Abstract A system for preparing an elongated laminated strip having a plurality of layers of metal fibers with the fibers of each layer being disposed at angles to the fibers of adjacent layers, including at least two fiber cutting shredders which are mounted on a movable carriage above a conveyor belt. The movable carriage travels back and forth over a short segment of travel of the conveyor belt and the shredders are rotatably mounted on the carriage for dropping successive layers of metal fibers onto the conveyor belt with the fibers of each layer being disposed at angles to each other. At the end of travel of the carriage in each direction the shredders are rotated to different angles and the belt simultaneously moves a short increment of travel, whereby a continuous multiple layered strip of metal fibers is produced. At another work station on the belt an adhesive binder is applied to the strip so that upon leaving the belt the strip may be wound upon a reel for storage and handling.
In the method of preparing a flat elongated fiber metal strip comprising a plurality of layers of metal fibers wherein the fibers in each layer are substantially parallel to one another but at a significant angle to the fibers in an adjacent layer, the steps comprising applying to a support member a first initial layer of a predetermined relatively short length of fine metal fibers parallel to each other, applying over said initial layer at least one other first layer of a similar predetermined short length with the start and end of each of said other first layer being staggered with respect to the end of both said initial layer and any intervening layer, each of the layers comprising a substantially uniform thick layer of fibers substantially parallel to each other and at a substantial angle to the fibers in an adjacent thickness, then applying a successive initial fiber layer similar to the said first predetermined relatively short length beginning with the end of the first initial layer, and applying at least one second other layer thereover, the successive other layers overlapping the points at which the successive first initial layers and first other layers ended, and repeating such initial and other layer applications whereby a substantially uniform elongated strip of a desired length is produced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 in which the elongated strip is subsequently sprayed with an adhesive material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 in which the fibers are cut from metal foil, said foil being initially lubricated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the fibers of each layer are disposed at an angle of at least 15* to the fibers of adjacent layers and the adhesive comprises methyl methacrylate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4 in which the foil is nickel foil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 in which the adhesive sprayed strip is rolled into a coil.