University of Delaware

Honeywell International Inc.

Aluminum Company of America

Roderic C Don

John W Gillespie, Jr

Scott Holmes

Soumitri N Kolavennu

Hai D Pham

Anoop Kumar Mathur

Suresh Advani

Wendy Foslien Graber

John Gillespie

Sanjay Parthasarathy

Cynthia L Lambing

Ian Howie

Simon Bickerton

Ercument Murat Sozer

Steven H McKnight

Karl Steiner

Scott Leach

Stephen M Andersen

A sensor placement algorithm uses process data to determine the optimal distribution of sensors in a distributed parameter manufacturing system. An automatic classification procedure maps any problems in the process to a predetermined set of process disturbances. A control procedure uses process data to determine the best control action that will ensure good system response. Methods for sensor placement, automatic decision tree classification, corrective action control and the apparatus to effectuate these respective methods are integrated into a design methodology.

Resin transfer molding

This invention is a new process to promote adhesion between thermoplastic polymers and thermosetting resin adhesives. This is accomplished by selecting a third 'interlayer' polymer which is compatible with both the thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. This compatible interlayer is incorporated with the thermoplastic polymer during fabrication to provide the finished part surface with a layer of the compatible film. Upon adhesive bonding, diffusion of the thermosetting adhesive molecules into the compatible film occurs before complete cure, or hardening of the thermosetting adhesive. After completion of cure an Interpenetrating Network (IPN) is formed. Molecular entanglement in this network provides superior adhesive strength enhancement.

Bonding techniques for high performance thermoplastic compositions

The invention is drawn to a nozzle device for gas torches which allows interactive, real-time control of thermoplastic processing and a method of using this device. The device consists of a movable nozzle slide that it attached to the tip of the torch. The nozzle slide can be moved in an upward or downward direction, thereby changing the amount of heat contacting the material.

Adjustable hot gas torch nozzle

A method and apparatus for automated resistance welding of materials is provided. The material may be thermoplastic material. The material has a layer of a second material adjacent thereto. The second material is a dissimilar material which may be applied as a film or a coating on the first material, or the second material may be a separate layer placed adjacent the first material. A heating element is placed in the interface between overlapping portions of the two pieces of material to be welded together. The layers are directly adjacent to the heating element. The layers can be consolidated onto the heating element if desired. The heating element can be composed of carbon fibers in a polymer matrix. The heating element is supplied with current to generate resistive heating. The heating causes melting of the layers adjacent to and contacting the material. Pressure is applied to the area being welded to fuse the materials together. A lower pressure may be applied as a clamping force to areas adjacent to the welded area. The welding may be performed in a step wise fashion to separate weld segments or substantially completely to the entire weld joint. A cooling mechanism is also provided. The weld is simultaneously inspected for the occurrence of melting and for bond quality. A control system is provided for full automation of the system.

Apparatus and method for resistance welding

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Newark, DE, United States of America

Roderic C Don