Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for winding filaments to form a structure. The apparatus includes a carrier which mounts spools of fiber, a mandrel, and a guide element which directs fiber tows, comprising filaments from the spools, onto the mandrel. The system further includes a heating element which applies heat to the fiber tows, and a diaphragm element which defines an orifice about the mandrel. The diaphragm element includes one or more displaceable portions which define a physical dimension of the orifice and which: displace to vary the physical dimension of the orifice; and apply a predetermined pressure to the fiber tows disposed on the mandrel. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

Abstract: An automated fiber bundle placement apparatus including a placing head configured to place each of fiber bundles onto a placement die and including a plurality of conveying mechanisms each configured to convey the fiber bundle toward a pressing part configured to press the fiber bundles onto the placement die, a plurality of guidance mechanisms each including a guide roller for guiding the fiber bundle toward the conveying mechanism, and a frame attached to a multi-jointed robot configured to move the placing head and provided with the conveying mechanisms and the guidance mechanisms. The frame is constituted by a main frame part provided with the conveying mechanisms and attached to the multi-jointed robot and a sub-frame part provided with the guidance mechanisms and detachably attached to the main frame part.

Abstract: A method of producing flexible polypropylene fabric bags with heat fused seams comprising providing fabric pieces, wherein each fabric piece has a coated side and an uncoated side; positioning fabric pieces so that a coated side of one fabric piece faces a coated side of another fabric piece; selecting an area of fabric to be joined for forming a seam or joint; applying heat to the area to be joined that is less than the melting point of the fabrics, for forming one or more seams or joints and wherein the heat fused seams or joints of a resulting polypropylene bag retains at least 85% of the fabric strength without using sewing machines.

Abstract: There is described subsea apparatus and a method for processing fluid from a well. In an embodiment, a pipeline may be arranged to carry the multiphase fluid containing liquid and gas from the well. An outlet extending through a wall of the pipeline may let gas out of the pipeline from said region and through the outlet to separate said gas and liquid. A compressor may be connected to the outlet to compress the separated gas. Separated liquid may be conveyed along a sloping portion of the pipe to a low point in the seabed terrain, and may be conveyed to a pump for boosting the flow of liquid. The pump may be located in an excavated hole or glory hole below the seabed.

Abstract: Positioning system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors borne by a supporting structure and mobile along guides between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. Each guide comprises a fixed part borne by the supporting structure and a mobile part sliding along/with respect to the fixed part in a rectilinear direction H. Between a portion of each mobile part facing towards the respective sector and a stiffening structure of the sector a positioning device is provided which allows adjustment of the position of the sector with respect to the guide in two directions which lie in a plane RP perpendicular to the axis H of the guide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing an existing pipeline. In some embodiments, the methods include positioning a pipeline wrapping apparatus on the existing pipeline, wherein the pipeline wrapping apparatus comprises a winding head, feeding a strip of material through the winding head, attaching an end of the strip of material to the existing pipeline, and helically wrapping the strip around the existing pipeline by rotating the winding head and axially translating the winding head relative to the existing pipeline.

Abstract: A fiber bundle processing device (filament winding device (100)) that processes a fiber bundle (Fb) having a heat-curable resin impregnated therein, characterized by: comprising a curing device (45A) capable of applying heat to the fiber bundle (Fb); and the curing device (45A) curing or semi-curing some of the resin impregnated into the fiber bundle (Fb), when the fiber bundle (Fb) is partway through being guided into the fiber bundle processing device (filament winding device (100)).

Abstract: A multilayer pipeline (1) which includes at least: an inner fluid-tight ply (11) which consists of a first thermoplastic polymer material; an inner fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer ply (14) which includes a wrapped fibre-reinforcement and which surrounds the inner fluid-tight ply; a first intermediate ply (13) which consists of a second thermoplastic polymer material; an outer fibre- reinforced thermoplastic polymer ply (12) which includes a wrapped fibre reinforcement, wherein at least one of the inner fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer ply (14) and the outer fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer ply (12) includes at least one fibre-containing layer (14a-b, 14c-d; 12a-b, 12c-d) and one reinforcement-free layer (14c, 14f; 12c, 12f). A machine assembly (30) for producing the multilayer pipeline (1) and a method of producing the multilayer pipeline (1) are described as well.

Abstract: A single machine configured to manufacture a wire cable assembly including an twisted wire pair and a drain wire having a conductive tape and an insulative tape spirally wrapped about said wire pair. The machine includes a first clamp that secures an end of the wire pair and a second clamp that secures the other end of the wire pair. The second clamp rotates while the first clamp is fixed thereby twisting the wires of the wire pair one about the other. The second clamp can also rotate synchronously with the first clamp thereby rotating the wire pair without twisting. The machine also has a tape reel configured to move parallel to the clamps as they rotate, wrapping tape around the wire pair. The apparatus can be configured to apply the tapes simultaneously to electromagnetically shield and insulate the cable assembly. A method of operating the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A thin film production apparatus of the present invention includes: a substrate feeding mechanism configured to continuously feed a substrate; a substrate receiving mechanism configured to receive the substrate; a substrate conveying mechanism; a film formation roller; a first film formation source configured to form a first thin film on a film formation surface of the substrate traveling on an upstream side of the film formation roller in a substrate conveyance direction along the substrate conveying mechanism; and a second film formation source configured to form a second thin film on a roller circumferential surface of the film formation roller. The film formation roller is placed so that a surface of the second thin film is joined in a face-to-face manner to a surface of the first thin film formed on the substrate. The substrate receiving mechanism winds thereon or stores therein the substrate, the first thin film, and the second thin film which have been integrated together.

Abstract: Provided is a filament winding apparatus (1) which moves a liner (2) while rotating the liner (2) and winds a fiber bundle (FB) around the outside peripheral face (2a) of the liner (2), said fiber bundle (FB) being guided by a fiber-feeding guide (44) positioned around the trajectory of the liner (2). The filament winding apparatus has a resin-spraying nozzle (45) for spraying a resin onto the fiber bundle (FB) at a position before the fiber bundle is wound around the liner (2), and the resin-spraying nozzle (45) is disposed so as to spray the resin onto the downstream side of the rotation direction of the liner (2) relative to an imaginary line (VL1) defied by a straight line connecting the spray nozzle (45N) of the resin-spraying nozzle (45) with the rotation axis of the liner (2).

Abstract: A panel former is provided for producing a panel that is formed from polymer tubing for solar collectors, heat exchangers, and other devices. The panel former can receive the tubing and continuously wrap the tubing around a drum so that support members can be welded to the tubing. After the support members are welded to the tubing, the tubing can be cut along a line substantially parallel to the support members to remove the tubing from the panel former and to form the risers in a panel.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A permeable material compacting method includes, feeding permeable material between at least one set of rollers, decreasing a thickness of the permeable material, and wrapping the permeable material around a mandrel in a helical fashion.

Abstract: Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process. Also described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight, and methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight.

Abstract: This plant for manufacturing a rigid pipe for drawing up deep water for a marine thermal energy plant is characterized in that it comprises a floating platform on which there is installed a continuous production device in the vertical axis of the pipe, including a first stage of winding webs of fibers impregnated with resin about a winding roll for the partial crosslinking thereof, said wall being formed by modular elements in the form of plates, which are connected together so as to form a strip that moves in a spiral and repeating in the upper part of the roll so as to form a winding surface for the webs.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for wrapping a conductor bar with an insulation. The apparatus has at least one supply roll for feeding an insulating tape to the conductor bar. The insulating tape can be wound around the conductor bar by the supply roll rotating relative to the conductor bar. At least one pressure roll is provided, and the insulating tape can be pressed against the conductor bar by means of the pressure roll. A method is also provided for wrapping a conductor bar with insulation, with an insulating tape being pressed against the conductor bar by means of a pressure roll.

Abstract: Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for applying tape on a plurality of wire to form a harness thereof, the apparatus comprising a casing defining a fixed portion adapted to rotatably receive a moveable portion rotatable about a moveable portion axis, the moveable portion being adapted to secure a roll of tape thereon such that the roll of tape revolves with the moveable portion in a fashion allowing unwinding of the tape on the plurality of wires, the fixed portion and the moveable portion defining cooperating indentations encompassing the moveable portion axis, the indentation in the moveable portion being adapted to be selectively aligned with the indentation of the fixed portion to receive and allow positioning of the plurality of wires about the moveable portion axis such that the tape on the rotating moveable portion being unwounded on the plurality of wires to secure the plurality of wires in a harness.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

Abstract: Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing extruded coiled tubes for medical purposes is provided which includes rotary shafts protruding from a spindle, each rotary shaft being coupled to a respective flexible shaft resting on a series of supporting elements substantially equidistant to each other and supported by a main central shaft; at least an extrusion head to extrude a ribbon, and at least an extrusion head to extrude a rib; the ribbon and the rib being co-extruded, side by side, and being wound on an ideal surface formed by the external surfaces of the flexible shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that for changing the pitch with which the rib is wound on a base tubular element, formed on its turn by the winding coil of the ribbon, at least two twisting bars operated by a crank are used to rotate the supporting elements with a pre-defined angle.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus includes a control unit, a rotation mechanism that rotates a mandrel, a hoop winding head that performs hoop-winding, and a helical winding head that performs helical-winding. The hoop winding head includes bobbins that feed fiber bundles to the mandrel and a circulation mechanism that circulates the bobbins around the mandrel. The control unit controls the rotation and circulation mechanisms such that the mandrel is rotated and the bobbins are circulated in the same direction during helical-winding. It is not necessary to cut fiber bundles after hoop-winding, and wasted fiber is not fed during helical-winding, thereby increasing economy and productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding filament to create a structure. In one embodiment, the invention includes the application of filament to a rotating mandrel to create a desired shape. The invention includes the filament winding of both simple and complex shapes.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus for rotating in a predetermined direction a core material that is supported by a supporting portion, and for winding around the core material, an elongated material which has flexibility and which is impregnated with an unhardened synthetic resin material, the filament winding apparatus includes a plurality of feeding portions for feeding a plurality of elongated materials, and a plurality of guiding mechanisms which are positioned around the core material so as to correspond to the plurality of elongated materials that are drawn from the plurality of feeding portions, through which the corresponding elongated materials are passed, wherein at least one of the supporting portion and the plurality of guiding mechanisms are movable in a rotation axial direction, from a winding operation range in which the elongated materials can be guided by the guiding mechanisms to winding positions at which the elongated materials are wound around the core material, to an attachable/detachable pos

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for making electric energy storage assemblies the device including multiple feed means for feeding sheet structures, means for laminating sheet structures received from the various feed means, winder means for winding the resulting laminate, and control means for controlling continuously and in controlled synchronous the feed means, the laminator means, and the winder means.

Abstract: A system and process for separating and linking composite fibers, fiber bundles and the like in a filament winding installation (10) for the manufacture of rotationally symmetric wound packages (70) has a feeding device (11) for a fiber strand (12) impregnated with a matrix material which is wound on a rotatably driven base element (20). The system has at least one separating device (30) for cutting the fiber strand (12) and contacting the package-sided end (13) of the fiber strand (12) on the completed wound package (70). Also provided is at least one binding device (50) for linking the free end (14) of the fiber strand (12) with an adjacent new non-wound base element (20).

Abstract: A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding filament to create a structure. In one embodiment, the invention includes the application of filament to a rotating mandrel to create a desired shape. The invention includes the filament winding of both simple and complex shapes.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a photopolymerizable element useful as a flexographic printing plate having at least one layer of particulate material. The process includes forming a layer of a molten photopolymerizable material onto a support; and applying the particulate material onto an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable layer opposite the support within 48 hours of forming the layer of photopolymerizable material. The process optionally includes heating of the surface of the photopolymerizable layer.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a golf club shaft made of a fiber-reinforced resin which includes the steps of rotating a shaft substrate made of an uncured fiber-reinforced resin on the axis thereof, moving a plurality of creel stands in parallel in the axial direction of the shaft substrate, and feeding out tapes from a plurality of the creel stands and winding and laminating the tapes simultaneously and spirally on the outermost layer of the shaft substrate for integrally molding them while the rotating speed of the shaft substrate and the moving speed of the creel stands are being controlled simultaneously.

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: In order to reduce the weight and cost of LPG pressure-resistant containers, thermo-plastic resin is used in the continuous formation of a hollow container wherein the outer surface of a hollow continuous liner is continuously braided with multiple yarns. The present invention is a system for forming a braided hollow container comprised of a continuous liner forming section 1 which continuously forms the continuous liner 70 for the inner layer 72 of the hollow container in the axial direction through a hollow joining section 71, a braid forming section 2 which uses a braiding machine BR to braid the outside of the continuous liner to form the continuous braided body 73, cutting section 3 which cuts the continuous braided body in the radial direction in the hollow joint section, and a plug welding section 4 which welds a plug 75 to the openings formed by the cutting section; and the pressure-resistant container formed using said system.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a structural member comprising a thermoplastic composite core with an exterior reinforcing layer, the core member is initially extruded in the shape of a profile. The profile is then contacted with reinforcing fiber and resin to form the exterior reinforcing layer. The exterior thermosetting layer is cured to form a reinforcing layer. The structural member is preferably manufactured using a pultrusion method in which a tractor device is used to provide linear movement of the profile from the extrusion head to the exterior coating operation. The fiber-reinforced thermoset is coated on the entirety of the exterior of the profile or is applied only on a portion of the profile requiring reinforcement in a defined load-bearing direction. The preferred thermoplastic core comprises a polymer-fiber composite material.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having rows of pile and longitudinal fins both within and external to the rows of pile. The heights of the fins with respect to the height of the pile may be independently varied and controlled. A travelling endless band receives a pair of first webs providing internal fins on opposite sides of the band. The first webs are indexed to the edges of the band, which defines the heights of the fins. Each web may be independently indexed. Alignment of the webs on the band is provided either by an aligning fixture or by coining the webs to provide lines of indentations which index the webs at the edges of the band. The yarn which forms the pile is wound around the first webs. Second webs providing the external fins are indexed through the yarn and first webs to the edges of the band and are also aligned by a second aligning fixture or by coining. Backing strips are attached, as by ultrasonic welding, along the edges of the band. Then the yarn is slit without cutting into the webs.

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: Apparatus is provide for the fabrication of fiber composites composed of a fiber-reinforced vitreous or glass-ceramic matrix by winding fibers preimpregnated with constituents of the matrix onto a mandrel. The apparatus includes a furnace into which a winding mandrel can be introduced; elements for driving the mandrel in rotation around its axis inside the furnace; transit elements including a slot parallel to the axis of the mandrel positioned in the wall of the furnace for delivering fibers into the furnace; elements including a head for delivering fibers from supply spools positioned outside the furnace to the mandrel inside the furnace via the transit elements; and elements for actuating and controlling delivery of fibers and driving in rotation of the mandrel comprising elements for actuating and controlling the elements for driving the mandrel and the head for delivering the fibers as a function of winding parameters.

Abstract: A fixed angle rotor and method of manufacture of a fixed angle rotor has a frustum shaped rotor having rounded surfaces reinforced by filament tow windings against both vertical and horizontal forces generated during centrifugation. A so-called "high speed" rotor has a bottom composite disc, a top composite disc, and a frustum shaped hollow fiber reinforced molded insert between the respective discs having a stepped exterior surface. An "ultra speed" rotor has a bottom composite disc, a top composite disc, and composite discs therebetween defining a stepped exterior surface. In both cases, these exterior steps have surfaces which capture the windings to the exterior of the rotor. A first class of individual fiber windings about the rotor is applied having a vertical reinforcement component parallel to the spin axis and normal to the laminate layers.

Abstract: A paint roller having a tubular core formed of thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material being in the form of a multiplicity of spirally wound plies. The multiplicity of plies comprising an outer ply surrounding and in continuous contact with an inner ply. The plies are in general parallelism with one another and fused to one another in the absence of adhesive. A fabric cover overlies the core and is heat fused to the underlying core in the absence of adhesive.

Abstract: A payguide mounting bracket assembly is connected to a support stand, and a spool is connected to the payguide mounting bracket assembly to have a fiber optic coil formed thereon. A pair of payguide assemblies are demountably coupled to the payguide mounting bracket assembly. A robotic manipulator assembly is configured to decouple a selected one of the first and second payguide assemblies from the payguide mounting bracket assembly and move the selected payguide assembly to a location adjacent the spool such that a layer of optical fiber is paid out to the spool from the selected payguide assembly as the spool and payguide mounting bracket assembly rotate relative to the selected payguide assembly. The invention also preferably comprises further comprises an epoxy applicator assembly configured to be demountably coupled to the robotic manipulator assembly for movement to a location adjacent the coil for applying epoxy to the coil.

Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having rows of pile sandwiching a fin is fabricated so as to precisely locate the height of the fin with respect to the height of the pile. A travelling endless band receives webs providing the fins on opposite sides thereof with the edge of each web, which defines the height of the fin, precisely positioned on a side of the band and the other edge overhanging the edges of the band. Alignment of the webs on the band is provided either by an aligning fixture or by coining the webs to provide lines of indentations which index the webs at the edges of the band. The yarn which forms the pile is wound around the webs and the band and serves to wrap the overhanging portions of the webs around the band, or a guide may be used to facilitate wrapping of the webs around the band, prior to winding of the yarn. Backing strips are attached, as by ultrasonic welding, along the edges of the band. Then the yarn is slit without cutting into the webs.

Abstract: A method for combining three different means of constructing the concentric layers of the outer collecting wall for industrial size centrifuges, whereby treating the inward-facing elements of easily cast or stamped materials using processes such as Physical Vapor Deposition, Chemical Vapor Deposition or metal plating, transforms them into an innermost member with superior hardness and durability, and whereby said wear surface member or deposited layer is physically supported by a middle composition layer made up of one or more investment castings designed to optimally transfer centrifugally-induced compression loads from the innermost wear surface toward the outer surface of the composite wall, such castings being of ceramic, metals or other materials, and whereby the outer surface of said composite wall is comprised of a filament-wound hoop strength reinforcement layer, using aramid, graphic, carbon or such fibers mixed and embedded in resin, such that all highly desirable characteristics for a centrifuge ou