement.

An embodiment of a reagent container includes a bottle with a pipe to reduce the effects of reagent sloshing. The bottle has an elongated base and an opposed cover connected by side walls and an end wall. A flat platform surrounded by a raised rim lies in the base opposite an opening in the cover. A ribbed pipe frictionally fits within the bottle opening and may attach to the anchor region leaving vent passages around the pipe. The pipe includes an aperture adjacent to the anchor region and oriented toward the end wall so that sloshed fluid has only a small effect on the level of reagent in the pipe during transfers. A modified blow molding process produces the anchor region by extending a pin a predetermined distance into a mold while the molded material is still plastic.

A liquid pressure-reducing unit having a first half body with a contact surface and first groove extending over the contact surface is disclosed. The unit has a flexible resilient sealing element having a floor layer lining the floor of the first groove. The unit has a second half body with a contact surface and first and second walls extending out of the contact surface and defining a second groove. The contact surfaces of the first half body and second half body join, wherein the first and second walls penetrate into the first groove so that the free end of the first and second walls forms a fluid-tight contact with the flexible resilient floor layer lining the floor of the first groove, defining a fluid-tight channel bringing in fluid communication a fluid inlet with a fluid outlet. The channel is non-rectilinear and/or having a cross-section varying over the length thereof.

Systems and methods for joining blade components of a rotor blade are provided. A method includes positioning a first blade component and a second blade component such that a joint location of the first blade component and a joint location of the second blade component are proximate each other. The method further includes applying a force to an outer surface of the second blade component and an opposing force to an inner surface of the second blade component. The force and opposing force maintain an aerodynamic contour of the second blade component. The method further includes connecting the joint location of the first blade component and the joint location of the second blade component together.

Rotor blades and methods for joining blade components of rotor blades are provided. A method includes positioning an insert between and in contact with a first blade component and a second blade component. At least one of the first blade component or the second blade component includes a thermoplastic resin. The insert includes a thermoplastic resin and an energy absorptive pigment. The method further includes heating the thermoplastic resin of the at least one of the first blade component or the second blade component and the thermoplastic resin of the insert. The method further includes cooling the thermoplastic resin of the at least one of the first blade component or the second blade component and the thermoplastic resin of the insert. The heating step and the cooling step join the first blade component, the second blade component and the insert together.

Rotor blades and methods for joining shear clips in wind turbine rotor blades are provided. A method includes positioning the shear clip adjacent a shear web of the rotor blade, the shear clip including a thermoplastic resin, the shear web including a thermoplastic resin. The method further includes welding the thermoplastic resin of the shear clip and the thermoplastic resin of the shear web together. The method further includes positioning the shear clip adjacent a spar cap of the rotor blade, the spar cap including a thermoplastic resin. The method further includes welding the thermoplastic resin of the shear clip and the thermoplastic resin of the spar cap together. The method further includes joining the shear web and the spar cap together.

Methods for joining surface features to wind turbine rotor blades are provided. A method includes providing the surface feature after forming of the rotor blade. The surface feature includes a thermoplastic resin. The formed rotor blade includes a plurality of blade components joined together to form an exterior surface defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root. The formed rotor blade further includes a thermoplastic resin. The method further includes positioning the surface feature adjacent the exterior surface, and welding the thermoplastic resin of the surface feature and the thermoplastic resin of the formed rotor blade together.