US4865787A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for the impregnation of filament wound structures with thermoplastic binders
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1988-05-02
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Granted: 1989-09-12
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Expires: 2008-05-02
Abstract
Abstract Filament wound or dry lay-ups of structural shapes are impregnated with a binder of thermoplastic resin. Impregnation is achieve by adding a polymer solution to a centrifuge containing reinforcing material. The centrifuge is spun at high rotational speed. Solution is metered into the centrifuge and contacts the inner surface of the reinforicng material. A preheated carrier gas flow is circulated in the centrifuge using baffles, then released to a solvent recovery system. Alternatively, vacuum drying to recover solvent can be used.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael A. Vallance
- 👤 Gayle D. Tomkinson-Walles
- 👤 Roger N. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:03
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C70/00; B29C70/04; B29C70/28; B29C70/30; B29C70/32; B29C70/323; B29C70/326; B29B; B29B15/00; B29B15/08; B29B15/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of manufacturing composite materials having plastic resin and reinforcing fibers in a centrifugal caster, the method comprising the steps of: winding the reinforcing fibers around a mandrel having perforated walls; enclosing the mandrel in an imperforate barrier film which surrounds the reinforcing fibers; rotating the enclosed mandrel; adding a predetermined amount of a solution of solvent and plastic resin to the interior of the mandrel to effect impregnation of fibers, the barrier film preventing the spining off of the solution, the fibers remaining in contact with the solution continuing rotation of the vessel while evaporating said solvent at a controlled rate; and stopping rotation of the enclosed mandrel and removing the composite material formed from the fibers and elastic resin when a predetermined amount of solvent has been evaporated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of manufacturing composite materials having plastic resin and reinforcing fibers in a centrifugal caster, the method comprising the steps of: winding the reinforcing fibers around a mandrel having perforated walls; enclosing the mandrel in an imperforate barrier film which surrounds the reinforcing fibers; rotating the enclosed mandrel; adding a predetermined amount of a solution of solvent and plastic resin to the interior of the mandrel to effect impregnation of fibers, the barrier film preventing the spining off of the solution, the fibers remaining in contact with the solution continuing rotation of the vessel while evaporating said solvent at a controlled rate; and stopping rotation of the enclosed mandrel and removing the composite material formed from the fibers and elastic resin when a predetermined amount of solvent has been evaporated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of condensing and measuring the evaporated solvent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of directing hot gas through the vessel to evaporate the solvent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solvent is evaporated by subjecting the rotating mandrel to a vacuum condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of heating the mandrel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the resin comprises thermoplastic resin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the resin comprises viscous thermoplastic resin requiring solvent thinning for effective substrate impregnation below 250° C.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the resin comprises a viscous uncured thermosetting resin requiring solvent thinning for effective substrate impregnation below 250° C.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said solution has a concentration of resin to solution of about 5 to 25% by weight.
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) | 1992-09-11 | 1993-03-13 | 1993-09-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-11 | 1997-03-13 | 1997-09-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-11 | 2001-03-13 | 2001-09-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |