Claims
- 1. An apparatus for forming an article by intertwining a plurality of fiber strands, wherein said fibers intersect in a braiding zone where said article is being formed, comprising:
- (a) a three-dimensionally curved braiding surface which is segmented about one axis thereof, said segments formed by intersecting planes having said axis as their line of intersection with each segment spanning the entire diameter along said axis, whereby the segments are capable of movement about said axis through an arc of revolution;
- (b) fiber dispensers situated on the concave side of the segments of said braiding surface; and
- (c) means for moving the segments of said braiding surface through a desired arc of revolution.
- 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
- (a) a plurality of carrier members movably disposed on a concave side of said segments of said braiding surface, wherein each carrier member dispenses a length of fiber strand extending from said carrier member to the braiding zone of said article being formed;
- (b) means for moving carrier members on said segmented braiding surface; and
- (c) means for controlling carrier member position on said braiding surface.
- 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein independent motors propel each carrier member on said segmented braiding surface.
- 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a computer controls and monitors each carrier member position on said braiding surface.
- 5. An apparatus for forming an article by intertwining a plurality of fiber strands, wherein said fibers intersect in a braiding zone where said article is being formed, comprising:
- (a) a three-dimensionally curved braiding surface which is segmented about one axis thereof, said segments formed by intersecting planes having said axis as their line of intersection with each segment spanning the entire diameter along said axis, whereby the segments are capable of movement about said axis through an arc of revolution;
- (b) fiber strand dispensers situated on the concave side of said braiding segments; and
- (c) actuators for moving the segments of said braiding surface through a desired arc of revolution.
- 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising:
- (a) a plurality of carrier members movably disposed on a concave side of said segments of said braiding surface wherein each carrier member dispenses a length of fiber strand extending from said carrier member to the braiding zone of said article being formed;
- (b) actuators for moving carrier members on said segmented braiding surface; and
- (c) controllers for positioning carrier members on said braiding surface.
- 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein independent motors propel each carrier member on said segmented braiding surface.
- 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein a computer controls and monitors each carrier member position on said braiding surface.
- 9. A method for forming an article by intertwining a plurality of fiber strands wherein said fibers intersect in a braiding zone where said article is being formed, comprising:
- (a) disposing a plurality of movable carrier members on a concave side of a three-dimensionally curved braiding surface, said braiding surface being segmented about one axis thereof and rotatable about said axis through an arc of revolution, said segments formed by intersecting planes having said axis as their line of intersection with each segment spanning the entire diameter along said axis;
- (b) rotating braiding surface segments as necessary to achieve a desired braid angle;
- (c) moving carrier members on said braiding surface to intertwine fiber strands in a desired braiding pattern.
Parent Case Info
This is a continuation of application(s) Ser. No. 08/342,452 filed on Nov. 16, 1994 now abandoned, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 953,562 filed Sep. 29, 1992, now U.S. Pat No. 5,392,683.
ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein was made by an employee of the United States Government and may be used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Divisions (1)
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Number |
Date |
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953562 |
Sep 1992 |
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Continuations (1)
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Number |
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342452 |
Nov 1994 |
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