Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
For use with a chopper/blower assembly and moving means therefor, a fiber placement control apparatus comprising a rigid fiber delivery tube communicating from the chopper/blower assembly to deliver a stream of fibers therethrough, a first set of circumferentially equally spaced nozzles positioned adjacent the exit end of the delivery tube for directing a binder into the stream of fibers, a preform screen, and a second set of circumferentially equally spaced nozzles positioned downstream of said first set of nozzles adapted to being selectively operated to direct air onto the stream of fibers to variably control the distribution pattern of the fibers onto the stationary preform screen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
For use with a chopper/blower assembly and moving means therefor, a fiber placement control apparatus comprising a rigid fiber delivery tube communicating from the chopper/blower assembly to deliver a stream of fibers therethrough, a first set of circumferentially equally spaced nozzles positioned adjacent the exit end of the delivery tube for directing a binder into the stream of fibers, a preform screen, and a second set of circumferentially equally spaced nozzles positioned downstream of said first set of nozzles adapted to being selectively operated to direct air onto the stream of fibers to variably control the distribution pattern of the fibers onto the stationary preform screen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim 1, and a suction fan positioned behind the stationary preform screen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim wherein said first set of circumferentially equally spaced binder spray nozzles includes four nozzles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim 1, wherein said second set of circumferentially equally spaced directional air control nozzles includes four nozzles, adapted such that selective operation of any three thereof serves to direct the stream of fibers onto selected surfaces of said preform screen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the delivery tube and two sets of nozzles are movable vertically, left and right, and fore-and-aft by said moving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim 5, wherein said moving means includes a gantry system and drive means therefor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fiber placement control apparatus described in claim wherein the fibers are glass fibers.