Patent ID: 8287266
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: B29C,B32B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device for performing consolidation, the device comprising: a rack; at least two rollers, wherein the at least two rollers include a pair of extensions extending from ends of the rollers, and wherein the extensions are slidable in slots in retainers for the rollers; a belt surrounding the at least two rollers; a weight, wherein the belt serpentines around the at least two rollers and the weight, such that the at least two rollers are biased toward each other; an elongated mandrel having an elongation direction and engageable with the rack: a material to be consolidated being applied to a surface of the belt facing the leading edge of the mandrel; and a mandrel engaging mechanism; wherein the mandrel engaging mechanism is capable of driving the mandrel in a direction parallel to the elongation direction of the mandrel and generally perpendicularly to the surface of the belt with the applied material from a first position to second position; wherein two parallel wall portions are located on opposite sides of the mandrel when the mandrel is driven into the belt to the second position; wherein an inflatable bladder is located on at least one of the parallel wall portions; and wherein each inflatable bladder is capable of compressing against a side of the mandrel.