초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along its length utilizes first and second elements which define an aperture therebetween. The elements are advantageously roller elements having grooves around their circumference which change in size and

A method and apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along its length utilizes first and second elements which define an aperture therebetween. The elements are advantageously roller elements having grooves around their circumference which change in size and shape. A core die can be used for creating the interior of the element and a fiber weave can be wrapped around the core die to create the body of the elongated member. The core is pulled through the aperture between the first and second elements as the elements rotate in opposite directions to create the varying shape.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along at least part of its length, comprising:a first roller element having an outer, curved, form-defining surface for engagement against an elongated member to be shaped and for use in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along at least part of its length, comprising:a first roller element having an outer, curved, form-defining surface for engagement against an elongated member to be shaped and for use in creating a varying shape on one side of the elongated member;a second roller element having an outer, curved, form-defining surface for use in creating a varying shape on an opposite side of the elongated member which is opposite from the first roller element, the form-defining surfaces each having a circumferential length and defining an aperture therebetween, and extending at least partly around circumferences of the first roller element and the second roller element respectively, and varying in shape around the first and second roller elements, the elongated member being hold between the surfaces of the first and second roller elements;first drive means for rotating the form-defining surfaces of the first element and the second element with respect to the elongated member and in opposite directions with respect to each other; andsecond drive means for pulling the elongated member through the aperture and with respect to the first and second elements at a rate which is faster than rotation of the elements for forming the varying shape in the elongated member and so that the varying shape is longer than the circumferencial length of the form-defining surfaces.