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:
Jul. 31, 2007
Filed:
Aug. 01, 2003
Vernon M. Benson, Morgan, UT (US);
Jason Slack, Clearfield, UT (US);
Todd A. Rosevear, Taylorsville, UT (US);
Vernon M. Benson, Morgan, UT (US);
Jason Slack, Clearfield, UT (US);
Todd A. Rosevear, Taylorsville, UT (US);
Alliant Techsystems Inc., Edina, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for forming elongated composite structural members with a desired cross-sectional geometry as taken transverse to the length of the member. The apparatus may include a base with a substantially elongated mandrel mounted thereon. One or more rollers configured to at least partially complementarily engage the mandrel are configured to roll over and press a plurality of plies of composite material onto the mandrel. The rollers may be configured to form intermediate structures which partially conform to the geometry of the mandrel prior to forming the final structure, which substantially completely conforms to the geometry of the mandrel. The rollers serve to both form and debulk the structure. The present invention enables the formation of elongated structural members from resin-impregnated materials while maintaining the materials in a substantially uncured state. The formed members may then be cocured with a skin or other composite structure.