The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 03, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 07, 1995
Robert W Koon, Palos Verdes, CA (US);
Chi H Sheu, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Brent R Meredith, Fullerton, CA (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A method for the manufacture of low cost 'oriented' composite molding compounds using discontinuous fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The method involves the steps of aligning discontinuous fibers by use of a strong electric field while simultaneously inserting the fibers onto a polymer substrate comprised of an uncured resin matrix. A preferred embodiment includes the incorporation of a mesh or a glass capillary array located parallel and adjacent to the polymer substrate to further ensure fiber alignment. After the fibers are attached to the uncured resin matrix, the aligned fibers are forced to lie down parallel along the surface of the polymer substrate by mechanically forcing the fibers flat. The newly formed reinforced polymer films may then be stacked with the fibers of each ply oriented to achieve the desired mechanical properties, and then cured to produce an improved composite laminate which can be machined to form a high strength shaped member.