US4853172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of fabricating tubular composite structures
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1987-12-01
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2007-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A method of making tubular composite structures that simplifies vacuum bag sealing. The method comprises disposing a prepreg structure within a tool that has at least one hole. The prepreg is disposed adjacent a mandrel. The mandrel comprises an inner bag containing a solid filler core that comprises about 75% to about 95% of the volume of the inner bag. The hole is enclosed with a vacuum bag thereby forming a void space between said vacuum bag and said prepreg. The void space is evacuated. The vacuum bag applies a predetermined pressure to the inner bag thus causing the inner bag to apply a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of the prepreg. The prepreg is exposed to heat.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary J. Jacaruso
- 👤 Peter B. Leoni
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:06
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29D; B29D24/00; B29D24/002; B29D24/008; B29C; B29C70/00; B29C70/04; B29C70/28; B29C70/40; B29C70/42; B29C70/44; B29C70/446; B29C43/00; B29C43/02; B29C43/10; B29C43/12; B29L; B29L2023/00; B29L2023/22; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/60; B29L2031/601
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A method particularly adapted for fabricating a fiber reinforced resin composite article having a tubular structure comprising: (a) disposing a prepreg structure within a tool having at least one hole; (b) said prepreg structure disposed adjacent a mandrel, said mandrel comprising an inner bag containing a solid filler core that comprises about 75% to about 95% of the volume of the inner bag; (c) enclosing said hole with a vacuum bag thereby forming a void space between said vacuum bag and said prepreg; (d) evacuating said void space; (e) causing said vacuum bag to apply a predetermined pressure to said inner bag thus causing said inner bag to apply a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of said prepreg; and (f) exposing said prepreg to heat.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
127 words
A method particularly adapted for fabricating a fiber reinforced resin composite article having a tubular structure comprising: (a) disposing a prepreg structure within a tool having at least one hole; (b) said prepreg structure disposed adjacent a mandrel, said mandrel comprising an inner bag containing a solid filler core that comprises about 75% to about 95% of the volume of the inner bag; (c) enclosing said hole with a vacuum bag thereby forming a void space between said vacuum bag and said prepreg; (d) evacuating said void space; (e) causing said vacuum bag to apply a predetermined pressure to said inner bag thus causing said inner bag to apply a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of said prepreg; and (f) exposing said prepreg to heat.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |