The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 11, 1992
Filed:
Jul. 21, 1989
Larry Ashton, Mapleton, UT (US);
Todd H Ashton, Provo, UT (US);
Abstract
An apparatus used to form a three-dimensional composite structure is disclosed having an initially rigid heat-softenable layer of ABS plastic wherein uncured portions of the composite structure are first assembled between the layer of ABS plastic and a hard mold surface. Prior to curing of the composite structure, pressure and heat are applied to the ABS layer to soften the layer and thereafter compact the uncured portions of the structure against the hard mold surface. The ability to pre-shape the ABS layer allows stiffening beams to be incorporated into the structure so as to yield a lightweight, strong composite structure that can be used as a pressure vessel in an aerospace vehicle.