Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the transport of a homogeneous mixture of chopped fibers, wherein the fibers remain in a homogeneously mixed condition during their transport from a chopper gun to a workpiece, by use of two transvector apparatus placed in series with a conduit attached therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the manipulation of at least one layer of porous fabric. Fluid flow through a portion of the porous fabric fluid-couples a layer or a plurality of layers of fabric to a movable flow locator having a plurality of flow openings defined therethrough. The operating parameters of the appratus may be adjusted such that many types of fiberglass cloth, woven or continuous strand mat may be sequentially manipulated by the apparatus to form a laminate structure.

Abstract: A method for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets, the sheets and preform material forming a laminate assembly. The laminate assembly is then formed about a mold having the desired contours. The elastomeric sheets maintain the preform material parallel to the surface contours of the mold as the molding process proceeds. A fluid such as air is flowed between the mold surface and the laminate assembly during the forming process to prevent the elastomeric sheets from binding on the mold surface. Wrinkles are eliminated in the final shape of the preform material, and fiber distortion of tears or rips in the material are minimized due to the fluid lubrication between the mold surface and the laminate assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets of the apparatus, the sheets and preform material forming a laminate assembly. The laminate assembly is then formed about a mold having the desired contours. The elastomeric sheets maintain the preform material parallel to the surface contours of the mold as the molding process proceeds. A fluid such as air is flowed between the mold surface and the laminate assembly during the forming process to prevent the elastomeric sheets from binding on the mold surface. Wrinkles are eliminated in the final shape of the preform material, and fiber distortion or tears or rips in the material are minimized due to the fluid lubrication between the mold surface and the laminate assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the determination of the shape of a flat section of fabric prior to application of the fabric to a curved surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming articles of filament reinforced thermosetting plastic, wherein the articles have a core member and the filament reinforcement is applied by a filament placement process. The filament reinforcement is attached to the core member by means of staples especially in concaved portions of the core member. The thermosetting resin may be applied to the article, before, during, or after the filaments are attached to the core member. The filament placement and attachment of the fasteners are carried out by robots that can be adjusted for various shapes by means of programmable controls.