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US 8,282,757 B2Granted
Automated composite annular structure forming
AssigneeAlliant Techsystems Inc.
InventorsChristopher J. Madsen, Eric McNabb, John Schowengerdt, John B. Healey, Todd Rosevear, Kevin Fehlmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Method and apparatus for forming an annular composite structure is provided. In one embodiment an apparatus for forming annular composite structures is provided. The apparatus includes an annular shaped tool and a forming head. The annular shaped tool includes a forming surface of a select cross-sectional geometry. The forming head is configured to form continuous ply layers one ply at a time circumferentially about the forming surface of the tool.
Claims11
An apparatus for forming annular composite structures, the apparatus comprising:
- an annular shaped tool having a forming surface of a select cross-sectional geometry;
- and
- a forming head configured to form continuous ply layers one ply at a time circumferentially about the forming surface of the tool, the forming head having at least one frame member being in a curved configuration that generally matches the contour of the annular shaped tool to position a plurality of spaced forming rollers coupled to the at least one frame member in such a manner that each roller is configured and arranged to assert a select force at an orientation and location to form each ply over the forming surface of the annular shaped tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.