Fused particle tooling
US9481111B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/256
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of making a vacuum fused-particle mold involves bringing the outer surface of a flexible bladder into contact with a master part; drawing a first vacuum between the flexible bladder and the master part to cause the flexible bladder to conform to its shape; placing a quantity of particles inside the compartment in sufficient quantity and distribution to cover at least a portion of the inner surface of the flexible bladder that conforms to the shape of the master part; sealing the mold compartment with a rear bladder; drawing a second vacuum on the mold compartment to hold the quantity of particles in place; removing the first vacuum to release the master part; and maintaining the second vacuum on the compartment to retain the shape of the flexible bladder. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.