Patent ID: 8201608
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B32B,F41H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing a composite laminate, said apparatus comprising: a first unwind station including at least a first roll support assembly and a second roll support assembly, each roll support assembly configured to rotatably support a roll of composite material, wherein said first unwind station is configured such that when a first length of composite material is drawn from said first roll support assembly and a second length of composite material is drawn from said second roll support assembly the first and second lengths of composite material emerge from said first unwind station in a side-by-side arrangement, said side-by-side arrangement defining a web where the first and second roll support assemblies are laterally spaced to each other along the width of the web; a tacking station downstream of said first unwind station, said tacking station defining a tacking surface, the tacking station adapted to receive the web, wherein the tacking station is configured to tack said web; a heating station located downstream of said tacking station, the heating station being adapted to receive and heat said web the heating station comprising an entrance adapted to receive said web, an exit adapted to allow said web to exit said heater; a cover movable between an opened and a closed position; and a heat source for heating said web as it moves between said entrance and said exit; and a processing station comprising at least one calender roll assembly positioned downstream of said heating station, said processing station adapted to receive said web.