Abstract: An apparatus for recovering oil spilled upon a body of water. Oil accumulators (10) having numerous open-ended cells (20) entrain spilled oil upon the surfaces (24, 26, 32) of the cells (20) when partially submerged in an area where oil has been spilled upon water. The oil accumulators (10) are rotated so as to lift the oil entrained upon the cell surfaces (24, 26, 32) from the water. An oil remover (12) may have superheated steam nozzles (64) located immediately above the oil accumulator (10). When oil-bearing cells pass beneath the nozzles (64), superheated steam may warm and expel the oil from the cells (20). An oil collector (14) collects the oil removed by the oil remover (12) where gravity flow transports the oil to a storage reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mass producing composite products comprising a novel autoclave having a cylindrical vacuum chamber; a cylindrical compression chamber surrounding the vacuum chamber; a reusable, flexible diaphragm defining the boundary between the chambers; and means for supplying heat and pressure between the diaphragm and the compression chamber. A core or mandrel is wrapped with a fiber-reinforced resin and is placed in the autoclave within the flexible diaphragm. Alternatively, a part layup can be sandwiched between an elastomeric caul and a hard tool by wrapping with expendable shrink tape to accommodate a variety of part shapes having constant or nearly constant cross sections throughout their length. The autoclave is then sealed and evacuated, causing the diaphragm to compress the resin layer against its core or mandrel due to atmospheric or higher pressure in the compression chamber. The autoclave is then heated to cure the resin.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus for vacuum bagging is disclosed comprising a base having a top surface provided with an outer peripheral vacuum manifold, a diaphragm having a top member and side walls adapted for placement on the base and in conjunction therewith defining a chamber encompassing a work piece; one or more evacuation ports formed in the base or the diaphragm adapted for connection to a vacuum source whereby the chamber may be evacuated of ambient atmosphere to form a vacuum therein; and an edge member associated with the side walls, including a solid, conformable seal adapted to seal the vacuum manifold and to provide at least a primary seal thereagainst. In one embodiment, intended for autoclaving applications, a seal providing both primary and secondary sealing is disclosed. The diaphragm, edge member and seal preferably comprise an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus for vacuum bagging is disclosed comprising a base having a top surface provided with an outer peripheral vacuum manifold, a diaphragm having a top member and side walls adapted for placement on the base and in conjunction therewith defining a chamber encompassing a work piece; one or more evacuation ports formed in the base or the diaphragm adapted for connection to a vacuum source whereby the chamber may be evacuated of ambient atmosphere to form a vacuum therein; and an edge member associated with the side walls, including a solid, conformable seal adapted to seal the vacuum manifold and to provide at least a primary seal thereagainst. In one embodiment, intended for autoclaving applications, a seal providing both primary and secondary sealing is disclosed. The diaphragm, edge member and seal preferably comprise an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A portable vacuum device for carrying out in situ bonding processes wherein the device is capable of encompassing a work site area, creating a vacuum thereabout thereby permitting the patching and repair of the workpiece through a heat and pressure process. Also disclosed is a unique process using the device of invention.