Patent ID: 7353853
Filing Date: 2008-04-08
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fiber placement machine comprising: a creel for supplying a fiber band, a presser member for applying the fiber band to a tool or form, a housing, a second member for receiving the fiber band from the creel and delivering the fiber band to the presser member, the second member being rotatably mounted to the housing for rotation about a longitudinal axis, and means for twisting the fiber band in a longitudinal direction of the fiber band in stages comprising first, second and third redirect rollers for changing the direction and orientation of the fiber band as the fiber band travels from the creel to the presser member, the first, second and third redirect rollers being rotatable about respective first, second and third axes that are located in at least two substantially parallel planes that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second member, the first axis being fixed with respect to the housing, the second axis being rotatable with respect to the housing and with respect to the second member, and the third axis being fixed with respect to the second member.