Abstract:
According to a method for the production of composite hollow articles, such as in particular tubular composite hollow articles, a braided fabric, a woven fabric or a laid fabric (5) is applied to an elongate supporting core (1) which consists essentially of an elastomer material or an at least partially plastic or flexible material. The braided fabric, woven fabric or laid fabric is then strengthened by means of a binder, whereupon the supporting core is removed once the binder has cured.
Abstract:
According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. The method comprises braiding a plurality of fibres over a non-cylindrical mandrel to form a variable thickness shaped fibre preform, flattening the shaped fibre preform and cutting the flattened shaped fibre preform to obtain the at least one non-uniform thickness composite spar component. Spars made according to various embodiments of the present invention are faster and less expensive to manufacture than conventional composite spar components.
Abstract:
A method of forming a homogenous composite pipe of unspecified length from strips of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material is disclosed. A mandrel is arranged stationary in a process direction to extend freely from a first supported end to a second end. A slip-sheath is applied about the mandrel. The thermoplastic material strips are wound about the slip-sheath. A section of the thermoplastic material strip winding is consolidated. The slip-sheath is formed from tape material which is applied longitudinally onto the mandrel surface. The slip-sheath is connected to a puller arranged downstream of the mandrel in the process direction. Consolidated pipe sections are pulled off from the second end of the mandrel in synchronization with the winding and consolidation. An assembly for carrying out the method.
Abstract:
An apparatus, and method for laying up structural filaments. The apparatus includes an openable race providing a circular path for a carrier bearing a filament source. The carrier moves circumferentially within the race and may be formed as a centerless wheel. The carrier may be formed in sections to facilitate opening of the race to insert a workpiece.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement using filament material that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a unitary run flat tire (RFT) reinforcement that is formed into a relatively rigid shape. The reinforcement is insertable into a mold for an RFT support and can maintain the needed structural rigidity for such insertion. Further, the invention provides an RFT support that is molded and includes the RFT reinforcement. The invention also provides a wheel assembly including a tire, a rim, and an RFT support between the rim and the tire, where the support includes the RFT reinforcement. The RFT support can have a colored indicator formed or subsequently applied thereto to indicate one or more attributes of the support.
Abstract:
A fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe member is obtained by a novel continuous process in which the reinforcement fibers are wrapped about the outer pipe surface in an unbonded condition while the pipe member continuously moves in a linear direction and which is followed by sufficient heating of the moving fiber wrapped pipe member to cause thermal bonding between the applied fibers and the pipe member. Automated apparatus for carrying out the continuous process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A reinforced catheter stock and a reinforced catheter are provided, along with an apparatus and methods for making same. The reinforced catheter stock includes a length of cylindrical tubing and a reinforcement member. During manufacture, the cylindrical tubing is continuously advanced from a pay-out spool to a take-up spool while the reinforcement member is wrapped onto the cylindrical tubing to form the reinforced catheter stock. Thereafter, first and second outer finish coatings are applied to the reinforced catheter stock. The coated catheter stock is cut to desired lengths to form multiple reinforced catheters. A portion of each catheter is ground to provide a soft tip portion having a desired flexibility and finish. One or more marking bands may be disposed near the distal end of each catheter.
Abstract:
A fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe member is obtained by a novel continuous process in which the reinforcement fibers are wrapped about the outer pipe surface in an unbonded condition while the pipe member continuously moves in a linear direction and which is followed by sufficient heating of the moving fiber wrapped pipe member to cause thermal bonding between the applied fibers and the pipe member. Automated apparatus for carrying out the continuous process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention refers to a method of producing a tubular lining ho in particular for use in sewer reconstruction work, comprising the steps of forming at least one fibrous strip into a curable, resin-impreganted hose. The inner side of the resultant lining hose is provided with a protective foil. It is the object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a tubular lining hose with the aid of which hoses of arbitrary length can be produced in a simple manner. This object is achieved by producing first a foil hose, which forms the protective foil, by helically winding a foil strip onto a winding mandrel, the fibrous strip being then wound onto said foil hose. In addition, the present invention refers to apparatuses for carrying out said method as well as to the lining hose itself.