Patent ID: 7109451
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: B29C,H05B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for consolidating a composite workpiece, the apparatus comprising: at least two consolidation rollers configured to form a nip therebetween for receiving the workpiece; at least two support tools configured to support the workpiece in the nip between the consolidation rollers; at least two susceptors disposed between the support tools such that each susceptor is in thermal communication with the workpiece; and an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field, thereby inducing an electrical current in the susceptor and heating the susceptor and the workpiece to a processing temperature at which the workpiece is adapted to be consolidated in the nip, wherein the support tools are substantially transparent to the electromagnetic field by being configured to substantially transmit the electromagnetic field therethrough, and wherein the support tools are configured to be received in a face-to-face opposing relationship between the consolidation rollers with the susceptors disposed between the support tools and the workpiece disposed between the susceptors such that each of the susceptors is disposed between one of the support tools and the workpiece.