Device for stabilizing local dome reinforcement

Abstract

The assembly (20) is configured for use in a system for forming a filament winding (26) on a container (30) having a circumference and a length. The assembly (20) includes an endless belt (24) and first and second rollers (22). The endless belt (24) is configured to wrap partially around the circumference of the container (30) to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding (26) disposed on the outer surface of the container (30). The endless belt (24) travels around the first and second rollers (22). A space (44) is provided between the first and second rollers (22) to allow a filament wind eye (32) of the system to travel in a reciprocating motion along the length of the container (30). A method of using the machine (40) for forming a filament winding (26) on a container (30) is also described.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [background] Pressure vessels are commonly used to store various fluids under pressure, such as, for example, hydrogen, oxygen, natural gas, nitrogen, propane, methane, and other fuels. Generally, pressure vessels can be, for example, of any size or construction, heavy or light, single-use (e.g., disposable), or reusable, and can be subjected to high pressures (e.g., greater than 50 pounds per square inch (psi) (344.7 kilopascals)), low pressures (e.g., less than 50 psi (344.7 kilopascals)), or can be used to store fluids at high or cryogenic temperatures.

[0002] Pressure vessels are subject to damage during shipping and use, for example, by being struck by other objects or being dropped. Such damage can compromise the vessel's ability to hold fluid at a desired pressure. An existing approach to damage mitigation is to glue protective caps to the ends of the vessel. However, caps that are simply glued to the vessel may become dislodged during use of the vessel. Other approaches include increasing the shell thickness, applying elastomeric shell coatings, and adding protective layers or end caps that are completely covered or sealed by additional shell material. For further details, see commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,189 entitled "Pressure Vessel with Damage Mitigating System" and commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,627,049 entitled "Wound-In End Protection Component for Pressure Vessel." Some approaches have the disadvantage of significantly increasing material usage and manufacturing complexity, as the additional coating or layer typically completely covers the entire damage mitigation component or container.

[0003] [overview] In one embodiment, an assembly is configured for use in a system for forming a filament winding on a container having a circumference and a length. The assembly includes an endless belt and first and second rollers. The endless belt is configured to partially wrap around the circumference of the container to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding disposed on the outer surface of the container. The endless belt moves around the first and second rollers. A space is provided between the first and second rollers to allow a filament winding eye of the system to move in a reciprocating motion along the length of the container.

[0004] In another aspect, a method of using a machine to form a filament winding on a vessel having a circumference and a length is described. The method includes rotating the vessel about an axis of rotation, moving a filament wind eye in a reciprocating motion along the length of the vessel while depositing the filament winding on the outer surface of the vessel, and partially wrapping an endless belt assembly around the circumference of the vessel to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding. A space is provided in the assembly at the outer surface of the vessel to allow passage of the filament wind eye.

[0005] The present disclosure may be characterized by the following items in various combinations thereof: 1. An assembly configured for use in a system for forming a filament winding on a container having a circumference and a length, comprising: an endless belt configured to partially wrap around the outer periphery of the container to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding disposed on the outer surface of the container; first and second rollers around which the endless belt moves; Equipped with An assembly wherein a space is provided between the first roller and the second roller to allow a filament winding eye of the system to move in a reciprocating motion along the length of the container. 2. The assembly of item 1, comprising a third roller and a fourth roller around which the endless belt travels. 3. The first roller and the third roller are attached to a first arm configured to connect to a frame of the system; The second roller and the fourth roller are attached to a second arm configured to connect to the frame; Item 2. The assembly according to item 2. 4. The assembly of item 3, wherein the first arm has a channel along which the third roller is configured to roll. 5. A first arm attached to the first roller and configured to connect to a frame of the system; a second arm attached to the second roller and configured to connect to the frame; 3. The assembly according to item 1 or 2, comprising: 6. A first extendable actuator disposed between the first arm and the frame; a second extendable actuator disposed between the second arm and the frame; The assembly according to any one of items 3 to 5, comprising: 7. A first extendable actuator is pivotally attached to the first arm; a second extendable actuator pivotally attached to the second arm; Item 6. The assembly according to item 6. 8. The first extendable actuator is pivotally mounted to the frame; a second extendable actuator pivotally mounted to the frame; 8. The assembly according to item 6 or 7. 9. The first arm and the second arm are a first configuration, wherein a first roller and a second roller position the endless belt in contact with an outer surface of the container and a filament winding disposed thereon; a second configuration in which the first roller and the second roller move the endless belt out of contact with the outer surface of the container and the filament winding disposed thereon; The assembly according to any one of items 3 to 8, wherein the assembly is movable between 10. The assembly described in item 9, wherein in the first configuration, the distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the first roller and the second roller is shorter than the distance between the first arm and the second arm proximate the frame. 11. The assembly of item 9 or 10, wherein in the second configuration, the first arm and the second arm are aligned collinearly. 12. A method of using a machine to form a filament winding on a container having a circumference and a length, comprising: rotating the container about an axis of rotation; moving the filament wind eye in a reciprocating motion along the length of the vessel while depositing the filament winding on the exterior surface of the vessel; partially wrapping an endless belt assembly around the outer periphery of the container to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding; Including, A method in which a space is provided in the assembly at the outer surface of the vessel to allow passage of the filament winding eye. 13. The method of claim 12, including extending the belt of the endless belt assembly around a first roller and a second roller around which the belt moves. 14. The endless belt assembly may be partially wrapped around the circumference of the container. extending a first arm from a frame of the machine, the first arm being attached to a first roller; extending a second arm from a frame of the machine, the second arm being attached to a second roller; Item 14. The method according to Item 13, comprising: 15. The method of claim 14, comprising retracting the first and second arms to remove the belt from contact with the outer surface of the container and the filament winding disposed thereon. 16. The method of item 15, wherein retracting the first arm includes extending a cylinder pivotally connected to the first arm and a frame of the machine. 17. The method of any one of items 14 to 16, comprising varying the effective length of the belt between the first roller and the second roller that contacts the filament winding around the circumference of the container. 18. The method of claim 17, including extending the belt around third and fourth rollers around which the belt moves. 19. The method of item 18, wherein changing the effective length of the belt between the first roller and the second roller includes moving a third roller along the first arm. 20. The method of item 18 or 19, wherein changing the effective length of the belt between the first roller and the second roller includes moving the first arm.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to describe each or every disclosed embodiment of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. In particular, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments. Moreover, this Summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Numerous other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and description that follow more particularly exemplify exemplary embodiments.

[0007] The disclosed subject matter will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like structures or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. All descriptions are applicable to like and similar structures throughout the several embodiments unless otherwise specified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus for stabilizing a pressure vessel assembly and local dome reinforcement on the pressure vessel, with the wind eye of the filament winding machine in the left position. [Figure 2] 2 is an end view of the components of FIG. 1 taken from the right end of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly similar to that of FIG. 1 but with a wind eye in an intermediate position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly similar to that of FIG. 1, but with the wind eye in the right position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure vessel dome end having a spaced apart pattern of localized dome reinforcement filament bands thereon. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure vessel dome end having a closed pattern of localized dome reinforcing filament bands thereon forming a dome cap. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filament winding machine suitable for use with the stabilizer described. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the central portion of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is similar to FIG. 8 and additionally shows an exemplary embodiment of the described stabilizer including a belt and roller assembly extending around the pressure vessel. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 9 showing the pressure vessel and the extended device. [Figure 11] 10 is an end elevation view from the right side of FIG. 9 showing the extended device in relation to the filament winding machine. [Figure 12] 10 is similar to FIG. 9, but shows an exemplary stabilizer with belt and roller assemblies retracted away from the pressure vessel. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 12 showing the pressure vessel and the apparatus retracted. [Figure 14] 13 is an end elevation view from the right side of FIG. 12 showing the apparatus retracted in relation to the filament winding machine. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a top view of the filament winding machine of FIG. 7 with a further frame structure supporting a stabilizer as in FIG. 9. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 9 showing the compact pressure vessel and the extended device. [Figure 16B] 16B is similar to FIG. 16A, but shows a larger pressure vessel and an apparatus with an extended cylinder for positioning the support arms close together adjacent the extended cylinder. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 9 showing the compact pressure vessel with an extended device having rollers movable along the support arm channels. [Figure 17B] Similar to FIG. 17A, but showing the rollers in a different position within the channel, along with a larger pressure vessel. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 9 showing the smaller pressure vessel with the device extended and the two-part support arm extended by the positioning actuator. [Figure 18B] Similar to FIG. 18A, but the two-piece support arm telescopes together by contraction of the positioning actuator to accommodate larger pressure vessels. [Figure 19A] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view from the left side of FIG. 9 showing the smaller pressure vessel with the device extended with an additional belt roller attached to the retracted positioning actuator. [Figure 19B]Similar to FIG. 19A, but showing the positioning actuator in an extended configuration to accommodate larger pressure vessels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] While the above-identified Figures illustrate one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as set forth in this disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other variations and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art within the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Furthermore, when terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc. are used, it will be understood that they are used solely for ease of understanding of the description. It is contemplated that structures may have other orientations.

[0011] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise indicated, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps within a group of elements or steps and do not impose sequential or numerical limitations on the elements or steps of the embodiment. For example, "first," "second," and "third" elements or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and the embodiment is not necessarily limited to three elements or steps. Unless otherwise indicated, any labels such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "forward," "reverse," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "up," "down," or other similar terms such as "upper," "lower," "aft," "fore," "vertical," "horizontal," "proximal," "distal," "intermediate," etc., are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, a particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to indicate, for example, a relative location, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0012] [Detailed explanation] The present disclosure recognizes the desirability of protecting pressure vessels from damage in a reliable, low-cost manner. Protecting the ends of pressure vessels is particularly important because they may be most susceptible to damage due to their configuration and approximately hemispherical shape. In an exemplary embodiment, a dome cap is formed from a resin-impregnated composite filament that is wrapped around the end of the vessel. The dome cap may be secured to the vessel during vessel manufacture or may be retrofitted to an existing pressure vessel at a later time. The disclosed concept uses less filament and resin than some conventional protection systems in which the entire vessel is coated with a layer of composite. Furthermore, the construction of the end cap from a cured wrapped filament provides a greater level of security than gluing a protective cap to the end of the vessel.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an elongated pressure vessel 30, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,189, entitled "Pressure Vessel with Damage Mitigation System." Such pressure vessels 30 are typically used to store pressurized fluids. The vessel 30 has a generally cylindrical body 70 with a dome end 28. When the vessel 30 is fully formed, bosses are typically provided at one or both ends of the vessel 30 to provide ports for communication with the interior of the vessel 30. The vessel 30 may be formed with an internal fluid-impermeable liner that is covered by an outer composite shell. The vessel end 28 typically has a hemispherical or dome-like shape.

[0014] Suitable pressure vessel shell materials include, for example, metals such as steel, or composites which may be formed of laminated layers of wound fiberglass filaments or other synthetic filaments bonded together by thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. Composite construction of the vessel offers numerous advantages, including light weight and resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and catastrophic failure. These properties are due, at least in part, to the high specific strength of the reinforcing fibers or filaments which are typically oriented in the direction of the major forces in the construction of composite pressure vessels. The composite shell resolves the structural loads on the vessel.

[0015] A liner or bladder is often placed within the composite pressure vessel shell to act as a fluid permeation barrier, thereby sealing the vessel. Such liners are often formed of a non-metallic (e.g., polymeric) resilient material and prevent internal fluids from contacting the composite. Details regarding the formation of an exemplary pressure vessel 30 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,971, entitled "Filament Winding Process and Apparatus."

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary apparatus 20 for stabilizing localized dome reinforcement for a pressure vessel includes rollers 22 and belts 24. The apparatus 20 is useful for gripping filament resin bands 26 as they are applied and pressing them against the outer surface of a dome end 28 of a pressure vessel 30. In an exemplary method of using the apparatus 20, a wind eye 32 of a winding machine 40 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 15) lays layer upon layer of resin-impregnated filament bands 26 to form a dome cap 34 for localized dome reinforcement, as shown in FIG. 6. Filament winding may include composites made with fibers or filaments contained in a resin; the fibers may be, for example, carbon, graphite, or aramid. In this context, "composite" refers to, for example, a fiber-reinforced resin matrix material around which filaments are wound to form a laminate structure.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the filament band 26 is draped over the dome end 28 by the wind eye 32. As shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , and 4 , the pressure vessel 30 rotates in a direction 36 about an axis 39 (shown, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 12 ) attached to the boss 38, as shown in FIG. 2 . On the left side of FIG. 2 , the top roller 22 applies pressure to a portion of the band 26 to prevent it from slipping toward the smaller diameter portion of the dome end 28 adjacent the boss 38. On the right side of FIG. 2 , the belt 24 applies pressure to a portion of the band 26 to similarly prevent it from slipping toward the smaller diameter dome end. For ease of illustration and description, while the description refers to a filament band, it is understood that any configuration of filament winding may be used, including, for example, monofilament winding.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, in an exemplary embodiment, the belt 24 is configured as an endless belt wrapped around two rollers 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller and belt assembly has two ends 42 with a clearance space 44 therebetween. In some configurations, the pressure belt 24 is provided as an endless belt that is maintained in tension around rollers 22 and 60 (shown in FIGS. 9-14). In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure belt 24 has a textured surface facing the pressure vessel 30 to grip and compress the surfaces of the pressure vessel 30 and / or filament band 26 that contact the pressure belt 24. Such surface texture may be provided by integral molding of gripping elements on the belt or by providing additional structures, such as surface spikes.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the wind eye 32 moves in a back-and-forth motion through the clearance space 44. Simultaneously, the pressure vessel 30 rotates in a direction 36 about an axis of rotation 39 (shown, for example, in Figures 9 and 12), which results in a serpentine winding pattern of spaced-apart overlapping bands 26, as shown in Figure 5. In an exemplary manner, the winding continues as the bands 26 overlap themselves to form a closed pattern dome cap 34, as shown in Figure 6. While a particular rotational direction 36 is depicted in the figures, it will be understood that the opposite rotational direction may also be used.

[0020] The back-and-forth reciprocating motion of the wind eye 32, performed by the carriage 52 (FIG. 9), cycles through the positions shown in FIGS. 1-4 to form the pattern of dome reinforcement bands shown in FIG. 5. Continuing deposition of filament material in this manner ultimately results in a closed pattern of filament bands 26 that form the dome cap 34 shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the pressure belt 24 simultaneously grips the filament bands 26 at several locations on the pressure vessel 30.

[0021] The dome cap 34 may be applied to the pressure vessel 30 at any stage of formation. For example, the dome cap 34 may be applied to the polymeric liner of the pressure vessel before the remainder of the composite shell is applied to the liner. In other instances, the dome cap 34 may be applied to a completed pressure vessel that already includes a composite shell. Additionally, the dome cap 34 may be applied to metal pressure vessels and generally cylindrical vessels of many different materials and constructions.

[0022] Providing localized reinforcement of the pressure vessel at its curved dome end 28 results in cost and manufacturing time savings compared to coating the entire pressure vessel with an additional layer of composite filament. The disclosed apparatus and method for reinforcing a pressure vessel 30 is suitable for use in forming a dome cap 34 formed from a filament band 26 containing a resin with a relatively long pot life so that the resin can be removed from the pressure belt 24. A suitable resin is commercially available, for example, as Araldite epoxy resin LY1135, from Huntsman Corporation of The Woodlands, Texas.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 6 , in the exemplary embodiment, the dome cap 34 completely covers the dome ends 28 of the pressure vessel 30 and extends over a generally cylindrical portion 70 of the pressure vessel 30 that is disposed between the two dome ends 28. The filament bands 26 of the dome cap 34 are pressed against the pressure vessel 30 by the roller 22 and belt 24 assembly and are further cured under pressure on the pressure vessel 30, thereby securely adhering the dome cap 34 to the pressure vessel 30. Additionally, additional filament-wound composite resin strands may be placed over the dome cap 34 and pressure vessel 30 to form yet another composite shell over the vessel shown in FIG. 6 .

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a winding machine 40 suitable for use with the described apparatus 20. Generally, the winding machine 40 includes a frame 46 configured to support the pressure vessel 30 on the axle 39. The winding machine 40 further includes a controller 48 operably connected to a user interface 50 for receiving commands regarding the reciprocating linear motion of a carriage 52 supporting the wind eye 32, the rotation of the axle 39, and the rate and volume of laying down the resin-impregnated filament material to form the filament band 26 on the dome end 28 of the pressure vessel 30. Various patterns and structural characteristics of the filament band 26 can thereby be commanded and formed as designed and desired. As shown in FIGS. 11, 14, and 15, the winding machine 40 can be modified with additional members of the frame 46 to support components of the apparatus 20.

[0025] The disclosed stabilizer 20 uses a belt 24 that moves with the rotation of the pressure vessel 30 to apply pressure to the vessel surface, and the localized reciprocating motion of the path of the wind eye 32 allows the fibers to be deposited, for example, in the form of a filament band 26, while preventing the fibers from slipping from the vessel surface. Such stabilizers can take many different forms, using numbers of rollers, support devices, and motion mechanisms different from those shown. Figures 9-19B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a stabilizer 20 for use with a winding machine 40, further comprising arms 54 connected to respective positioning actuators 56 at pivot joints 58. In the exemplary configuration shown in Figure 9, the inner layer of the endless belt 24 contacts the outer surface of the pressure vessel 30 and wraps around rollers 22 adjacent the clearance space 44. The outer layer of the endless belt 24 is held to the support arms 54 by rollers 60.

[0026] With this configuration, a portion of the endless belt 24 extends around the diameter of the pressure vessel 30, while another, longer length portion extends around the roller 22 and to and between the support arms 54. This configuration of the stabilizer 20 allows the effective length of the belt 24 around and contacting the pressure vessel 30 to be adjusted in various ways. Such adjustment can be used to accommodate changes in the diameter of the pressure vessel as the thickness of the filament band 26 increases under the inner layer of the belt 24. Additionally, or alternatively, the effective length of the belt 24 around and contacting the pressure vessel 30 can be adjusted to accommodate various diameters of pressure vessels that are placed in the winding machine 40 to receive the dome reinforcement filament thereon. Figures 16A-19B illustrate four different ways in which the apparatus 20 can provide adjustability of the effective belt length around various sized pressure vessels 30. It will be understood that all of the configurations of these embodiments are described in connection with configurations in which the apparatus 20 extends beyond the pressure vessel 30. Although each of these configurations will not be specifically described, the device can be retracted from the pressure vessel 30 as shown in Figures 12-14.

[0027] A first adjustment device is shown in Figures 16A and 16B, with the configuration for a smaller diameter pressure vessel 30 being described with reference to Figure 16A and the configuration for a larger diameter pressure vessel 30 being described in connection with the structure shown in Figure 16B. Figure 16A is very similar to Figure 10, and therefore the description of Figure 10 applies. Figure 16B shows the positioning actuator 56 in an extended position to shorten the length of the belt 24 between the rollers 60. Therefore, an increased length of the belt 24 can be wrapped around a larger pressure vessel 30.

[0028] A second adjustment device is shown in Figures 17A and 17B, with the configuration for a smaller diameter pressure vessel 30 being described with reference to Figure 17A and the configuration for a larger diameter pressure vessel 30 being shown in connection with the structure shown in Figure 17B. Figure 17A shows a configuration in which the axle 74 of the roller 60 is slidably received within the slot 72 of the channel 62. As shown in Figure 17B, to accommodate a larger diameter pressure vessel 30, the roller 60 slides to another point within the channel 62 to increase the effective length of the belt 24 wrapped around the pressure vessel 30. Although not specifically shown, the movement of such rollers may be assisted and controlled by an additional set of hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinders.

[0029] A third adjustment device is shown in Figures 18A and 18B, with the configuration for a smaller diameter pressure vessel 30 being described with reference to Figure 18A and the configuration for a larger diameter pressure vessel 30 being shown in connection with the structure shown in Figure 18B. In Figures 18A and 18B, the support arm 54 is provided in two pieces with arm portions 54a and 54b that slide and extend relative to one another. Figure 18A shows the device 20 with a smaller pressure vessel 30. Because the length of the belt 24 surrounding the pressure vessel 30 is relatively short, the actuator 76 can be adjusted to move the roller 2 2 18B, the actuators 56 are extended to accommodate the shorter arms 54. In FIG. 18B, the actuators 56 are extended to accommodate the shorter arms 54. The longer effective length of the support arms 54 is achieved by sliding arm portion 54b along arm portion 54a. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of each actuator 76 are attached to support arm portions 54a and 54b, respectively. In FIG. 18B, the actuators 56 are extended to accommodate the shorter arms 54.

[0030] A fourth adjustment arrangement is shown in Figures 19A and 19B, where the arrangement for a smaller diameter pressure vessel 30 is described with reference to Figure 19A and the arrangement for a larger diameter pressure vessel 30 is shown in connection with the structure shown in Figure 19B. Figures 19A and 19B show an arrangement that uses an additional roller 78 over the portion of the belt 24 that spans between the rollers 60. As shown in Figure 19A, the effective length of the belt 24 between the rollers 60 is increased by retracting the actuator 80. As shown in Figure 19B, the actuator 80 is extended, shortening the length of the belt 24 between the rollers 60 and increasing the effective length of the belt 24 around a larger pressure vessel 30.

[0031] 12-14 show the apparatus 20 in a retracted configuration, with the rollers 22 being withdrawn from the pressure vessel 30 in the direction 64 depicted in FIG. 2. Although not shown in some of the drawings to avoid obscuring the view of the components being described, each end 66 of the positioning actuator 56 is pivotally attached to the frame 46 or another support of the modified winding machine 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning actuators 56 are extendable cylinders that may be driven by means including, for example, electronics or the use of hydraulic or pneumatic fluids. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, when the positioning actuators 56 are extended, the rollers 22 and belt 24 are retracted away from the pressure vessel 30. In an exemplary embodiment, this change in configuration is caused by the pivoting of the end 66 of the positioning actuator 56 at its connection with the frame 46 and the pivoting of the support arm 54 at a pivot joint 58 opposite the positioning actuator 56. This retracted position of the stabilizer 20 shown in FIGS. 12-14 allows for insertion, removal, and other positioning adjustments of the pressure vessel 30 within the winding machine 40.

[0032] The change in position between the extended device 20 shown in Figures 9-11 and the retracted device 20 shown in Figures 12-14 may be effected automatically by software executed by the controller 48 and / or may be controlled manually by user input to the user interface 50. Although not specifically shown, any user interface may be used, including, for example, a keyboard, monitor, touch screen, knobs, buttons, or levers.

[0033] 9-11, in the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 20, when the roller 22 is extended so that the inner layer of the endless belt 24 contacts a portion of the circumference of the pressure vessel 30, the arms 54 are tilted so that the distance between the pair of arms 54 on the contact roller 22 is shorter than the distance between the pair of arms 54 adjacent to the roller 60 that does not contact the pressure vessel 30. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the pair of arms 54 adjacent to the contact roller 22 is shorter than the distance between the pair of arms 54 adjacent to the frame 46.

[0034] In this manner, clearance space 44 is maintained at a relatively short distance sufficient to permit linear side-to-side movement of wind eye 32 via movement of carriage 52. This configuration places the inner layer of endless belt 24 in contact with the majority of the circumference of pressure vessel 30. Pressure is thus maintained by roller 22 and belt 24 on filament band 26 laid on the pressure vessel surface, pressing the resin-impregnated filaments onto the pressure vessel surface and facilitating bonding between filament band 26 and the underlying pressure vessel surface and filament band. By providing pressure belt 24 as an endless belt around roller 22 (and, in some embodiments, roller 60), the belt surface is positioned such that pressure vessel 30 is positioned around axis of rotation 30. 9, it moves around rollers 22, 60 with the pressure vessel 30. Therefore, there is no relative motion at the contact point of the belt 24 on the underlying pressure vessel surface or filament band 26. Thus, there is no slippage between the pressure belt 24 and the underlying filament band 26 or surface of the pressure vessel 30, and uniform pressure is applied to the pressure vessel 30 and the newly deposited filament band 26.

[0035] Slippage between the belt 24 and the liner or composite shell of the underlying pressure vessel 30 can displace the composite material of the filament band 26, compromising the strength of the material. Therefore, the belt 24 is maintained under tension to maintain a relatively high level of contact pressure with the liner or composite shell of the underlying vessel 30. The high contact pressure also helps prevent the ends of the filament band 26 from being pulled out from under the belt 24 when the winding band 26 pulls away under tension. The effective length of the belt 24 in contact with the vessel 30 and its application of pressure are selected depending on how the apparatus 20 is positioned around the vessel 30. In one embodiment, all rollers 22, 60 are freewheeling (undriven), with the rotating vessel 30 providing the driving rotational force for the system. In an alternative embodiment, the rollers 22 can be driven and rotated at a slightly different speed to create additional tension in the belt 24 in the area of ​​contact with the liner or composite shell of the underlying vessel 30.

[0036] The constant pressure provided by the belt 24 and rollers 22 provides ease and reliability of manufacture with few moving parts. The stabilizer 20 remains in this constant extended position as the wind eye 32 of the winding machine 40 traverses from side to side, while the pressure vessel 30 moves around the axis of rotation 3 to form the dome reinforcement pattern shown in FIG. 5. 9, in a rotational direction 36, which results in the closed pattern dome cap 34 shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 9-14, the rollers 22 and belt 24 are movable into and out of a position opposite the pressure vessel 30. After formation of the dome cap 34 is complete, the stabilizer 20 can be removed from the pressure vessel 30, for example, by retracting the rollers 22 and mounting belt 24 in direction 64, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] In the exemplary retracted configuration shown in Figures 12-14, the support arms 54 are aligned with one another in a generally vertical position. This retraction moves the mounting roller 22 and belt 24 away from the surface of the pressure vessel 30. Thus, the position of the pressure vessel 30 relative to the winding machine 40 can be adjusted, including removing the pressure vessel 30 from the winding machine 40. In an exemplary method for reinforcing the dome end 28 of the pressure vessel 30, after forming one dome cap 34, the pressure vessel 30 is turned so that the other dome end 28 is positioned to receive the filament band 26 deposited thereon by the wind eye 32. The exemplary completed pressure vessel 30 then has a dome cap 34 at each of the two opposing ends 28 of the pressure vessel 30. Alternatively, both the wind eye carriage 52 and the apparatus 20 can be moved to the second end 28 of the pressure vessel 30 so that the vessel does not need to be repositioned within the machine 40. Although Figures 12-14 illustrate the adjustment device of Figures 16A-16B, the adjustment device of Figures 17A-17B, 18A-18B, or 19A-19B may be configured such that, in the retracted configuration, the support arms 54 are linearly aligned with one another in a generally vertical arrangement.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a top view of an exemplary winding machine 40 modified to support a stabilizer 20, which is shown in the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The wind eye 32 on the carriage 52 traverses from side to side (in direction 68) to deposit the filament band 26 onto the pressure vessel 30 in a low-angle helical winding pattern, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-5. In one embodiment, the stabilizer 20 can be attached to another carriage, such as at a pivot end 66, for movement in direction 68 as well. Thus, the position of the pressure belt 24 along the length of the pressure vessel 30 can be adjusted depending on the size of the pressure vessel 30 and the configuration of its dome end 28.

[0039] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of assemblies and methods are described. For example, the assembly is configured for use in a system for forming a filament winding 26 on a vessel 30 having a circumference and a length, and includes an endless belt 24 and first and second rollers 22. The endless belt 24 is configured to partially wrap around the circumference of the vessel 30 to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding 26 disposed on the outer surface of the vessel 30. The endless belt 24 moves around the first and second rollers 22. A space 44 is provided between the first and second rollers 22 to allow passage of a filament wind eye 32 of the system, which is configured to move in a reciprocating motion 68 along the length of the vessel 30.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the endless belt 24 travels around third and fourth rollers 60. In the exemplary embodiment, the first roller 22 and the third roller 60 are attached to a first arm 54 configured to connect to a frame 46 of the system. Additionally, the second roller 22 and the fourth roller 60 are attached to a second arm 54 configured to connect to the frame 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the first arm 54 has a channel 62 along which the third roller 60 is configured to roll.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the first arm 54 is attached to the first roller 22 and configured to connect to the frame 46 of the system, and the second arm 54 is attached to the second roller 22 and configured to connect to the frame 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the first extendable actuator 56 is disposed between the first arm 54 and the frame 46, and the second extendable actuator 56 is disposed between the second arm 54 and the frame 46. In the exemplary embodiment, the first extendable actuator 56 is pivotally attached to the first arm 54, and the second extendable actuator 56 is pivotally attached to the second arm 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the first extendable actuator 56 is pivotally attached to the frame 46, and the second extendable actuator 56 is pivotally attached to the frame 46.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second arms 54 are movable between a first configuration shown in FIGS. 9-11 and 15 and a second configuration shown in FIGS. 12-14. In the first configuration, the first and second rollers 22 position the endless belt 24 in contact with the outer surface of the container 30 and the filament winding 26 disposed thereon. In the second configuration, the first and second rollers 22 remove the endless belt 24 from contact with the outer surface of the container 30 and the filament winding 26 disposed thereon. In the exemplary embodiment, in the first configuration, the distance between the first arm 54 and the second arm 54 adjacent to the first and second rollers 22 is shorter than the distance between the first arm 54 and the second arm 54 adjacent to the frame 46. In the exemplary embodiment, in the second configuration, the first and second arms 54 are aligned collinearly.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a machine 40 to form a filament winding on a vessel 30 having a circumference and a length is described. In the exemplary embodiment, the method includes rotating the vessel 30 about a rotation axis 39, moving a filament wind eye 32 in a reciprocating motion 68 along the length of the vessel 30 while depositing a filament winding 26 on the outer surface of the vessel 30, and wrapping endless belt assemblies 22, 24 partially around the circumference of the vessel 30 to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding 26. In the exemplary embodiment, a space 44 is provided in the assemblies 22, 24 at the outer surface of the vessel 30 to allow passage of the filament wind eye 32.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes extending the belt 24 of the endless belt assembly around first and second rollers 22 around which the belt 24 moves. In an exemplary embodiment, wrapping the endless belt assembly partially around the outer periphery of the container 30 includes extending a first arm 54 attached to the first roller 22 from the frame 46 of the machine 40 and extending a second arm 54 attached to the second roller 22 from the frame 46 of the machine 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes retracting the first and second arms 54 to remove the belt 24 from contact with the outer surface of the container 30 and the filament winding 26 disposed thereon. In an exemplary embodiment, retracting the first arm 54 includes extending a cylinder 56 pivotally connected to the first arm 54 and the frame 46 of the machine 40.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes varying the effective length of the belt 24 between the first roller 22 and the second roller 22 around the circumference of the container 30 that contacts the filament winding 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes extending the belt 24 around third and fourth rollers 60 around which the endless belt 24 moves. In an exemplary embodiment, varying the effective length of the belt 24 between the first roller 22 and the second roller 22 includes moving the third roller 60 along the first arm 54.

[0046] Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be included in another embodiment, and vice versa.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly configured for use in a system for forming a filament winding on a container having a circumference and a length, comprising: an endless belt configured as a loop that partially wraps around the outer periphery of the container to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding disposed on the outer surface of the container; first and second rollers around which the endless belt is maintained under tension, the endless belt moving with the container as the container rotates; Equipped with An assembly wherein a space is defined between the first roller and the second roller, and a filament winding eye of the system moves in a reciprocating motion within the space along the length of the container.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third roller and a fourth roller around which the endless belt travels.

3. the first roller and the third roller are attached to a first arm configured to connect to a frame of the system; the second roller and the fourth roller are attached to a second arm configured to connect to the frame; 3. The assembly of claim 2.

4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first arm has a channel along which the third roller is configured to roll.

5. a first arm attached to the first roller and configured to connect to a frame of the system; a second arm attached to the second roller and configured to connect to the frame; The assembly of claim 1 comprising:

6. a first extendable actuator disposed between the first arm and the frame; a second extendable actuator disposed between the second arm and the frame; The assembly of claim 5 comprising:

7. The first arm and the second arm are a first configuration, wherein the first roller and the second roller position the endless belt in contact with the outer surface of the container and the filament winding disposed thereon; a second configuration in which the first roller and the second roller move the endless belt out of contact with the outer surface of the container and the filament winding disposed thereon; and 5. The assembly of claim 3 or claim 4, which is movable between

8. 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein in the first configuration, a distance between the first arm and the second arm adjacent to the first roller and the second roller is less than a distance between the first arm and the second arm adjacent to the frame.

9. The assembly of claim 7 , wherein in the second configuration, the first arm and the second arm are collinearly aligned.

10. 1. A method of using a machine to form a filament winding on a container having a circumference and a length, comprising: rotating the container about an axis of rotation; moving a filament wind eye in a reciprocating motion along the length of the vessel while depositing the filament winding on the exterior surface of the vessel; wrapping an endless belt assembly partially around the outer periphery of the container to contact and apply pressure to the filament winding, the belt of the endless belt assembly being configured as a loop maintained under tension, the endless belt moving with the container as the container rotates; Including, A method wherein a space is provided in the assembly at the outer surface of the container to allow passage of the filament winding eye within the space.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, including extending the belt of the endless belt assembly around first and second rollers around which the belt moves.

12. Partially wrapping the endless belt assembly around the outer periphery of the container comprises: extending a first arm from a frame of the machine, the first arm being attached to the first roller; extending a second arm from the frame of the machine, the second arm being attached to the second roller; The method of claim 11 , comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising retracting the first arm and the second arm to remove the belt from contact with the outer surface of the container and the filament winding disposed thereon.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein retracting the first arm includes extending a cylinder pivotally connected to the first arm and the frame of the machine.

15. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: varying an effective length of the belt around the outer periphery of the container between the first roller and the second roller that contacts the filament winding.

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