Abstract: A method and a machine for making a hollow fiber reinforcing member using a mandrel. A plurality of flexible rods are distributed around the periphery of the mandrel. Each rod is provided at one extremity with a respective curved end so that at least the extremities with bent ends are pressed against the mandrel, with their bent ends projecting outwards from the mandrel. At least one continuous strand of filaments is interlaced around the bent ends of the rods. As the strand of filaments is interlaced around the bent ends, the rods are displaced along the mandrel to disengage the already-interlaced strand of filaments from the bent ends of the rods such that a tracery of filaments including the rods and bearing against the mandrel is formed progressively.

Abstract: A composite reinforcement element comprising three superimposed and crossed even layers of threads and a continuous thread extending perpendicularly through the three superimposed even layers. The layers are impregnated with a binder and the binder is polymerized after impregnation. The superimposed and crossed even layers are initially maintained assembled, before the impregnation and the polymerization of the binder, by a conjugate action of gripping and friction of the three superposed and crossed even layers of threads on the continuous thread which extends therethrough. The continuous thread forms an internal surface of the composite reinforcement element which protrudes from the superimposed and crossed even layers of threads in the form of open loops which are interconnected on an external surface of the element.

Abstract: The machine comprises a frame (1, 2, 3, 4), a rotary mandrel (15) mounted on a horizontal shaft (14), a vertical arm (12) having a detachable work device (20) at the lower end of the arm, and means (M1, M2, M3) for shifting the arm (12) along three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z).

Abstract: A plurality of parallel layers of fibers are laid in two crossed directions on a disposable support mandrel, pins are temprorarily implanted in the mandrel (15) composed of foam material in regions of evolution of its shape and at points where it is desired to change the direction of the fiber, a continuous thread (33) is stretched out between the pins so as to form crossed superimposed layers, and a continuous fiber (50) is introduced by means of a needle (43) through the layers and forms successive open loops (53). The loops (53) are maintained by the elastic pressure exerted by the foam material and the gripping action of said layers. The fibers are impregnated with a binder and the binder is hardened and the mandrel is destroyed.

Abstract: In this machine, rows of rods (R.sub.1.sup.2, R.sub.3.sup.2, R.sub.4.sup.3, R.sub.2.sup.3) representing the woof threads are circulated in passages A, B, C defined between filaments (86) forming concentric open loops having adjustable diameters. In the openings of the loops are needles (90) movable between neutral or open positions for deviating the rods from a passage into an adjacent passage while depositing warp threads in circular layers between the rods. The rods are then replaced by woof threads by a lacing device.

Abstract: In this machine, rows of rods representing the woof threads are circulated in passages A, B, C defined between filaments forming concentric open loops having adjustable diameters. Disposed in the openings of the loops are needles (90) movable between neutral or open positions for deviating the rods from a passage into an adjacent passage in accordance with a predetermined sequence while depositing warp threads in circular layers between the rods. The rods are then replaced by woof threads by a lacing device.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of three-dimensional thread packages. Vertical rods (11) are maintained in a stationary arranged network by engagement through perforated plates (12,13). A thread (10) is deposited from above this network by a shuttle (9) in a sinuous path between upper end portions of the rods (11). The layers of thread thus formed in succession, supported by the perforated plate (12) which undergoes a descending movement, are compacted by a perforated plate (7) which is lowered upon the finishing of each layer. A lacing arrangement (35) replaces the rods (11) by threads after the thread laying phase.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of three-dimensional thread packages. Vertical rods (11) are maintained in a stationary arranged network by engagement through perforated plates (12,13). A thread (10) is deposited from above this network by a shuttle (9) in a sinuous path between upper end portions of the rods (11). The layers of thread thus formed in succession, supported by the perforated plate (12) which undergoes a descending movement, are compacted by a perforated plate (7) which is lowered upon the finishing of each layer. A lacing arrangement (35) replaces the rods (11) by threads after the thread layer phase.

Abstract: A needle for interlacing yarns, strands or the like in a multi-directional woven structure composed of a shank bent to form an elastic blade. The end of the blade is normally resiliently applied against the shank, so as to form the eye of the needle which is opened by moving the blade away from the shank by means of an opener. The yarn is thus inserted and the eye is allowed to close while the needle is moved.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of deformable hollow reinforcements of revolution by a three-dimensional weaving. In a network of rods 18 held and rotated about a vertical axis 11 by rotary perforated plates 52, 53, 54, there are inserted in oblique crossed directions, i.e. non-radial directions, threads in the form of chain stitch loops produced by a knitting device 32. The chain stitches are downwardly compacted by the lower edge of the plate 52 which is inclined for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of woven pieces made by multidirectional weaving. A woven piece comprises, along one of the directions of weaving, temporary vertical rods which must be replaced by yarns joined to form a strand. The apparatus comprises to this end an upper assembly for detecting the position of the rods of the piece, rotating step by step, and actuating a needle with opening eye which, on descending through the woven piece, chases the rods one by one and hooks, in a lower assembly, a loop of the lacing strand and returns it into the woven piece in place of the chase rod.