Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for making a conduit or pipe. An extruder is provided for producing a strip of continuous thermoplastic. A winding drum receives the strip and helically winds the strip around the drum's perimeter to form a conduit having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the drum. The drum includes a core tube surrounded by a plurality of rollers which define the outer diameter of the drum. The rollers rotate to advance the strip around the drum. A pair of detachable plates are provided for supporting said rollers. Each plate has a plurality of support structures for receiving and removably supporting each of said rollers at either end, at a desired radial distance from the drum axis, in order to define the drum diameter. The pair of plates is part of a plurality of pairs of plates, with each pair being of a different diameter to manufacture pipe or conduit of a variety of different diameters.

Abstract: A taping section of a harness making machine comprises a taping device, two conveyors and a bridging conveyor positioned therebetween. The bridging conveyor allows passage of pallets that carry nodes of a harness from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. Once a node has passed over from the first to the second conveyor, the bridging conveyor is vertically removed by the piston rod to allow the taping device to be positioned between the conveyors. The harness is received in a slot of the taping device which tapes the harness whilst it is axially moved by the conveyors until the second pallet reaches the taping device. The taping device is removed, the bridging conveyor inserted and the procedure continues as described above for taping the second section of of harness between the nodes. A simple automated procedure for taping harnesses is thus provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint rollers includes the steps of extruding a cylindrical plastic core through a rotating extruder head, and securing an absorbent sheet material onto an outer surface of the core in a continuous process.

Abstract: A fiber placement machine undergoes a plurality of axes of motion in locating a delivery head (containing a compaction roller) perpendicular to a mandrel, with relative movement between the head and the mandrel along a predetermined path, which may be over a complex compounded shape. The machine includes a temperature controlled creel where rovings (or tows) of fibrous material are stored on spools and are fed from the creel to the delivery head. The delivery head processes the tows into a band and applies the band on the surface of the mandrel by means of the roller compaction.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for manufacturing microtube devices which have circumferential geometries repeated either uniformly or nonuniformly along the tube or device axis with sub-micron precision. The preferred manufacturing process involves forming a complex mandrel and giving it a metallic and/or nonmetallic coating or coatings by any of a variety of techniques. The mandrel can then be removed by appropriate chemical or physical means, leaving a microtube structure having an axial profile consisting of repeat units duplicating those on the mandrel. One technique for forming the complex mandrel consists of drawing a single core fiber (or bundle of core fibers) through a confining orifice. The fiber is held with minimal constraint (typically by friction), so that no breakage takes place as it is drawn through the orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for digital printing images in annular-radial coordinates onto discs having an axis of rotation, the printing to occur between an inner radius R.sub.1 of the disc and an outer radius R.sub.2 of the disk. The Apparatus includes a linear printhead array extending radially of the disc at least between inner radius R.sub.1 and outer radius R.sub.2 ; and a drive adapted to rotate the disc about the axis while the printhead is imagewise addressed to create an imaged area that is symmetric to the center of the disc. The drive is adapted to rotate the disc at an annular velocity such that the spatial resolution of the printed image along the outer edge of the image is the same as that of an original image being printed. The image area may be continuous about substantially the entire annular surface of the disc or divided into discrete sections to be printed in associated tiles located on the disc such that:(x.sub.i, y.sub.i)=>(r.sub.i, .theta..sub.i),where (x.sub.i, y.sub.

Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.

Abstract: An improved former assembly which can be used in the manufacture of plastic pipe with the former assembly comprising a plastic pipe former assembly having a housing, a center tube supported on the housing, and a plurality of rollers oriented about the center tube, with the improvement comprising a plurality of universal joint assemblies each having a first end and a second end, each of the first ends being connected to the housing and each of the second ends being connected to one of the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves. The apparatus for forming a seamless cylindrical photosensitive element of uniform thickness on a flexible sleeve, comprises a mandrel, a mandrel support assembly, a calendering assembly, a drive system and at least a heating element. The methods comprise forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves from a stream of molten photopolymerizable material, or a solid or molten sheet of photopolymerizable material. The seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements are formed on polyester sleeves for use on a printing cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.

Abstract: The machine for producing vulcanized rubber tubes comprises two mutually opposite head sections, each having a base that supports two spindles. At least a first one of the two head sections has motorized spindles. A corresponding tubular core is rotated constantly, during operation, between the mutually opposite spindles of the two head sections and is supported, along its span, by supporting elements that are fixed to a supporting frame interposed between the two head sections. The two motorized spindles connected to the first head section are each supported together with a respective drive unit on a first slider that is movably coupled to the corresponding base. The slider is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane such that its upper part is exposed frontally to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves. The apparatus for forming a seamless cylindrical photosensitive element of uniform thickness on a flexible sleeve, comprises a mandrel, a mandrel support assembly, a calendering assembly, a drive system and at least a heating element. The methods comprise forming seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements of uniform thickness on flexible sleeves from a stream of molten photopolymerizable material, or a solid or molten sheet of photopolymerizable material. The seamless cylindrical photosensitive elements are formed on polyester sleeves for use on a printing cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby elongate preformed thermoplastic elements are friction-welded coaxially in an end-to-end manner so that the core elements are joined integrally to one another. Most preferably, the elongate elements are perforated tubular elements formed of a thermoplastic material which are employed as core elements in the production of cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges. As such, the integrally joined core elements can be rotated and traversed as a unit relative to a melt-blowing die during the continuous production of indefinite length cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges.

Abstract: The machine for manufacturing vulcanized-rubber tubes has a pair of heads arranged oppositely with respect to mandrels which rotate two or more tubular cores, supported by supporting elements with fixed rollers on a supporting frame. The tubular cores are contained in a thermally insulated box-like container, wrapped in the tubes to be vulcanized and unloaded by transfer means. The container has heads for supplying electrical power to the cores. Devices are provided for removing the cores from the container. The machine also has a carriage which can move along guides which are parallel to the cores, and a mechanism for wrapping the cores simultaneously with spirals of the materials to be used to manufacture tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby elongate preformed thermoplastic elements are friction-welded coaxially in an end-to-end manner so that the core elements are joined integrally to one another. Most preferably, the elongate elements are perforated tubular elements formed of a thermoplastic material which are employed as core elements in the production of cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges. As such, the integrally joined core elements can be rotated and traversed as a unit relative to a melt-blowing die during the continuous production of indefinite length cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges.

Abstract: A system produces segmented tubular products such as filters from nonwoven fibers and includes a die assembly, a collector assembly including a rotating mandrel, a withdrawer assembly, and a post-treatment assembly. The withdrawer assembly utilizes at least one threaded roller contacting either the inner or outer periphery of a tube formed on the mandrel to withdraw the tube from the mandrel in a controlled manner. The post-treatment assembly smoothes the outer surface of the tube prior to cutting by melting loose fiber strand strands extending therefrom. The properties of the finished product can be varied by altering the operation of the collector assembly and/or the withdrawer assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed whereby elongate preformed thermoplastic elements are friction-welded coaxially in an end-to-end manner so that the core elements are joined integrally to one another. Most preferably, the elongate elements are perforated tubular elements formed of a thermoplastic material which are employed as core elements in the production of cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges. As such, the integrally joined core elements can be rotated and traversed as a unit relative to a melt-blowing die during the continuous production of indefinite length cylindrical melt-blown filter cartridges.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a composite article comprising a solid body reinforced by winding at least one reinforcing tape around the solid body. The reinforcing tape deposited on the solid body is subjected to a constant tensile force. Downstream of the point where it comes into contact with the solid body, this reinforcing tape is consolidated by a local pressure. The invention also relates to a device for the manufacture of such reinforced composite articles.

Abstract: An insulated flexible air duct comprises a flexible cylindrical core; a layer of fibrous insulation blanket surrounding the flexible core and comprising a strip of fibrous blanket helically wrapped about the flexible core with lateral portions of successive convolutions of the insulation strip overlapping so that the air duct can be flexed without forming a gap between the successive convolutions of the insulation strip; and a vapor barrier jacket comprising a strip of plastic jacket film helically wrapped about the layer of fibrous insulation. The insulated, flexible air duct is formed in one continuous operation. As the flexible core is formed it is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The rotating core is fed in an axial direction through an insulation wrapping station and a vapor barrier jacket wrapping station where the fibrous insulation strip is wrapped about the core and the vapor barrier strip is helically wrapped about the insulation to form the air duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding method in the manufacture of a spirally wound tube having a thermoplastic profile (1) of a mainly rectangular cross-section. A hole profile (1) is wound in a screw line form manner on a welding drum (2) simultaneously as profile surfaces (1a, 1b), which are to be welded together are heated with hot air to a desired temperature, whereafter a welding mass (S) is extruded onto the heated profile surfaces (1a, 1b) in two streams along each edge of the profile surface (1a, 1b) and the welding mass coated hole profile portions are pressed together by means of a press roller (10). The invention is characterized in that the welding is performed with a welding head (3) coupled to an extruder and provided with a welding keel (4), which from the outside is inserted between two profile surfaces (1a, 1b) to be welded together. Hot air (L.sub.1, L.sub.

Abstract: A portable taping machine for wrapping an elongated article with continuous strip material includes a housing adapted to be gripped by an operator and defines an internal cavity for receiving the article and a passageway communicating with the internal cavity. A taping head including a C-shaped drive wheel with integral gear teeth formed around its periphery is mounted on the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis which extends through the internal cavity. The drive wheel has a peripheral discontinuity for lateral reception of the article into the internal cavity when the peripheral discontinuity is coextensive with the passageway. When the peripheral discontinuity is substantially non-coextensive with the passageway in the housing, entry of the elongated article into the internal cavity or egress from the internal cavity are prevented. A spindle on the taping head removably supports a supply roll of the strip material on an axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the internal cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding a coil pack of a fiber such as an optical fiber winds the fiber as a radial coil, and then joins the coil axially to previously wound coils. Each radial coil is wound on a flexible flange that is deformable from a first tapered shape which facilitates the winding against the flange, to a second shape wherein the coil wound thereon conforms to the shape of the last coil affixed to the fiber pack. The flexible flange is preferably made of an elastomer, and its shape change is readily accomplished by an articulated series of nesting cylinders. The apparatus further includes a fiber winding head that winds the fiber onto the flexible flange, and an adhesive applicator head that applies adhesive between succeeding coils of fiber as they are joined to the coil pack.

Abstract: A direct wind coil winding head assembly for depositing coil windings directly onto a coil support mandrel, comprising wire feed means having an input and an output, the wire feed means adapted to receive a continuous length of wire at the input and to cause the wire to exit the output at a first rate, mandrel positioning means for dynamically positioning the coil support mandrel beneath the output and control means coupled to the wire feed means and the mandrel positioning means, the control means operable to cause the mandrel positioning means to dynamically position the coil support mandrel beneath the output such that the exiting wire is deposited onto the mandrel in a predetermined pattern, and further operable to control the wire feed means such that the first rate is substantially equal to a second rate of movement of the coil support mandrel relative to the output, whereby the wire is deposited onto the coil support mandrel with substantially no residual winding stresses.

Abstract: The machine for manufacturing vulcanized-rubber tubes has a pair of heads arranged oppositely with respect to mandrels which rotate two or more tubular cores, supported by supporting elements with fixed rollers on a supporting frame. The tubular cores are contained in a thermally insulated box-like container, wrapped in the tubes to be vulcanized and unloaded by transfer means. The container has heads for supplying electrical power to the cores. Devices are provided for removing the cores from the container. The machine also has a carriage which can move along guides which are parallel to the cores, and a mechanism for wrapping the cores simultaneously with spirals of the materials to be used to manufacture tubes.

Abstract: A threadlike or ribbonlike elastic strand is provided with a substantially continuous filament of adhesive helically wrapped around the elastic strand. The elastic strand is suitable for use in disposable absorbent products such as diapers and adult incontinent products. Also disclosed is a method and, apparatus for making such adhesive-wrapped elastic strands.

Abstract: A universal pin ring for use in securing filament in a stationary position with respect to a mandrel during a filament winding process is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the universal pin ring has two rows of pins along its length. The pins of the first row are adapted to serve as anchor pins to secure filament in a stationary position with respect to a mandrel. The pins of the second row are adapted to serve as guide pins to cause filament to quickly conform to the contour of a mandrel after turning of the filament during filament winding, thereby minimizing the size of the turnaround area. In some applications, both rows of pins would serve to anchor filament. In other applications the guide pins serve both to guide filament and to anchor filament that has slipped from an anchor pin. Reinforcing ribs and flex grooves on the universal pin ring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control architecture involves two control loops, one for controlling heat input to a moving composite structure and the other controlling the speed of the structure to control quality of the product being formed. Since velocity and heat input affect the temperature of the composite there is cross coupling between the control loops so that either or both can be used to control the temperature. Preferably the invention uses the velocity or speed of the composite as the primary control, i.e., the controller automatically seeks the proper laydown velocity for the current heat input. If the energy source is not providing sufficient heat, the process slows down until the proper temperature is reached. This ensures that the composite material passing through the process is always at the proper temperature.

Abstract: In-line application of liquid adhesive to an optical fiber (10) while it is being wound onto a drum (14) is accomplished by a tube (58) interconnected with a pressurized adhesive source of supply (70). An end (60) of the tube provides adhesive in a beadlike strip which wets the drum or underlying winding layer just under the fiber lower surface before it is laid down onto the drum.

Abstract: A press blanket for a press device in a paper making machine, or the like, is formed of an elastomeric blanket material and fully embedded layers of reinforcement threads. The radially inner layer is formed of longitudinal threads which extend parallel to the axis of the press blanket. The radially outer layer is formed of circumferential threads which are wound in the direction of blanket motion and are wound generally helically. The threads are fully surrounded by the layer of homogeneous elastomeric material, that is formed from a single pouring. The circumferential threads have a diameter of at most 1/500 of the outside diameter of the fully rounded press blanket. In a unit area of the press blanket, the tensile strength of the circumferential threads is at least 40% greater than the tensile strength of the longitudinal threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for wrapping pipe with a cementatious material such as concrete. The material is conveyed to the pipe as a continuous strip provided with notches along one edge and complementary notches are formed at the other edge of the strip as the strip is wrapped spirally onto the pipe. The continuous strip is formed in a hopper having a number of sections of successively reduced widths and containing rollers by which successive superimposed layer portions of the strip are formed with reinforcing mesh embedded between successive layer portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filament winding apparatus comprising a winding mechanism having a pair of arms for winding traversed filamentary yarns impregnated with a resin onto a plurality of mandrels, respectively, and a mandrel retaining mechanism having mandrel receiving portions by a number of at least two times of the number of the mandrels to be set on the arms of the winding mechanism. The arms are swung between a winding position and a mandrel exchange position of the mandrel retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is a little moved when the mandrels are exchanged. A plurality of mandrels can be easily and efficiently exchanged at the same time without a particular device. The number of the mandrels for simultaneous filament winding can be increased and a high productivity can be obtained. Further, this apparatus can be realized at a relatively low cost.

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 dimentional control and a machined like quality without the necessity of machining.

Abstract: A filter support tube manufacturing apparatus and method employing operative steps of drawing wire from a reel, and moving the wire, first, through a heater for heating the wire, second, through a fluidized bed for coating the wire with a corrosion resistant material which also serves as a bonding agent and, third, through a second heater. Then, the heated and coated wire is wound onto a rotating mandrel which holds straight plastic reinforcing strips about which the wire is wound. Once winding of the wire is completed and the wire is embedded in the plastic reinforcing strips, the wound wire is cut manually and removed from the mandrel. A new end of the wire extending from the reel is inserted in the mandrel and a new set of plastic strips are installed on the mandrel. Finally, the steps are repeated to make additional filter support tubes.

Abstract: Mandrel means for forming tubular tubular articles of an infinitely variable range of sizes by helical winding of strip material (25) around the mandrel means comprises a support surface defined by an endless belt (37) which extends around two support drums (36) the spacing of which is selectively variable. The mandrel means additionally comprises a belt guide assembly (38) (39) which preferably diverts the belt (37) to follow an inwardly extending path between the support drums (36) and thereby results in a peripheral discontinuity in the mandrel means support surface. The belt guide assembly may also incorporate a roller (39) to maintain tension in the belt (37) irrespective of the spacing of the support drums (36). Cutter means may be provided to cut a wound tubular article in the vicinity of the support surface discontinuity.

Abstract: A consolidated structure with less than 6 percent void content is formed from a plurality of thermoplastic impregnated yarns traverse wound on a rotating mandrel by feeding the yarns under tension simultaneously from a source of supply to a traversing carriage as adjoining flat tapes. The tapes then move successively through a preheating section, a heated circular guide and a contact portion heating source, all on the carriage, before being laid down in a predetermined path on the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of constructing fibrous composite material, and a resulting structure, having a modular construction in which the modules are formed on mandrel assemblies having a metal core and an elastomeric, deformable and removable sheath. Fibrous composite material is wrapped around each sheath, which in a complex shape such as a thrust reversing cascade for a jet engine, has sets of similar modules arranged in rows across layered composite ribs and in columns in which the modules are mutually engaged. When bonded by heat and pressure, the epoxy matrix of the composite material joins the ribs and the modules into a structure of high strength. In a cascade configuration a slotted medal plate is bonded to the ribs and the modules, being positioned in slots in the plate, with modules positioned fore and aft of the plate to increase the bonding area.

Abstract: A combination filament winding and tape laying apparatus and method for applying matrix impregnated fibrous material to a generally cylindrical mandrel which is rotated about its cylindrical axis in a stationary horizontal position. A filament winding head is moved horizontally along the length of the mandrel by a carriage for filament winding. A platform is attached to the carriage. A tape applying head is mounted on the platform for applying tape whereby it is unnecessary to move the mandrel from a filament winding machine to a tape laying machine when both operations are required. The tape laying head is preferably portable.

Abstract: A paint roller is comprised of a thermoplastic tubular core and a cover fabric heat-fused thereto without an intermediate adhesive. The fabric is wound around the core in a helical path, and the core is heat-softened in the zone of winding to fuse the fabric to the core as it is wound thereon.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fiber reinforced tubular member having flanges at opposite ends thereof includes the steps of applying a winding including a plurality of fiber strands in an uncured curable matrix to a core element having a pair of spaced outwardly extending spreader elements thereon so as to form a central winding portion and a pair of conical winding portions on the core element; applying a forming tool to the winding between the spreader elements, the forming tool having a tubular inner surface, opposite outwardly extending end faces and transition edges therebetween; applying resilient outward pressure to the winding so as to urge the winding against the forming tool along the transition edges; uniformly applying the fiber from the conical portions of the winding to the end faces of the forming too; and curing the matrix.

Abstract: A filament winding system includes a head that selects the number of tows to be within a winding band while winding and positioning the winding band directly on the mandrel according to contours of the mandrel. Half of the tows are conveyed in an upper portion of the head and the remaining half are conveyed in a lower portion of the head with both halves meeting at an applicating roller at the discharge end of the tows. The head includes cut and add assemblies wherein the individual tows are selectively cut and later can be added to the band.

Abstract: Thermoplastic matrix composite cylinders, pipes, and other hollow bodies are formed by a winding technique using thermoplastic filaments. The filaments are fed from a vertically moving winding head onto the surface of a rotating mandrel. The filaments are preheated to soften them and then pass beneath a heated compaction roller bearing against the mandrel. The compaction roller is castered so as to follow a helical path. Several plies of the thermoplastic material may be laid down in this fashion, the surface of each prior ply being heated so that the layers fuse properly. When cooled to below its solidification temperature, the formed object is removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the formation of laminar, fiber-reinforced resin composite tubes of elbow shape. The apparatus, a filament winding machine, is employed by winding a continuous strand, or plurality of strands, of a resin-wetted yarn, roving, or filament about an elbow-shaped mold. The apparatus combination is constituted of a hollow shaft of curvilinear shape on which an elbow-shaped mold can be telescopically mounted. The two terminal ends of the hollow shaft can be journalled in place and the hollow shaft rotated thereabout. The combination also includes a sprocket-supported chain and connecting cable, the cable portion of which passes through the interior of the hollow shaft. The two terminal ends of the cable can be connected to the mold when the latter is mounted thereon so that reciprocal movement of the chain and cable can oscillate the mold upon the hollow curvilinear shaft as the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a machine for manufacturing a tubular piece from at least one web of supple material, the machine comprising a mandrel around which the or each web is capable of being helically wound, and means for driving by friction the or each web wound around the mandrel, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. According to the invention, the or each web being constituted by a resistant reinforcement bonded at least on the surface to a polymerizable product, heat regulation means are provided in the zone of said drive means.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding together at least two composite tapes comprising a tape head, a support surface adjacent the tape head and a supply system for supplying first and second composite tapes between the tape head and the support surface. The tape head includes a heating section and a pressure section pivotally coupled to the heating section. The heating section includes a heater for heating the tapes, and the pressure section includes a system for applying a force for urging the tapes against the support surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically winding an adhesive ribbon-like material, in which a supply guide of a ribbon-like material, a clamp unit for gripping both edge portions of the ribbon-like material, at least one first pushers disposed close to the clamp unit to press the front end portion of the ribbon-like material against a building drum, a ribbon-like material cutting unit, and at least one second pushers to press the rear end portion of the ribbon-like material against the building drum are arranged in front of the building drum, and a method for automatically winding the ribbon-like material using this apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method for producing a protective-coated steel pipe in a construction work site by spirally winding and melt-bonding a belt-like thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet around the outer peripheral surface of a steel pipe, for use as a construction member in corrosive circumstances, the method provides a winding step winding the sheet around the outer peripheral surface of the steel pipe while contacting adjacent side end faces of the sheet in a face-to-face relation to each other and a bonding step of heat melt-bonding the adjacent sheet portions to each other in the contacted state of the respective side end faces while pressing both sheet portions together by a pressing means when they begin to melt. Also disclosed is an equipment used for practicing the said method. According to these method and equipment, the resin of the sheet comes into completely close contact with the steel pipe so the corrosion resistance of the pipe is improved remarkably.

Abstract: A fiber placement machine has a head for controlling fiber tows running from an upstream supply creel to a downstream work laydown zone, and the head includes a bracket supporting a presser member which impresses and compacts the fiber against a workpiece. The head includes a relatively rigid fiber guide assembly and a drive for moving the fiber guide to an advanced position near the presser member and a retracted position away from the presser member. In the advanced position, fiber tows run uninhibited through channels in the fiber guide. However, when it is desired to cut the fibers, the fiber guide is run to the retracted position, at which point the guide is clamped to the incoming fiber tows. After the exiting cut fiber has been laid down on the workpiece by the presser member, the incoming fibers may be restarted by driving the fiber guide and its clamped fiber tow to an advanced position where the fiber tow end may be grabbed in the nip formed between the presser member and the workpiece.

Abstract: The machine comprises a frame (1, 2, 3, 4), a rotary mandrel (15) mounted on a horizontal shaft (14), a vertical arm (12) having a detachable work device (20) at the lower end of the arm, and means (M1, M2, M3) for shifting the arm (12) along three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z).

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.