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US 5,181,647 AGranted
Method and tooling for fabricating monolithic metal or metal matrix composite structures
AssigneeMcDonnell Douglas Corporation
InventorMax R. Runyan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The tool and the process for forming structural shapes from multiple elements of either a monolithic or metal matrix composition by either diffusion bonding or brazing the metal or metal composites under temperature and pressure. The pressure is applied by expanding superplastic metal bladders, the specimen is contained in a superplastic metal vacuum bag, and all are contained in a steel die cavity.
Claims6
A tool for forming a structural member from at least two metal bondable elements and wherein bonding pressure for at least one bonding surface is supplied by at least one metal bladder, comprising:
- first support means to positively support with an essentially zero tolerance, all surfaces of said structural member not acted upon by said at least one metal bladder;
- second means to positively support, with an essentially zero tolerance, at least one of said surfaces of said structural member contacting said at least one metal bladder so that said expanded metal bladder may envelope said second means and apply force against said surface of said structural member;
- and
- means to accommodate gas tubes for pressurizing said metal bladders.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.