Forming apparatus and method
US6979807B2 · kind B2 · utility
18Cited by
18References
33Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2206/023
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.