US3999912A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for molding fiber reinforced composite tube
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp
•
Filing: 1975-10-22
•
Granted: 1976-12-28
•
Expires: 1995-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A fiber reinforced composite tube is molded by applying an annular, liquid-resin-impregnated layer of reinforcing fibers to a cylindrical mold or mandrel; placing in contact with the exposed surface of the fiber-resin layer a compression sleeve which is split lengthwise to permit circumferential contraction or expansion of the sleeve into pressurizing relation with the layer; pressurizing the compression sleeve with fluid pressure to compress the fiber-resin layer and thereby compact the reinforcing fibers and expell entrapped air and excess resin from the layer; and curing the resin while the fiber-resin layer is so compressed.
Inventors
- 👤 Judge H. Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:53
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C53/00; B29C53/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
Means for molding a fiber reinforced composite tube comprising: an elongate mandrel having an annular molding surface about the longitudinal axis of the mandrel and adapted to receive an annular liquid resin impregnated layer of reinforcing fibers about said surface; a perforated, longitudinally split compression sleeve similar in cross-section to said mandrel having tapered overlapping edges and being in concentric relation with said mandrel with one side of said sleeve in contact with the exposed surface of a fiber-resin layer on the mandrel and operative to be urged against the layer by fluid pressure to compress the layer between the sleeve and mandrel and thereby compact the reinforcing fibers in the layer; an absorbent layer in contact with the other side of said sleeve; and a bladder for enclosing said mandrel, compression sleeve, and absorbent layer and connected to evacuating means for producing said fluid pressure on said sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
Means for molding a fiber reinforced composite tube comprising: an elongate mandrel having an annular molding surface about the longitudinal axis of the mandrel and adapted to receive an annular liquid resin impregnated layer of reinforcing fibers about said surface; a perforated, longitudinally split compression sleeve similar in cross-section to said mandrel having tapered overlapping edges and being in concentric relation with said mandrel with one side of said sleeve in contact with the exposed surface of a fiber-resin layer on the mandrel and operative to be urged against the layer by fluid pressure to compress the layer between the sleeve and mandrel and thereby compact the reinforcing fibers in the layer; an absorbent layer in contact with the other side of said sleeve; and a bladder for enclosing said mandrel, compression sleeve, and absorbent layer and connected to evacuating means for producing said fluid pressure on said sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
Molding means according to claim 1 wherein: said mold member is a mandrel having an outer molding surface; and said compression sleeve is adapted to be placed concentrically about the outside of said mandrel and to be contracted circumferentially about said fiber-resin layer by fluid pressure acting on the exterior of said sleeve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
Molding means according to claim 1 wherein: said mandrel is a female mold member having an inner molding surface; and said compression sleeve is adapted to be placed concentrically within said female mold member and to be expanded circumferentially against said fiber-resin layer by fluid pressure acting on the interior of said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
Molding means according to claim 1 wherein: said mold member and compression sleeve are annular in cross-section, and said sleeve has a single longitudinal split bounded by tapered overlapping edges, whereby the sleeve surfaces adjacent said split are flush with one another and no gap exists along said split.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
Molding means according to claim 1 wherein: said mold member and compression sleeve are rectangular in cross-section, and said sleeve has a number of longitudinal splits dividing the sleeve into separable sections and each bounded by tapered overlapping edges, whereby the sleeve surfaces adjacent said splits are flush with one another and no gaps exist along said splits.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-12-28 | 1980-06-28 | 1980-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-12-28 | 1984-06-28 | 1984-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-12-28 | 1988-06-28 | 1988-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |