Abstract: A fiber placement machine undergoes a plurality of axes of motion in locating a delivery head (containing a compaction roller) perpendicular to a mandrel, with relative movement between the head and the mandrel along a predetermined path, which may be over a complex compounded shape. The machine includes a temperature controlled creel where rovings (or tows) of fibrous material are stored on spools and are fed from the creel to the delivery head. The delivery head processes the tows into a band and applies the band on the surface of the mandrel by means of the roller compaction.

Abstract: A ribbonizing apparatus and method for forming a fiber band from a plurality of fiber tows extending along respective fiber tow pathways. The ribbonizing apparatus includes an assembly for selectively heating at least a respective one of the plurality of fiber tows as the fiber tow extends along the fiber pathways. When not needed, the heat is removed from the fiber tow. A plurality of embodiments for accomplishing the method are contemplated.

Abstract: A ribbonizing apparatus and method for forming a fiber band from a plurality of fiber tows extending along respective fiber tow pathways. The ribbonizing apparatus includes an assembly for selectively heating at least a respective one of the plurality of fiber tows as the fiber tow extends along the fiber pathways. When not needed, the heat is removed from the fiber tow. A plurality of embodiments for accomplishing the method are contemplated.

Abstract: A filament winding system includes a head that selects the number of tows to be within a winding band while winding and positioning the winding band directly on the mandrel according to contours of the mandrel. Half of the tows are conveyed in an upper portion of the head and the remaining half are conveyed in a lower portion of the head with both halves meeting at an applicating roller at the discharge end of the tows. The head includes cut and add assemblies wherein the individual tows are selectively cut and later can be added to the band.

Abstract: This invention relates to industrial manufacture of composite tubes in a continuous fashion. The invention utilizes a segmented mandrel which proceeds as a train of endwise joined segments through a composite tube forming machine. Segments are added to and subtracted from the mandrel during manufacture of the tubes.

Abstract: A filament winding system includes a head that selects the number of tows within a winding band while winding and positions the winding band directly on the mandrel according to its contours.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in filament winding large, hollow, tubular structures having significant axial reinforcement in their thick walls by means including (a) using a hollow, light weight mandrel adapted to expand radially at elevated temperatures and windings of alternate layers of filamentary materials positioned substantially axially and substantially circumferentially relative to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel wherein the alternate layers are preferably in a certain thermosettable resin matrix and wound in certain fashion and (b) heating the filament wound mandrel to cure the thermosettable resin wherein heat from inside and out of the mandrel controls the cure and expansion during the heating step. The thick walls preferably incorporate graphite fibers for significant strength in the reinforcement provided by the filamentary materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in filament winding large, hollow, tubular structures having significant axial reinforcement in their thick walls by means including (a) using a hollow, light weight mandrel adapted to expand radially at elevated temperatures and windings of alternate layers of filamentary materials positioned substantially axially and substantially circumferentially relative to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel wherein the alternate layers are preferably in a certain thermosettable resin matrix and wound in certain fashion and (b) heating the filament wound mandrel to cure the thermosettable resin wherein heat from inside and out of the mandrel controls the cure and expansion during the heating step. The thick walls preferably incorporate graphite fibers for significant strength in the reinforcement provided by the filamentary materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to industrial manufacture of composite tubes in a continuous fashion. The invention utilizes a segmented mandrel which proceeds as a train of endwise joined segments through a composite tube forming machine. Segments are added to and subtracted from the mandrel during manufacture of the tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to industrial manufacture of composite tubes in a continuous fashion. The invention utilizes a segmented mandrel which proceeds as a train of endwise joined segments through a composite tube forming machine. Segments are added to and subtracted from the mandrel during manufacture of the tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in filament winding large, hollow, tubular structures having significant axial reinforcement in their thick walls by means including (a) using a hollow, light weight mandrel adapted to expand radially at elevated temperatures and windings of alternate layers of filamentary materials positioned substantially axially and substantially circumferentially relative to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel wherein the alternate layers are preferably in a certain thermosettable resin matrix and wound in certain fashion and (b) heating the filament wound mandrel to cure the thermosettable resin wherein heat from inside and out of the mandrel controls the cure and expansion during the heating step. The thick walls preferably incorporate graphite fibers for significant strength in the reinforcement provided by the filamentary materials.