Patent ID: 8034162

Claim:
A method of evacuating carbon fiber flakes or dust from an automated carbon fiber placement machine tool head apparatus having a refrigerated spool carrier attached to a positioner cradle that moves along at least two axes, a carbon fiber tow path and redirect apparatus positioned between the refrigerated spool carrier and the automated fiber placement head apparatus, the automated fiber placement head apparatus having at least one free upper direction wheel, at least one motorized roller, at least one feed roller, at least one mechanism designed and designated to cut or sever the carbon fiber tows according to an attendant computer software design instruction, and a main roller for applying the carbon fiber tows to a mold; the method comprising the steps of: enclosing the carbon fiber tow path from the refrigerated spool carrier to the automated fiber placement head apparatus in an air enclosure having at least one opening proximate the main roller, the enclosure having an air enclosure outlet; providing an air flow from the at least one opening over the main roller and the fiber tow path to the air enclosure outlet; filtering the air flow exiting the air enclosure outlet to trap carbon fiber flakes or dust.