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:
Oct. 31, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 09, 2002
Matthew K. Lum, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Albert E. Seifert, Seattle, WA (US);
Robert G. Shaw, Ii, Nine Mile Falls, WA (US);
Mark L. Younie, Mill Creek, WA (US);
Matthew K. Lum, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Albert E. Seifert, Seattle, WA (US);
Robert G. Shaw, II, Nine Mile Falls, WA (US);
Mark L. Younie, Mill Creek, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for thermoplastically forming a contour in a thermoplastic duct defining a passage. The apparatus includes a longitudinal collar that defines a cavity and a rigid inner support structure extending longitudinally in the cavity. The collar and/or the inner support structure define a mold contour. One or more heaters are configured to heat at least a formation portion of the duct to a formation temperature. An expansion member, such as an expandable elastomer, which is disposed between an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the inner support structure, is configured to urge the formation portion of the duct against the mold contour to thermoplastically form the duct.