Patent ID: 11938689
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Other special machines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 23:
24. An apparatus for processing a composite structure, the apparatus comprising:
a layup mandrel, configured to support the composite structure during layup and processing;
a first processing-tool and a second processing-tool that are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein:
in the open position, the first processing-tool and the second processing-tool are separated from each other and from the layup mandrel; and
in the closed position, the first processing-tool and the second processing- tool are in contact with each other and with the layup mandrel; and

an interface-seal, wherein:
in the closed position, the first processing-tool and the second processing- tool form an outer shell wall of a vessel and the layup mandrel forms an inner shell wall of the vessel; and
in the closed position, the interface-seal is configured to seal the first processing-tool, the second processing-tool, and the layup mandrel together to form the vessel, surrounding the composite structure,

wherein, in the closed position, a positive pressure is applied within the vessel to compact the composite structure against the layup mandrel.