Composite material collation machine and associated method for high rate collation of composite materials
US6799619B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2037/903
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A composite material collation machine and associated method for fiber tape placement and consolidation at a relatively high rate are provided. The composite material collation machine includes a laser diode array for heating at least one fiber tape, a compaction device for pressing the fiber tape against a workpiece, an inspection system for monitoring the fiber tape, and a controller. The inspection system produces an output representative of at least one characteristic of the fiber tape, and the controller is capable of receiving the output and, based on the output, automatically altering at least one system parameter defining an operational characteristic of the composite material collation machine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.