Abstract: This lay-up device for automatic positioning of a web of fibers on a mold comprises a lay-up head adapted to move under the control of a numerical control unit, in translation along three axes X, Y, Z and in rotation about the vertical axis Z as well as about a horizontal axis oriented in the direction of feed motion of the machine; the lay-up head (2) carries a roller (10) for applying the web of fibers (4) to be deposited on the surface (6) to be covered; the roller (10) is mounted on a support (18) connected to the head (2) by means of an articulation (20) about a horizontal axis of rotation X' which extends substantially in the direction of feed motion of the machine; this articulation, which is deformable without play (20) and has very slight flexibility, is constituted by a full portion reserved between two slits (22-22') formed between the main support (16) and the auxiliary support (18) of the head (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the industry of shaping a sheet of fibres on a mould for the manufacture of a range of articles such as aircraft wings, in which a sheet or ribbon of glued or adhesive sized fibres is automatically shaped on the mould, the apparatus having an applicator (16) for engaging the fibre elements (7) on the mould (2) and, at a place immediately upstream, a wedge-shaped element (19) having a rounded edge and adapted to separate the top protective film (8) from the fibres prior to their engagement with the mould, and a slot (18) sized to the width of the film and operative to remove the same and to provide accurate guiding of the fibres immediately thereafter engaged on the mould.