초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttl

A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttle member is horizontally translatable above the vacuum box on a support bed and the shuttle member is divided into air flow channels by baffle plates. Only a small number of air flow channels can pass above the air flow opening at a single time and this serves to keep low pressure in the vacuum box. In addition, a vortex gate is provided in the duct between the fan housing and the vacuum box and serves to restrict air flow through the duct when the pressure within the duct drops below a certain level.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of manufacturing a fiber preform, comprising the steps of: (a) placing a foraminous mold formed in a desired shape of a preform on a shuttle member, the shuttle member having a peripheral frame with at least one baffle plate therein to define a vertical air flow channel within the frame on

A method of manufacturing a fiber preform, comprising the steps of: (a) placing a foraminous mold formed in a desired shape of a preform on a shuttle member, the shuttle member having a peripheral frame with at least one baffle plate therein to define a vertical air flow channel within the frame on each side thereof; (b) horizontally translating the shuttle member to align a first air flow channel thereof with an air flow opening in a support bed; (c) activating a fan to create a low pressure condition in the vicinity of the air flow opening, wherein the area which is exposed to the low pressure is substantially limited by the baffle plate and frame of the shuttle member; (d) depositing a fiber medium and a binder on the mold in an area thereof above the first air flow channel; (e) further horizontally translating the shuttle member to align a second air flow channel with the air flow opening and depositing the fiber medium and binder on the mold in an area thereof above the second air flow channel; (f) further horizontally translating the shuttle member at least partially into a curing chamber and curing the fiber medium and binder on the mold to define a cured preform.