Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a label to a moving cable, the apparatus comprising: a roller for pressing a label against the moving cable, wherein the label has a first attaching edge and a second attaching edge and wherein the roller comprises: a first roller for pressing the label against the moving cable, wherein the label is pressed against the moving cable with the first attaching edge and the second attaching edge of the label on opposites sides of the moving cable; a first roll down roller for folding the second edge of the label against the moving cable; and a second roll down roller for folding the first edge of the label against the moving cable.

Abstract: Proposed is an apparatus for manufacturing a hair cap. A rubber band mounting unit is formed on one side of the top surface of the workbench. A rubber band conveying unit is formed on the top surface of the workbench and grips the expanded rubber band. A nonwoven fabric cutting unit is formed on the other side of the top surface of the workbench to cut a nonwoven fabric. A nonwoven fabric fusing unit couples the rubber band, conveyed by the rubber band conveying unit, to the nonwoven fabric. A driving unit makes the rubber band conveying unit reciprocate to the rubber band mounting unit or the nonwoven fabric fusing unit. A collecting unit grips and collects the fused hair cap. Processes for placing the rubber band on the peripheral edge of the nonwoven fabric and bonding same are performed rapidly in succession.

Abstract: An automated fiber bundle placement apparatus includes a supply device that supplies a plurality of fiber bundles, a placement head that places each of the fiber bundles on a placement die, an articulated robot, and a guide mechanism that guides the fiber bundles. The placement head includes an introduction hole that introduces the fiber bundles, a plurality of feeding mechanisms that feed the fiber bundles, and a guide roller that corresponds to each of the feeding mechanisms. The placement head includes an S-shaped guide provided for each of the introduction holes, and having a pair of rollers provided so that axes thereof are parallel to each other and having different positions in a direction of a center line of the introduction hole, and a support body supporting the pair of rollers and provided to be rotatable around the center line.

Abstract: Auto-aligning vacuum presses, that include a mobile assembly with a first platen, a vacuum docking station with a second platen, a first locating device to guide the mobile assembly to a desired location along the Y-axis as the mobile assembly moves along the X-axis into the vacuum station, and a second locating device to guide one of the first and second platens along the Z-axis into sealing engagement with the other platen.

Abstract: The method for drying filter rods comprises the steps of providing a filter rod, providing a support surface (2) for receiving the filter rod (4) and guiding the filter rod on the support surface by a guide element (1) arranged above the support surface. The method further comprises the step of supplying a gas stream of compressed gas having a pressure between 0 and 6 bar to the filter rod through the guide element when the filter rod is transported along the support surface, before wrapping the filter rod with a wrapping material (5).

Abstract: A fiber placement head for applying a plurality of composite tape segments on a mold, including one or more lane assemblies each having one or more fluid passageways that receive compressed air; a piston assembly that selectively moves relative to the lane assembly in response to receipt of compressed air; an attachment site configured to releasably couple the lane assembly to a portion of the fiber placement head; an aperture in the lane assembly configured to receive a fastener that releasably couples a subassembly to the lane module, wherein a piston from the piston assembly engages the subassembly; and a subassembly releasably coupled to each lane module by the fastener received by the aperture.

Abstract: A lamination head having bi-directional layup capability has a material supply drum configured to support a material roll of backed material which is comprised of layup material backed by a backing layer. A backing layer separation assembly receives the backed material from the material supply drum and has a backing layer directional control device and first and second backing layer separation mechanisms. The backing layer directional control device in the first mode separation position is aligned with the first backing layer separation mechanism for separating the backing layer from the layup material as the lamination head moves along a first direction of travel. The backing layer directional control device in the second mode separation position is aligned with the second backing layer separation mechanism for separating the backing layer from the layup material as the lamination head moves along a second direction of travel.

Abstract: A method for producing an elongated product. By an extrusion unit, a material is extruded onto a core of the elongated product as a casing having a predetermined wall strength. Downstream of the extrusion unit and while the material is still moldable, the elongated product is supplied in a conveying direction to a molding unit. A portion of the material is held by the molding unit and, from the held material, a molded part is formed in an integral manner on the casing. The formation of the molded part is thereby carried out in an advantageous manner, via a deformation of material of the casing.

Abstract: Various automated fiber placement systems and methods are disclosed. The system can determine steerable paths for the application of a composite material over highly contoured surfaces. The system can determine when a course trajectory would violate a steering limitation (e.g., a maximum bendability of the composite material) and can adjust the trajectory to avoid such violations. The adjustment can create gaps between adjacent courses, which can have a generally flared peripheral shape. The system can fill such gaps with subsequent courses of the composite material. Thus, the system can automatically apply composite material to highly contoured surfaces while also avoiding violation of the steering limitations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter manufacturing apparatus comprising: • a feed path adapted to continuously feed a filter material along a longitudinal transport direction; • a forming device connected to a terminating end of the feed path and adapted to form the filter material into a continuous filter body and to deliver the formed continuous filter body, the forming device including: • a tubular element (8) adapted to allow the filter material to pass therethrough to form the filter tow material into the continuous filter body; and • a steam generator (9) adapted to produce steam, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the tubular element to supply steam to the filter material; • a drain channel (10) in fluid communication with the tubular element adapted to drain fluid from the tubular element; • a valve adapted to open and close the drain channel so as to allow or block discharge of fluid from the tubular element.

Abstract: An insert sheet loading device (10) comprising a movable carriage (12; 12?) for inserting insert sheets into a receiving area (2) of a blank-receiving station (500). The movable carriage (12; 12?) has a plurality of longitudinal bars (27a, 27b). At least one longitudinal bar (27a) has a suction channel (35) leading out, via at least one suction opening (30), onto the surface of the longitudinal bar (27a) for receiving an insert sheet, the suction channel (35) is connected to a vacuum source (31) for holding, by suction, the insert sheet transported by the movable carriage (12; 12?). Also a blank-receiving station, a sheet-shaped element processing machine, and a method for transporting an insert sheet in a receiving area of a blank-receiving station are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for applying thermosetting tape on contoured resilient surfaces off an object which comprises biasing selected section(s) of the resilient member to minimize tape and object distortion. There is also provided a tape laying apparatus configured to enable the optimization of automatic tape application on resilient contoured surfaces and minimize tape and object distortion.

Abstract: A process produces an electrical line which extends in the longitudinal direction and the line has a line core and an outer shell. In a continuous shaping process, individual shell portions of the outer shell are formed successively by surrounding the line core with a curable plastic substance. In at least one portion, the outer shell is produced having a cross-sectional geometry which can be varied in the longitudinal direction of the line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber application head for manufacturing composite material pars and to a corresponding manufacturing method, said head including: an application roll for applying a band formed of one or more fibers onto an application surface; a main guide system for guiding at least one fiber towards said application roll; a heating, system capable of emitting thermal radiation towards the band just before application by the application roll; a cooling system capable of cooling, the application roil from the outside, such as a gas flow; and a drive system capable of rotating the application roll when the roll is not in contact with the application surface.

Abstract: A fiber application machine comprising a fiber application head, a displacing system to displace said fiber application head, fiber storage, and a fiber conveyor to convey the fibers from the fiber storage to the application head. The machine further comprises a safety system comprising at least one perimeter barrier defining a safety zone wherein the displacing system carrying the application head is placed, the fiber storage being arranged outside of said safety zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing and dispensing nanostructure material that can maintain the morphology of the nanostructures. The nanostructures are disposed on a flexible substrate that is spooled into a roll. The substrate can be provided with raised edges that space adjacent portions from each other in the roll to protect the nanostructures from damage or misalignment. The roll can be provided to a cassette that can be sealed to protect the nanostructure material from exposure to unwanted environments and to protect individuals from exposure to the nanostructure material. The substrate can be unrolled in the cassette to permit the nanostructure material to be applied to an item outside the cassette while maintaining the morphology of the nanostructures. Various controls can be provided to unroll the substrate and deposit the nanostructure material with high precision and repeatability.

Abstract: A fiber composite laying device for manufacturing a fiber composite scrim for forming a fiber composite component, includes a laying head, which is configured to supply a fiber composite band continuously in a supply region. A laying roller is configured to receive the fiber composite band from the supply region to unroll it towards a laying surface and to press it onto the laying surface in a laying region. A press is located between the supply region and the laying region and is configured to press the fiber composite band onto the laying roller in a pressing region. A cutter is configured to cut the fiber composite band to length between the supply region and the pressing region.

Abstract: Methods for non-destructive testing of synthetic ropes is described, where the rope in use is subjected to X-ray, terahertz, permanent magnetic field or electromagnetic analysis to determine a pattern, the results of the analysis are compared with a standard pattern determined by the analysis, and the results of the comparison are used in determining whether the rope is fit for use; where the rope comprises at least two types of fibers, the first fiber type has a density which differs from the density of the second fiber type and the second fiber type is of the same polymer material as the first fiber type, but provided with a high-density or low-density material. Ropes suitable for use in this method are also described.

Abstract: A deposition device for controlled deposition of reinforcing fiber bundles on a surface, including a deposition head and a controllable positioning unit, means for providing at least one strand of reinforcing fibers provided with a binder, and a first conveying device, arranged on the deposition head conveys the at least one strand to the deposition head, wherein, when viewed in the conveying direction, means for spreading the at least one strand are arranged on the deposition head, and the deposition head has a second conveying device arranged after the first conveying device, a longitudinal splitting device, arranged between the first and second conveying devices, with at least one splitting element for splitting the at least one strand along the longitudinal extension thereof into two or more partial strands, and a cut-to-length unit arranged after the second conveying device for cutting-to-length the two or more partial strands into fiber bundles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-return valve for a resin injection system, especially for use in electrical cable joints, comprising: a valve housing which includes an outlet for a fluid flowing through the valve; and a valve body which is held by the valve housing and is freely movable between a closed position, in which the outlet is substantially sealed or closed to fluid flow by the valve body, and an open position, in which the outlet is substantially open to fluid flow. Thus, with the present invention, the valve body can be loosely held by the valve housing and the valve need not include any spring means to bias the valve body to the closed position. The invention also provides a resin injection system for sealing a localised breach in an object, such as an electrical cable joint.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a composite structure comprises a multi-axis positioner and an attached end effector comprising an integrated head and creel. The head has a clamp, cut and restart mechanism and a compaction roller with a rotary axis. The creel has a prismatic shape with a coupling device on the top of the creel for attachment to the multi axis positioner and a centerline which passes through the center of the creel and intersects the axis of rotation of the compaction roller. A composite placement head is attached to the bottom of the creel. A plurality of composite material supply spools are mounted on the sides of the creel and face outward from the creel. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the outside surface of the creel for directing the composite material from the supply spools to the fiber placement head.

Abstract: The stack manufacturing apparatus includes a first supporting body supply unit which is configured to intermittently unroll a roll sheet-shaped first supporting body and includes one of a pair of tension applying devices capable of applying tension to the unrolled first supporting body; a first adhesive layer formation unit configured to form a first adhesive layer over the first supporting body while the first supporting body supply unit suspends unrolling of the first supporting body; a first bonding unit configured to bond the first supporting body and a sheet-shaped member using the first adhesive layer; and a control unit which is configured to hold an end portion of the first supporting body and includes the other of the pair of tension applying devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for depositing one- or two-dimensional fiber structures in order to form a two- or three-dimensional fiber structure, in particular a fiber structure in the form of a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or FRP semi-finished product, using a production machine including at least one depositing device and at least one fiber support. The one- or two-dimensional fiber structures have at least one unidirectional fiber layer. The depositing device deposits the one- or two-dimensional fiber structures onto the fiber support in a depositing direction in a controlled manner such that the fiber directions of the deposited one- or two-dimensional fiber structures assume an angle ?>20°, preferably ?>60°, and a maximum of ?=90°, relative to the depositing direction. The one- or two-dimensional fiber structures are deposited on the fiber support in a substantially tension-free manner with respect to the fiber direction of the fiber structures.

Abstract: A pressure head for use in a fiber placement system for thermoplastic composite materials is disclosed. Plies of thermoplastic composite tape are placed onto a mandrel to form a shaped object. The pressure head includes a nozzle and at least one delivery tube for providing fluid medium mixture to the nozzle body, wherein the nozzle directs the fluid medium onto a surface of the shaped object thereby providing a pressure on the surface without direct physical contact of the nozzle with the plies of thermoplastic composite tape.

Abstract: A tool (2, 102, 202) is constructed from a plurality of tessellating elements (34, 134, 234) to form a mandrel for the deposition of composite fibres.

Abstract: An optical fiber is permanently routed easily, quickly, and unobtrusively at a customer premises using an inventive hand tool, without staples or other fasteners. The fiber has an adhesive outer coating that is activated as the fiber is applied by the tool on an exposed surface such as a wall, ceiling, molding, groove, or corner at the premises. When the activated coating hardens, the fiber is bonded to the surface on which it was applied, and the hardened coating also provides physical protection for the fiber. In the disclosed embodiment, the coated fiber is supplied on a spool that mounts on the tool, and the coating is activated by guiding the fiber as it unwinds from the spool through a chamber containing an activating substance. The fiber with the activated coating is then guided to an applicator wheel on the tool which applies the fiber to the surface.

Abstract: A method for laying a fibre material on a mould surface is provided, in which rovings of the fibre material are laid on the mould surface or on a fibre material already laid on the mould surface, wherein the rovings are rolled from a reel which is held by a movable support which is being moved in a desired direction along the mould, wherein the support has at least one roller connected to the movable support by at least one articulated joint such that the roller holds down laid out rovings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure application roller unit 2 for the laying down of fiber strips 80 on a surface 82, with a pressure application roller 7 mounted in a mounting unit 35 such that it can rotate about a shaft 10. In accordance with the invention the pressure application roller 7 is subdivided into a multiplicity of roller segments 4, 6 arranged next to one another, which in each case are mounted in the mounting unit 35 such that they can be displaced. As a consequence of this configuration an optimal adaptability of the pressure application roller unit 2 to a surface 82 of a molding tool 84 that is curved in one or two dimensions is provided. By this means the pressure application roller unit 2 can be guided by means of a robot arm 102, even over molding tool surfaces that are more highly spherically curved in some sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber preform by winding at least one thread in a groove of a mold. The method involves using a flexible element which is capable of becoming deformed by means of flexion, in a plane which contains the winding axis, in order to penetrate into the groove in order to push the sections of the thread(s) towards the base of the groove and/or towards zones which cannot be accessed directly by the thread(s). A set of tools for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber placement system for manufacturing composite components includes at least one material storage enclosure including a material spool assembly, a swiveling roller assembly, and a redirect roller assembly, for each tow to be produced per course, at least one material feeding/cutting station configured with a nip roller drive system, and a cutting mechanism, at least one material transfer station configured with an individual, moveable guide tray for each tow to be produced per course, the moveable guide trays respectively being configured with a vacuum system, and at least one layup station comprising a vacuum table/layup surface, and a pick-and-place device equipped with an end-effector.

Abstract: The inventive method includes the following steps: bringing a plurality of disjointed ribbons (32) of fibers into parallel, at least one ribbon (32) containing long natural fibers; dispersing the adjacent ribbons (32) through a field of tips (60) to form a strip (62) of parallel fibers; tensioning and stretching the strip (62) in the field of tips (60) parallel to an axis of travel (B-B?); binding the fibers of the stretched strip (62) to form the web (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing a product portion can include at least one polymer spray head adapted to create at least one flow of polymeric fibers to produce at least one polymer enrobing zone and a conveyor system adapted to move at least one product portion from at least one position below at least one polymer enrobing zone and to at least one position above at least one polymer enrobing zone to drop each product portion through one or more polymer enrobing zones a plurality times at different orientations to enrobe each product portion with polymeric fibers.

Abstract: A thread material cutting device is provided which is used in an extraction bag sheet manufacturing apparatus, the thread material cutting device having a compact apparatus configuration without the use of a cutter. An extraction bag manufacturing apparatus with the thread material cutting device incorporated therein includes welding means (first sealing device) in which tags retained on a carrying face of a carrier at prescribed intervals and a thread material arranged so as to be placed over the tags are press-heated and thereby welded on the carrier. The thread material cutting device has tension application means such as a pressing plate configured to engage with the thread material placed between adjacent tags so as to apply tension to the thread material. While the welding means is press-heating the thread material onto the tags, the tension application means applies tension to the thread material so as to cut the thread material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite core can include: wrapping a mandrel in a mandrel wrapping process by securing a mandrel with a winding jig; orienting the composite material at a wrap angle to the mandrel; and depositing the composite material around a circumference of the mandrel. The method can further include assembling the wrapped mandrels in a tool and applying a pressure to the composite material during a curing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a stitching apparatus and method of use wherein large spools of material can be used and driven into position in a sewing, embroidery or other stitching machine, thereby decreasing the complexity of the stitching process and reducing breakage and thread depletion. The apparatus generally comprises an upper thread feeding assembly, a lower thread feeding assembly, a stitching surface area and an activation assembly, wherein the activation assembly bonds the upper thread to the lower thread at the stitching surface area.

Abstract: A panel former is provided for producing a panel that is formed from polymer tubing for solar collectors, heat exchangers, and other devices. The panel former can receive the tubing and continuously wrap the tubing around a drum so that support members can be welded to the tubing. After the support members are welded to the tubing, the tubing can be cut along a line substantially parallel to the support members to remove the tubing from the panel former and to form the risers in a panel.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for producing filament-wound products such as pressure vessels and pipes includes a mandrel for supporting a pre-form vessel, a mandrel driver structured to rotate the pre-form vessel, and an array of individual filament supports for guiding individual filaments used in producing the vessel. Using the unique aspects of the apparatus which avoids the customary high-angle fiber crossings significantly speeds up manufacturing and thus lowers product cost, increases product lifetime, reduces fatigue stress, and reduces weight of the finished product. Methods of production are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber application machine, for making components out of composite materials, comprising a fiber application head, fiber storing means, and means for conveying the fibers from said storage means to the application head. The conveying means comprises first flexible tubes, that receive one fiber into its internal passage. Each flexible tube is provided with at least one longitudinal flexible blade of rectangular cross section. Each first flexible tube and its associated flexible blade are placed in a second flexible tube so that the second flexible tube holds the flexible blade substantially against the first flexible tube, while allowing relative longitudinal movement of the flexible blade in relation to the first flexible tube.

Abstract: A lattice support structure or tower comprising one or more open matrix composite strut members connecting a series of interlocking connectors to create a ridged support platform for telecommunications, surveillance, renewable energy, lighting and energy transmission applications. Embodiments of the invention are telescoping for ease of transport and erection. The erection and deployment can be achieved through means of automatic deployment or manual.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes joining a first elastic strip member to a sheet by feeding and surface-contacting the first elastic strip member to a continuous body of the sheet; and joining a second elastic strip member to the sheet by feeding and surface-contacting the second elastic strip member to the continuous body. The first elastic strip member supplied toward a first spindle portion side roller is subsequently put around an outer circumferential face of the first spindle portion side roller and an outer circumferential face of a first oscillating end side roller. The second elastic strip member supplied toward the second spindle portion side roller of a second oscillating arm is subsequently put around an outer circumferential face of a second spindle portion side roller and an outer circumferential face of the second oscillating end side roller of the second oscillating arm.

Abstract: A system for applying composite fiber to a lay-up tool has a fixed creel for supplying fiber to the fiber placement dispensing head and a fixed arm having a first end attached to the creel and having a second end attached to the dispensing head. The dispensing head is fixed on the end of the arm. A robot having a first and second pivot axis and at least a first wrist supports the lay-up tool. The robot manipulates the tool for application of fiber from the head to the tool. Manipulating the tool instead of the dispensing head allows the path length for the fiber between the creel and head to be fixed in length and orientation during application of fiber to the tool.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member with a curved, concave top surface; a second pultrusion die member with a curved, convex bottom surface; a curved die cavity gap formed between the a curved, concave top surface of the first pultrusion die member and the curved, convex bottom surface of the second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap from closed to a specified location to open at a specified location; a pultrusion gripper mechanism having one or more grippers in series, and a computer numerical control (CNC) computer system controlling the die cavity gap adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a fiber or cable on a wall or ceiling of a structure includes providing a fiber, wire or cable pre-coated with a hot melt adhesive that simply needs to be activated by the application of sufficient heat for a sufficient amount of time immediately before installation. Rolls or cartridges of wire or cable pre-coated with the hot melt adhesive are provided. The hot melt adhesive coated wire or cable is fed through a heated chamber, preferably a tip on a portable heating device such as a battery operated soldering iron, which activates the pre-coated hot melt adhesive prior to utilizing the heating tip to apply pressure to the adhesive wire directly to a wall or ceiling thereby adhering the fiber, wire or cable to the desired surface.

Abstract: A tape laminating machine having a compaction roller lays up composite tape over a substrate having a convex radius. The compaction roller folds the tape as it moves over the convex radius, while simultaneously pivoting about a trailing edge of the tape to prevent the compaction roller from lifting off the tape laid just before the convex radius.

Abstract: A fiber application machine including a fiber application head with an application roller for the production of parts made of composite materials. The fiber application head further includes a guiding system to guide the fibers onto the application roller and/or means for the application of resin to each fiber as the fibers leave the guiding system. The fiber application machine can also include a fiber storing system and conveying means for conveying the fibers from the fiber storing system to the application head. The conveying means can comprise flexible tubes, each tube being able to receive a fiber in its inner channel. The conveying means can further include a tension limiting system positioned between the application head and the storing system. The fiber application machine can further include a system for moving the application head.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an optical fiber welding machine, including a device for butt joint of the optical fiber's core. The said device comprises a base and a number of units with V-shape groove. The base and the units are shaped respectively. The said units are mounted on the base fixedly. Comparing with the traditional overall molding device for butt joint of the optical fiber's core, the disclosed embodiment spats said traditional device, which has complicated structure and high accuracy requirements, into a base and a number of V-shape groove units, thus simplifies the shape of the components, which are shaped respectively, so as to facilitate the purpose of molding mould and shaping components, and then the v-shape groove units are mounted on the base. After completion of assembly, a v-shaped slot is grooved on top of each v-shape groove unit to ensure enough precision. The disclosed embodiment reduces both the mold manufacturing cost and the molding cost of components.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member; a second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap formed between the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member; and a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap within a very tight die cavity gap tolerance.

Abstract: A fiber application head for a fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials, comprising a compacting roller, said compacting roller comprising several independent roller segments mounted side by side on an axial rod. Each roller segment comprises a tubular central portion through which said segment is mounted on the axial rod, a tubular peripheral portion having a cylindrical outer surface and one or more curved spring plate arranged between the outer surface (31a) of the central portion and the inner surface of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A fiber application machine for the production of composite material parts, comprising a system for displacing a fiber application head, a fiber storage, and a fiber conveyor for conveying the fibers from the fiber storage to the application head, the fiber conveyor being placed in the internal passage of at least one flexible tubular sheath, the machine further comprising a cooling system adapted to inject cold gas in the internal passage of the sheath.

Abstract: A winding machine for winding a fiber texture on an impregnation mandrel, the winding machine including: a takeup mandrel for storing a fiber texture, the takeup mandrel having an axis of rotation; an impregnation mandrel for having superposed layers of the fiber texture stored on the takeup mandrel wound thereon, the impregnation mandrel having an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the takeup mandrel; at least one electric motor for driving the mandrels in rotation about their respective axes of rotation; and a control unit for controlling the at least one electric motor for driving the mandrels in rotation.