METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FABRICATING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for continuously fabricating a high pressure hose, or the like, which includes axially advancing interconnected hollow mandrels through a plurality of winding stations wherein all of the hose building components are helically wound upon the advancing mandresl. A heat shrinkable webbing may also be wound upon the advancing mandrels so as to cover the hose components. The mandrels are then separated, and steam is introduced into the interior of the mandrels to effect curing of the hose components, with the shrinkable webbing acting to radially compact the components to remove air pockets and smoothly conform the innermost component against the mandrel. A method and apparatus is also provided for unwinding the shrinkable webbing from the hose after curing, and which includes a drive control system which advances the hose through an unwinding deck while insuring that the webbing being withdrawn from the hose is aligned with its take-up spool.