Abstract: Various apparatus embodiments include first, second, third and fourth shafts, and further include a first movable shaft having a first movable axis that is movable between a first axis position and a second axis position, and a second movable shaft having a second movable axis that is movable between a third axis position and fourth axis position. At least one linkage connects the first movable shaft to the second movable shaft. A motor linkage connects the at least one linkage to at least one motor for providing simultaneous movement of the first and second movable shafts.

Abstract: An installation for shaping an axisymmetric fiber preform presenting a profile that varies in radial section, includes a storage mandrel for storing a fiber texture in the form of a wound strip, one or more follower rollers, and an axisymmetric mold on which the fiber texture is to be shaped by being wound, the follower roller(s) being placed between the storage mandrel and the axisymmetric mold, the installation including at least one tension adjustment device for adjusting tension on the fiber texture, the device including at least one row of rods aligned in a first direction parallel to an axis of rotation of one or more follower rollers; each rod presenting an endpiece at a free end in order to come into contact with the fiber texture.

Abstract: A scrap winder is provided as part of a slitting line that creates a ribbon of scrap. The scrap winder has a moveable mandrel that exposes a grabbing portion that rotates. The grabbing portion extends outward to reveal a puller cable reel. The puller cable reel contains a retrieving cable that attaches to the start of the scrap ribbon. As the grabbing portion rotates, the scrap is brought to the grabbing portion, where the scrap is attached directly to it. The mandrel is then moved into position and the scrap can be wound around the mandrel.

Abstract: A sheet rolling device includes a mandrel that selectively retains the sheet stock between a sidewall of the mandrel and a gripper blade of the mandrel. The sheet rolling device also includes a sensor that detects a presence and an absence of the sheet stock near the mandrel, a controller operably associated with the mandrel so as to cause a motor to rotate the mandrel to wind the sheet stock around the mandrel, and an expansion leaf operably associated with the controller and situated along at least a portion of an exterior of the sidewall of the mandrel. Extension of the expansion leaf away from the sidewall increases an effective perimeter of the mandrel about which the sheet stock may be wound and retraction of the expansion leaf toward the sidewall decreases the effective perimeter of the mandrel about which the sheet stock may be wound.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel while manufacturing cord reinforced articles. The apparatus includes a rotating build mandrel, a cord supply, and a feed capstan for assisting in feeding cord from the cord supply to the mandrel along a defined cord path. At least two drums of differing diameters are located in the cord path. Encoders are connected to each drum for measuring at least the angular movement of the drum. Using the angular movement of the drums, the effective pitch line differential of the cord is determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape involves the use of a mandrel assembly having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segment has a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the shaft. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. That liner is formed from one portion of a liner/tab segment which had been applied to the tape previously, and prior to winding, the tape is severed, and the remainder of that liner/tab forms an end tab on the outermost end of the previously formed coreless tape roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel utilizes control of cord length, rather than cord tension, as the control parameter. The apparatus includes a mandrel with an inflatable diaphragm mounted on an outer surface of the mandrel. The diaphragm is selectively inflatable via a control valve and source of pressurized fluid for dynamically adjusting a circumference of the mandrel in response to a control input. The control input reads a tension in the cord being wound. The cord is positively fed to the mandrel according to a defined algorithm based on the mandrel's shape, circumference and rotational speed, rather than by demand feed of the cord. The apparatus includes a positive feed control capstan which is electronically geared. The apparatus further includes a cord-laying wheel which isolates radially directed forces from circumferentially-directed forces.

Abstract: A web material roll rotatable retention assembly, comprising a shaft adapted to be inserted into a web material roll core and having a hydrogel filled chamber is disclosed. A hydrogel pressure applying assembly controllably applies pressure to the hydrogel and an outward pressure applying assembly pushes pressure applying members outwardly in response to the pressure of the hydrogel.