18087047. PREPREG TAPE ASSEMBLY simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)

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PREPREG TAPE ASSEMBLY

Organization Name

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Anthony Mark Thompson of Niskayuna NY (US)

PREPREG TAPE ASSEMBLY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18087047 titled 'PREPREG TAPE ASSEMBLY

The abstract describes a prepreg tape assembly used for impregnating dry fiber tow to create composite components. The assembly includes a slurry reservoir, rollers, a take-up drum, and a metering device for the slurry.

  • The prepreg tape assembly includes a bath with a slurry reservoir.
  • It has a series of rollers in the bath for processing the dry fiber tow.
  • A take-up drum is located outside the slurry reservoir for collecting the impregnated tow.
  • A first metering device meters the slurry and has a tow passage with an inlet and outlet.
  • The inlet of the tow passage is positioned over or within the slurry reservoir.

Potential Applications: - Manufacturing of composite components in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. - Production of lightweight and high-strength materials for various applications.

Problems Solved: - Efficient impregnation of dry fiber tow with a slurry to create composite components. - Consistent and controlled metering of the slurry onto the tow.

Benefits: - Improved quality and performance of composite components. - Increased productivity and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing processes.

Commercial Applications: - Aerospace industry for aircraft components. - Automotive industry for lightweight vehicle parts. - Construction industry for structural elements.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the prepreg tape assembly improve the manufacturing process of composite components? 2. What advantages does the use of a slurry reservoir and metering device offer in creating composite materials?


Original Abstract Submitted

A prepreg tape assembly for impregnating a dry fiber tow to make composite components. The prepreg tape assembly can include a bath defining a slurry reservoir, a series of rollers located in the bath, and a take-up drum located outside of the slurry reservoir. The prepreg tape assembly also includes a first metering device capable of metering slurry, where the first metering device has a tow passage. The tow passage includes an inlet and an outlet, where the inlet of the tow passage overlies or is located in the slurry reservoir.