Abstract: A sealing material of polytetrafluoroethylene felt is encapsulated by a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet coated with a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a laminate-shaped zirconia refractory heating element which generates heat by passing a current therethrough or by induction heating including the steps of incorporating a flexible binder in a filler composed of zirconia fibers and stabilized zirconia powder, forming the mixture into a refractory sheet having flexibility at room temperature, laminating the refractory sheet to form a multi-layer and firing the laminate.

Abstract: In a construction material comprising a flexible carrier substrate impregnated or coated with a water-hardening resin, the resin contains as an additive polyether polysiloxane polyurethanes of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is lower alkyl,m is the average number of siloxane groups in the range from 5 to 25,R is ##STR2## in which X is lower alkylene,Y is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic moiety, which is unsubstituted or substituted by further ##STR3## Z is a polyether moiety based on ethylene oxide units propylene oxide units, or both with the average number of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units being in the range fro 10 to 100 andR.sup.2 is lower alkyl.

Abstract: A recording tape can be secured on a winding core of a tape reel, the core being made of a plastic material, by melting and fixing the end of the tape on the core, said tape being made of the substantially same plastic material as the core.

Abstract: A method of making a jacketed storage tank comprises applying an open-cell synthetic foam over a rigid inner storage tank, applying a layer of fibrous reinforcing material on the separating agent, and applying a resinous material. The synthetic foam is at least partly sealed to prevent excessive resinous material penetration so as to maintain the continuous open-cell nature of the foam. The resultant jacket is structurally independent from the storage tank, yet is in such close proximity thereto that the resultant jacketed storage tank has an integral structural strength capable of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks. Secondary containment with leak detection capability is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming an electromagnetic shielding gasket by forming a core of elastomeric material, coating the core with bands of an electrically conductive textile material, passing the coating core through a die to calibrate the coated core, heating the coated core to cure the elastomeric material and winding up the cured core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fletching arrows wherein fletching guides are positioned adjacent an end of an arrow shaft and feathered or simulated feather fletchings are positioned on the shaft in accordance with the fletching guides; with the fletchings being integral with the fletching guide or attachable thereto with contact adhesives on edges of the fletchings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for winding a tape smoothly onto an irregularly shaped mandrel or the like, including ends, characterized by tape storage and unreeling of packaged reels of tape to be wound smoothly onto the mandrel, mandrel rotational motor and gearing supporting and rotating the mandrel; delivery head roller for winding the tape onto the mandrel, a creel carrying the tape reel assembly, a creel rotating means adapted to rotate the creel to desired positions, an in-feed means carrying the creel and adapted to traverse normal to the mandrel, a traversing carriage carrying the in-feed means and adapted to traverse longitudinally of the mandrel; a controller for effecting movement of all the machines elements. The roller is freely rotatable and is pivotally mounted such that when moved longitudinally of the mandrel in both directions with the tape passing over it, the tape is wound smoothly onto the mandrel.

Abstract: A helically grooved flexible optical cable core comprising a plurality of helically laid flexible bodies 1 of sector-shaped cross-section is manufactured by drawing a multiplicity of flexible non-metallic reinforcing elements 2 under tension through electrically insulating plastics material 3 in a semi-liquid state; causing the plastics encapsulated reinforcing elements to pass through an elongate die 23 having an outlet orifice 25 of sector-shape, which die, between its ends, is of such a shape that reinforcing elements adjacent the arcuate surface 4 of the body are travelling at a greater linear speed than reinforcing elements remote therefrom, and which has a blade 26 protruding inwardly of the die and forming in the arcuate surface of the body a longitudinally extending groove 5; causing the body as it emerges from the die to follow a helical path with its grooved arcuate surface outermost and so cooling the helically advancing body that the plastics material sets; partially filling the groove in the arcu

Abstract: A method of repairing, protecting or strengthening a utility pole projecting from the ground comprises fitting a compressible elastomeric interlayer around the pole so as to mechanically bind the interlayer to the pole, fitting a sleeve around the pole clad with the elastomeric interlayer, filling the clearance between the interlayer and the sleeve with a flowable hardenable composition essentially free from shrink on hardening, and allowing the composition to harden so as to form a solid core mechanically bonded to each of the interlayer and the sleeve. This method therefore provides an assembly of structural components each mechanically bonded one to the next.

Abstract: A method of taping a product and a tape dispenser. A support for a roll of tape is mounted in a frame and a lever unit is pivotally mounted in the frame. A cutter head and a tape roller are carried by the lever unit, with the tape following a path from the initial roll of tape over the roller to the cutter head, with the adhesive side of the tape exposed and away from the components of the dispenser. The cutter head is pivotally mounted on the lever unit and a linkage provides for pivoting the cutter head from a tab folding position to a cutting position as tape is pulled from the roll, over the roller and onto the product. The taped product is cut from the remainder of the tape at the cutter thereby releasing the pulling force on the lever unit which returns to its original position producing slack in the tape which is folded over to produce the desired tab.

Abstract: A leaf spring of composite fibre plastics material comprising a plurality of layers of fibre material which are disposed in superposed relationship and which are embedded in a synthetic resin matrix, wherein there are provided outer layers (1) of fibre material which extend over the entire length of the leaf spring and which are associated with the tension and compression zones and shorter inner layers (2) of fibre material of a length which is stepped in a direction towards the central zone (N). In addition to the stepped inner layers (1), also provided in the region between the neutral zone (N) and the tension and compression zones respectively are intermediate layers (3) of fibre material, the length of which is greater than the length of the adjacent inner layers (2) of fibre material.

Abstract: A two-sided adhesive tape comprising first and second single-sided adhesive tapes connected to one another by a bridge member. Each single-sided adhesive tape comprises an elongated strip of flexible material having lengthwise extending lateral edges, an adhesive side surfaced with adhesive, and a back side not surfaced with adhesive. The bridge member comprises an elongated strip of flexible material having lengthwise extending lateral edges. The single-sided adhesive tapes are positioned in edge-to-edge relationship to one another, such that their inner lateral edges are adjacent to one another with the adhesive sides of the single-sided adhesive tapes facing in opposite directions. The bridge member extends between the single-sided adhesive tapes. In one embodiment, the bridge member is adhesively joined to the adhesive sides of the single-side adhesive tapes.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a method for producing a carbonated beverage can which has acceptable creep, modulus and yield strength values, which comprises a can body, which is made up of a core of a thermoplastic material, at least two layers of non-fibrous, extruded polyolefin film which has either been monoaxially stretched or biaxially stretched, [and which are wrapped around the core singularly or in plys at opposite plus/minus angles in relationship to each other to yield disproportionate stress resistance vectors for hoop and axial stresses present in said body at a 2:1 ratio] one layer of which is wrapped around said core singularly or in plys at an angle with respect to said core of from about +60.degree. to about +80.degree. and the other of said two layers is wrapped around said core singularly or in plys at an angle with respect to said core of from about -60.degree. to about -80.degree.

Abstract: An automatic taping device which is used for winding insulation tapes around an object such as an electrical conductor bar. This device has a supporting frame which is driven along the object, and a revolving ring with a layer of the insulation tape around it, which is arranged on the supporting frame and which revolves around the object continuously winding the insulation tape(s) supplied from the layer. The device also has an adhesive feeder which feeds adhesive onto the outside of the insulation tape(s) on the revolving ring when the thickness of the layer of the insulation tape has become less than a stipulated value, and it also has a tape feeder which feeds an insulation tape to the revolving ring after the adhesive is fed there.

Abstract: A method of insulating a field coil of an electric traction motor, comprising the steps of encapsulating the coil in flexible ground insulation, temporarily mounting the insulated coil on a field pole piece, wrapping heat shrinkale material around the perimeter of the insulated coil, said material being so composed, oriented, and applied as to shrink irreversibly, when subsequently heated, in a direction tending to constrict the whole outside perimeter of the insulated coil, attaching the base of the pole piece to a concave surface of the magnet frame of the motor in a manner that compactly clamps the coil between the frame and an overhanging distal end of the pole piece, heating the perimeter wrap so that it shrinks appreciably and tightly binds the underlying ground insulation, thereby counteracting any tendency of the ground insulation to become slack on the outside of the coil when the coil was clamped in place, and filling any remaining voids inside the ground insulation with varnish or resin in a conven

Abstract: Wrap around article (10) for wood preservative treatment of wood poles, posts and the like, including an outside backing sheet (12) which has an inwardly and downwardly folded mounting flap (18) at the upper end thereof. A single or series of generally flat pockets or bags (30) on the inside of which is an absorbant pad (40). Wood preservative solution is added to the bag (30) and held in the pad (40) and the bag is sealed. The bags are attached to the flap (18). When the wrap around article (10) is to be applied, the inside faces of the bags are cut away exposing the pads soaked with the wood preservative. Upon installation the pads (40) contact substantially all of the circumference of the pole and the wood preservative penetrates the pole wood. In another form the pad material (40') is wrapped around the treatment zone, the pad saturated with wood preservative solution and then the backing (12') is secured over the pad.

Abstract: A multi-wire conduit dam consisting of a molded strip of closed cell sponge rubber or equivalent that is shaped like a timing belt having recesses on at least one side with the recessed surface coated with adhesive or double sided adhesive tape after wires are placed in the recesses. The strip is then rolled together to form a cylindrical dam which may then be installed in an appropriate conduit.

Abstract: A taping machine (10) for hot taping an electrical conductor (1), the machine comprising an outer ring (20) which is fixed so as not to rotate relative to the conductor and which receives the conductor to be insulated passing through the center thereof, and a rotating ring (30) rotating inside said fixed ring and carrying at least one reel (53) having pre-impregnated insulating tape (2) wound thereon, the taping machine and the conductor being caused to move relative to each other in translation while said rotating ring is simultaneously caused to rotate relative to the conductor to cause the, or each, tape to be helically wound around the conductor, said fixed ring including a peripheral channel (21) which is fed with hot air, and said rotating ring being provided with a rotating assembly (50) including a plate (51) for closing said peripheral channel, at least one spout rotating around said peripheral channel, and at least one associated heating nozzle (55) which is fed with hot air via said spout, with eac

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrapper for surrounding an object such as a cable splice to form a cover or envelope containing an insulating compound characterized by a film having adhesive along two lateral edges for securing the film onto the object to form an enveloping cavity. The film has a container of a predetermined amount of the insulating compound which container is opened during the operation of wrapping the film onto the object so that upon completion of the wrapping, the container can be kneaded externally through the cover or envelope to remove the compound from the container and to knead the compound into the spaces and cavities of the object. Subsequently, additional layers such as a foil layer and a heat shrinkable protective sheath can be applied to the cover.

Abstract: The metal hollow is provided with a base layer of an epoxy resin being electrostatically applied upon which an ethylene copolymer powder is electrostatically applied possibly under particular inclusion of epoxy resin and possibly in several layers of varying relative consistency; after each powder application step, surface heating is applied to melt the respective powder; the final coating of polyethylene is either electrostatically applied or through suitable extrusion process. Particular grain size distribution and powder consistency patterns are suggested.

Abstract: A helical band is produced by applying a layer of heat-settable material on to a rotating support to one side of the axis of rotation. Heat is applied to the layer, as by the support while it rotates, for a length of time sufficient for the material in the layer to set to a required extent to form the band. The band is removed before it comes into contact with the material being applied on the support. The band is preferably made of electrically-insulating material so that it can be wound helically round and bonded to a cylindrical rod of electrically-insulating material to form a helically flanged insulator for use in an overhead electric power transmission line, the flange-forming band defining along the rod a helical leakage path of substantially uniform width.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shape from a composite material by applying laminations impregnated with plastic resin to a positive mold. At least one cellular, cellular-core layer is applied into the neutral zone of the laminations and embedded into them while the laminations are being built up. The cellular layer is a rigid foam. The cellular-core or honeycomb layer has the axis of each cell radial to that of the shape and can be single, double, or multiple. If double or multiple it may have an interior connective layer consisting of plastic, foil, glass cloth, non-woven carbon-fiber fabric, polyimide, or woven or non-woven fabric impregnated with plastic resin. The cellular-core or honeycomb layer is intended to make the shape more stable and flexurally strong.

Abstract: A rubber roller for spinning whose rubber cot comprises an inner and an outer rubber layer bonded together over a reinforcing layer consisting of a woven cloth or sheeting and fitted securely on the outer periphery of a metal core for roller, without using an adhesive and the manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: A traversed package is formed from a tape which is slit from a laminate composed of a metallic foil layer and a dielectric insulating layer of plastic film, with a longitudinal edge or edges thereof folded back against the surface of the tape. The packaged tape can be applied to twisting conductors in a cabling process either helically or longitudinally with the folded edge or edges preventing the foil layer from electrical contact with adjacent conductors or shields.

Abstract: A double surfaced adhesive tape comprising an elongated strip (14) of flexible material having a longitudinally extending center portion (20) and longitudinally extending first and second edge portions (22, 24). The center portion is thicker than either edge portion, and each edge portion has one adhesively surfaced side (26, 28) and one side (27, 29) that is not surfaced with adhesive. The adhesively surfaced sides may comprise adhesives having different tack properties from one another. The adhesively surfaced sides of the edge portions face in opposite directions from one another.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing strings, a plurality of narrow strip layers (22) of synthetic material are successively and coaxially helically wound on the cylindrical surface of a continuous core. The winding (3) thus produced is conveyed hot to a welding area (7) wherein the narrow strips (22) of synthetic material are mutually assembled by welding. The temperature of the welding area is adjusted high enough so that a welding between the narrow strips (22) takes place without substantially decreasing the breaking strength of the narrow strips (22) by such heat treatment. The appropriate materials for the narrow strips are olefines such as homopolymer polypropylene or terpolymer polypropylene-polyethylene-dienes. To reduce the tendency to flow, the material forming the narrow strips may contain a nucleation agent. The characteristics of the strings thus manufactured are similar to those of gut strings.

Abstract: There is provided a process for providing a metal connector fixed to a pipe of composite material and a pipe thus made.A pipe carries at one of its extremities a metal connector, and a first film of elastomer being interposed between the two and adhering to each of them an adhesive. At the level of this extremity, the pipe also carries a metal casing which is held solidly on the connector by a band and a second film of an elastomer which is interposed between the casing and the pipe and adheres by means of an adhesive to each of them.The pipes according to the invention are suitable for use in offshore oil exploration.

Abstract: A method of injecting a viscous filler material into fiber-receiving grooves in the core (1) of an optical fiber cable, the method comprising the steps of: winding a first tape (5) spirally around the fiber-containing core and leaving gaps between adjacent turns of the said first tape; passing the taped core through a calibrated bore (12) of slightly greater diameter; injecting (11) viscous filler material into the said bore at a pressure chosen in relation to the speed of progress of the core through the bore to ensure that the filler material passes through the gaps between the adjacent turns of the tape to completely fill the volume of the grooves that is unoccupied by the fibers, but without the filler material being able to extend back along the grooves upstream from the point of injection; and winding a second tape spirally around the core containing both the fibers and the filler material in its grooves, said second tape being wound so as to close the gaps between the turns of the first tape.

Abstract: An improved marimba/xylophone mallet, and method for making the same, in which a determined amount of liquid rubber is colored by a determined amount of pigment material. The colored liquid rubber is solidified into layer strips which are wrapped about a spheroid with the tightness of wrapping determined in association with the particular color of the pigmented rubber. A set of such mallets are formed with each mallet having a different color of mallet head varying in visual brightness for association in the mind of the musician as to corresponding musical brightness (timbre) of each mallet of the set.

Abstract: Cushioned automotive strap handles with spring steel base strips, cushions, and wrapped and sealed covers are made by injection molding resin cladding directly onto steel base strips before assembly with the cushion and cover. The base strips 10 are cut to length with formed end regions 11 which are mounted on a mold part 15 so that a midregion of base strip 10 spans an injection mold cavity 18. Pins 21 within mold cavity 18 locate base strip 10 in a plane spaced from the cavity walls so that the cavity surrounds the midregion of the base strip. The injection molded resin cladding 25 also surrounds the midregion of base strip 10 and provides raised resin shoulders 20 extending along longitudinal side edges of the base strip. The surrounding engagement of cladding 25 secures resin shoulders 20 against transverse movement relative to the base strip.

Abstract: A method for the adhesive bonding of refractory parts wherein the refractory parts used are porous or capable of becoming porous by thermal treatment; a layer of thickness between 0.1. and 1 mm is interposed between the refractory parts, which layer is essentially formed of an adhesive which, after thermolysis, leaves a porous refractory residue, and fillers constituted by refractory particles of dimensions varying between 1 and 150 microns; the adhesive is thermolyzed so that a porous bond containing the said fillers is made between the porous refractory parts; then the assembly consisting of the refractory parts and the porous bond is densified by chemical vapor deposition of a refractory material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a stick (1,1') and to a stick manufactured according to said method.The object of the present invention is to propose a method for the manufacture of a stick, which substantially shall have the same properties as a conventional wood stick. The method according to the invention is characterized in that a core (4,4') of polyurethane foam is formed, that the foam is caused to cure, that a plurality of holes (7,7') are made in the blade portion (3,3'), that at least one longitudinal groove (5,5') is made in the handle portion (2,2'), that a reinforcement strip (8,8') of glass-fibre reinforced polyester is placed in the groove (5,5'), that a tape (9,9') of woven glass fabric is wound about the core (4,4'), that a hose (10,10') of woven glass fabric is threaded on the outside of the tape (9,9'), and that a surface layer of polyester plastic is applied on the core (4,4') with reinforcements.

Abstract: A method for repairing worn heels of shoes, which is comprised of a mold built on the worn part of the heel with a strip of aluminum foil on the sticky side of an adhesive tape that is adhered to the curved wall on the side of the heel to be repaired, for the repairing material to be poured into there. A repairing material, comprising of a synthetic rubber, butadienestyrene, dissolved in the organic solvent mixture which is comprised of toluene, xylene, and amyl acetate, mixed with aramid fibers of various sizes, and a coloring material in a fluid mass for repairing worn heels and tears on straps and bands of shoes.

Abstract: A racket structure to be used in a tennis and the like racket and a method for producing it, where the handle section and the head frame section are made of a one-piece composite member including an inner light weight soft plastic core member having a central prestressed multifilament cord member and a glass fibers reinforced hard plastic, outer surrounding layer, anchored on said core member within the head frame section, said surrounding layer being covered on opposite faces with respective resilient flat cover members which also sheath part of the height of said head frame section on the inside face, facing the netting, defining the striking surface stretched in the oval space defined by the head frame section of the racket.

Abstract: A completely automatic process and apparatus are described for producing multi-layer rubber or plastics tubes reinforced with fabric tapes or metal wires.The apparatus is new both overall and in its individual component units.Specifically, spiral-forming units of new design are described, which operate in series to each apply a different tape material as a spiral on to the metal core which is fed with rectilinear motion, to form a continuous layer thereon. Unwrapping units are also described for automatically removing and rewinding the outer forming tape for the finished tube.

Abstract: A method of insulating an electromagnetic coil comprises the steps of wrapping first and second overlapping layers of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin-coated polyimide tape around distal sections of the end turns of the coil, inserting conforming laminae of FEP resin-impregnated glass cloth between adjacent coil turns, wrapping at least two overlapping layers of FEP resin-coated polyimide tape around the entire coil, heating the coil to at least the resin melting point, applying pressure to compress the tape and laminae and to clamp together the respective turns of the coil, and finally cooling the coil under pressure to allow the resin to resolidify. The resulting product has a thin, uniform coating of impervious electrical insulation characterized by improved heat transfer capability and improved stability at high temperatures.

Abstract: An adhesive tape useful for winding around an article to be bound is provided with at least one non-adhesive end part by adhering a second tape piece to such end part, whereby ready separation and unbinding of the bound article is facilitated. A method for producing the adhesive tape includes the cutting of pieces of the second tape and securing such pieces at predetermined intervals of the adhesive tape and cutting of the adhesive tape in predetermined lengths.

Abstract: A system for applying insulating tape to a three-dimensionally curved conductor, particularly of the type used in high voltage applications. A wrapping ring having an axis of rotation is oriented with respect to the conductor such that the axis of rotation is always placed on the spinning point of the insulating tape, the spinning point being at the location where the tape tangentially contacts the conductor during wrapping. Such an orientation of the wrapping ring avoids the formation of pockets at the curved places of the conductor.

Abstract: A method of curing a non-metallic band impregnated with resin, which is wrapped about a leg portion of a magnetic core such that it overlaps a portion of itself, including the steps of tensioning the band, curing resin in the overlapped portion, and subsequently curing the remainder of the resin in the band in an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: The wrapped insulation on the straight parallel sections of coils for larger rotary electric machines is treated under heat and pressure in a preferably double-sided coil press in which pressure is applied first to the center of the heated sections then also to the outer parts thereof to enable excess resin impregnating the insulation to flow away from the center parts and achieve a more uniformly and accurately dimensioned coil.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method is provided for holding and tacking an elongate material (12) onto a body (14), which body (14) may be toroidal in shape. The material (12) is applied to the body (14) by means of a shuttle (22) rotating about the body (14) in a plane transverse to a plane containing the body (14). The apparatus (30) includes a tacker arm (76) having a clamping means (104) for clamping and unclamping the end of the material (12), extending from the shuttle (22), to the arm (76). The arm (76) is pivotally mounted on a carriage (58) for movement between a first position, wherein the material (12) clamped to the arm (76) is held against the body (14), and a second position, spaced from the body (14). In the first position of the arm (76), the body (14) will move the arm (76) until the clamping means ( 104) unclamps the material (12) whereupon the arm (76) is pivoted to the second position.

Abstract: Laminated heating elements are provided which are suitable for joining synthetic resinous thermoplastic bodies particularly thermoplastic foams. The heating elements are of laminar structure having at least two oppositely disposed heating elements which electrically may be fed in parallel. A significant improvement in rigidity and resistance to mechanical abuse is achieved.

Abstract: An integrally molded laminated driving band for artillery shells is formed of radially alternating, circumferentially extending layers of fabric and rubber. The driving band is made by coating a fabric strip with uncured rubber, wrapping the coated strip to form an annular preform, and molding and curing the preform to form an integrally molded band. Various means are provided for assembling the driving band in an artillery shell.

Abstract: A flexible mica tape having a low gel time is prepared from a composition of an epoxy resin, an organotin salt, and catechol or pyrogallol. A mica sheet is immersed in the composition and the solvent is evaporated to form a tack-free A-staged resin. A conductor is wound with the tape and is impregnated with an impregnating resin using vacuum-pressure impregnation.

Abstract: The method of making a non-metallic bearing assembly by initially molding the inner portion of the bearing as a flat longitudinally extending strip having a plurality of spaced abutments. The flat strip is then rolled into a hoop and then wound with fabric as such fabric is impregnated with epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method of making a cable (20) specially suited for use in building plenums because of its low flame spread and smoke evolution includes enclosing a multiconductor core (22) in a sheath comprising an inorganic, cellular core wrap (31), a corrugated metallic barrier (40) and dual layers (51) and (52) of a polyimide tape. The tapes are wrapped helically about the barrier in a manner that avoids a compression of the core wrap. The sheath is effective to resist heat transfer inwardly toward the core by conduction while the metallic barrier reflects radiant heat. Advantageously, the sheath containerizes the core without unduly compressing it and thereby allows the intumescence of conductor insulation during a fire to form char which is effective to suppress the evolution of smoke and the propagation of flame.

Abstract: A carbon fibre reinforced carbon article is prepared by wrapping carbon fibre cloth around a carbon fibre reinforced carbon core and then depositing elemental carbon on the core and in the cloth to bond the cloth to the core, leaving substantial interstices in the covering layer of cloth.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite vehicle wheel, and a method and apparatus for construction thereof. The wheel comprises a disc portion having reinforcing fibers in substantially random orientation disposed predominantly in planes perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a rim portion having directional first reinforcing fibers substantially parallel to each other and oriented circumferentially of or substantially parallel to the wheel axis, or both, and second reinforcing fibers which are substantially randomly oriented circumferentially of the wheel axis. The method includes formation of separate rim and disc charges from sheet molding plastic resin compound and compression molding of the charges to form an integral composite rim and disc structure of essentially homogeneous resin reinforced by the fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a tape around an article, such as a bundle of elongate items (e.g., wires), tightening the tape, bonding layers of the tightened tape together and cutting the tape is disclosed. The apparatus or tool includes a clamshell assembly having a movable jaw that closes about the article to be strapped. Thereafter, tape, drawn from a reserve loop by a motor, is guided by a channel formed in the inner periphery of an aperture defined by the clamshell. The moving tape is spirally wrapped about the bundle of items and a latched backup foot located in the clamshell aperture. After the bundle and backup foot are encircled, by a suitable number of layers, a rack moves a plunger against the tape, causing the tape to tighten around the bundle and the backup foot. As the plunger tightens the tape, a new reserve loop is formed. Any additional tape needed to form a complete reserve loop is withdrawn from a tape supply spool.