Patent ID: 7910039
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: B29C,B30B

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a composite article from a work piece at elevated temperatures and pressures, the method comprising: (a) disposing a substantially incompressible medium comprising silicone in a pressure chamber so that the medium is capable of transferring a substantially uniform, predetermined medium pressure to the surface of the work piece; (b) disposing within the substantially incompressible medium an elastomeric pressure vessel adapted to be filled with fluid, consisting of oil or water, and in fluid communication with a source of the high pressure fluid so that the vessel is capable of causing a substantially uniform, predetermined pressure to the substantially incompressible medium; (c) disposing upon a lid to the pressure chamber the work piece in contact with a mold, and pressure sealing the lid to close the chamber; (d) causing the vessel to produce a pressure in the range of 400 to 20000 psi (2.8 to 138 MPa) to be applied to the substantially incompressible medium so that it applies a substantially uniform predetermined medium pressure to the surface of the work piece; (e) exposing the mold and work piece to elevated temperatures to create the composite article; (f) reducing the mold and work piece temperature and reducing the pressure to the surface of the work piece to set the composite article.