Method for making thermoplastic composite pressure vessels
US6190598A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1369
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process of making a composite vessel with superior mechanical and aesthetic characteristics includes the steps of: A) preforming a composite thermoplastic shell (e.g., by winding a commingled roving of fiberglass and a thermoplastic material onto a thermoplastic liner) having an opening for access to the interior; B) placing the shell (which may optionally be preheated) into a mold (which itself may optionally be preheated); C) introducing an inflatable bag containing a heater into the shell through the opening; D) heating the inflatable bag to a temperature which is sufficient to render the shell fluid while pressurizing the interior of the inflatable bag; E) continuing step D) until the shell forms against the interior walls of the mold; F) allowing the formed composite vessel to cool; G) removing the inflatable bag; and H) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold. Prior to step C), an insert having an opening may be juxtaposed in alignment with the opening in the shell such that, during step C), the inflatable bag is inserted through the opening in the insert. If desired for the intended purpose of the composite vessel, a portion of the exterior surface of the insert…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.