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. 15, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 16, 1993
Everett A Westerman, Auburn, WA (US);
Phillip E Roll, Kent, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for applying heat to a patch on a composite structure repair site is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sealed bladder containing both a thermally conductive fluid and a heating element in thermal contact with the fluid. The heating element which comprises a flexible sheet having an electrical resistance wire uniformly placed thereon can be immersed in the fluid or otherwise in direct thermal contact therewith. Electrical power is applied to the heating element by conductors passing through the bladder surface. The heating element of disclosed structure can be attached to seal the bladder interior into two reservoirs, to permit fluid flow throughout the bladder or to form at least one outer surface of the bladder. Flexible supports can also be attached from the heating element to an interior bladder surface to maintain spacing between the heating element and the surface. To prevent diffusion of the thermally conductive fluid, a separate container of thermally conductive fluid impermeable material can be placed inside the bladder. The outer bladder may be sealed by mechanical frame apparatus which compresses the bladder surface material at a perimeter thereof.