Appeal No. 2006-0551 Παγε 4 Application No. 10/182,904 Westre discloses methods of producing hybrid laminates for use as aircraft skin components. The hybrid laminates of Westre's invention include spaced-apart layers of a metallic foil, with a layer or layers of an organic polymeric matrix composite. Foils of titanium or titanium alloy are preferred for use as the metallic foil. Each layer of organic composite is made up of at least one ply including an organic polymeric resin within which are embedded parallel reinforcing fibers. While the fibers within each ply of organic composite are parallel, the fibers of one ply may be at right angles, or any other angle, to the fibers in another ply of organic composite of the hybrid laminate. According to Westre (column 7, line 58, to column 8, line 30), [t]he hybrid laminates may be made by any of a number of methods. However, in the case of thermoplastic composites, it is preferred that the laminates are prepared by successively laying down long continuous strips of thermoplastic resin preimpregnated fibrous tapes ("prepregs"), by means of a thermoplastic application head, directly onto the treated outer surface of a foil. By laying down strips of tape side-by-side while consolidating these through the application of heat and pressure, a continuous ply of composite with parallel-oriented fibers is produced. Thereafter, another ply or plies of composite may be laid down on top of the first ply, depending upon the properties needed of the laminate. The ply or plies make up a layer of composite. Then, a layer of foil is rolled out over the consolidated composite layer and is bonded, for example heat-fused, onto the composite. Thereafter, a next layer of organic composite is formed on top of the metallic foil by laying down a ply or plies, as described above. Finally, after laying down the predetermined number of layers of metallic foil and organic polymeric matrix, an outer layer of metallicPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007