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:
Sep. 07, 1993
Filed:
Jul. 25, 1990
Thomas H Brayden, Irving, TX (US);
Donald C Darrow, Grand Prairie, TX (US);
Vought Aircraft Company, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A method of processing a composite structure in an autoclave involves producing a layup (10) with a low density honeycomb core (12) covered by resin impregnated composite face plies (14). The layup is sealed to a mold (18) under a vacuum bag (20). The layup is then cured in an autoclave under high temperatures and pressures. A vacuum is applied between the layup (10) and the vacuum bag (20) via a vacuum port (22), thus creating a pressure differential across the bag (20). This creates a compressive consolidating force on the composite face plies (14). Volatiles emitted during curing are drawn away through the vacuum port (22). The core (12) communicates with the autoclave by means of a pressurization tube (26) which penetrates the mold (18) and into the core (12), thus eliminating the pressure differential between the core (12) and the autoclave. Autoclave pressure is communicated throughout the entire core via perforations (13) in the honeycomb core (12).