Abstract: A method of manufacturing a unitary seamless section of an aircraft fuselage comprises disposing a thin lay-up mandrel element onto the outer shell surface of a cylindrical inner mandrel shell, thereby forming a mandrel with a lay-up surface. A plurality of resin impregnated stiffener fibers may be layed-up within a plurality of stiffener channels in the lay-up surface to form a plurality of stiffeners or stringers. The method further includes laying up a plurality of resin impregnated skin fibers onto the lay-up surface while the mandrel rotates to form a unitary pre-cured section of an aircraft fuselage.

Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lay up includes a mandrel tool having a an interior mandrel surface that conforms to an outside mold line (OML) of a part: to be manufactured. One or more circular rings surround the mandrel and are attached to the mandrel. The circular rings rotate supported by bearings in a bearing cradle so that the mandrel rotates concentrically with the circular rings about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the circular rings. Multiple composite material delivery heads simultaneously deliver material directly to the outside mold line on the interior mandrel surface while the mandrel is rotated. A cantilever supported gantry beam supports the material delivery heads inside the interior mandrel surface. A connecting mechanism connects the material delivery heads to the gantry beam and provides motion of the material delivery heads relative to the interior mandrel surface.

Abstract: A two roll impregnator for impregnating fiber reinforcement for use in filament winding operatives contains two abutting rolls, at least one and preferably both having an elastomeric surface. Resin is constrained within a bath whose lower surfaces are defined by the abutting rollers and side dams. Fiber reinforcement is drawn over a first roller through the resin bath and between the closed nip of the abutting rollers, where full impregnation is fostered, excess resin removed, and the impregnated fiber degassed. Substantially dripless operation can be maintained.

Abstract: A method for the production of reinforced tube-shaped structures (1) of rubber layers and reinforcement layers (2, 3) has the steps of: a) applying a first rubber layer (2a) with a first extrusion unit (4a) onto a series of sequential rigid cylindrical mandrels (5) which are coupled to each other and which are driven at an advancement speed (v) in the direction of an advancement axis (x); b) applying a first filament layer at defined desired filament angles (?1) referred to the advancement axis (x) with a bobbin creel unit (10a) having means which rotate about the advancing mandrels (5); c) applying atleast one further rubber layer (2b) to the first filament layer utilizing at least one additional extrusion unit (4b); d) continuously measuring the advancement speed (v) of the mandrels (5); controlling the quantity, which is applied via the first extrusion unit (4a), in dependence upon the measured advancement speed (v) in order to obtain a defined desired thickness of the first rubber layer (2a); f) controlli

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming hybrid and composite filters, which are more durable than that of the prior art. The method of forming a hybrid tubular filter includes wrapping a first layer of fiber, wrapping a filtering material and then wrapping a second layer of fiber. A mandrel is retained in a lathe chuck or the like and an end of fiber is attached to the mandrel. A fiber guide moves parallel to a length of the mandrel according to the direction of a control device. The method of forming a composite tubular filter includes wrapping a first layer of fiber around a mandrel.

Abstract: Composites are provided having improved strength and rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, as compared to known polymeric composites or polymeric composites in combination with metal reinforcement. The composites of the present invention are metallic-polymeric composites and are comprised of polymeric composites and metallic composites. Such metallic-polymeric composites provide for composite parts having improved strength and/or rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, compared to other composite parts. The composite parts of the present invention have potential utility, for example, as aerospace craft leading edges, bodies, panels, and control surfaces.

Abstract: A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.

Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lamination on a mandrel surface of a tool having a rotational axis includes a mechanical supporting structure that supports multiple material delivery heads. The tool is moveable and rotatable relative to the mechanical supporting structure. The mechanical supporting structure provides for axial translation of the material delivery heads relative to the mandrel surface while the mandrel surface is rotated for laying down courses of composite material over the entire mandrel surface of the tool. The position and movement of each of the plurality of material delivery heads is individually adjustable. Arm mechanisms provide motion of each material delivery head in a direction normal to the mandrel surface; rotation about an axis normal to the mandrel surface; circumferential position adjustment in a hoop direction relative to the mandrel surface; and axial position adjustment relative to the other material delivery heads.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) for guiding individual reinforcement filaments (2) onto a carrier (3) has a positioning disc (4) with a plurality of filament guides (9) arranged distributed on a circular ring of the positioning disc (4). The carrier is moveable in the direction of the carrier axis (X). The arrangement also includes a rotationally symmetrical deflecting element (5). The positioning disc (4) and the deflecting element (5) each concentrically surround the carrier (3). The deflecting element (5) is mounted within the positioning disc (4) and aligned axially to the positioning disc (4). The inlet-end peripherally extending inner edge (6) of the deflecting element (5) faces toward the carrier (3) and is curved. The filament guides (9) open directly at the curved inner edge (6).

Abstract: A mobile platform personnel berth unit and a method for creating the mobile platform personnel berth unit are provided. A male mandrel is created defining an inner mold line surface of the berth unit. The male mandrel is overlayed with one or more layers of filament strips. The filament layers are thermally cured to create an integrated structural member. The male mandrel is then removed from the structural member. The structural member is profile shaped to create a semi-finished berth unit having a top, a bottom and a pair of integral side panels. Additional entrance and back panels as well as access panels and connecting hardware are then added to complete the berth unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a connection for composite tubing is disclosed. The method includes maintaining tension on the composite fibers while “winding in” the connector to the composite tubing. The tension on the fibers results in the fibers bridging across traps of the connector as they are being wound. The bridging results in improved load bearing characteristics of the connection.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic article is disclosed which include a liner, at least one single material fiber layer wound on the liner, and at least one composite fiber layer wound on the single material fiber layer. The at least one single material fiber layer and the at least one hybrid fiber layer are impregnated with resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a complex, three-dimensional structure (12), such as a truss, from composite fiber/resin includes pulling a plurality of continuous fibers (50) from a feed source (62) along a processing path (58) about a longitudinal axis (14). At least some of the fibers are wound around the longitudinal axis in opposite directions (70,72) by rotational elements to form helical and reverse helical components (30, 34) that intersect at nodes (26,28). Select nodes are engaged by engagement members (84) and are maintained radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis by a support frame (80) to create sequential discrete segments (22) in the helical and reverse helical components. The select nodes can be engaged and maintained from outside the helical and reverse helical components. Resin can be applied to the fibers by resin applicator (90) and cured.

Abstract: Process and system for fabricating a multidirectional fibrous reinforcement designed to be a porous preform for producing a part made of a composite material. Reinforcing thread is deposited in successive layers on a support surface. A binder is provided in association with the reinforcing thread so as to adhere the reinforcing thread to the support surface and the successive layers of thread. The reinforcing thread is pressed against the support surface in a manner that exerts a pressure substantially perpendicular to the support surface at the point where the thread is deposited. The binder may be pre-applied to the support surface or it can be applied simultaneously with the reinforcement thread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pre-filled contained media volumes and methods of media filling using pre-filled contained media volumes. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of media filling a tooling for a fuselage using pre-filled contained media volumes. In one implementation, the pre-filled contained media volume comprises a bag formed of a porous fabric and media located in that bag. The pre-filled contained media volume is attached to a tooling prior to filling the tooling with additional media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of debonding a tooling for a fuselage. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of debonding a tooling for a fuselage using a debonding agent. In one implementation, isopropyl alcohol is applied to a tooling to break the cohesive bond between the tooling and the fuselage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to components of fiber-reinforced plastics which can also be used as load-bearing components in mechanical and automotive engineering. A construction for such components is created that can be used flexibly and enables a defined design of the components. A method is created for this purpose that makes it possible to design and produce such load-bearing components to specific requirements. The method can be automatable and can make highly replicable results possible. The components thus produced of a fiber-reinforced plastic can have low weight with high strength properties and can be economical to produce.

Abstract: A method of making a filament wound pressure vessel. A thermoplastic liner is filament wound with a commingled roving containing thermoplastic and reinforcing filaments. The wound tank is partially filled with a cooling liquid and the wound tank is heated to a temperature which is sufficient to vaporize a portion of the liquid to pressurize the liner at a preselected set pressure and sufficient to fuse the thermoplastic matrix, but insufficient to significantly soften the liner.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hub in particular for bicycles and the like, wherein a winding device comprising at least a first shaping device is provided, a predetermined quantity of fibers is deposited on said first shaping device, at least a first cross-linking agent is deposited on at least part of the fibers, said first shaping device is inserted into a second shaping device and said first shaping device with at least said fibers and at least said first cross-linking agent is expanded toward said second shaping device, wherein said shaping devices are matched relative to each other such that an expanded body comprising said fibers and said cross-linking agent has a substantially even thickness.

Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lay up includes a mandrel tool having a an interior mandrel surface that conforms to an outside mold line (OML) of a part: to be manufactured. One or more circular rings surround the mandrel and are attached to the mandrel. The circular rings rotate supported by bearings in a bearing cradle so that the mandrel rotates concentrically with the circular rings about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the circular rings. A composite material delivery head delivers material directly to the outside mold line on the interior mandrel surface while the mandrel is rotated. A cantilever supported gantry beam supports the material delivery head inside the interior mandrel surface. A connecting mechanism connects the material delivery head to the gantry beam and provides motion of the material delivery head relative to the interior mandrel surface.

Abstract: Integrally stiffened and formed, load carrying structures comprising a plurality of elongated thin-walled tubes placed co-extensively in a complementary side-by-side fashion which together form a hollow structure having a desired external contour. Integral skins forming the external and internal surfaces of the structure cooperatively therewith. The structure can be formed with an underlying internal support member spanning the interior of the load carrying structure, thereby connecting opposite sides of the structure together. Also, each of the tubes are wound with fibers in controlled orientations generally paralleling the direction of the loads applied to the tubes to optimize the strength to weight ratio of the tubes.

Abstract: A method of producing a textile preform to be used for making a fiber reinforced plastic composite product involves the following steps. A two- or three-dimensional semi-finished textile material or article is produced by essentially any textile production process, such as weaving, knitting or braiding. A binder is applied to the textile material, which is then subjected to a reforming and/or draping process by being applied onto a carrier and reforming tool having a contour or geometry adapted to that of the desired preform that is to be produced. Thereby, the previously unfixed fibers of the textile material are brought into the desired finished orientation and are then fixed, and the cross-sectional shape of the material is changed. This produces the preform having the desired contour, geometry and fiber orientation. The preform may then be subjected to further processing steps to form the finished composite product.

Abstract: A releasable mechanism such as a cap is adapted for use with an access sheath having an elongate tube and a handle structure disposed at a proximal end of the tube. The releasable mechanism is sized and configured to fit the handle structure, which is shaped like the bell of a horn, to further facilitate use with surgical instrumentation. The releasable mechanism may operate as a separate cap that snaps onto the handle structure to provide access pathways to the sheath. The releasable mechanism may also be disposed at a proximal end of a surgical instrument to be introduced into the access sheath such that it may be interlocked with the sheath. In a method of manufacturing a kink-resistant sheath, a wire is initially coated with a plastic material, the coated wire is then wrapped around a mandrel forming a plurality of windings, and the wound coated wire is heated until the plastic material melts and bonds the windings to form a wire-reinforced sheath.

Abstract: Multi-application head for fiber strips, consisting of a spool carrier (1), on which a plurality of spools are attached (2) as suppliers of the application strips (3), which are fed separately into the proximity of the application area (4), where they pass through a feed port, passing through guide combs (5 and 6) which position them according to a collateral distribution and through rollers (7 and 8) which drive each one of the strips (3) towards the application area (4).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing hollow fiber membrane-containing filters. The methods include laying a plurality of hollow fibers in a first portion of a filter housing to form a bundle, forming first and second portions into a filter housing, sealing the portions together, connecting the plurality of hollow fibers together at at least one end of the filter housing, connecting the hollow fibers to the filter housing, and simultaneously adhering the first and second portions of the filter housing together by applying a potting compound thereto, and cutting the ends of the hollow fibers at at least one end thereof, whereby the hollow fibers include open ends.

Abstract: A fiber composite structural component such as a fitting, bracket, mounting or the like is produced by applying fiber material such as fiber threads or fiber yarns in an automatic circular weaving operation to a core that has at least two sections, to form a fiber material body (6). One core section is removed from the fiber material body when the weaving is completed. The body is then deformed in a mold that has the contour of the finished structural component with at least one mold core section still in the fiber material body. The deformed configuration of the structural component is then impregnated in an RTM device with a resin and hardener followed by curing. Reinforcements may be inserted or secured to the fiber material body prior to the impregnated and curing step.

Abstract: Bobbin wound coated monofilament tapes where the coating comprises between 20% and 120% by weight of said tape, and the process for bobbin winding coated monofilament dental tapes comprising combining a coating conditioning means with means for winding at substantially constant tensions to produce controlled tension bobbins that do not unwind, that dispense uniformly free from back lashing, and that are substantially free from coating displacement and winding displacement when exposed to high temperatures and high relative humidity and that have tack values from between about 0.1 and about 0.5 grams.

Abstract: An undercritical drive shaft and a method of producing the undercritical drive shaft from fiber composite material is disclosed. The drive shaft, which is produced of fiber composite material and is to be used as an undercritically operating shaft, has a high damage tolerance with respect to resistance to torsion and the manufacturing process requires lower expenditures. For the drive shaft, the fiber composite material consists of several successively individually wound-up webs of prepreg. For the method of producing the drive shaft from fiber composite material, as the fiber material, the web-shaped prepreg is wound onto the winding spindle and this prepreg is deaerated and simultaneously compressed by the winding-on of a thermoplastic woven band which is prestressed in a defined manner. The thermoplastic woven band is unwound again and additional prepreg layers are then wound up which are then deaerated and compressed in the same manner by a thermoplastic woven band.

Abstract: A composite material bowl 36 comprising fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix is made by winding a yarn on a preform 28 having an axial passage 30 through its bottom, densifying the preform by chemical vapor infiltration, and closing the passage by a plug 34. Prior to densification, the preform can be consolidated. A final chemical vapor infiltration step can be performed after the plug has been put into place.

Abstract: An arc-quenching composition is provided including a filler, a fiber and a binder. Preferably, the filler includes an arc-quenching compound such as melamine. The binder includes a thermosetting resin to facilitate forming of the arc-quenching composition into an arc-quenching fuse tube. In a preferred arrangement, an outer tube is formed over the arc-quenching fuse tube to provide an overall high-strength fuse tube. Also in a preferred arrangement, in order to provide a fuse tube that is capable of operation over an extremely wide current range, the inner arc-quenching tube includes a tapered bore. According to one fabrication technique, the outer tube is formed over the arc-quenching inner tube before the curing of the inner tube such that a single structure results.

Abstract: Fiber laminations with a resin therein are advanced to substantial cure in situ while resin-impregnated fiber (in the form of individual tows, a band thereof, or a tape) is being placed on a workpiece on the mandrel by preheating the fiber in a temperature range of 100-700° F. for partially advancing the cure of the resin in the fiber, shaping the fiber to the desired shape, and laying up the partially advanced fiber on the workpiece on the mandrel while simultaneously nip-point heating the fiber in an area proximate to the point where the fiber is being placed on the workpiece. A plurality of parameters are monitored during this placement in order to control the nip-point heating so that the resin in the fiber is substantially cured while the fiber is being placed on the workpiece.

Abstract: A composite material made of multiple filament bands is disclosed. The filament bands are wound to create a composite material. The filament bands may be impregnated with a solid or semi-solid resin. The filament bands are wound in multiple orientations to form a sheet of composite material. Additionally, the composite material may be made to have a varying number of layer and fiber orientations throughout the sheet of composite material. In another embodiment, a composite component requiring multiple layers and fiber orientations may be substantially manufactured during a filament winding process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making elongated articles are disclosed. One method includes feeding at least one base string along an axis, wrapping at least one monofilament around the axis to produce a number of monofilament wraps per length of base string which are transported by the base string, bonding the wraps to the base string with ultrasonic energy, and cutting the wraps at a point downstream of where the wraps are bonded to the base string. The result is an article having two rows of monofilament segments connected to the base string.

Abstract: Composite structures having a single continuous skin may be formed using automated fiber placement methods. These composite structures include frameless aircraft fuselage components offering an increased interior cabin width over conventional fuselage components. The composite structures may be constructed of multiple layers of fibers and other materials placed on a fiber placement tool that includes a mandrel body surrounded by a bladder or an integral bladder/caul sheet having expansion spaces created within the caul sheet section. Uncured composite structures may be created by placing fibers around the fiber placement tool in a plurality of discontinuous segments that are capable of moving or sliding in relation to each other so that the uncured composite structure is expandable from within.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to improve a cutting reliability, to facilitate automation of the connection of wires and to allow for a reliable detection of wire joints. Ends of wires (a, a′) to be connected along their longitudinal directions are linearly placed, and a tape (t) is wound over and around the both wire ends. An adhesive layer of the tape is faced up, and the tape (t) is wound as the wire ends are rolled, thereby connecting the wires (a, a′). Since the tape displays a strong tear resistance in its longitudinal direction, the wires are strongly connected. The tape may contain reinforced fibers to display a stronger tear resistance. The wires (a, a′) are rolled by being held between plates (11, 33) and moving the plate (33) with respect to the plate (11). The tape (t) is placed on an auxiliary base plate (12) and is wound by the rolling movement of the wires (a, a′). The plate (33) is moved back after winding of the tape (t) to untwist the wires (a, a′).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making elongated articles are disclosed. One method includes feeding at least one base string along an axis, wrapping at least one monofilament around the axis to produce a number of monofilament wraps per length of base string which are transported by the base string, bonding the wraps to the base string with ultrasonic energy, and cutting the wraps at a point downstream of where the wraps are bonded to the base string. The result is an article having two rows of monofilament segments connected to the base string.

Abstract: An in-situ curing filament winding process for making high quality flywheel rims at low cost, and the rims made by the process, and also an apparatus for performing the process, continuously cures resin during the filament winding process. A lower winding process temperature is used along with a lower cure temperature and inherently higher toughness epoxy resin system allows for the rim to be wound continuously, using a conservative radial deposition rate of approximately ¼-½ inch per hour. Multiple types of fibers can be used in a rim where they best serve the strength and stiffness requirements of the structure. The winding temperature can be kept at approximately 55° C.-80° C., providing low thermal residual stresses. Aliphatic amine or ether amine curing agents with epoxy resin generally work well to reduce the winding temperature and allow low viscosity, but other resin systems that provide similar characteristics can be used.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular multilayer structure made from a continuous fiber pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin includes feeding the material to a shaping station before the material is wound around the mandrel. The material is heated over a shaped hot plate while in the shaping station to lightly melt the material. The material is tensioned to at least 15,000 psi before the material is wound around the mandrel to ensure good bonding of the wound layers.

Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a fabric of interlaced yarn by arranging on a surface a plurality of yarn guide blocks, each guide block adapted to guide yarn from a yarn source to the surface and wherein the relative motion of the yarn guide blocks and surface serves to deposit yarn from the guides onto the surface in such a way that when said yarns are deposited on a surface, the diagonal positions of the yarns from one block are offset from a direct overlapping alignment with the yarns from the remaining blocks to thereby densely cover the surface during repeated cycles of such motion.

Abstract: An improved container is formed by attaching plates to outer side surface areas on opposite end portions of a liner with adhesive. The liner is supported for rotation about an axis which extends through the end portions of the liner and through the plates. The liner is rotated under the influence of torque transmitted to the liner through at least one of the plates and the adhesive attaching the one plate to the liner. Flexible material, which may be strands of continuous glass fibers impregnated with a thermosetting resin, is wound around the liner. As the flexible material is wound around the liner, the flexible material is wound over the plates at the opposite end portions of the liner. The surface areas, to which the plates are attached at opposite ends of the liner, are free of openings to the interior of the liner.

Abstract: An improved filament winding method and apparatus for fabrication of composite material products is based on a mechanism that rotates filaments around a non-rotating mandrel. The primary filaments in predetermined patterns tend to move on the mandrel and thus such filaments are fixed in position relative to the mandrel by over-wrapping them with secondary filaments applied over the primary filaments. The winding mechanism functions by rotating filament spools around a non-rotating mandrel rather than rotating the mandrel to pull the filaments onto the mandrel. The mandrel is axially translated through the center of the winding mechanism or the winding mechanism is translated over a stationary mandrel which is supported in such a manner as to provide for such translation.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-radiation curable. Heat energy may be employed to lower the viscosity and improve the wetting ability of the applied treatment and/or to increase the molecular weight of, or otherwise cure, the treatment with essentially no generation of solvent vapor. The treated fibers are used to form a composite strand, which may be subsequently processed in-line or off-line into a composite article having fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Another general aspect relates to encased composite strands, in thread or pellet form, and to wire-coating methods and apparatus for making them. The strands are moldable into fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite articles.

Abstract: An adhesive-treated polyester fiber cord having a high adhesion to non-vulcanized rubber, a high resistance to separation of fibers or filaments from each other, and being useful as a reinforcing cord for producing a rubber composite material such as belt having high dimensional stability and power transmission property, is produced by first impregnating a material cord a first adhesive liquid containing a polyepoxide compound and a blocked polyisocyanate compound in solid weight ratio of 1/3-1/15, by heat treating it at 160-240° C., by second treating the treated cord with a second adhesive liquid containing a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and a rubber latex in a solid weight ratio of 1/3-1/15, by heat treating it at 180-240° C., by third treating the treated cord with a third adhesive liquid containing a resorcinol formaldehyde resin (resorcinol/formaldehyde molar ratio: 1/0.6-1/1.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reinforcement of thin wall hollow thermoplastic storage vessels with one or more wraps of continuous fibers. This method requires thermal bonding between the reinforcement fibers and the outer surface of the thermoplastic storage vessel while the interior cavity of the storage vessel is being pressurized. The fiber wraps can also be oriented in spatial directions further resisting internal stress on the storage vessel walls when put in service.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to components of fiber-reinforced plastics which can also be used as load-bearing components in mechanical and automotive engineering. A construction for such components is created that can be used flexibly and enables a defined design of the components. A method is created for this purpose that makes it possible to design and produce such load-bearing components to specific requirements. The method can be automatable and can make highly replicable results possible. The components thus produced of a fiber-reinforced plastic can have low weight with high strength properties and can be economical to produce.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a reinforcing member wrapped around at least one of the lumens in a helical manner. An inflation lumen is positioned outside the reinforcing member for inflating a balloon carried by the catheter. A two-lumen extrusion is bonded to the reinforced lumen to form the multi-lumen catheter. The multi-lumen catheter is particularly useful as an aortic occlusion catheter.

Abstract: A dry clutch facing includes a facing element which is comprised of a roving wound into a volute shape and impregnated with a rubber, a thermosetting resin and a friction improving agent. The dry clutch facing also includes a reinforcing element which includes a matrix formed of a thermosetting resin and a reinforcing fiber dispersed in the matrix. The reinforcing element is bonded to the back of the facing element and placed in contact with a cushion spring. A peculiar distortion caused by the volute shape winding and a wearing on the back side by the cushion spring can be inhibited largely.

Abstract: In the present invention, a technique is described for manufacturing microtube devices which have peripheral geometries that are not uniform along the tube or device axis. These geometries may exist in only one location on the periphery of the microtube device or geometries may be repeated either uniformly or non-uniformly with micron or sub-micron precision along the tube or device axis. The preferred manufacturing process involves forming a complex mandrel, ie., (one, for example, that can not be formed by extrusion or pultrusion under constant processing conditions) and giving it at least one metallic and/or nonmetallic coating by any of a variety of techniques. The complex mandrel can then be removed by appropriate chemical or physical means that do not adversely affect the coating(s) desired for the wall. The result is a microtube structure having an axial profile duplicating that on the mandrel from which it was formed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a removable mandrel for use in filament winding a container, includes the steps of providing and inflating an internal bladder. A dry 3-D fabric layer of a given thickness is layed-up about the inflated bladder. An external vacuum/pressure bag is installed about the dry fabric layer. The dry 3-D fabric layer is impregnated with a liquid soluble resin between the internal bladder and the external bag. The resin then is cured to rigidify the fabric layer to form a mandrel structure. The container then can be wound on the mandrel formed by the cured and rigidified fabric layer, and the resin can be subsequently washed out to remove the fabric layer.