Abstract: A mandrel bladder end fitting includes a compression housing defining a circumferential interior wall; the interior wall constitutes a first clamping surface. An expansion assembly, axially received within the interior wall, includes a plurality of wedges that collectively define a second clamping surface. The expansion assembly also includes a central core and a threaded member received within a threaded aperture of the central core. A radially extending flat washer, seated within the interior wall, prevents axial movement of the expansion wedges in one direction. Thus, upon rotation of the threaded member, the central core will move axially toward the washer, forcing the second clamping surface to move only radially outwardly toward the first clamping surface. As such, because the flat washer restricts axial movement of the expansion wedges, relative motion between first and second clamping surfaces; i.e., between the collective wedges and interior wall, is limited to radial movement, only.

Abstract: A mandrel configured to facilitate release of an elastomeric part cured thereon may comprise an elongated body having an outer surface, an internal cavity formed in the elongated body, and a passage providing fluid communication between the internal cavity and the outer surface of the body. The passage may be dimensioned so as to permit a flow of a fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the body and to preclude a flow of an uncured elastomer into the passage. The flow of the fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface may cause the fluid to intervene between the outer surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric part to facilitate the release of the elastomeric part from the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.

Abstract: A mandrel bladder end fitting includes a compression housing defining a circumferential interior wall; the interior wall constitutes a first clamping surface. An expansion assembly, axially received within the interior wall, includes a plurality of wedges that collectively define a second clamping surface. The expansion assembly also includes a central core and a threaded member received within a threaded aperture of the central core. A radially extending flat washer, seated within the interior wall, prevents axial movement of the expansion wedges in one direction. Thus, upon rotation of the threaded member, the central core will move axially toward the washer, forcing the second clamping surface to move only radially outwardly toward the first clamping surface. As such, because the flat washer restricts axial movement of the expansion wedges, relative motion between first and second clamping surfaces; i.e., between the collective wedges and interior wall, is limited to radial movement, only.

Abstract: A mandrel configured to facilitate release of an elastomeric part cured thereon may comprise an elongated body having an outer surface, an internal cavity formed in the elongated body, and a passage providing fluid communication between the internal cavity and the outer surface of the body. The passage may be dimensioned so as to permit a flow of a fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the body and to preclude a flow of an uncured elastomer into the passage. The flow of the fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface may cause the fluid to intervene between the outer surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric part to facilitate the release of the elastomeric part from the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in formation of a composite structure about a mandrel. A generally flexible pneumatic tool and a generally rigid insert are inserted end to end in a cavity of the mandrel. A first end of the insert is positioned in the cavity, adjacent the pneumatic tool, and defines an interface therebetween. The retainer is connected to the insert proximate the first end of the insert. The retainer has an end that extends outwardly from the first end of the insert across the interface and over a portion of the end of the pneumatic tool. The uppermost surfaces of the insert, retainer, and pneumatic tool are generally flush with one another and facilitate a smooth surface being formed over such uppermost surfaces as the composite material is wound about the mandrel in the formation of the composite structure.