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:
Aug. 12, 2008
Filed:
Jun. 22, 2005
Terence F. W. Hall, Santa Monica, CA (US);
Brian J. Hill, Torrance, CA (US);
William R. Deleon, Buena Park, CA (US);
Bettie E. M. Marino, Hawthorne, CA (US);
Terence F. W. Hall, Santa Monica, CA (US);
Brian J. Hill, Torrance, CA (US);
William R. DeLeon, Buena Park, CA (US);
Bettie E. M. Marino, Hawthorne, CA (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of inserting at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate for providing Z direction reinforcement thereto. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level.