Patent ID: 9415577
Filing Date: 2016-08-16
CPC Classification: B29C,B29D,B32B,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. Apparatus for pultrusion of a composite radius filler having a cross section that varies along its length, comprising: a first tape feed for feeding a first composite prepreg tab ply, wherein the tab ply includes at least first and second widths forming at least one tab therebetween; a second tape feed for feeding a second composite prepreg base ply; a laminator for laminating together the tab ply and the base ply; a pre-forming section for pre-forming the laminated tab and base plies, wherein the preformer includes a tapered conical opening that gradually transitions into a radiused groove having a first cross-section generally approximating a second cross section of the composite radius filler, wherein the pre-forming section further comprises: a main die body; a second die connected to and below the main die with respect to gravity; and a die insert connected to the main die body; and a forming section for forming the pre-formed tab and base plies into cross-sections of differing shapes along the length of the radius filler.