Patent ID: 7591299

Claim:
An apparatus for the production of metal matrix ribbon or tape comprising: a creel comprising a plurality of spools having a reinforcing continuous fiber tow wound thereon; a mechanism for consolidating a plurality of said continuous fiber tows into a consolidated tow bundle, wherein the mechanism comprises a condenser board having a plurality of apertures and an entrance roller, wherein said condenser board is arcuate in shape, wherein the continuous fiber tows pass through the plurality of apertures and are consolidated on the entrance roller, and wherein said condenser board and entrance roller are positioned between the creel and an infiltration section, and wherein said condenser board is positioned before entry to the infiltration section; said infiltration section comprising: a furnace for the containment of molten metal; a mechanism for moving said tow bundle through molten metal contained in said furnace; and an ultrasonic processor for assisting the infiltration of said molten metal into said consolidated tow bundle to form an infiltrated tow bundle; and a pulling device for drawing said tow and said consolidated tow bundle through said infiltration section.