Patent · US Active

Collapsible mandrel employing reinforced fluoroelastomeric bladder

US9096043B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
30References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 23, 2013
Grant dateAug 4, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29K2827/12
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods of forming a collapsible mandrel are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes forming a layup on a substrate by providing a first layer of rubber, positioning a reinforcement strip on the first layer of rubber, providing first and second release films in spaced apart from each other adjacent the reinforcement strip to expose a portion of the reinforcement strip, providing a second layer of rubber overlying the exposed portion of the reinforcement strip, and laminating the first and second layers of rubber to the reinforcement strip. The release films to prevent the first and second layers of rubber from adhering to each other and the reinforcement strip such that non-adhered ends of the first and second layers of rubber and the reinforcement strip define flaps. The method includes placing the layup in a cavity of a mold forming part of a tool assembly, consolidating the layup when the layup is in the cavity of the mold, and curing the layup to form the collapsible mandrel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.