Abstract: A composite fabrication vent assembly for connection to an inflatable bladder, the combination of a vent assembly and an inflatable bladder, and a method of mechanically connecting a vent assembly and a bladder. The vent assembly comprises a body member having a first clamping surface, a clamping member having a second clamping surface, and a carriage member interconnecting the body member and the clamping member, with the first and second clamping surfaces in opposing relationship. With the open end of an inflatable bladder inserted between the opposed clamping surfaces, the carriage member is adapted to translate the body member and clamping member toward one another to form an airtight seal with the inflatable bladder. A controlled source of pressurized gas, connected to a gas inlet of the vent assembly, can then inflate and deflate the bladder in a controlled manner through one or more passageways in the vent assembly.

Abstract: A composite fabrication vent assembly for connection to an inflatable bladder, the combination of a vent assembly and an inflatable bladder, and a method of mechanically connecting a vent assembly and a bladder. The vent assembly comprises a body member having a first clamping surface, a clamping member having a second clamping surface, and a carriage member interconnecting the body member and the clamping member, with the first and second clamping surfaces in opposing relationship. With the open end of an inflatable bladder inserted between the opposed clamping surfaces, the carriage member is adapted to translate the body member and clamping member toward one another to form an airtight seal with the inflatable bladder. A controlled source of pressurized gas, connected to a gas inlet of the vent assembly, can then inflate and deflate the bladder in a controlled manner through one or more passageways in the vent assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a fiber reinforced composite wherein fiber reinforcement material is disposed in a molding cavity formed between a substantially rigid molding tool and a compliant molding tool in a pressurizable chamber of a pressure vessel, such as an autoclave. Uncured polymer resin is introduced under pressure to the molding cavity by a resin pump disposed in the chamber or external thereof so as to initially infiltrate the fiber reinforcement material with the resin. The chamber is gas pressurized to provide isostatic pressure on the rigid and compliant tools during resin infiltration of the fiber reinforcement material. The resin-infiltrated fiber reinforcement material then is heated in the chamber to cure the resin matrix. Large surface area composites of the aerospace skin structure type can be made using the present invention.