Harry J Prince, 741311 Rio Falls Dr UNIT 106, Raleigh, NC 27614

7959058, Jun 14, 2011

Jan 13, 2006

11/340009

Roger M. Crane - Arnold MD, US
Robert DeNale - Frederick MD, US
Harry E. Prince - Ijamsville MD, US
Timothy L. Dapp - Crofton MD, US

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

B23K 31/02
B32B 38/08
B32B 15/14

2281221, 228120, 428608, 428615

The present invention's composite-to-metal attachment methodology—bolt-free and adhesive-free—features the implementation of an intermediary structure containing metallic fibrous material. The intermediary structure couples a first adherend (which contains nonmetallic fibrous material) with a second adherend (which contains metallic nonfibrous material). The intermediary structure's fibrous attribute is availed of for effecting its co-cure attachment to the first adherend. The intermediary structure's metallic attribute is availed of for effecting its weld attachment to the second adherend. According to typical inventive practice, respective panels of the first adherend and the intermediary structure are arranged and connected so as to describe a stepped configuration at the interface between the first adherend and the intermediary structure. The first adherend and a first portion of the intermediary structure are co-impregnated with a uniform resinous system and are co-cured. A second portion of the intermediary structure is welded with respect to the second adherend.