Apparatus and manufacturing method for in-situ impregnation of continuous fiber tows with thermoplastic resin for use in additive manufacturing.

Using raw materials (thermoplastic pellets and rolls of fiber tows), this invention will continuously impregnate fiber tows with molten thermoplastic resin for fabrication of custom composite shapes, unlike current methods, which do not use raw materials and are extremely expensive processes. The ‘In Situ’ process can be used to either directly “print” composite parts in an additive manufacturing approach or to manufacture pre-impregnated (prepreg) composite material for use in other manufacturing technologies.

DEVICE FOR MECHANICAL WEIGHT BEARING INDICATION WITH LOAD RANGE CAPABILITY

Many times following orthopedic surgery or injury to lower extremeties patients are advised to gradually bear weight on their limb. Since patients do not want to cause further damage or pain to the injury they put little to no weight on the area. The application is necessary, however, for proper recovery. This invention is a mechanical device that indicates to the patient when a first level of weight is applied. So, this encourages them to step firmly enough to reach this level without fear that they are going to hurt themselves or cause pain.