# US 2014/0191434 A1 · Vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer conduits and seals for resin transfer and other processes > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0191434 A1 - Document ID: US20140191434A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/151,562 - Filed: 2014-01-09 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2007-05-18 - Assignees: Arjr Group, LLC - Applicants: Arjr Group, LLC - Inventors: Richard W. Rydin; Robert J. Scrima, JR. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140191434A1 ## CPC - B29C 43/56: Compression moulding under special conditions, e.g. vacuum - B29C 70/544: {Details of vacuum bags, e.g. materials or shape} - B29C 43/12: using bags surrounding the moulding material {or using membranes contacting the moulding material} - B29C 43/3642: {Bags, bleeder sheets or cauls for isostatic pressing} - B29C 70/44: using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding - B29C 2043/3644: {Vacuum bags; Details thereof, e.g. fixing or clamping} - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) ## Abstract Disclosed are fluid transfer and evacuation structures formed in a vacuum bag operable for use in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes. A reusable vacuum bag can be provided including an elastomeric membrane having a preform-contact surface and at least one textured surface formed in the elastomeric membrane. The textured surface can define a fluid transfer channel. At least one fluid extraction port can be provided in communication with the fluid transfer channel, the fluid extraction port being adapted for engagement to a vacuum pump to remove fluids from the fluid transfer channel. The textured surface defining the fluid transfer channel can be adapted to permit the flow of fluids between the elastomeric membrane and a base mold in communication with the elastomeric membrane when the fluid extraction port is engaged to a vacuum pump. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of making a reusable vacuum bag with integral fluid transfer channels for use with a base mold, the method comprising: providing a substantially non-porous working surface for forming an elastomeric membrane, the working surface defining a preform contact surface and an additional surface extending peripherally around the preform contact surface; positioning one or more articles having a shape and texture corresponding to a desired permeability for a fluid transfer channel on the additional surface; applying at least one layer of an unsolidified elastomeric material over at least a portion of the working surface; solidifying the at least one layer of unsolidified elastomeric material to form a membrane having a shape substantially corresponding to that of the working surface, the shape and texture of the one or more articles being incorporated into a surface of the membrane, wherein the surface of the membrane define at least one fluid transfer channel that is adapted to permit the flow of fluids between the surface of the membrane and a base mold surface in communication with the membrane while a fluid extraction port in communication with the at least one fluid transfer channel is engaged to a vacuum source, the membrane being elastically deformable and substantially impermeable to fluids for functioning as a vacuum bag. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein applying at least one layer of an elastomeric material comprises spraying at least one layer of a natural rubber liquid. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning a piece of permeable material adjacent to the elastomeric membrane, the piece of permeable material having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned in communication with the fluid transfer channel, and the second end being positioned in communication with a preform positioned on the base mold surface. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, further comprising coupling a piece of impermeable material to the piece of permeable material between the first end and the second end. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a fastener to the membrane for fastening the membrane to at least one portion of a base mold surface. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein applying the at least one layer of unsolidified elastomeric material includes spraying, pouring, casting, painting, roll coating or roto-molding the at least one layer of unsolidified elastomeric material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the solidified membrane is composed of a synthetic rubber such as silicone or urethane. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein positioning one or more articles and applying at least one layer of an unsolidified elastomeric material comprises changing the membrane's ability to deform in the immediate vicinity of the fluid transfer channel to help achieve the desired permeability for the at least one fluid transfer channel either by increasing or decreasing a thickness of the membrane, adding a reinforcement to the membrane, or integrating a rigid article into the membrane. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein positioning one or more articles comprises positioning articles having different shapes and or textures along the length of the fluid transfer channel such that at least one first portion of the at least one fluid transfer channel has a higher or lower permeability relative to at least one second portion of the at least one fluid transfer channel to help achieve the desired permeability for the at least one fluid transfer channel. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein positioning one or more articles comprises changing a relative amount of texture on the one or more articles from smooth to rough to help achieve the desired permeability for the at least one fluid transfer channel. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, comprising coupling at least one of the one or more articles positioned on the working surface to the membrane adhesively or mechanically. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the working surface defines more than one distinct preform contact surface; and wherein the additional surface extends between and peripherally around the more than one distinct preform contact surfaces. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein a preform is placed on the base mold surface in a position that is substantially the same as the preform contact surface of the working surface prior to placing the membrane on the base mold surface and activating the fluid transfer channels by engaging the at least one fluid extraction port to the vacuum source. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein a caul plate is placed on at least a portion of the preform before placing the membrane on the base mold surface and activating the fluid transfer channels by engaging the at least one fluid extraction port to the vacuum source.