AUTOMATED REMOVAL DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY REMOVING TRIMMATED PORTIONS OF LAMINATE PLY IN A PLY-BY-PLY MANUFACTURING PROCESS - Patent application

Abstract

To provide an automated device, system and method for selectively removing a trimmed portion of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process.SOLUTION: An automated removal apparatus (10) includes a rotatable reel (14) having a plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) attached around the rotatable reel (14). Each retractable vacuum panel (34) has a vacuum port (64), a self-sealing valve. and a vacuum pad (58). The automated removal apparatus further includes an actuator assembly (130) attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34), a friction reducing element (168) attached around the rotatable reel (14), a drive assembly (180) attached to the rotatable reel (14), and a pneumatic system that is attached to the rotatable reel (14) and that has a valve manifold operable to control an air flow (110) to a vacuum generator (250).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus, systems, and methods for composite laminate manufacturing processes, and more particularly to automated apparatus, systems, and methods for removing trimmed portions of laminate plies in ply-by-ply manufacturing processes used in the production of composite structures and components. [Background technology]

[0002] Composite structures may be used in a wide variety of applications, including aircraft manufacturing, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and other favorable properties. In particular, in aircraft manufacturing, composite structures or parts may be used to form wings, including stringers, spars, and wing panels, fuselages, tail sections, and other portions of the aircraft. Such composite structures or parts may be formed from composite laminates that include a plurality of stacked composite plies or layers laminated together.

[0003] In ply-by-ply manufacturing processes used to form composite laminates, individual composite plies, e.g., formed from composite tapes or sheets, are typically laminated to a backing material, such as a backing film, release film, or release ply layer, to form a laminate ply. One or more edges of the laminate ply may be cut or trimmed on a flat surface of a conveying device, such as a moving table or conveyor belt, to form a net-cut ply. Prior to transferring the net-cut ply on the conveying device to another production line station for forming or laying up with other net-cut plies on a tool, die, or form, the cut or trimmed scrap of composite and / or backing material is typically separated and removed from the periphery of the net-cut ply and appropriately disposed of. Because multiple net-cut plies may require trimming in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process, hundreds of trimmed scrap pieces may need to be removed and disposed of.

[0004] There are known methods and systems for removing and disposing of such trimmed scrap from the net cut plies in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. One known method and system involves two or more workers walking along the length of a conveying device, manually separating and picking up the trimmed scrap from around the net cut ply, manually separating the trimmed scrap composite material from the trimmed scrap backing material as needed, manually removing the trimmed scrap from the conveying device, and manually disposing of the trimmed scrap in a waste disposal device. However, such known manual removal and disposal methods and systems may result in increased labor for scrap management of each laminate ply, including removal and disposal of scrap portions, increased time associated with removing and disposing of scrap portions, and increased overall costs of forming composite laminates using manual removal and disposal in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. Additionally, it may be difficult to manually separate and pick up the trimmed scrap without snagging and / or peeling one or more portions of the net cut ply.

[0005] Additionally, there are known manual devices for removing trimmed scrap from the net cut plies in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. One such known manual device includes a manual spool for winding the trimmed scrap for removal from around the net cut ply. However, such manual spools are not automated and may result in increased labor to manually manipulate the manual spool and increased time to manually wind the trimmed scrap on the manual spool. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an automated apparatus, system, and method for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process that eliminates manual removal and disposal of trimmed scrap, avoids snagging and delamination of one or more portions of the net-cut ply during removal of the trimmed scrap, and provides advantages over known apparatus, systems, and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide automated removal apparatus, systems, and methods for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. As described in the detailed description below, versions of the automated removal apparatus, systems, and methods may provide significant advantages over known apparatus, systems, and methods.

[0008] In one version of the disclosure, an automated removal apparatus is provided for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. The automated removal apparatus includes a rotary reel including a plurality of retractable vacuum panels mounted about a hub portion of the rotary reel. Each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels includes one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies. Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies includes a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve.

[0009] The automated removal apparatus further comprises a plurality of actuator assemblies attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels.The automated removal apparatus further comprises a plurality of friction reducing elements attached to a periphery of the rotatable reel.The automated removal apparatus further comprises a drive assembly attached to the rotatable reel.

[0010] The automated removal apparatus further comprises a pneumatic system attached to the rotating reel, the pneumatic system comprising a valve manifold operable to control air flow to actuate the plurality of actuator assemblies and operable to control air flow to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow through one or more of the vacuum ports, the vacuum flow generating a vacuum force configured to lift and hold the one or more trimmed portions against one or more of the vacuum pads as the rotating reel is rotated over the one or more trimmed portions to be removed.

[0011] In another version of the disclosure, an automated removal system is provided for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process. The automated removal system includes a robot assembly including a robot having a robotic arm, a control unit, and a power unit. The automated removal system further includes a transport device for transporting the one or more trimmed portions.

[0012] The automated removal system further includes an automated removal device attached to the robot assembly. The automated removal device includes a rotary reel including a plurality of retractable vacuum panels attached around a hub portion of the rotary reel. Each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels includes one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies. Each of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies includes a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve.

[0013] The automated removal apparatus further comprises a plurality of piston assemblies mounted to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels. The automated removal apparatus further comprises a plurality of friction reducing elements mounted about the rotatable reel and disposed between the plurality of retractable vacuum panels. The automated removal apparatus further comprises a drive assembly mounted to the rotatable reel. The automated removal apparatus further comprises a connector assembly mounted between the drive assembly and a robotic arm of the robot.

[0014] The automated removal apparatus further comprises a pneumatic system attached to the rotating reel, the pneumatic system comprising a valve manifold operable to control air flow to actuate the plurality of piston assemblies and to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow through one or more of the vacuum ports, the vacuum flow generating a vacuum force configured to lift and hold the one or more trimmed portions against one or more of the vacuum pads as the rotating reel is rotated over the one or more trimmed portions to be removed.

[0015] In another version of the disclosure, an automated removal method is provided for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process, the automated removal method including positioning an automated removal device over one or more trimmed portions of a laminate ply to be removed in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process.

[0016] The automated removal device comprises a rotary reel comprising a plurality of retractable vacuum panels mounted circumferentially around a hub portion of the rotary reel. Each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels comprises one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies. Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies has a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve. The automated removal device further comprises a plurality of actuator assemblies mounted to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels. The automated removal device further comprises a plurality of friction reducing elements mounted circumferentially around the rotary reel.

[0017] The automated removal device further comprises a drive assembly attached to the rotary reel. The automated removal device further comprises a connector assembly attached to the drive assembly. The automated removal device further comprises a pneumatic system attached to the rotary reel. The pneumatic system comprises a valve manifold operable to control air flow to actuate the plurality of actuator assemblies and operable to control air flow to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow through one or more of the vacuum ports.

[0018] The automated removal method further includes rotating the rotating reel over the one or more trimmed portions to be removed via the drive assembly. The piston rods of the plurality of actuator assemblies are in an extended position to extend the plurality of retractable vacuum panels and the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies.

[0019] The automated removal method further includes compressing the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies against the one or more trimmed portions to open a self-sealing valve from a closed position to an open position for each vacuum pad of the compressed one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies and to apply a vacuum force from a vacuum air flow to lift and hold a section of the one or more trimmed portions against the vacuum pad. The automated removal method further includes winding the one or more trimmed portions held by the vacuum force around an outer periphery of a rotatable reel for removal.

[0020] The described features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be understood with reference to the following description and drawings.

[0021] The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary versions, but are not necessarily drawn to scale: The drawings are examples and are not meant to be limitations on the specification or claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a right-side, front perspective view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure, showing multiple retractable vacuum panels in an extended position. [Figure 2B]2B is a right-side front perspective view of the automated removal device of FIG. 2A, showing a cross-sectional end view taken along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of circle 2C in FIG. 2B. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a top view of the automated removal device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2B is a left side view of the automatic removal device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the automatic removal device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view of an exemplary version of a rotational stage assembly of the drive assembly of the automated removal apparatus of FIG. 2F. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a right-side, front perspective view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure showing multiple retractable vacuum panels in a retracted position. [Figure 3B] 3B is a right-side front perspective view of the automated removal device of FIG. 3A, showing a cross-sectional end view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of circle 3C in FIG. 3B. [Figure 3D] 3B is a right-side, front perspective view of the automated removal device of FIG. 3A showing the plunger element in an extended position. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary version of the automatic removal device showing the pneumatic system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a left perspective partial cross-sectional view of the automated removal device of FIG. 4A showing the pneumatic system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a right side view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure having a wheel assembly. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a right-side partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure with the vacuum pad in contact with the non-scrap portion to be removed and the self-sealing valve in a closed position. [Figure 6B] 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the right side of the automated removal device of FIG. 6A, showing the vacuum pad compressed against the non-scrap portion and the self-sealing valve in the open position. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary version of the automated removal system of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow diagram of various automated production line stations in an exemplary ply-by-ply manufacturing process. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary version of the automated removal system of the present disclosure with one automated removal device attached to a robot assembly. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another exemplary version of the automated removal system of the present disclosure, in which two automated removal devices are each mounted on a separate robot assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another exemplary version of the automated removal system of the present disclosure with one automated removal device mounted on a gantry assembly. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective partial view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device of the present disclosure in a released position. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the automated removal device of FIG. 11A in a post-release position. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view of a rolled-up scrap portion in a pre-compression position in a disposal assembly. [Figure 12B] 12B is a schematic top view of the rolled-up scrap portion of FIG. 12A compressed into a first compressed position in a disposal assembly. FIG. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic top view of the rolled-up scrap portion of FIG. 12B further compressed to a second compressed position in a disposal assembly. [Figure 12D] 1 is a schematic top view of a plurality of rolled up scrap portions pressed together in a multiple scrap pressing position in a disposal assembly; FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a flow diagram of a version of the automatic removal method of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft incorporating a composite part made in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process using the automated removal apparatus, systems, and methods of the present disclosure; [Figure 15] 1 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The figures shown in this disclosure represent various aspects of the presented versions and only the differences are described in detail.

[0024] The disclosed versions will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, of the disclosed versions or embodiments. In fact, several different versions may be provided, and should not be construed as being limited to the versions described herein. Rather, these versions are presented so that this disclosure will thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0025] This specification includes references to "one version" or "a version." The phrases "in one version" or "in a version" do not necessarily refer to the same version. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0026] As used herein, "comprising" is an open-ended term and, when used in the claims, the term does not exclude additional structures or steps.

[0027] As used herein, "configured to" means that various parts or components may be described or claimed as being "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In this context, "configured to" is used to connote structure by indicating that the parts or components include structure that performs those one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a part or component may be said to be configured to perform a task even when the specified part or component is not currently operating (e.g., not on).

[0028] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used as labels for the nouns they precede and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.).

[0029] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary version of an automated removal apparatus 10 of the present disclosure. The automated removal apparatus 10 is used in an automated removal system 12 (see FIG. 7). The automated removal apparatus 10 and automated removal system 12 are designed to selectively remove one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) of a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7) in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7), which is described in detail below.

[0030] 1 represent elements, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular dependency of the elements. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements, but it should be noted that other alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the versions disclosed herein.

[0031] Various views of the automated removal device 10 are shown in Figures 2A-2F and 3A-3D. Figure 2A is a right front perspective view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device 10 of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a right front perspective view of the automated removal device 10 of Figure 2A, showing a cross-sectional end view of line 2B-2B of Figure 2A. Figure 2C is an enlarged view of circle 2C of Figure 2B. Figure 2D is a top view of the automated removal device 10 of Figure 2A. Figure 2E is a left side view of the automated removal device 10 of Figure 2A. Figure 2F is a rear view of the automated removal device 10 of Figure 2A. Figures 2A-2F show a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34, described in detail below, in an extended position 142.

[0032] FIGURE 3A is a right front perspective view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device 10 of the present disclosure. FIGURE 3B is a right front perspective view of the automated removal device 10 of FIGURE 3A, showing a cross-sectional end view taken along line 3B-3B of FIGURE 3A. FIGURE 3C is an enlarged view of circle 3C of FIGURE 3B. FIGURE 3D is a right front perspective view of the automated removal device 10 of FIGURE 3A, showing a plunger element 210, described in more detail below, in an extended position 218. FIGURES 3A-3D show a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34, described in more detail below, in a retracted position 146.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1, 2A-2F, and 3A-3D, the automated removal apparatus 10 includes a rotating reel 14. The rotating reel 14 functions as a gripping device 16 (see Figures 1 and 2A) for gripping one or more trimmed portions 280 (see Figure 7) around the periphery of the rotating reel 14 for removal. As described below, in one version, the rotating reel 14 uses a vacuum force 113 (see Figure 1) to pull up and hold one or more trimmed portions 280 (see Figure 7) of a laminate ply 294 (see Figure 7) around the periphery of the rotating reel 14. In another version, the rotating reel 14 can use an adhesive 17 (see Figure 1) or another suitable gripping mechanism to grip or hold one or more trimmed portions 280 of the laminate ply 294 around the periphery of the rotating reel 14.

[0034] The reel 14 has an exterior 18 (see FIG. 2B), an interior 20 (see FIG. 2B), a hub portion 22 (see FIG. 1, 2A-2B), an outer periphery 24 (see FIG. 1 and 5), and an inner periphery 26 (see FIG. 1 and 5). As further shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B, the reel 14, and in particular the hub portion 22, in one version, has a generally cylindrical body 28, such as a barrel shape. In another version, the reel 14, and in particular the hub portion 22, has another suitable shape. The reel 14 further has a vacuum end 30 (see FIG. 1, 2A-2B, 2D, 3A-3B) and a drive end 32 (see also FIG. 1, 2A-2B, 2D-2E, 3A-3B, 3D) located opposite the vacuum end 30.

[0035] In an exemplary version, the retractable reel 14 includes a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2F, 3A-3D) mounted and arranged around the retractable reel 14, and in particular around the hub portion 22 of the retractable reel 14. As shown in FIG. 2A, each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 includes a first end 36a, a second end 36b (see also FIG. 2E), a first side 38a, and a second side 38b. As shown in FIG. 2C, each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 includes an upper side 39a, a lower side 39b, and a body portion 40. In one version, as shown in FIG. 2A, each of the retractable vacuum panels 34 has an elongated rectangular shape 42. In another version, each of the retractable vacuum panels 34 has another suitable geometric shape. Each retractable vacuum panel 34 further has a length 44 (see FIGS. 1 and 2F), a width 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 2F), and a thickness 48 (see FIGS. 1 and 2E). The length 44 may be longer or shorter depending on the length of the trimmed portion or portions to be wound, wrapped or wound around the rotatable reel 14. The width 46 may be wider or narrower depending on the width of the trimmed portion or portions to be wound, wrapped or wound around the rotatable reel 14.

[0036] As further shown in FIG. 2A, each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 is mounted between the vacuum end 30 and the drive end 32 of the rotating reel 14. The rotating reel 14 may include two or more retractable vacuum panels 34 spaced apart from one another and mounted around the hub portion 22 of the rotating reel 14. As shown in FIG. 2A, in one version, the rotating reel 14 has eight retractable vacuum panels 34 spaced apart evenly from one another and mounted around the hub portion 22 of the rotating reel 14. In other versions, the rotating reel 14 has another suitable number of retractable vacuum panels 34, for example, between two and seven retractable vacuum panels 34 or more than eight retractable vacuum panels 34.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1, 2A-2F, and 3A-3D, each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 includes one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 coupled or integral with each retractable vacuum panel 34. As shown in Figures 2A and 2F, in one version, nine total retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 are disposed along the length 44 (see Figure 2F) of each individual retractable vacuum panel 34 in a panel configuration 52 (see Figure 2A). In other versions, each retractable vacuum panel 34 includes or houses one retractable vacuum pad assembly 50, two to eight retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50, or ten or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50. As shown in Figures 2A-2C, 3A, and 3C, the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 are preferably separated from one another via one or more vertical divider elements 54. One or more horizontal divider elements 56 (see FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A, 3C) may span the length 44 (see FIG. 2F) of the retractable vacuum panel 34 and may intersect two or more vertical divider elements 54.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 2A-2D, 2F, and 3A-3C, each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 includes a vacuum pad 58 or vacuum plate. Each vacuum pad 58 has an upper outer portion 60a (see Figures 2B-2C, 3C), a lower inner portion 60b (see Figures 2B-2C, 3C), and a generally rectangular configuration 62 (see Figure 2B). As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the lower inner portion 60b of each vacuum pad 58 may be coupled or mounted on the upper side 39a of the retractable vacuum panel 34, which may allow a vacuum pad 58 that may be installed or used to be replaced with an unused vacuum pad 58 as needed. Alternatively, the lower inner portion 60b of each vacuum pad 58 may be integral with the upper side 39a of the retractable vacuum panel 34. In this version, a retractable vacuum panel 34 having one or more installed or used vacuum pads 58 can be replaced, if desired, with another retractable vacuum panel 34 having one or more unused vacuum pads 58. As further shown in FIG. 2A, the vacuum pads 58 are divided into spaces apart from one another by vertical dividing elements 54 and horizontal dividing elements 56.

[0039] Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 further includes a vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 3A-3C) formed in an upper outer portion 60a of the vacuum pad 58. The one or more vertical divider elements 54 (see FIG. 2A) and the one or more horizontal divider elements 56 (see FIG. 2A) can form a seal around the vacuum port 64 (see FIG. 2A) when the vacuum pad 58 (see FIG. 2A) is compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7).

[0040] Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 further comprises a vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C). As shown in FIG. 2C, the vacuum cylinder 66 has an exterior 68a, an interior 68b, a first end 70a (see also FIG. 3C), a second end 70b (see also FIG. 3C), and a cylindrical body 72 formed between the first end 70a and the second end 70b. As shown in FIG. 2C, the vacuum cylinder 66 further has an inner diameter 74 and an outer diameter 76. The first end 70a of the vacuum cylinder 66 terminates at the vacuum port 64, and the second end 70b of the vacuum cylinder 66 terminates at a base opening 78 (see FIG. 2C). The vacuum cylinder 66 further includes a throat portion 80 (see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C) formed in the interior 68b of the vacuum cylinder 66 at or near the second end 70b, the throat portion 80 terminating at the base opening 78. As shown in FIG. 2C, the throat portion 80 has a cylindrical configuration 82 and an inner diameter 84. As shown in FIG. 2C, the inner diameter 84 of the throat portion 80 is smaller than the inner diameter 74 of the vacuum cylinder 66. The throat portion 80 (see FIG. 2C) also includes an upper edge portion 86 (see FIGS. 2C, 3C) and a side portion 88 (see FIGS. 2C, 3C) depending downwardly from the upper edge portion 86 and forming an angle therewith, for example a 90 degree angle or another appropriately sized angle. As shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, the vacuum pad 58 and the vacuum cylinder 66 together define a generally T-shaped configuration 90.

[0041] Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 further comprises a vacuum cavity 92 (see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C) formed in the hub portion 22 of the rotatable reel 14 and disposed below or within the vacuum cylinder 66. As shown in FIG. 2C, each vacuum cavity 92 has an interior 94 and has a cylindrical shape 96. Each vacuum cavity 92 further comprises an upper end 98a (see FIGS. 2C, 3C) and a lower end 98b (see FIGS. 2C, 3C). Each vacuum cavity 92 has a cavity opening 100 (see FIG. 2C) at the upper end 98a, the cavity opening 100 having a cavity opening diameter 102 (see FIG. 2C). As shown in FIG. 2C, the length of the cavity opening diameter 102 is greater than the outer diameter 76 of the vacuum cylinder 66. The cavity opening 100 is of a size and shape sufficient to receive the vacuum cylinder 66 of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 when the second end 70b of the vacuum cylinder 66 is retracted within the vacuum cavity 92. Each vacuum cavity 92 further includes a central recessed opening 104 (see FIGS. 2C, 3C) formed in the lower end 98b.

[0042] Each vacuum cavity 92 further includes at least one channel opening 106 (see FIGS. 2B-2C, 3B-3C) through a side 105 (see FIGS. 2C, 3C) of the vacuum cavity 92. The channel opening 106 opens to a vacuum channel 107 (see FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3B, 3C) formed through the interior 20 of the revolving reel 14. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, in one version, the revolving reel 14 has four vacuum channels 107 that extend along the length 44 (see FIG. 2F) of the retractable vacuum panel 34. In other versions, the revolving reel 14 has one to three vacuum channels 107, or has more than four vacuum channels 107. Each vacuum channel 107 delivers a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) through the channel opening 106 to the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 located on either side of the vacuum channel 107 and out through the vacuum ports 64. As shown in Figures 2B and 3B, in one version, each vacuum channel 107 has the ability to deliver a vacuum flow 108 through one or more of the eighteen vacuum pads 58 of one or more of the eighteen retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 and out through one or more of the eighteen vacuum ports 64. In other versions, each vacuum channel 107 has the ability to deliver a vacuum flow 108 through one to seventeen vacuum pads 58 or through more than eighteen vacuum pads 58. The vacuum flow 108 is generated from a vacuum source 109 (see Figure 1), which is described in more detail below. The vacuum flow 108 flows into the channel opening 106 and then into the vacuum cavity 92, into the vacuum cylinder 66, through the vacuum pads 58, and out through the vacuum ports 64.

[0043] In addition, as described in more detail below, the rotary reel 14 houses a pneumatic system 230 configured to receive and control an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), from an air source 112 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air source 112a (see FIG. 1). In a preferred version, the air source 112 is a single-source air source 112b (see FIG. 1). Additionally, a vacuum flow 108 from a vacuum source 109 generates a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1).

[0044] Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 further includes a self-sealing valve 114 (see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C). As shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, each self-sealing valve 114 has a tip end 116, a tail end 118, and a shaft body 120 formed between the tip end 116 and the tail end 118. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, in one version, the tail end 118 of the self-sealing valve 114 is inserted into and fixed to the central recessed opening 104 of the lower end 98b of the vacuum cavity 92. In one version, the self-sealing valve 114 can be a stationary valve or a fixed valve. As further shown in FIG. 2C, the tip end 116 of the self-sealing valve 114 seats on the upper edge portion 86 of the throat portion 80 of the vacuum cylinder 66, which serves as a valve seat 122.

[0045] As shown in FIG 2B, in one version, the self-sealing valve 114 has a T-shaped configuration 128. In another version, the self-sealing valve 114 has another suitable configuration or shape. In one version, the self-sealing valve 114 (see FIG 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C) comprises a spring-loaded self-sealing valve 114a (see FIG 1, 2B-2C, 3B-3C). In another version, the self-sealing valve 114 comprises another suitable type of self-sealing valve known in the art.

[0046] 2B-2C show the self-sealing valve 114 in a closed position 124 with a tip 116 of the self-sealing valve 114 seated against a valve seat 122 to form a seal 126 (see FIGS. 1, 2C) to prevent vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) from flowing from the channel opening 106 and vacuum cavity 92 into the vacuum cylinder 66 and out through the vacuum port 64. When the self-sealing valve 114 is in the closed position 124, as shown in FIG. 2C, the second end 70b of the vacuum cylinder 66 is adjacent or substantially adjacent the upper end 98a of the vacuum cavity 92, the retractable vacuum panel 34 is in an extended position 142 (see FIGS. 2A-2F), such as a fully extended position 142a (see FIGS. 2A-2C), and the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is in an extended position 144 (see FIGS. 2A-2F), such as a fully extended position 144a (see FIGS. 2A-2C). When the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is in an extended position 144, such as the fully extended position 144a, the self-sealing valve is in the closed position 124 and is sealed such that there are no vacuum leaks or vacuum flow 108 leaks.

[0047] Figures 3B-3C show the self-sealing valve 114 in an open position 125, in which the tip 116 (see Figure 3C) of the self-sealing valve 114 is no longer seated against the upper edge portion 86 (see Figure 3C) of the throat portion 80 (see Figure 3C) and the seal 126 (see Figure 2C) is open, allowing vacuum flow 108 (see Figure 1) to flow from the channel opening 106 (see Figures 3B-3C) and the vacuum cavity 92 (see Figures 3B-3C) into the vacuum cylinder 66 (see Figures 3B-3C) and out through the vacuum port 64 (see Figures 3B-3C). When the self-sealing valve 114 is in the open position 125, as shown in FIG. 3C, the second end 70b of the vacuum cylinder 66 is adjacent or substantially adjacent to the lower end 98b of the vacuum cavity 92, the retractable vacuum panel 34 is in a retracted position 146 (see FIG. 3A-3D), such as the fully retracted position 146a (see FIG. 3A-3D), and the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is in a retracted position 148 (see FIG. 3A-3D), such as the fully retracted position 148a (see FIG. 3A-3D).

[0048] The self-sealing valve 114 is operable to open from the closed position 124 to the open position 125 when the vacuum pads 58 are compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) to be removed. When the rotating reel 14 is positioned above the one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed and rotates above and over the one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed, each of the vacuum pads 58 positioned above and over the one or more trimmed portions 280 may be compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280, and such compression causes the self-sealing valve 114 to open from the closed position 124 (see FIGS. 1, 2B-2C) to the open position 125 (see FIGS. 1, 3B-3C). Thus, when the vacuum pads 58 are compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280, the vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIG. 3C) is compressed and moves inwardly toward the lower end 98b (see FIG. 3C) of the vacuum cavity 92 (see FIG. 3C), opening the self-sealing valve 114 to the open position 125. As shown in FIG. 3C, the interior 68b of the vacuum cylinder 66 substantially surrounds the tip 116 of the self-sealing valve 114 and the shaft body 120. The vacuum cylinder 66 moves inwardly around the self-sealing valve 114, which does not move and remains fixed. When the one or more vacuum pads 58 of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 are compressed, and thereby the retractable vacuum panel 34 is compressed, each self-sealing valve 114 of each compressed vacuum pad 58 is opened to pull a vacuum and the vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) generates a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1) against the one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7). Although Figures 3A-3B show all of the retractable vacuum panels 34 stored or retracted in storage position 146 and all of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 stored or retracted in storage position 148, it is not necessary for all of the retractable vacuum panels 34 to be stored or retracted at once, and it is not necessary for all of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 to be stored or retracted at once, when the rotating reel 14 rotates to roll over and lift one or more trimmed portions 280.

[0049] As further shown in Figures 1, 2A, 2E, 3A, and 3D, the automated removal device 10 further comprises a plurality of actuator assemblies 130 attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. In one version, the plurality of actuator assemblies 130 comprises a plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see Figures 1, 2A, 2D, 2E, 3A, 3D). In another version, the plurality of actuator assemblies 130 comprises another suitable actuator assembly known in the art. Each actuator assembly 130, such as the piston assembly 132, is in the form of a linear actuator 134 (see Figures 1, 2A, 2E, 3A) configured to extend and retract each retractable vacuum panel 34, and thus each retractable vacuum pad assembly 50. As shown in Figures 2A and 3A, in one version, eight actuator assemblies 130, such as the piston assemblies 132, may be coupled or attached to a surface 136 of the vacuum end 30 of the rotatable reel 14 and arranged in a wheel spoke configuration 138. In other versions, the actuator assemblies 130, such as piston assemblies 132, may be coupled or attached to the vacuum end 30 in another suitable configuration. As shown in FIGURE 2E, in one version, eight actuator assemblies 130, such as eight piston assemblies 132, are coupled or attached in a wheel spoke configuration 138 around a surface 140 of the drive end 32 of the rotatable reel 14. In other versions, the actuator assemblies 130, such as piston assemblies 132, may be coupled or attached to the drive end 32 in another suitable configuration.

[0050] 2D illustrates a pair 130a of actuator assemblies 130, such as a pair 132a of piston assemblies 132, attached to each retractable vacuum panel 34, with one member of each pair 130a attached to an opposite end of the retractable vacuum panel 34. As shown in FIG. 2D, one member of the pair 130a of actuator assemblies 130, such as one member of the pair 132a of piston assemblies 132, is attached to a first end 36a of each retractable vacuum panel 34. As further shown in FIG. 2D, the other member of the pair 130a of actuator assemblies 130, such as the other member of the pair 132a of piston assemblies 132, is attached to a second end 36b of each retractable vacuum panel 34. Each pair 130a of actuator assemblies 130, such as each pair 132a of piston assemblies 132, is configured to actuate, extend, or deploy each retractable vacuum panel 34 and one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50, and is configured to retract each retractable vacuum panel 34 and one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50.

[0051] Each of the plurality of piston assemblies 132 includes a piston rod 150 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2E, 3A) connected in a series configuration 156 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2E, 3A), an air cylinder 152 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2E, 3A), and a piston lock 154 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2E, 3A). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E, each piston rod 150 includes a first end 160a attached to the retractable vacuum panel 34 and a second end 160b attached to the air cylinder 152. A first end 160a of each piston rod 150 on the vacuum end 30 (see FIG. 2A) of the revolving reel 14 is attached to a first end 36a (see FIG. 2A) of each retractable vacuum panel 34 via a mounting element 161 (see FIGS. 2A, 2D, 3A), such as a bolt, pin, screw, coupling, or another suitable form of mounting element. A first end 160a of each piston rod 150 on the drive end 32 (see FIG. 2E) of the revolving reel 14 is attached to a second end 36b (see FIG. 2E), respectively, of each retractable vacuum panel 34 via a mounting element 161 (see FIG. 2E), such as a bolt, pin, screw, coupling, or another suitable form of mounting element. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E, the piston rod 150 is in an extended position 164. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, the piston rod 150 is in a compressed position 166.

[0052] 2A and 3A, the air cylinder 152 of each of the plurality of piston assemblies 132 has a free end 157 configured and adapted to connect to an air hose 158 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A) for receiving an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as a compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), which will be described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B. The air flow 110, such as a compressed air flow 110a, into the air cylinder 152 (see FIG. 2A) can cause the air cylinder 152 to actuate or extend the piston rod 150, which, when connected to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34, actuates or extends outwardly the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 and one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50.

[0053] As further shown in Figures 2A and 3A, the piston lock 154 is attached to or around a portion of the air cylinder 152. The piston lock has a first end 162a (see Figure 2A) and a second end 162b (see Figure 2A). In one version, the piston lock 154 is a one-way piston lock 154a (see Figures 1, 2A, 3A) that allows the piston rod 150 to be compressed and held in a compressed position 166 and prevents the piston rod 150 from extending. By preventing the piston rod 150 from extending, a piston lock 154 such as the one-way piston lock 154a allows the vacuum flow 108 (see Figure 1) to continue until the one or more trimmed portions 280 are ready to be released from the rotatable reel 14, even after the one or more trimmed portions 280 have already been wound around and engaged with the outer periphery 24 (see Figure 1) of the rotatable reel 14. When the process resumes, air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, delivered to air cylinder 152 and piston rod 150 resets piston lock 154, such as one-way piston lock 154a.

[0054] The automatic removal device 10 further includes a plurality of friction-reducing elements 168 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2F, 3A-3D) mounted and arranged around the periphery of the rotating reel 14, in particular around the hub portion 22 of the rotating reel 14. In one version, the plurality of friction-reducing elements 168 includes a plurality of ball bearings 170 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2F, 3A-3D). The ball bearings 170 may be made of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable hard and durable metal, or the ball bearings 170 may be made of a plastic material. In another version, the plurality of friction-reducing elements 168 includes other suitable friction-reducing elements 168 having a smooth surface to facilitate the release of one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotating reel 14.

[0055] 2A and 2F, a plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as a plurality of ball bearings 170, are preferably arranged in one or more rows 172 attached to or disposed on a raised portion 174, such as in the form of a fixed, non-retractable platform 174a. As shown in FIG. 2F, the raised portion 174, such as the platform 174a, has a length 176 that is substantially equal to the length 44 of the retractable vacuum panel 34.

[0056] As further shown in FIG. 2F, the plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as the plurality of ball bearings 170, are disposed between the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. In one version, each row 172 of the plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as the plurality of ball bearings 170, on a raised portion 174, such as a platform 174a, is disposed between an adjacent pair 34a (see FIG. 2F) of the retractable vacuum panels 34. In another version, each row 172 of the plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as the plurality of ball bearings 170, may be disposed in some other manner relative to the retractable vacuum panels 34, such as, for example, two or more retractable vacuum panels 34 disposed between two rows 172 of the plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as the plurality of ball bearings 170. When the retractable vacuum panels 34 are retracted to the retracted position 146 (see FIG. 3D), the raised portion 174 (see FIG. 3D), such as the platform 174a (see FIG. 3D) having the friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, is not retracted, and the friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, remain as contact points 178 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 3D, FIG. 11A) to facilitate the release of the one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 11A) from the rotary reel 14. When the friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, function as the sole or only contact points 178, the contact points 178 are the highest points of contact with the one or more trimmed portions 280, and the one or more trimmed portions 280 can easily slide along the surfaces of the friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, and slide off the rotary reel 14. A plurality of friction reducing elements 168 , such as a plurality of ball bearings 170 , act as hard stops for one or more trimmed portions 280 wound or spooled on the rotatable reel 14 .

[0057] The automated removal apparatus 10 further comprises a drive assembly 180 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, 2E-2F, 3A-3B, 3D) mounted to the rotating reel 14. The drive assembly 180 is configured to drive, power, and control the rotation of the rotating reel 14. As shown in FIG. 2F, the drive assembly 180 comprises a rotational stage assembly 182 mounted to a support structure 184.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2G is a rear perspective view of an exemplary version of the rotational stage assembly 182 of the drive assembly 180 of the automated removal apparatus 10 of FIG. 2F. The rotational stage assembly 182 of the drive assembly 180 includes a motor 186 (see FIG. 1, 2D-2G). In one version, the motor 186 includes an electric motor 186a (see FIG. 1, 2F-2G). The electric motor 186a may include a belt drive motor 186b (see FIG. 1) or another suitable type of electric motor known in the art. The electric motor 186a generates a rotational force that drives or runs the rotating reel 14. A motor 186, such as the electric motor 186a, may be powered by a battery, a generator, or another suitable power source known in the art. As shown in FIG. 2G, the motor 186 has a cylindrical body 188 with a longitudinal groove 189.

[0059] Rotation stage assembly 182 of drive assembly 180 further includes a rotation stage 190 (see FIGS. 1, 2D, 2G). As shown in FIG. 2G, rotation stage 190 is connected to motor 186 via mounting assembly 192. As shown in FIG. 2G, mounting assembly 192 includes a collar portion 194 attached to rotation stage 190. Collar portion 194 has an opening 195 (see FIG. 2G) into which a portion of motor 186 is inserted. Mounting assembly 192 further includes a face plate 196 (see FIG. 2G) attached to rotation stage 190.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2F and 2G, in one version, the rotation stage 190 comprises a fixed portion 198, such as in the form of a fixed casing 198a, or another suitable fixed portion. The motor 186 is attached to the fixed portion 198, such as the fixed casing 198a, via a mounting assembly 192. The fixed portion 198, such as the fixed casing 198a, has a first side 200a (see Figures 2F, 2G) and a second side 200b (see Figures 2F, 2G). As shown in Figure 2F, the first side 200a of the fixed portion 198, such as the fixed casing 198a, is attached to the support structure 184 of the drive assembly 180. As shown in Figures 2A and 2F, the support structure 184 comprises a cylindrical cover portion 202 and a block portion 203 (see also Figure 2D). The support structure 184 is preferably made from one or more types of metallic material, such as steel, stainless steel, or another hard and durable metallic material.

[0061] As further shown in Figures 2F and 2G, the rotary stage 190 comprises a rotatable part 204, such as in the form of a rotatable ring 204a. The rotatable part 204, such as the rotatable ring 204a, has a first side 206a (see Figures 2F, 2G) attached to a second side 200b of a fixed part 198, such as a fixed casing 198a. The rotatable part 204, such as the rotatable ring 204a, has a second side 206b (see Figures 2F, 2G) attached to an offset element 208 (see Figures 2D, 2F) of the rotatable reel 14. As shown in Figure 2F, the offset element 208 is attached to the drive end 32 of the rotatable reel 14.

[0062] The automated removal device 10 may further include a plunger element 210 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, 2D-2F, 3A-3B, 3D) coupled to the drive assembly 180. In one version, the plunger element 210 includes an air cylinder plunger 210a (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, 2D-2F, 3A-3B, 3D), or a pneumatic plunger. In another version, the plunger element 210 includes an actuator or another suitable plunger element or device to assist in moving, pushing, and releasing one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) from the rotatable reel 14. As shown in FIG. 2A, the plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, has a first end 212a, a second end 212b, and an elongated body 214. As further shown in Figure 2A, the elongate body 214 has a fixed portion 214a and an extendable portion 214b. As shown in Figures 1, 2A and 3A, the plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is in a retracted position 216. As shown in Figure 3D, the plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is in an extended position 218.

[0063] A plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is operable to move from a retracted position 216 (see FIG. 2A) to an extended position 218 (see FIG. 3D) to assist in moving, pushing, and releasing one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotatable reel 14 when the one or more trimmed portions 280 are ready to be released from the rotatable reel 14. In one version, the plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is extended and retracted using an air cylinder mechanism or device (not shown) disposed within the fixed portion 214a of the elongated body 214. In another version, another mechanism, such as a mechanical or hydraulic actuation mechanism, is used to extend and retract the plunger element 210.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2A and 3A, a plunger element 210, such as air cylinder plunger 210a, is coupled to the drive assembly 180. In particular, the plunger element 210, such as air cylinder plunger 210a, is coupled to a block portion 203 (see Figures 2A, 3A) of a support structure 184 (see Figure 2A) of the drive assembly 180 via a bracket element 220 (see Figure 2A). However, the plunger element 210 may be coupled or attached to another portion of the automatic removal device 10. The bracket element 220 has an opening 222 (see Figure 2A) into which a portion of the fixed portion 214a of the elongated body 214 of the plunger element 210, such as air cylinder plunger 210a, is inserted and fixed to the bracket element 220.

[0065] The automated removal apparatus 10 may further include a connector assembly 224 (see FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, 2D-2F, 3A-3B, 3D). In one version, the connector assembly 224 includes a tool change connector assembly 224a (see FIG. 2A). As shown in FIG. 2A, the connector assembly 224 has a first end 226a, a second end 226b, and one or more connector portions 228. As further shown in FIG. 2A, the first end 226a of the connector assembly 224 is attached to a block portion 203 of the support structure 184 of the drive assembly 180.

[0066] The automatic removal device 10 further includes an air pressure system 230 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B, and 4A-4B) attached to the rotating reel 14. As shown in FIGS. 2B, 3B, and 4A-4B, the air pressure system 230 is disposed mainly inside 20 of the rotating reel 14 (see FIG. 2B).

[0067] 4A-4B, Fig. 4A is a top perspective partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device 10 showing the pneumatic system 230. Fig. 4B is a left perspective partial cross-sectional view of the automated removal device 10 with the pneumatic system 230 of Fig. 4A.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the pneumatic system 230 includes a valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, disposed within an inner cavity 234 of the spinning reel 14. The valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, has a first end 236a (see FIGS. 4A-4B) and a second end 236b (see FIGS. 4A-4B). In one version, the valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, is a FESTO pneumatic valve manifold obtained from Festo Corporation USA, Islandia, New York, a subsidiary of Festo SE & Co., Germany. (FESTO is a registered trademark owned by Festo SE & Co., Germany.)

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, a valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, includes a plurality of control valves 238 coupled or attached to a plurality of fittings 240. The plurality of control valves 238 may include air pilot valves, solenoid valves, or another type of control valve known in the art. A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, controls what air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), from an air source 112 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air source 112a (see FIG. 1), is used. Preferably, the air source 112 is a single source air source 112b (see FIG. 1). Additionally, the valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, sends a signal to open or close the correct control valve 238.

[0070] A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, is operable to control and controls an air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to actuate a plurality of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see FIGS. 4A-4B). In particular, a valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, is operable to control an air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, to a piston lock 154 (see FIG. 4A) and an air cylinder 152 (see FIG. 4A) to extend or compress a piston rod 150 (see FIG. 4A), which in turn extends or retracts a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) of a rotating reel 14 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), which in turn extends or retracts one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 (see FIGS. 4A-4B).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4A, the free end 157 of the air cylinder 152 is attached to an air hose 158. The air hose 158 extends from one of the fittings 240 through an end plate 242 (see FIG. 4A-B) having a plurality of holes 244 (see FIG. 4A-B). The end plate 242 is attached to a first opening 245 (see FIG. 4A-B) in the cavity 234, the first opening 245 being located at the vacuum end 30 of the reel 14. As shown in FIG. 4A-B, the end plate 242 is disposed opposite the second end 236b of the valve manifold 232. In one version, the holes 244 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) in the end plate 242 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) are a 4×4 hole pattern 246 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) having 16 holes 244, and the end plate 242 is configured to accommodate 1-16 air hoses 158 through the holes 244. In other versions, the end plate 242 can have 1-15 holes 244 or more than 16 holes 244.

[0072] The end plate 242 is configured to receive and accepts one or more air hoses 158 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B), each of which is inserted into one of the one or more holes 244. Although only one air hose 158 is shown attached to the free end 157 of the air cylinder 152 in FIG. 4A, each free end 157 of each air cylinder 152 of each actuator assembly 130, such as the piston assembly 132 at both the vacuum end 30 and the drive end 32, is configured to be attached to an air hose 158 attached to one of the fittings 240 of the valve manifold 232. Preferably, all sixteen air cylinders 152 on the vacuum end 30 and the drive end 32 of the rotatable reel 14 are attached to an air hose 158, and each air hose 158 is preferably attached to one of the fittings 240 of the valve manifold 232.

[0073] Each of the one or more air hoses 158 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) has a first end 248a (see FIGS. 4A-4B) connected to one of the fittings 240 of a valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, and each of the one or more air hoses 158 has a second end 248b (see FIG. 4A) attached to a free end 157 of an air cylinder 152 of an actuator assembly 130, such as piston assembly 132. The air hoses 158 are configured to convey an air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, from the valve manifold 232 to the air cylinder 152 of the actuator assembly 130, such as piston assembly 132.

[0074] A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, is further operable to control and controls an air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to one or more vacuum generators 250 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) to generate a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) to the vacuum cavity 92 (see FIGS. 2B, 3B), to the vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), through the vacuum pad 58 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), and out through a vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 (see FIGS. 4A-4B). A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, controls the on and off of the air flow 110 to the piston assembly 132 and the vacuum generators 250. A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a, further selectively draws a vacuum and controls the vacuum flow 108 out of each individual vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 4A-4B).

[0075] In one version, the automated stripper 10 has four vacuum generators 250 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 4B) located at the vacuum end 30 of the rotating reel 14. In other versions, the automated stripper 10 can have one to three vacuum generators 250, or more than four vacuum generators 250. Each vacuum generator 250 includes a nozzle 251 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) located therein. As shown in FIG. 4A, each vacuum generator 250 has a first inlet opening 252a, a second inlet opening 252b, and an exhaust outlet 253. As further shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, an air hose 158 is attached at a first end 248a to one of the fittings 240 and at a second end 248b to a first inlet opening 252a for carrying an air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, from the valve manifold 232 to the vacuum generator 250.

[0076] 4A shows only one air hose 158 attached from the valve manifold 232 to the first inlet opening 252a of the vacuum generator 250, each first inlet opening 252a of each vacuum generator 250 is configured to be attached to an air hose 158 attached to one of the fittings 240 of the valve manifold 232. Preferably, each of the four vacuum generators 250 on the vacuum end 30 of the rotatable reel 14 has a first inlet opening 252a attached to an air hose 158, and each air hose 158 is preferably attached to one of the fittings 240 of the valve manifold 232.

[0077] An air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, flows through a first inlet opening 252a (see FIG. 4A) and is directed through a nozzle 251 (see FIG. 4A) that compresses the air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a. The air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, enters the first inlet opening 252a at high pressure and low velocity and passes through the nozzle 251 causing the air flow 110 to compress, increasing its velocity and decreasing its pressure.

[0078] As air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, flows through first inlet opening 252a and through nozzle 251, a Venturi effect is created inside vacuum generator 250. As used herein, "Venturi effect" refers to the reduction in air pressure that occurs when air increases in velocity as it flows through a constriction in a tube or pipe, such as nozzle 251 in vacuum generator 250.

[0079] The air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, is used to generate a Venturi effect in the vacuum generator 250. A portion of this air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, is then exhausted through an exhaust outlet 253 (see FIG. 4A). Another portion of this air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, flows through a second inlet opening 252b (see FIG. 4A), through a vacuum tube 254 (see FIG. 4A), through a vacuum channel 107 (see FIG. 2B, FIG. 3B), through one or more of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50, generating a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) that flows out through one or more of the vacuum ports 64 of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50. The vacuum flow 108 generates a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1), such as a vacuum suction force, to raise and hold one or more sections 280a (see FIG. 7) of one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) against one or more vacuum pads 58 (see FIGS. 4A-4B). A vacuum source 109 (see FIG. 1) for the vacuum flow 108 includes an air flow 110, such as a compressed air flow 110a, which is compressed by the Venturi effect in a vacuum generator 250. The vacuum flow 108 generates a suction force by the Venturi effect.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4A, at the second inlet opening 252b of the vacuum generator 250, the vacuum tube 254 has an end 255 attached to the second inlet opening 252b. The vacuum tube 254 extends from the second inlet opening 252b through one of the holes 244 (see Figure 4A) in the end plate 242 (see Figure 4A) and into one of the vacuum channels 107 (see Figures 2B, 3B) in the interior 20 (see Figures 2B, 3B) of the reel 14 (see Figure 4A).

[0081] The vacuum tube 254 is configured to convey and conveys a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) between the vacuum generator 250, the vacuum channel 107, and the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 (see FIG. 4A) via the channel opening 106 (see FIG. 4A). When the self-sealing valve 114 (see FIGS. 3B-3C) is in the open position 125 (see FIGS. 3B-3C), the vacuum flow 108 is pulled through the vacuum cavity 92 (see FIG. 2B), through the vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIG. 2B), through the vacuum pad 58 (see FIGS. 2B, 4A), and out through the vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 2A, 4A). The vacuum flow 108 generates a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1 ) that is configured to pull and hold one or more sections 280a (see FIG. 5 ) of one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 5 ) against a vacuum pad 58 that is in contact with and compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280. The rotary reel 14 of the automated removal device 10 is operable to wind, wrap or take up the one or more trimmed portions 280 held by the vacuum force 113 around an outer periphery 24 (see FIGS. 1 , 5 ) of the rotary reel 14 for removal. Preferably, the outer periphery 24 of the rotary reel 14 corresponds to the respective lengths of the one or more trimmed portions 280 that are wound, wrapped or taken up around the rotary reel 14.

[0082] 4A shows only one vacuum tube 254 attached to the second inlet opening 252b of the vacuum generator 250, each second inlet opening 252b of each vacuum generator 250 is configured to be attached to a vacuum tube 254 that is coupled or attached to one of the vacuum channels 107 in the interior 20 of the rotating reel 14. Preferably, each of the four vacuum generators 250 on the vacuum end 30 of the rotating reel 14 has a second inlet opening 252b attached to a vacuum tube 254, and each vacuum tube 254 is preferably attached to one of the vacuum channels 107.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the pneumatic system 230 further includes a rotary union 256 inserted and mounted through a second opening 258 of the cavity 234. The second opening 258 is disposed at the drive end 32 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) of the reel 14. The rotary union 256 has a first end 260a, a second end 260b, and a cylindrical housing 262 disposed between the first end 260a and the second end 260b. The cylindrical housing 262 has a plurality of holes 264 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) formed through the exterior of the cylindrical housing 262. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the second end 260b of the rotary union 256 is inserted and mounted through the second opening 258 and faces the opposite side of the first end 236a of a valve manifold 232, such as the pneumatic valve manifold 232a. As shown in Figure 4A, the second end 260b of the rotary union 256 is configured to connect to and has a number of ports 266 that connect to one or more air inlet hoses 267 that are connected to the first end 236a of the valve manifold 232. Air flow 110 (see Figure 1), such as compressed air flow 110a (see Figure 1), flows from the rotary union 256 through the air inlet hoses 267 (see Figure 4A) and into the valve manifold 232.

[0084] As used herein, "rotary union" means a rotating part that provides an interface between a rotating or rotatable component, i.e., the rotary reel 14, and a stationary component, i.e., the slip ring 268 and the air delivery line 276 (see FIG. 9A), and allows for the transfer of air, pneumatic, or other gases and fluids between the stationary and rotating components. The rotary union 256 can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or another suitable metallic material.

[0085] As shown in Figures 4A-4B, pneumatic system 230 further includes a slip ring 268 coupled to first end 260a of rotary union 256. Figures 4A-4B show a number of wirings 270 between slip ring 268 and rotary union 256. Slip ring 268 has a first end 272a (see Figures 4A-4B), a second end 272b (see Figures 4A-4B), and a cylindrical body 274 (see Figures 4A-4B) formed between first end 272a and second end 272b. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, a portion of the plurality of wires 270 is inserted through the first end 260a of the rotary union 256 and housed within the cylindrical housing 262, and another portion of the plurality of wires 270 is inserted through the second end 272b of the slip ring 268 and extends through the cylindrical body 274 of the slip ring 268 and out from the first end 272a of the slip ring 268. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the free ends 270a of the plurality of wires 270 extend from the first end 272a of the slip ring 268. As further shown in FIG. 4B, a fixed contact 275 is attached to the first end 272a of the slip ring 268. Although one fixed contact 275 is shown in FIG. 4B, multiple fixed contacts 275 may be attached to the first end 272a of the slip ring 268. As further shown in FIG. 4B, the first end 272a of the slip ring 268 has an air delivery line fitting 277 configured to receive and connect an air delivery line 276 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10), described below, for delivering an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), through the slip ring 268, through the rotary union 256, and to the valve manifold 232 for distribution to the plurality of piston assemblies 132 and the vacuum generator 250.

[0086] As used herein, "slip ring" means an electromechanical device that allows for the transmission of power and electrical signals from a stationary component to a rotating component and allows for electrical connections to be made through the rotating component. The slip ring 268 can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or another suitable metallic material.

[0087] The rotary union 256 and slip ring 268 allow for continuous rotation of the rotary union 256 and rotary reel 14 while providing airflow 110 and power and signals. Additionally, the rotary union 256 and slip ring 268 allow for multiple wires 270 to be attached without the wires 270 becoming twisted or tangled, allowing the rotary union 256 and rotary reel 14 to rotate freely.

[0088] Figure 4A further illustrates the drive assembly 180, which includes the rotational stage assembly 182 and the support structure 184. Figures 4A-B further illustrate the motor 186, the mounting assembly 192, the fixed portion 198, and the rotatable portion 204 of the rotational stage assembly 182. Figures 4A-B further illustrate the offset element 208 and the plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a.

[0089] 5, which is a right side view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device 10 of the present disclosure having an optional wheel assembly 278 attached to the drive assembly 180, and in particular, attached to the block portion 203 of the support structure 184 (see FIG. 2A) of the drive assembly 180. FIG. 5 illustrates the rotatable reel 14 and wheel assembly 278 in use with one or more trimmed portions 280. The one or more trimmed portions 280 can include one or more scrap portions 282 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) and can include one or more non-scrap portions 284 (see FIG. 7). The one or more scrap portions 282 include one or more of a scrap composite portion 282a (see FIGS. 5 and 7), a scrap backing material portion 282b (see FIGS. 5 and 7), and a combination 282c of the scrap composite portion 282a coupled to the scrap backing material portion 282b (see FIG. 7). The one or more non-scrap portions 284 include one or more of a non-scrap composite portion 284a (see Figures 6A-6B, 7), a non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see Figure 7), and a combination 284c (see Figure 7) of a non-scrap composite portion 284a joined to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b.

[0090] The scrap composite portion 282a and the non-scrap composite portion 284a can include a composite material 286 (see FIG. 7). The scrap backing material portion 282b and the non-scrap backing material portion 284b can include a backing material 288 (see FIG. 7). In one version, the non-scrap composite portion 284a is preferably in the form of a net cut ply 290 (see FIG. 7) having a net shape 292 (see FIG. 7). The one or more trimmed portions 280 include a trimmed portion 280 of a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate ply 294a (see FIG. 7), that is used in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate manufacturing process 296a (see FIG. 7), to form a laminate 298 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate 298a (see FIG. 7).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 5, in one version, the wheel assembly 278 comprises a wheel 304 attached to an extension arm attachment 306. The extension arm attachment 306 is comprised of one or more elongated members 308 connected to one another and / or formed continuously. The extension arm attachment 306 has a first end 310a (see FIG. 5) attached to a block portion 203 that is attached or coupled to the drive assembly 180, specifically below the connector assembly 224. The extension arm attachment 306 has a second end 310b (see FIG. 5) attached to a wheel 304. In one version, the wheel assembly 278 may be controlled by a control unit 340 (see FIG. 7), such as a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine 341 (see FIG. 7), and may be powered by a power supply unit 344 (see FIG. 7). In other versions, the wheel assembly 278 may be controlled and powered by a pneumatic control and power system, an electric motor control and power system, or another suitable control and power system.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5, the wheel assembly 278 extends to an offset position 312 behind the rotatable reel 14. The extension arm attachment 306 is configured to position and move the wheel 304 relative to and behind or behind the rotatable reel 14 at the offset position 312. In one version, the offset position 312 is controlled by a control unit 340 (see FIG. 7) and by the position of the extension arm attachment 306 and the wheel 304. The offset position 312 can be automatically set to take into account the starting position of one or more trimmed portions 280 so as not to unintentionally engage or peel off any portion of the non-scrap portion 284 (see FIG. 7), such as the net cut ply 290 (see FIGS. 7 and 9A). As further shown in FIG. 5, the wheel 304 of the wheel assembly 278 rotates in a wheel rotation direction 314 and the rotatable reel 14 rotates in a rotatable reel rotation direction 315. In operation, the wheel rotation direction 314 and the spinning reel rotation direction 315 are in the same direction. However, the spinning reel 14 and the wheel 304 may rotate in opposite directions, both being configured to spin in either a forward or reverse direction.

[0093] As further shown in Figure 5, as the rotatable reel 14 rotates in the rotatable reel rotation direction 315, one or more sections 280a of the trimmed portion 280, including the scrap composite material portion 282a, are raised and held by the vacuum force 113 (see Figure 1) against one or more vacuum pads 58 of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. As further shown in Figure 5, the rotatable reel 14 winds, wraps or winds up the trimmed portion 280, including the scrap composite material portion 282a held by the vacuum force 113, around the outer periphery 24 of the rotatable reel 14 for removal. As further shown in FIG. 5, when the trimmed portion 280 including the scrap composite material portion 282a is picked up and wound or wound by the rotary reel 14 of the automatic removal device 10, the wheel 304 of the wheel assembly 278 presses down on the trimmed portion 280 including the scrap backing material portion 282b to separate the scrap backing material portion 282b from the scrap composite material portion 282a as the rotary reel 14 and wheel 304 move along the forward direction 316, the rotary reel 14 contacts the surface 280b of the trimmed portion 280 including the scrap composite material portion 282a, and the wheel 304 contacts the surface 280b of the trimmed portion 280 including the scrap backing material portion 282b. The scrap backing material portion 282b pushed down by the wheel assembly 278 may be left on the transport device 346 (see Figures 7 and 9A) for reuse, may be picked up and wound or spooled by the rotating reel 14 for removal and disposal in a similar manner as the scrap composite material portion 282a, or may be disposed of in another manner.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5 , the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 with the vacuum pads 58 holding the scrap composite portion 282a is in the intermediate storage position 148b, the retractable vacuum panel 34 with the vacuum pads 58 holding the scrap composite portion 282a is in the intermediate storage position 146b, and the piston rod 150 of the piston assembly 132 on the vacuum end 30 with the vacuum pads 58 holding the scrap composite portion 282a is in the compressed position 166.

[0095] FIG 5 further illustrates the retractable vacuum panel 34 in an extended position 142, such as fully extended position 142a, for a vacuum pad 58 that is not yet holding a scrap composite material portion 282a. FIG 5 further illustrates the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 in an extended position 144, such as fully extended position 144a, for a vacuum pad 58 that is not yet holding a scrap composite material portion 282a. FIG 5 further illustrates the piston rods 150 of the multiple actuator assemblies 130, such as multiple piston assemblies 132 on the vacuum end 30, in an extended position 164 for a vacuum pad 58 that is not yet holding a scrap composite material portion 282a. FIG 5 further illustrates the inner circumference 26 of the rotary reel 14.

[0096] 6A, which is a right side partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary version of the automated removal apparatus 10 of the present disclosure, showing the vacuum pad 58 of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 of the rotary reel 14 in contact with the trimmed portion 280, including the non-scrap portion 284 in the form of the non-scrap composite material portion 284a to be removed, and the self-sealing valve 114, such as the spring-loaded self-sealing valve 114a, in the closed position 124. FIG. 6A shows the first position 317a of the rotary reel 14 with the self-sealing valve 114 in the closed position 124 seated against the throat portion 80 to form a seal 126 sealing the vacuum cavity 92 from the vacuum cylinder 66 and the vacuum port 64.

[0097] FIG 6A further illustrates the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 in contact with the portion to be trimmed 280 in an extended position 144, such as fully extended position 144a, and illustrates the retractable vacuum panel 34 in an extended position 142, such as fully extended position 142a. FIG 6A further illustrates the channel opening 106 between the vacuum channel 107 and the vacuum cavity 92, and illustrates the pneumatic system 230 including the valve manifold 232. FIG 6A further illustrates friction reducing elements 168, such as ball bearings 170, on either side of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 in contact with the portion to be trimmed 280 at the same level, or substantially the same level, as the retractable vacuum panel 34.

[0098] 6B, which is a right-side partial cross-sectional view of the automated removal device 10 of FIG. 6A, showing one vacuum pad 58 of one retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 compressed against a trimmed portion 280 including a non-scrap portion 284 in the form of a non-scrap composite portion 284a, and showing a self-sealing valve 114, such as a spring-loaded self-sealing valve 114a, for the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 in an open position 125. FIG. 6B shows a second position 317b of the rotatable reel 14, where the rotatable reel 14 is compressed in a downward compression direction 318, such that one vacuum pad 58 or row of vacuum pads 58 is compressed downward into the trimmed portion 280, opening the self-sealing valve 114 from the closed position 124 to the open position 125 (see FIG. 6A). 6B, as the vacuum pad 58 is compressed downward into the trimmed portion 280, the vacuum cylinder 66 moves inward into the vacuum cavity 92 and around the self-sealing valve 114, allowing the vacuum flow 108 to flow from the vacuum channel 107 through the channel opening 106 into the vacuum cavity 92, through the throat portion 80 into the vacuum cylinder 66, and out the vacuum port 64 generating a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1) that pulls up and holds the trimmed portion 280 against the vacuum port 64 and the vacuum pad 58. By compressing and pushing the vacuum pad 58 down against the non-scrap composite portion 284a, the self-sealing valve 114 opens to the open position 125 to allow the vacuum flow 108 to be drawn through the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50. 6B, without the vacuum pad 58 being compressed against the trimmed portion 280, the self-sealing valve 114, such as the spring-loaded self-sealing valve 114a of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50, remains in the closed position 124. The self-sealing valve 114 remains in the closed position 124 until the rotatable reel 14 applies a compressive force to the one or more trimmed portions 280 to open the self-sealing valve 114.

[0099] Figure 6B further illustrates the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 compressed within the trimmed portion 280 in a storage position 148, such as intermediate storage position 148b, and shows the retractable vacuum panel 34 in a storage position 146, such as fully stored position 146a. Figure 6B further illustrates a pneumatic system 230 including a valve manifold 232. Figure 6B further illustrates friction reducing elements 168, such as ball bearings 170 on either side of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50, here compressed within the trimmed portion 280 at the same or substantially the same level as the vacuum pads 58.

[0100] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary version of an automated removal system 12 of the present disclosure. In another version of the present disclosure, an automated removal system 12 is provided for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions 280 of a laminate ply 294, such as composite laminate ply 294a, in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, such as composite laminate manufacturing process 296a. As shown in FIG. 7, the automated removal system 12 includes one or more automated removal devices 10. As described above, the automated removal device 10 includes a rotating reel 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A). The rotating reel 14 includes a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) mounted about a hub portion 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) of the rotating reel 14. Each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 includes one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A). Each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 includes a vacuum pad 58 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) with a vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), a vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B) with a self-sealing valve 114 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), and a vacuum cavity 92 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B). When the rotating reel 14 is rotated over the one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed, the vacuum pad 58 is compressed against the one or more trimmed portions 280, opening the self-sealing valve 114 from a closed position 124 (see FIGS. 3C, 6B) to an open position 125 (see FIGS. 2C, 6A).

[0101] As mentioned above, the automated removal apparatus 10 further includes a plurality of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), mounted to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. As mentioned above, the automated removal apparatus 10 further includes a plurality of friction reducing elements 168 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), such as a plurality of ball bearings 170 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), mounted around the periphery of the rotatable reel 14 and positioned between the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34.

[0102] As mentioned above, the automatic removal device 10 further includes a drive assembly 180 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) attached to the rotatable reel 14. As mentioned above, the automatic removal device 10 may further include a plunger element 210 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), such as an air cylinder plunger 210a (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), coupled to the drive assembly 180. The plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a, is operable to assist in moving one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotatable reel 14. As mentioned above, the automatic removal device 10 may further include a connector assembly 224 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) attached to the drive assembly 180.

[0103] As mentioned above, the automated removal apparatus 10 further includes a pneumatic system 230 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) attached to the rotary reel 14. The pneumatic system 230 includes a valve manifold 232 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) operable to control an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as a compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to actuate a plurality of actuator assemblies 130, such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132. The valve manifold 232 is also operable to control an air flow 110, such as a compressed air flow 110a, to one or more vacuum generators 250 (see FIGS. 2A, 4A) to generate a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) through one or more of the vacuum ports 64 (see FIGS. 2A, 4A), such that as the rotating reel 14 is rotated over one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIGS. 5, 6B, 7) to be removed, the vacuum flow 108 creates a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1) configured to lift and hold the one or more trimmed portions 280 against one or more of the vacuum pads 58. The reel 14 is operable to wind, wrap or take up one or more trimmed portions 280 held by the vacuum force 113 around the outer periphery 24 (see FIGS. 1, 5) of the reel 14 to selectively remove one or more trimmed portions 280 of a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate ply 294a (see FIG. 7), in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate manufacturing process 296a (see FIG. 7).

[0104] As mentioned above, the automated removal device 10 may further include a wheel assembly 278 (see FIG. 5) attached to the drive assembly 180. The wheel assembly 278 extends rearwardly of the rotatable reel 14 to an offset location 312 (see FIG. 5).

[0105] In one version, as shown in FIG. 7, the automated removal system 12 includes a robot assembly 320 or robot manipulator attached to an automated removal device 10, which functions as an end effector 11 (see also FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 7, the robot assembly 320 includes a robot 322 having an automated mechanical arm 324 including a robot arm 324a. The robot arm 324a has a first end 326a (see FIG. 9A) attached to a connector assembly 224 and has a second end 326b (see FIG. 9A) attached to a base 328 (see FIG. 9A). The connector assembly 224 is attached between the drive assembly 180 of the automated removal device 10 and the first end 326a of the robot arm 324a of the robot 322. As shown in FIG. 9A, the robotic arm 324a includes a wrist portion 329 at a first end 326a, a forearm portion 330 connected between the wrist portion 329 and an elbow portion 331, an upper arm portion 332 connected to the elbow portion 331, and a shoulder portion 333 connected to the upper arm portion 332 at a second end 326b.

[0106] In another version, as shown in FIG 7, the automated removal system 12 includes a gantry assembly 334 attached to the automated removal device 10. As shown in FIG 7, the gantry assembly 334 includes a gantry 336 having an automated mechanical arm 324 including a gantry robotic arm 324b. The gantry robotic arm 324b has a first end 338a (see FIG 10) attached to the connector assembly 224 and a second end 338b (see FIG 10) attached to the gantry 336. As shown in FIG 10, the gantry 336 includes a gantry bridge 337.

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, the robot assembly 320 and the gantry assembly 334 further comprise a control unit 340 coupled to the robot 322 or coupled to the gantry 336, respectively, for controlling the robot 322 or controlling the gantry 336. In one version, the control unit 340 may comprise a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine 341 (see Figure 7) having one or more computers 342 (see Figure 7). As further shown in Figure 7, the robot assembly 320 and the gantry assembly 334 further comprise a power supply unit 344 coupled to the robot 322 or coupled to the gantry 336, respectively, for providing power to the robot 322 or providing power to the gantry 336.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, the automated removal system 12 further includes a conveying device 346 configured to convey, transport, or transfer one or more trimmed portions 280 to or from the automated removal apparatus 10 of the automated removal system 12 during a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, such as a composite laminate manufacturing process 296a. As shown in Figure 7, the conveying device 346 preferably has a flat surface 348. The conveying device 346 may take the form of a movable table 346a (see Figures 7 and 9A), a conveyor belt device 346b (see Figure 7), or another suitable conveying device.

[0109] As shown in Figure 7, the automated removal system 12 further includes one or more trimmed portions 280 as described above, which may include one or more scrap portions 282 and may include one or more non-scrap portions 284. As shown in Figure 7, the one or more scrap portions 282 include one or more of a scrap composite portion 282a, a scrap backing material portion 282b, and a combination 282c of a scrap composite portion 282a coupled to a scrap backing material portion 282b. When the scrap portion 282 is wound, wrapped, or wound around the rotatable reel 14, the scrap portion 282 is in the form of a wound scrap portion 282d (see Figure 7).

[0110] 7, the one or more non-scrap portions 284 include one or more of a non-scrap composite portion 284a, a non-scrap backing material portion 284b, and a combination 284c of a non-scrap composite portion 284a coupled to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b. When the non-scrap portion 284 is wound, wrapped or wound around the rotatable reel 14, the non-scrap portion 284 is in the form of a wound non-scrap portion 284d (see FIG. 7).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 7, the scrap composite portion 282a and the non-scrap composite portion 284a may include a composite material 286 in the form of a composite tape 286a, a composite sheet 286b, or another suitable composite material. The composite tape 286a may include a unidirectional fiber material. The fibers may be made from natural and / or man-made materials such as fiberglass, graphite, etc. The composite sheet 286b may include a dry fabric or a prepreg, i.e., a fabric pre-impregnated with resin. The composite material 286 may include a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) material, including plastic or thermoplastic materials known in the art. The composite material 286 used in the ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7) is preferably in the form of one or more plies 287 (see FIG. 7) or layers.

[0112] As shown in Figure 7, scrap backing material portion 282b and non-scrap backing material portion 284b may include backing material 288 in the form of a backing film 288a comprising a thin plastic sheet, a release film 288b comprising a thin plastic sheet, a release ply 288c comprising a synthetic material such as a fabric, nylon, or another suitable synthetic material, or another suitable backing material. In one version, non-scrap composite portion 284a is preferably in the form of a net cut ply 290 (see Figure 7) having a net shape 292 (see Figure 7). Backing material 288 used in ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see Figure 7) is preferably in the form of one or more plies 289 (see Figure 7) or layers.

[0113] One or more trimmed portions 280 including one or more scrap portions 282 are trimmed portions 280, such as one, two, three, or four trimmed portions 280, that are removed by the automated removal device 10 from around one or more sides 285 (see Figures 7 and 9A) of the periphery of a non-scrap portion 284, such as a non-scrap composite portion 284a in the form of a net cut ply 290. One or more trimmed portions 280 including one or more non-scrap portions 284, such as one trimmed portion 280 including a non-scrap composite portion 284a in the form of a net cut ply 290 joined to one trimmed portion 280 including a non-scrap backing material portion 284b, can both be trimmed and both proceed through a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, such as a composite laminate manufacturing process 296a, after trimming and removal of the scrap portions 282, or both be removed with an automated removal apparatus 10 and transferred to a tool 300 (see FIG. 7) or die set. In one version, the tool 300 or die set has a curved surface 302 (see FIG. 7).

[0114] In the ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, a ply 287 or layer of composite material 286 is laminated to a ply 289 or layer of backing material 288 to form a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate ply 294a (see FIG. 7). The laminate ply 294, such as composite laminate ply 294a, has edges 295 (see FIG. 7) that are trimmed or cut by a trimming or cutting machine to obtain one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7). The one or more trimmed portions 280 include scrap portions 282 that include the edges 295 of the trimmed or cut laminate ply 294. Additionally, the one or more trimmed portions 280 include non-scrap portions 284 that are trimmed to have a net shape 292 (see FIG. 7). After trimming and removing scrap portion 282, net cut ply 290 having net shape 292 is used to form a laminate 298 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate 298a (see FIG. 7). The one or more trimmed portions 280 include trimmed portions 280 of laminate plies 294 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate ply 294a (see FIG. 7), that are used in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate manufacturing process 296a (see FIG. 7), to form a laminate 298 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate 298a (see FIG. 7).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7, the automated removal system 12 may further include one or more disposal assemblies 350 for collecting and compressing one or more trimmed portions 280, including scrap portions 282, removed by and released from the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal device 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the disposal assembly 350 includes a receptacle device 352, such as a bin 352a. However, the receptacle device 352 may include another suitable receptacle device known in the art. In one version, the receptacle device 352 includes an automated presser portion 354 (see FIGS. 7 and 11B) for compressing and compressing one or more trimmed portions 280, including scrap portions 282, removed by and released from the rotary reel 14.

[0116] As further shown in FIG. 7, the automated removal system 12 may further include a tool 300 or die apparatus. In one version, one or more trimmed portions 280 including a non-scrap composite portion 284a in the form of a net cut ply 290, alone or coupled to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b, may be transferred from a flat surface 348 of a conveying apparatus 346 to a curved surface 302 of a tool 300 or die (see FIG. 7). For example, the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10 winds or winds the net cut ply 290 from the flat surface 348 of the conveying apparatus 346, and the robot assembly 320 (see FIGS. 9A-9B) moves the wound non-scrap portion 284d (see FIG. 7) to a tool 300 or die having a curved surface 302, and the rotary reel 14 unwinds or unwinds the wound non-scrap portion 284d (see FIG. 7) onto the curved surface 302 of the tool 300 or die. For example, the net cut ply 290 may be laid up on a flat surface and then transferred to the curved surface using the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10, since it may be easier to first lay up on a flat surface rather than a curved surface and then transfer the layup to the curved surface. This layup or preform is generally built on or in a tool 300 or mold, or on a form.

[0117]

[0043] Referring now to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a flow diagram of various automated production line stations 356 in an exemplary ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, such as composite laminate manufacturing process 296a. As shown in Figure 8, the first automated production line station 356a is a lamination station 358. At the lamination station 358, in one version, a ply 289 (see Figure 7) or layer of backing material 288 (see Figure 7), such as backing film 288a (see Figure 7), release film 288b (see Figure 7), or release ply 288c (see Figure 7), is placed on a planar surface 348 (see Figures 7 and 9A) of a conveyor 346 (see Figures 7 and 9A), such as a movable table 346a (see Figure 7), a conveyor belt apparatus 346b (see Figure 7), or another suitable form of conveyor. Next, a ply 287 (see FIG. 7) or layer of a composite material 286 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite tape 286a (see FIG. 7) or a composite sheet 286b (see FIG. 7), is placed over and adhered to a ply 289 of a backing material 288. The ply-by-ply process involves laminating a composite tape 286a to the desired ply 287 or layer. The ply 287 of composite material 286 and the ply 289 of backing material 288 are laminated together by an automated laminating device (not shown) known in the art to form a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate ply 294a (see FIG. 7). The laminate ply 294, such as the composite laminate ply 294a, has edges 295 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9A) that need to be trimmed or cut.

[0118] As further shown in FIG. 8, the second automated production line station 356b is a trim station 360 or cutting station. The laminate plies 294, such as composite laminate ply 294a, are transported on a transport apparatus 346 from the lamination station 358 to the trim station 360. At the trim station 360 or cutting station, one or more edges 295 of the laminate plies 294, such as composite laminate ply 294a, are robotically trimmed or cut using an automated cutting device (not shown), such as an automated ultrasonic knife, known in the art, with the laminate plies 294, such as composite laminate ply 294a, positioned on a flat surface 348 of the transport apparatus 346. After the laminate plies 294 are trimmed or cut, the one or more edges 295 (see FIG. 9A) include one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9A), such as one or more scrap portions 282 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9A). In one version, the one or more scrap portions 282 include a combination 282c (see FIG. 7) of scrap composite portion 282a and scrap backing material portion 282b bonded together, where both scrap composite portion 282a and scrap backing material portion 282b are cut or trimmed completely. In another version, the one or more scrap portions 282 include a combination 282c (see FIG. 7) of scrap composite portion 282a and scrap backing material portion 282b bonded together, where only scrap composite portion 282a is cut or trimmed completely, but scrap backing material portion 282b is not cut or trimmed, so that scrap composite portion 282a can be pulled away from scrap backing material portion 282b by rotatable reel 14. The laminate ply 294, trimmed with one or more cut edges 295, includes a non-scrap portion 284, such as a combination 284c of a non-scrap composite portion 284a joined to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b, in the form of a net cut ply 290 having a net shape 292. An automated cutting device, such as an automated ultrasonic knife, may be used by a robot to cut the laminate ply 294 into the net cut ply 290 within + / - 1 millimeter, or another suitable size.

[0119] As further shown in Figure 8, the third automated production line station 356c is a trimmed portion removal station 362. The net cut ply 290, trimmed or cut to obtain a trimmed portion 280 including scrap portions 282, e.g., scrap composite portion 282a and scrap backing material portion 282b bonded together, is transported on a transport device 346 from the trim station 360 to the trimmed portion removal station 362. At the trimmed portion removal station 362, an automated removal device 10 (see Figures 1 and 2A) as described above of the automated removal system 12 (see Figure 7) described above is used to, in one version, lift, hold, roll or coil, and remove scrap composite portion 282a while a wheel assembly 278 (see Figure 5) presses down on scrap backing material portion 282b. In another version, the automated removal device 10 can first lift, hold, reel or wind, and remove the scrap composite material portion 282a, and then lift, hold, reel or wind, and remove the combined scrap composite material portion 282a and scrap backing material portion 282b that are bonded together 282c. In another version, described below, the non-scrap composite material portion 284a (see FIGS. 7 and 9A) may be reeled, wound, or wound around the rotatable reel 14, either alone or together with the non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see FIGS. 7 and 9A).

[0120] The automatic removal apparatus 10 is designed to engage one or more newly trimmed scrap portions 282 in-line with a trim station 360 that includes an automatic cutting device, such as an automatic ultrasonic knife. The automatic removal apparatus 10 reels, winds or takes up the one or more newly trimmed scrap portions 282, leaving the net cut ply 290 on the conveying apparatus 346, and advances to the next automated production line station 356. The reeled scrap portion 282d (see FIG. 7) that has been reeled, wound or taken up on the rotating reel 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) of the automatic removal apparatus 10 may be removed and disposed of in a disposal assembly 350 (see FIGS. 7 and 9A), which in one version is located at the trimmed portion removal station 362.

[0121] As further shown in FIG. 8, the fourth automated production line station 356d is a pick and place station 364. The net cut ply 290 with the scrap portion 282 removed is transported on a transport device 346 from the trimmed portion removal station 362 to the pick and place station 364 for part forming. At the pick and place station 364, an automated pick and place device (not shown), such as a robot as known in the art, is used to pick up the net cut ply 290 from the transport device 346 and place the net cut ply 290 on a tool 300 (see FIG. 7) or mold for further processing and forming. On either a planar or curved tool 300 or mold, stacks of multiple net cut plies 290 of one or more sizes, fiber directions, and / or shapes are accumulated or laid up on top of each other to create and form a laminate 298 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate 298a (see FIG. 7). Alternatively, an automated pick and place device can pick up and place the net cut ply 290 with other net cut plies 290 in a particular manner to create a roll or multiple sheets of material for subsequent downstream processing.

[0122] Additionally, if it is desired to transfer one or more trimmed portions 280, such as one or more non-scrap portions 284, e.g., a non-scrap composite portion 284a (see FIG. 7) and a non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see FIG. 7), or only the non-scrap composite portion 284a, from the flat surface 348 of the conveying apparatus 346 to the curved surface 302 of the tool 300 or die (see FIG. 7), the automated removal apparatus 10 can be used to wind, coil, or take up the non-scrap portions 284 at the trimmed portion removal station 362. One or more wound non-scrap portions 284d (see FIG. 7) can be released from the rotating reel 14 and transferred to the tool 300 or die to be moved to or placed at the trimmed portion removal station 362. The tool 300 with the transferred non-scrap portions 284 can then be moved to the pick and place station 364 or to another location for further processing.

[0123] 9A, which is a diagram of an exemplary version of the automated removal system 12 of the present disclosure having one automated removal apparatus 10 mounted to a robot assembly 320 at a trimmed portion removal station 362, showing a transport apparatus 346, such as a movable table 346a, disposed on a floor 366 and having trimmed portions 280 on a plane 348 disposed relative to the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10. FIG. 9A shows the transport apparatus 346 advancing in a direction 368 from the trim station 360 (see FIG. 8) to the trimmed portion removal station 362, where after one or more trimmed portions 280 have been wound, wound or taken up on the rotary reel 14, the transport apparatus 346 advances in a direction 370 from the trimmed portion removal station 362 to the pick and place station 364 (see FIG. 8).

[0124] As shown in FIG. 9A, the robot assembly 320 includes a robot 322 having an automated mechanical arm 324 having a first end 325a and a second end 325b. In one version, as shown in FIG. 9A, the automated mechanical arm 324 includes a robot arm 324a. As shown in FIG. 9A, the robot arm 324a includes a first end 326a attached to the second end 226b of the connector assembly 224 of the automated removal apparatus 10 and a second end 326b attached to a base 328. The automated removal apparatus 10 functions as an end effector 11 (see FIG. 9A) used with the robot 322 of the robot assembly 320.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9A, the robot arm 324a further comprises a wrist portion 329, a forearm portion 330 attached to the wrist portion 329, an elbow portion 331 attached to the forearm portion 330, an upper arm portion 332 attached to the elbow portion 331, and a shoulder portion 333 attached to the upper arm portion 332. As shown in FIG. 9A, the robot assembly 320 further comprises a control unit 340, such as in the form of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine 341 having one or more computers 342, for controlling the robot 322. The robot assembly 320 further comprises a power supply unit 344 (see FIG. 9A) for providing power to the robot 322. The control unit 340 and the power supply unit 344 are connected to the robot 322 by one or more connector elements 345 (see FIG. 9A), such as wired or wireless connector elements.

[0126] FIG. 9A further illustrates the automated removal apparatus 10 with several retractable vacuum panels 34 and several retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 in contact with the surface 280b of the trimmed portion 280 at the leading edge of the trimmed portion 280 and in contact with the edge 295 including the first trimmed edge 295a to be removed. The automated removal apparatus 10 preferably rotates and moves from the leading edge or front of the trimmed portion 280 to the trailing edge or rear of the trimmed portion 280. The automated removal apparatus 10 has not yet contacted the edge 295 including the second trimmed edge 295b to be removed. FIG. 9A further illustrates the drive assembly 180 and plunger element 210, such as air cylinder plunger 210a, of the automated removal apparatus 10. FIG. 9A further illustrates an air delivery line 276 attached to the automated removal apparatus 10, attached to the robot 322, and attached to an air source 112, such as compressed air source 112a. The air supply 112, such as the compressed air supply 112a, is a single-source air supply 112b (see FIG. 9A) for supplying an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as the compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to the pneumatic system 230 (see FIGS. 1, 4A-4B) of the automated removal device 10, as described above. Alternatively, the air supply 112, such as the compressed air supply 112a, may be delivered directly by the robot 322, or a connector assembly 224 (see FIG. 2A), such as the tool change connector assembly 224a (see FIG. 2A), may have an aligned port with the block portion 203 (see FIG. 2A) of the drive assembly 180 (see FIG. 2A) and the robot 322, so that when the robot 322 picks up the automated removal device 10, the air flow 110 is automatically delivered through the connector assembly 224 to the drive assembly 180 and to the rotary reel 14.

[0127] 9A further illustrates the trimmed portion 280 of the laminate ply 294 including a scrap portion 282, such as scrap composite portion 282a coupled to scrap backing material portion 282b, where scrap backing material portion 282b is in direct contact with flat surface 348 of conveyor 346. FIGURE 9A further illustrates the trimmed portion 280 including a non-scrap portion 284, such as non-scrap composite portion 284a coupled to non-scrap backing material portion 284b, where non-scrap backing material portion 284b is in direct contact with flat surface 348 of conveyor 346. Non-scrap portion 284, including non-scrap composite portion 284a, includes net cut ply 290 having a net shape 292 formed by trimming or cutting made along non-scrap portion 284 or side 285 of net cut ply 290.

[0128] As further shown in Figure 9A, the disposal assembly 350 is positioned next to the transport apparatus 346 and below the automated removal apparatus 10. In one version, as shown in Figure 9A, the disposal assembly 350 includes a receptacle device 352, such as in the form of a bin 352a. The disposal assembly 350 is configured to receive the scrap portion 282 and dispose of it in the receptacle device 352 as the rotatable reel 14 reels, winds or takes up the scrap portion 282. As the rotating reel 14 winds, winds or takes up the scrap portion 282 around the rotating reel 14, the robot arm 324a is configured to move the automatic removal device 10 upwardly and away from the conveying device 346, and then rotate or pivot the automatic removal device 10 downwardly so that the automatic removal device 10 is positioned above the disposal assembly 350 and the wound up scrap portion 282d (see Figures 7 and 11A) can slide off the rotating reel 14 and, if necessary, the plunger element 210 (see Figure 9A) can assist in removal by pushing the wound up scrap portion 282d from the rotating reel 14 into the disposal assembly 350.

[0129] 9B, which is a diagram of an exemplary version of the automated removal system 12 of the present disclosure having two automated removers 10, such as in the form of a first automated remover 10a and a second automated remover 10b, at a trimmed portion removal station 362. FIGURE 9B shows a transport device 346, such as a movable table 346a, disposed on a floor 366 and having trimmed portions 280 on a plane 348 positioned relative to the respective rotating reels 14 of the first automated remover 10a and the second automated remover 10b.

[0130] As shown in Fig. 9B, the first automated removal apparatus 10a is attached to a robot assembly 320, such as a first robot assembly 320a, and the second automated removal apparatus 10b is attached to a robot assembly 320, such as a second robot assembly 320b. As shown in Fig. 9B, the first robot assembly 320a and the second robot assembly 320b each include a robot 322 having an automated mechanical arm 324, such as a robot arm 324a, the robot arm 324a including a first end 326a attached to the connector assembly 224 of the automated removal apparatus 10 and a second end 326b attached to a base 328, and including a wrist portion 329, a forearm portion 330, an elbow portion 331, an upper arm portion 332, and a shoulder portion 333. As shown in Figure 9B, the first robot assembly 320a and the second robot assembly 320b each further comprise a control unit 340, such as in the form of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine 341 having one or more computers 342 for controlling the robot 322, and a power supply unit 344 for providing power to the robot 322. The control unit 340 and the power supply unit 344 are connected to the robot 322 by one or more connector elements 345 (see Figure 9B), such as wired or wireless connector elements.

[0131] FIG. 9B further illustrates the vacuum end 30 and drive end 32 of the first automated removal apparatus 10a and the vacuum end 30 and drive end 32 of the second automated removal apparatus 10b. FIG. 9B further illustrates that for each of the first automated removal apparatus 10a and the second automated removal apparatus 10b, several retractable vacuum panels 34 and several retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 are in contact with a trimmed portion 280, such as a scrap portion 282 to be removed, e.g., scrap composite portion 282a. The first automated removal apparatus 10a and the second automated removal apparatus 10b preferably rotate and move from a leading edge or front of the trimmed portion 280 to a trailing edge or rear of the trimmed portion 280. FIG. 9B further illustrates the first automated removal apparatus 10a and the second automated removal apparatus 10b, each with an air delivery line 276 attached to the robot 322 and attached to an air source 112, such as compressed air source 112a. An air supply 112, such as a compressed air supply 112a for each of the first and second automatic removal devices 10a, 10b, supplies an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as a compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to a respective pneumatic system 230 (see FIG. 1, 4A-4B) of each of the first and second automatic removal devices 10a, 10b.

[0132] 9B further illustrates the trimmed portion 280 of the laminate ply 294 including a scrap portion 282, such as scrap composite portion 282a coupled to scrap backing material portion 282b, where scrap backing material portion 282b directly contacts flat surface 348 of conveyor 346. FIG. 9A further illustrates the trimmed portion 280 including a non-scrap portion 284, such as non-scrap composite portion 284a coupled to non-scrap backing material portion 284b, where non-scrap backing material portion 284b directly contacts flat surface 348 of conveyor 346. Non-scrap portion 284, including non-scrap composite portion 284a, includes a net cut ply 290.

[0133] As further shown in FIG. 9B, a disposal assembly 350, such as a first disposal assembly 350a, is disposed next to the transport apparatus 346 and below the first automated removal apparatus 10a. As further shown in FIG. 9B, a disposal assembly 350, such as a second disposal assembly 350b, is disposed next to the transport apparatus 346 and below the second automated removal apparatus 10b. As shown in FIG. 9B, in one version, the first disposal assembly 350a and the second disposal assembly 350b each include a receptacle device 352, such as in the form of a bin 352a. Each disposal assembly 350 is configured to receive the scrap portion 282 and dispose of it into the respective receptacle device 352 as the rotatable reel 14 of each automated removal apparatus 10 winds, winds, or takes up the scrap portion 282. As the rotating reel 14 of each automatic removal device 10 winds, winds or winds the scrap portion 282 around the rotating reel 14, the respective robotic arms 324a are configured to move each automatic removal device 10 upwardly and away from the conveying device 346, and then rotate or pivot each automatic removal device 10 downwardly so that each automatic removal device 10 is positioned above its respective disposal assembly 350 and the wound-up scrap portion 282d (see Figures 7 and 11A) can slide off the rotating reel 14 and into the respective disposal assembly 350, and if necessary, the plunger element 210 (see Figure 9B) can assist in removal by pushing the wound-up scrap portion 282d from the rotating reel 14 into the disposal assembly 350.

[0134] 10, which is a diagram of an exemplary version of the automated removal system 12 of the present disclosure having one automated removal apparatus 10 mounted on a gantry assembly 334 at a trimmed portion removal station 362, and shows a transport apparatus 346, such as a movable table 346a, disposed on a floor 366 and having trimmed portions 280 on a plane 348 disposed relative to the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10. FIG. 10 shows the transport apparatus 346 advancing in a direction 368a from the trim station 360 (see FIG. 8) to the trimmed portion removal station 362, and after one or more trimmed portions 280 have been wound, wound or taken up on the rotary reel 14, the transport apparatus 346 advances in a direction 370a from the trimmed portion removal station 362 to the pick and place station 364 (see FIG. 8).

[0135] As shown in Figure 10, the gantry assembly 334 includes a gantry 336 having an automated mechanical arm 324 with a first end 325a and a second end 325b. In this version, as shown in Figure 10, the automated mechanical arm 324 includes a gantry robot arm 324b. As further shown in Figure 10, the gantry robot arm 324b includes a first end 338a attached to the connector assembly 224 of the automated removal apparatus 10 and a second end 338b attached to the gantry 336. As shown in Figure 10, the gantry assembly 334 further includes a gantry bridge 339 disposed above the automated removal apparatus 10.

[0136] As shown in Figure 10, the gantry assembly 334 further comprises a control unit 340a, such as in the form of a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine 341a having one or more computers 342a for controlling the gantry 336. The gantry assembly 334 further comprises a power supply unit 344a (see Figure 10) for providing power to the gantry 336. The control unit 340a and the power supply unit 344a are connected to the gantry 336 by one or more connector elements 345a (see Figure 10), such as wired or wireless connector elements.

[0137] 10 further illustrates the automated removal apparatus 10 with several retractable vacuum panels 34 and several retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 in contact with a surface 280b of the trimmed portion 280, including the scrap portion 282. The automated removal apparatus 10 preferably rotates and moves from a leading edge or front of the trimmed portion 280 to a trailing edge or rear of the trimmed portion 280. FIG. 10 further illustrates an air supply line 276 attached to the slip ring 268 of the automated removal apparatus 10, and an air supply line 276 attached to the gantry robot arm 324b, attached to the gantry 336, and attached to an air supply 112, such as compressed air supply 112a. As described above, the air supply 112, such as the compressed air supply 112a, is a single-source air supply 112b (see FIG. 10) for supplying an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as the compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to the pneumatic system 230 (see FIGS. 1, 4A-4B) of the automated removal apparatus 10.

[0138] 10 further illustrates the trimmed portion 280 of the laminate ply 294 including scrap portions 282, such as scrap composite portion 282a coupled to scrap backing material portion 282b, on either side of non-scrap portion 284. Non-scrap portion 284 includes non-scrap composite portion 284a (see FIG. 10) coupled to non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see FIG. 10). Non-scrap portion 284, including non-scrap composite portion 284a, includes net cut ply 290. FIG. 10 illustrates that scrap backing material portion 282b and non-scrap backing material portion 284b are in direct contact with flat surface 348 of conveyor 346.

[0139] 10, the disposal assembly 350 is positioned next to the transport apparatus 346 and below the automated removal apparatus 10. In one version, the disposal assembly 350 includes a receptacle device 352, such as in the form of a bin 352a. The disposal assembly 350 is configured to receive one or more scrap portions 282 and dispose of them in the receptacle device 352 as the rotatable reel 14 reels, winds, or takes up the scrap portions 282. Once the rotating reel 14 has wound, wound or wound the scrap portion 282 around the rotating reel 14, the gantry robot arm 324b is configured to move the automatic removal device 10 upwardly and away from the transport device 346, and then rotate or pivot the automatic removal device 10 downwardly so that the automatic removal device 10 is positioned above the disposal assembly 350 and the wound scrap portion 282d (see Figures 7 and 11A) can slide off the rotating reel 14 and, if necessary, the plunger element 210 (see Figures 1, 11A) can assist in removal by pushing the wound scrap portion 282d from the rotating reel 14 into the disposal assembly 350.

[0140] 11A, which is a bottom perspective partial view of an exemplary version of the automated removal device 10 of the present disclosure in a release position 374 for releasing a trimmed portion 280, such as a scrap portion 282 in the form of a wound scrap portion 282d that has been wound, coiled or wound onto the rotatable reel 14 after removal from the transport device 346 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10), into a disposal assembly 350. As shown in FIG. 11A, the wound scrap portion 282d is wound, coiled or wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotatable reel 14. FIG. 11A further illustrates a disposal assembly 350 that includes a receptacle device 352, such as in the form of a bin 352a, having an automated presser portion 354 in an interior 376 of the receptacle device 352.

[0141] To release the wound up scrap portion 282d into the receptacle device 352 of the disposal assembly 350, as shown in FIG. 11A, in one version, the automated mechanical arm 324 rotates the automated removal device 10 downward via the connector assembly 224, partially lowering the automated removal device 10 into the interior 376 of the receptacle device 352 of the disposal assembly 350. As further shown in FIG. 11A, the retractable vacuum panels 34 are stored in a storage position 146, such as the fully stored position 146a, and the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is stored in a storage position 148, such as the fully stored position 148a. The friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, function as the only or only contact points 178 (see FIG. 11A) that are the highest points of contact with the interior of the wound up scrap portion 282d, so that the wound up scrap portion 282d can slide off the rotatable reel 14 more easily. The inner diameter of the wound scrap portion 282d may be angled against the hard, smooth surfaces of the friction reducing elements 168, such as the ball bearings 170, to allow the wound scrap portion 282d to slide off the reduced diameter rotatable reel 14. As further shown in FIG. 11 , the plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is in the extended position 218 to assist in pushing the wound scrap portion 282d off the rotatable reel 14 and into the receptacle device 352.

[0142] When the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is in an extended position 144 (see FIG. 2A), such as fully extended position 144a (see FIG. 2A), and the retractable vacuum panel 34 is in an extended position 142 (see FIG. 2A), such as fully extended position 142a (see FIG. 2A), the rotary reel 14 can have a diameter in the range of 18 inches to 40 inches, or another suitable length, as measured from the top of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 on one side of the rotary reel 14 to the top of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 on the opposite side of the rotary reel 14. When the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 is in a retracted position 148 (see FIG. 11A), such as fully retracted position 148a (see FIG. 11A), the retractable vacuum panel 34 is in a retracted position 146 (see FIG. 11A), such as fully retracted position 146a (see FIG. 11A), and the friction reducing element 168, such as ball bearing 170, is a contact point 178 (see FIG. 11A) for one or more trimmed portions 280, such as wound scrap portion 282d, the rotatable reel 14 can have a reduced diameter having a length measured from the contact point 178 on one side of the rotatable reel 14 to the contact point 178 on the opposite side of the rotatable reel 14 that ranges from 15 inches to 37 inches, or another suitable length. Thus, the reduced diameter allows the wound scrap portion 282d to slide off the rotatable reel 14 more easily. A plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a, can assist in pushing the wound-up scrap portion 282d off of the rotatable reel 14.

[0143] 11A further illustrates a plurality of actuator assemblies 130, such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132, with each of the piston rods 150 of the piston assemblies 132 in the compressed position 166. FIG 11A further illustrates an air delivery line 276 attached to the slip ring 268 and extending from the slip ring 268 of the automated removal apparatus 10.

[0144] 11B, which is a bottom perspective view of the automated removal device 10 of FIG. 11A in a post-release position 378, having been moved by the automated mechanical arm 324, via the connector assembly 224, out of the interior 376 of a receptacle device 352, such as bin 352a, and above the disposal assembly 350.

[0145] 11B shows a trimmed portion 280, such as a scrap portion 282 in the form of a wound scrap portion 282d, released from the rotary reel 14 by sliding off a plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as a plurality of ball bearings 170, and by using a plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a, to assist in pushing the wound scrap portion 282d out of the rotary reel 14. FIG. 11B shows a plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a, in a storage position 216 after the wound scrap portion 282d has been released from the rotary reel 14 and retrieved inside the receptacle device 352. FIG. 11B further shows the wound scrap portion 282d being squeezed by an automatic squeezer portion 354 moving in a direction 355 inside the receptacle device 352 to squeeze or compress the wound scrap portion 282d. The wound up scrap portion 282d is compressed within a compression area 380 (see FIG. 11B) of the receptacle device 352 and has a compressed shape 382 (see FIG. 11B). FIG. 11B further shows an air delivery line 276 attached to the slip ring 268 and extending from the slip ring 268 of the automated removal device 10.

[0146] 12A, which is a schematic diagram of a scrap portion 282, such as rolled scrap portion 282d, in a pre-compression position 384 within a disposal assembly 350 prior to being compressed or pressed by an automated presser portion 354. The rolled scrap portion 282d is released and collected within a compression area 380 of an interior 376 of a receptacle device 352, such as bin 352a, of the disposal assembly 350. As shown in FIG. 12A, a scrap portion 282, such as rolled scrap portion 282d, has a pre-compression inner diameter 386a prior to being compressed or pressed by an automated presser portion 354.

[0147] 12B, which is a schematic top view of a scrap portion 282, such as the rolled scrap portion 282d of FIG. 12A, that has been pressed or compressed into a first pressed position 388 within a disposal assembly 350 by an automated presser portion 354 that has moved a first distance 390 within an interior 376 of a receptacle device 352, such as bin 352a. As shown in FIG. 12B, the rolled scrap portion 282d is pressed within a pressing area 380 of a receptacle device 352 of a disposal assembly 350. As further shown in FIG. 12B, the scrap portion 282, such as the rolled scrap portion 282d, has a pressed shape 382, ​​such as a first pressed shape 382a, that has a first pressed shape inner diameter 386b. The first pressed shape inner diameter 386b (see FIG. 12B) is smaller in size than the pre-pressed inner diameter 386a (see FIG. 12A).

[0148] 12C, which is a schematic top view of a scrap portion 282, such as the rolled scrap portion 282d of FIG. 12B, being pressed or compressed by the automated presser portion 354 that has moved a second distance 394 within the interior 376 of a receptacle device 352, such as bin 352a, into a second pressing location 392 of the disposal assembly 350. As shown in FIG. 12C, the rolled scrap portion 282d is further pressed within a pressing area 380 of the receptacle device 352 of the disposal assembly 350 to obtain a pressed scrap portion 282e. As further shown in FIG. 12C, the scrap portion 282, such as the rolled scrap portion 282d, has a pressed shape 382, ​​such as a second pressed shape 382b, having a second pressed shape inner diameter 386c. The second compressed shape inner diameter 386c (see FIG. 12C) is much smaller in size than the first compressed shape inner diameter 386b (see FIG. 12B).

[0149] 12D, which is a schematic top view of a plurality of scrap portions 282, such as a plurality of rolled scrap portions 282d, being pressed or compressed together by an automated presser portion 354 into a multiple-scrap pressing location 396 within a disposal assembly 350 within an interior 376 of a receptacle device 352, such as bin 352a. As shown in FIG. 12D, the plurality of rolled scrap portions 282d includes a pressed scrap portion 282e pressed together within a pressing area 380 of the receptacle device 352 of the disposal assembly 350. As further shown in FIG. 12D, each scrap portion 282, such as each rolled scrap portion 282d, has a pressed shape 382, ​​such as a third pressed shape 382c having a third pressed shape inner diameter 386d. The third compressed shape inner diameter 386d (see FIG. 12D) is smaller in size than the second compressed shape inner diameter 386c (see FIG. 12C) and is much smaller in size than the first compressed shape inner diameter 386b (see FIG. 12B). As shown in FIG. 12D, the plurality of scrap portions 282, such as the plurality of rolled up scrap portions 282d of FIG. 12B, are closely compressed or compressed with equal or substantially equal spacing 398 between each adjacent pair of the rolled up scrap portions 282d.

[0150] Reference is now made to Figure 13, which is a flow diagram of one version of an automated removal method 400 of the present disclosure. In another version of the present disclosure, an automated removal method 400 is provided for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions 280 (see Figures 5, 7, 9A-9B, 10) of a laminate ply 294 (see Figures 7, 9A-9B, 10), such as composite laminate ply 294a (see Figure 7), in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see Figures 7, 8), such as composite laminate manufacturing process 296a (see Figure 7).

[0151] The blocks in FIG. 13 represent operations and / or portions thereof or elements, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not imply a particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof or elements. The disclosure of the steps of the automatic removal method 400 in FIG. 13 and described herein should not be construed as necessarily dictating the order in which the steps are performed. Instead, while one exemplary order is shown, it should be understood that the sequence of steps may be modified where appropriate. Thus, certain operations may be performed in different orders or simultaneously.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 13, the automated removal method 400 includes positioning 402 an automated removal device 10 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) above one or more trimmed portions 280 of a laminate ply 294 to be removed in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296, such as a composite laminate manufacturing process 296a. The automated removal method 400 can include positioning 402 one or more automated removal devices 10 above one or more trimmed portions 280. For example, in FIG. 9A one automated removal device 10 is positioned above one or more trimmed portions 280 and in FIG. 9B two automated removal devices 10 are positioned above one or more trimmed portions 280. In other versions, three or more automated removal devices 10 can be positioned above one or more trimmed portions 280, such as three or four or more automated removal devices 10.

[0153] The one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) removed by the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10 may include one or more scrap portions 282 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10) or one or more non-scrap portions 284 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10). As discussed above, the one or more scrap portions 282 may include one of a scrap composite portion 282a (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), a scrap backing material portion 282b (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), a combination 282c of a scrap composite portion 282a joined to a scrap backing material portion 282b (see FIG. 7), or another suitable scrap portion. As described above, the one or more non-scrap portions 284 include one of a non-scrap composite portion 284a (see Figures 7, 9A-9B, 10), a non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see Figures 7, 9A-9B, 10), a combination 284c of a non-scrap composite portion 284a joined to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see Figure 7), or another suitable non-scrap portion.

[0154] As described in detail above, the automated removal device 10 includes a retractable reel 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A). The retractable reel 14 includes a plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) mounted around a hub portion 22 (see FIG. 2A) of the retractable reel 14. Each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 includes one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A). Each retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 includes a vacuum pad 58 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) having a vacuum port 64 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), a vacuum cylinder 66 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B), a vacuum cavity 92 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B), and a self-sealing valve 114 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B).

[0155] The automated removal apparatus 10 further includes a plurality of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. The plurality of actuator assemblies 130 preferably includes a plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), or another suitable actuator assembly. Each of the plurality of piston assemblies 132 includes a piston rod 150 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), an air cylinder 152 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), and a piston lock 154 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) connected together in a series configuration 156 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A). In one version, the piston lock 154 is configured to allow the piston rod 150 to be held in compression and is in the form of a one-way piston lock 154a (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) that is configured to hold the piston rod 150 in compression in a compressed position 166 (see FIG. 3A) and prevent the piston rod 150 from extending to an extended position 164 (see FIG. 2A).

[0156] The automatic removal device 10 further includes a plurality of friction reducing elements 168 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) mounted and arranged around the periphery of the revolving reel 14, in particular around the hub portion 22 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A) of the revolving reel 14. The plurality of friction reducing elements 168 are arranged between the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. In one version, the plurality of friction reducing elements 168 includes a plurality of ball bearings 170 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A). As shown in FIG. 2D, a row 172 of the plurality of friction reducing elements 168, such as the plurality of ball bearings 170, is arranged between adjacent pairs 34a of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34. When the multiple retractable vacuum panels 34 are stored in the storage position 146 (see Figures 3A, 11A), the multiple friction reducing elements 168, such as the multiple ball bearings 170, solely contact the one or more trimmed portions 280 wound around the outer periphery 24 (see Figures 1 and 11A) of the rotatable reel 14 to facilitate release of the one or more trimmed portions 280 from the periphery of the rotatable reel 14.

[0157] As mentioned above, the automatic removal device 10 further comprises a drive assembly 180 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) mounted to the rotating reel 14. The drive assembly 180 is configured to drive, power, and control the rotation of the rotating reel 14. The drive assembly 180 comprises a rotation stage assembly 182 (see FIGS. 2A, 2F, 2G) mounted to a support structure 184 (see FIGS. 2A, 2F). As shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, the rotation stage assembly 182 of the drive assembly 180 comprises a motor 186, such as an electric motor 186a, or another suitable motor. The rotation stage assembly 182 of the drive assembly 180 further comprises a rotation stage 190 (see FIGS. 2F, 2G) connected to the motor 186 via a mounting assembly 192 (see FIG. 2G). The support structure 184 includes a cylindrical cover portion 202 coupled to a block portion 203, as shown in Figures 2A and 2F.

[0158] As mentioned above, the automatic removal device 10 may further include a plunger element 210 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), such as an air cylinder plunger 210a (see FIGS. 1 and 2A), coupled to the drive assembly 180. The plunger element 210, such as the air cylinder plunger 210a, is operable to move from a storage position 216 (see FIGS. 2A, 11B) to an extended position 218 (see FIGS. 3D, 11A) to assist in moving, pushing, and releasing one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotatable reel 14 when the one or more trimmed portions 280 are ready to be released from the rotatable reel 14. The plunger element 210 is operable to retract from the extended position 218 back to the storage position 216 when the plunger element 210 has finished assisting in the release of one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotatable reel 14. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, a plunger element 210, such as an air cylinder plunger 210a, is coupled to a block portion 203 of the support structure 184 of the drive assembly 180 (see FIGS. 2A, 3A) via a bracket element 220.

[0159] As mentioned above, the automated removal apparatus 10 can further include a connector assembly 224 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) attached to the drive assembly 180. In one version, the connector assembly 224 includes a tool change connector assembly 224a (see FIG. 2A). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the connector assembly 224 has a first end 226a, a second end 226b, and one or more connector portions 228. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first end 226a of the connector assembly 224 is attached to the block portion 203 of the support structure 184 of the drive assembly 180. As shown in FIG. 9A, in one version, the second end 226b is attached to a first end 325a of an automated mechanical arm 324, such as a robotic arm 324a.

[0160] As described above, the automatic removal device 10 further includes an air pressure system 230 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, 3B, 4A-4B) mounted in a cavity 234 (see FIGS. 4A-4B) within the interior 20 (see FIGS. 2B, 3B) of the rotary reel 14. The pneumatic system 230 includes a valve manifold 232 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), such as a pneumatic valve manifold 232a (see FIGS. 4A-4B), operable to control an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as a compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), from an air source 112 (see FIGS. 1, 9A-9B, 10), such as a compressed air source 112a (see FIGS. 1, 9A-9B, 10), to respective air cylinders 152 of a plurality of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), to actuate piston rods 150 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A) of a plurality of actuator assemblies 130, such as a plurality of piston assemblies 132.

[0161] A valve manifold 232, such as pneumatic valve manifold 232a of pneumatic system 230, is further operable to control an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), to one or more vacuum generators 250 (see FIG. 4A-B), which in turn generates a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) to one or more of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 and through one or more of the vacuum ports 64, to further generate a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1) to lift and hold one or more sections 280a of the trimmed portion 280 against one or more vacuum pads 58.

[0162] Step 402 (see FIG. 13) of positioning the automated removal device 10 above one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed may further include step 402 of positioning the automated removal device 10 using an automated mechanical arm 324 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, FIG. 10), the automated mechanical arm 324 having a first end 325a (see FIG. 9A) attached to the connector assembly 224 (see FIG. 9A) of the automated removal device 10 (see FIG. 9A), the automated mechanical arm 324 including one of a robot arm 324a (see FIG. 9A) of the robot 322 (see FIG. 9A), or a gantry robot arm 324b (see FIG. 10) of the gantry 336 (see FIG. 10), or another suitable automated mechanical arm.

[0163] Positioning 402 the automated removal device 10 over one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed (see FIG. 13) may further include positioning 402 the automated removal device 10 further comprising a wheel assembly 278 (see FIGS. 1, 5) attached to a drive assembly 180 (see FIG. 5), the wheel assembly 278 extending to an offset location 312 (see FIGS. 1, 5) behind the rotatable reel 14. In one version, as shown in FIG. 5, using the wheel assembly 278 with the automated removal device 10, the one or more trimmed portions 280 include a combination 282c (see FIG. 7) of scrap composite material portions 282a coupled to scrap backing material portions 282b, the wheel assembly 278 being operable to push down on the scrap backing material portions 282b to separate the scrap backing material portions 282b from the scrap composite material portions 282a that are wound or wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotatable reel 14 for removal.

[0164] 13, the automatic removal method 400 further includes a step 404 of rotating the rotary reel 14 over the one or more trimmed portions 280 to be removed via the drive assembly 180. Before rotating the rotary reel 14, the piston rods 150 (see FIG. 2A) of the plurality of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIG. 2A), such as the plurality of piston assemblies 132 (see FIG. 2A), are in the extended position 164 (see FIG. 2A) to extend the plurality of retractable vacuum panels 34 (see FIG. 2A) to the extended position 142 (see FIG. 2A), such as the fully extended position 142a (see FIG. 2A), and extend the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 (see FIG. 2A) to the extended position 144 (see FIG. 2A), such as the fully extended position 144a (see FIG. 2A). The piston rod 150 is actuated or extended by an air flow 110, such as a compressed air flow 110a, that flows from an air supply 112 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10) into an air delivery line 276 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10), into a slip ring 268 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 10), into a rotary union 256 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), into a valve manifold 232 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), into an air hose 158 (see FIG. 4A), and into an air cylinder 152 (see FIG. 4A), which provides the air flow 110 to the piston rod 150 for actuation or extension.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 13, the automatic removal method 400 further includes a step 406 of compressing one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 against one or more trimmed portions 280 to open the self-sealing valve 114 from a closed position 124 (see FIGS. 1, 2B, and 2C) to an open position 125 (see FIGS. 1 and 3C) for each vacuum pad 58 of the compressed one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50, and to apply a vacuum force 113 (see FIGS. 1 and 6B) from the vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) to lift and hold a section 280a (see FIG. 5) of the one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 5) against the vacuum pad 58. An air flow 110, such as compressed air flow 110a, flows from an air supply 112 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10) into an air delivery line 276 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10), into a slip ring 268 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 10), into a rotary union 256 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), into a valve manifold 232 (see FIGS. 4A-4B), into an air hose 158 (see FIG. 4A), and into a first inlet opening 252a (see FIG. 4A) of one or more vacuum generators 250 (see FIG. 4A). A vacuum flow 108 flows through a second inlet opening 252b (see FIG. 4A) and a vacuum tube 254 (see FIG. 4A), drawing a vacuum and generating a vacuum force 113 to raise and hold one or more sections 280a of one or more trimmed portions 280.

[0166] 13, the automated removal method 400 further includes a step 408 of winding the one or more trimmed portions 280 held by the vacuum force 113 around the outer periphery 24 (see FIGS. 1, 5) of the rotatable reel 14 for removal. The vacuum flow 108 continues to flow after the one or more trimmed portions 280 are wound or wound around the outer periphery 24 (see FIGS. 1, 5) of the rotatable reel 14 until the one or more trimmed portions 280 are released from the rotatable reel 14, for example, into a disposal assembly 350 (see FIGS. 11A-11B) or onto a tool 300 (see FIG. 7).

[0167] As shown in FIG. 13, the automatic removal method 400 may optionally further include a step 410 of releasing one or more trimmed portions 280, including one or more scrap portions 282 (see FIG. 7) wound or wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotary reel 14, into the disposal assembly 350 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B), by stopping the vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1); retracting the multiple retractable vacuum panels 34 so that only the multiple friction reducing elements 168 (see FIG. 11A), such as multiple ball bearings 170 (see FIG. 11A), are in contact with the one or more trimmed portions 280 as contact points 178 (see FIG. 11A); retracting the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 so as to be away from contact with the one or more trimmed portions 280; and moving the automatic removal device 10 downward, such as rotating or pivoting, so that the one or more trimmed portions 280 are positioned to be released above the disposal assembly 350. When the multiple retractable vacuum panels 34 are stored in the storage position 146 (see Figures 3A, 11A) and the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 are stored in the storage position 148 (see Figures 3A, 11A), the multiple friction reducing elements 168, such as the multiple ball bearings 170, solely contact the one or more trimmed portions 280 wound or wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotatable reel 14 to facilitate release of the one or more trimmed portions 280 from the periphery of the rotatable reel 14.

[0168] Step 410 of releasing one or more trimmed portions 280 wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotary reel 14 into the disposal assembly 350 further includes moving a plunger element 210 (see FIGS. 2A, 11A) including an air cylinder plunger 210a (see FIGS. 2A, 11A) from a stored position 216 (see FIGS. 2A, 11B) to an extended position 218 (see FIGS. 3D, 11A) to assist in pushing and releasing the one or more trimmed portions 280 from the rotary reel 14 into the disposal assembly 350 (see FIG. 11A). The one or more trimmed portions 280 are moved, ejected, and / or pushed into the disposal assembly 350 for disposal and pressing the one or more trimmed portions 280 into a receptacle device 352 (see Figures 11A-11B), such as a bin 352a of the disposal assembly 350 (see Figures 11A-11B) or another suitable receptacle device.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 13, the automatic removal method 400 may optionally further include a step 412 of transferring one or more trimmed portions 280, including one or more non-scrap portions 284 (see FIGS. 7 and 9A) wound around the outer periphery 24 of the rotary reel 14, onto a tool 300 or die having a curved surface 302, by stopping the vacuum flow 108 (see FIGS. 1 and 6B), retracting the multiple retractable vacuum panels 34 so that only the multiple friction reducing elements 168, such as multiple ball bearings 170, are in contact with the one or more trimmed portions 280, retracting the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 away from contact with the one or more trimmed portions 280, and moving the automatic removal device 10 so that the one or more trimmed portions 280 are positioned to be transferred above the curved surface 302 (see FIG. 7) of the tool 300 or die for release. One or more non-scrap portions 284, such as a combination 284c (see FIG. 7) of a non-scrap composite portion 284a (see FIG. 7) coupled to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b (see FIG. 7), or only the non-scrap composite portion 284a, can be transferred or moved from a conveying device 346 (see FIGS. 7, 9A, 10) having a flat surface 348 (see FIGS. 7, 9A, 10) to a tool 300 or die having a curved surface 302 by using the automated removal device 10.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an air vehicle 420, such as an aircraft 420a, incorporating a composite part 438 made with a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIGS. 7, 8) and using a version of the automated removal apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A), a version of the automated removal system 12 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), and a version of the automated removal method 400 (see FIG. 13) of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, the air vehicle 420, such as the aircraft 420a, includes a fuselage 422, a nose 424, a cockpit 426, wings 428, an engine 430, and a tail 432. As shown in FIG. 14, the tail 432 includes a horizontal stabilizer portion 434 and a vertical stabilizer portion 436.

[0171] 14 , in one version, composite part 438 comprises a wing panel 440 on wing 428 of aircraft 420a. Composite part 438 may also comprise other aircraft composite parts on wing 428, on fuselage 422, and / or on tail section 432. For example, in other versions, composite part 438 may comprise a spar, stringer, or another composite part suitable for aircraft 420a. In other versions, composite part 438 may include an assembly that is incorporated into a rotorcraft, a spacecraft, a satellite, a watercraft, an automobile, a truck, or another suitable composite structure.

[0172] 15 and 16, FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method 450, and FIG. 16 is an exemplary block diagram of an aircraft 466. With reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method 450 as shown in FIG. 15 and aircraft 466 as shown in FIG.

[0173] During the pre-production phase, the exemplary aircraft manufacturing and service method 450 may include specification and design 452 of the aircraft 466 and material procurement 454. During the production phase, component and subassembly manufacturing 456 and systems integration 458 of the aircraft 466 occurs. The aircraft 466 may then undergo certification and delivery 460 for entry into service 462. While in service 462 by a customer, the aircraft 466 may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service 464 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishing, and other appropriate maintenance).

[0174] Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service method 450 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an entity (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors. A third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and suppliers. An entity may include airlines, leasing companies, military entities, service organizations, and other suitable entities.

[0175] 16 , an aircraft 466 produced by example aircraft manufacturing and service method 450 may include an airframe 468 having a number of systems 470 and an interior 472. Examples of the number of systems 470 may include one or more of a propulsion system 474, an electrical system 476, a hydraulic system 478, and an environmental system 480. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

[0176] Methods and systems implemented herein may be utilized during any one or more stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method 450. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing 456 may be manufactured or produced in a manner similar to components and subassemblies manufactured during in-service 462 of aircraft 466. Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof may be utilized during component and subassembly manufacturing 456 and systems integration 458, for example, by substantially speeding up or reducing the cost of assembly of aircraft 466. Similarly, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or combinations thereof may be utilized during in-service 462 of aircraft 466, for example, but not limited to, maintenance and service 464.

[0177] The disclosed versions of the automatic removal apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, 5), automatic removal system 12 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), and automatic removal method 400 (see FIG. 13) provide for the automatic removal of one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) of a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7), including scrap portions 282 (see FIG. 7) and non-scrap portions 284 (see FIG. 7), in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 (see FIG. 7), such as a composite laminate manufacturing process 296a (see FIG. 7) in the manufacture of composite parts 438 (see FIG. 14), such as aircraft 420a (see FIG. 14) and other vehicles and structures. Manual removal of one or more trimmed portions 280 of laminate ply 294 during ply-by-ply manufacturing process 296 is eliminated, which may result in reduced labor associated with scrap management of each laminate ply 294, reduced time associated with removing and disposing of scrap portions 282, and reduced overall costs of forming a laminate 298 (see FIG. 7), such as composite laminate 298a (see FIG. 7). Additionally, elimination of manual removal of one or more trimmed portions 280 may avoid snagging and peeling with one or more portions of net-cut ply 290 during removal of one or more trimmed portions 280, such as scrap portions 282, from the periphery of net-cut ply 290.

[0178] Furthermore, the disclosed versions of the automated removal apparatus 10 (see Figures 1, 2A, 3A, 5), the automated removal system 12 (see Figures 7, 9A-9B, 10), and the automated removal method 400 (see Figure 13) provide a fully automated and programmed scrap removal and non-scrap removal process that is reproducible and adaptable, and the quality of the laminates 298, such as the composite laminates 298a formed, and thus the quality of the composite parts 438 produced, are highly reproducible. The rotary reel 14 (see FIG. 2A) of the automated removal apparatus 10 functions as a gripping device 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A) that grips and holds one or more trimmed portions 280 (see FIG. 7) of a laminate ply 294 (see FIG. 7) around the periphery of the rotary reel 14 for removal using a vacuum force 113 (see FIG. 1) generated by a vacuum flow 108 (see FIG. 1) from the Venturi effect in a vacuum generator 250 (see FIGS. 4A-4B). There is no need to attach a separate vacuum tube to the rotary reel 14 and a separate vacuum source on the ground or elsewhere to pull the vacuum. Instead, a vacuum tube 254 (see FIG. 4A) is attached to a second inlet opening 252b (see FIG. 4A) of a vacuum generator 250 (see FIG. 4A) within the interior 20 (see FIG. 2B) of the revolving reel 14 (see FIG. 2B, FIG. 4A), and the vacuum flow 108 generated by the above-mentioned Venturi effect flows through the vacuum tube 254, through the vacuum channel 107 (see FIG. 2B and FIG. 6B), through the channel opening 106 (see FIG. 4A), through the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 to pull a vacuum for one or more of the vacuum pads 58 (see FIG. 2A, FIG. 4A) via one or more vacuum ports 64 (see FIG. 2A, FIG. 4A). By using one valve manifold 232 (see FIG. 4A) to generate the vacuum flow 108 to the vacuum channel 107 and the channel opening 106 to each retractable vacuum pad assembly 50, the use of a separate dedicated valve manifold for each retractable vacuum pad assembly 50, which would be expensive, is avoided.

[0179] Additionally, the disclosed versions of the automated removal apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, 5), the automated removal system 12 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), and the automated removal method 400 (see FIG. 13) use only a single source air supply 112b (see FIG. 1) and a single vacuum source. Each of the multiple retractable vacuum pad assemblies 50 includes a self-sealing valve 114 that remains in a closed position 124 (see FIG. 2C) until the rotating reel 14 applies a compressive force to the one or more trimmed portions 280, which opens the self-sealing valve 114 to an open position 125 (see FIG. 3B) to allow the vacuum flow 108 to flow through the vacuum pad 58 and the vacuum port 64. Thus, the self-sealing valve 114 of the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 controls the vacuum flow 108 along a section 280a (see FIG. 5) or junction of one or more trimmed portions 280, such as scrap portion 282 and non-scrap portion 284. In other versions, the rotatable reel 14 can use an adhesive 17 (see FIG. 1) or another suitable gripping mechanism to grip or hold the one or more trimmed portions 280 of the laminate ply 294 around the periphery of the rotatable reel 14.

[0180] The rotary reel 14 uses an air flow 110 (see FIG. 1), such as a compressed air flow 110a (see FIG. 1), controlled by a valve manifold 232 (see FIG. 4A), to a number of actuator assemblies 130 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A), such as a number of piston assemblies 132 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A), mounted to the retractable vacuum panel 34, to change diameter or size depending on whether the retractable vacuum panel 34 (see FIG. 2A) and the retractable vacuum pad assembly 50 (see FIG. 2A) are extended or retracted. The rotary reel 14 can be used with a wheel assembly 278 (see FIG. 5) to separate scrap backing material portion 282b (see FIG. 5) from scrap composite material portion 282a (see FIG. 5) and selectively remove scrap composite material portion 282a by winding or rolling it around the rotary reel 14 for removal while the wheel assembly 278 holds scrap backing material portion 282b underneath. The wound, coiled or wound scrap portion 282d (see FIG. 11A) on the rotating reel 14 may be removed from the rotating reel 14 by automatic release and disposal into a disposal assembly 350 (see FIG. 11A), and the plunger element 210 (see FIG. 11A) may be used to assist in pushing the wound scrap portion 282d off the rotating reel 14. One or more wound scrap portions 282d may be collected and pressed into the disposal assembly 350 for solidification of the scrap or waste material. This provides for efficient removal of the scrap portions 282 (see FIG. 7) from a factory or manufacturing facility.

[0181] Additionally, the disclosed versions of the automated removal apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, 5), the automated removal system 12 (see FIGS. 7, 9A-9B, 10), and the automated removal method 400 (see FIG. 13) provide a means for transferring one or more trimmed portions 280, including one or more non-scrap portions 284 (see FIG. 7), in the form of a single net cut ply 290 (see FIG. 7) or including one or more non-scrap portions 284 (see FIG. 7), such as a non-scrap composite portion 284a (see FIG. 7) bonded to a non-scrap backing material portion 284b, from a conveying apparatus 346 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10) having a flat surface 348 (see FIGS. 9A-9B, 10) to a tool 300 (see FIG. 7) or die having a curved surface 302 (see FIG. 7). For example, the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10 winds or winds the net cut ply 290 from a flat surface 348 of the transport device 346, the robot assembly 320 (see FIGS. 9A-9B) moves the wound non-scrap portion 284d (see FIG. 7) on the rotary reel 14 to a tool 300 or die having a curved surface 302, and the rotary reel 14 unwinds or unwinds and releases the wound non-scrap portion 284d onto the curved surface 302 of the tool 300 or die. For example, the net cut ply 290 may be laid up on a flat surface and then transferred to the curved surface using the rotary reel 14 of the automated removal apparatus 10.

[0182] Many modifications and other versions of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. The versions described herein are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive. Although specific terms have been used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 10 automated removal device, 10a first automated removal device, 10b second automated removal device, 11 end effector, 12 automated removal system, 14 rotating reel, 16 gripping device, 17 adhesive, 18 exterior, 20 interior, 22 hub portion, 24 outer periphery, 26 inner periphery, 28 cylindrical body, 30 vacuum end, 32 drive end, 34 retractable vacuum panel, 34a adjacent pair, 36a first end, 36b second end, 38a first side, 38b second side, 39a upper side, 39b lower side, 40 body portion, 42 elongated rectangular shape, 44 length, 46 width, 48 thickness, 50 retractable vacuum pad assembly, 52 panel configuration, 54 vertical divider, 56 horizontal divider, 58 vacuum pad, 60a upper outer portion, 60b lower inner portion, 62 rectangular configuration, 64 vacuum port, 66 vacuum cylinder, 68a exterior, 68b interior, 70a first end, 70b second end, 72 cylindrical body, 74 inner diameter, 76 outer diameter, 78 base opening, 80 throat portion, 82 cylindrical configuration, 84 inner diameter, 86 upper edge portion, 88 side, 90 T-shaped configuration, 92 vacuum cavity, 94 interior, 96 cylindrical, 98a top end, 98b bottom end, 100 cavity opening, 102 cavity opening diameter, 104 central recessed opening, 105 side, 106 channel opening, 107 vacuum channel, 108 vacuum flow, 109 vacuum source, 110 air flow, 110a compressed air flow, 112 air source, 112a compressed air source, 112b single source air source, 113 vacuum force, 114 self-sealing valve, 114a spring loaded self-sealing valve, 116 tip, 118 tail, 120 shaft body, 122 valve seat, 124 closed position, 125 open position, 126 seal, 128 tee configuration, 130 actuator assembly, 130a pair, 132 piston assembly, 132a pair, 134 linear actuator, 136 surface, 138 wheel spoke configuration, 140 surface, 142 extended position, 142a fully extended position, 144 extended position, 144a fully extended position, 146 retracted position, 146a fully retracted position, 146b intermediate retracted position, 148 retracted position, 148a fully retracted position, 148b intermediate retracted position, 150 Piston rod, 152 Air cylinder, 154 Piston lock, 154a One-way piston lock, 156in-line arrangement, 157 free end, 158 air hose, 160a first end, 160b second end, 161 mounting element, 162a first end, 162b second end, 164 extended position, 166 compressed position, 168 friction reducing element, 170 ball bearing, 172 row, 174 raised portion, 174a platform, 176 length, 178 contact, 180 drive assembly, 182 rotation stage assembly, 184 support structure, 186 motor, 186a electric motor, 186b belt drive motor, 188 cylinder, 189 longitudinal groove, 190 rotation stage, 192 mounting assembly, 194 collar portion, 195 opening, 196 face plate, 198 fixed portion, 198a fixed casing, 200a First side, 200b Second side, 202 Cylinder cover portion, 203 Block portion, 204 Rotatable portion, 204a Rotatable ring, 206a First side, 206b Second side, 208 Offset element, 210 Plunger element, 210a Air cylinder plunger, 212a First end, 212b Second end, 214 Elongated body, 214a Fixed portion, 214b Extendable portion, 216 Retracted position, 218 Extended position, 220 Bracket element, 222 Opening, 224 Connector assembly, 224a Tool change connector assembly, 226a First end, 226b Second end, 228 Connector portion, 230 Pneumatic system, 232 Valve manifold, 232a Pneumatic valve manifold, 234 Cavity, 236a first end, 236b second end, 238 control valve, 240 fitting, 242 end plate, 244 hole, 245 first opening, 246 hole pattern, 248a first end, 248b second end, 250 vacuum generator, 251 nozzle, 252a first inlet opening, 252b second inlet opening, 253 exhaust outlet, 254 vacuum tube, 255 end, 256 rotating union, 258 second opening, 260a first end, 260b second end, 262 cylindrical housing, 264 hole, 266 port, 267 air inlet hose, 268 slip ring, 270 wire, 270a free end, 272a first end, 272b second end, 274 cylinder, 275 fixed contact, 276 Air supply lines, 277Air line fitting, 278 Wheel assembly, 280 Trimmed portion, 280a Section, 280b Surface, 282 Scrap portion, 282a Scrap composite portion, 282b Scrap backing portion, 282c Combination, 282d Rolled scrap portion, 282e Pressed scrap portion, 284 Non-scrap portion, 284a Non-scrap composite portion, 284b Non-scrap backing portion, 284c Combination, 284d Rolled non-scrap portion, 285 Side, 286 Composite, 286a Composite tape, 286b Composite sheet, 287 Ply, 288 Backing, 288a Backing film, 288b Release film, 288c Release ply, 289 Ply, 290 Net cut ply, 292 Net shape, 294 laminate ply, 294a composite laminate ply, 295 edge, 295a first trimmed edge, 295b second trimmed edge, 296 ply-by-ply manufacturing process, 296a composite laminate manufacturing process, 298 laminate, 298a composite laminate, 300 tool, 302 curved surface, 304 wheel, 306 extension arm attachment, 308 elongated member, 310a first end, 310b second end, 312 offset position, 314 wheel rotation direction, 315 reel rotation direction, 316 forward direction, 317a first position, 317b second position, 318 downward compression direction, 320 robot assembly, 320a first robot assembly, 320b second robot assembly, 322 robot, 324 automated mechanical arm, 324a robot arm, 324b gantry robot arm, 325a first end, 325b second end, 326a first end, 326b second end, 328 base, 329 wrist portion, 330 forearm portion, 331 elbow portion, 332 upper arm portion, 333 shoulder portion, 334 gantry assembly, 336 gantry, 337 gantry bridge, 338a first end, 338b second end, 339 gantry bridge, 340 control unit, 340a control unit, 341 computer numerical control (CNC) machine, 341a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, 342 computer, 342a computer, 344power supply unit, 344a power supply unit, 345 connector element, 345a connector element, 346 conveying device, 346a movable table, 346b conveyor belt device, 348 flat surface, 350 disposal assembly, 350a first disposal assembly, 350b second disposal assembly, 352 receptacle device, 352a bin, 354 automatic pressing machine section, 355 orientation, 356 automatic production line station, 356a first automatic production line station, 356b second automatic production line station, 356c third automatic production line station, 356d fourth automatic production line station, 358 lamination station, 360 trim station, 362 trimmed part removal station, 364 pick and place station, 366 floor, 368 orientation, 368a orientation, 370 orientation, 370a orientation, 374 release position, 376 interior, 378 post-release position, 380 squeezed area, 382 squeezed shape, 382a first squeezed shape, 382b second squeezed shape, 382c third squeezed shape, 384 pre-squeezed position, 386a pre-squeezed inner diameter, 386b first squeezed shape inner diameter, 386c second squeezed shape inner diameter, 386d third squeezed shape inner diameter, 388 first squeezed position, 390 first distance, 392 second squeezed position, 394 second distance, 396 multiple scrap squeezed positions, 398 spacing, 400 automated removal method, 420 air vehicle, 420a aircraft, 422 fuselage, 424 nose, 426 cockpit, 428 wing, 430 engine, 432 tail, 434 horizontal stabilizer section, 436 Vertical stabilizer section, 438 Composite components, 440 Wing panels, 450 Aircraft manufacturing and maintenance methods, 452 Specifications and design, 454 Materials procurement, 456 Component and subassembly manufacturing, 458 System integration, 460 Certification and delivery, 462 In-service, 464 Maintenance and overhaul, 466 Aircraft, 468 Airframe, 470 Systems, 472 Interior, 474 Propulsion systems, 476 Electrical systems, 478 Hydraulic systems, 480 Environmental systems

Claims

1. 1. An automated removal apparatus (10) for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions (280) of a laminate ply (294) in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process (296), comprising: The automatic removal device (10) a rotating reel (14) comprising a plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) mounted about a hub portion (22) of the rotating reel (14), each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) comprising one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50), each of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) having a vacuum pad (58) with a vacuum port (64) and a self-sealing valve (114); a plurality of actuator assemblies (130) attached to a plurality of said retractable vacuum panels (34); a plurality of friction reducing elements (168) attached to the periphery of the rotary reel (14); a drive assembly (180) attached to the rotary reel (14); a pneumatic system (230) attached to the rotating reel (14), the pneumatic system (230) operable to control an air flow (110) to actuate a plurality of the actuator assemblies (130) and comprising a valve manifold (232) operable to control the air flow (110) to one or more vacuum generators (250) to generate a vacuum flow (108) through one or more of the vacuum ports (64), the vacuum flow (108) generating a vacuum force (113) configured to lift and hold one or more of the trimmed portions (280) against one or more of the vacuum pads (58) as the rotating reel (14) is rotated over the one or more trimmed portions (280) to be removed; An automatic removal device (10).

2. a connector assembly (224) having a first end (226a) attached to the drive assembly (180) and a second end (226b) configured to be attached to an automated mechanical arm (324); The automated removal device (10) of claim 1, wherein the automated mechanical arm (324) is configured to hold and position the automated removal device (10) relative to one or more of the trimmed portions (280) to be removed.

3. The automated removal apparatus (10) of claim 2, wherein the automated mechanical arm (324) comprises one of a robot arm (324a) of a robot (322) or a gantry robot arm (324b) of a gantry (336).

4. 4. The automatic removal device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a wheel assembly (278) attached to the drive assembly (180), the wheel assembly (278) extending rearwardly of the rotating reel (14) at an offset position (312).

5. 5. The automated removal device (10) of claim 4, wherein the one or more trimmed portions (280) comprise a scrap composite material portion (282a) coupled to a scrap backing material portion (282b), and the wheel assembly (278) is operable to press down on the scrap backing material portion (282b) as the rotatable reel (14) winds the scrap composite material portion (282a) around the outer periphery (24) of the rotatable reel (14) for removal.

6. 6. The automatic removal device (10) of claim 1, wherein the one or more trimmed portions (280) removed by the rotating reel (14) include one of a scrap composite material portion (282a), a scrap backing material portion (282b), a combination (282c) of the scrap composite material portion (282a) coupled to the scrap backing material portion (282b), a non-scrap composite material portion (284a), a non-scrap backing material portion (284b), and a combination (284c) of the non-scrap composite material portion (284a) coupled to the non-scrap backing material portion (284b).

7. 7. The automatic removal device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of actuator assemblies (130) comprises a plurality of piston assemblies (132) each comprising a piston rod (150), an air cylinder (152) and a piston lock (154) connected to each other in a series configuration (156).

8. 8. The automatic removal device (10) of claim 7, wherein the piston lock (154) is a one-way piston lock (154a), which allows the piston rod (150) to be compressed and held in a compressed position (166) and prevents the piston rod (150) from extending to an extended position (164), allows the self-sealing valve (114) to remain in an open position (125), and allows the vacuum flow (108) to continue after one or more of the trimmed portions (280) are wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotary reel (14) until the one or more of the trimmed portions (280) are released from the rotary reel (14).

9. the plurality of friction reducing elements (168) comprising a plurality of ball bearings (170) disposed between adjacent pairs (34a) of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34); 9. The automatic removal device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) are stored in a storage position (146), the plurality of ball bearings (170) solely contact one or more of the trimmed portions (280) wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotary reel (14) to facilitate release of the one or more of the trimmed portions (280) from around the rotary reel (14).

10. a plunger element (210) coupled to the drive assembly (180); 10. The automatic removal device (10) of claim 1, wherein the plunger element (210) is operable to move from a stored position (216) to an extended position (218) to assist in moving one or more of the trimmed portions (280) from the rotary reel (14) when the one or more trimmed portions (280) are released from the rotary reel (14).

11. 1. An automated removal system (12) for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions (280) of a laminate ply (294) in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process (296), comprising: The automatic removal system (12) a robot assembly (320) comprising a robot (322) having a robot arm (324a), a control unit (340), and a power unit (344); a conveying device (346) for conveying one or more of said trimmed portions (280); an automatic removal device (10) attached to the robot assembly (320); Equipped with The automatic removal device (10) a rotating reel (14) comprising a plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) mounted around a hub portion (22) of the rotating reel (14), each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) comprising one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50), each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) having a vacuum pad (58) with a vacuum port (64) and a self-sealing valve (114); a plurality of piston assemblies (132) attached to a plurality of said retractable vacuum panels (34); a plurality of friction reducing elements (168) attached to the periphery of the rotatable reel (14) and disposed between a plurality of the retractable vacuum panels (34); a drive assembly (180) attached to the rotary reel (14); a connector assembly (224) attached between the drive assembly (180) and the robot arm (324a) of the robot (322); a pneumatic system (230) attached to the rotating reel (14), the pneumatic system (230) operable to control an air flow (110) to actuate a plurality of the piston assemblies (132) and to one or more vacuum generators (250) to generate a vacuum flow (108) through one or more of the vacuum ports (64), the vacuum flow (108) generating a vacuum force (113) that lifts and holds one or more of the trimmed portions (280) against one or more of the vacuum pads (58) as the rotating reel (14) is rotated over the one or more trimmed portions (280) to be removed; An automatic removal system (12).

12. 12. The automated removal system (12) of claim 11, further comprising at least one disposal assembly (350) for collecting and compressing one or more of the trimmed portions (280) removed from the reel (14) of the automated removal device (10).

13. 13. The automatic removal system (12) of claim 11 or 12, wherein the automatic removal device (10) further comprises a wheel assembly (278) attached to the drive assembly (180), the wheel assembly (278) extending rearward of the rotating reel (14) at an offset position (312).

14. 14. The automated removal system (12) of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the one or more trimmed portions (280) removed by the rotating reel (14) include one of a scrap composite material portion (282a), a scrap backing material portion (282b), a combination (282c) of the scrap composite material portion (282a) coupled to the scrap backing material portion (282b), a non-scrap composite material portion (284a), a non-scrap backing material portion (284b), and a combination (284c) of the non-scrap composite material portion (284a) coupled to the non-scrap backing material portion (284b).

15. 1. An automated removal method (400) for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions (280) of a laminate ply (294) in a ply-by-ply manufacturing process (296), comprising: The automated removal method (400) comprises: - positioning (402) an automated removal device (10) over one or more of the trimmed portions (280) of the laminate ply (294) to be removed during the ply-by-ply manufacturing process (296), the automated removal device (10) comprising: a rotating reel (14) comprising a plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) mounted around a hub portion (22) of the rotating reel (14), each of the plurality of retractable vacuum panels (34) comprising one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50), each of the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) having a vacuum pad (58) with a vacuum port (64) and a self-sealing valve (114); a plurality of actuator assemblies (130) attached to a plurality of said retractable vacuum panels (34); a plurality of friction reducing elements (168) attached to the periphery of the rotary reel (14); a drive assembly (180) attached to the rotary reel (14); a connector assembly (224) attached to the drive assembly (180); a pneumatic system (230) attached to the rotary reel (14), the pneumatic system (230) comprising a valve manifold (232) operable to control an air flow (110) to actuate a plurality of the actuator assemblies (130) and to one or more vacuum generators (250) to generate a vacuum flow (108) through one or more of the vacuum ports (64); Step (402) - rotating (404) the rotating reel (14) via the drive assembly (180) over the one or more trimmed portions (280) to be removed, the piston rods (150) of the actuator assemblies (130) being in an extension position (164) to extend the retractable vacuum panels (34) and the one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50); - compressing (406) one or more of said retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) against one or more of said trimmed portions (280) to open said self-sealing valves (114) from a closed position (124) to an open position (125) for each vacuum pad (58) of said compressed one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) and to apply a vacuum force (113) from said vacuum flow (108) to lift and hold a section (280a) of one or more of said trimmed portions (280) against said vacuum pad (58); - winding (408) one or more of the trimmed portions (280) held by the vacuum force (113) around the outer periphery (24) of the rotatable reel (14) for removal; The automatic removal method (400) includes:

16. 16. The automatic removal method (400) of claim 15, further comprising the step (410) of releasing one or more of the trimmed portions (280), including one or more scrap portions (282) wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotatable reel (14), into the disposal assembly (350) by stopping the vacuum flow (108), retracting one or more of the retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) away from contact with the one or more of the trimmed portions (280) such that only a plurality of the friction reduction elements (168) are in contact with the one or more of the trimmed portions (280), and moving the automatic removal device (10) so that the one or more of the trimmed portions (280) are positioned to be released onto a disposal assembly (350).

17. 17. The automatic removal method (400) of claim 16, wherein the step (410) of releasing one or more of the trimmed portions (280) wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotary reel (14) into the disposal assembly (350) further comprises the step of moving a plunger element (210) coupled to the drive assembly (180) from a stored position (216) to an extended position (218) to assist in pushing and releasing the one or more trimmed portions (280) from the rotary reel (14) into the disposal assembly (350).

18. 18. The automatic removal method (400) of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising the step of: transferring (412) one or more trimmed portions (280) including one or more non-scrap portions (284) wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotating reel (14) onto a tool (300) having a curved surface (302), the step being performed by stopping the vacuum flow (108), retracting one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies (50) out of contact with the one or more trimmed portions (280) such that only a plurality of the friction reducing elements (168) are in contact with the one or more trimmed portions (280), and moving the automatic removal device (10) so that the one or more trimmed portions (280) are positioned above the curved surface (302) of the tool (300) to be transferred and released.

19. positioning (402) the automated removal device (10) above one or more of the trimmed portions (280) to be removed further comprises positioning the automated removal device (10) using an automated mechanical arm (324) having a first end (325a) attached to the connector assembly (224); 19. The automated removal method (400) of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the automated mechanical arm (324) comprises one of a robot arm (324a) of a robot (322) and a gantry robot arm (324b) of a gantry (336).

20. the step of positioning (402) the automatic removal device (10) further comprises positioning the automatic removal device (10) further comprising a wheel assembly (278) attached to the drive assembly (180) and extending at an offset location (312) rearward of the rotatable reel (14); one or more of the trimmed portions (280) comprising a combination (282c) of a scrap composite material portion (282a) joined to a scrap backing material portion (282b); 20. The automated removal method (400) of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the wheel assembly (278) is operable to push down on the scrap backing material portion (282b) to separate the scrap backing material portion (282b) from the scrap composite material portion (282a) wound around the outer periphery (24) of the rotary reel (14) for removal.

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