Abstract: A method for continuously coating individual fibers of a fiber bundle with resin. The individual fibers are grouped at a single grouping pint defined by a first concave supporting surface. The fibers are directed through a resin bath while spreading the fibers apart on a convex surface in a regularly spaced arrangement to form a continuous coating of resin along at least a portion of the fibers. The convex surface is at least partially described by an arc rotated about a horizontal axis, and comprises at least a portion of a surface of maximum radius R which is symmetrical relative to a vertical plane of symmetry passing through the fiber grouping point.

Abstract: An exemplary pultrusion mandrel of the invention comprises a first portion for arranging a fiber reinforcement substrate thereabout, a second portion having an elongated body and internal heater, and a resin injector system intermediate therebetween and having a plurality of resin injector ports integrally disposed at different angles for wetting inward surfaces of the substrate being formed. The mandrel is preferably used in conjunction with an external die. Also disclosed is an exemplary method for continuous pultrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus uniformly impregnate stranded material with dry powder such as low solubility, high melt flow polymer powder to produce, for example, composite prepregs. The stranded material is expanded in an impregnation chamber by an influx of air so that the powder, which may enter through the same inlet as the air, penetrates to the center of the stranded material. The stranded material then is contracted for holding the powder therein. The stranded material and powder may be pulled through the impregnation chamber in the same direction by vacuum. Larger particles of powder which do not fully penetrate the stranded material may be combed into the stranded material and powder which does not impregnate the stranded material may be collected and reused.

Abstract: A forced aligning jig for forcedly aligning a plurality of loose wires. It is provided with a retaining means for retaining the plurality of loose wires, a guiding means which has one end and the other end and one end is fixed to the retaining means and an aligning means which is slidably supported by the guiding means and forcedly aligns the plurality of loose wires, and the aligning means is provided with an aligning groove for aligning and storing the plurality of loose wires retained by the retaining means and a holding means for holding the plurality of loose wires have been stored in the aligning groove in an aligned state.

Abstract: A process for preparing shaped thermoplastic composite articles of continuous fibrous strand material in a polymeric resin matrix. The shaped composite articles are prepared by a pultrusion process involving contacting the strands with cyclic oligomers, for example cyclic polycarbonate oligomers, and then polymerizing the oligomers into high molecular weight polymer to produce a composite. The process provides for low melt viscosity impregnation of the strands with cyclic oligomers prior to formation of the high molecular weight resin matrix.

Abstract: A pultrusion machine employing a corrugated impregnator vessel to immerse multiple, continuous strand, fiber tow in an impregnating material, and an adjustable metered exit orifice for the impregnator vessel to control the quantity of impregnating material retained by the impregnated fibers, is provided. An adjustable height insert retains transverse rod elements within each depression of the corrugated vessel to maintain the individual fiber tows spread and in contact with the vessel bottom. A series of elongated heating dies, transversely disposed on the pultrusion machine and having flat heating surfaces with radiused edges, ensure adequate temperature exposed dwell time, and exert adequate pressure on the impregnated fiber tows, to provide the desired thickness and fiber/resin ratio in the prepreg formed. The prepreg passing through the pulling mechanism is wound on a suitable take-up spool for subsequent use. A formula is derived for determining the cross sectional area opening of the metering device.

Abstract: A ribbonizing apparatus and method for forming a fiber band from a plurality of fiber tows extending along respective fiber tow pathways. The ribbonizing apparatus includes an assembly for selectively heating at least a respective one of the plurality of fiber tows as the fiber tow extends along the fiber pathways. When not needed, the heat is removed from the fiber tow. A plurality of embodiments for accomplishing the method are contemplated.

Abstract: This invention relates to composite materials formed by thermoplastic materials reinforced by fibers, and to methods and apparatus for forming such materials, where the thermoplastic and fiber components are such as to impart to the composite materials enhanced strength as compared with materials made previously to this invention. An important distinguishing characteristic of the disclosure is that advancing heated fiber is directed to move in one direction and while a flow of heated thermoplastic material is directed to move in a direction opposite to and in intimate impregnating enclosure of the advancing heated fiber, so that shear forces arising between the advancing heated fiber and the directed flow of thermoplastic material promote wetting and impregnation of the fiber by the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A device for forming a resin impregnated unidirectional fiber reinforced prepreg where the resin impregnated fiber web is supported by a single endless conveyor belt. The device includes a pair of pull rolls which exert force directly and longitudinally onto the conveyor belt and the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously coating individual fibers of a fiber bundle with resin, which comprises a first concave support surface for grouping the fibers of the bundle substantially at a single grouping point and a second, convex, support surface at least partially described by an arc rotated about its horizontal axis, having a maximum radius R, which at least approximately satisfies the relationship expressed in the following formula: wherein r designates the radius of the arc at distance x from the plane of symmetry, passing through fiber grouping point (P): ##EQU1## and wherein L designates the length of a tangent to the second support surface which passes through grouping point (P), in the plane of symmetry, and .phi. designates the radian angle formed between the tangent and the vertical line.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of continuously forming a layered composite material into a rigid structure as the material is moved from an upstream location to a downstream location. The uncured layered composite material is pulled from a supply at the upstream location through a forming die to form the material into a structural member having a desired shape. The member is moved downstream into a heating die where it is at least partially cured. After it leaves the heating die it is cooled and continues to move downstream where it is cut into suitable lengths. The cooling can be accomplished by a cooling die located downstream from the heating die. A liner is provided within the dies having the same shape as the structural member through which the structural member slides as it moves in the downstream location.

Abstract: In the manufacture of an in-line cored pultruded profile, filler is bonded with polyester or methacrylate type resin and enclosed in fiberglass, carbon or aramid fiber cloth. The cloth is preformed to replicate the desired profile shape by means of a pre-die former and the external surface of a hollow duct. Filler is delivered into the interior of the duct by a variable output venturi blower. Precise distribution of packing is effected by the internal configuration of the duct and the creation of a raised moving wall when non-foaming resin is used. Precise configuration of ducts can be achieved by fashioning from reinforced cloth. Adjustable start drums provide time and labor saving benefits. Complete resin wet through using either foaming or non-foaming resin ensures exellent filler bonding and surface finish.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system of injecting material into a wound filament items such as a fiber optic canister is provided. The method is useful with a canister which, when dry wound, has at least one channel formed therein.In one aspect, the method includes the step of injecting adhesive into the channel to impregnate the canister with adhesive. In another aspect, the method includes the additional step of discharging adhesive from a second channel to remove excess adhesive from the canister. The method may also include the step of circulating air through the two channels to purge excess adhesive and solvent.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided which are of the type which utilize a die set comprising at least one die which defines at least one mold cavity for receiving resin impregnated fibers therethrough. Any one die of the die set comprises first and second mold base sections which are positionable with respect to one another so as to form a mold base which defines a channel therethrough. A mold insert defines a mold cavity completely therethrough and is adapted to be removably mounted in the channel. The die set is removably clamped between first and second clamp members so as to enable easy and convenient addition or removal of dies to or from the die set if desired.

Abstract: Two co-reactive resin stream are mixed immediately adjacent the entrance of an impregnation die used to make products by the pultrusion process. The mixing occurs immediately adjacent the fibers as they are pulled into the central duct opening of the die. The resin streams are delivered to the entrance of the impregnation die by use of a resin feed head positioned at the inlet of the impregnation die. An ultrasonic driver coupled to the resin feed head vibrates and agitates the resin streams impinging the fibers so as to thoroughly wet the fiber bundle prior to its passage through the die.

Abstract: A fiber placement head for a fiber placement machine of the type in which a number of individual resin-impregnated fiber tows or "towpregs" are fed at independent rates from a creel assembly for application as a fiber band onto the surface of a mandrel includes cooling chutes for each fiber tow which reduces their temperature to reduce the tack of the tows. A cut, clamp and restart mechanism is provided wherein the cutting and clamping operations are performed by a unitary knife blade and clamping block, and the restart or rethreading of cut tows is obtained by the engagement of a pinch roller with a continuously rotating rethread shaft which are operative independently of the movement of the fiber placement head relative to the mandrel. The tows are pressed or compacted onto the mandrel by a compaction shoe, and feed and rewind rollers are provided to interpose a protective film between the compaction shoe and fiber band to avoid damage to the tows.

Abstract: For the production of spunbonded fabrics there is given a process consisting in that monocomponent or bicomponent fibers are spun from multiline longitudinal spinning nozzles mounted in rows on double spinning beams in such a way that the emerging filament rovings overlap over the entire production width, that, before depositing, the filament rovings are cooled by transverse blowing from one side and by sucking-off on their other side freed from spinning vapors, mechanically and/or aerodynamically stretched and deposited to the web.The apparatus described comprises double spinning beams with a length of 800 to 8,000 mm which carry multiline longitudinal spinning nozzles staggered to one another with high hole numbers, with lengths of the individual nozzles from 500 to 700 mm.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method are provided for molding hollow articles. Resin impregnated fibers are passed through a mold cavity as defined by a heated die and around a mandrel which extends through the mold cavity. The mandrel is stabilized by a mandrel stabilizer fixedly positioned downstream from the inlet end of the die. The mandrel stabilizer includes a plurality of elongated members spaced around the mandrel, wherein each elongated member has an end in contact with the outer surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for pultruding thermoplastic, resin-impregnated, fibrous substructures heats the substructures to a temperature just below the melting temperature of the resin. The heated substructures are then simultaneously pulled through a passage to conform them to a desired cross section. At least a portion of the perimeter of this passage is formed by a wave guide. The wave guide is vibrated at ultrasonic frequency in a predetermined direction so as to direct the ultrasonic vibration into the substructures within the passage. The application of the ultrasonic vibration stimulates the flow of the resin in the heated substructures. Pressure is applied to the flowing substructures within the passage to consolidate them into an integral structure conforming to the chosen profile. The ultrasonic vibration at low power input does result in some heat transfer to the profile, but the flow rates of the resin exemplify an increase in flow far greater than expected in relation to the temperature increase.

Abstract: A substantially twist-free multifilament polyamide yarn particularly suited for use in cut pile carpet and the process for making the yarn including impinging the yarn with saturated steam is disclosed. The filaments of the yarn are lightly bonded and the skin of the filaments is deoriented.

Abstract: A group of loose cabled optical fibers (32--32) destined to be terminated by a multi-fiber connector device is first fabricated into an optical fiber ribbon (30). The optical fibers of the group are threaded through portions of an organizing shuttle (20) and brought into planar juxtaposition with each other by the cooperation of a curved surface (112) and a burnishing bar assembly (98). As the organizing shuttle is caused to be moved along a track (42), the burnishing bar assembly causes the planar array of fibers to be embedded into an adhesive coating of a first binding tape (34) which is secured along the length of the track. In a preferred embodiment, a second tape (35) is applied over the fibers and the first tape. The ribbon is trimmed of excess longitudinal side portions of the binding tapes to provide a ribbon of desired width.

Abstract: A process and equipment for making seamless composite tubes. Composite material is applied on a mandrel which includes an inflatable bladder and inserted in a single piece mold. The bladder is pressurized for pressing the composite material against the mold wall for molding and curing thereof. In order to prevent seizing of the tube by the mold and thus allow easy removal of the cured tube, the mold is composed of a composite of resin impregnated carbon fiber material wherein the carbon fiber material has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion along the length thereof and is oriented at an angle of between about 15 and 40 degrees relative to a radial plane of the mold. In order to eliminate the use of inefficient and inconvenient cure ovens, a heat generating element is disposed internally of the mandrel for curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A method for collecting yarns and an apparatus therefor which are characterized by that yarns of a plurality of fibrous materials are held and collected by a running belt a part of which is made round into a cylindrical form, run at this state for a prescribed distance together with the belt, and are released from the belt in the collected form, anda method for loading a bundle of yarns and an apparatus therefor which are characterized by that a cylinder tool which is provided with a ring whose inner diameter is expanded toward the top at one end of the tool is inserted into a cylindrical case, the bundle of yarns is loaded into the cylinder tool from the one end until the top end of the bundle is exposed to the other end of the case, then, the top part of the bundle and the case are held, and the cylinder tool is removed off toward the one end, as the bundle is allowed to remain in the case.

Abstract: Non-woven, bias laid fabrics, where the various fabric layers are held together by external means, such as stitching, and wherein, preferably, at least two of the layers are formed at an angle of from 30.degree. to 150.degree. relative to the long axis of the fabric, are formed by directing at least two pluralities of yarns back and forth across the width of the forming fabric, to be wrapped around or mounted on a series of needles formed on a moving conveyor, one conveyor being placed on either side and moving in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. Speed of movement of the yarns can be determined by the speed of movement of the mechanism for the machine operated to hold the various fabric layers together; preferably said machine mechanism moves more slowly near the ends of each cycle, so that yarn carriers are similarly slowed at either end of the forming fabric width, aiding in making successive courses of yarn lie parallel to each other without the necessity for extra equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing the tow ends of man-made fiber tows, including a pair of jet carriers having oppositely directed pairs of jets to which compressed air can be supplied, whereby the connection of tow ends introduced between the pair of jet carriers is effected by aerodynamic turbulence. In order to enable an automatic splicing procedure, the pair of jet carriers is disposed on a jet carrier transport device that is movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal orientation of the fiber tows. In addition, a cutting mechanism is provided that is movable parallel to the jet carrier transport device and cuts off projecting fiber ends after completion of splicing. A holding device having holders fixes the tow ends in position.

Abstract: A fiber placement machine includes a carriage assembly movable in an X direction along a base support adapted to rest on the floor, a cross slide pivotally mounted on the carriage having a multi-axis manipulator device at one end carrying a fiber placement head and a creel assembly mounted at the other end which supplies a number of individual fiber tows to the fiber placement head. Mechanisms associated with the carriage and cross slide, in addition to the multi-axis manipulator, are effective to move the fiber placement head along a number of axes with respect to the surface of a mandrel such that the individual fiber tows are pressed onto the mandrel by a compaction roller or shoe mounted to the fiber placement head which is maintained substantially perpendicular to the surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for forming a section in which a plurality of optical branch fibers are joined with each other. The branch fibers are connected with a single optical trunk fiber at the end faces thereof contacting each other. The configuration and area of the end face of the joined section of branch fibers are substantially identical to those of the end face of the trunk fiber. A die has a through-hole, for shaping the branch fibers, the sectional area and configuration of which are equal to those of the end face of the trunk fiber as taken perpendicular to the axis thereof. The branch fibers supplied to the heated die at a predetermined amount ratio are simultaneously drawn through the die. The ratio between amounts of respective branch fibers to be supplied to the die is set to correspond with a desired signal branching ratio of the optical coupler to be obtained.

Abstract: Improving commingling two or more continuous multiple filament yarns into a single yarn by rubbing one yarn against a static charge-inducing body that is supported in an electrically isolated manner to apply static charge to the yarn to tend to cause separation of its individual multiple filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a nonwoven fabric from continuous filaments, which are drawn off at a high speed in the form of a tow, under the influence of a gaseous propellant, from spinnerets of spinning plates of a spinning beam and after passing through a filament draw-off apparatus are laid down by means of a delivery apparatus, embodied as a spreader, on a delivery belt moving in the production direction. In the production direction, two spinning beams are disposed spaced apart from one another, and at least one spinning beam is rotatable, together with the delivery and spreading apparatus, in a plane extending parallel to the delivery belt. A varied pattern of laying down of the nonwoven fabric, or a new nonwoven product, can thus be produced during ongoing operation.

Abstract: For the production of spunbonded fabrics there is given a process consisting in that monocomponent or bicomponent fibers are spun from multiline longitudinal spinning nozzles mounted in rows on double spinning beams in such a way that the emerging filament rows overlap over the entire production width, that, before depositing, the filament rows are cooled by transverse blowing from one side and by sucking-off on their other side freed from spinning vapors, mechanically and/or aerodynamically stretched and deposited to the web.The apparatus described comprises double spinning beams with a length of 800 to 8,000 mm which carry multiline longitudinal spinning nozzles staggered to one another with high hole numbers, with lengths of the individual nozzles from 500 to 700 mm.

Abstract: Pultrusion apparatus and tongue-in-groove die is provided for the fabrication of thermoplastic tape containing long fiber reinforcement. The tongue-in-groove die includes a first mold half having a groove and a pair of protruding wall portions which form sidewalls for the groove, and a second mold half having a tongue to match the groove. The second mold half is juxtaposed with respect to the first mold half so as to define a wedge-shaped passage between the tongue and the groove which has an inlet and an outlet and which converges from the inlet to the outlet. The tongue-in-groove die further includes a mechanism for adjusting the inlet and outlet clearances between the tongue and groove at the inlet and outlet respectively.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped photoconductor composed of a plurality of optical fibers is prepared by melt-spinning a spinning dope into optical fibers and, before the as-spun fibers are completely solidified, bonding the fibers to one another along the entire length thereof. The melt-spinning is carried out using a nozzle having a plurality of annularly arranged orifices. The as-spun fibers are arranged linearly in parallel to but not in contact with one another by using a grooved guide, and then the optical fibers are brought into contact with and fusion-bonded to one another by using a fusion bonding guide having a concave curved face in the central portion thereof, and the thus-formed sheet-shaped photoconductor is taken up.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a filament harness which comprises feeding a plurality of strands in a downstream direction onto a support which receives the strands. There is a head which contacts the strands and a control means for causing relative motion between the support and the head to form the plurality of wires into a predetermined, desired pattern. In addition, the product produced by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drum is rotatably mounted next to a tool. Resin-preimpregnated filament tows are independently fed to the drum, through several collimating guides positioned along the drum. The drum operates reciprocally: when it rotates in one direction, segments of the tows are gathered or wound up onto the drum and preheated; upon counterrotation in the other direction the gathered segments are unwound and forcibly compacted against the tool, or against previously laid filaments. In the gathering part of the operating cycle the drum does not translate with respect to the tool, but rather spins in place at a dwell point. In the depositing part of the cycle, however, the drum effectively rolls along the tool (or filament-pack) surface. Heat from the drum penetrates deeply into the pack of already laid filaments, when present, to facilitate generalized consolidation of the workpiece--enough in many cases to make autoclave postconsolidation unnecessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the impregnation of a continuous length of multifilament or multifiber yarns with a molten thermoplastic polymeric resin includes a member for spreading the multifilaments or multifibers apart during their immersion in a bath of the molten resin. The shape, configuration and location of the member facilitates the homogeneous impregnation, particularly with highly viscous melts, to produce a uniform and thorough encapsulation of the filaments or fibers.

Abstract: A meltblowing collector screen includes a vacuum pump and internal partitions for achieving substantially uniform air flow through the length of the screen thereby producing a web of uniform thickness.

Abstract: An improved multifilamentary fibrous material is formed having solid particles of a matrix-forming thermosetting resin substantially uniformly dispersed among adjoining filaments in the absence of fusion bonding. The thermosetting resin particles initially are dispersed in an aqueous medium containing an effective amount of a dissolved polymeric binding agent and the viscosity of the medium subsequently is substantially increased to at least 50,000 cps. to form a gelled impregnation bath having a plastic flow characteristic with shear-thinning behavior wherein the thermosetting resin particles are substantially uniformly suspended. The resulting impregnation bath is caused to flow between the adjoining filaments of the multifilamentary fibrous material with a concomitant viscosity reduction which aids in the incorporation of the resin particles. The concentration of the aqueous medium in the product is controlled to yield a uniform, handleable, drapable, tacky, and highly stable product.

Abstract: Tows of fibers are wrapped around a mandrel or a central fiber core to form a cylindrical filter. At least one belt is located in position to make essentially linear contact with the cylindrical filter, and the at least one belt is driven so as to draw the tows of fiber onto and wrap the mandrel or the central fiber core and so as to move the cylindrical filter axially relative to the mandrel or with the central fiber core.

Abstract: A process of forming a tape of long reinforcement in a continuous thermoplastic matrix. A roving of long fibers carrying a thermoplastic resin is introduced into the inlet of a wedgeshaped passage between the tongue and the groove of a tongue-in-groove die. The fibers are bounded by sidewalls for the entire length of the die. Both heat and pressure is applied to consolidate the resin in the fibers while the pressure is adjusted on the rovings by adjusting the inlet and the outlet clearances while the roving is being pulled through the die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously pultruding non-linear reinforced thermoplastic composite articles are provided. A fiber reinforcing material impregnated with a thermoplastic material is pulled through a heated forming die whereby a deformable composite is produced. The defomable composite is moved transversely to the direction in which it passes through the heated forming die while being cooled to produce one or more angular bends therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for continuously consolidating and shaping a plurality of continuous prepreg structures into a unitary formed product structure. Each prepreg structure comprises a solidified thermoplastic resin matrix containing long reinforcing fibers. In operation, the respective prepregs of the plurality are continuously placed into interfacial contact with one another along their lengths, and passed through a heated die zone wherein consolidation and shaping are achieved to produce a desired unitary formed structure. The unitary formed product is then cooled.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of multifilament, resin-impregnated rovings (18) is routed through orthogonally disposed guide rollers (222, 224; 242,244) for compaction to a predetermined width and thickness between the radial faces of a compaction backup roller (250) and a compaction roller (254). The force applied to the compaction roller (254) is varied to assure the dimensions of each compacted roving. The compacted rovings (18) are then routed through a bandwidth adjustment assembly (290) that controls the spacing between adjacent rovings such that they emerge in a side-by-side alignment forming a band (90). The band (90) then passes over the surface of a final deliver roller (296) before being wound onto a rotating mandrel (92) in a band edge-to-edge configuration to form a filament-aligned structure. The structure is then cured, causing the flow of the resin impregnation and forming a unified structure.

Abstract: A stand-alone machine and a process for forming crosswise filaments for non-woven fabric comprises two sets of non-traversing edge spacing pins, each set with a gripper, and a traversing set of slider pins. The sets of pins are placed close together. Crosswise filament yarns are engaged by these sets of pins. The slider pins then traverse and pull the filaments to their full length. The crosswise filaments are cut and fixed to edge elements, which preferably may including adhering the crosswise filaments to selvage filaments. The edge elements are then separated to draw the crosswise filaments to their full width. The invention provides increased speed, precision, and flexibility in making crosswise filaments for non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: Apparatus for the impregnation of a continuous length of multifilament or multifiber yarns with a molten thermoplastic polymeric resin includes a pair of convex/concave (mating) surfaces for spreading the multifilaments or multifibers apart during their immersion in a bath of the molten resin. The shape, configuration and location of the surfaces facilitates homogeneous impregnation, particularly with highly viscous metls, to produce a uniform and thorough encapsulation of the filaments or fibers.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a fiber reinforced plastic structure, comprising the steps of winding a continuous long-staple fiber impregnated with a liquid resin around a plurality of winding jigs until the resultant bundle of resin impregnated fibers attains a predetermined thickness; setting rings tightly in place on the linear portions of the resin impregnated fiber bundle between the jigs; and moving the tightly set rings relative to the linear portions thereby wringing the resin impregnated fiber bundle and expelling bubbles entrapped within the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A filament winding payoff head unit and process for applying strands of adhesive impregnated filament material arranged into a gap-free band to a rotating mandrel. A plurality of side-by-side slightly overlapped impregnated filament strands are passed over bars between tines of combs for positioning when leaving the payoff head. The payoff head is positionable toward and away from the rotating mandrel to allow for mandrel longitudinal dimension changes while maintaining the payoff head roller in contact with the mandrel at a predetermined pressure thereagainst. The payoff head is also freely pivotable horizontally to maintain a proper angle of filament application to any changing mandrel longitudinal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pultruding reinforced plastic articles. The apparatus includes a first, hot die having a long tapered portion. The hot die partially consolidates resin-impregnated fibers into an oversized form. After exiting the hot die, the partially consolidated material is passed through a second, cooling die which finally consolidates the material and forms it into the desired, final shape. The cooling die is at a temperature less than the temperature of the hot die. Preferably, the cooling die has a tapered portion which is shorter than the tapered portion of the first die. A method is disclosed for pultruding plastic articles using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming elongated composite parts having constant cross sections. The apparatus comprises a form having a cross section, a portion of which is complementary to a first portion of the desired cross section of the elongated part. The apparatus further comprises a holding means having a cross section, a portion of which is complementary to a second portion of the desired cross section of the elongated part. Plies of preimpregnated composite material are held within a slip tape, which, in turn, is forced against the complementary cross section of the form by the holding means. The apparatus is then passed lengthwise along the slip tape enclosing the preimpregnated plies of composite material to cause the slip tape to tighten around the preimregnated plies and to generate a slip tape-enclosed, elongated part which is appropriately shaped to pass through a pultrusion die.

Abstract: A process for producing a tire reinforcement is characterized by the fact that each reinforcement cord is projected individually into its place in the reinforcement. For this purpose, a machine is used which comprises laying members comprising essentially a rotary conduit which projects the cord by a radially outer extremity of the conduit and rollers which impose a linear speed of laying of the cord.

Abstract: A series of filaments are grouped into rovings (10), with each roving being impregnated with a viscous, tacky resin binder. The rovings are guided (12, 14, 16) to and compressed against a mandrel (18). By controlling intraroving spacing and compression force, the rovings are compressed such that their lateral expansion results in adjacent roving bonding, whereby a singular band (22) of defined width, height and filament count is formed. The height and width is controlled by varying the compression force and the intraroving spacing. Band contouring is realized by severing (24, 26) selected rovings prior to band formation. Linear and rotational relative motion is provided (FIG. 11: 110, 112, 114) between the roving guiding and compression means and the mandrel to precisely orient the band.