A method of forming a structural tube may include urging a substantially flat thermoplastic sandwich sheet against a mandrel and heating the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature. The method may further include allowing the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to cool and removing the mandrel, thereby forming a tube portion.

A method for fabricating a composite material assembly includes: a) providing an assembly system, b) laying down a first module on a first mold, the first module comprising a first laminate covering a first laminate support structure, c) laying down a second module on a second mold, the second module comprising a second laminate covering a second laminate support structure and extending over the at least one removable insert, d) removing the at least one removable insert from the second mold, and e) assembling the first mold with the second mold while overlapping a section of the second laminate extending over the at least one removable insert over the first laminate.

First and second composite members each containing first discontinuous fibers of fiber length La, are placed such that end surfaces thereof face each other at an interval of first length L1. Ends of the first and second composite members are melted over a second length L2 from the end surfaces. A connecting member containing second discontinuous fibers of fiber length Lb, is melted and placed to bridge a space between the ends, to form a stack. The stack is pressed, whereby the melted connecting member and the melted end portions flow into the space between the end surfaces to form a mixture portion. The mixture portion is cooled and solidified to produce a fiber-reinforced resin bonded body. The first length L1 is equal to or more than of the fiber length Lb, and the second length L2 is equal to or more than the fiber length La.

A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

A system and method for fabricating a composite material assembly. The components of the assembly originate from more than one mold while providing curing or solidifying under heat and vacuum in one step only, preferably with a composite material in a pre-preg form which does not require autoclave treatment. A removable insert is removed from a second mold prior to assembly of a first mold to the second mold. A section of a laminate extending over the removable insert overlaps over an adjacent laminate after closing and assembly of the first mold onto the second mold.

An endless conveyor belt loop includes a conveyor belt that has an elongated body and a substantially uniform width. The ends of the conveyor belt each include a splice formation extending across the width of the conveyor belt that are each configured to mate with the other. A thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged between exposed surfaces formed by the splice formation at the ends of the conveyor belt. When the splice formations are aligned, the thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged and continuously interconnected between the ends for conveyor belt to form a seamless end connection. The thermoplastic connector comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

A joint molding apparatus for molding joints between composite panels comprising inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid. A bladder support structure supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection.

A method for applying adhesive to sides of a flange, such as in rotorcraft connection joints, includes attaching an intermediate member to an edge of a flange and flowing adhesive in gaps between sides of the flange and inner edges of a double lap joint element by inserting the flange with the intermediate member into the double lap joint element.

An endless conveyor belt loop includes a conveyor belt that has an elongated body and a substantially uniform width. The ends of the conveyor belt each include a splice formation extending across the width of the conveyor belt that are each configured to mate with the other. A thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged between exposed surfaces formed by the splice formation at the ends of the conveyor belt. When the splice formations are aligned, the thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged and continuously interconnected between the ends for conveyor belt to form a seamless end connection. The thermoplastic connector comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.

An adhesive assembly for joining adjacent ends of insulation tubing, comprising a layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material, said layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material capable of bonding to insulation tubing, whereby when said layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material is positioned between a first section of insulation tubing and a second section of insulation tubing, said layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material bonds to both the first section of insulation tubing and the second section of insulation tubing; and a disposable release liner including a release liner tab adapted to hold said layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material prior to positioning said layer of pressure-sensitive transfer adhesive material between the first section of insulation tubing and the second section of insulation tubing. The seam created when the first section of insulation tubing and the second section of insulation tubing are joined may be covered with tape.