Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article.

Abstract: A method of repairing or reinforcing worn-out underground buried drainpipes by a resin transfer molding process using both flexible tubes and bagging films is disclosed. In the method of this invention, a reinforcement is primarily inserted into a desired position within a target worn-out drainpipe buried underground. The reinforcement consists of a fiber preform internally having a flexible tube, such as a silicon tube, axially extending along the central axis of the preform and wrapped with an adhesive-coated flexible film as a bagging film to provide protection from sewage or underground water. The flexible tube is, thereafter, expanded to bring the fiber preform into close contact with the interior surface of the target drainpipe. The opposite ends of the reinforcement are sealed with two lids. Thereafter, thermosetting resin is transferred into the fiber preform, thus allowing the fiber preform to be impregnated with the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A method of integrally forming a bicycle front fork formed from a compound material including the steps of preparing a mold of a length greater than the front fork; forming a curved groove at a rear end of the mold; winding a blank of a front fork shape from a compound material and placing the blank into the mold; inserting an inflatable tube into the blank from a vertical tube at an upper end thereof through a forced portion on one side and round the curved groove and then through a formed portion on the other side to have the end in the vertical tube; and forming a front fork from the blank by inflation, heating and applying pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the dry-forming of crockery, using isostatic molds, wherein a powder is compressed within an isostatic mold and subjected to close-together pressure pulses during the exertion of the compacting pressure.

Abstract: A pressurizable bladder for the manufacture of a composite shaft manufactured from a flexible elastomeric material and adapted for supporting at least one layer of fiber impregnated with resin has an opening for pressurization of the bladder to compress the impregnated fiber against female tooling while the tooling is heated to cure the resin. The bladder has a wall of variable thickness to permit outer contours of the bladder to conform to inner contours of the female tooling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a liner material into a host conduit such as, e.g., a sewer pipe, hydrocarbon pipeline, gas line, water line, industrial chemical pipe, or a saltwater line. The liner material may include a compression liner and/or a preliner that is attached to the inner wall of the host conduit to repair or reinforce the host conduit or separate the host conduit from materials transported within the new liner formed from the liner material. Curable resin, slurry, or cement can be placed between the liner material and the host conduit to affix the liner material into place. Before and during curing, a fluid such as air or water can be used to inflate the compression liner outwardly toward the host conduit.

Abstract: In a method for pressing ceramic powders comprising a powder compaction stage within a mold, after exerting the powder compacting pressure the powder is subjected to close-together pressure pulses while maintaining the compacting pressure applied.

Abstract: A composite shaft having an integral grip. The shaft comprises a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet molded into a tubular shaft body. The shaft body has a grip directly molded on one end which may include a grip geometry and/or an ornamental pattern. To manufacture the shaft, plies of pre-preg may be wrapped around a bladder-covered mandrel in a predetermined manner and placed in a mold. The mold defines a cavity including, if desired, a selected grip geometry and/or ornamental design. The bladder is inflated, forcing the plies of pre-preg against the wall of the mold, and the mold is heated for a selected time to cure the plies. The grip of the shaft may be covered with a light coating material, providing a rubber-like feel.

Abstract: A hollow composite body includes an internal layer formed from a thermoplastic, which constitutes the liner of the body, a composite interlayer formed from a thermoplastic in which reinforcing fibers are embedded, and an external layer formed from a thermoplastic. The hollow composite body is made by furnishing the external surface of the liner with a composite so as to constitute a preform, the composite consisting of a thermoplastic mixed with reinforcing fibers; introducing the preform into a mold, an inflatable bladder having been inserted into the preform; heating the preform and inflating the inside of the bladder in order to apply pressure against the internal wall of the preform.

Abstract: A method of compression moulding an article from rubber moulding material incorporating hollow inserts avoids damage to the inserts. Where compression moulding takes place in an enclosed mould at an elevated pressure, the pressure can distort and damage the hollow inserts especially if they are of plastics. In order to avoid such distortion and damage, the method compresses during moulding creating a pressure in a cavity of the insert which substantially balances the pressure exerted on the exterior of the insert by the rubber moulding material in the mould. The pressure in the cavity is preferably produced by introducing some rubber moulding material into the cavity of the insert. This material becomes pressurized during moulding and supports the interior of the insert.

Abstract: A mold for injection compression molding, in which an elastic inner cavity with low rigidity and expandable in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening direction is provided in a rigid outer cavity, and when resin is filled in this inner cavity, the inner cavity expands due to a filling pressure of this resin, and when the mold is kept and cooled in a pressurized state, the inner cavity shrinks and a molded product with a desired thickness in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening direction can be obtained.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a carbon fiber composite material in which a series of carbon fibers are woven together and treated with a resin to form a sample or weave. The carbon fiber sample is then vacuumed, compressed and is cured to form a solid plank or board that is then cut, sanded and polished to form a finished product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus for molding an elongate annular product such as a pole, the apparatus including two outer mold sections (1) relatively movable to form in a first position a substantially enclosed upright molding cavity and in a second position opening said molding cavity, an upright core member (3) is moveable into and out of said molding cavity and when located in said molding cavity defining an annular molding zone (37) between the core member (3) and the outer mold sections (1), filling means (5) arranged to fill the annular molding zone (37) from below, and end capping means (6) arranged to close an upper end region of the zone (37), the end capping means (6) including a filter membrane adapted to allow fluids to escape through the filter membrane while fine solid particles are retained within the molding zone (37).

Abstract: A method of forming or treating an article or preform (10) and an article or preform made according to the method are provided. The method includes the step of providing around at least part of the article or preform (10) a generally tubular element (14) whose effective cross-section tends to reduce on extension, and applying an extension load to the tubular element (14) thereby to apply a compression load to the exterior of the article or preform to aid consolidation thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a bicycle frame comprising the initial step of placing a hollow core formed from a semi-rigid material and having a polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto into a first mold section. A second mold section is then mated to the first mold section such that a cavity having a desired frame shape is defined therebetween. The core and the polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto are then heated to a temperature level sufficient to make the core pliable. The core is then inflated so as to cause the polymer impregnated fiber material applied thereto to substantially conform to the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material part, in particular a wind turbine blade of great length, consists in placing a thickness of a cloth made up of threads comprising a mixture of polypropylene threads or fibers and of glass fibers or threads in two mold portions having the shape of the part that is to be made, placing an inflatable envelope on the cloth inside one of the mold portions, in closing the mold, in placing it in an enclosure fed with hot gas under pressure to melt the polypropylene of the cloth, thereby embedding the glass fibers or threads, then in allowing it to cool, and in unmolding.

Abstract: In order to control and optimize, without stopping production, bowing in the outer wall of a calender roll in which bowing is produced by the action of pressure on an incompressible liquid enclosed in the roll, the invention proposes that, based on error signals generated from continuous thickness measurements and from at least one other quality characteristic, the temperature of the liquid is controlled and the nip modified to correct for deviations from the correct thickness.

Abstract: A pulsed method for creating composite structures employs a pulsed application of compaction force to composite material. During the application of the compaction force, curing energy is intermittently or continually supplied to the composite material. One type of machine employing this process may create a single batch; another such machine incrementally advances the raw or partially cured composite material to create a continuous cured and compacted length of composite material. Preferably, for the single batch machine, the pulsed compaction energy diminishes in amplitude or ceases upon the gelation of the composite material; and, for the continuous manufacturing machine, each increment of composite material is moved, prior to or at gelation of the increment of composite material, into an area of the machine where pressures are continuous.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intraluminal stent having a lumen-wall contacting surface and a lumen-exposed surface wherein the stent comprises a first polymer composition comprising fibrin and wherein the stent is suitable to deliver virus to the wall of a lumen of the body. The invention also relates to methods for making the stent and to methods for delivering nucleic acid to cells accessible from a wall of a body lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a flanged polytetrafluoroethylene cuffed section from a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The flanged polytetrafluoroethylene graft is well suited for use as a distal bypass graft, for arteriovenous grafting, or as a hemodialysis access graft. The graft includes an integral terminal polytetrafluoroethylene flanged skirt or cuff section which facilitates an end-to-side anastomosis directly between an artery and the polytetrafluoroethylene flanged graft without need for an intervening venous collar or venous patch.

Abstract: A process of making a composite vessel with superior mechanical and aesthetic characteristics includes the steps of: A) preforming a composite thermoplastic shell (e.g., by winding a commingled roving of fiberglass and a thermoplastic material onto a thermoplastic liner) having an opening for access to the interior; B) placing the shell (which may optionally be preheated) into a mold (which itself may optionally be preheated); C) introducing an inflatable bag containing a heater into the shell through the opening; D) heating the inflatable bag to a temperature which is sufficient to render the shell fluid while pressurizing the interior of the inflatable bag; E) continuing step D) until the shell forms against the interior walls of the mold; F) allowing the formed composite vessel to cool; G) removing the inflatable bag; and H) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a mat particularly a washable dust control mat, having a fabric layer (2) and a rubber backing layer (4) with a border (6) extending beyond the fabric layer (2) using a press which heat-cures the rubber and adheres it to the fabric and employs an inflatable bag (24) to apply pressure by pressing the layers against a heated platen (21), wherein a frame (14) defining the extent of the border (6) is located between the bag and the platen, and wherein the bag applies pressure to the assembled layers including the border portion of the backing layer. The frame (14) can act as a dam for preventing outward movement of the rubber and provide an integral thickened border; in some cases it also provides a guillotine for trimming the rubber during pressing.

Abstract: A compression molding apparatus includes a mold of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a plug of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The mold has a cavity into which the plug is placed such that the mold and plug are disposed relative to one another providing a gap therebetween having a first volume for holding a body that at least partially fills the gap when the mold and plug are at a first temperature and for molding the body into a molded product when the mold and plug are subjected to a second temperature that causes one of the first and second materials of the mold and plug to change in size more than the other and thereby change the gap to a second volume different from the first volume and compress the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of fiber reinforced structures. The tooling and its use for the manufacture of reinforced structures is described and illustrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a composite component by locating a composite lay-up between a mould surface and a backing surface, each surface forming a wall of a respective pressure chamber. Securing the chambers together to retain the lay-up therebetween with at least one of the said walls movable relative to the other, under the influence of pressure in the chamber incorporating the movable wall, to sandwich the composite therebetween. Then circulating fluid under pressure through each of the chambers at substantially the same pressure to compress the composite lay-up between said mould and backup surfaces to compact the composite lay-up. While the fluid is circulating elevating the temperature thereof to effect curing of the composite. One of the walls between which the composite lay-up is located is of a flexible or semi-rigid construction and the opposing surface of the other wall is shaped to impart to the composite the required surface contour in the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of readily manufacturing a multi-layer pipe liner bag with a good workability. A guiding tube is inserted into an outer layer composed of a tubular resin absorbent material and a plastic film coated over the outer periphery of the tubular resin absorbent material. An inner layer composed of another tubular resin absorbent material is inserted into the guiding tube, and the guiding tube is extracted with the outer layer and the inner layer being fixed. The tubular resin absorbent materials of the outer layer and the inner layer are with thermosetting resin to complete the pipe liner bag. Since the outer layer and the inner layer are manufactured separately, the manufacturing of the respective layers can be performed with a good workability. Also advantageously, the plastic film covering the outer surface of the outer layer can be prevented from scratches and so on.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing shafts from composite materials, particularly shafts for golf clubs. An elongate mandrel, having a passage therein and having a plurality of holes between the passage and an outer surface of the mandrel, includes a flexible bladder, preferably latex, dipped and cured directly on the outer surface of the mandrel. A set of plies of pre-preg composite sheet is wrapped around the mandrel in a predetermined manner. The wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold, the bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressurized wrapped mandrel is then heated for a predetermined period of time to cure the composite material to form a shaft, preferably for a golf club. While the shaft is cured in the mold, gas of a predetermined pressure is introduced through the passage in the mandrel to inflate the bladder and force the composite sheet against the walls of the mold.

Abstract: Inherently low orientation sheet is produced by extruding a thermoplastic material in its melt phase onto the surface of a chill roller and thereafter solidifying the sheet at a relatively slow chill rate. Importantly, the just extruded thermoplastic polymeric sheet (i.e., the melt) is urged into continuous surface-to-surface contact with the chill roll by a curtain of air impinging upon the sheet at a velocity sufficient to ensure such continuous surface-to-surface contact between the sheet and the chill roll, but insufficient to impart substantial stress to the sheet. In such a manner, therefore, the resulting sheet will exhibit a low inherent internal stress level as evidenced by an unusually low shrink rate (ASTM D-1204) of less than about 18%.

Abstract: A structural support member formed of a plurality of tubular members positioned to shape the structural support member in a desired form, e.g., an arched form. The positioned tubular members are permanently affixed to a base plate at one end and a nose plate at the other end, and the combination is layered by fiber-reinforced material to form the structural support member. Assembled plurality of structural support members can be interconnected to form a skeleton which can support a cover. Custom-sized structural support members are produced without the need for a mold. An additional embodiment utilizes an inflatable bladder as a mold around which the fiber-reinforced material is layered, the bladder then being deflated, removed, and reused. Custom-sized structural support members are thus produced in any shape desired and can also be assembled in group to form a skeleton which supports a cover.

Abstract: Rapid prototyping methods and apparatuses that produce structures made of continuous-fiber polymer-matrix composites without the use of molds. Instead of using molds, the composite structure is fabricated patch by patch in layers or wraps, using a two- or three-axis stage connected to a rapidly-reconfigurable forming surface, and a robot arm to position the evolving composite structure, which are both programmable devices. Because programmable devices are included, i.e., a robot and a two- or three-axis stage connected to the reconfigurable forming surface, the control program needed to produce a desired shape can be easily modified to automatically generate the desired shape from an electronic model (e.g., using a CAD/CAM system) of the desired (predetermined) shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article. The expandable mold may be used to make seamless articles having microstructured features, such as an illumination device comprising a fiber core having a plurality of microstructured light extraction structures on the surface thereof.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for manufacturing a reinforced golf club shaft having a complex shape. An inflatable bladder is positioned over a mandrel having a simple shape. Layers of fiber material are then rolled over inflatable bladder to produce a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed in a mold defining a negative of the shape of the final shaft that is to be produced. The impression may have enlarged or narrowed regions for producing irregularities in the shape of the shaft. The bladder is expanded within the mold so that the composite structure is radially displaced and compressed between the bladder and the mold. The inflatable bladder has a variable thickness that conforms to the shape of the impression so that the composite structure undergoes a uniform and minimum displacement along its entire length, which improves the mechanical properties of the final shaft.

Abstract: A separator cartridge comprises a support screen comprising a substantially rigid reinforced plastic cylinder including an inner first major surface and an outer second major surface, a first nonwoven polymer layer adhered to the inner first major surface of the support screen, a second nonwoven polymer layer adhered to the outer second major surface of the support screen, and a polymeric screen contacting and frictionally engaging the second nonwoven polymer layer, the polymeric screen including a hydrophobic coating. The invention also contemplates a process for preparing the separator cartridge.

Abstract: A solidified drug supply for generating inhalable drug particles with the aid of a metering device includes a removal unit, with the drug supply being brittle and textureless. The density and the mechanical strength of the drug supply is abraded everywhere in such a way that the structure of the material removed from one side of the drug supply by the metering device is uniform across the entire usage region in the direction of the removal.

Abstract: Process of manufacturing a golf club shaft made of composite materials, including the successive steps of fitting a tubular, flexible impermeable bladder around a rigid mandrel, dressing the mandrel with a composite structure including fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin matrix, placing the mandrel in the mold, and then carrying out a molding operation by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by feeding a fluid inside the bladder.

Abstract: The impact pad (10) comprises a body of refractory material capable of withstanding contact with molten steel in a tundish, the body comprising a base (12) having an impact surface (13), an outer sidewall (14) extending upwardly from the impact surface (13), an annular portion (15) providing a top surface (16) substantially parallel to the impact surface (13) and connected to the sidewall (14) and defining an opening (11) into the pad, the lower face (17) of the annular portion (15), the inner face (18) of the sidewall (14) and the upper surface (19) of the base (12) adjacent the sidewall (14) together providing a continuous curved surface, which surface adjacent its lower end defines a trough (20) around the perimeter of the impact surface (13) of the base (12).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a golf-club head is disclosed comprising; shaping a fluid-removable core in the general form of the club head, placing a flexible inflatable bladder around the core, wrapping over the assembly of core and bladder at least one ply of fiber impregnated with a curable resin, placing the assembly of core, bladder, and impregnated fiber into a female mold, forming a cured part in the form of a golf-club head by inflating the bladder to force the plies against the inner surfaces of the mold and heating the mold to cure the resin, removing the cured part from the mold, disintegrating the fluid-removable core with a fluid sufficient to allow removal of the bladder from the interior of the cured part through a hole in the cured part, removing the bladder through the hole with any residues of the core within the bladder to form a hollow molded club head with a hollow interior essentially free from non-functional materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of compacted bodies of powdered medicament is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of:a) positioning expansible means along the longitudinal axis of the mold;b) placing loose powdered medicament in the mold; andc) expanding the expansible means perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mold. An apparatus for use in the process according to the invention and medicament compacts formed by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a bicycle front fork of molded composite laminates of fiber in a resin matrix, the front fork including a steerer portion, a tubular crown portion, a pair of tubular blade portions. Each has upper ends joined by said crown to the steerer, respectively, and lower ends adapted to receive dropouts. According to the invention, the front fork is molded in two substantially mirror image halves having mutually congruent joining surfaces in said steerer portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a fiber reinforced composite spar for a helicopter rotor blade including upper and lower sidewall regions and forward and aft conic regions. Constant width crossplies and unidirectional plies are stacked and arranged to form crossply and unidirectional laminates. The composite spar is manufactured via a vacuum forming technique which includes forming the composite laminates directly over an inflatable mandrel assembly. Regarding the latter method, a spar forming apparatus is used to position and manipulate the mandrel assembly as composite laminates are laid. The spar forming apparatus includes first and second pedestal supports being suitably configured so as to facilitate formation of the butt joints in the conic regions of the composite spar.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming sheet articles includes: a) heating a sheet article to be thermoformed; b) inserting the heated sheet article into a pressure vessel having first and second vessel halves, wherein each vessel half includes a liquid chamber and a thin shell configured for forming the sheet article to a desired shape; c) closing the pressure vessels such that the sheet article is captured between the thin shells; and d) providing liquid of equal pressure in each liquid chamber to force the thin shells together to form the sheet article to the desired shape and to draw heat away from the thin shells for cooling the sheet article.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket casting device includes a base member on which an elongated annular molding bladder is mounted, the bladder peripherally enclosing a generally centrally located casting area and extendable when inflated from the forward side of the base. The bladder is formed of a pliable, air impermeable, relatively non-stretchable sheet material enclosing, in cooperation with the base, an air chamber peripherally surrounding the casting area. The casting area includes an open residual limb receiving end and extends from such end to the base, and an inflation system for the bladder is provided. The casting device may be used in conjunction with a prosthesis suction socket that includes a tension member at its distal end connectable to the base member during a casting procedure. Moldable and settable prosthesis socket or other moldable casting material is placed over the suction socket and is compression molded by the inflated bladder while the casting material cures.

Abstract: A composite bicycle frame comprising a continuous frame tube defining cross bar, down tube, and seat tube portions. The frame tube is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer composite. Integrally connected to the frame tube are seat tube, bottom bracket, and head tube fittings. The cross bar portion of the frame tube extends between the seat tube and head tube fittings, with the down tube portion extending between the bottom bracket and head tube fittings. The seat tube portion itself extends between the seat tube and bottom bracket fittings.

Abstract: A method for masking components of a hot water tank from insulation wherein a carrier sheet containing a pair of inflatable rings is insertable into the space between the inner tank and outer shell of the hot water tank. The inflatable rings surround electrical components on the inner tank to prevent insulation injected into the space from covering the electrical components. Inflatable bags are insertable into threaded bores on fittings connected to the inner tank to prevent the insulation from covering the threaded bores, and to prevent insulation from escaping to the outside of the outer shell.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending a sheet of material heated to a formable, state such as glass, resinous polymeric material, viscoelastic material, and thermoplastic material, provides an improved pressing member for pressing the heated sheet against a first rigid mold which reduces the size of the buckles in the bent sheet, eliminates the need for a second rigid mold, reduces the process control steps, reduces the risk of damaging the rigid mold, increases the tolerances for the positioning of the sheet in the apparatus, and increases the range of application. The pressing member includes a flexible diaphragm which rolls the heated sheet against a rigid mold by first applying a pressure to a portion of the heated sheet and then radiating the pressure from that portion to the remaining surface area of the heated sheet in a rolling action. The bending apparatus includes a rigid mold and a flexible diaphragm pressurized into a convex shape for initially pressing on a portion of the heated sheet.

Abstract: A method of injection molding includes the steps of providing a source of pressurized flowable material, a source of pressurized fluid, and a mold assembly actuatable from an open position to a closed position. The mold assembly includes first and second matable mold portions that define a substantially sealed cavity, an inflatable core member positioned within the substantially sealed cavity and secured to the first mold portion, a pressurized fluid path from the source of pressurized fluid through the first mold portion to the inflatable core member, and a flowable material path from the source of pressurized flowable material into the cavity. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the inflatable core member at a first pressure to provide an inflated core member that defines a core boundary and the pressurized flowable material is injected into a space defined by the cavity and the core boundary at a pressure less than the first pressure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating complex hollow composite structures from laminates of fiber reinforced synthetic resins. The structures are fully monocoque tubes with no seams. The tubes are manufactured by wrapping a hollow semi-rigid inner mandrel made of thermoplastic material such as polystyrene or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene co-polymer) with layers of composite sheets. The sheets are made from high-strength fibers impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resins.The laminated mandrel is placed in a mold, heated and inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressure can range from 20-200 psig and even higher, while the curing temperature can range from 200.degree.-600.degree. F. The pressure generated by the expanding core produces a highly consolidated composite structure that has fewer voids, a more uniform thickness, and an increased fiber content compared to hollow composites made by other fabrication methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a foot orthotic is provided including a housing for an inflatable bladder. The bladder is inflated with a hand held compressible bulb. A heat softened orthotic blank is positioned between a patient's foot and the bladder which is inflated to conform the blank to the bottom surface of the foot. The shaped blank is allowed to cool to render it nondeformable at room temperature.

Abstract: A method for fabricating, and a resulting structure for, a seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel suitable for forming a plurality of seamless and hollow fiber wound vessels upon is disclosed. A destructible mandrel is used to form the seamless reusable mandrel. The destructible mandrel is preferably formed from a material which can be destroyed by dissolving, for example, materials such as foam or plaster. The seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel includes a plurality of different layers including a gas impermeable layer, a continuous fiber wound layer, and a release surface forming the outermost layer of the seamless, collapsible, and reusable mandrel. The resulting seamless, reusable and collapsible mandrel has advantages over mandrels which include a seam. Such advantages include a longer useful life and consistently high quality fiber wound vessels at a relatively low cost.