Method for creating mandrels with voids for expansion control during curing
US9486943B1 · kind B1 · utility
7Cited by
8References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/757
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a tool is provided. A number of members comprised of a thermoplastic material is positioned within a hollow portion of a structure. The tool is formed within the hollow portion of the structure with the number of members positioned within the hollow portion of the structure. Heat is applied within a selected range to the number of members to reduce a size of each of the number of members. The number of members is removed from the tool such that the tool is left with a number of voids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.