Abstract: A helical spring is formed by winding a fiber bundle onto a core at a predetermined wind angle and then winding the wound core onto a grooved mold. The fibers have a thermosetting material thereon which is cured as the wound core advances along the groove by heating of the mold, the mold rotated to achieve this advance. A frictional engagement at the delivery end is set up between the wound core and the groove to pull and stretch the wound core and to thereby optimally orient the fibers before setting.

Abstract: A pushrod for an internal combustion engine valve train is described comprised of a composite rod body having spherically machined tip surfaces at either end, with thin metal end caps fit and bonded to each end.

Abstract: Fibers are oriented in a radial direction in a mold so that the fibers are aligned in the molded article to react to radial loads. This is done by contracting a tubular braid of reinforcing fiber about its axis and expanding the contracted braid radially. The time for curing the article in the mold is reduced by internal electrical heating. The preferred ways of internal electrical heating are microwave heating, and the application of current to an internal conducting layer, conductive fibers or a grid for resistive heating. Moreover, the appearance of the molded article is improved by a sheet metal insert which is formed, for example by stamping or spinning, to match a face of the mold. The metal can be polished and chromed either before or after the molding process.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic restrictor limits the speed at which the bed of a dump truck can be lowered by discharging fluid from a lift cylinder. The fluid dynamic restrictor defines a fluid vortex that provides a pressure drop proportional to the square of the fluid flow rate. Therefore the maximum rate at which the bed can be lowered is much the same regardless of whether the bed is empty or full. In contrast to a restrictor in the form of a throttled valve or wire mesh, the fluid dynamic restrictor is not easily plugged by debris. The fluid dynamic restrictor also offers little resistance in its reverse direction, which facilitates rapid lifting of the bed.

Abstract: A leaf spring is provided in which the major component is a leaf made up of continuous strands of fibers distributed in a matrix of polymerized plastic resin. The spring has a theoretical constant cross-sectional area and uniform width throughout its length and at the same time is thickest at its midportion and tapers to the opposite ends. The spring results in an arrangement having a cavity intermediate opposite ends and opposite sides which is capable of receiving locating pins or bolts of the type used with conventional metal leaf springs without the requirement for drilling of holes or otherwise weakening the structure. One embodiment of the invention incorporates a metallic leaf with the non-metallic components.