Heat Transfer Technologies, Inc.

Henry P Roach

An applicator is utilized in applying a thermoplastic composite filament to a mandrel so as to form a structure. The filament and the surface of the mandrel are caused to move simultaneously and in a common direction relative to the applicator so that the filament is continuously fed from the applicator into engagement with the surface of the mandrel. At least one stream of heated fluid is applied to the filament so that it impinges thereon not only at location preceding the location of the applicator, but also along the length of the filament to and beyond the applicator and up to and including the region where the filament first comes into contact with the mandrel. At the same time a stream of heated fluid is applied directly to the surface of the mandrel within that region so that the mandrel is heated prior to being contacted by the filament.

Apparatus for forming thermoplastic composite filament into a structure

An applicator is utilized in applying a thermoplastic composite filament to a mandrel so as to form a structure. The filament and the surface of the mandrel are caused to move simultaneously and in a common direction relative to the applicator so that the filament is continuously fed from the applicator into engagement with the surface of the mandrel. At least one stream of heated fluid is applied to the filament so that it impinges thereon not only at a location preceding the location of the applicator, but also along the length of the filament to and beyond the applicator and up to and including the region where the filament first comes into contact with the mandrel. At the same time a stream of heated fluid is applied directly to the surface of the mandrel within that region so that the mandrel is heated prior to being contacted by the filament.

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Canoga Park, CA, United States of America

Henry P Roach