Heating apparatus for composite structure repair
US5442156A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0211
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for applying heat to a patch on a composite structure repair site is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sealed bladder containing both a thermally conductive fluid and a heating element in thermal contact with the fluid. The heating element which comprises a flexible sheet having an electrical resistance wire uniformly placed thereon can be immersed in the fluid or otherwise in direct thermal contact therewith. Electrical power is applied to the heating element by conductors passing through the bladder surface. The heating element of disclosed structure can be attached to seal the bladder interior into two reservoirs, to permit fluid flow throughout the bladder or to form at least one outer surface of the bladder. Flexible supports can also be attached from the heating element to an interior bladder surface to maintain spacing between the heating element and the surface. To prevent diffusion of the thermally conductive fluid, a separate container of thermally conductive fluid impermeable material can be placed inside the bladder. The outer bladder may be sealed by mechanical frame apparatus which compresses the bladder surface material at a perimeter thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.