Abstract: A co-consolidation tool, including a heating assembly to receive one or more thermoplastic parts and to apply a consolidation temperature to the one or more thermoplastic parts, a pressure bladder to apply a consolidation pressure to the one or more thermoplastic parts, and a support insert shaped and configured to support and at least partially surround at least one of the one or more thermoplastic parts, wherein at least one of heating assembly and the pressure bladder is shaped to receive and support the support insert.

Abstract: A co-consolidation tool, including a heating assembly to receive one or more thermoplastic parts and to apply a consolidation temperature to the one or more thermoplastic parts, a pressure bladder to apply a consolidation pressure to the one or more thermoplastic parts, and a support insert shaped and configured to support and at least partially surround at least one of the one or more thermoplastic parts, wherein at least one of heating assembly and the pressure bladder is shaped to receive and support the support insert.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for an aircraft, includes a window frame of composite material, adapted for attachment in a window opening of an aircraft, having an outer flange with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a metal erosion shield attached to the exterior surface of the outer flange, and a polymer adapter ring, attached to the interior surface of the outer flange. The window frame has a substantially constant thickness, and the erosion shield has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. The adapter ring has a sloped engagement surface configured for supporting a window pane assembly.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for an aircraft, includes a window frame of composite material, adapted for attachment in a window opening of an aircraft, having an outer flange with an exterior surface and an interior surface, a metal erosion shield attached to the exterior surface of the outer flange, and a polymer adapter ring, attached to the interior surface of the outer flange. The window frame has a substantially constant thickness, and the erosion shield has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. The adapter ring has a sloped engagement surface configured for supporting a window pane assembly.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reinforced thermoplastic composite part comprises moving a laminate of reinforcing fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix for sequential operations through a heating station and then a forming station. The heating station is used to soften the thermoplastic matrix in a portion of the laminate while the forming station is used to impart a geometry to a portion of the laminate whose thermoplastic matrix had just been softened. The softening and the forming are performed simultaneously on different portions of the laminate.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced part is formed from a compression molded thermoplastic resin reinforced with individual fibers of differing lengths randomly oriented substantially throughout the part.

Abstract: To an aircraft stringer, a strap is inserted lengthwise through a stringer of an aircraft fuselage, a first end of the strap is secured to a first end of a length of insulation, and the first end of the length of insulation is drawn into a first end of the stringer in response to pulling a second end of the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: To an aircraft stringer, a strap is inserted lengthwise through a stringer of an aircraft fuselage, a first end of the strap is secured to a first end of a length of insulation, and the first end of the length of insulation is drawn into a first end of the stringer in response to pulling a second end of the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.