Abstract: A gun holder supports a gun having an elongate barrel within a passenger vehicle having a foot space. The holder includes a floor mat configured to lay within the foot space of the passenger vehicle and a barrel support cup supported on the floor mat to locate the end of the barrel of the gun therein. More particularly the barrel support cup includes a perimeter wall protruding upwardly from the floor mat so as to define a hollow receptacle for partially receiving the end of the barrel of the gun therein such that the wall at least partially surrounds the end of the barrel of the gun within the barrel support cup and the barrel of the gun is at least partially restricted from sliding along an upper surface the mat in substantially all directions.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article (22) comprises the steps of providing a tool (26) having a mold surface (24), providing a preform (62), and disposing the preform (62) on the mold surface (24). The method further comprises the steps of heating the mold surface (24) within a first period of time (Tt1), applying pressure to the preform (62) within a first period of time, and maintaining temperature of the mold surface (24) for a second period of time (Tt2). The method further comprises the steps of maintaining pressure for a second period of time, reducing pressure on the composite article (22), cooling the mold surface (24) within a third period of time (Tt3), and removing the composite article (22) from the mold surface (24). The total of Tt1+Tt2+Tt3 is generally no greater than about 30 minutes. A thermal system (20) comprising a heater-subsystem, and optionally, a chiller-subsystem, can be used to heat and cool the mold surface (24).

Abstract: A method for thermally processing and curing unprocessed components within a thermal processing and consolidation system which includes upper and lower chamber assemblies configured to couple to one another and a first tool, the method including positioning the first tool on the lower chamber assembly moving the lower chamber assembly relative to the upper chamber assembly and coupling the upper chamber assembly and the lower chamber assembly to form a plenum, thereby completely enclosing the first tool in the plenum, the plenum operable to maintain a pressurized and/or temperature controlled environment about the first tool, providing services to the first tool and the plenum via a service interface, and thermally processing and curing the first set of unprocessed components within the first tool wherein the services are supplied to the first tool as directed by a set of process parameters.

Abstract: A heat/vacuum molding system for molding a ski boot to a user's foot is provided. The system includes a heat source to heat an outer shell of the ski boot, a pliable plastic receptacle to receive the ski boot after the outer shell is heated by the heat source, and a vacuum system attached to the pliable plastic receptacle to create a negative pressure inside the pliable plastic receptacle to thereby collapse the pliable plastic receptacle to mold the ski boot to the user's foot.

Abstract: A method for creating a vacuum setup for processing a semi-finished fiber composite into a cured fiber composite component is provided. The semi-finished fiber composite is positioned on a molding surface of a tool so that a non-planar surface of the semi-finished fiber composite faces away from the molding surface, covering the non-planar surface of the semi-finished fiber composite by applying an air-tight film and sealing the film with respect to the molding surface of the tool. Application of the film is performed using a plunger formed from a flexible material and having a plunger surface on which the film is retained.

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: 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.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag for processing parts is made by encapsulating a generally rigid frame within a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for resisting relative movement of upper and lower laminates of a composite structure having a core comprises a lower grip strip and at least one upper grip strip. The lower grip strip may be mounted to a tool upon which the composite structure may be processed. The lower grip strip may include an outer surface having at least one engagement feature for engaging at least one of the upper and lower laminates which make up the composite structure. The upper grip strip may have opposing outer surfaces which may include at least one engagement feature for engaging the lower strip and at least one of the upper and lower laminates.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing fiber-reinforced resin parts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part includes positioning a plurality of fibers on a mold surface of a female tool, and covering the fibers with a sealing layer. The method further includes pressing a portion of the covered fibers against an interior transition region (e.g., an internal radius) of the mold surface. While the portion of covered fibers is pressed against the interior transition region, air is removed from between the sealing layer and the mold surface to draw at least a partial vacuum between the sealing layer and the mold surface.

Abstract: A composite layup is formed on a tool and placed on a contoured part. The tool is contoured to substantially match the contour of the part. A set of location data is generated which represents the location of the part in space relative to the tool. An automated manipulator uses the location data to move the tool into proximity to the part and place the contoured layup on the part.

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 bladder-type jig used for manufacturing a stiffened panel structure using a hat stringer has the advantage that deformation of prepreg can be suppressed effectively, and durability of the jig can be improved so that repeated use of the jig is achieved. A body of the bladder includes a pipe-shaped portion and a coating film covering the outer peripheral surface of the pipe-shaped portion. The pipe-shaped portion is a main body portion of the body, and is made of a silicone rubber composition material such that its transverse cross-section has a trapezoidal pipe shape. Both side edge portions of an exposed wall portion corresponding to a lower base of the transverse cross-section are thickened edge portions which are greater in thickness than another wall portions. The thickened edge portions support the exposed wall portion from inward of the body, and can suppress the exposed wall portion from getting deformed inwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing cloth of a seat pad which includes: a mold for fixing a sheet and having an outer shape substantially identical to a shape of the reinforcing cloth and provided with a plurality of air holes interconnecting an internal space with an outer surface; a closed space between the mold and a cover member formed by covering the sheet fixed on the mold with the cover member; a heating unit for heating the sheet; and an exhausting unit for exhausting air from the closed space is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elimination of lamination defects on progressive addition lenses. The lamination method uses a flexible bladder designed to apply pressure evenly across the lens surface. A spacer is positioned between a Hard Multi-Coat carrier and the flexible bladder. The spacer is located in a region of the carrier which is designated to deliver a coating to a section of the lens which is farthest from the carrier. The spacer asymmetrically increases the pressure applied to the carrier to eliminate lamination defects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a membrane for use as a vacuum bag, a natural rubber vacuum bag made using such methods, and methods for using such a natural rubber bag to form a composite article. One method can include providing a substantially non-porous working surface having a desired shape for forming a vacuum bag, spraying at least one layer of a natural rubber liquid over at least a portion of working surface, and solidifying the natural rubber liquid to form a membrane having a shape substantially corresponding to that of the working surface. The membrane formed being elastically deformable and substantially impermeable for functioning as a vacuum bag in Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement, and autoclave curing.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite item from a layup may comprise a debulking device, a vacuum generator and a curing device. The debulking device may include a vacuum chamber, an envelope and a heater. The vacuum chamber may have a chamber pressure. The envelope may be contained within the vacuum chamber and may have an envelope pressure. The layup may be received within the envelope. The heater may heat the layup. The vacuum generator may be in fluid connection with the debulking device. The curing device may cure the layup.

Abstract: A plugging device 100 including a main body portion 10 having a depressed portion 10d and a communication path 10e opening into an inner surface 10c of the depressed portion 10d; an elastic plate 20 fixed to the main body portion 10 so as to cover the depressed portion 10d; and a pump 50 connected to the communication path 10e.

Abstract: A vacuum set-up to pressurize a component part during its production is provided. The set-up includes a base with a contact surface for component part, and a casing that is airtight to contact surface that can be sealed to cover component part to effect pressurization of component part by evacuating an internal space of casing. To also effect a defined pressurization of component part on at least one component part edge in lateral direction, on at least this component part edge together with component part, a pressure strip system that can be mounted in the interior space is provided that is formed by at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes, that work together in such a way that pressure exerted on pressure strip system by the evacuation of the interior space, generates pressure acting laterally on component part edge.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus for forming a blank into a composite article. The thermoforming apparatus includes a forming tool. A forming member forms the blank over the forming tool. A first chamber is arranged for containing the blank. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the forming member. A first air circulator is configured to circulate air in the first chamber for achieving a heat distribution to the blank. The first air circulator includes a controllable valve member. The apparatus also includes a second air circulator. A method for forming a blank during circulation of air in a first chamber.

Abstract: A heating device for the transformation of a material, includes: a lower mold element or matrix, made of an electrically conductive material and having a molding zone for contacting with the material to be transformed; an upper element that lacks a molding zone, made of an electrically conductive material; inductor elements for generating a magnetic field that envelops the matrix and the upper element, with the matrix and the element being electrically insulated from one another during the induction heating phase so that the surfaces opposite these two elements delimit an air gap in which the magnetic field that induces currents circulates at the surface of the molding zone of the matrix, thus making it possible to localize the action of the inductors at the interface of the molding zone/material to be transformed; and deformable pressure element, arranged between the matrix and the upper element, able to exert uniform pressure on the material to be transformed.

Abstract: A device for producing a composite material part designed to be in contact with aerodynamic flows, in particular a portion of the fuselage, whereby the device includes at least one mold (32), elements (34, 36, 38) for compressing the part that is to be produced, as well as a system for drainage of the gases emanating from the part that is to be produced that includes at least one plate (42), characterized in that the at least one plate (42) includes a number of openings (44) whose shapes and/or arrangement limit the degradation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the part that is to be produced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb-structured object having a plurality of through holes having ends thereof plugged, including a step of pressing a plugging material against one end surface of a honeycomb-structured object 70 having a plurality of through holes 70a by a plate 20 to fill one ends of the through holes 70a with the plugging material; and a step of protruding a part of a portion in the plate 20 opposed to the one end surface of the honeycomb-structured object 70 toward the one end surface to pull the other part of the portion in the plate 20 opposed to the one end surface of the honeycomb-structured object 70 and the one end surface away from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preparing preforms of carbon fiber-reinforced components including a preforming mold that can be immobilized on a work bench in an electrically insulated manner, and provided with at least two electrodes in positions in which they contact opposite end areas of the preform to generate a resistive electrical circuit through the carbon fibers to activate a binder present in the preform by heating, a leak-tight elastically deformable compacting membrane capable of adapting to the outer geometry of a preform arranged on the mold, and a pneumatic connection means connected to the compacting device to force the membrane to exert a compacting force on the preform.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: The invention disclosed apparatuses and methods to do nanoimprint lithography using a deformable mold. Generally, the apparatus has a chamber with a transparent section on its top wall, which is capable of vacuuming and pressurizing. The deformable mold fixed firmly onto a hollow mold holder around its full periphery is attached to top inner surface of the chamber and positioned underneath the transparent section. The central area of the mold is freely accessible from underneath through the opening of the mold holder. An enclosed volume referring to mold mini-chamber is formed between the mold/holder and top wall of the chamber. Inside chamber, a stage assembly is installed. A chuck to vacuumly hold a substrate is mounted on top of the stage assembly. At beginning of the imprinting, the substrate with a layer of resist is positioned underneath the mold at a predetermined gap between them. Then, the substrate is moved up to contact with the mold either under vacuum or under atmosphere.

Abstract: The present application relates to a full wafer nanoimprint lithography device comprises a wafer stage, a full wafer coated with a liquid resist, a demolding nozzle, a composite mold, an imprint head, a pressure passageway, a vacuum passageway and a UV light source. The present application also relates to an imprinting method using the full wafer nanoimprint lithography device comprises the following steps: 1) a pretreatment process; 2) an imprinting process; 3) a curing process; and 4) a demolding process. The device and the method can be used for high volume manufacturing photonic crystal LEDs, nano patterned sapphire substrates and the like in large scale patterning on the non-planar surface or substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a spring tube melting machine of an air suspension system. The spring tube melting machine includes an inner molding part (100) and an outer molding part (200), which can mold an integrated spring tube by compressing half-finished spring tube materials at high temperature in order prevent bad molding due to the remaining air and overlap of spring tube materials and simplify maintenance due to repeated use.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a composite component, such as a composite component of an aircraft, is provided with a molding tool that includes, but is not limited to a first mold, a second mold and a pressure generator. Between the first mold and the second mold, a membrane is arranged so that between the first mold and the membrane a first region is formed, and between the second mold and the membrane a second region is formed. In the first region, a fibrous mat is arranged. In the second region with the use of the pressure generator 116 counter-pressure can be produced so that the membrane is pressed in the direction of the fibrous mat.

Abstract: A press with a pressure chamber and a lid. The chamber is filled with a substantially incompressible medium and the medium at least partially encloses an elastomeric pressure vessel. The vessel is filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the fluid.

Abstract: A composite part, such as a stiffener is formed in place. A composite charge is placed on a tool spanning a mold cavity, with the centerline of the charge offset from the centerline of the mold cavity. Opposite sides of the charge are held against the tool as the charge is formed into the mold cavity. One side of the charge is held against movement on the tool while the other side of the charge is allowed to slip over the tool toward the mold cavity.

Abstract: A method for a vacuum process of isostatic pressing of powder material comprises preparing an explosive charged rubber bag by charging a rubber bag with powder, forming a vacuum environment by putting the explosive charged rubber bag in a vacuum box, sealing an inlet of the explosive charged rubber bag which is in a vacuum state, and maintaining the vacuum state by putting the explosive charged rubber bag in a fluid contained in a reservoir by a predetermined depth in a state that the inlet of the explosive charged rubber bag has been sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoforming device for thermoforming a product (1) from a plastic foil (23), and to a corresponding method. The invention relates particularly to a thermoforming process and device in which a slot (2) is arranged in a product (1) to be formed. The invention also relates to a product (1), particularly a flowerpot, manufactured using this thermoforming device or method. The thermoforming device is characterized in that the cutting sleeve (10) and cutting plate (7) and/or hold-down element (8) define an auxiliary cutting line through which the plastic foil (23) is cut in order to arrange a slot (2) in the product (1) to be formed. The functions of slot-forming and product-foil separation are hereby performed by substantially the same components.

Abstract: The imprint apparatus of the present invention molds an imprint material on a substrate using a mold and cures the imprint material to form a pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a holder configured to attract the mold to hold the mold; and a pressure reduction device configured to reduce a back pressure of the mold held by the holder, wherein the apparatus is configured to reduce the back pressure by the pressure reduction device in parallel with release of the mold from the imprint material.

Abstract: A method for inserting cores of rovings (2) into a press, in which fiber composite parts are produced, with the core being accepted by a removal tool (11, 12, 13), moved over a bottom (14) of a press, and placed here. The placement of the core on the bottom (14) of the press occurs with the help of an elastic membrane (12) arranged at the removal tool. A removal tool is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluid transfer and evacuation structures formed in a vacuum bag operable for use in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes. A reusable vacuum bag can be provided including an elastomeric membrane having a preform-contact surface and at least one textured surface formed in the elastomeric membrane. The textured surface can define a fluid transfer channel. At least one fluid extraction port can be provided in communication with the fluid transfer channel, the fluid extraction port being adapted for engagement to a vacuum pump to remove fluids from the fluid transfer channel. The textured surface defining the fluid transfer channel can be adapted to permit the flow of fluids between the elastomeric membrane and a base mold in communication with the elastomeric membrane when the fluid extraction port is engaged to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material that includes fibers that are immersed in a resin matrix, whereby the piece is placed in a first chamber with at least one flexible wall. The process includes a thermal cycle with essentially a first phase (50) at a first temperature during which the resin is liquid or in the “gel” state, and then a second phase (52) at a second temperature that is higher than the first during which solidification of the piece takes place by polymerization of the resin. An external pressure is applied to the outside of the first chamber and an internal pressure is generated inside the first chamber, wherein during the first phase (50), the relative internal pressure is less than 0 during a first period, and then greater than 0 during a second period preceding the beginning of the polymerization for reducing the porosity rate.

Abstract: An inflatable mold assembly for forming a hollow composite construction member that is suitable for use as a building material has a longitudinal axis. The mold assembly further has a flexible, substantially tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity. A reinforcing fabric is positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall. A flexible air-impervious outer layer is positioned concentrically around the fabric, with the bladder wall and the outer layer defining an elongated annular space, and with the fabric being positioned within the elongated annular space.

Abstract: A pressure debulking system includes a debulking chamber having a debulking chamber interior, a pressure bladder having a bladder interior provided in the debulking chamber interior, a vacuum port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior and a pressure port disposed in fluid communication with the debulking chamber interior. A pressure debulking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable air clamp for use during lamination of substrates is provided. The clamp includes a top clamp plate, a bottom clamp plate and at least one flexible, expandable tube within a housing of the clamp. The top clamp plate is adjacent to a top housing and the bottom clamp plate is adjacent to a bottom housing. An expandable tube or bladder may be disposed in the top housing or the bottom housing. The clamp may also include alignment devices and mechanisms for ensuring proper alignment of the substrates during the laminating procedure. The clamp is adapted to provide uniform pressure along the surfaces of the substrates to be laminated.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed that includes a body, the body having a face, and a plurality of conduits located in the body, each conduit deformable in response to a change of pressure within the conduit, the deformation of the conduit configured to cause a deformation of the face.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, methods for molding and curing of composite articles are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a molding apparatus including an elastic layer disposed on a rigid support and a mold disposed on the elastic layer and the support. In one embodiment, the mold includes an inner surface, the inner surface further including a molding surface, and wherein a first surface of the elastic layer and the inner surface of the mold define a molding chamber. In one embodiment, a prepreg is further disposed within the molding chamber, wherein the prepreg is disposed on the first surface of the elastic layer. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a fluid via a fluid inlet against a second surface of the elastic layer, thereby expanding the elastic layer against the inner surface of the mold, and pushing the prepreg against the molding surface of the mold to form a molded composite article.

Abstract: A material forming apparatus and method for shaping a material to a forming tool having complex contours. The material forming apparatus may comprise a bladder sealed to a support structure, cooperatively forming a hollow space therebetween into which air or another gas may be pumped to inflate the bladder. The forming tool may comprise a protrusion of any shape to which the material may conform. The material may be placed between the bladder and the protrusion and the support structure may be actuated toward the forming tool. As the support structure progresses toward the forming tool, an area of material pressed against the protrusion by the bladder increases in an outward direction. A pressure regulator may regulate an amount of pressure applied to the material by the bladder as the bladder presses the material against the forming tool.

Abstract: For manufacture of fiber-reinforced components, a positionable base frame is used on which a controllable holding device is provided for gripping and holding at least one reinforced fiber layer. A draping device is provided on the base frame, using which the reinforced fiber layer may be draped onto a mold core via the application of a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manufacturing a flanged component from a composite lay-up are provided. The apparatus includes a support structure coupled to the composite lay-up and a mold ring coupled to the support structure. The mold ring includes a ring guide surface and a radial contact surface that is configured to couple to the composite lay-up. The apparatus further includes a mold plate coupled to the mold ring. The mold plate includes a recessed surface and a plate guide surface, where the recessed surface is configured to couple to the composite lay-up and the plate guide surface is configured to couple to the ring guide surface. The apparatus also includes an autoclave that applies pressure to the mold ring and the mold plate to move the plate guide surface along the ring guide surface to apply pressure to the composite lay-up.