Abstract: A process for manufacturing a preform, and apparatus therefor, wherein a preform with a branched portion in its cross-section profile is continuously manufactured by delivering a raw form of reinforcing fiber base material with a branched portion in its cross-section profile, among multiple reinforcing fiber base materials for constructing the preform, intermittently in the longitudinal direction thereof; at each delivery discontinuation, performing heat and/or pressure application to the raw base material so as to tentatively obtain a preliminary shaped matter with given configuration; and uniting the obtained preliminary shaped matter with given configuration with raw forms of other reinforcing fiber base materials for constructing the preform.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a spunbond web has a foraminous deposition belt, a system for depositing fibers on the belt such that some of the fibers engage through the belt, and an output roller over which the belt is spanned for normally advancing an upper stretch of the belt in a transport direction toward the output roller. The output roller has a radially outwardly directed outer surface engaging the belt and formed with a profiling in turn formed by high spots contacting the belt and low spots out of contact with the belt so that fibers engaged through the belt are only pinched between the belt and the output roller at the high spots. The web is pulled downstream off the belt at the output roller.

Abstract: A fiber lay-up apparatus and method includes one or more fiber sources from at least one fiber supply wherein a fiber may be fed under tension to provide a pre-stress to the fiber. The fiber lay-up apparatus may include a resin impregnator for impregnating a fiber with a resin. The fiber may be impregnated under pressure to reduce friction, to provide a motive force to move the fiber through the impregnator, or to enhance control over impregnation. The fiber may be shaped by a fiber shaping unit including one or more active or passive shaping members that provide enhanced control over the shape and placement of the fiber as the fiber leaves the fiber lay-up apparatus. A cutting element for cutting a fiber as it is being layed-up may be positioned proximal to the one or more shaping members, and may enable the fiber lay-up apparatus to end the lay-up of one fiber (or set of fibers) and begin the lay-up of a new fiber (or set of fibers) without delay.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing a reinforcement from a thread laid directly in its final position by spraying lengths of the thread onto a receiving surface. The thread lengths are delivered from a conduit to a guide as the conduit rotates about an axis. The guide includes deflectors forming therebetween a slot having a thread inlet orifice and a thread spray (discharge) orifice spaced apart along the guide's height. The separation between the deflectors narrows toward the spray orifice, wherein the deflectors form therebetween an angle in the range of 3° and 7° when measured at any point along the height of the slot.

Abstract: Filamentary materials, such as yarn (18), is wound a frame (28), provided by pairs of movable filaments or wires (35, 38), about which the end of the spindle (22) rotates provides the turns (26) of the winding as the article having the winding is moved along a process path. Mechanically or hydraulically actuated pins (34) support the winding frame in a fixed position. The filaments of the frame may be provided by laterally spaced pairs (44, 46) of filaments of weldable material.

Abstract: A fiber application machine, for making components out of composite materials, that includes a system for displacing a fiber application head, fiber storage means, and fiber conveying means for conveying fibers from said storage means to the application head. The conveying means include flexible tubes connecting the storage means to the application head, each flexible tube being fitted with at least one longitudinal flexible blade of rectangular transverse cross-section, said flexible blade being placed substantially parallel to the plane of transport of the fiber received in the inner passage of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A connection pipe 40A is fit in an introduction pipe 34A. A guide groove 342 extends on the side of the introduction pipe 34A in the Z-axis direction. A guide screw 41 is screwed on the peripheral face of the connection pipe 40A to penetrate through a peripheral wall of the connection pipe 40A. A distal end of the guide screw 41 enters the guide groove 342. The distal end of the guide screw 41 is movable in the Z-axis direction in the guide groove 342. The connection pipe 40A is movable relative to the introduction pipe 34A in the Z-axis direction within the range of the length of the guide groove 342. The connection pipe 40A and the guide pipes 31A are moved in the Z-axis direction with an air cylinder 43. Accordingly, when fiber bundles are arranged using a plurality of guide pipes, the guide pipe is prevented from being caught by a fiber bundle drawn out of another guide pipe.

Abstract: A fiber delivery apparatus having a creel assembly and a fiber placement head is provided. A plurality of fiber spools are stored in the creel assembly. The tow paths from the spools to the fiber placement head are substantially fixed such that movements orienting the fiber placement head relative to a tool are simultaneously applied to the fiber spools as well. As such, the length and orientation of the tow paths between the spools and the fiber placement head are constant.

Abstract: A fiber bundle arranging device is provided that laminates fiber bundle layers formed of a fiber bundle. The fiber bundle is engaged with arranged pins to have straight parts. The device includes a press roller and a first moving device. The press roller includes a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the press roller depresses the straight parts of the fiber bundle engaged with the pins toward the roots of the pins in the vicinity of the pin. The first moving device moves the press roller in the arrangement direction of the pins such that the peripheral portion sequentially intersects the straight parts of the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for handling the backing film in a fiber placement process, by winding-up the backing film, into a roll, as the backing film is separated from a fiber tow. The backing film is wound-up in such a manner that it can be fed back out to rejoin the tow, should it be necessary to rewind a portion of the tow during the fiber placement process. The backing film may be wound onto a paper or cardboard core for ease of removal and handling.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fiber placement head assembly and an infrared heating assembly is provided. The fiber placement head assembly includes a compaction roller assembly and a feeder assembly. An infrared heating assembly, a cooling mechanism, temperature sensors, and a controller are operably coupled to the fiber placement head assembly. The infrared heating assembly includes an infrared heater that generates a heating profile. The heating profile defines a heating zone on either a tool or previously laid tows. If the burn point of either the tool or previously laid tows within the heating zone is approached, the controller, which receives temperature readings from the temperature sensors, simultaneously disables the infrared heater and activates the cooling mechanism. As such, the tool and the previously laid tows are protected from being ruined due to an over temperature condition.

Abstract: Articles (12) made by winding of filamentary material (11), such as yarn and thread, are especially suitable for providing brushes and pile weatherstripping. In order to enable the yarn (11) to be unwound and payed out of spools (24) disposed in a stationary or static array, the yarn is fed from the spools (24) through a rotating spindle (30). A frame (14) located at the beginning of the path and may be provided by laterally spaced pairs of wire (52) which travel around posts (36) provided by rollers on a stationary bracket (38). In order to support the bracket (38) and the frame (14), a shaft (28) reciprocates a pair of support rods (100, 102) in synchronism with the rotation of the spindle (30). Bindings (60, 62) are applied to the ends of the loops (54) as they leave the winding station (14). Slitters (20) divide the loops (54).

Abstract: A compact fiber placement apparatus includes a fiber placement head, an articulated wrist apparatus, and a wrist mounting adapter for connecting the compact fiber placement apparatus to a fiber placement machine. The components of the compact fiber placement apparatus are operatively connected to one another by a wrist rotation torque motor, a head rotation torque motor, and a wrist pivot torque motor, to provide pivoting and rotating motion. A redirect arrangement includes a pivot redirect element driven by the wrist rotation torque motor at one half of the rotational speed at which a first and second wrist element of the articulated wrist apparatus pivot with respect to one another.

Abstract: A replaceable tow alignment path kit for a tow placement device may include a tow alignment tray to guide a predetermined width of tow along a tow path of a tow placement head. The tow alignment tray may include a channel having a width corresponding to the predetermined width of tow and a connector to releasably engage the tow placement head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (5) to be used in a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine including at least one guiding roller (47) for guiding a band (21) of tows to an application head (25), comprising two filtering elements (11, 13) arranged such that a band (21) of tows supported by two plates (15, 17) joined with adjustable clamping means (29) for said filtering elements (11, 13) and means of fixing/separating them to/from said machine, circulates between them. The invention also relates to a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine with at least one cleaning device (5).

Abstract: Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.

Abstract: A rope comprising a plurality of high tenacity polyolefin yarns aligned in a substantially uniaxial direction along the length of the rope. The rope yarns are substantially untwisted and are substantially parallel to each other. The yarns are formed from a plurality of fibers aligned in a substantially uniaxial direction along the length of the yarns, with the fibers being substantially untwisted and being substantially parallel to each other. The fibers comprise high tenacity polyolefin fibers. Adjacent yarns are connected together by contact of their respective resin surface coatings.

Abstract: The invention enables easy jointing of cord fabric performed when cord fabric (F) for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions (P1) (P2) for continuous supply, during drawing to supply of the cord fabric (F) on one side, a start end portion (Fa) of the cord fabric (F) on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin (3) of a jointing holder (1), and is set to a jointing mounting portion (21) in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member (Ra) is pasted thereto, when a final end of the cord fabric (F) on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion (Fb) thereof is pasted to the start end portion (Fa) of the cord fabric (F) held by the holder (1) by interposing the rubber member (Ra) therebetween, the finish end portion (Fb) and the start end portion (Fa) are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members (25) (26), thereafter, the holder (1) is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is made to be drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a bent reinforcing rod in a composite material is described, where the reinforcing rod is composed of longitudinal fibers and a sheathing layer of fibers or foil, comprising the steps: to moisten fiber thread with a binding agent, to reel the moistened fiber thread to a bundle with a closed, approximately circular shape, consisting of a layer of longitudinal, parallel fibers of a desired thickness, whereby all the fibers in the layer obtain an approximately equal axial tightening, and to envelope an outer layer of fiber threads, and/or foil, or other suitable material, around the layer of longitudinal fibers, and that the fabricated blank is given a final form in a second forming process. The invention also relates to a device (10) for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pultrusion of polyurethane resin is provided. The method comprises impregnating fibres with polyurethane resin to produce polyurethane impregnated fibres, and then pulling the polyurethane impregnated fibres through a pultrusion die. The pultrusion die defines a pultrusion path with a heated reaction zone of from about 20 to about 60 cm in length. The apparatus comprises a pultrusion die in combination with a polyurethane resin, the pultrusion die comprising, a body defining a pultrusion path with a heated reaction zone from about 20 to about 60 cm in length.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a unique nonwoven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator including a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship and a tensioner is provided for applying the weft yarn material around the warp yarns in a predetermined tension which may be the same as, greater than, or less than the tension in the warp yarns.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a spunbond web has a foraminous deposition belt, a system for depositing fibers on the belt such that some of the fibers engage through the belt, and an output roller over which the belt is spanned for normally advancing an upper stretch of the belt in a transport direction toward the output roller. The output roller has a radially outwardly directed outer surface engaging the belt and formed with a profiling in turn formed by high spots contacting the belt and low spots out of contact with the belt so that fibers engaged through the belt are only pinched between the belt and the output roller at the high spots. The web is pulled downstream off the belt at the output roller.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a radiation heating structure comprising a heating film electrically powered to produce Joule heating, a radiating film comprising radiating additives and a thermally insulating film. The insulating film and the radiating film are fixed on either side of the heating film. The structure is obtained by double injection of polymerizable resins in a heating mould, a first resin being filled with radiating additive on the side of the heating film and a second more fluid resin on the side of the insulation.

Abstract: A composite item is fabricated with a device. The device includes and end effector and a positioning device. The end effector places a tow. The end effector includes a spindle, compaction device, and a path. The spindle detachably secures a spool of tow and the path is disposed from the spool to the compaction device. The positioning device positions the end effector. The end effector is detachably secured to the positioning device.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, a device places a composite ply on a curved form at about 0° relative to a longitudinal axis of the form. The form includes a web surface and a cap surface. The device includes a web compaction roller and a set of guides. The web compaction roller compacts a composite material upon the web surface and generate a web ply. The set of guide rollers urges against the cap surface. The compaction roller is directed along the form by the guide rollers.

Abstract: A system and process for separating and linking composite fibers, fiber bundles and the like in a filament winding installation (10) for the manufacture of rotationally symmetric wound packages (70) has a feeding device (11) for a fiber strand (12) impregnated with a matrix material which is wound on a rotatably driven base element (20). The system has at least one separating device (30) for cutting the fiber strand (12) and contacting the package-sided end (13) of the fiber strand (12) on the completed wound package (70). Also provided is at least one binding device (50) for linking the free end (14) of the fiber strand (12) with an adjacent new non-wound base element (20).

Abstract: In a continuous molding apparatus equipped with a long core 10 having a curvature disposed on a plane, a release film supplied from a lower release film feeder 20 is sent onto the core 10, and prepreg sheets supplied from a prepreg sheet feeder 30 are laminated thereon and preformed. A release film supplied from a release film feeder 40 is disposed on top of the laminated body, before the body is sent into a hot press 50. A puller 60 moves the laminated body without loading tension thereto. The laminated body enters a postcure device 70 in which thermosetting of the material is completed.

Abstract: A fiber application machine, for making components out of composite materials, that includes a system for displacing a fiber application head, fiber storage means, and fiber conveying means for conveying fibers from said storage means to the application head. The conveying means include flexible tubes connecting the storage means to the application head, each flexible tube being fitted with at least one longitudinal flexible blade of rectangular transverse cross-section, said flexible blade being placed substantially parallel to the plane of transport of the fiber received in the inner passage of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a multi-layer composite laminate. Layers of material made up of z-axis fiber and y-axis fibers are automatically transported into a z-fiber deposition machine having a housing with upper and lower surfaces. Z-axis apertures are formed in the respective upper and lower surfaces. An elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip is aligned in close proximity to the aperture in the bottom surface. The rod is first rotated by a motor and then actuated upwardly completely through the thickness of the layer of x-y material by an actuator. A first hollow tube having a z-axis is axially aligned with the aperture in the top surface and a fiber bundle is threaded downwardly through a first hollow tube to a position adjacent its bottom end.

Abstract: Articles (12) made by winding of filamentary material (11), such as yarn and thread, are especially suitable for providing brushes and pile weatherstripping. In order to enable the yarn (11) to be unwound and payed out of spools (24) disposed in a stationary or static array, the yarn is fed from the spools (24) through a rotating spindle (30). A frame (14) located at the beginning of the path and may be provided by laterally spaced pairs of wire (52) which travel around posts (36) provided by rollers on a stationary bracket (38). In order to support the bracket (38) and the frame (14), a shaft (28) reciprocates a pair of support rods (100, 102) in synchronism with the rotation of the spindle (30). Bindings (60, 62) are applied to the ends of the loops (54) as they leave the winding station (14). Slitters (20) divide the loops (54).

Abstract: A fiber placement machine has a creel that supplies a fiber band to a presser member that applies the fiber band to a tool or form. The presser member is part of a head that is attached to the creel of the machine by a wrist that provides movement about yaw, pitch and roll axes with respect to the creel. The fiber band is supplied by a fiber band delivery system that is associated with the wrist and that is characterized by a capability to twist the fiber band in two stages about the yaw axis or the roll axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (5) to be used in a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine including at least one guiding roller (47) for guiding a band (21) of tows to an application head (25), comprising two filtering elements (11, 13) arranged such that a band (21) of tows supported by two plates (15, 17) joined with adjustable clamping means (29) for said filtering elements (11, 13) and means of fixing/separating them to/from said machine, circulates between them. The invention also relates to a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine with at least one cleaning device (5).

Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lamination on a mandrel surface of a tool having a rotational axis includes a mechanical supporting structure that supports multiple material delivery heads. The tool is moveable and rotatable relative to the mechanical supporting structure. The mechanical supporting structure provides for axial translation of the material delivery heads relative to the mandrel surface while the mandrel surface is rotated for laying down courses of composite material over the entire mandrel surface of the tool. The position and movement of each of the plurality of material delivery heads is individually adjustable. Arm mechanisms provide motion of each material delivery head in a direction normal to the mandrel surface; rotation about an axis normal to the mandrel surface; circumferential position adjustment in a hoop direction relative to the mandrel surface; and axial position adjustment relative to the other material delivery heads.

Abstract: An assembly for use in continuously forming a plurality of lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers. The assembly includes a breaker plate having a conically shaped inner portion and a planar outer portion. A plurality of extrusion dies are disposed in the outer portion wherein each die defines a die hold configuration at its lower end for the extrusion of one or more monofilament polymer strands therethrough, and a drive assembly is provided for rotating each of the dies at a predetermined speed such that upon directing a flow of molten monofilament polymer material onto the breaker plate, the material is directed from the inclined central portion onto the planar outer portion where it is extruded through the rotating dies to create a plurality of twisted strands of polymer material that upon cooling, stretching and heating, define lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying an additive to a moving web of filter material of the tobacco-processing industry are provided. An adjustable window defines an opening, and additive is applied through the window opening onto the web.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a web of fibrous media wherein at least one formed layered portion is attenuated from a first die source selectively unto a first collector and successively combining such portion with at least another formed layered portion which is attenuated from a second die source selectively unto a second collector, at least one of the outer surfaces of the web of fibrous media being of comparatively smooth skin-like nature to minimize projecting fiber ends.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for continuously forming an FRP square pipe comprises a long core 10 for laminating prepreg sheets, and to this core 10 are fed prepreg sheets from prepreg laminating devices 20, 30, 40 and 50 with a release film interposed between the core, so as to be laminated into square pipe form. The core 10 has an outer diameter size smaller than the inner diameter size of the square pipe to be formed. The outer circumference of the square pipe is wrapped with a tape-like film fed from a tape-like release film wrapping device 200 in spiral fashion, and the work is heated and pressed in a hot press 100. The work is then subjected to additional heating in a postcure furnace 110 to form the FRP square pipe. The square pipe is intermittently pulled by a puller 130 disposed downstream of a clamp 120. The pipe is then cut to predetermined lengths by a cutter not shown to be completed as a product.

Abstract: A method for producing a spunbonded nonwoven fabric by extruding a linear sheet of filaments arranged parallelly side by side in the form of a curtain from a plurality of spinning capillaries, involving aerodynamical pulling off and drawing of the filament sheet, the filament sheet (8) which emerges from the drawing duct (12) or which is pulled off a spool being moved laterally crosswise by an air flow having periodically changing directions, the air flow being oriented alternately at an angle toward the filament sheet (8) as viewed in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A web or fleece of synthetic resin strand collected on a sieve belt is discharged from the sieve belt into further processing equipment over a rerouting roller at the discharge end of the sieve belt. The rerouting roller is perforated and air or another fluid medium is passed through the belt at the rerouting roller to reduce adhesion forces between the belt and the web and lift the web from the belt without damage to the belt.

Abstract: Process and system for fabricating a multidirectional fibrous reinforcement designed to be a porous preform for producing a part made of a composite material. Reinforcing thread is deposited in successive layers on a support surface. A binder is provided in association with the reinforcing thread so as to adhere the reinforcing thread to the support surface and the successive layers of thread. The reinforcing thread is pressed against the support surface in a manner that exerts a pressure substantially perpendicular to the support surface at the point where the thread is deposited. The binder may be pre-applied to the support surface or it can be applied simultaneously with the reinforcement thread.

Abstract: A fiber lay-up apparatus and method includes one or more fiber sources from at least one fiber supply wherein a fiber may be fed under tension to provide a pre-stress to the fiber. The fiber lay-up apparatus may include a resin impregnator for impregnating a fiber with a resin. The fiber may be impregnated under pressure to reduce friction, to provide a motive force to move the fiber through the impregnator, or to enhance control over impregnation. The fiber may be shaped by a fiber shaping unit including one or more active or passive shaping members that provide enhanced control over the shape and placement of the fiber as the fiber leaves the fiber lay-up apparatus. A cutting element for cutting a fiber as it is being layed-up may be positioned proximal to the one or more shaping members, and may enable the fiber lay-up apparatus to end the lay-up of one fiber (or set of fibers) and begin the lay-up of a new fiber (or set of fibers) without delay.

Abstract: In a method of the present invention for producing elastomer/steel-wire composite, a steel wire is drawn through a plurality of drawing dies, and the steel wire is coated with an elastomer within 30 secs. after the steel wire passed through the final drawing die. An apparatus of the present invention for producing an elastomer/steel-wire composite comprises a wire drawer for drawing a steel wire through a plurality of drawing dies, and a rubber coater for coating the steel wire with an elastomer, and the coating is completed within 30 secs. after the steel wire passed through the final drawing die.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for producing a spunbonded fabric web comprising a diffuser defining for the filaments a passage with diverging cross-section, and mounted a certain distance from the slot attenuator, and a conveyor for receiving the filaments coming out of the diffuser. The uniformity of the web is enhanced by means of a device separating the filaments by electrostatic process mounted at a higher level than the bottom of the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a melt blown web in which the collecting screen upon which the filaments are deposited passes over a plurality of suction regions or areas which have respective suction blowers and controls for the suction force and air throughput.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for producing a spunbonded fabric web comprising a diffuser defining for the drawn filaments a passage with diverging cross-section, and mounted a certain distance from the slot attenuator, and a conveyor receiving the filaments coming out of the diffuser. The uniformity of the web is enhanced by means of a device separating the filaments from each other by electrostatic process mounted at a higher level higher than the bottom of the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.

Abstract: Multi-application head for fiber strips, consisting of a spool carrier (1), on which a plurality of spools are attached (2) as suppliers of the application strips (3), which are fed separately into the proximity of the application area (4), where they pass through a feed port, passing through guide combs (5 and 6) which position them according to a collateral distribution and through rollers (7 and 8) which drive each one of the strips (3) towards the application area (4).

Abstract: In a method of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite, steel wires are continuously drawn, and the drawn steel wires are not taken up but fed to a rubber coater so that the steel wires are coated with unvulcanized rubber. An apparatus of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite comprises a wire drawer for drawing steel wires continuously, and a rubber coater for coating the steel wires with unvulcanized rubber, and the steel wires drawn by the wire drawer are not taken up but are led to the rubber coater.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spun-bond webs has, beneath the receiving belt, a suction unit having at least two suction zones including a primary suction zone and at least one other suction zone, the primary suction zone receiving most of the filaments from an aerodynamic stretching unit below a spinneret. The suction speeds in the two zones can be adjusted independently of one another. Preferably three such zones are provided in succession in the direction of displacement of the perforated belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a unique non-woven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for adhesive coated parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation with the adhesive coating on the outside, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric composite so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator includes a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship. Tension on the weft yarns is provided by the rotation of the drum (centrifugal force) and a stationary conical aligner is used to guide the weft yarn material onto the warp yarns in substantially perpendicular alignment.