Abstract: A substantially air-tight triple seal arrangement along a seam between first and second tool segments comprises inner, middle and outer seals forming first and second substantially air tight vacuum chambers.

Abstract: A vacuum probe comprises a sharpened body that is displaceable downward and toward a vacuum bag during vacuum hose quick connection. The sharpened body and a valve element inside the vacuum probe move in tandem until the sharpened body projects outside the vacuum probe. A vacuum pressure applied via the vacuum hose pulls the vacuum bag upwards and towards the projecting sharpened body, which then punctures the vacuum bag, thereby enabling air under the vacuum bag to be evacuated via the vacuum probe as vacuum pressure continues to be applied.

Abstract: A method for vacuum bag sealing a composite part including: using a composite bagging sheet including a first sealing surface and a first interlocking strip coupled to the first sealing surface of the composite bagging sheet; joining the first interlocking strip with a second interlocking strip coupled to a second sealing surface; and forming a sealed vacuum bag around an uncured composite part positioned between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

Abstract: A vacuum probe comprises a sharpened body that is displaceable downward and toward a vacuum bag during vacuum hose quick connection. The sharpened body and a valve element inside the vacuum probe move in tandem until the sharpened body projects outside the vacuum probe. A vacuum pressure applied via the vacuum hose pulls the vacuum bag upwards and towards the projecting sharpened body, which then punctures the vacuum bag, thereby enabling air under the vacuum bag to be evacuated via the vacuum probe as vacuum pressure continues to be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.

Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in curing of a composite charge having an internal cavity. Apparatus includes a flexible bladder adapted to be placed in the cavity for applying pressure on the composite charge during curing. An end fitting is operatively coupled to the flexible bladder. The end fitting defining a bolt bore and a horizontal bore. When a vent bolt is operatively coupled to the bolt bore of the end fitting, the vent bolt and the horizontal bore define a pressure passageway that allows an interior of the bladder to become subjected to external pressure.

Abstract: A method for vacuum bag sealing a composite part including: using a composite bagging sheet including a first sealing surface and a first interlocking strip coupled to the first sealing surface of the composite bagging sheet; joining the first interlocking strip with a second interlocking strip coupled to a second sealing surface; and forming a sealed vacuum bag around an uncured composite part positioned between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

Abstract: A vacuum bag sealing system may include a composite bagging sheet, and at least one interlocking strip connected to a surface of the composite bagging sheet, wherein the interlocking strip is configured to join a first section of the composite bagging sheet to a second section of the composite bagging sheet to form a sealed vacuum bag.

Abstract: A leak through the thickness of a structure is detected from one side of the structure using a leak detection layer. The leak detection layer exhibits visually observable changes when exposed to an air leak.

Abstract: A vacuum bag assembly is used to process the composite part. The vacuum bag assembly includes a stretchable vacuum bag attached to a stretchable breather.

Abstract: A substantially air-tight triple seal arrangement along a seam between first and second tool segments comprises inner, middle and outer seals forming first and second substantially air tight vacuum chambers.

Abstract: A substantially air-tight triple seal arrangement along a seam between first and second tool segments comprises inner, middle and outer seals forming first and second substantially air tight vacuum chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite parts. An expandable tool with a transfer system may be moved on a surface of the expandable tool into an outer mold line tool with a composite material laid up on the outer mold line tool. The expandable tool may be expanded in the outer mold line tool to change the surface from a retracted state to an expanded state. The transfer system may be transferred from the expandable tool with the surface in the expanded state to the outer mold line tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in curing of a composite charge having an internal cavity. Apparatus includes a flexible bladder adapted to be placed in the cavity for applying pressure on the composite charge during curing. An end fitting is operatively coupled to the flexible bladder. The end fitting defining a bolt bore and a horizontal bore. When a vent bolt is operatively coupled to the bolt bore of the end fitting, the vent bolt and the horizontal bore define a pressure passageway that allows an interior of the bladder to become subjected to external pressure.

Abstract: A composite strip and a method of manufacturing a pre-cured composite strip. A pre-cured composite strip having a thermoset resin may be placed on a surface of a portion of a composite component where a caul plate seam may be expected. Caul plates may be placed on the composite component after placing the pre-cured composite strip to form the caul plate seam. The composite component may be cured after placing the caul plates on the composite component.

Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

Abstract: A vacuum bag sealing system may include a composite bagging sheet, and at least one interlocking strip connected to a surface of the composite bagging sheet, wherein the interlocking strip is configured to join a first section of the composite bagging sheet to a second section of the composite bagging sheet to form a sealed vacuum bag.

Abstract: A leak through the thickness of a structure is detected from one side of the structure using a leak detection layer. The leak detection layer exhibits visually observable changes when exposed to an air leak.