1. Installation (10) and process for continuous and intermittent production of laminates including laminates (F, G) of multi-layer plastic material, using a press (11) having fixed lower plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) and movable upper plates (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) and using a composite band (160) formed of component strips (80, 90, 120-127),
characterized in that the press (11) is multi-stage and presents a production cycle with all phases, of equal duration, distributed among the various stages 1-5, one phase being carried out in each stage subsequent to that carried out in the preceding stage and, at the end of each phase, movement of the-composite band (160) from one stage to another, so that production of each laminate, when the press operates at a steady rate, is executed in a length of time corresponding to that of the production cycle divided by the number of stages.
2. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that both the fixed plates (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) and the movable plates (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) of the press act together in the various stages.
3. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the various stages 1-5 are aligned to permit easy transfer of the composite band (160) from one stage to another.
4. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that intermittent transfer of the composite band (160), even if partially transformed into laminate inside the multi-stage press (10), is made by its being drawn along by a metal band (70) of high electric conductivity that unwinds from a reel (71) upstream of the press (11) and, winding onto a reel (72) downstream, substantially covers the entire upper level of the fixed lower plate (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), supporting the product little by little transformed from a composite band (160) into a cooled laminate (F, G) ready for use.
5. Installation (10 as in claim 4, characterized in that the above metal band (70) is of aluminium.
6. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the heat required for the phases carried out in the various stages of the press (11) is generated by the metal band (70) producing a Joule effect, said band maintaining continuous contact in its passage with the electrodes (30, 31, 35-37) of the generators (60-63) of electric current placed at the two ends of each stage 1-5, electric power from the generator for each stage being so calculated as to determine, in the fraction of composite band (160) in any one stage, a level of temperature specific for the phase in course of execution.
7. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the component strips (120-127) are fed in from reels (130-137) and in that the metal band (70) for heating and transporting is fed in and received by respective reels (71, 72).
8. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that all the reels (70, 71, 81, 91, 130-137) are driven by electric motors (170-181) the times and speeds of which are programmed and operated by an electronic processor (200) that, by coordinating the specific feeds of the bands and strips (70, 80, 120-127) ensures not only precise and coordinated times and speeds but also optimum adjustment of specific levels of tension in each component strip, coordinated with the tension set up by the transporting band (70) to achieve the best cycle of movement for each of the strips (80, 90, 120, 127).
9. Installation (10) as in claim 1 characteized in that, when production permits, the composite band (162) can be heated in all stages 1-5 by a single electric generator (40) that connects two electrodes (30, 31) placed at the beginning and end of the several stages 1-4 and on which electrodes the metal heating and transporting (70) maintains continuous contact.
10. Installation (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said single generator (40) is programmed in such a way as to associate its own effects with those of the electric generators (60-63) placed at each stage 1-4.
11. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the composite band (162) comprises a plurality of pre-preg strips (120-127) associated, on one or on both faces of said composite band to a copper strip (80, 90).
12. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that, in the various stages constant pressure and heat are generated, heat being generated so as to determine, on the fractions of composite band (162) subjected to the specific phases of the cycle in the stages 1-5, the following effects:
in fraction (A,B), that in the first stage 1 undergoes the first phase of the cycle, a rise in temperature from ambient to that needed for creating, among the components of the composite band (162), by means of the catalyst, the chemical reaction needed to make the components adhere together;
in the fraction, that in the second stage 2 is subjected to the second phase of the cycle, an increase in the temperature determined in the first stage 1, to a level at which the resin becomes polymerized;
in the fractions subjected, in the subsequent stages 3-4, to the successive phases, maintenance of the temperature reached in the preceding stages so as to stabilize the effects of polymerization and produce the desired laminate;
in the fraction subjected, in a subsequent stage 5, to the successive phase, maintenance of the pressure without the aid of heat to permit the laminate (G) obtained to cool down.
13. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the press (11) comprises four heating stages 1-4 producing, at the first stage 1, an increase in temperature of the composite band (162) from ambient to about 130\xb0 C., at the second stage 2 the increase in temperature of the fraction of composite band (162), transferred from the first stage, to substantially 180\xb0, at the third stage 3 and fourth stage 4 in the fraction of composite band (162), transferred from the preceding stages, maintenance of such temperature at substantially 180\xb0, and comprises a cooling stage 5 for lowering the temperature of fraction (F,G) of composite band (162), transferred to said stage 5, to substantially 40\xb0.
14. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the installation (10) is designed for four pairs of reels (130-137) for eight strips (120-127) of pre-preg and a pair of reels (81, 91) for two strips of copper (80, 90) forming a composite band (162) of eight strips (120-127) of pre-preg and two strips (80, 90) of copper.
15. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the composite band (162) is heated in the stages 1-4 by a device chosen from among the various possible devices for heating by electricity, steam or gas.
16. Installation (10) as in claim 15, characterized in that the heating device is inserted in the plates of the press.
17. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that the press (11) comprises five stages 1-5, each 2.5 m long and therefore, the production cycle being divided into phases simultaneously executed in each stage, if the total cycle time is 20 minutes, one laminate 2.5 m long will be produced every 4 minutes.
18. Installation (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that upstream of the press (11) is a slide surface (102) for a group (80, 122, 123), here called the lower group, of components of the composite band (162), said slide surface (102) permitting a set of multi-layer laminates (206) to be deposited on said lower group, and in that, due to movement of the composite band (80, 122-125), the group, here called the upper group of the other components (90, 124, 125) of the composite band, becomes deposited on said lower group (80, 122, 123), so that a proper cycle of production of multi-layer laminates (206) is effected by the method described in the preceding claims.
19. Process for the production of (F, G) laminates by the means described in claim 1.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
We claim:
1. A ferrule comprising:
a compressible body; and
at least one passage through the body sized to accommodate a fiber;
whereby when a fiber is placed inside the at least one passage and pressure is exerted on the body, the body is compressed, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to decrease uniformly along its length and consequently friction to be uniformly applied to the fiber.
2. The ferrule of claim 1 wherein a slot extends between the outer surface of the body along its length and a passage proximate thereto, whereby, when the body is compressed, the slot distorts and causes the diameter of the passage to decrease.
3. The ferrule of claim 1 wherein a slot extends between adjacent passages along their length, whereby, when the body is compressed, the slot distorts and causes the diameter of the passages connected thereto to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage.
4. The ferrule of claim 2 wherein the body comprises at least one notch along the outer surface of the body along a diameter defined by the slot, for reducing the width of the body along that diameter.
5. The ferrule of claim 4, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the amount of compressive force applied to the body and the friction applied to the fiber are reduced.
6. The ferrule of claim 5, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the fiber remains free to move longitudinally relative to the ferrule.
7. The ferrule of claim 5, wherein when the body is so oriented that the pressure exerted is in the direction of reduced width, the fiber remains free to rotate relative to the fiber.
8. The ferrule of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a channel to apply pressure substantially uniformly along the length of the body when the body is inserted into the channel.
9. The ferrule of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to cooperate with a channel to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
10. The ferrule of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a key integrally formed about its outer surface.
11. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the body comprises first and second ends, and where the key lies between the first and second ends.
12. The ferrule of claim 11 wherein the first end has a diameter less than that of the second end.
13. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the key is adapted to mate with a keyway in the channel.
14. The ferrule of claim 10 wherein the key is larger than an opening in a wall surface of a structure proximate to which the channel is fixed, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
15. The ferrule of claim 9 comprising a lip integrally formed around the body whereby, when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip, the lip and the channel exert radial pressure on the boot in a direction away from the body.
16. The ferrule of claim 8 wherein the body fits within the space created by the channel and a retaining member in a mating fit with the channel.
17. A ferrule comprising:
a body; and
a lip integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with a channel in a friction fit;
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the apparatus to cover the lip and the apparatus is inserted into a channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the apparatus.
18. The ferrule of claim 12 wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
19. The ferrule of claim 18, wherein the stop surface is adapted to cooperate with the channel to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
20. The ferrule of claim 19, wherein the stop surface comprises a key formed around the body.
21. The ferrule of claim 17 wherein the body is compressible and has at least one passage therethrough sized to accommodate a fiber.
22. The ferrule of claim 21 whereby when a fiber is placed inside at least one of the passages and pressure is exerted on the body, the body is compressed, causing the diameter of the passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the body and friction to be uniformly applied to the fiber.
23. The ferrule of claim 17 wherein the body and boot fit within the space created by the channel and a retaining member in a mating fit with the channel.
24. The ferrule of claim 23, whereby the retaining member pinches the boot between it and the lip, such that pressure is uniformly applied by the lip on the boot.
25. A channel sized to accommodate a compressible body in a friction fit,
whereby when a compressible body having at least one passage sized to accommodate a fiber and containing a fiber is inserted into the channel, the channel compresses the body uniformly along the length of the body and causes friction to be uniformly applied by the body to the fiber.
26. The channel of claim 25 which is U-shaped.
27. The channel of claim 25, having a width which is fixed and less than the width of the body in one direction normal to the at least one passage but not in a second direction normal to the at least one passage.
28. The channel of claim 27, whereby it only compresses the body if the body is inserted into the channel in the first direction.
29. The channel of claim 26, adapted to cooperate with the body to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
30. The channel of claim 29, comprising a keyway adapted to cooperate with a key formed around the body.
31. The channel of claim 26, adapted to exert radial pressure on a boot slid longitudinally over one end of the body when the body is inserted into the channel, securing the boot to the body.
32. The channel of claim 26, wherein it passes through a wall surface of a structure, whereby the compressible body and fiber may be fixed to the structure.
33. The channel of claim 32, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
34. The channel of claim 26, adapted to be fixed adjacent to an opening in a wall surface of a structure, whereby the compressible body and fiber may pass partially through the opening and be fixed to the structure.
35. The channel of claim 34, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
36. The channel of claim 26, comprising a bore adapted to accept a tool for pushing the body away from the channel.
37. The channel of claim 26, adapted to mate with a retaining member and enclose the body.
38. A channel, adapted to accommodate a body having a lip therearound in a friction fit,
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip and inserted into the channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the body.
39. The channel of claim 38, adapted to cooperate with the body to restrict the body from motion relative to the channel.
40. The channel of claim 39, comprising a keyway adapted to accommodate a key formed around the body.
41. The channel of claim 38, wherein it passes through a wall surface of a structure so that the boot is secured by the channel and the lip to the structure.
42. The channel of claim 41, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
43. The channel of claim 38, wherein it is fixed to a structure proximate to an opening in a wall surface of a structure, whereby the boot is secured by the channel and the lip to the structure.
44. The channel of claim 43, wherein it is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the wall surface.
45. The channel of claim 43, wherein the opening is sized smaller than a key formed around the body, so that the body cannot pass through the opening.
46. The channel of claim 38, adapted to engage a retaining member in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the retaining member pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
47. The channel of claim 46, wherein it is capable of being fastened to the retaining member.
48. A retaining member adapted to accommodate a body having a lip therearound,
whereby when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip and the retaining member is placed over the body, the retaining member and the lip secure the boot to the body.
49. The retaining member of claim 48, adapted to engage a channel in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the channel pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
50. The retaining member of claim 48, wherein it is integral to a cover of a structure to which the body is to be secured.
51. The retaining member of claim 48, wherein it is capable of being fastened to the channel.
52. A fiber locking apparatus comprising:
a ferrule having a compressible body and at least one passage through the body sized to accommodate a fiber;
a structure having a wall surface; and
a channel adapted for fixation to the wall surface and adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby, when the ferrule is inserted into the channel with a fiber extending through its at least one passage, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage and uniformly apply pressure on the fiber, thereby securing it to the structure.
53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the ferrule comprises a key integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with the structure to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the structure comprises a recessed keyway in the channel that accommodates the key to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
55. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the structure comprises an aperture therein sized smaller than the key, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
56. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the ferrule comprises a lip integrally formed around the body, whereby, when a boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the body to cover the lip, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule.
57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
58. A boot attachment apparatus comprising:
a boot;
a ferrule having a body and a lip formed around the body;
a structure having a wall surface; and
a channel adapted for fixation to the wall surface and adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby, when the boot is slid longitudinally over one end of the ferrule and inserted into the channel, the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule and to the structure.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the body comprises an integral stop surface on its outer surface, which limits the boot from motion along the body toward the other end.
60. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the body is compressible and has at least one passage through it sized to accommodate a fiber;
whereby, when the ferrule is inserted into the channel with a fiber extending through at least one passage, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the passage to decrease uniformly along the length of the passage and apply uniform pressure on the fiber, securing it to the structure.
61. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the ferrule comprises a key integrally formed around the body and adapted to cooperate with the structure to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the structure comprises a recessed keyway in the channel that accommodates the key to restrict the ferrule from motion relative to the structure.
63. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the structure comprises an aperture therein sized smaller than the key, whereby the key is prevented from passing through the opening.
64. The apparatus of claim 58, further comprising a retaining member adapted to engage the channel in a mating fit and enclose the body and boot, whereby the channel pinches the boot between it and the body, such that pressure is uniformly applied to the boot.
65. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the boot provides both lateral and longitudinal strain relief for the optical fiber.
66. A method of securing a fiber to a structure, comprising the steps of:
forming a channel proximate to an opening in a wall surface of the structure;
inserting the fiber into a passage in a compressible ferrule sized to accommodate the fiber and adapted to be accepted by the channel in a friction fit;
placing the ferrule within the channel;
whereby, the channel compresses the body, causing the diameter of the at least one passage to uniformly decrease and apply uniform pressure on the fiber, thereby securing it to the structure.
67. A method of securing a boot to a fiber, comprising the steps of:
inserting the fiber into a passage in a ferrule sized to accommodate the fiber, the ferrule having a lip formed around its body;
placing the ferrule within the channel;
sliding a boot longitudinally over one end of the ferrule to cover the lip; and
inserting the ferrule and boot into a channel adapted to accept the ferrule in a friction fit;
whereby the channel and the lip secure the boot to the ferrule.