Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for mechanically bonding a polymer to a convex surface of a substrate to provide intimate contact therebetween for improved energy transport between a transducer on one side of the substrate and a chemical bath on the other. The polymer seals the surface of the substrate from the chemical bath and may have a low adhesion to the substrate. A thin film of the polymer is brought under a tensile stress to provide intimate physical contact with most of the area of the convex surface. In one embodiment, the tensile stress is achieved by providing polymer as a liquid on the convex surface and then cooling to take advantage of differential thermal contraction between the polymer and the substrate to achieve the tensile stress in the polymer.

Abstract: The support is designed to keep in expanded condition an elastic covering sleeve for elongated cylindrical elements such as electric cable joints and the like. The support comprises a tape wound spirally in side-by-side turns so as to take on a cylindrical tubular form and mutual constraint means between the turns to keep the tape in wound condition. In accordance with the invention the tape and the constraint means are provided in different materials.

Abstract: A flangeless pipe joint including lined pipes with the end section of the outer pipe spaced radially outwardly from the liner and insulating material filling the space between the end sections of pipe and liners. The ends of the liners are sealed to each other and the outer pipe ends are joined by an outer sleeve.

Abstract: A one piece laminated air bag has an inner layer of sheet material, a middle layer of load carrying fibers and an outer layer of sheet material. The load carrying fibers are laid in a pre-specified pattern such that a majority of loads in the air bag are carried by the fibers. The method of manufacturing the air bag includes an inflatable mold which is inflated to the required configuration, covered with the various layers and deflated after the laminating of sheets to form the one piece laminated air bag.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a spectacle frame component composed of a fiber-reinforced, synthetic resin includes filling a core of a single tubular braid woven from long reinforcing fibers with an inert filling material, exteriorly impregnating the filled tubular braid with a synthetic resin comprising a bisphenol epoxy comprising first aliphatic amine hardening agent and a second aromatic diamine hardening agent, or a single aliphatic amine hardening agent, shaping and stabilizing a cross-section of the epoxy impregnated tubular braid, and shaping the stabilized cross-section epoxy impregnated tubular braid into a three dimensional form and hardening in the three dimensional form.

Abstract: A method of joining a frame tube to a lug, including steps of making through holes on the lug, squeezing a first elastomer to deform the frame tube causing a plurality of outward projections raised from the frame tube and engaging the through holes, then inserting a reinforcing tube into the frame tube after removal of the first elastomer and then squeezing a second elastomer to deform the reinforcing tube causing a plurality of outward projections raised from the reinforcing tube to engage the inside wall of the frame tube.

Abstract: A method of lining a pipeline 24 intended to carry gas, oil, water, sewage or chemicals in which a cross-linked polymeric liner pipe 10, which has been reduced from its original diameter to a lesser diameter or to a shape of reduced maximum dimension, is pulled through the pipeline 24. The lesser diameter is less than the least inner diameter of the pipeline 24. After the liner pipe 10 has been fully pulled through, the pipe liner 10 is heated by means of a source 60 of visible or infrared radiation forming part of a pig assembly 50 to cause it to revert to the pipeline. The pig assembly or assemblies are stationary at zones 70 where service connections are to be made. Subsequently, the remaining liner pipe 10 is reverted by pulling the source 60 through the liner pipe 10.

Abstract: A permanent marking article for use with an elongate object, consisting of a strip of transparent polymeric film having an upper and a lower surface, at least a portion of the upper surface being imprintable, the polymeric film being fusible to itself with the passage of time, and remaining transparent even after fusion such that any marking placed on any portion of the article remains readable even if covered by one or more overwrapping portions of the strip.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press includes a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer includes a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer includes a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite insulator (30) comprises a central rod (32) of fibers embedded in a synthetic resin with each end of the rod being fixed to a respective metal end-fitting (31) by a metal sleeve coupling (34) and with the side wall of the rod having a coating (36) of elastomer fins molded thereover. The coating covers the side walls (37) of the end-fittings (31) so as to leave uncovered only those portions (35) which are required for attaching the insulator.

Abstract: A grooved, void-volume belt for use on a long nip press for dewatering a fibrous web may be manufactured by winding a grooved strip or ribbon of polymeric material onto a standard LNP belt in the form of a closed helix, and by attaching the grooved strip to the belt by suitable means. The strip may be extruded from a polymeric material, such as polyurethane, and is provided with at least one longitudinal groove. The method enables one to manufacture a grooved, void-volume belt without the prior necessity of coating both sides of a base fabric with a polymeric material, and of cutting grooves in the coating on the outer side of the belt.

Abstract: A method of forming composite prepreg articles. Prepreg plies (12) are laid up over a breakable mandrel (10), the mandrel having a configuration substantially matching the desired configuration of the composite prepreg article and being pre-coated to prevent the prepreg from sticking to it. A release film (14) is applied over the prepreg. A heat-shrinkable braided sleeve (16) is placed over the prepreg and release film and secured to the mandrel, thereby creating an assembly (28). The prepreg is first compacted by encapsulating the assembly and applying a vacuum, and is then substantially cured by exposing the assembly to heat. After curing, the braided sleeve and release film are removed. The cured prepreg, which serves as the desired composite prepreg article, is separated from the mandrel by breaking the mandrel.

Abstract: An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Abstract: A protective garment 10, such as a glove, arm guard or the like of wire 24 and fiber strands 26, 28, 30 and an elastomeric coating 16. The preferred garment is knitted from yarn 12 having a core 22 of one or more wire strands 24 and a fiber strand 26, and two wrappings of fiber strands 28, 30, preferably polyester. The knitted garment is coated, preferably by dipping in nitrile rubber, and the coating is cured in place. The garment is highly cut-resistant, nonabsorbent, highly slip-resistant, liquid in weight and flexible.

Abstract: A process for the production of profiles from composite fibrous materials, wherein the strands of fibrous materials continuously impregnated with liquid reaction resins are wrapped or braided immediately after impregnation or in a prehardening zone with drawn and/or preoriented and/or textured organic fibres or monofils or mixtures of organic and inorganic fibres or monofils and are hardened in a following hardening zone.

Abstract: In a concrete column supporting an overhead load and having a base end resting on a surface, a process of strengthening the column to increase its ability to withstand atypical physical loading accompanying an earthquake, involving the steps of defining a work area about the surface of the column to which the strengthening is to be applied, the work area defined by circumferential marginal edges arranged in spaced-apart relation; overwrapping the work area with at least one layer of high-strength, stretchable fibers wherein the fibers are oriented at an angle to the vertical axis of the column; applying a coat of hardenable material, having a modulus at least as great as that of the fibers, over the layer of fibers to form a hard outer shell thereover; and, injecting a quantity of a hardenable, low-shrink liquid under the layer of fibers and over the surface of the work area in an amount sufficient to cause the fibers to undergo stretching from about 1/2% to about 4% of their elongation.

Abstract: An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Abstract: The strengthening and stiffening of long, curved or tapered tubes is achieved by using internal strengtheners. The strengthening element conforms to the internal shape of the tube as it is inserted into the tube. The parts of the strengthening element which are then in contact with the inside of the tube have pre-formed welding material attached to them; a solid connection between the strengthener and the tube is achieved by selective heating, welding or by blowing adhesive material through the tube.If a tube has the non-welded strengthener in place, the forming or bending of the tube may proceed, since the strengthener takes the form of the tube at any stage of forming. The process is especially suitable for tubes with different cross-sections along their length.

Abstract: A method of forming a bushing in a graphite/epoxy structure in order to repair holes that are either too large or out-of-round. A mandrel having a diameter that is smaller than the desired hole diameter is wrapped with a strip of epoxy-impregnated graphite mat until the mandrel and mat tightly fit into the hole in the graphite/epoxy structure. The mandrel is then heated causing the mandrel to both expand and cure the epoxy resin in the mat. Expansion of the mandrel forces the mat against the edge of the hole to promote bonding between the mat and the graphite/epoxy structure. After the mat has cured, the mandrel is cooled thereby causing it to contract away from the mat so that it can be easily removed. Finally, the mat is trimmed to the thickness of the graphite/epoxy structure and a hole having the desired diameter is then machined in the mat.

Abstract: A surface layer is applied to an elongated, deformable hollow profile. The profile originally has at least one wall portion which is curved as seen in cross section. The profile is advanced to a device for applying the surface layer and pressed so as to deform the curved wall portion into a shape which, as seen in cross section, is substantially straight. The surface layer is applied to this wall portion while it is in the substantially straight shape, and the profile is then at least substantially returned to its original shape.

Abstract: Inorganic fibrous pipe insulation in the shape of a tube comprising outer and inner flexible sheets on the outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the tube. A majority of the fibers are at right angles to the flexible sheets and therefore extend radially of the pipe to offer good compression resistance to impact. By using substantially non-stretchable material for the inner sheet a fibrous layer whose fibers are generally perpendicular to the layer can be permanently formed into generally cylindrical shape. For insulation designed to cover very small diameter pipes the thickness of the fibrous layer is varied to provide fewer adjacent the inner flexible sheet than are adjacent the outer flexible sheet.

Abstract: In order to maintain a pneumatic tire in an operational state after the tire has been deflated, a combined structure is embedded within the crown portion of the tire to resist compressive forces encountered when the tire is deflated. The combined structure includes a prestressed coil located adjacent coaxially spaced band segments. Radial plies are present in the tire to transmit compressive forces from a ground contact area to the combined structure which resists the compressive forces successfully.

Abstract: A process of forming an end closure of one end of a stick of shirred sausage casing. The casing 10 is twisted and then the twisted neck (16) is compressed and heated to seal it. The twisted portion is severed so as to form an end seal with about four to eight twists in it. This end seal resists rupture during stuffing.

Abstract: A surface layer is applied to an elongated, deformable hollow profile. The profile originally has at least one wall portion which is curved as seen in cross section. The profile is advanced to a device for applying the surface layer and pressed so as to deform the curved wall portion into a shape which, as seen in cross section, is substantially straight. The surface layer is applied to this wall portion while it is in the substantially straight shape, and the profile is then at least substantially returned to its original shape.

Abstract: A composite pressure vessel having a larger diameter, threaded polar opening with integrally depending threads is disclosed. The threaded polar opening is reinforced by a winding pattern that enables it to be closed against the axial forces resulting from significant internal pressures. This closure seals the interior of the pressure vessel in the tactical rocket motor case assembly disclosed.

Abstract: Process and device for connecting together an extruded plastic cylindrical vessel body (2) with a plastic lid (1) by means of butt-welding of edges (4,5) heated with a heated plate (12) the said lid being deformed elastically to a larger diameter prior to butt-welding, the device for expanding the lid (1) having a conical expansion element (9), a supporting ring (10) and locking elements (11) holding the expanded lid at a diameter corresponding to the edge diameter of the body (2).

Abstract: Virtually inextensible V drive belts are manufactured from a sleeve of rubber containing substantially longitudinal polymer stability supports by vulcanizing the sleeve on a tubular former and immediately sealing the sleeve and former inside a sleeve member and thereafter while the sleeve is still warm stretching the belt sleeve radially by application of pressure medium between the former and the sleeve. The belt sleeve is then cooled under tension and cut into individual belts.

Abstract: Two intaglio printing plates having a total length equal to the circumference of the cylindrical barrel (1) of a plate cylinder are prepared. The cylindrical barrel (1) is expanded radially, and on the portion of its surface corresponding to the first plate (4) to be attached an epoxy film is deposited. The first plate (4) is applied on the epoxy film in the exact position. On the remaining part of the cylindrical barrel (1) one or a plurality of metal sheets (5) are deposited for ensuring the continuity of the cylinder surface. The plate (4) to be attached is surrounded by a tightening ribbon (6) covering completely the plate (4). Heat is used for softening the epoxy film and the ribbon (16) is tightened by exerting tractive forces beginning from the center of the two ends of the ribbon and advancing towards the peripheral edges. The epoxy film is allowed to set, the ribbon (6) and the sheet or sheets (5) are removed.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic radial tire is equipped with a prestressed helical coil which is positioned inside the tire crown radially inwardly of the tread thereof. The coil is wound to approximately 50 percent of its free diameter to prestress it and the outer surface has a resin-impregnated tape applied thereto. The tape serves to hold the coil in a predetermined condition while the taped coil is cured. The taped coil can be co-cured in situ with the tire or prepared in advance of tire fabrication.

Abstract: A method of forming roof vent pipe enclosures in one piece, flexible, reinforced roof-covering membranes provides a cylindrical, open ended tube of a membrane material which is heat weldable and a tube base of like heat weldable material which has an opening of a diameter to snugly accommodate the base of the vent pipe. The tube is fitted over the end of a template which is of a greater diameter than the opening and the template is projected through the opening to fold the marginal edge section of material surrounding the opening generally in an axial direction while stretching it radially, and at the same time drawing the one end of the tube down further on the template to radially stretch it so that it is disposed in lapped engagement with the marginal edge section of material.

Abstract: A method for joining insulated conduits is disclosed, in which the bared ends of the medium-carrying pipes are first interconnected in a per se known manner and a union piece is thereafter placed around the resulting joint, such that the union piece has an overlap on the outer side of the conduits to be joined and forms a mould for foaming an insulating material of cellular plastic in the joint. The union piece is a relatively rigid, circumferentially resilient plastic tube which is slotted throughout its entire length and, before being applied around the joint, has an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the conduits. After the union piece has been applied around the joint, a strip is placed on the slot of the union piece throughout substantially the entire length of the slot, said strip consisting of a mouldable, curable plastic material which by curing is bondable to the union piece, and which is thereafter cured so as to be bonded to the union piece.

Abstract: An external male urinary drainage catheter combined with a tubular applicator for applying and adhesively securing the catheter to a user. The method of use of the applicator/catheter combination, and the method of adhesively coating the inner surface of the catheter sheath during manufacture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container bottom is inertially spin welded into the interior of a cylindrical container body of paperboard internally lined with a layer of thermoplastic material. A body supporting mandrel has an expansible body engaging portion which is inserted into the body and subsequently expanded to define a cylindrical surface of a diameter exactly equal to that of the specified internal diameter of the body. A seating member at the end of the body supporting mandrel establishes the depth to which the container bottom is inserted into the body and is provided with a low-friction projecting resilient member which contacts the rotating bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assembling innerspring constructions from rows of pocketed coil springs. The apparatus includes a surface for supporting the rows and a pressure plate which compresses them slightly while holding them in straight lines. After each row is positioned between the surface and the plate, a hot melt applicator is passed thereby and deposits a selected amount of bonding material to the fabric encasing each coil spring. New rows are pushed into contact with the treated rows and each displaces them by about one coil spring diameter. A plurality of rows are maintained under compression at all times to insure they remain in alignment with adequate frictional contact therebetween. A bar having markings corresponding to each pocketed coil spring within a row is mounted to the apparatus. A beam switch or the like is provided for detecting these markings and actuating the applicator at a selected time as it passes each spring.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container bottom is inertially spin welded into the interior of a cylindrical container body of paperboard internally lined with a layer of thermoplastic material. A body supporting mandrel has an expansible body engaging portion which is inserted into the body and subsequently expanded to define a cylindrical surface of a diameter exactly equal to that of the specified internal diameter of the body. A seating member at the end of the body supporting mandrel establishes the depth to which the container bottom is inserted into the body and is provided with a low-friction projecting resilient member which contacts the rotating bottom.

Abstract: This invention relates to continuous manufacturing of insulated wire and conductor, and in particular to heating cables having "cold ends". A process is described by which predetermined lengths of resistance conductor (4) and of cold end conductor (9) are continuously and alternatively jointed together. After insulation and provision of additional protective sheats the continuous composite conductor is cut into cold end heating cables. A conductor jointing process is described.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention there is wound, around a hollow body (1) and in substantially contiguous turns, a flexible strip (2), the latter strip being fixed onto the hollow body. The strip is of a material, the tensile limit of which is in excess of that of the material of which the hollow body (1) is made, and when wound around the hollow body, a tension is applied thereto which is sufficient for the stresses which may develop within the body and the winding of the strip (2) to reach their permissible maximum limits at substantially the same time, when the hollow body is used under pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening the core of an insulated flexible duct formed of a helical wire wrapped with a flexible material. Strengthening tape is applied to the surface of the duct along its entire length. The apparatus for applying the strengthening tape is a tray having adjustable wiping arms. The wiping arms stretch the duct out as it is pulled through the tray, testing bonds securing the material around a reinforcing coil of wire. A roll of tape is mounted adjacent to the wiper arms and is automatically applied as the duct is pulled along the tray through the wiper arms. At least two wiper arms and continuous strips of tape along the longitudinal surface of the duct core are preferred.

Abstract: A method of making an energy-absorbing shock cell for mounting bumper devices on legs of offshore oil rig structures having inner and outer metal tubes connected by an intervening vulcanized rubber sleeve maintained under compression adhesively bonded to the inner and outer metal tubes. The shock cell is made by a series of operations in which portions of the metal tubes are coated with adhesive material, and the rubber sleeve is bonded to the adhesive coated areas by vulcanization and post-vulcanized heating.

Abstract: A composite spring comprising coaxially coiled sheet in which filamentary materials spiral about a first rotational axis of the spring in performed resinous convolutes. A method of fabricating a coaxial composite spring having filamentary materials that spiral about a first rotational axis of the spring in preformed resinous convolutes comprising wrapping a plurality of sheets including a release sheet about a mandrel wherein the sheets comprise the filamentary materials and hardenable resin.

Abstract: A gravure printing cylinder is formed by fitting a printing sleeve over a core roll via a layer of a hotmelt adhesive. A gravure printing surface with ink-retaining cells is formed on the printing sleeve either before or, preferably, after the mounting of the sleeve on the core roll. For assemblage of the printing cylinder the hotmelt is applied in the molten state to at least part of at least either of the opposed surfaces of the printing sleeve and the core roll. Then the printing sleeve is placed over the core roll, preferably while both sleeve and roll are being heated. The printing cylinder can be readily disassemblaged by remelting the hotmelt layer. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for the assemblage and disassemblage of the printing cylinder, including a roll holder for holding the core roll in an upstanding attitude while the core roll is being heated by a heating medium circulating therethrough.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire having an annular structural compression element in the inside surface of the crown thereof, which compression element is stabilized by a multiplicity of closely spaced spoke-like radial elements in the tire sidewalls such that de-pressurized operation of the tire without damage is possible. The compression element is a helix with closely spaced coils wound from a rod of a cross-sectional shape selected from various solid and tubular configurations. Round, square, and rectangular coil cross-sectional configurations are shown as are interlocking convex/concave, tongue/groove arrangements. Methods of installing the helical compression element in the tire as by winding up the helix to reduce its diameter such that it can pass through the beads, or by introducing one end of an end coil of the helix over one of the beads into the interior of the tire and providing a relative rotation to feed the helix into the tire are taught.

Abstract: A wire or other core is enclosed by two concentric extruded layers, at least one of which is of crystallizable polymeric material, by extruding the layers in succession around but spaced from the core. The first and second layers are brought into thermal and mechanical engagement with each other before the first contacts the core, and the relative thermal capacities of the parts and the temperatures of the layers as they are brought into engagement are such that as the second layer cools and increases in strength and the first layer is heated by thermal transfer from the second layer and decreases in strength, a region of least overall yield strength is formed at a position where the temperature of at least one of the parts (being made of a crystallizable polymeric material) is at a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its crystalline melting point.

Abstract: A method of making a rocket motor case with an integral nozzle in which the rocket motor has a large length to diameter ratio and is made by applying a linear wrap of fibers as a first layer on a mandrel and then by applying radial wraps over said linear wrap and also conforming the linear fibers to the shape of the nozzle after applying the linear fibers on said mandrel to provide a structure that has sufficient stiffness to accomplish the desired result of a large length to diameter rocket motor case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for covering a substrate with a cylindrically shaped heat-shrinkable film, particularly to a method for covering a cylindrically shaped heat-shrinkable film so as to fit the contour of a substrate by conducting the heat treatment in multiple steps at different temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is a method and device for providing a protective coating for the inside of pipes, said method utilizing a device which is remotely actuated from outside said pipes. Specifically, the device comprises a memory metal delivery means, a corrosion resistant liner means, and a bonding means, said device expanding upon application of heat toward the inner wall of the pipe to cause the bonding means to flow progressively between the liner means and the inside of the pipe to thereby preclude air entrapment and to bond said liner means to the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: An elastomeric bore seal, and a method of making and installing it. The seal is a fluid-impervious, thin-walled (0.025 inch), open-ended, cylinder-like member which is made of an expansible material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures (-65.degree. F. to +400.degree. F.) and that is to be bonded and thereby installed. The use of the seal is as a bore seal in an electrical machine not only provides an economical, reliable, leak-proof way of excluding stator cooling fluid from the rotor cavity, but also permits a significant reduction (26%) in the weight of the electrical machine and a correspondingly substantial reduction in the size of the machine itself.

Abstract: In providing an electrically insulative covering for a cable splice, a sleeve is assembled with an outer rigid shell and is maintained in fluid-sealed relation therewith. A supply of positively pressurized air is placed with the assembled sleeve and outer member, in fluid-sealed relation with the sleeve interior. The sleeve is expanded into contiguous relation with the outer member by the pressurized air. The expanded assembly is placed over the splice and the fluid-sealed relation of sleeve and outer member is interrupted, causing the sleeve to collapse upon the splice and cables, whereupon the outer member is removed and discarded.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container bottom is inertially spin welded into the interior of a cylindrical container body of paperboard internally lined with a layer of thermoplastic material. A body supporting mandrel has an expansible body engaging portion which is inserted into the body and subsequently expanded to define a cylindrical surface of a diameter exactly equal to that of the specified internal diameter of the body. A seating member at the end of the body supporting mandrel establishes the depth to which the container bottom is inserted into the body and is provided with a low-friction projecting resilient member which contacts the rotating bottom.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container bottom is inertially spin welded into the interior of a cylindrical container body of paperboard internally lined with a layer of thermoplastic material. A body supporting mandrel has an expansible body engaging portion which is inserted into the body and subsequently expanded to define a cylindrical surface of a diameter exactly equal to that of the specified internal diameter of the body. A seating member at the end of the body supporting mandrel establishes the depth to which the container bottom is inserted into the body and is provided with a low-friction projecting resilient member which contacts the rotating bottom.