Process and system of debundling fiber tow for use in preform mats and molding compositions containing such fibers
US10689781B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2505/12
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that has one or more reels of fiber tow, a cutting element configured to receive the fiber tow to form chopped fiber, and a tube with introduced gas flow configured to receive the chopped fiber. A moving belt is positioned under the tube to collect the chopped fiber. A dispenser is positioned along the moving belt for applying a binder or additive. A treatment chamber receives the treated chopped fiber. A process for debundling fiber tow into chopped fibers is provided that supplies one or more reels of fiber tow to a cutting system, drops the chopped fiber into a tube with introduced gas flow to debundle the chopped fiber with a vortex, collects the chopped fiber exiting the tube onto a moving belt, chemically treats the chopped fiber, and provides the chemically treated chopped to a treatment chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.