A method for fusing thermoplastic composite structures includes placing a substructure on an inner surface of a skin that is laid up on a shaping surface of a tool configured to maintain the shape of an outer mold line. The method further includes applying at least one insulation layer over a flange of the substructure and over exposed portions of the inner surface of the skin not in contact with the substructure, and applying a vacuum bag to at least partly enclose the skin and the substructure. The method yet still further includes applying heat to the shaping surface to fuse the substructure to the skin such that the skin exceeds its melting point and at least a portion of a raised segment of the substructure does not exceed its melting point.

Examples herein relate generally to methods, and associated components, characterized by the laser welding of crosslinked polyethylene plumbing components so as to create a leak-proof connection with both mechanical and thermal fusion bonds.

A method for assembling two parts, referred to as first and second parts, the first part being produced from composite material with fibrous reinforcement embedded in a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining the first part comprising, on all or part of an outer surface, a first amorphous thermoplastic film; positioning the first part and the second part such that the first amorphous thermoplastic film is placed opposite the second part; introducing a thermosetting resin between the first amorphous thermoplastic film and the second part; at least partially polymerising the thermosetting resin. When the two parts comprise an amorphous thermoplastic film, the parts are positioned such that the respective amorphous thermoplastic films are placed opposite each other, and the thermosetting resin is introduced between the amorphous thermoplastic films.

The present disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for furniture protection. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to foam-film sheets configured to protect furniture from damage. An exemplary foam-film sheet as disclosed herein includes a sheet of foam material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; a sheet of film material having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; a first seal between a portion of the foam material proximate its first lateral edge and a portion of the film material proximate its first lateral edge; and a second seal between a portion of the foam material proximate its second lateral edge and a portion of the film material proximate its second lateral edge, wherein the film and foam are substantially unsealed along the entire transverse width between the first and second sealed portions near the lateral edges of the foam material.

A method and apparatus is presented. A layer of composite material is laid up on a forming tool. A bend is formed in the layer on the forming tool to form a bent layer. A laminate stack and the bent layer are assembled to form the composite filler.

A method for joining two objects by anchoring an insert portion provided on a first object in an opening provided on a second object. The anchorage is achieved by liquefaction of a thermoplastic material and interpenetration of the liquefied material and a penetrable material, the two materials being arranged on opposite surfaces of the insert portion and the wall of the opening. During the step of inserting the insert portion in the opening and/or during anchorage a clamping force is applied to opposing surfaces of the second object to prevent the second object from cracking or bulging.

A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite structure. The method comprises defining a shape for the composite structure with a first face sheet. The method places core sections on the shape defined by the first face sheet. The method places an adhesive in a group of joint cavities. The method places a second face sheet on the core sections placed on the first face sheet, wherein the first face sheet, the core sections, and the second face sheet, define a structural assembly in which the group of joint cavities are present. The method cures the structural assembly with the adhesive in the group of joint cavities to fabricate the composite structure in which the adhesive fills the group of joint cavities when the adhesive is cured.

A method to integrate a first part and a second part comprising composite material, both parts being at least partially thermoplastic parts, that comprises the steps of providing the first part, placing the first part in a tool, applying an in-situ consolidation process, such that integration layers of thermoplastic material are laid on thermoplastic plies of the first part and the integration of the first part with the integration layers is obtained, the integration layers being the first layers of the second part, wherein the applied in-situ consolidation process comprises the sub-steps of melting each tape by a heat source, and welding to the layer below, compressing by a roller, and cooling down below melting temperature of thermoplastic, laying the rest of the second part, and curing or consolidation of a remainder of the second part.

An article of manufacture that has at least three layers of sealable material. There is at least one first seal between at least two of the layers in a first area having a first sealing affinity effected at a first sealing parameter. There is also at least one second seal between at least two more layers, where at least one of these two layers is distinct from the at least two layers joined by the first seal, in a second area having a second sealing affinity effected at a second sealing parameter, where the second sealing parameter is different than the first sealing parameter, thereby allowing for sealing of discrete areas of the article in discrete steps.

Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and techniques for manufacturing the improvements. For example, techniques for manufacturing a rigidizing layer for reinforcing a soft robotic actuator is provided. In another embodiment, a soft robotic actuator having integrated sensors is described. A flexible electroadhesive pad for achieving a conformal grip is also described. Still further, exemplary embodiments provide hydraulically-actuated soft robotic grippers, which allows for a reduction in the size of the actuation system and improved underwater operation.