Patent ID: 6050315
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for the formation of a composite structure of fiber elements on a work surface, said apparatus comprising:fiber element apparatus, said fiber element apparatus including:a base mount securable to a structure for supporting the fiber element apparatus; anda frame member secured and selectively movable with respect to the base mount, and having mounted thereon:a spool holder;a first roller and a second roller for guiding a fiber element received from a spool carried by the spool holder;a guide assembly for receiving the fiber element from the second roller and having associated therewith a drive assembly for selectively moving the fiber element and a knife assembly for selectively cutting the fiber element after movement thereof through the drive assembly; anda compaction element for receiving the fiber element from the guide assembly thereon and pressing the fiber element against the work surface;hard tooling formed having at least two recessed pockets therein and wait least one rib extending between a portion of said at least two pockets for said fiber element; andconsolidation medium having a portion thereof engaging a portion of said at least two recessed pockets in said hard tooling.