Method and apparatus for inserting a spacer between annular reinforcement bands
First Claim
1. A method of making an annular reinforcement structure having a first reinforcement band and a second reinforcement band, and a resilient spacing element positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands, maintaining the first and second reinforcement bands in a spaced apart, concentric relationship, comprising the steps of:
- (a) placing the resilient spacing element against a face of the first reinforcement band;
(b) compressing the resilient spacing element against the face of the first reinforcement band, adjacent a top edge of the first reinforcement band, with a jig;
(c) sliding the second reinforcement band in an axial direction relative to the first reinforcement band, from the top edge of the first reinforcement band towards a bottom edge of the first reinforcement band, while the resilient spacing element is compressed by the jig, whereby the first and second reinforcement bands are concentric, and the jig is positioned between the resilient spacing element and the second reinforcement band; and
(d) removing the jig from between the first reinforcement band and the second reinforcement band, whereby the resilient spacing element is retained in place between the first and second reinforcement bands; and
wherein the first and second reinforcement bands are each comprised of a cord selected from the group consisting of monofilament or multi-filament yarns, and the cord is wound into a helix making at least three revolutions.
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Abstract
A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.
46 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of making an annular reinforcement structure having a first reinforcement band and a second reinforcement band, and a resilient spacing element positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands, maintaining the first and second reinforcement bands in a spaced apart, concentric relationship, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing the resilient spacing element against a face of the first reinforcement band; (b) compressing the resilient spacing element against the face of the first reinforcement band, adjacent a top edge of the first reinforcement band, with a jig; (c) sliding the second reinforcement band in an axial direction relative to the first reinforcement band, from the top edge of the first reinforcement band towards a bottom edge of the first reinforcement band, while the resilient spacing element is compressed by the jig, whereby the first and second reinforcement bands are concentric, and the jig is positioned between the resilient spacing element and the second reinforcement band; and (d) removing the jig from between the first reinforcement band and the second reinforcement band, whereby the resilient spacing element is retained in place between the first and second reinforcement bands; and wherein the first and second reinforcement bands are each comprised of a cord selected from the group consisting of monofilament or multi-filament yarns, and the cord is wound into a helix making at least three revolutions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of making an annular reinforcement structure, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a resilient spacing element against an inside face of an outer reinforcement band, wherein the resilient spacing element is selected from the group consisting of (i) an annular band, and (ii) a plurality of discrete shims, arranged around a circumference of the outer reinforcement band; (b) compressing the resilient spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band, with a jig; (c) sliding an inner reinforcement band in an axial direction relative to the outer reinforcement band, from a top edge of the outer reinforcement band towards a bottom edge of the outer reinforcement band, while the resilient spacing element is compressed by the jig, whereby the inner reinforcement band is positioned inside the outer reinforcement band and the resilient spacing element, and the inner and outer reinforcement bands are concentric; (d) removing the jig from between the inner reinforcement band and the spacing element, whereby the resilient spacing element is retained in place between the inner reinforcement band and the outer reinforcement band; and wherein the jig is comprised of a plurality of plates, which are spaced inside a circumference of the outer reinforcement band, each of the plates has a convex surface, which compresses the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band, when the plurality of plates is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of making a reinforced matrix material, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a resilient, porous spacing element against a face of a first reinforcement band; (b) compressing the resilient, porous spacing element against the face of the first reinforcement band, adjacent a top edge of the first reinforcement band, with a jig; (c) sliding a second reinforcement band in an axial direction relative to the first reinforcement band, from the top edge of the first reinforcement band towards a bottom edge of the first reinforcement band, while the resilient, porous spacing element is compressed by the jig, whereby the first and second reinforcement bands are in a concentric relationship, and the jig is positioned between the resilient, porous spacing element and the second reinforcement band;
wherein the first and second reinforcement bands are each comprised of a cord selected from the group consisting of monofilament or multi-filament yarns, and the cord is wound into a helix making at least three revolutions;(d) removing the jig from between the first reinforcement band and the second reinforcement band, whereby the resilient, porous spacing element is retained in place between the first and second reinforcement bands; and (e) introducing a liquid matrix material in the space between the first reinforcement band and second reinforcement band and curing the liquid matrix material; wherein the first reinforcement band is positioned around the second reinforcement band, when the first and second reinforcement bands are concentric. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification