Composite tape laying apparatus and method

An automated cut and restart apparatus to form a composite laminated structural shape having multiple deposited surface layers of resin impregnated tape formed with continuous fibers selected from the group consisting of ceramics, metals, carbon, glass compositions and organic polymers which have been preimpregnated with a resin binder and provided with a releasable backing layer comprising:

• (a) a laterally moving head member to continuously apply the resin impregnated tape to the surface of said structural shape with compaction roller means, said head member further having a pair of operationally cooperating mechanisms physically incorporated in said head member to first remove the backing layer from the applied tape while being continuously fed to the structural shape and thereafter sever a predetermined length of the unbacked tape from a tape supply while still being continuously fed from said head member,
• (b) said backing layer removal mechanism having means enabling separation of said backing layer from the tape while further continuously accumulating the removed backing layer in said head member,
• (c) said tape severing mechanism also physically incorporated in said head member including mechanical cutter means which cooperate with pinch roller means enabling forward tape movement when being fed while preventing backward tape movement during tape severance with said cutter means, and
• (d) associated electrical control means to operate said head member in an automated sequential manner.