Apparatus and method for fabricating laminated structures
US5944947A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1744
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A laminating machine has an upper platen which is laterally rigid but transversely flexible. The upper platen is adjacent to a lower platen. Two sheets of material to be laminated together to form a laminated structure, such as a membrane switch, are held respectively on the upper and lower platens. A press roller is mounted behind the upper platen. The press roller is connected to an actuator that can sweep the press roller across the back face of the upper platen. The laminating cycle includes moving the upper platen so that it makes a shallow angle with the lower platen and advancing the press roller to flex the lower platen. The press roller is then advanced to compress the upper platen against the lower platen along a narrow nip which sweeps across the face of the lower platen. The machine avoids entrapment of air between the sheets which is a problem in prior laminating machines. The machine may be made in a manner which facilitates the quick and accurate alignment of the sheets on the upper and lower platens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.