Patent ID: 7785433
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a composite member, the method comprising the steps of: applying a plurality of tow to a composite workpiece using an end effector; compacting the plurality of tow against the workpiece using a compaction roller; redirecting the plurality of tow toward the compaction roller using a plurality of redirect rollers; translating the compaction roller and the plurality of redirect rollers together in each direction along a compaction axis of the end effector while dispensing the plurality of tow from the end effector; feeding each tow of the plurality of tow toward each redirect roller of the plurality of redirect rollers at substantially a right angle to the compaction axis, in which the plurality of redirect rollers and the compaction roller translate relative to the end effector and are constrained from translating relative to one another; and feeding the plurality of tow toward the compaction roller.