Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding a fiber reinforced resin bell on the end of a pipe. The apparatus includes a pair of parallel conveyor lines with each line having a series of corresponding stations and the pipes on each line are moved or indexed progressively through the stations. Corresponding stations in each conveyor line are winding stations, and as each pipe is indexed to the winding station, it is moved axially toward the opposite conveyor line. The pipe is rotated about its axis and a resin impregnated fibrous band is wound around an insert projecting from the end of the pipe to form the bell. As the band is being wound, a second pipe from the winding station of the other conveyor is moved axially to position the end of the second pipe in proximate abutting relation to the end of the first pipe being wound. After the winding operation has been completed on the first pipe, the band is transferred to the adjacent end of the second pipe and the band is severed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reinforced plastic tubular article. A mandrel is positioned within a mold in spaced relation to the inner surface of the mold. Dry reinforcing material, in the form of fibrous or particulate material or a combination of both, is located in the annular space between the mandrel and the mold. The interior of the mold is evacuated to remove gas from the mold as well as from the voids within the reinforcing material. An uncured thermosetting resin system, which was mixed under vacuum conditions to remove gas from the system, is introduced into the mold. Pressure is applied to the resin to thoroughly impregnate the reinforcing material with the resin. The resin is then cured by heating while the pressure is maintained on the resin. The resulting cured product has a smooth outer surface which facilitates the attachment of coupling members and has improved mechanical properties.