Patent ID: 7611601
Filing Date: 2009-11-03
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a composite item from a prepreg comprising a resin coated or pre-impregnated course material placed on a layup form, the method comprising: determining a first location on the layup form to place the prepreg; determining a second location on the layup form to stop placing the prepreg; cutting the prepreg to generate a first edge that substantially conforms to the layup form at the first location in response to the first edge being different from the layup form at the first location; generating a vacuum to releasably secure the prepreg to a porous cylindrical anvil; removing the prepreg from the porous cylindrical anvil with a vacuum pickup device; tacking the first edge to the layup form at the first location; applying the prepreg long a natural path of the layup form between the first location and the second location, wherein the prepreg is urged outward from about a longitudinal centerline of the prepreg by movement of a curved surface relative to the prepreg; and cutting the prepreg material to generate a second edge that substantially conforms to the layup form at the second location in response to approaching the second location.