Forming apparatus and method
US7102112B2 · kind B2 · utility
21Cited by
19References
26Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2025 |
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.