Apparatus and method for making reinforced elastomeric fabric

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making sheets from reinforced elastomeric ribbon. The apparatus has a lead-in mechanism on which the ribbon is received for preliminary orientation. The apparatus also employs a transfer mechanism that incorporates a shuttle head which is supported by a primary carrier disposed over the assembly mechanism. The shuttle head is capable of being protracted from its normal position over the assembly mechanism to a position over the lead-in mechanism where it is also engaged by a stabilizing carrier which assures precise orientation of the shuttle head during its operative movements with respect to the lead-in mechanism. So stabilized the shuttle head: engages and grasps the ribbon presented by the lead-in mechanism; raises the ribbon off the lead-in mechanism; retracts to position the ribbon above the assembly mechanism; and, accurately deposits the ribbon on the assembly mechanism. A guillotine mechanism severs the incremental strip deposited on the assembly table from the ribbon. After the shuttle head disengages from the incremental strip the guillotine mechanism is moved out of contact with the incremental strip so that the incremental strip can be transferred laterally by an indexing mechanism to the degree required for receipt of a successive incremental strip without inadvertent interference between the strip, or strips, being indexed and the guillotine. To achieve indexing the assembly mechanism employs a continuous belt that is accurately indexed by a unique arrangement of interacting brake and transport clamps. For most purposes, successive strips will be deposited in continguous, lateral juxtaposition, and in order that the successive strips stick together a stitcher is provided to cycle a stitching roller along the abutting edges of successively deposited incremental strips.