Michael R Case

US Patent:

7803242, Sep 28, 2010

Filed:

Jun 14, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/763013

Inventors:

Thomas J. Hagman - Seattle WA, US
Ralph D. Cope - Elkton MD, US
Ross Hutter - Lincoln University PA, US
Steven A. Cope - Newark DE, US
Kim Ferrara - Middletown DE, US
Nanette M. Gopez - Newark DE, US
Michael J. Case - Bear DE, US

Assignee:

Boeing Company - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B65H 69/06
B65H 69/02
B26D 7/06

US Classification:

156159, 156157, 156502, 156504, 242556

Abstract:

An apparatus for splicing an elongate multi-layered workpiece includes: (a) drives and guides cooperating to drive the workpiece along a working path; (b) a cutter for severing the workpiece; (c) a layer manipulator for separating layers; (d) an applicator for applying adhesive; and (e) a deflector unit for deflecting the workpiece from the working path. The cutter effects the severing to present first and second workpiece segments. The layer manipulator effects inter-layer separation in one segment to present an interlayer zone in the one segment. A drive inserts the other segment in the interlayer zone. The layer manipulator urges the layers together to capture the other segment within the interlayer zone to establish a multi-layer structure. A drive and at least one of the workpiece deflector unit and the applicator situate the multi-layer structure adjacent to the applicator for finishing the splicing by applying adhesive to the multi-layer structure.