Patent ID: 6190598
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: B29C,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
A process of making a composite vessel comprising the steps of:A) preforming a composite thermoplastic shell for the vessel, which composite thermoplastic shell has at least one opening for access to the interior thereof;B) placing the composite thermoplastic shell into a mold;C) introducing an inflatable bag containing a heater into the composite thermoplastic shell through the at least one opening therein;D) heating the inflatable bag to a temperature which is sufficient to render the composite thermoplastic shell fluid while pressurizing the interior thereof such that the exterior surface of the inflatable bag bears against the interior surface of the composite thermoplastic shell;E) continuing step D) until the composite thermoplastic shell forms against the interior walls of the mold;F) ceasing heating the inflatable bag and allowing the formed composite vessel to cool;G) removing the inflatable bag from the interior of the formed composite vessel; andH) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.