Abstract: A method of forming hollow tubular members may include providing a mold defining a surface corresponding to a configuration of the hollow tubular member. A fabric material may be placed in the mold for bonding with a resin to form the hollow tubular member. A bladder may be placed in the mold next to the fabric material to form a substantially air tight region around the fabric material. A pump may be used to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure in the substantially air tight region and thereby press the fabric material against the mold. The sub-atmospheric pressure may also be used to draw the resin material into the mold in contact with the fabric material. Once the resin and fabric material have adequately cured, the hollow tubular member may be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A wood support piling is reinforced by a composite wrapping. The composite wrapping is formed on the wood piling by a filament winding process. Filament strands are impregnated with resin and wrapped around the wood piling under tension. The resin is allowed to cure to form a seamless layer which is uniform in thickness and materials. The composite wrapping is bonded to the wood piling and applies a compressive force on the wood piling to improve its strength characteristics. The composite wrapping may be applied to a portion of the wood piling where reinforcement is needed so that the piling can be manufactured economically. The composite wrapping protects the piling against deterioration and reduces the need for chemical preservatives which are harmful to the environment.

Abstract: A wood support piling is reinforced by a composite wrapping. The composite wrapping is formed on the wood piling by a filament winding process. Filament strands are impregnated with resin and wrapped around the wood piling under tension. The resin is allowed to cure to form a seamless layer which is uniform in thickness and materials. The composite wrapping is bonded to the wood piling and applies a compressive force on the wood piling to improve its strength characteristics. The composite wrapping may be applied to a portion of the wood piling where reinforcement is needed so that the piling can be manufactured economically. The composite wrapping protects the piling against deterioration and reduces the need for chemical preservatives which are harmful to the environment.

Abstract: A fiber spool apparatus for a braiding machine or the like, comprising a support, a fiber supply spool rotatably mounted on the support, a housing fixedly mounted on the support and having a plurality of recessed portions on the inner surface thereof, and a coil spring mounted within the housing. The coil spring has an inner end operatively associated with the spool and an outer end in engagement with the inner surface of the housing. When fiber is fed from the spool to the braiding machine, the spool is rotated in a first direction to wind and tension the spring by engagement of the outer end thereof in one of the recessed portions in the housing rotation of the spool in the first direction until the spring reaches a predetermined tension. Continued rotation of the spool in the first direction causes the outer spring end to slip from one recessed portion to another after the spring has reached the predetermined tension.

Abstract: Combing apparatus for a braiding machine or the like, comprising a plurality of smooth, flexible lines mounted on one side of the fibers in the area between the braiding machine and the braid point. The lines are fixed at the end near the braiding machine and are attached at the opposite end to a flexible and resilient member, such as a spring or rubber band. A plurality of pusher members are mounted on the one side of the fibers in alignment with the lines, and a plurality of gripper members are mounted on the opposite side of the fibers in alignment with the lines and pusher members. The pusher members engage the lines in an area near the braiding machine so as to push them between the fibers. The gripper members extend through the fibers to grip the lines, pull them through the fibers and then pull the lines toward the braid point to separate and comb the fibers in a uniform manner.