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:
May. 19, 2009
Filed:
Feb. 25, 2004
Grant C. Zenkner, Puyallup, WA (US);
Michael P. Thompson, Tacoma, WA (US);
Stanley F. Polk, Broken Arrow, OK (US);
Grant C. Zenkner, Puyallup, WA (US);
Michael P. Thompson, Tacoma, WA (US);
Stanley F. Polk, Broken Arrow, OK (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for processing composite components using an elastomeric caul are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of curing a prepreg on a mandrel includes providing an elastomeric caul over the prepreg; providing a vacuum bag over the prepreg and the caul, with the caul between the prepreg and a film of the vacuum bag; and stretching the elastomeric caul over the prepreg while drawing down the vacuum bag over the caul. The caul is stretched to fit snuggly over the prepreg to reduce fiber deformation and wrinkling during curing.