Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mould, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a composite structure which includes an insert that is pervious to a flowable resin, and a mold having a cavity defining contiguous upper and lower portions. The upper portion is adapted to receive a fibrous pre-form, and the lower portion is adapted to receive the insert. The insert defines a volume to accommodate a pool of the flowable resin. Also, the insert preferably includes a plurality of fluid transferable elements. The fluid transferable elements preferably include a generally planar plate and an expanded metal pre-form, wherein the plate and the expanded metal pre-form are configured to facilitate resin flow in a direction generally orthogonal to a bottom surface of the mold to distribute the resin uniformly across the mold cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for forming a fiber-reinforced resin structure against a mold surface by vacuum bag forming. The process includes grooving the mold surface to form resin distribution conduits therein. A fiber-reinforced ply is distributed adjacent the mold surface. A flexible covering is placed over the fiber-reinforced ply and the mold surface to form a chamber therebetween. The chamber is evacuated. Resin is dispensed into the evacuated chamber such that the resin enters the resin distribution conduits and is thereby distributed about the ply.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag apparatus for use in a compaction operation by which composite parts are formed. The apparatus includes a flexible, inflatable support structure which is secured to a reusable flexible mat vacuum bag. When inflated, the support structure maintains the vacuum bag in the orientation it needs to assume when placed on a forming tool associated with a compaction apparatus. The support structure is formed by a plurality of intercoupled linear and curving tubing segments which form a grid-like support structure. The support structure is shaped in accordance with the configuration and contours of the reusable vacuum bag portion, which is in turn shaped in accordance with a forming tool. The support structure can be de-inflated, which allows the vacuum bag secured thereto to be stored in a compact arrangement when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a hot and a cold fluid reservoirs joined through a conduit and valving system to one or more pair of expandable bladders. A pump is engaged with the conduit system so as to enable the directing of the hot fluid from one of the reservoirs to one or more of the bladders and to enable directing the cold fluid from the other of the reservoirs to one or more of the other of the bladders. The bladders are mutually joined such that with either the hot or the cold bladders filled, both of the bladders are pressed against one or more workpieces, whereby heat is delivered to the workpieces when the one of the bladders, of each pair, is filled, and heat is extracted from the workpieces when the other, of each pair, of the bladders is filled while the other is deflated.

Abstract: A diaphragm chamber molding apparatus and method including a chamber for containing a mold surface therein; a bottom flexible diaphragm placed over and sealable with respect to the top of the chamber; a top flexible diaphragm placed over and sealable with respect to the bottom diaphragm for containing a lay-up between the top and bottom diaphragms; means for evacuating the area between the top and bottom diaphragms; and means for drawing the top and bottom diaphragms and the lay-up therebetween down over a mold surface located in the chamber to form the lay-up.

Abstract: A green ceramic core or other article at elevated temperature is placed between a complaint member and a relatively rigid setter while the green core or article cools to a lower temperature. The compliant member can comprise a fluid pressurized compliant bladder or a compliant, non-rigid setter or facing layer thereon for contacting a side of the green core or article.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating fiber reinforced plastic structures is disclosed. In detail, the apparatus includes a mold surface upon which can be supported a lay-up of one or more layers of a fibrous material, and over which can be placed a fluid impervious outer sheet with an inlet port and having its edges marginally sealed upon the mold surface to form a chamber. A vacuum outlet is connected to the chamber for drawing a vacuum there from. A resin distribution is positioned between the lay-up and the fluid impervious sheet. The resin distribution system includes a resin distribution medium for receiving resin from the inlet port and a resin containment layer between the resin distribution medium and lay-up for preventing resin flowing from the resin distribution medium into the lay-up until the resin distribution medium is substantially filled with resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating fiber reinforced plastic structures is disclosed. In detail, the apparatus includes a mold surface upon which can be supported a lay-up of one or more layers of a fibrous material, and over which can be placed a fluid impervious outer sheet with an inlet port and having its edges marginally sealed upon the mold surface to form a chamber. A vacuum outlet is connected to the chamber for drawing a vacuum therefrom. A resin distribution system is positioned between the lay-up and the fluid impervious sheet. The resin distribution system includes a distribution sheet for receiving resin from the inlet port and at least one flat resin distribution line connected to the inlet port.

Abstract: A method for producing fibre-reinforced plastic components made of dry fibre composite preforms by means of an injection method for injecting matrix material. Arrangement of the fibre composite preform (1) on one surface (11) of the preform (1) resulting in a flow promoting device (15), on a tool (3), creates a first space (10) by means of a gas-permeable and matrix-material-impermeable membrane (7) surrounding the preforms (1). Formation of a second space (27) situated between the first space and the surroundings by means of a foil (19) which is impermeable to gaseous material and matrix material, is provided, with removal by suction, of air from the second space (27) resulting in matrix material being sucked from a reservoir into the evacuated first space (10) and with the flow promoting device (15) causing distribution of the matrix material above the surface (11) of the preform (1) facing said flow promoting device (15), thus causing the matrix material to penetrate the preform (1) vertically.

Abstract: A resin infusion mold tool system for use in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process with a subsequent pressure bleed step. The mold tool system includes a mold assembly having an outer mold line tool connected to resin supply lines and supplying resin to the preform. A plurality of inner mold line tools form a hard interface with the inner mold line of the fiber preform and are held to within tight tolerances by an external locating fixture. Excess resin is drawn out of the fiber preform using a vacuum bag connected to vacuum lines and disposed over the inner mold line tools but not between the tools and the fiber preform. The mold assembly is placed in an autoclave, the resin supply lines are detached and the autoclave pressurized to bleed additional resin out of the preform to raise the fiber volume of the composite structure.

Abstract: A process, and the product thereof, for making a composite vessel having at least one closed end, the process including the steps of: fabricating a thermoplastic liner for the vessel; overlaying onto the liner a layer of commingled fiber and thermoplastic material to obtain a composite intermediate structure; pressing and heating the composite intermediate structure to effect at least partial consolidation in apparatus which includes upper and lower silicon rubber bags, the bags having dimensions such that, during operation, their facing peripheral regions abut to encompass the composite intermediate structure; then placing the composite intermediate structure in a mold; heating the composite intermediate structure in the mold while applying a force, such as internal gas pressure, tending to urge the composite intermediate structure against and into the shape of the interior walls of the mold until the thermoplastic liner and the overlaid layer fully consolidate; cooling the mold and composite vessel until th

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a composite structure which includes an insert that is pervious to a flowable resin, and a mold having a cavity defining contiguous upper and lower portions. The upper portion is adapted to receive a fibrous pre-form, and the lower portion is adapted to receive the insert. The insert defines a volume to accommodate a pool of the flowable resin. Also, the insert preferably includes a plurality of fluid transferable elements. The fluid transferable elements preferably include a generally planar plate and an expanded metal pre-form, wherein the plate and the expanded metal pre-form are configured to facilitate resin flow in a direction generally orthogonal to a bottom surface of the mold to distribute the resin uniformly across the mold cavity.

Abstract: A transverse leaf spring structure and a manufacturing method for a composite transverse leaf spring is disclosed. The leaf spring is formed using a pre-formed tubular fiberglass fabric comprising longitudinally aligned and braided fiberglass fibers. The fabric is installed over an interior form, such as one or more inflatable bladders, and positioned within a forming mold. After resin is applied and cured to an appropriate stiffness within the mold, the mold is removed. The interior form is then removed from the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a bell mouth on a pre-heated pipe includes a first portion with means for moving the first portion from a first position to an expanded position. Means for heating the first portion to a temperature at least equal to the pipe pre-heat temperature are provided. A second portion is geometrically fixed and includes an outer diameter that is equal to the final inner diameter of the bell mouth. The outer diameter of the second portion is less than the outer diameter of the expanded first portion. Means are provided for cooling the second portion. A third portion includes a hollow rubber element that is expandable, from a first diameter less than the starting inner diameter of the pipe to a second diameter between the first diameter and the outer diameter of the expanded first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a composite component having a variable thickness includes placing a caul member over a plurality of laid-up prepreg plies supported by a mold and curing the lay-up in an autoclave. The mold includes a cavity for receiving the lay-up that is defined by a bottom surface, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, and an open upper face surrounded by a mold edge. A support flange extends inwardly toward the center of the cavity from each of the walls at a predetermined distance upward from the bottom surface. The predetermined distance varies along the length of the mold and generally conforms to the outer profile of the composite component to be fabricated. The caul is positioned over the lay-up and defines a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the caul and a lateral axis extending along the width of the caul.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first fluid supplying means for supplying inflating fluid to between opposite portions of thermoformable material, first and second parts for receiving said portions between them, one of the parts being in the form of a shell defining a recess having a surface against which said inflating fluid presses one of said opposite portions driving means operable to bring the shell into a closed conditions relative to the other part and to maintain the shell in said closed condition, and second fluid supplying means arranged to supply operating fluid to said driving means, wherein the driving means and the second fluid supplying means are pneumatic.

Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.

Abstract: A composite shaft having an integral grip. The shaft comprises a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet molded into a tubular shaft body. The shaft body has a grip directly molded on one end which may include a grip geometry and/or an ornamental pattern. To manufacture the shaft, plies of pre-preg may be wrapped around a bladder-covered mandrel in a predetermined manner and placed in a mold. The mold defines a cavity including, if desired, a selected grip geometry and/or ornamental design. The bladder is inflated, forcing the plies of pre-preg against the wall of the mold, and the mold is heated for a selected time to cure the plies. The grip of the shaft may be covered with a light coating material, providing a rubber-like feel.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mold, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: A hollow composite body includes an internal layer formed from a thermoplastic, which constitutes the liner of the body, a composite interlayer formed from a thermoplastic in which reinforcing fibers are embedded, and an external layer formed from a thermoplastic. The hollow composite body is made by furnishing the external surface of the liner with a composite so as to constitute a preform, the composite consisting of a thermoplastic mixed with reinforcing fibers; introducing the preform into a mold, an inflatable bladder having been inserted into the preform; heating the preform and inflating the inside of the bladder in order to apply pressure against the internal wall of the preform.

Abstract: A vacuum debulking table for fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg includes a base, a base table mounted to the base, and a platen mounted to the base table. The platen has a frame and the base table includes a vacuum aperture located within the frame. A vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum aperture. The platen includes a heat generator. The table further includes tooling conforming to the frame and a kit to be debulked. A pair of opposing pressurized cylinders is coupled to the base at a first end. A top cover is mounted to the base and attached at a second end of the opposing pressurized cylinders. The top cover includes a flexible bladder. An insulator is mounted to the base table surrounding the platen. An insulation cover blanket is configured to be drawn between the insulator and top cover. An activation switch activates a programmable controller connected to the pressurized actuator control, the heat control and the vacuum control.

Abstract: A double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding process is provided comprising the initial step of providing a double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding apparatus comprising a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The first mold portion and the second mold portion are configured such that, in an engaged state, the first mold portion and the second mold portion define a mold cavity and a brim cavity. The mold cavity is isolated from the brim cavity by a compressible seal. Either or both of the first mold portion and the second mold portion are further configured to define an injection gate in communication with the mold cavity, a mold cavity vacuum port in communication with the mold cavity, and a brim cavity vacuum port in communication with the brim cavity. The first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the compressible seal are arranged such that a decrease in brim cavity pressure below atmospheric pressure causes a corresponding decrease in mold cavity volume.

Abstract: A caul is used in an autoclave process for consolidating a composite, multi-ply, gas turbine fan blade preform having first and second opposite sides and a varying thickness therebetween. The caul includes a body having fibers situated in a matrix. The caul is complementary in shape to the preform first side and has a bending flexibility varying over the body for correspondingly varying consolidation of the preform. The second side of the preform is shaped by a bottom mold in the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber rein-forced composite dental restoration comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: In order to control and optimize, without stopping production, bowing in the outer wall of a calender roll in which bowing is produced by the action of pressure on an incompressible liquid enclosed in the roll, the invention proposes that, based on error signals generated from continuous thickness measurements and from at least one other quality characteristic, the temperature of the liquid is controlled and the nip modified to correct for deviations from the correct thickness.

Abstract: In a process for producing large-surface structural elements from fiber-reinforced composite materials by resin transfer moulding, a mold (2) that can be evacuated has a dimensionally stable part (4) and an elastically deformable part (6). The mold (2) has connections for injecting a resin mixture and connections to a pressure sink. A fibrous fabric (12) is set into the mold (2). Elongated pipes having a large supporting surface (22) and a cavity (24) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the pipes above the supporting surface (22) are provided on the surface of the fibrous fabric (12) opposite to the dimensionally stable mold part (4) to inject the resin mixture and to ensure the connection with the pressure sink. The supporting surface (22) of the pipes has a narrow slit (26) which extends substantially over the whole length of the pipes and which is in communication over its whole length with the cavity (24).

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite structures is provided that includes providing a skin (20) that has at least one layer (160) of uncured composite material, and providing a flexible hinge tool (100) that has first and second tooling portions (110, 120) coupled with a flexible hinge (140). The first and second tooling portions (110, 120) of the hinge tool (100) each have a molding surface (112, 122), and the tooling portions (110, 120) are configured to form at least a portion of a stiffening member (10). The method further includes laying up at least one layer (160) of uncured composite material on the molding surfaces (112, 122) to form the stiffening member (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite comprising the steps of (i) preparing a mould; (ii) filling the cavity of the mould with a fiber-reinforced polymerizable material comprising an organic matrix and a fiber component embedded within the matrix; (iii) applying pressure to the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material; and (iv) curing the fiber-reinforced polymerizable material. The method is characterized in that the mould is designed in a way which allows excess organic matrix material to escape form the cavity during pressing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a flanged polytetrafluoroethylene cuffed section from a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The flanged polytetrafluoroethylene graft is well suited for use as a distal bypass graft, for arteriovenous grafting, or as a hemodialysis access graft. The graft includes an integral terminal polytetrafluoroethylene flanged skirt or cuff section which facilitates an end-to-side anastomosis directly between an artery and the polytetrafluoroethylene flanged graft without need for an intervening venous collar or venous patch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a composite component by locating a composite lay-up between a mould surface and a backing surface, each surface forming a wall of a respective pressure chamber. Securing the chambers together to retain the lay-up therebetween with at least one of the said walls movable relative to the other, under the influence of pressure in the chamber incorporating the movable wall, to sandwich the composite therebetween. Then circulating fluid under pressure through each of the chambers at substantially the same pressure to compress the composite lay-up between said mould and backup surfaces to compact the composite lay-up. While the fluid is circulating elevating the temperature thereof to effect curing of the composite. One of the walls between which the composite lay-up is located is of a flexible or semi-rigid construction and the opposing surface of the other wall is shaped to impart to the composite the required surface contour in the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of fiber reinforced structures. The tooling and its use for the manufacture of reinforced structures is described and illustrated.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tooling for the fabrication of composite materials, particularly layered composite materials. The tooling apparatus encapsulates the composite material and uses an applied pressure, either atmospheric, induced gaseous or mechanical, to the material to retain it in place during off-gassing and/or consolidation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for manufacturing a reinforced golf club shaft having a complex shape. An inflatable bladder is positioned over a mandrel having a simple shape. Layers of fiber material are then rolled over inflatable bladder to produce a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed in a mold defining a negative of the shape of the final shaft that is to be produced. The impression may have enlarged or narrowed regions for producing irregularities in the shape of the shaft. The bladder is expanded within the mold so that the composite structure is radially displaced and compressed between the bladder and the mold. The inflatable bladder has a variable thickness that conforms to the shape of the impression so that the composite structure undergoes a uniform and minimum displacement along its entire length, which improves the mechanical properties of the final shaft.

Abstract: The frame of a laminating press includes a plurality of spaced-apart fixed threaded fasteners over which an edge of a vacuum bag having apertures aligned with such fasteners is placed. Subsequently, a backing bar having aligned apertures is placed over the vacuum bag and second threaded fasteners are secured to the first-named threaded fasteners for clamping the edge of the vacuum bag between the channel and backing bar. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is substantially C-shaped providing a serpentine pathway and attachment of the edge of the vacuum bag to the laminating press frame, thereby securely holding the edge of the vacuum bag thereto. In a preferred embodiment also, a sealing pad is positioned on the lower surface of the frame to improve the vacuum seal between the vacuum bag and the lower adjacent table on which the part to be laminated is placed.

Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.

Abstract: A bonding tool assembly (10) for supporting a composite part structure (11) during fabrication and curing processes, includes a bonding tool (12) and a plurality of fairing bars (14). The bonding tool (12) contains a support surface (16) upon which a composite part structure (11) is placed. The plurality of fairing bars (14) are placed completely around the periphery of the composite part structure (11) providing lateral support. The fairing bars (14) each contain a mating surface (18) which is placed directly upon the support surface (16) of the bonding tool (12). Each mating surface (18) contains a plurality of extended indexing protrusions (20) which form a distinct pattern and are secured by threaded fasteners (21). The support surface (16) contains a plurality of indexing recesses (22) that are configured to form the same pattern as the indexing protrusions (20) such that the fairing bars (14) and the bonding tool (12) are matable.

Abstract: A process for the production of compacted bodies of powdered medicament is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of:a) positioning expansible means along the longitudinal axis of the mold;b) placing loose powdered medicament in the mold; andc) expanding the expansible means perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mold. An apparatus for use in the process according to the invention and medicament compacts formed by the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner for a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe having at one end a collar for installation at the location where the lateral liner meets the main, the collar extending along the interior of the main seating against the opening of the lateral. The liner mounted in a launching device which includes an adjustable sealing arrangement is installed by everting the liner through an opening in the collar by means of fluid under pressure supplied through a pressure pipe in the launching device, the launcher held in position by the inflatable bladder and against the collar for sealing the lateral/main pipe junction.

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large composite parts. The method utilizes a fiber metal mesh sheet (40) situated against a composite material(34) during a curing process. The fiber metal mesh sheet (40) provides a porous network for flow of the reaction by-products during a curing and vacuuming process, yet gives adequate structure to prevent both mark-off by vacuum ports (52, 70) and crushing of the porous network as a result of autoclave and vacuum pressure. External vacuum ports (52) are located in a bagging film (50) surrounding the composite material (34). Alternatively, vacuum ports (70) are located below the composite material (34). The use of the external vacuum ports (52), vacuum ports (70) located beneath the composite material (34), or both, shortens by-product flow path and provides adequate vacuum pressure over all areas of the composite material (34) to remove reaction by-products.

Abstract: A polymerization apparatus includes a first chamber and a second chamber and a flexible, radioparent diaphragm separating the first chamber from the second chamber. A radiation source emitting polymerization-inducing radiation into the first chamber is provided. The second chamber is adapted for receiving a model and a foil, positioned between the diaphragm and the model, to be subjected to the radiation of the radiation source. A device for generating a pressure differential between the first and the second chamber for deflecting the diaphragm toward the model to thereby deform the foil at the model is provided. An adjusting device for adjusting the distance between the model and the diaphragm is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the production of fiber reinforced polymer composite structures includes a mold having a mold surface and a fiber construction on the mold surface including at least one layer of resin absorbing fibrous lay up material. A stiffener on the fiber construction is constructed of a resin absorbing material. A flexible, resin impervious vacuum bag lays over the mold surface and is marginally sealed to the mold surface to define an enclosure for the fiber construction and stiffener. The vacuum bag has a resin inlet to permit introduction of a resin into the enclosure. A vacuum is drawn upon the enclosure to draw the vacuum bag against the fiber construction and stiffener. The stiffener spaces the vacuum bag from the fiber construction when the vacuum bag is drawn against the fiber construction and stiffener to facilitate the distribution of resin uniformly throughout the fiber construction. The stiffener is integrated with the fiber construction upon curing of the resin.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming sheet articles includes: a) heating a sheet article to be thermoformed; b) inserting the heated sheet article into a pressure vessel having first and second vessel halves, wherein each vessel half includes a liquid chamber and a thin shell configured for forming the sheet article to a desired shape; c) closing the pressure vessels such that the sheet article is captured between the thin shells; and d) providing liquid of equal pressure in each liquid chamber to force the thin shells together to form the sheet article to the desired shape and to draw heat away from the thin shells for cooling the sheet article.

Abstract: A mold apparatus and method for resin film infusion molding including an outer mold tool having a facing sheet adapted to support a resin film and preform assembly. The facing sheet includes attachment features extending therefrom. An inner mold tool is positioned on the facing sheet to enclose the resin film and preform assembly for resin film infusion molding. The inner mold tool includes a plurality of mandrels positioned for engagement with the resin film and preform assembly. Each mandrel includes a slot formed therein. A plurality of locating bars cooperate with the slots and with the attachment features for locating the mandrels longitudinally on the outer mold tool.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket casting device includes a base member on which an elongated annular molding bladder is mounted, the bladder peripherally enclosing a generally centrally located casting area and extendable when inflated from the forward side of the base. The bladder is formed of a pliable, air impermeable, relatively non-stretchable sheet material enclosing, in cooperation with the base, an air chamber peripherally surrounding the casting area. The casting area includes an open residual limb receiving end and extends from such end to the base, and an inflation system for the bladder is provided. The casting device may be used in conjunction with a prosthesis suction socket that includes a tension member at its distal end connectable to the base member during a casting procedure. Moldable and settable prosthesis socket or other moldable casting material is placed over the suction socket and is compression molded by the inflated bladder while the casting material cures.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for bending a sheet of material heated to a formable, state such as glass, resinous polymeric material, viscoelastic material, and thermoplastic material, provides an improved pressing member for pressing the heated sheet against a first rigid mold which reduces the size of the buckles in the bent sheet, eliminates the need for a second rigid mold, reduces the process control steps, reduces the risk of damaging the rigid mold, increases the tolerances for the positioning of the sheet in the apparatus, and increases the range of application. The pressing member includes a flexible diaphragm which rolls the heated sheet against a rigid mold by first applying a pressure to a portion of the heated sheet and then radiating the pressure from that portion to the remaining surface area of the heated sheet in a rolling action. The bending apparatus includes a rigid mold and a flexible diaphragm pressurized into a convex shape for initially pressing on a portion of the heated sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a lining material into a pipeline includes an elongated carrier device having a hollow central portion which encloses a liner-bladder assembly. The liner-bladder assembly includes an elongated inflation bladder which engages an open end of the carrier device and expands under fluid pressure out of the carrier device. The pipe liner is frangibly attached to the inflation bladder such that its attachment anchors the liner with respect to the open end of the carrier device to permit accurate placement of the liner within a pipeline proximate to a compromised section of the pipeline. The frangible connection breaks when the carrier device and inflation bladder are removed from the pipeline.