Patent ID: 6747253
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
An apparatus for heat treating a structural member, the apparatus comprising:first and second co-operable dies structured to define a die cavity therebetween for at least partially receiving the structural member; at least one susceptor in thermal communication with said die cavity, each susceptor having a Curie temperature at which said susceptor becomes paramagnetic; an electromagnetic field generator configured to induce a current within at least a portion of said at least one susceptor; at least one bladder positioned in said die cavity, each said bladder configured to receive a pressurized fluid for expanding said bladder; and at least one rigid tool disposed in said die cavity, said tool defining a contour surface corresponding to the structural member, wherein said at least one bladder is configured to urge said at least one tool against the structural member and thereby restrain a distortion of the structural member while the structural member is heat treated.