Patent ID: 9517528
Filing Date: 2016-12-13
CPC Classification: B23K,B32B,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A tool for use in bonding layers of a shell by a differential pressure bonding process, the tool comprising: a plurality of separable mandrel segments that combine to form a mandrel having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, an upper end, and at least one substantially continuous inner surface, the inner surface having a substantially axisymmetric shape; a retort configured to at least partially shroud the outer surface and upper end of the mandrel, the retort including at least one vacuum port; and an impermeable flexible membrane positioned over the inner surface of the mandrel, the membrane and mandrel constructed to receive therebetween layers of a shell to be bonded together; wherein: the retort, the mandrel and the impermeable flexible membrane are arranged such that: application of a vacuum to the vacuum port of the retort during a differential pressure bonding process forces the impermeable flexible membrane in a radially outward direction of the tool and towards the inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forcing the flexible membrane against the layers of the shell to be bonded together, wherein the flexible membrane is removed from the inner surface of the mandrel and the flexible membrane is flexible when removed from the mandrel.