Patent ID: 9321220
Filing Date: 2016-04-26
CPC Classification: B29C,B29K,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method of foaming a bias-ply with an automated material preparation device, the method comprising: laying out a length of bias-ply backing material, the bias-ply backing material having a select width, the bias-ply backing material configured to be removed from the bias-ply during formation of a part on a tool; adjustably controlling a tension in the laid out length of the stretchable bias-ply backing material; laying out a length of feedstock having feedstock backing material and a layer of fiber-reinforced pre-preg material, the feedstock crossing a select portion of the width of the bias-ply backing material along a first section of the bias-ply backing material at a select angle, wherein the select angle between the feedstock and the bias-ply backing material is adjustable; transferring the layer of fiber-reinforced pre-preg from the feedstock backing material directly onto the first section of the bias-ply backing material; and bias-ply backing material; and cutting the transferred layer of fiber-reinforced pre-preg material on the first section of bias-ply backing material with an automated cutter while at least of portion of the layer of fiber-reinforced pre-preg material is in contact with the bias-ply backing material to form a bia-ply having the layer of fiber-reinforced pre-preg material at a select orientation relative to an edge of the formed bias-ply.