Abstract: A method of making a bearing blanket for an extended nip press is disclosed. The method includes the steps of wrapping a reinforcing mat with uncured elastomeric polymer around a mandrel such that a central portion of the resultant blanket includes both the reinforcing mat and the elastomeric polymer, while a first and second lateral edge of the blanket includes only elastomeric polymer. The resultant blanket is removed from the mandrel and the first and second edges of the blanket are folded radially inwardly so that the edges inhibit the escape of lubricating oil from the extended nip press past the blanket.

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

Abstract: A flexible fishing rod is described having a cross section which tapers from a large butt end to a small tip end. The rod has a hollow section extending along the rod axis from the butt end to a solid tip section formed by compression of the pattern used to make the rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making a plurality of flexible hoses each having a preformed bend section between opposed ends of the hose that tends to return to the shape of its preformed bend section when unbent therefrom are provided, the method comprising the steps of winding a continuous length of a hose material around a pair of spaced apart substantially cylindrical posts so that a plurality of sections of the hose material extends between the posts, heat curing the hose material while the same is in the wound condition thereof on the posts, and, thereafter, cutting the plurality of hoses from the thus cured hose material so that each hose has the preformed bend section therein that was defined by its wound relation with the post, the step of winding the hose material around the posts comprising the step of orbiting the posts about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the posts.

Abstract: A method and tool for fabricating composite shafts with at least one flared end. The tool includes a specially adapted end fitting for each flared end which define the angle and direction of flaring. The end fitting includes structure for conforming/compacting the composite material at the flared ends either during and/or after the composite build-up is completed and during cure. The conforming/compacting insures that the external surfaces of the flared ends achieve dimensional control and a machined like quality without the necessity of machining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tampon (10), to the essentially cylindrical circumferential surface of which a liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material is fastened, with the application of pressure and heat. The dome-like constriction (10b) at the introduction end (10a) and the withdrawal end (10c) of the tampon (10) remain free of the liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material. The fastening of the liquid-permeable material to the outer surface of the absorbent material of the tampon (10), which consists of a nonwoven ribbon section rolled up on itself and pressed radially to give the final form of the tampon (10), guarantees that the high absorbency of the nonwoven fibre material, based on capillary action, continues through the liquid-permeable, thermoplastic material onto its outside. In addition, the liquid-permeable material offers protection against fibres becoming detached and makes it easier to introduce the tampon into and remove it from the body cavity.

Abstract: A roller is characterized by an inexpensive and disposable construction for use in transporting and applying developer material in a developer system of a xerographic copier machine, and a method of fabricating such rollers. The rollers have an outside electrically-conductive surface for transporting and applying developer material and are constructed of a tubular fiber core, preferably spirally-wound and laminated paper plies, with an outside surface ply of aluminum foil spirally-wound on and laminated to the fiber core. At least those rollers which are utilized as applying rollers have spaced-apart grooves formed in the outside surface of the roller and formed therein without tearing or cracking the thin aluminum surface ply.

Abstract: Cylindrical brush and method of making thereof. The brush comprises an inner layer formed from a first strip of fabric helically wound to form a hollow cylinder, an outer layer formed from a second strip of fabric helically wound over said first strip, a third layer of adhesive interposed between said first and second layers. The curve of the helix formed by the second fabric strip intersects the curve of the helix formed by said first fabric strip. The peripheral surface of the second fabric strip also has bristles attached to it.

Abstract: The method disclosed is for making hollow-handled sticks in fibre-reinforced plastic. The method is to mould the stick handle in moulds that run the full length of the handle. The moulds comprise a core and a channel. A resin-and-fibre mat is squeezed between the core and the channel. The hollow handle can be formed either by glueing two U-shaped components (15,16) together one inside the other or by wrapping the mat (27) around a mandrel (24), in which case the mandrel is withdrawn lengthwise after curing. The stick blade (29) may itself be inserted in the channel (25) in which case the mat of the handle may be arranged to enwrap the blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making fiber reinforced composite articles using match molds to compact a partially hollow fiber/matrix lay-up. The method comprises wrapping the matrix and fiber reinforcement about a mandrel, removing the mandrel from the lay-up or chilling the wrapped mandrel allowing for easy removal of the mandrel resulting in a relatively stiff hollow lay-up. The lay-up is then placed in a mold and compacted and cured to form the desired composite article. Such a method provides an easy method to form such complex composite article shapes as I-beam, C-beam, etc.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a fiber reinforced resin matrix composite article having fiber reinforced resin matrix bushings. These bushings are formed by tightly wrapping the fibers to form a plug having the fiber orientation from about .+-.20.degree. to about .+-.60.degree. to the central axis around which the fibers are wrapped. The plug is then snugly inserted into a hole which has been cut in the composite article such that the central axis of the plug is perpendicular to the fibers in the composite article. The entire composite article containing the plug is then cured and the plug is then drilled out forming the bushing.

Abstract: Flat pattern equivalents for curved surfaces may be generated by developing a regular network of quadrilateral grid elements resembling a fish net which is mathematically smoothed onto the curved surface. Surface features such as boundaries and cutouts are mapped onto the network. The network is then transformed onto a flat mapping plane to form a grid in a manner analagous to smoothing a fish net mesh onto a flat surface. The surface features are then transformed to the flat surface grid.Individual plies or parts are then cut based upon the flat patterns. The plies or parts will conform to the curved surface exactly.

Abstract: A surface type structural component such as a wing for an aircraft is curved in space and is manufactured from a plurality of fiber wound box frames forming longitudinal and cross ribs made of fiber reinforced resin impregnated material. These box frames are formed as modular units by winding the fiber compound material onto mold bodies and assembling the mold bodies for bonding the box frames together to form a reinforcing grid structure while the box frames are still on the mold bodies. A laminated sheathing is bonded to the grid structure. Methods and apparatus including an automated assembly plant are disclosed for manufacturing the surface type structural component.

Abstract: Non-asbestos elastomeric insulation materials for rocket motors are disclosed. The insulation materials comprise 100 parts by weight of a crosslinked elastomer polymer and between about 10 and 100 (preferably 15-75) parts by weight of an organic fiber selected from cotton flock, Sisal and a combination of cotton flock and Sisal. The insulation materials have notable erosion resistance and can be tailored to have thermal, mechanical and other properties of desired character. The organic fiber advantageously functions as a char forming, low density filler. Other ingredients such as silica, phenolic resin, polybutadiene etc. are included to enhance the utility of the insulation materials.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for forming a multi-layered container of compressible sheet layers, such as corrugated board. The containers are formed in a single operation and avoids the known techniques of folding the layers before laminating in multistep methods. Furthermore, the container may be folded without the layers separating. The method of forming a multi-layered container having a plurality of flat sides with corners between adjacent sides comprises winding compressible sheet layers on a forming mandrel. In the process, one edge of a layer is attached adjacent to a corner of a mandrel, a shoe plate applies pressure to the layer against the mandrel as it rotates to maintain a substantially constant pressure and tension on the layer. An additional momentary force is applied to the shoe plate as each corner of the mandrel passes over the shoe plate such that the layer at each corner is compressed.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary heat regenerator which includes a regenerator wheel in which the regenerator matrix is formed of at least one strip of synthetic organic plastic wound onto a central hub, with suitable spacing means being formed in the strip to form gas passages. Inexpensive means is provided to stiffen the wheel to impart lateral strength and rotational stability. In one embodiment of the invention, radial portions of the face of the matrix are fastened together by fusing, by an adhesive, or both. In another embodiment of the invention, radial apertures are formed in the wheel by forcing a heated tool, radially into the wheel periphery so that the surfaces of the strip layers of the matrix are fused together, forming a hollow cylinder bounded by a continuous layer of plastic. To impart further rigidity to the wheel, the hollow cylinder may be filled with a reinforcing rod of plastic or metal.

Abstract: A fiberglass reinforced plastics steering wheel is disclosed and a mold and method for making same. The wheel is made by disposing binder and the fiberglass in an annular cavity and in ramp-like radial cavities of a mold and are pressed into shape by a wedge-shaped member.

Abstract: A molded synthetic rubber muffler or exhaust component hanger having a molded-in nylon reinforcing loop around the circumferential surface thereof and manufactured according to a method which involves at least the steps of preparing a preform of uncured synthetic rubber which approximates the shape of the finished article, preparing a wrapping loop of synthetic rubber coated nylon the circumferential size of which accurately conforms to the circumferential dimension of the finished article but is slightly greater than the same circumferential dimension of the preform, placing the loop on the preform and compression molding the combination to unite the rubber constituents of each and to expand the preform as to fully fill out the nylon loop.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a contoured disk wheel by placing a maturated fiber-reinforced resin cylinder between male mold members and encircling mold members, closing the mold members about the cylinder causing it to flow axially and radially, and curing it.

Abstract: A sculptured lamp base suitable for electric lamps is provided by utilizing a tightly-wound spiral of corrugated cardboard strip which is distended along a dimension parallel to its axis through forming upon a mold. The resulting sculptured lamp bases are capable of an infinite variety of shapes. Various components may be formed through utilization of this method and joined to form additional compound and return curves.

Abstract: A composite sports racket frame having a head portion subject to loading is provided with an integral arrangement of resin impregnated braided tow tubes and a layer of tow disposed in wound fashion between part of the braided tows. A method of making a sports racket frame by winding a resin impregnated tow about part of a braided tow tube and placing a second braided tow tube to form an assembly that is internally pressurized and heat cured is disclosed.

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: 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 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: This invention relates to electric fuses having tubular casings having a high bursting strength and to the method and materials by which these casings are made. Such tubular material has also other applications than casings for electric fuses. Tubular structures made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,709 of which this is a division thereof have a plurality of plies which may include strips of non-woven, non-uniformly oriented glass fiber mat, composite strips of woven glass fiber cloth and non-woven glass fiber mat and glass fiber rovings. The plurality of strips are self overlapping and their overlaps are angularly displaced relative to one another. The tubular structure further includes a synthetic thermosetting resin integrating the plurality of strips into a multi-ply laminate.This invention relates to a process of manufacturing tubular structures of the above referred-to kind by pultrusion.

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 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: The present invention relates to a process for making a connecting rod for controlling or transmitting efforts, comprising a rod provided at at least one of its ends with a connecting member, wherein a tubular element is firstly made of high strength fibers impregnated with polymerizable resin, said end is then flattened so that it is obturated, after which the resin impregnating said element is polymerized, then said connecting member is arranged in the hardened, flattened part of said element. The invention is more particularly applicable to the manufacture of connecting rods for controlling and transmitting efforts, particularly for aircraft, helicopters, etc. . . .

Abstract: The invention is a method for the manufacture of hollow bodies, particularly pipes, from fabric reinforced resin by forming a coil of fabric impregnated with resin, which is dried, preheated, and introduced into a preheated mold. The coil is pressed axially into the mold between a preheated borer defining the interior shape of the pipe, and a sleeve, and the resin impregnated in the fabric is polymerized. The product is useful in the manufacture of nozzles for missiles or the like.

Abstract: The composite of the present invention comprises a layer of ceramic having completely imbedded therein a metal grid, such composite having been made by coating a metal grid with a viscous ceramic slurry and thereafter firing to form the ceramic to a unitary structure. At the temperature to which the composite is fired to form the unitary structure the metal grid is in an expanded condition because of its high coefficient of thermal expansion, and upon cooling the metal grid is put into tension thereby putting the ceramic in compression. The composite has particular utility as thermal insulation for internal combustion engine exhaust systems.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having circumferentially spaced recesses on the outer periphery thereof is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the recesses in the sleeve. Portions of the previously applied fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material are pressed into the recesses. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied fibrous material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging "sleeves", or multi-sided, tubular structures which may be used for packaging articles, as blanks for boxes, or the like, which are made from multiple layers of spirally wrapped strips of paper, fabric, or the like; which sleeves may have discrete corners at the junctures of their sidewalls, which corners may be permanent where rididity is desired, or foldable so that the sleeves may be flattened for storage and/or shipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging "sleeves", or multi-sided, tubular structures which may be used for packaging articles, as blanks for boxes, or the like, which are made from multiple layers of spirally wrapped strips of paper, fabric, or the like; which sleeves may have discrete corners at the junctures of their sidewalls, which corners may be permanent where rididity is desired, or foldable so that the sleeves may be flattened for storage and/or shipment.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for forming a tubular sleeve of a shrinkable cellular polymeric material from a predecorated web. Predecorated neck labels are formed from a web having a pair of cross-dimension score lines in precise location to facilitate flat folding. The neck labels preformed from the web are adapted to overlying the neck and closure of a bottle, for example, to provide a tamper-proof feature. Such labels are formed from a web by cutting a presized blank having, if desired, a partial-depth slit along the longitudinal dimension to provide a parting line, winding the blank on a mandrel while successively forming the score lines in precise location, and then overlapping the ends and seaming the same to make a tubular sleeve having precisely-formed sides adapted to uniform flat-folding. The sleeves are stripped from the forming mandrel, flat-folded and packed into tightly-nested stacks for subsequent use.

Abstract: An improved simple and cheap method of forming electrode connector for liquid crystal display device has been found. This novel method eliminates difficulties in complicated compression molding process required a high accuracy of dimensions in a molded electrode connector.

Abstract: There is provided a novel form of heat and solvent resistant gasket means available in strip and, where desired, ring form comprising a compacted fibrous core surrounded by a flexible metallic winding, said winding being further surrounded by fibrous heat resistant material impregnated with heat and solvent resistant polymer to provide a smooth outer surface for said gasket means. The gasket means may optionally further include a central metallic core within the fibrous core and also include a second flexible metallic winding substantially coaxial with said first metallic winding.

Abstract: A method of fabricating double-curvature shells from meridional petaloid sections consisting in that the prefabricated meridional petaloid sections are joined consecutively with one another in a number required for making a shell. The meridional petaloid sections are made from a flexible material and in the process of their joining they are successively coiled into a spindle-shaped roll for storage and transportation and the double-curvature shell is made by applying an axial force to at least one of the roll ends for uncoiling the roll and simultaneously imparting a longitudinal curvature to said sections after which the first and the last sections are joined with each other. The method according to the invention permits fabrication of high-quality double-curvature shells of any volume from any flexible material, it is highly efficient, calls for low expenditures of labor and funds, is simple and convenient in practice.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an annular seal for a heat recuperator tube end is disclosed as comprising loosely wrapping without appreciable tension at least one layer of a compressible and resilient blanket of unbonded ceramic fibers about an annular forming mandrel, stabilizing the inner area of the fiber layer, thereafter compressing the fibers to decrease their volume while not destroying the recuperative ability of the fibers to resiliently expand back to a volume substantially greater than their compressed volume when the compression is released by wrapping a retainer exteriorly of the fibers to compress them and to temporarily retain them in compressed condition, the retainer being destructable at operating temperatures of the tube ends of the recuperator in which the seal is to be used. A specific wrapping process utilizing overlapping sheets of heat destructable wrapping material is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a filtering member of cellulose acetate for cigarette filters of the transverse flow type in which a rod formed by a bunch of cellulose acetate fibres coated with plasticizing agent and surrounded by a skin or a paper cover is first cut transversely into shorter lengths at a cutting station. Then with each length in a heated state, a plurality of similar, spaced, co-linear grooves are impressed into the length along each of two diametrically opposed sides thereof as the length is carried by a conveyor arrangement from the cutting station to a processing station. The conveyor arrangement can comprise a driven train of fluted transfer drums receiving the lengths in the flutes certain of which have teeth extending along the troughs of those flutes to impress the grooves in the lengths, or can comprise a conveyor belt to receive the lengths in which the grooves are impressed by punches above and below the upper run of the belt.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing unidirectionally fiber reinforced resin products characterized by application of a given initial tension to the fibers at curing of the resinous material and an apparatus for manufacturing the same which essentially comprises means keeping the fibers under a given tension at curing of the resinous material. With the application of initial tension to the fibers, an initial distortion of the fibers is much reduced and a product of uniform quality and great strength is provided.

Abstract: A one-step method of both making and tortuously shaping three component tubular articles is disclosed, the tubular articles being of the hollow skin-core type of the desired complex configuration, strong and rigid, free from porosity, light in weight, resistant to high and low temperatures, comprised of a thin and relatively fragile elongated and longitudinally edge-lapped sheet tube integrally encased in a strongly reinforced plastic shell providing both tube-forming support and tube performance protection for fluid conveying and storage applications. The tube-forming sheet can be of specialized rubbers or plastics or metallic foils. It is advantageously susceptible to inspection to the required degree before incorporation into the article and may be capable of subsequent in place modification.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing a packaging sleeve of polygonal cross-section, particularly adapted to be foldably collapsed, wherein circular or tubular sleeve stock is formed on a stationary spindle or mandrel from a plurality of glued, thin layers of paper, fabric, plastic material or the like, wound or wrapped one over the other. The sleeve is thereafter shaped into a polygonal cross-section. During the shaping of the tubular packaging sleeve while it is in the glue-wetted state, at least one continuous folding edge impressed into the sleeve wall and extending in the longitudinal direction of said sleeve is press-formed at the desired longitudinally extending edge corners of the polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: A coned joint for the purpose of structurally joining two filament wound es, having dissimilar diameters, into a single launch tube. After being joined together, the assembled tubes have a straightness equal to or better than a comparable rolled or fabricated metal tube in addition to being lighter and less costly to produce.

Abstract: A preformed radiator hose and a method of manufacturing such a hose are disclosed herein. A long length of an uncured hose is first fabricated by alternately wrapping layers of an uncured elastomer and fiber reinforcements around a straight mandrel. The uncured hose is then removed from the straight mandrel and cut into shorter segments. Each of these segments is then placed on a contoured mandrel having a shape corresponding to the intended configuration of the final hose and cured by heating. Although the fully cured hose does have a permanent shape, because of the unique arrangement of the reinforcements, etc., it has sufficient deformability to be easily slipped off the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of paper-layer wound cardboard tube segments having a polygonal cross section, where paper tapes are first wound on a fixed spindle of circular shaped cross section and then the tube thus obtained is transformed into a polygonal cross section.

Abstract: The method of making a gasket structure for sealing mating parts together in which the body portion of the gasket structure is formed by convolutely wound annular alternate discrete layers of a carrier material and a fluid impermeable polymeric material adhered thereto of substantially uniform thickness from layer to layer, and cured, and characterized by having the body portion of the gasket structure, throughout substantially its entire extent, compacted to a substantially uniform density. The gasket structure may be formed with a bead of relatively low density, as compared to the body portion, on at least one surface thereof to compensate for surface contour variations, and a coating layer may be provided covering the gasket structure, which is cured after application and which is characterized by its impermeability to, and resistance to, the fluids which are to be sealed off, and to minimize the clamping forces required for compaction to completely seal the mating parts.

Abstract: The composite of the present invention comprises a layer of ceramic having completely imbedded therein a metal grid, such composite having been made by coating a metal grid with a viscous ceramic slurry and thereafter firing to form the ceramic to a unitary structure. At the temperature to which the composite is fired to form the unitary structure the metal grid is in an expanded condition because of its high coefficient of thermal expansion, and upon cooling the metal grid is put into tension thereby putting the ceramic in compression.

Abstract: Process of and composition for forming a hard, rubber-like covering on the ends of metal rolls utilized in the textile, paper or other industry including the following. A semi-liquid, elastomeric, polymeric, coating composition is provided having a viscosity sufficient to prevent sagging from the ends of the metal roll when applied thereto while being sufficiently liquid to dispense easily in a continuous stream and being cross-linkable to form a hard, rubber-like material. Cement is applied onto the ends of the metal roll and the semi-liquid coating composition is applied onto the cemented ends. The coating composition is cross-linked by heating to cure and solidify the semi-liquid composition to form a hard rubber-like coating on the ends of the metal roll.

Abstract: A hollow resin bonded glass fiber column of unique cross section suitable for use as a utility pole, light standard or the like is disclosed including unique means for forming the pole. A rotatable finned mandrel is wrapped with a waxed surfaced paper and then sprayed with a mixture of chopped glass, resin and catalyst which is initially pressed thereon by a roller and then wrapped with continuous bands of fiberglass roving, re-rolled, covered with a fiberglass veil, rolled again and allowed to cure. The finned mandrel which makes relatively thin line contact with the inside of the pole and the wax surfaced paper allows the curved pole to be easily slipped endwise from the mandrel. In one embodiment a metal mandrel having eight radially extending fins has been successfully used to form fiberglass poles of octagonal cross section.