Patent ID: 8685199
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a butt joint between ends of first and second plies to splice the first and second plies together, the method comprising: providing first and second plies; providing pairs of upper racks extending end-to-end having first upper racks pivotable with respect to nonpivotable second upper racks; providing pairs of lower racks extending end-to-end adjacent the pairs of upper racks, the pairs of lower racks having first lower racks pivotable with respect to nonpivotable second lower racks; positioning an end of the first ply on the first lower racks; positioning an end of the second ply on the second lower racks; clamping the first and second plies between the pairs of upper racks and the pairs of lower racks; pivoting the first upper racks to engage with the nonpivotable second upper racks and pivoting the first lower racks to engage with the nonpivotable second lower racks to move the end of the first ply against the end of the second ply while the second ply is held stationary by the nonpivotable second upper and lower racks, and to firmly press the first and second plies together to define a splice; and upon contact between the ends of the first and second plies with one another, sliding the first lower racks over a first surface of the first ply until the first lower racks fully engage with the nonpivotable second lower racks, and sliding the first upper racks over a second surface of the first ply until the first upper racks fully engage with the nonpivotable second upper racks.