Machine and method for forming laminations

Abstract

A machine and method for forming a variety of predetermined shapes of curved laminations formed from a plurality of individual laminates bonded together by an adhesive. The laminating machine comprises a support frame, a rotating RF-conducting capstan mounted in the support frame, and an RF-conducting anvil supported by the support frame in opposing relation to the capstan. An RF energy source is operatively connected to the capstan, and a ground terminal is operatively connected to the anvil. Custom template flanges serve both as determinants of a particular lamination's curved shape and also preferably as components of the completed laminated structure, which includes the curved lamination. Each template flange includes a laminate retainer, preferably an elongated groove, which holds a foundation laminate in a predetermined curved shape. Additional structural laminates are laminated onto facing surfaces of the foundation laminate so that the lamination thus formed assumes the predetermined shape of the foundation laminate. In operation of the laminating machine, the laminates are fed through a lamination passage between the capstan and the anvil, whereby the laminates are pressed together into a completed curved lamination. At the same time, RF energy is transmitted across the lamination passage from the capstan to the anvil to heat-cure adhesive applied to facing surfaces of the laminates.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.