Automated material delivery system
US5954917A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1785
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a process and apparatus for forming structural members from layers of uncured composite material. The apparatus comprises a first station having at least one tape dispensing module, a second station where tape layers that have been deposited on a tool are vacuum treated in order to remove air entrapped between layers of the tape, and a track system which enables movement of the tool between the first and second stations as well as a tool storage station. The process of building the structural members comprises dispensing tape from each of the modules at the first station onto a tool, then removing entrapped air from between layers of deposited tape, then dispensing further layers of tape, then removing entrapped air, etc., until the desired tape configuration has been achieved. Until such built-up structural member is cured, it is stored in racks in the tool storage station. A unique "partial ply" module is disclosed for applying tape segments to the side forming surfaces of the tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.