Abstract: Two cooperatively rotating annular wheels are temporarily deformed against each other radially to form a contact length and are partially located in a heated chamber. Each annular wheel is connected to a rotating shaft by flexible means. A positive pressure is maintained in the heated chamber. A plurality of composite plies are fed into the heated chamber where they are clamped and carried by the annular wheels. The clamped plies are subjected to a sustained pressure and temperature along the contact length. The plies are cured under sustained pressure and temperature after which they are cooled under sustained pressure and exit from between the annular wheels as an elongated cured composite laminate.

Abstract: Two cooperatively rotating annular wheels are temporarily deformed against each other radially to form a contact length and are partially located in a heated chamber. Each annular wheel is connected to a rotating shaft by means of flexible means. A positive pressure is maintained in the heated chamber. A circumferential groove is provided on the rim of each annular wheel so that when the two annular wheels rotate cooperatively, the grooves cooperate to form a closed orifice along the contact length of the annular wheels. A mandrel, rotating about its axis, protrudes into this orifice. A plurality of elongated composite plies are wound around the mandrel and are clamped and carried forward by the annular wheels. In the heated chamber, the elongated plies are subjected to a sustained pressure and temperature. They are cured under this pressure and temperature after which they are cooled under pressure and exit from between the annular wheels as an elongated cured composite tube.

Abstract: A vertical shaft, attached to a windmill, rotates inside a first container which has a highly viscous fluid contained in it. A first set of perforated ribs extend radially outwards from the shaft. A second set of perforated ribs extend radially inwards from the first container. The two sets of ribs are vertically staggered with respect to each other so that when the shaft rotates, the first set of ribs do not come into physical contact with the second set of ribs. As the shaft rotates, the shearing action between the two sets of ribs forces the viscous fluid through the perforations in the two sets of ribs. This results in a pressure drop between the entrance and exit end of each perforation. The pressure drop results in heat dissipation in the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid is thereby heated. A second vessel containing water surrounds the first vessel. Heat transfer occurs across the first vessel to the water, thereby raising its temperature.

Abstract: The invention describes a machine and a process whereby a material of unlimited length is continuously extruded into a tubular shape. Two annular toruses have their inner rims connected to rotating drive shafts by leaf springs. The exterior toroidal surfaces have suitable shaped grooves on them. The toruses are squeezed against each other radially by suitable means so as to cause a maximum radial deformation in each of them of a magnitude substantially greater than 0.2 percent but less than an amount that would cause permanent set in the torus material or the leaf springs. This deformation forms a contact length between the two toruses. A further requirement of the radial deformation on the two toruses is that the contact length between them be at least twice the extrusion length necessary for the contemplated extrusion. A bridge die supported by a die stem is located substantially at the center of the contact length.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and process for forming an elongated product of unlimited length is disclosed. The method consists of gripping and feeding a material of unlimited length between two toruses whose toroidal surfaces have suitable shaped grooves to accommodate the incoming material. The toruses are so constructed that each of them can sustain a radial deformation substantially in excess of 0.2 per cent without undergoing a permanent plastic set. The toroidal surfaces of the two toruses are radially squeezed against each other so as to cause a temporary radial deformation in both toruses substantially in excess of 0.2 per cent but less than an amount that causes a permanent set in either torus. This creates a contact length between the two toruses. Such squeezing also causes a three dimensional stress distribution in the grooves which stress is substantially hydrostatic. A deformation control element with a suitably shaped aperture or apertures is located substantially in the center of the length of contact.