With Flexible Or Deformable Pressure Surface Patents (Class 100/211)
  • Patent number: 11969672
    Abstract: A filter plate assembly for a filter press is provided. The filter plate assembly includes at least a first filter plate and a second filter plate, which cooperate to define a filter chamber when the first filter plate and the second filter plate are in a filtering position. At least one of the first filter plate and the second filter plate is movable from the filtering position to a discharge position in which a filter cake can be discharged. In other configurations, the filter plate assembly can include a first filter plate, a second filter plate and a center filter plate or frame, which cooperate to define a filter chamber. The center filter plate or frame is movable from a filtering position to a discharge position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventor: Sean R. Duby
  • Patent number: 11931975
    Abstract: Forming systems and methods for forming an elongate charge of composite material are disclosed herein. The forming systems include an elongate forming tool having an elongate forming surface with a forming surface shape that corresponds to a predetermined material shape for the elongate charge of composite material. The forming systems also include an elongate end effector, which is configured to tension the elongate charge of composite material across the forming surface. The elongate end effector includes an elongate vacuum distribution manifold, a porous elongate vacuum region, and an elongate friction surface. The methods include methods of tensioning an elongate charge of composite material across an elongate forming surface of an elongate forming tool utilizing an elongate end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Dempsey Morris, Derek John Flolid
  • Patent number: 11865825
    Abstract: A method for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure. The method includes positioning a ply of material on a forming tool having a web surface and at least one flange surface extending from the web surface, positioning a flange forming device at the ply of material on the forming tool, the flange forming device including an inflatable contact element pressurized to define a deformable contact surface, applying, by the deformable contact surface, the ply of material onto the forming tool with a predetermined pressure, wherein the deformable contact surface is moved across the forming tool, and wherein the inflatable contact element is configured to maintain the predetermined pressure as the deformable contact surface transitions from the web surface to the at least one flange surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Andrew Hopkins, Christopher Gary Harris, Scott Fisher, Jessica Conaty, Anton Troshchenovskyy
  • Patent number: 11772337
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying lengthwise curvature to composite parts. One embodiment is a method that includes fabricating a preform for a curved pultruded gap filler by continuously: heating fiber reinforced material to a sticking point temperature for a constituent material within the fiber reinforced material, and feeding the fiber reinforced material through a die that exhibits a curvature through which the fiber reinforced material travels while the fiber reinforced material is heated to the sticking point temperature, the die forming the fiber reinforced material into a preform for a gap filler. Fabricating the curved pultruded preform further includes varying path lengths of fibers within the preform as the preform passes through the die, and pulling the preform out of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Andrew Klimovski, Karlgren Ka-Tsun Lai, Benjamin Stanislaw Zielinski
  • Patent number: 11766839
    Abstract: A device and method for producing a component. The device is composed of two mold elements, wherein one of the mold elements has a cavity which communicates with the position of one side of a component to be produced. An inflatable tube which is fluidically linked to the surrounding atmosphere is provided in the cavity. A cover covers the first and the second mold element and seals the first and said second mold element in relation to the surrounding atmosphere. The tube is expanded by applying a vacuum within the sealed regions and the tube can shape or facilitate shaping the side of the component to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Hauke Seegel
  • Patent number: 11623468
    Abstract: An apparatus for texturing a plastic substrate, while forming a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate, wherein the plastic substrate has a first side and a second side, is provided. A textured cover is on a side of a platen, wherein the platen is on a first, untextured side of the textured cover. A first side of the dye carrier is on a second, textured side of the textured cover, and wherein the plastic substrate is supported on a second side of the dye carrier, wherein a first side of the plastic substrate is supported by the dye carrier, wherein the textured side of the textured cover has a texture to be transferred to the plastic substrate. A membrane is on the second side of the plastic substrate. A vacuum pump provides a vacuum between the membrane and the platen. A heater is positioned to heat the plastic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Fresco Infusion LLC
    Inventor: John Moalli
  • Patent number: 11478063
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for dispensing cosmetic material from a cartridge onto a dispensing surface. The apparatus includes a retractable plate disposed beneath the detachable portion, where a dispensing end of the at least one cartridge is configured to penetrate the retractable plate and the detachable portion. When the retractable plate is at a stable highest position, the dispensing end of the at least one cartridge is flush with the surface of the retractable plate. When the retractable plate is moved to a predetermined stable downward position below the highest position, and the detachable portion is placed on the retractable surface, the dispensing end of the at least one cartridge is flush with the dispensing surface and the retractable plate is configured to move even further downward to an unstable position in response to a downward force on the detachable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Aldina Suwanto, Gregoire Charraud
  • Patent number: 11440652
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for creating a tubular composite structure. In one embodiment, a device comprises multiple layers of cured composite fabric bonded together to form a tubular composite structure, wherein alternating groups of the multiple layers comprise on-axis fabric and off-axis fabric. The tubular composite structure may form a spar for an aerodynamic component. The composite fabric may comprise one or more of carbon, fiberglass, or other composite materials, or a combination of materials. One or more stacks of the fabric wrap completely around the tubular composite structure, and other stacks of fabric may not wrap completely around the tubular composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Edward Foskey, Jared Mark Paulson, Michael Christopher Burnett, Mark Mays
  • Patent number: 11376167
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body according to the present invention includes a conveying unit (2) that conveys an aggregate (101) of absorbent fibers and a water-absorbent resin (102), a mixing unit (3) that accepts the aggregate of the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that were conveyed by the conveying unit and mixes the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin, a chamber portion (4) that has an internal space (40) through which the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that were mixed in the mixing unit fall, a stacking portion (5) that is disposed below the chamber portion and has a recessed portion (531) in which the absorbent fibers and the water-absorbent resin that fall through the chamber portion are stacked, and a suction unit (6) that causes a negative pressure in the chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenobu Kakimoto, Kazuo Fujii
  • Patent number: 11318780
    Abstract: An apparatus for texturing a plastic substrate, while forming a dye sublimation image in the plastic substrate, wherein the plastic substrate has a first side and a second side, is provided. A textured cover is on a side of a platen, wherein the platen is on a first, untextured side of the textured cover. A first side of the dye carrier is on a second, textured side of the textured cover, and wherein the plastic substrate is supported on a second side of the dye carrier, wherein a first side of the plastic substrate is supported by the dye carrier, wherein the textured side of the textured cover has a texture to be transferred to the plastic substrate. A membrane is on the second side of the plastic substrate. A vacuum pump provides a vacuum between the membrane and the platen. A heater is positioned to heat the plastic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Fresco Infusion LLC
    Inventor: John Moalli
  • Patent number: 11214020
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a thermoplastic composite material forming method and tooling used to perform the method. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to a method of fabricating large, complex thermoplastic composite part shapes with a consolidation tool having a conformable tooling bladder that heat thermoplastic material in the tool and provide thermoplastic material consolidation pressure in directions in the tool to form a part shape of thermoplastic composite material. A novel tooling concept is used to fabricate large, complex thermoplastic composite part shapes which are not easily producible using traditional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mike P. Matlack, Alexander M. Rubin, Randall D. Wilkerson, Amol Ogale
  • Patent number: 11161282
    Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Charles M. Richards, Jeffrey M. Hansen, Robert L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11135785
    Abstract: A method for placing a piece of composite material onto a substrate. The piece of composite material is placed on the substrate with using an end effector. The piece of composite material is held against the substrate using the end effector. The piece of the composite material is compacted against the substrate while also holding the piece of composite material against the substrate using the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Stone, David Lynn Phillips
  • Patent number: 11072845
    Abstract: A hot dip metal plating bath roll preventing flaws in a steel sheet due to a bath roll, realizing stable running at a high speed, and improving the productivity of a plated steel sheet, which hot dip metal plating bath roll having vertical grooves each formed on an outer circumferential surface of the roll and including two first curved parts projecting to the outside of the roll and at least one second curved part arranged between the two first curved part and projecting to the inside of the roll and horizontal grooves each formed on an outer circumferential surface of the roll along a barrel length direction of the roll, a pitch P1 (mm) and depth d1 (mm) of the vertical grooves satisfying 1.0?P1?10, 0.2?d1?5, and d1?P1/2, a depth d2 (mm) being 60% to 150% of the depth d1 of the vertical grooves, and a width w2 (mm) of the horizontal grooves being 2 times or more of the depth d2 or 2 times or more of a radius of curvature (mm) of curved surfaces forming bottom parts of the horizontal grooves and 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION, NIPPON STEEL HARDFACING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Kurisu, Hayato Konnai, Futoshi Nishimura, Satoshi Uchida, Atsushi Migita, Yuuki Mishima
  • Patent number: 10981673
    Abstract: A bond fixture includes a support structure and a first assembly coupled to the support structure. The first assembly includes a frame defining a chamber and a first pressure pad and second pressure pad coupled to the frame opposite one another and positioned within the chamber. The second pressure pad is movable to control a pressure applied by the first pressure pad and the second pressure pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Littlejohn, Sven Roy Lofstrom, Scott Oren Smith
  • Patent number: 10914359
    Abstract: A fixture for sticking balance blocks to the surface of a hub includes a base, in which a fixed plate is welded to one side of the upper end of the base, a slide rail butted to the fixed plate is connected to the other side of the base by bolts, a sliding block is connected to the slide rail in a sliding manner, the middle positions of the fixed plate and the sliding block are respectively connected with a first roller and a second roller of the same type by bearings, each of the first roller and the second roller is sleeved with a rubber sleeve of the same specification, and a support table is mounted under the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zuo Xu, Liqun Zheng, Jiwei Zhou
  • Patent number: 10814599
    Abstract: A laminating device and a method for producing a laminate. The laminating device has at least one membrane element. The laminating device has at least one force distributing element, wherein a laminating force which can be transmitted onto a lamination object by the membrane element can be distributed onto at least one sub region of a membrane-side surface of the lamination object via the at least one force distributing element. The at least one force distributing element is held on the laminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Nice Solar Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Lenz, Martin Haselbauer, Volker Strickert
  • Patent number: 10703027
    Abstract: Provided are induction heating cells including pressure bladders used for supporting dies and methods of using these induction heating cells. A pressure bladder may be disposed between a die and a bolster of the cell. Even when the bolster is deformed during operation of the cell, the pressure bladder continues to provide uniform support to the die thereby preserving integrity of the die and prevents its cracking or braking. As such, the cell may be operated at a higher processing pressure inside the cavity formed by the die without further strengthening the bolster. The bolster is allowed to deform without compromising the integrity of the die. The deformation of the bolster is compensated by the shape change of the pressure bladder. The number and/or position of the bladders in the cell may depend on the shape of processed parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, David S. Nansen, Lee C. Firth, Carey E. Wilkinson, Gregory J. Hickman, William C. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 10677315
    Abstract: A portable conveyor belt splicing apparatus is provided that includes an upper press assembly and a lower press assembly which include, respectively, upper and lower platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may each include a forced air cooling system for rapidly cooling platens of the platen assemblies. The upper and lower press assemblies may include insulating assemblies with resilient members that support the upper and lower press assemblies. The resilient members provide structural support and insulate the platens from the frame which reduces the power required to heat the platens. In one form, the apparatus includes a power supply circuit that can alternate between providing power to upper and lower heaters in response to the apparatus being connected to different types of standard power supplies. Further, the power supply circuit permits the use of a single recipe for a particular belt irrespective of the type of power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: Joannes Stefanus van't Schip, Mark Steven Pettinga
  • Patent number: 10625450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a shell part (101) for a wind turbine blade also comprising an add-on component (301, 302) connected to the shell part (101) along a connection face. The method comprises the steps of providing an insert (102) with a side surface of approximately the same shape as the connection face, positioning the insert in an open mould, and placing one or more layers (105) of material in the mould (103) to form the shell part (101) wherein the layers (105) are placed in abutment to the side surface (104) of the insert (102) thereby forming a side surface (108) of the shell part (101) of approximately the same shape as the connection face. After resin cure, the insert (102) is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Alan Laight
  • Patent number: 10569484
    Abstract: A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Samuel Ray Stewart, Paul James Ballow
  • Patent number: 10525683
    Abstract: A panel laminator includes a first frame defining an outer boundary, the first frame operable to support a panel to be laminated and a first flexible diaphragm supported by the first frame to cover the outer boundary. The laminator includes a second frame sized and shaped to conform to the first frame along the outer boundary and a second flexible diaphragm supported by the second frame to match the outer boundary. The laminator includes a passage fluidly connected to the space between the first and second flexible diaphragms, with the passage configured to be coupled to a vacuum system in order to remove air from the space between the first and second flexible diaphragms during a lamination process. The first frame and the second frame are configured to rotate as a unit between a first, generally horizontal, orientation and a second, generally vertical, orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sean Richard Cysewski, Steven Prudnick
  • Patent number: 10464797
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikia James, Andrew June Ro, Bruno Telesca, Brent William Lindberg, Jenna Walsh
  • Patent number: 10464240
    Abstract: Provided are induction heating cells including pressure bladders used for supporting dies and methods of using these induction heating cells. A pressure bladder may be disposed between a die and a bolster of the cell. Even when the bolster is deformed during operation of the cell, the pressure bladder continues to provide uniform support to the die thereby preserving integrity of the die and prevents its cracking or braking. As such, the cell may be operated at a higher processing pressure inside the cavity formed by the die without further strengthening the bolster. The bolster is allowed to deform without compromising the integrity of the die. The deformation of the bolster is compensated by the shape change of the pressure bladder. The number and/or position of the bladders in the cell may depend on the shape of processed parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, David S. Nansen, Lee C. Firth, Carey E. Wilkinson, Gregory J. Hickman, William C. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 10434738
    Abstract: A waste compaction system for a vehicle includes a moveable trolley for storing waste, and a docking station integratable into a cabin monument for inserting the trolley. The trolley includes a housing having an opening for inserting waste, a vacuum waste compacting mechanism inside the housing and a first suction port accessible from outside the housing, the first suction port being couplable with the vacuum waste compacting mechanism. The docking station and the trolley are adapted to each other such that the trolley is engageable with the docking station, and wherein the docking station includes a second suction port couplable with a suction line in the vehicle and the first suction port. Resultantly, a lightweight and efficient waste compaction system is provided, which allows moving the trolley for collecting waste inside a cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schliwa, Marc Spille
  • Patent number: 10422449
    Abstract: A method for joining a first conduit section with a second conduit section. The method includes: a) inserting a first end of the second conduit section in an open first end of the first conduit section with a gasket extending between an inner surface of the first conduit section and an outer surface of the second conduit section; b) positioning a flexible substrate having a bonding agent provided on at least a portion of an inner side of the flexible substrate to extend from an outer surface of the first conduit to an outer surface of the second conduit; c) applying pressure to the flexible substrate whereby the bonding agent is pressed against an outer surface of the first and second conduit sections; and d) heating the bonding agent whereby the bonding agent is secured to the outer surface of the first and second conduit sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 10377464
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the manufacturing of a leading edge section with hybrid laminar flow control for an aircraft. A manufacturing method involves: providing an outer hood, a plurality of elongated modules, first and second C-shaped profiles having comprising cavities, and an inner mandrel; assembling an injection molding tool by placing each profile on each end of the inner mandrel, arranging a first extreme of each elongated module in one cavity of the first profile and a second extreme of the module in another cavity of the second profile, both cavities positioned in the same radial direction; and placing the hood on first and second profiles to close the tool. Further, the injection molding tool is closed and filled with an injection compound comprising thermoplastic and short-fiber. Finally, the compound is hardened and demolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS, S.L.
    Inventors: Pablo Cebolla Garrofe, Álvaro Calero Casanova, Soledad Crespo Peña, Carlos Garcïa Nieto, Iker Vélez De Mendizábal Alonso, Enrique Guinaldo Fernandez, Francisco Javier Honorato Ruiz, Alvaro Torres Salas
  • Patent number: 10369740
    Abstract: A flexible punch and die are used to form a flat composite laminate charge into a stiffener having a desired cross sectional shape. A desired contour is formed in the stiffener by bending the punch and die. Ply wrinkling is avoided during contouring by maintaining those portions of the stiffener subject to wrinkling in tension as the contouring is being performed. Bridging of the plies during the contouring process is avoided by first contouring those sections of the stiffener that are subject to wrinkling, and then contouring the remaining sections of the stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Robert Chapman, Gordon Dale Davis
  • Patent number: 10336019
    Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karl Edward Nelson, Michael W. Evens, John F. Spalding, Jr., James D. Chanes, Joel P. Baldwin, Paul S. Rutherford
  • Patent number: 10307977
    Abstract: A method for patching a hole in a composite parent structure. The method comprises: inserting an insert in the hole; placing a composite patch having a multiplicity of curved flexible members on one side of the composite parent structure in a position where a central portion of the composite patch overlies the insert and the flexible members confront opposing portions of the composite parent structure providing adhesive between the composite patch, the insert, and the composite parent structure; pressing the composite patch against the composite parent structure with sufficient pressure to force the flexible members to conform to the shape of the composite parent structure; and while the flexible members are in a stressed state, curing the adhesive in a manner that causes the flexible members to bond to the parent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess
  • Patent number: 10301013
    Abstract: A bond fixture for bonding a component includes a frame defining a chamber for receiving the component. A first pad and a second pad are mounted to the frame. At least one of the first pad and the second pad is movable relative to the frame to adjust a pressure applied to the component. A caul assembly is adapted to be disposed in thermal communication with the component. The caul assembly heats a localized portion of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sven Roy Lofstrom, David Littlejohn, Eric Boyle
  • Patent number: 10226915
    Abstract: Systems and methods of forming a skin for a composite structure and composite structures including the same. The systems and methods include operatively attaching a charge of composite material to a flexible substrate to define a composite-substrate assembly. The systems and methods further include deforming the composite-substrate assembly by conforming the composite-substrate assembly to a non-planar pre-forming surface of a pre-forming mandrel to define a non-planar skin surface contour on the charge of composite material. The systems and methods further include maintaining the charge of composite material in tension in a direction that is parallel to an interface between the charge of composite material and the flexible substrate during the deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen Lee Metschan, Richard V. Phillips, Kurtis S. Willden
  • Patent number: 10207468
    Abstract: An installation tool and method are provided to apply a patch to a structure while controlling the porosity in the bond line. An installation tool is provided that includes a frame defining an internal cavity. The installation tool also includes a flexible membrane that divides the internal cavity into a first chamber proximate the surface and a second chamber separated from the surface by the first chamber and the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is releasably attached to the patch such that the patch faces the surface. The frame includes first and second vacuum ports into the first and second chambers, respectively, such that pressure therewithin is separately controllable. The pressure within the first and second chambers is controlled such that the adhesive is degassed while the patch remains spaced from the surface and the flexible membrane is thereafter caused to be stretched to urge the patch toward the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel J. Perron, Michael W. Evens, Jeffrey H. Olberg
  • Patent number: 10144147
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method of making a door having first and second door skins and an internal frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the frame are coated with an adhesive and the frame is placed on a first door skin. The second door skin is then placed on the opposite surface of the frame. The assembled components are then pressed to bond the first and second door skins to the frame with a press having upper and lower dies configured to impart a larger compression force toward a central area of the door skins. Wear resistant belts or membranes are provided to protect the door skins from being marred by the upper and lower dies during the pressing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Bei-Hong Liang, George Cucchi
  • Patent number: 10112352
    Abstract: A method of press molding a molding material to form a molded part of fiber-reinforced resin matrix composite material, the method comprising the steps of: i. locating a molding material in a mold tool, the molding material containing fibers, resin and a syntactic layer comprising a polymer matrix and a plurality of hollow bodies distributed within the polymer matrix; ii. permitting the molding material to drape at least partly under the action of gravity within the mold so as to configure at least part of the draped molding material in a partly molded shape; iii. fully closing the mold tool to define a closed mold cavity containing the molding material; iv. applying pressure to the mold cavity to cause resin to flow and impregnate the fibers and to configure the molding material in a fully molded shape; and v. substantially fully curing the resin to form a molded part from the molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Gurit (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin James Starkey, Peter Jennings, Gregory Aratoon
  • Patent number: 10105622
    Abstract: The invention discloses a normal flow filtration cassette (1) stackable with like cassettes, said cassette comprising: at least three port conduits (2,3,4); an inlet chamber (5) in fluid communication at least with a first of said port conduits (2); an outlet chamber (6) in fluid communication at least with a second of the port conduits (3); and a filter medium (7) between said inlet chamber and said outlet chamber, wherein said at least three port conduits (2,3,4) are each in fluid communication with a corresponding inlet port (8,9,10) and are each in fluid communication also with one of a corresponding set of outlet ports (11,12,13), and wherein each of said set of inlet ports (8,9 10) is arranged to cooperate with a respective complementary outlet port of an adjacent like cassette when in a stack and said outlet ports (11,12,13) are each arranged to cooperate with a respective complementary inlet port of a further adjacent like cassette when in a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: Charles Lambalot, William Larsen
  • Patent number: 10070768
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a mop and a cleaning device, wherein: the mop includes: a mop material carrying member for holding mop material; and a mop abutment member, the cleaning device is for cleaning mop material which freely depends from the mop material carrying member of the mop, the cleaning device includes: one or more cleaning arrangements for cleaning mop material; and a pair of abutment members located with respect to the one or more cleaning arrangements and at least partially defining an access aperture through which access to the one or more cleaning arrangements is provided, and the mop abutment member and the pair of abutment members of the cleaning device are configured for abutment in use to limit movement of the mop material carrying member through the access aperture towards the one or more cleaning arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Scot Young Research Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander (Scot) Young
  • Patent number: 10035373
    Abstract: A method for affixing a decorative object on an object that is to be decorated includes a process for causing the force holding the decorative object on an affixing film to differ locally; a process for attaching the decorative object on the surface of the affixing film on the side facing the object that is to be decorated; a process for disposing the affixing film to face the object that is to be decorated; and a process for, after air inside a cover and a vessel has been evacuated, introducing a fluid into the space between the affixing film and the cover, and applying pressure to affix the decorative object on the object that is to be decorated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Yoshimoto, Takuji Yamahiro, Natsuki Mamiya
  • Patent number: 9978616
    Abstract: Moving the substrates quickly, as well as applying a large pressure to the substrates are required. A pressing apparatus for pressing a plurality of substrates stacked on one another, includes: a first stage that supports the plurality of substrates; a second stage that can sandwich the plurality of substrates between the first stage and the second stage; a driving section that moves the first stage towards the second stage so as to sandwich the plurality of substrates; and a pressing section that, when the driving section has made the first stage reach a predetermined position, applies a pressing force to the first stage to press the plurality of substrates between the first stage and the second stage, where the driving section and the pressing section are arranged next to each other so that at least part of the driving section and the pressing section overlaps in the moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeto Izumi, Satoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9970267
    Abstract: A device for simulating exploitation of a natural gas hydrate in a permeable boundary layer includes a high pressure reaction kettle, a formation simulation unit and an aquifer maintaining unit. A water bath jacket externally connected with constant temperature water bath is arranged on the outer wall of the high pressure reaction kettle for providing a necessary temperature condition for the high pressure reaction kettle. A simulative well at the center of the top of the high pressure reaction kettle is connected with liquid injection, gas injection, gas production and water production equipment. An aquifer interface at the bottom of the high pressure reaction kettle is connected to the aquifer maintaining unit through a pipeline. The simulation device simulates the geological environment of a hydrate reservoir, allowing comprehensive evaluation of hydrate exploitation under different formation permeability and different formation pressure gradients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU INSTITUTE OF ENERGY CONVERSION, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Xiaosen Li, Yu Zhang, Yi Wang, Gang Li, Zhaoyang Chen, Chungang Xu
  • Patent number: 9931807
    Abstract: A device for compacting a contoured elongate composite layup includes flexible first and second fiber reinforced resin flexible sections flexible along their lengths. The first section is flexible within a first plane and the second section is flexible within the first plane as well as within a second plane. The second section includes flexible joints reinforced by a spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Samuel Ray Stewart
  • Patent number: 9889602
    Abstract: A laminating device includes a first jig on which a first member is seated, a second jig facing the first jig, and a second member between the first jig and the second jig. The second jig includes a pad part having a top surface on which the second member is seated, the pad part having elasticity, a pad deformation part configured to support a rear surface of the pad part, and a support part to support the pad deformation part. The pad deformation part couples the pad part to the support part, and a portion of the pad deformation part has a recessed plate shape with respect to the pad part to correspond to a position thereof coupled to the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choongsik Kim, Yudeok Seo, Jaeyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 9878505
    Abstract: A tool for forming a C-section beam made of carbon fiber includes a straight elongated mandrel with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section. The mandrel has three consecutive outer faces, with a planar face configured to form a surface of the web of the C-section beam, and two opposing lateral faces, configured to form two respective surfaces of the flanges of the C-section beam. The mandrel has a distributed perforation on at least one of the three outer faces and an inlet/outlet connection to connect the mandrel to an external source of vacuum and/or compressed air. Passages are formed inside the mandrel to establish a fluid communication between the distributed perforation and the inlet/outlet connection. Through the distributed perforation, a vacuum is applied to the interface between the mandrel and the C-section beam to retain the C-section beam on the mandrel while lifted and turned by 180° for coupling to a similar C-section beam to assemble an H-beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ALENIA AERMACCHI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniela Carretti, Gianni Iagulli, Gianpiero Lembo, Alberto Russolillo, Carmine Suriano
  • Patent number: 9841118
    Abstract: A Manual Reset hydraulic valve latch, capable of maintaining a hydraulically controlled valve in an open state after the valve has been opened by an activating device, regardless of the state of the activating device, until the latch is reset. The invention provides simplicity of operation, high resistance to false tripping and accidental shutoff. The invention further provides a fast fill of the hydraulic valve control chamber by reducing flow restriction into the valve control mechanism during reset of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9802583
    Abstract: A portable car-cleaning device, which comprises a cleaning brush and at least one water storage chamber with a water inlet, the at least one chamber being provided with at least one washing dewatering device that includes two oppositely disposed rollers, the cleaning brush being interposed between the two rollers for washing and dewatering. The car-cleaning device is simple in structure and convenient to carry, and convenient in washing and dewatering the cleaning brush, making a car washed faster, improving the washing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: KUNSHAN HANYUAN ELECTRONIC TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zijun Zhuo
  • Patent number: 9695021
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved garbage disposal jack for use in the installation and removal of sink mounted garbage disposals. The improved garbage disposal jack allows for rotation of the garbage disposal unit while maintaining the height during the installation or removal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Henry A. Stavinga
  • Patent number: 9573351
    Abstract: A sheet sticking apparatus 10 includes holding means 13 provided so as to be capable of holding an adhesive sheet S, and sticking means 12 that sticks the adhesive sheet S to an adherend surface W0 of an adherend W. The sticking means 12 includes a first sticking portion 15 capable of sticking a part of the adhesive sheet S held by the holding means 13 to a first sticking surface by pressure, and a second sticking portion 16 that sticks portions of the adhesive sheet S that have not yet been stuck by using the first sticking portion 15 to second sticking surfaces by pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LINTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yohei Horiguchi, Kosaku Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9511537
    Abstract: A bonding tool to facilitate bonding of a liner to a surface of a workpiece is provided. The bonding tool includes a bladder, which is inflatable from an initial size to an expanded size, a frame formed to define a recess in which the bladder is disposed, the recess being oriented such that, when inflated from the initial size to the expanded size, the bladder applies a predefined pressure to the liner such that the liner is pressed against the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Tuscano, Michael Haiday
  • Patent number: 9434117
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping an airfoil. A prepreg assembly is positioned relative to a part in a plurality of parts for a tool for the airfoil using a positioning section for a frame. The positioning section is configured to move relative to the tool and a base of the frame and move a number of parts in the plurality of parts for the tool relative to each other. A number of sections in the prepreg assembly are heated. A force is applied to the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool to cause the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool with a shape for a component of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Raymond Neil Henderson
  • Patent number: 9403351
    Abstract: A film laminating apparatus and method for a plate member having a flat or curved surface includes a first holder, a pressing roll, a film holder, support means, position confirmation means and alignment means. The first holder has absorption means that allows a plate member to be absorbed to a surface thereof by deforming the plate member. The pressing roll presses a film on a surface of the plate member absorbed to the first holder. The film holder is provided to the pressing roll, and fixes the film to be laminated to a surface of the pressing roll. The support means supports the pressing roll to be movable. The position confirmation means confirms the position of the plate member and the position of the film fixed to the pressing roll. The alignment means aligns the film and the plate member, based on the positions confirmed by the position confirmation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyungi Jung, Minkyu Hwang, Sangyong Lee, Kyungdo Kim, Seokjae Jeong