Method for fabricating and installing thermoset sheave inserts

Abstract

The ends of a premeasured length of an elastic, thermoset sheave insert material are laminated together in a special splicing jig for fabricating a unitized insert loop, which is subsequently stretched around a sheave into a preformed insert receiving slot along the circumference thereof. The jig holds the ends of the premeasured length of insert material in alignment as a heated mold, included therein, fits snugly around the ends and applies heat to the joint therebetween, into which the insert material, in liquid form, has been inserted to join the ends. The heat thus applied to the joint accelerates the curing of the liquid into the same consistency as the insert; thereby producing a unitized bond between the ends by which the unitized loop is thus formed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.