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. 15, 2017
Filed:
Jun. 27, 2016
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Lisa Ann Cardon, Lake Tapps, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for controlling flexible tracks. One embodiment is a system for conveying plies of laminate to a forming device. The system includes a flexible track assembly comprising a first portion of track and a second portion of track, each of the portions defining a groove dimensioned to receive a slider that transports a ply, the second portion arranged to transport the ply into the forming device. The track assembly also includes a guide in which ends of the portions are disposed. The system further includes a retraction line that applies a contracting force that biases the end of the second portion towards contact with the end of the first portion, the retraction line being extendable to enable the second portion to separate from the first portion, thereby accommodating extension of the track assembly in response to forces applied by the forming device during forming.