Patent ID: 9050757
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: B29C,B32B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing an internally heated and pressurized system in preparation for fabricating a fiber reinforced composite structure from one or more pre-impregnated (prepreg) fiber reinforced composite layers, comprising: heating a base using one or more heating elements integrated with the base; layering one or more prepreg fiber reinforced composite layers within an upper, shaped surface of a bond tool, mating a lower surface of the bond tool, with an interior space of the heated base, the interior space defined by one or more interior walls of the heated base and shaped to accommodate the lower surface of the bond tool; positioning a pressure applying membrane over the bond tool and the one or more prepreg fiber reinforced composite layers; positioning a pressure seal to facilitate sealing the prepreg fiber reinforced composite layers within a pressure sealed region, positioning a pressure sealed cover over the pressure applying membrane and in contact with the pressure seal; securing the pressure sealed cover to the heated base, such that the pressure sealed region is formed beneath the cover; and coupling a pressure providing apparatus to a pressure port of the pressure sealed cover, to provide pressure to the pressure sealed region; wherein, when in use, pressure is maintained within the pressure sealed region to facilitate curing the one or more prepreg fiber reinforced composite layers.