Abstract:
A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.
Abstract:
Described are methods of making a paint roller using thermoplastic strip material, adhesive and a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process by helically winding a strip comprising polypropylene around a mandrel so as to form a helically wound strip, advancing the wound strip along the mandrel, applying a molten layer of adhesive comprising polypropylene onto the outer surface of the wound strip, wrapping a strip of composite cover material about the wound strip and over the layer of adhesive, and allowing the adhesive to cool, thereby laminating the composite cover material with the outer surface of the wound strip.
Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for forming a laminate of pre-preg composite material comprises supply means (200) to supply pre-preg strip (400) to a stationary mandrel (300). The pre-preg strip (400) is formed into a tube (410) on the mandrel (300), and is driven to both rotate relative to the mandrel and to move axially along the mandrel. In this way it can be dispensed from an end of the mandrel (300) and formed in to a further pre-preg strip (420) with off-axis fibres.
Abstract:
Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process. Also described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight, and methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight.
Abstract:
A method for improving strength of the finished product in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method utilizes a substrate such as a polypropylene strip with grooves on its surface. The grooved substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the grooved surface of the grooved substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The hardened adhesive in the grooves may operate to reduce the hoop-force which would otherwise tend to unwind the wound substrate. The method in certain embodiments provides a reduction in cost and weight of the finished product.
Abstract:
Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.
Abstract:
A method for reducing cost and weight in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method may utilize a perforated substrate such as a perforated polypropylene strip or may include a perforating step which removes overage from an unperforated substrate. The perforated substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the outer surface of the perforated substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The removal of the overage results in a reduction in the weight of the paint roller. In certain embodiments the overage from a perforation step is collected, and may be reused in a subsequent implementation of the method or resold.
Abstract:
Described is a method of making a laminated paint roller wherein a perforated strip of thermoplastic material is advanced, the perforated strip having holes there-through. A lubricant is applied to the inner surface of the advancing perforated strip of thermoplastic material. The lubricated, perforated strip of thermoplastic material is helically wound around a cooled mandrel so as to form a helically wound strip wherein the inner surface of the perforated strip faces the cooled mandrel and the outer surface of the perforated strip faces away from the cooled mandrel. The wound perforated strip is advanced along the cooled mandrel. A layer of adhesive is applied onto an outer surface of the wound perforated strip. A strip of composite cover material is helically wrapped about the wound strip and over the layer of adhesive, the outer surface of the composite cover material comprising a pile fabric, and the inner surface of the composite cover material comprising thermoplastic. A compressive force is applied upon the composite cover material to urge the composite cover material, the layer of adhesive and strip of thermoplastic material together against the cooled mandrel, thereby laminating the inner surface of the composite cover material to the outer surface of the strip. A method of making a composite cover material is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.
Abstract:
A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.