Abstract: This bobbin unwinding device (32A (32B)) is provided with a bobbin support shaft (33) which rotatably supports a bobbin (B) around which a band-like fiber bundle (F) is wound, a fixed guide (35) which changes the running direction of the fiber bundle (F) unwound from the bobbin (B), and an auxiliary roller (34) arranged between the bobbin (B) and the fixed guide (35), wherein the fixed guide (35) is arranged such that the shaft center of the fixed guide (35) is substantially perpendicular to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33), and the auxiliary roller (34) is arranged such that the shaft center of the auxiliary roller (34) is parallel or substantially parallel to the shaft center of the bobbin support shaft (33).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for manufacturing a fibrous core comprises: providing a strip comprising at least one liner, and at least one fluted layer, wherein the strip has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first strip face, a second strip face, and a strip axis substantially parallel to at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge; feeding the strip to a mandrel having a central longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction; winding the strip onto the mandrel such that the leading edge of the strip overlaps the trailing edge of the strip to form a fibrous core comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a longitudinal core axis; and adhering the leading edge to the trailing edge of the strip to from an overlap portion having an overlap width.

Abstract: A pipe liner and a method of using the same are provided. The method includes inserting a pipe liner impregnated with a resinous material into a length of pipe, where the pipe liner has an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than an inner diameter of the pipe. A bladder having an unstretched outer diameter less than the inner diameter of at least a portion of the length of pipe and capable of stretching circumferentially is inserted into the pipe liner. The bladder is expanded under fluid pressure against the pipe liner, pressing the pipe liner against an inner wall of the length of pipe. The resinous material is allowed to cure and harden, leaving a renewed pipe wall. The length of pipe may have a plurality of inner diameters, and the bladder stretches to produce a smooth interior surface of the pipe liner across the plurality of pipe diameters.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite component in which the component comprises a series of sub-layers and in which the sub-layers are offset with respect to one or all of the other sub-layers forming the composite component.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing an object (1) by spinning at least one thread (5) or band with a hardenable matrix onto a core element (4), the thread (5) or band being carried by a spool (2) which rotates in relation to the core element/object (4/1) at the same time that the spool (2) moves chiefly in one specific length direction in relation to the object (1) so that the object (1) is continuously pulled off the core element (4). In addition to the movement in the specific length direction, a back and forth movement is conducted between the spool (2) and the core element/object (4/1) over a predetermined part of the core element's/object's (4/1) length so that the thread (5) or band is applied chiefly from the object's inner surface to its outer surface while forming a 4-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A constraint system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel is adapted to receive and support a band of impregnated synthetic material. The lamination mandrel comprises a plurality of sectors angularly spaced about the axis and mobile between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. A constraint system is provided between each sector and the sectors adjacent thereto which guarantees a predetermined arrangement of the first sector with respect to the second sector adjacent thereto, preventing any translation along two directions which lie in an adjustment plane perpendicular to an axis RD which extends radially from the symmetry axis to the external surface.

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 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: 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 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: Systems and methods for onsite manufacture of a composite pipeline. In one embodiment, a method for constructing a pipeline includes arranging a plurality of sections of tubing at or near to a location where the pipeline is to be finally installed. An end of a first of the sections of tubing axially abuts an end of a second of the sections of tubing. The abutting ends of the first and second of the sections of tubing are joined. A continuous strip of material is wrapped in a helical pattern over the length of the joined first and second of the sections of tubing to form a pipeline segment.

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: 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 method and apparatus for forming an elongate tubular from a composite material. The composite material includes fibers and epoxy resin that are disposed around an elongated mandrel. The fibers are wound around the outer circumference of the mandrel and the epoxy resin may be applied to the fibers, before, during, or after, being wound onto the mandrel. A trough is provided that supports the mandrel between ends of the mandrel. An example trough includes a flexible membrane supported on its lateral ends to resemble a catenary.

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: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a composite structure with an automatic placement head, through the use of a non-rotating tooling tablet having first and second substantially oppositely facing surfaces thereof, joined around the peripheries thereof by a side surface of the tablet, with at least one of the first or second surfaces forming a tool surface of the tablet. Layers of pre-impregnated fiber or tape are applied to the tool surface of the tablet by the automated fiber placement head.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for building hoses reinforced with spirally laid fibres, where the hose under construction (3) undergoes both rotation and advancing motion relative to the laying head (12), and where the reinforcing fibres are unwound from drums (14). The drums (14) are rotated about two axes, the first axis being the principal axis of the drums (A) and the second axis (B) being nearly parallel with the direction in which the fibres are unwound, where the direction of rotation of the drums (14) about the second axis (B) is the same as the direction in which the hose under construction (3) is rotated.

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: For a method for manufacturing a hollow shaft with at least one integral flange made of fiber composite, a plurality of intersecting windings of fiber material are applied onto a core. Moreover, the core has, for each flange, a radial spreader ring with an axial bearing surface. The windings are laid over an outer circumferential portion of the respective spreader ring and fixed. One or several inserts made of fiber material are inserted in the area of the spreader ring between the windings. The fixing of the wound fiber material is released, but is first still held on the spreader ring. Portions of the windings are then pulled off from the outer circumferential portion of the spreader ring and brought to rest on the axial bearing surface of the spreader ring in order to form a partial portion of a flange.

Abstract: A modular fiber placement machine head assembly and refrigerated creel assembly affixed to a cradle for an interchangeable platform system adapted for composite fiber manufacturing through an automated, computer controlled, fiber placement machine is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns assembled on a beam in parallel aligned relationship and having an adhesive scrim thereon includes a supply roll of the warp yarns on such a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns and controlling them for application of the weft yarns. A transfer belt and warp yarns are first folded between folding bars into a cylindrical configuration where they are formed around the perimeter of an elongated mandrel having a heated section at its upstream end and a cooling section at its downstream end. The adhesive scrim is softened as the warp yarns pass over the heated section of the mandrel and shortly thereafter, weft yarns are wrapped around the warp yarns and the supporting transfer belt within a rotating tube having a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced spools of weft yarn disposed on its outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a unique nonwoven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator including a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship and a tensioner is provided for applying the weft yarn material around the warp yarns in a predetermined tension which may be the same as, greater than, or less than the tension in the warp yarns.

Abstract: A machine for producing a tubular product by helical winding of strips of web material including a mandrel and a winding member to helically wind the strips of web material around the mandrel is disclosed. To improve adhesion between the strips, at least one pressure member is provided, cooperating with the mandrel, disposed downstream or upstream of the winding member with respect to the direction of advance of the tubular product being formed on the mandrel. The pressure exerted by the pressure member promotes adhesion of the strips forming the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a tubular part, which includes an insert made of a metal matrix composite and within which ceramic fibers extend. The process comprises the following steps: the filaments of a filament bundle are fixed close to one end of a support part, said filaments being separate from one another and each filament comprising a ceramic fiber coated with a metal sheath; and all the filaments of the bundle are wound around the support part along a helical path.

Abstract: A method for the production of curved thread-reinforced tubular structures composed of rubber layers and of strengthening layers and an accompanying device. In one aspect, the method includes the application of a first rubber layer to the circumference of mandrels driven forward in a feed direction (X) and winding on of a multiplicity of parallel reinforcing threads, having defined thread angles (?) with respect to the feed axis (x), by means of a bobbin creel, to form a first thread ply. The mandrels are led through a rotating deflection element surrounding the mandrels and the reinforcing threads are guided so as to be distributed on the inner circumference. An application of a covering rubber layer may be performed (after the optionally multiple execution of the previous steps, alone or in combination). The mandrels are led through the deflection element of the bobbin creel eccentrically in the region of the deflection element.

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. 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 present invention generally relates to a multi-layered structure which for a given external geometry a section of interest may be integrally reinforced by varying the relative proportions of the layers in that section. That is, the layers making up the structure may have varying relative proportions to the structure's overall thickness between two or more positions while the structure maintains a constant thickness between the positions. By varying the relative proportions of the structure's layers, the mechanical properties of the structure may be selectively altered from a first position to a second position without altering the structure's external profile. This is especially desirable in composite sandwich structures used in aerospace applications which often require additional reinforcement at structural interfaces.

Abstract: A method for the production of curved thread-reinforced tubular structures composed of rubber layers and of strengthening layers and an accompanying device. In one aspect, the method includes the application of a first rubber layer to the circumference of mandrels driven forward in a feed direction (X) and winding on of a multiplicity of parallel reinforcing threads, having defined thread angles (&agr;) with respect to the feed axis (x), by means of a bobbin creel, to form a first thread ply. The mandrels are led through a rotating deflection element surrounding the mandrels and the reinforcing threads are guided so as to be distributed on the inner circumference. An application of a covering rubber layer may be performed (after the optionally multiple execution of the previous steps, alone or in combination). The mandrels are led through the deflection element of the bobbin creel eccentrically in the region of the deflection element.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying weft yarns in a cross direction to warp yarns assembled on a beam in parallel aligned relationship and having an adhesive scrim thereon includes a supply roll of the warp yarns on such a beam which are fed downstream of the apparatus by first laying the warp yarns onto a transfer belt to reduce the tension in the yarns and controlling them for application of the weft yarns. A transfer belt and warp yarns are first folded between folding bars into a cylindrical configuration where they are formed around the perimeter of an elongated mandrel having a heated section at its upstream end and a cooling section at its downstream end. The adhesive scrim is softened as the warp yarns pass over the heated section of the mandrel and shortly thereafter, weft yarns are wrapped around the warp yarns and the supporting transfer belt within a rotating tube having a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially spaced spools of weft yarn disposed on its outer surface.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for applying individual reinforcing threads onto a tubular layer. The device contains a positioning ring with equidistant holes that lie on a circumferential line, with the positioning ring surrounding and concentric with a rotationally symmetric, funnel-shaped deflection element. The deflection element deflects the reinforcing threads that are guided from radially outward to radially inward through the holes f the positioning ring into an essentially axial direction, wherein all the threads assume an equidistant spacing from one another. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing an unfinished tube consisting of several layers with the aid of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a roll core with a polymeric material, preferably a high performance thermoplastic material, is disclosed. The method includes first providing a cylindrical roll core having two ends, a length, and an outer surface. A spacer assembly is attached proximate one end of the roll core, the spacer assembly having a circumference greater than that of the roll core. After preheating to a desired temperature, the roll core is then placed within an apparatus in a substantially vertical orientation and held therein by suitable fixtures, e.g., opposed universal chucks. A length of mold tape is helically wound over the length of the roll core in a spaced-apart relationship therewith to define an application zone between the mold tape and the roll core outer surface. A filament formed of the polymeric material is extruded within the application zone and helically wound over the roll core outer surface so that the roll core is covered with the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a resin-impregnated fiber web that is particularly suitable for use in reinforced plastic composites and printed circuit board applications. The method includes the steps of drawing machine direction yarns from multiple spools contained in creels arranged around a hollow cylinder; passing machine direction yarns from the creels through a circular reed; pulling machine direction yarns the length of the hollow cylinder's outer surface in a longitudinal direction; controlling the application of an uncured or partially cured thermoset or thermoplastic resin to the yarns as they travel the length of the hollow cylinder; winding cross-direction yarns around the periphery of the hollow cylinder (i.e., on top of the machine direction yarns) thereby forming a web; heating and cooling the resulting web; and finally collecting the web on a roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reusable paint. rollers comprised of a core formed from thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is formed into a core about a stationary mandril. An adhesive is then applied to the core whereupon a cover is bonded thereto. In a first embodiment the core is formed by winding a plurality of thermoplastic strips about the mandril. In a second embodiment the core is formed by applying liquefied thermoplastic material to a driven belt which transfers the thermoplastic material to the mandril.

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 plurality of support columns are used to support the roller at each end. A hub assembly is used to movably support the support columns in slidable engagement. The support columns are radially displaced by the hub assembly between two positions, in order to vary the outer diameter of the drum between two diameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making paint roller covers by spirally wrapping a strip of hot thermoplastic film onto an exterior surface of a thermoplastic tubular form and spirally wrapping fabric strip having a thermoplastic backing onto the spiral wound strip of thermoplastic film while the thermoplastic film is still sufficiently hot to cause the thermoplastic film to flow into interstices in the fabric backing and permanently bond the fabric strip to the exterior surface of the tubular form. The tubular form may either comprise a plurality of preformed tubes or be formed by spirally wrapping a continuous length of core strip material around a mandrel while maintaining the adjacent edges of the core strip material in closely spaced, nonoverlapping relation to form a spiral seam between the core strip edges.

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: A gas-tight tube out of composite cardboard for cans is formed by welding the polymer coatings of neighboring layers, a linearly-focused halogen light source being employed. A marginal strip of the composite material is heated from the side of the material opposite to that having the polymer coating to be melted and welded. In addition, a layer which absorbs and transforms the halogen light into heat can be provided in the area of the marginal strip on the side thereof on which the halogen light is focused. An apparatus for carrying out the process and suitable composite materials are described.

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: 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: 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: A material having fibers in a curable matrix is applied as a reinforcement to a vertical column. The matrix is cured by providing a reinforcement curing apparatus including a steel cylindrical housing split lengthwise into at least two sections, and a plurality of elongated radiant heaters mounted to an interior wall of the housing and oriented to direct their heat inwardly. The curing apparatus is assembled around the perimeter of the column having the reinforcement thereon and operated to heat and cure the reinforcement.

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 present invention provides an endless belt including a reinforcing load-carrying layer which is constituted by an even number of cord-like load-carrying members (5, 6). The load-carrying members extend within the load carrying member having a load-carrying layer in a plurality but at least more than one full turn each. In order to balance unbalanced force components produced by the load-carrying members having a pitch angle, the load-carrying members are arranged in pairs. Each load-carrying member would in one transverse direction has a corresponding load-carrying member wound in the opposite transverse direction within they load-carrying layer. Only within the same longitudinal transition zone (A) of the load-carrying layer the load carrying members form a pitch angle each with respect to the longitudinal direction of the belt.

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: 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: 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: 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.