| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080257490 | STRINGER HOLDING DEVICE - In accordance with the present invention an apparatus for securing a plurality of stringers to a mandrel during lay-up is provided, the plurality of stringers and mandrel forming a lay-up surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum source and a first vacuum attachment assembly comprising a first vacuum cup assembly and a first flexible tube assembly in communication with said vacuum source to tightly secure down against the lay-up surface. A second vacuum attachment assembly comprises a second vacuum cup assembly and a second flexible tube assembly in communication with the vacuum source to force it tightly down against the lay-up. A flexible spacer is in rigid communication with the second vacuum cup assembly and includes an extended end in communication with the first vacuum cup assembly such that the flexible spacer presses one of the stringers against the mandrel. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20090123588 | Apparatus For Forming Structural Members - A method and associated apparatus for forming a composite structural member from a charge are provided. The charge can be disposed on a first die of the apparatus and formed to a desired configuration defined by a recess of the die by inserting a second die or a tool into the recess. In some cases, the first die can include two portions that are adjustable in a transverse direction so that the recess can be opened by the insertion of the second die or tool. The second die or tool can be a substantially rigid member or an inflatable bladder. In either case, the charge can be disposed on the first die, formed, and then further processed on the first die, thereby facilitating indexing of the charge for each operation. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090176066 | CONTOURED COMPOSITE PARTS - One embodiment of a composite part comprises a curved elongated section comprising a plurality of stacked reinforcement layers. The stacked reinforcement layers in the curved elongated section comprise at least one of non-continuous woven fabric and non-continuous reinforcement. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20100102482 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Highly Contoured Composite Parts - A method of forming a flat composite charge into a contoured composite part reduces wrinkles in the part as the charge is being formed. Dies are used to form a portion of charge to the steepest contour of the part, while tension is maintained on the charge as the remaining portions of the charge are formed. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100139850 | Collapsable Mandrel and Method for Producing Composite Laminates Using the Same - A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100304094 | STRINGER TRANSITION AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING COMPOSITE PARTS USING THE SAME - A stringer comprises a base portion and first and second webs extending outwardly from the base portion. The orientation of at least one of the first and second webs may transition from a first angle to a second angle within an angle transition zone. | 12-02-2010 |
