Dry lay-up method and apparatus for producing continuous length composite members

Claim 3

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carding is performed at least at one of said profiles to comb and support the layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 4

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carding is performed at both the inner and outer profiles to comb and support the layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 5

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals preceeding the step of sizing and curing, to thereby comb and support the layer of parallel filaments contiguously upon said mandrel.

Claim 6

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as Set forth in claim 1 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals at both the inner and outer profiles to comb and support the layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 7

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said impregnating after carding is by pressure application of said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at least at one of said profiles thereof.

Claim 8

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at one profile and then the other thereof.

Claim 9

The method of producing an unlimited length composite article as set forth in claim 1 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at the outer profile and then the inner profile thereof.

Claim 12

The method of producing an unlimited length multi lamina as set forth in claim 9 wherein said carding is performed at the inner profile to comb and support the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 13

The method of producing an unlimited length multi lamina as set forth in claim 9 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals preceeding the step of sizing and curing, to thereby comb and support the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 14

The method of producing an unlimited length multi lamina as set forth in claim 9 wherein said impregnating after carding is by pressure application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments at least at one of said profiles thereof.

Claim 15

The method of producing an unlimited length multi lamina as set forth in claim 9 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at one profile and then the other thereof.

Claim 16

The method of producing an unlimited length multi lamina as set forth in claim 9 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the two layers of filaments at the outer profile and then the inner profile of the composite.

Claim 19

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said carding is performed at least at one of said profiles to comb and support a layer of longitudinally disposed filaments.

Claim 20

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said carding is performed at both the inner and outer profiles to comb and support the first and third mentioned layers of parallel filaments.

Claim 21

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals preceeding the step of sizing and curing, to thereby comb and support a layer of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments.

Claim 22

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals at both the inner and outer profiles to comb and support the first and third layers of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments.

Claim 23

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said impregnating after carding is by pressure application of said liquid material into a layer of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at least at one of said profiles thereof.

Claim 24

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at one profile and then the other thereof.

Claim 25

The method of producing an unlimited length multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 15 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at the outer profile and then the inner profile thereof.

Claim 28

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi lamina as set forth in claim 23 wherein said carding is performed at the interior profile to comb and support the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 29

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi lamina as set forth in claim 23 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals preceeding the step of sizing and curing, to thereby combed and support the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments.

Claim 30

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi lamina as set forth in claim 23 wherein said impregnating after carding is by pressure application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed layer of parallel filaments at least at one of said profiles thereof.

Claim 31

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi lamina as set forth in claim 23 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at one profile and then the other thereof.

Claim 32

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi lamina as set forth in claim 23 wherein said impregnating after cording is by sequential application of said liquid material into the two layers of filaments at the outer profile and then the interior profile of the composite.

Claim 35

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said carding is performed at least at one of said profiles to comb and support a layer of longitudinally disposed filaments.

Claim 36

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said carding is performed at both the interior and exterior profiles to comb and support the first and third mentioned layers of parallel filaments.

Claim 37

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said carding is performed at spaced intervals preceeding the step of sizing and curing, to thereby comb and support a layer of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments.

Claim 38

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherEin said carding is performed at spaced intervals at both the interior and exterior profiles to comb and support the first and third layers of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments.

Claim 39

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said impregnating after carding is by pressure application of said liquid material into a layer of longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at least at one of said profiles thereof.

Claim 40

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at one profile and then the other thereof.

Claim 41

The method of producing an unlimited length tubular multi layer lamina as set forth in claim 29 wherein said impregnating after carding is by sequential application of said liquid material into the longitudinally disposed parallel filaments at the exterior profile and then the interior profile thereof.

Claim 42

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced by said traction means and cured.

Claim 43

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced by said traction means and cured.

Claim 44

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length lamina composite as set forth in claim 37 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 45

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length lamina composite as set forth in claim 37 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals from both the mandrel configuration and from the exterior thereof.

Claim 46

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length lamina composite as set forth in claim 37 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layer of filaments thereon.

Claim 47

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saTurating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 48

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saTurating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 49

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile lamina composite as set forth in claim 41 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at the inner and outer profiles respectively.

Claim 50

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile lamina composite as set forth in claim 41 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 51

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile lamina composite as set forth in claim 41 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals from both the mandrel configuration and from the exterior thereof.

Claim 52

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile lamina composite as set forth in claim 41 wherein said impregnating means discharges said material from the inner profile and configuration of the mandrel and into the layer of filaments thereon.

Claim 53

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile lamina composite as set forth in claim 41 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at the outer profile and then the inner profile thereof.

Claim 54

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced and cured.

Claim 55

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced and cured.

Claim 56

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 47 wherein said carding means engages and combs the first mentioned layer of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 57

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 47 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 58

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina Composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed onto the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced and cured.

Claim 59

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina Composite, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed onto the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a curing section forward of said impregnation section and over which the saturated lamina is continuously advanced and cured.

Claim 60

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 50 wherein said carding means engages and combs one of the layers of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 61

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 50 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 62

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 50 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material from the exterior of the layers of filaments and then from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 63

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel havIng a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 64

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel havIng a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 65

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 54 wherein said carding means engages and combs one of the layers of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the sizing and curing section thereof.

Claim 66

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 54 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 67

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 54 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material from the exterior of the layers of filaments and then from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 68

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 69

Apparatus for forming an impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section including a configuration to establish the inner profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation over said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments contiguously upon the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section including a configuration opposed to the first configuration of the mandrel to establish the outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 70

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 58 wherein said carding means engages and combs one of the layers of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel proceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 71

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 58 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 72

The apparatus for the formation of unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 58 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material from the exterior of the layers of filaments and then from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 73

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 74

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layer of filaments with curable liquid material throughout said cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 75

The apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and unlimited length uniform profile lamina as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at the inner and outer profiles respectively.

Claim 76

The apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and unlimited length uniform profile lamina as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 77

The apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and unlimited length uniform profile lamina as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carding means engages and combs the layer of filaments at spaced intervals from both the mandrel configuration and from the exterior thereof.

Claim 78

The apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and unlimited length uniform profile lamina as set forth in claim 62 wherein said impregnating means discharges said material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layer of filaments thereon.

Claim 79

The apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and unlimited length uniform profile lamina as set forth in claim 62 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material into the layer of parallel filaments at the outer profile and then the inner profile thereof.

Claim 80

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation supported upon said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments circumferentially and contiguously around and onto the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout the cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 81

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profile of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation supported upon said lay-up section and laying the said second mentioned filaments circumferentially and contiguously around and onto the first mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout the cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 82

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 68 wherein said carding means engages and combs one of the layers of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the sizing and curing section thereof.

Claim 83

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 68 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 84

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 68 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material into the exterior layer of filaments and then from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the interior layer of filaments thereon.

Claim 85

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profiles of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation supported upon said lay-up section and laying the second mentioned filaments circumferentially and contiguously around and onto the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout their cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 86

Apparatus for forming a tubular impregnated and cured continuous unlimited length multi lamina composite of uniform profile, and including; an elongated bed with an anchor at its one rear end and with traction means at its front end continuously advancing the composite, an elongated mandrel extending parallel to the bed and with its one rear end fixed to said anchor and having a cross section configuration establishing the interior profiles of the composite, the mandrel having a lay-up section forward of said anchor and a first distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of said distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the mandrel configuration, and a second distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel transverse formation supported upon said lay-up section and laying the second mentioned filaments circumferentially and contiguously around and onto the first mentioned layer of filaments, and a third distributing means receiving a multiplicity of filaments from a supply thereof and arranging the same in substantially parallel longitudinal formation supported upon said lay-up section, and carding means forward of the last mentioned distributing means and engaging the arrangement of filaments while laying the same contiguously combed upon the second mentioned layer of filaments, the mandrel having an impregnation section forward of said lay-up section and impregnating means saturating the layers of filaments with curable liquid material throughout their cross section, and the mandrel having a sizing and curing section forward of said impregnation section and a sizing and curing die having a cross section configuration uniformly spaced from and surrounding the first mentioned configuration of the mandrel to establish the wall thickness and outer profile of the composite, the composite comprising the liquid impregnated previously dry lay-up being advanced by said traction means through a determined space between the mandrel and said sizing and curing die.

Claim 87

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 72 wherein said carding means engages and combs one of the layers of filaments at spaced intervals along the mandrel preceeding the curing section thereof.

Claim 88

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 72 wherein said impregnating means discharges said liquid material from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the layers of filaments thereon.

Claim 89

The apparatus for the formation of tubular unlimited length uniform profile multi lamina composite as set forth in claim 72 wherein said impregnating means sequentially discharges said liquid material into the exterior layer of filaments and then from the inner profile configuration of the mandrel and into the interior layer of filaments thereon.