Patent ID: 11865803
Assignee: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
Field: Other special machines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 7:
8. A tooling assembly for forming a composite part, the tooling assembly comprising:
an elongated conveying apparatus;
a forming tool configured to support a plurality of plies used to form the composite part, the forming tool movably supported by the elongated conveying apparatus; and
a pressure vessel disposed along the elongated conveying apparatus and comprising:
an entrance opening provided at an upstream end of the pressure vessel configured to receive the forming tool as the forming tool is conveyed along the elongated conveying surface;
an exit opening provided at a downstream end of the pressure vessel configured to permit the forming tool to exit the pressure vessel after it is conveyed through the pressure vessel; and
an interior chamber between the entrance opening and the exit opening and including a plurality of spheres, wherein the plurality of spheres are configured to press against the plurality of plies as the forming tool is conveyed through the pressure vessel.