Monolithic expandable structures, methods of manufacture and composite structures
US6630221B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2982
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An article of manufacture comprising an expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming. monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material. Also described is a process for reinforcing or stiffening a normally open-cellular structure, any tubular structure, or any channel structure, by putting at least one expandable sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite within a hollow interior portion of said structure. The invention is particularly desirable for stiffening and/or reinforcing honeycomb structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.