Abstract: A fiber preform obtained by conforming panels of fiber texture on a former having a surface that reproduces the shape desired for a surface of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made, and by bonding the panels together via their mutually contacting edges, and consolidated fiber reinforcement is formed by shaping the fiber preform impregnated with a consolidation composition comprising a resin, shaping being performed between the former and a jacket applied against the impregnated fiber preform so as to obtain consolidated fiber reinforcement having a fiber volume percentage of at least 35%, and having a thickness of no more than 5 mm over at least a major fraction of its axial dimension. The densification of the fiber reinforcement is continued by chemical vapor infiltration after pyrolyzing the resin so that once densified a part is obtained that has practically the shape and the wall thickness of the nozzle or the nozzle divergent section that is to be made.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular sheet product roll includes providing a sheet product roll having a first configuration and a void, centering a rotational axis of the sheet product roll on a longitudinal axis of a first tool, and inserting the first tool into the void of the sheet product roll to define an inner diameter of the void and to form the sheet product roll having a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: A protective seal, a protective seal kit, and a method for sealing a joint region between pipes are provided. The protective seal includes a first wrap, comprising a corrosion-resistant material, wrapped around a seal region, contacting the outer surface of the pipeline assembly. A second wrap, comprising a self-adhering fiberglass composite, wraps around the first wrap. The kit includes a flexible wrap fabricated, in part, from a corrosion-resistant material, and a second flexible wrap fabricated, in part, from a fiberglass cloth impregnated with a resinous pliable-plastic material. The method includes wrapping a corrosion-resistant, inner wrap around first and second pipes such that this wrap surrounds the joint region and adheres to the pipes. A fiberglass-composite outer wrap is wrapped around the inner wrap and the first and second pipes such that the outer wrap surrounds the inner wrap and adheres to the pipes. The outer wrap is cured.

Abstract: A tank (1) for storing fluid under high pressure, of cylindrical overall shape and round cross section comprising at each of its ends along its axis (2), a metal end piece (3, 4), a liner (6) enveloping the said end pieces, and a structural layer (7) of fibre impregnated with thermosetting resin enveloping the said liner.

Abstract: Reinforced composite pipes and methods for making the same, generally employ at least one polymeric reinforcement phase, typically provided as an intermediate form 214. The intermediate form is typically applied over a core pipe 216, and may be consolidated. An optional jacket may be employed.

Abstract: A golf grip includes a grip member and a holding control arrangement provided on an outer circumferential surface of the golf grip. The holding control arrangement has a first controlling surface and a second controlling surface having different frictional coefficients and longitudinally extended along a longitudinal axis direction of a shaft of a golf club, so that the two different textures adjacent between the first and second controlling surfaces provides a force for resisting an unwanted twisting force. The unwanted twisting force is a force occurred at a tangent direction of the longitudinal shaft while the golf club is being swung. With the longitudinal first and second controlling surfaces of the holding control arrangement, the golf grip is capable of preventing the golf club rotatably slipping out the hand of the golfer and the unwanted twisting force.

Abstract: A flexible pipe for conveying pressurized fluids that has an inner tubular layer, two reinforcing layers, an outer layer and a barrier layer. The reinforcing layers are comprised of metal cords wrapped around the inner tubular layer. The metal cords may be comprised of multiple individual wires twisted about themselves or a central guide line. The barrier layer may be positioned between the two reinforcing layers and penetrate therebetween. Additionally, a method for making a flexible pipe is provided, which includes the use of heat to facilitate the penetration of the barrier layer into each of the reinforcing layers.

Abstract: Low or near zero fluid permeation hose for petroleum and other chemical transfer applications. The hose includes an inner tube formed of a vulcanized rubber, and a barrier layer of a strip of a fluoropolymer of other polymeric material resistant to fluid permeation. The strip is spiral wound about the longitudinal axis of the hose.

Abstract: A method of winding a holding sealing material includes providing a mat-shaped holding sealing material including inorganic fibers. An exhaust gas treating body is provided having cell walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the exhaust gas treating body to define cells. The mat-shaped holding sealing material is wound around an outer peripheral portion of the exhaust gas treating body to form multiple layers including a first layer and a second layer wound around the first layer. Each of the multiple layers is shifted along the longitudinal direction in a winding order such that the first layer is placed closer to one end face of the exhaust gas treating body than the second layer. A shift between the first layer and the second layer is from about 0.15% to about 15% of a length in a width direction of the holding sealing material.

Abstract: A method for producing a catheter (100) having a plurality of axially spaced apart electrodes (5) towards a distal end (4) of the catheter (100) comprises forming the electrodes (5) from a single sheet (110) of electrically conductive foil material by forming spaced apart slots (111) in the sheet material to define a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive elements (114) extending transversely between spaced apart elongated connecting portion (112,113). The electrically conductive elements (114) subsequently form the electrodes (5), and are retained spaced apart by the connecting portions (112,113) until bonded to the catheter (100). Electrically conductive wires (10) electrically coupled to the electrically conductive elements (114) extend through an elongated slot (105) into and along an axial communicating bore (9) to a proximal end (3) of the catheter (100).

Abstract: A high temperature flexible pipe and method of making a high temperature flexible pipe is provided. The pipe can have an inner tubular layer formed of a high temperature thermoplastic, a first reinforcing layer, a second reinforcing layer and an outer sheath. In one aspect, an insulating layer may be provided between the second reinforcing layer and the outer sheath. A method of making a flexible pipe is also provided. The first reinforcing layer is wound around the inner tubular layer and the second reinforcing layer is wound around the first reinforcing layer. An outer sheaf can be formed over the second reinforcing layer. In another aspect, an insulating layer can be formed over the second reinforcing layer before an outer jacket is formed over the insulating layer.

Abstract: A Method of Manufacture for reinforcing the inner tube of reinforced high pressure flexible hose. The method essentially places carbon fibre filaments running axially (longitudinally) with the hose in the first several layers of the built-up inner tube. The filaments are placed as near as possible to the inner wall of the inner tube so that the fibres do not interfere with the overall bending radius of the reinforced high pressure flexible hose. The strengthened inner tube is far more capable of meeting the new API (October 2006) temperature and flexibility (pulsation) standards for oil field equipment reinforced rubber hose.

Abstract: A medical device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes an inner liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, a reinforcing layer surrounding at least a portion of the liner; and an outer layer surrounding the reinforcing layer and inner liner. The liner and outer layer may include multiple sections having different properties than one another, adjacent sections attached together by seams, which may be offset from one another. Apparatus and methods for making tubular devices with coated liners are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing pipe sleeves made of mineral wool for insulating pipelines or for reducing the sound level in pipeline systems, comprising the following steps: providing a nonwoven web (11) made of mineral wool which is provided with an uncured binder, winding up the nonwoven web (11) on a winding mandrel (2) of a winder, curing the binder. Here, at least one reinforcing layer (12, 13) is provided before the nonwoven web (11) runs into the winder, in such a way that during the winding the said reinforcing layer becomes a constituent part of the pipe sleeve produced as a result.

Abstract: Attention has been focused on combining two types of dental impression materials of different qualities which has not been considered in conventional combined impression, and a dental impression film and a method of manufacturing the dental impression film are provided for making the two parts joinable. The dental impression film is formed of a polyethylene film and polyethylene/polyester films. The polyethylene film has, laminated by thermal adhesion on opposite surfaces thereof, respectively, the polyethylene/polyester films having bonding capability between a silicone impression material and an alginate impression material. The dental impression film having bonding capability is interposed between the silicone impression material and alginate impression material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ducting for a fuel pipeline of an aircraft or spacecraft, in particular designed to be mounted in each of the wings of an aircraft, an aircraft wing incorporating this ducting and a method for producing same. This ducting comprises at least one multilayer pipe (1) having two respectively inner (2) and outer (3) layers made of a composite plastic material that is leakproof and chemically resistant to the fuel and that is reinforced by electrically conductive reinforcing means, these layers being separated by an intermediate layer (4), notably capable of stiffening the pipe when flexed and/or to insulate it electrically.

Abstract: A separator assembly is provided comprising a membrane stack assembly comprising a feed carrier layer, a permeate carrier layer, and a membrane layer, and a central core element comprising a concentrate exhaust conduit and a permeate exhaust conduit; wherein the concentrate exhaust conduit and the permeate exhaust conduit are separated by a first portion of the membrane stack assembly; and wherein a second portion of the membrane stack assembly forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element; and wherein the feed carrier layer is in contact with the concentrate exhaust conduit and not in contact with the permeate exhaust conduit; and wherein the permeate carrier layer is in contact with the permeate exhaust conduit and not in contact with the concentrate exhaust conduit; and wherein the permeate carrier layer does not form an outer surface of the separator assembly.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly and method of assembling the paint roller assembly is disclosed. The paint roller assembly comprises a core layer, a first reinforcement layer, a second reinforcement layer, a fabric cover, and adhesive for joining the layers and fabric cover together. The method of assembling the paint roller assembly includes the steps of helically winding a core material around a mandrel, applying adhesive to an exposed portion of the core material, helically winding a first reinforcement layer around the core material, applying the adhesive to an exposed portion of the first reinforcement layer, helically winding a second reinforcement layer around the first reinforcement layer, applying the adhesive to an exposed portion of the second reinforcement layer, and helically winding a fabric cover over the second reinforcement layer.

Abstract: Coated devices for introduction into bodies and methods for making and using them are provided, such as delivery sheaths, guidewire lumen cores, and elongate leads. In one embodiment, a tubular device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes a relatively thin inner polyurethane liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, e.g., providing a lubricious and/or hydrophilic lumen, and an outer layer surrounding the liner. In another embodiment, a lead is provided that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one electrode on the distal end. A polyurethane cover surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead that include a coating, e.g., including a lubricious and/or hydrophilic material. Optionally, the cover may be removable from around the lead body.

Abstract: Sanitary elements and cartridges of high performance are described which utilize a thin surrounding tubular shell with an exterior textured surface. Through the use of an overwrap material of particular design and by wrapping an assemblage of sheets of semipermeable membrane material, permeate carrier material and feed spacer material using a high tension, a spirally wound crossflow filtration element is constructed which has a substantially cylindrical outer surface of closely controlled OD that smoothly fits within such shell and which resists telescoping as a result of its radial compression.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making one or more tubular components of medical catheters or other tubular bodies using a strip of polymer material including a length, a width, and a first surface including a lubricious or other coating or surface modification. The strip is directed adjacent an elongate mandrel, such as beading, such that the length of the strip extends along the mandrel and the coating is disposed towards the mandrel. The strip is rolled at least partially around the mandrel such that the coating or surface modification is disposed inwardly towards the mandrel, and one or more strip-constrainment members are wrapped around the rolled strip. The directing, rolling, and wrapping steps may be substantially continuous to create one or more strip-mandrel-constrainment member subassemblies.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a high-pressure rubber hose comprising a liner (1), rubberized textile layers (2), main reinforcing plies (3) and a cover (5). The invention is essentially characterised by that the hose has an integrated coupling (7) and a permanent two- or three-dimensionally curved shape, which shape it retains in the absence of external force. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of building the high-pressure hose from its structural elements on a mandrel, providing an integrated coupling (7) to the hose, securing the coupling to the hose, removing the built-up hose structure from the mandrel, producing the desired final shape of the hose before vulcanization, and retaining the final shape by keeping the hose fixed during vulcanization. The apparatus according to the invention is essentially characterised by that it comprises blinds (12) matching the hose couplings (7), the blinds being disposed with fixed orientation and position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roll of film material having: (1) a first web of film having a first planar surface and a first set of opposed lateral edges; (2) a second web of film having a second planar surface and a second set of opposed lateral edges, a portion of the second planar surface being in contact with the first planar surface but not being attached thereto, the second set of opposed lateral edges being in registration with the first set of opposed lateral edges; and (3) the first web of film and the second web of film being wound about an axis transversely disposed to the first set of opposed lateral edges to define a roll of film material.

Abstract: Reinforced composite pipes and methods for making the same, generally employ at least one polymeric reinforcement phase, typically provided as an intermediate form 214. The intermediate form is typically applied over a core pipe 216, and may be consolidated. An optional jacket may be employed.

Abstract: A core for a paint roller includes a base layer and a reinforcing layer positioned over the base layer. A method of assembling a paint roller core includes helically winding a base material around a mandrel, applying an adhesive to an exposed portion of the base material, helically winding a reinforcing material around the base material, and applying the adhesive to an exposed portion of the reinforcing material. An apparatus for forming a paint roller includes a mandrel, a first feeder for continuously winding a base material around the longitudinal axis of the mandrel, a second feeder for continuously winding a reinforcing material around the base material, a third feeder for continuously winding a fabric cover around the reinforcing material, and a belt drive arranged around the mandrel for advancing the base material, reinforcing material and fabric cover along the mandrel.

Abstract: A hollow telescopic fishing rod has a rod body made from resin and reinforcing fibers. The rod body has an inner circumferential surface, wherein concave surface portions and convex surface portions are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the rod body. The reinforcing fibers are applied to the convex surface portions in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A slip-resistant shock absorbing golf club grip that includes a felt layer, a fabric mesh formed of fibers and a polyurethane coating covering the mesh and felt, the fibers of the mesh defining grooves in the surface of the slip-resistant polyurethane which are engaged by a golfers' hands, with the polyurethane coating being buffed to partially expose the fibers.

Abstract: A charge roller that includes a metal core, an elastic member configured wrapped around the metal core, and film members is disclosed. Each of the film members is wrapped around each end of the elastic member in a circumferential direction of the metal core such that at least a part of each of the film members exists at every position around the ends of the elastic member in an axial direction of the metal core. Portions of the film members do not overlap each other in an radial direction of the metal core.

Abstract: A sleeve for a print cylinder comprising a fiber reinforced, thin-walled material and having a seamless surface ready to be covered with a surface material. The sleeve may be used in flexographic printing, either as a support for photo-polymerized printing plates or rubber layers. The sleeve has the advantages of having low manufacturing cost and providing the necessary heat resistance to withstand rubber vulcanization temperatures. The sleeve is also airtight, and remains properly positioned during printing operations.

Abstract: An application apparatus is provided with an object supporting section including a support surface for supporting an object; a tape carrying section for rotatably carrying, in a roll form, a double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape with a release paper attached to one side of the tape; and a tape laying section for holding the double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape with the release paper, fed in a strip form from the tape carrying section, in a condition where the tape is laid on the support surface of the object supporting section with an adhesive surface of the tape to which the release paper is not attached facing outward. Further provided is a tape cutting section.

Abstract: A method for the repair of the overbraid for metal overbraided wiring harness is provided. The method requires no special wiring harness design, uses readily available materials and can be accomplished without removing the wiring harness. The method involves trimming around the damaged area, spreading the braid to expose a repair area, covering the repair area with a metal cover and then covering the repair area with wire screen mesh. Finally, the mesh is secured onto the wiring harness. Also provided is a metal overbraid wiring harness having been repaired with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: In a method of making an arrow shaft, a fabric section is placed around a hollow tubular core, and is affixed thereto. The core may include carbon therein. An adhesive or protective composition, associated with the fabric, is cured to adhere the fabric to the core. The adhesive may be impregnated into the fabric prior to its placement on the core, or may be applied to the fabric by methods such as spraying, dipping, brushing, or powder coating. The shaft may be treated to make the exterior surface smooth after curing. A reinforced archery arrow shaft made by the method includes a tubular core and an attached fabric sleeve covering the core. The fabric is wrapped around and affixed to the core. The sleeve fabric may have a decorative design or pattern on the exterior surface thereof. Optionally, accessories may be attached to the arrow shaft to form an arrow.

Abstract: Reinforced pipe obtained by winding, onto a tubular support based on a polymeric composition, of reinforcing tapes comprising an oriented polymeric composition in layers crossed at an equal but opposite angle relative to the axis of the pipe. The tapes are selected from those whose polymeric composition exhibits particular mechanical strength properties in tension.

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: A tail end of a web is attached to a winding core via a two-component mechanism having a core component attached to the core and a web component attached to the web, the two components being attached to each other in releasable fashion. The mechanism assists startup of winding. Upon completion of unwinding, the web component detaches from the core component to expose a region of adhesive on a part of the web component that extends from the tail end of the web. The tail end thus can be spliced to a leading end of another web by attaching the leading end to the exposed adhesive on the web component.

Abstract: An adhesive roller for detritus removal having a tubular cylindrical adhesive roll formed by a plurality of overlapping spiral wound layers. Each layer has a backing substrate and an adhesive coating on an outwardly facing side of the sheet. A cover is removably disposed around and has an inner side in contact with the outermost layer of the adhesive roll. The cover has an adhesive release coating on its inner side to reduce adhesion between the cover and the outermost layer of the adhesive roll and two longitudinally extending edges positioned closely adjacent each other when the cover is disposed around the roll. The cover is formed by overlapping spiral wound strips. Additionally, a longitudinally extending adhesive retainer strip overlies the edges of the cover to detachably secure the covers together. A pull-tab is adhesively attached to one side of the retainer strip which enables the cover to be repeatedly removed from and reattached to the adhesive roll.

Abstract: A hollow telescopic fishing rod has a rod body made from resin and reinforcing fibers. The rod body has an inner circumferential surface, wherein concave surface portions and convex surface portions are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the rod body. The reinforcing fibers are applied to the convex surface portions in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Rolls easy to be produced are provided. The invention provides a roll which is composed of a main tape cylindrically wound up. The main tape is provided with a first and second holes, respectively, in its winding terminating position and winding initiating position. First and second adhesive tapes are stuck over the holes, respectively. In the bottoms of the first and second holes, adhesive layers of the first and second adhesive tapes are exposed. Therefore, the main tape is stuck on a core at its winding initiating position and on the roll itself at its winding terminating position. Information may be printed on a surface of the first adhesive tape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a wire mesh laminate includes wrapping a central core with multiple layers of mesh screen and a barrier layer having a higher melting point than the mesh screen to form a spool assembly. The spool assembly is then surrounded by an outer cover and is heated to sinter or fuse together the layers of mesh screen.

Abstract: A flexible pipe in which a layer of wound tape extends adjacent a surface of a tubular member to limit or prevent molecular migration through the tubular member.

Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.

Abstract: The propeller shaft comprises a transmission shaft 10 consisting of a hollow metal tube 11 with excellent torque transmissibility and a composite material prepregs 12 having higher specific stiffness than a metal material and stacked to the inner surface of the metal tube, and metal yokes 40 mounted on both ends of the transmission shaft and assembled with other devices. The composite material prepregs is co-cure bonded while applying an axial compressive preload to the transmission shaft and creating a vacuum in a space between a vacuum bag inserted in the transmission shaft and the composite material prepregs of the transmission shaft. Teeth 43 or embossments 44, and adhesive-retaining grooves 45 are formed on inner surfaces of the metal yokes, so the transmission shaft is desirably compression-fitted into the metal yokes. Accordingly, the propeller shaft has advantages of securing improved impact, abrasion, and water resistance.

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: An apparatus and method to fabricate a photosensitive drum for an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a photosensitive belt supply roll and a double-sided tape supply roll; a bonding unit to bond a photosensitive belt and a double-sided tape together; a cutting unit to cut the bonded photosensitive belt and double-sided tape at a predetermined length from a double-sided tape cover; a rotating unit to rotate the cut photosensitive belt and double-sided tape around a rotary drum having a predetermined size; and a winding unit to wind the double-sided tape cover which is separated from the photosensitive belt and the double-sided tape. An inexpensive photosensitive belt is wound on a large-sized rotary drum by applying tension. Thus, it is possible to mass-produce the photosensitive drum at a low cost.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preforms for polymer optical fibers having an index of refraction that is variable over the radius, in which a core of preform material is coated with coating material for forming the preform until a predefinable diameter is reached, the refractive index of the coating material being varied in conformance with a predefinable profile along the radius of the emerging preform.

Abstract: An insulating system (10) for protecting the exterior surfaces of steel pipes and pipe bends (100) from corrosive elements wherein, the insulating system (10) includes a primary coating (20) on the exterior surface of the steel pipe (100) a first inner layer of tape wrap (30) a pair of polyurethane half shells (40) (40′) surrounding the first layer of tape wrap (30) wherein, the exterior surfaces of the polyurethane half shells (40) (40′) are provided with a coating of mastic (50) that bonds with a second outer layer of tape wrap (60).

Abstract: A golf club shaft is 35-50 percent lighter than a conventional shaft while maintaining the outer diameter and structural characteristics of conventional shafts. The shaft has at least four layers of fiber reinforced material. The fiber reinforced layers are from innermost to outermost: a first angled layer; a first straight layer; a second angled layer; and a second straight layer. The angled layers are formed by bonding together two materials, each with fibers aligned in different directions. The second angled layer maintains the proper strength and rigidity of the shaft while keeping the shaft as light weight as possible. Aligning the second layer's fibers at an angle of 35-75 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft ensures proper weight and strength characteristics of the shaft. The resulting shaft is light-weight and exhibits the flexural rigidity, flexural strength, torsional rigidity, torsional strength, and crushing strength of conventional shafts.

Abstract: An application apparatus 10 is provided with an object supporting section 16 including a support surface 14 for supporting an object 12 while allowing a free rolling of the object; a tape carrying section 22 for rotatably carrying, in a roll form, a double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape 20 with a release paper 18 attached to one side of the tape; a tape laying section 24 for holding the double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape 20 with the release paper, fed in a strip form from the tape carrying section 22, in a condition where the tape is laid on the support surface 14 of the object supporting section 16 with an adhesive surface 20a of the tape to which the release paper 18 is not attached facing outward; and a tape cutting section 26 provided between the object supporting section 16 and the tape carrying section 22 for acting on the double-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape 20 with the release paper, held on the support surface 14 by the tape laying section 24, so as to cut only the doub

Abstract: An improved golf club shaft is disclosed. The golf club shaft includes a shaft body made of a composite material, such as carbon/epoxy, and a metal foil wrapped in a spiral pattern around at least a portion of the shaft body. The metal foil increases the torsional stiffness of the shaft and improves its bending stiffness, thereby enabling the first and second frequencies of a golf club employing the shaft to remain in a desired range.

Abstract: A frame, a drive mechanism for rotating a mandrel, at least two spindles mounted to the frame, a tensioner, and a belt extending between the first and second spindles may be used to roll pre-preg strips or similar sheets of composite materials around the mandrel. The belt travels over the spindles, and the spindles guide the belt through changes in its direction of travel. The mandrel is mounted in the drive mechanism in contact with the belt, which changes its direction of travel around the mandrel. The lower surface of the belt bears against upper portions of the spindles, and the mandrel contacts the upper surface of the belt. As the drive mechanism rotates the mandrel, pre-preg sheets are fed between the mandrel and the belt and are thereby wrapped around the mandrel. The belt presses the pre-preg sheets against the mandrel. The wrapped mandrel may then be removed from the apparatus and cured in any suitable manner known in the art to produce a composite tubular article.