Arris Composites Inc.

Adam Hansel

Riley Reese

Todd A Pelman

Erick Matthew Davidson

Ethan Escowitz

J Scott Perkins

Cory Mark Bloome

Kameron Butler

Alexander Darrow

Ryan Satcher

A preform-charge fixture creates a preform charge, which is a partially consolidated assemblage of preforms that can be efficiently transferred to a mold to create a finished part in a molding process, such as compression molding. In the illustrative embodiment, the preform-charge fixture includes peripheral cleats that are movable towards a central cleat to create a small gap therebetween that receives and constrains preforms in a desired position. The fixture also includes clamps, which are operable to engage an uppermost layer of preforms in the gap and apply a slight amount of downward pressure thereto to assure that the preforms are properly seated. The fixture also accommodates an energy source that heats the preforms so that, in conjunction with downforce applied by the clamps and/or gravity, the preforms can be tacked together, forming the preform charge.

Fixture and method for use in a molding process

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley, CA, United States of America

Adam Hansel