US Patent:
20050005830, Jan 13, 2005
Inventors:
Michael Dallas - Alachua FL, US
Edd McGaric Ong - Gainesville FL, US
Francisco Abufele - Miami FL, US
Ian Watson - Winter Park FL, US
Assignee:
SOLUTIA INC. - St. Louis MO
International Classification:
D05B021/00
Abstract:
Indeterminate length fiber tows ends are joined by overlapping end portions of the first and second fiber tows. The first and second tows are secured in a clamp with a portion of the overlapping area exposed. The overlapping area of the tows is positioned on a sewing unit having a support and sewing head, at least one of which is displaceable along first and second axes, and a controller for executing a preprogrammed stitching pattern. The controller is actuated to form the preprogrammed stitching pattern in the exposed portion of the overlapping area, thereby splicing the first and second fiber tows.