Methods and apparatus for molding composite materials
US6533985B1 · kind B1 · utility
22Cited by
14References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/5245
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment are provided for molding a unit of a second material onto an article made of a first material. An inflatable, flexible bladder is fluidly connectable to a source of a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air. The pressurized fluid is used to inflate the bladder such that, when the bladder is at least partially inflated with the fluid, the article may be pushed against the bladder to invert the bladder and cause the exterior surface of the bladder to form a mold around at least a portion of the article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.