Method of and apparatus for blind tufting composite laminated joints
AssigneeLockheed Corporation
InventorsAlbert A. Marrache, Frank C. Snipes, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-threading stitching device for joining uncured composite laminates which comprises a vertically mounted needle shaft adapted for reciprocal motion, a thread feeding means operating synchronously with the needle shaft and self-threading needle means adapted to pick up the thread from the thread feeding means and carry the thread through uncured composite laminate being penetrated by the needle and release the thread in the laminate as the needle withdraws therefrom.
Claims19
A self-threading stitching device for joining uncured composite laminates comprising a machine platform, a vertically reciprocating needle shaft mounted on said platform, means for imparting reciprocating motion to said needle shaft, a thread feeding means operating synchronously with the needle shaft, means for synchronizing the movement of said thread feeding means with the movement of said shaft and self-threading needle means adapted to pick up thread on its down-stroke and to carry said thread through said uncured composite laminate as said needle means penetrates said laminate, said needle means being further adapted to release said thread in said laminate as the needle shaft begins its upward stroke so that a thread loop is left protruding from that side of the composite laminate which is the opposite side from needle entry.
A self-threading stitching device for joining uncured composite laminates comprising a machine platform, a vertically reciprocating needle shaft mounted on said platform, means for imparting reciprocating motion to said needle shaft, thread feeding and positioning means adapted for horizontal motion across the path of movement of the shaft in synchronous relationship with said needle shaft, means for imparting horizontal and synchronous motion to said thread feeding and positioning means, multiple self-threading needle means adapted to pick up thread from said thread feeding and positioning means as said self-threading needle means moves through its downward stroke and being further adapted to carry said thread through said uncured composite laminate and support means for holding said multiple self-threading needle means in a functional relationship with said needle shaft.
A method of joining uncured composite laminates by stitching said laminates together from only one side of said laminates comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing uncured graphite epoxy work pieces;
- (b) securing said uncured work pieces to a means for holding said laminates together;
- (c) providing a self-threading stitching apparatus and a means for moving said stitching apparatus along the surface of said work pieces;
- (d) moving said stitching apparatus along a joint connecting said work pieces and joining the same by loop stitches implanted along said joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.