Patent ID: 8028736
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: B29C,B32B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for forming a fibrous reinforcement layer having at least one chopped fiber layer of cross-directionally oriented fibers formed on an array of continuous fibers in a first orientation, the system comprising: a feeder for feeding said array of continuous fibers in said first orientation; and, a chopped fiber dispenser including a nozzle to dispense generally aligned, closely spaced chopped fibers onto the array of continuous fibers in respective multiple second controlled orientations with respect to the first orientation of the array of continuous fibers, said chopped fiber dispenser being selectively movable relative to said array of continuous fibers to vary a positional relationship of said chopped fibers placed on said array of continuous fibers, wherein the nozzle includes a fluid directing device for directing a fluid into the nozzle.