Potting compound injection apparatus and method of injecting potting compound into panel cells
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorGordon M. Cox
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A potting compound injection apparatus includes a pneumatic tube for inserting single part potting compound and injecting the compound into the cells of a composite panel. The pneumatic tube has an open end for releasing potting compound and an opposed end interconnected to a pneumatic pressure source. The potting compound injection apparatus may also include a frame for maneuvering the pneumatic tube with respect to the composite panel. A method of injecting a potting compound includes applying potting compound through a pneumatic tube into a composite panel having cells.
Claims18
An apparatus for injecting a potting compound into cells within a panel, comprising:
- a pneumatic tube holding the potting compound, the tube having a first end having an opening capable of releasing the potting compound and second end having an opening substantially smaller than the first end opening for receiving pneumatic pressure;
- a piston disposed within the pneumatic tube and capable of applying pressure to the potting compound disposed within the tube such that when the piston applies pressure the compound is released and the piston advances toward the first end of the pneumatic tube;
- a pneumatic pressure source to apply pressure to the piston from the closed end of the pneumatic tube;
- and
- a frame for holding the pneumatic tube, wherein the frame further comprises a receptacle for receiving and retaining the pneumatic tube such that an open end of the pneumatic tube is capable of being positioned against the panel.
An apparatus for injecting a potting compound into cells within a panel, comprising:
- a pneumatic tube holding the potting compound, the tube having a first end having an opening capable of releasing the potting compound and second end having an opening substantially smaller than the first end opening for receiving pneumatic pressure;
- a piston disposed within the pneumatic tube and capable of applying pressure to the potting compound disposed within the tube such that when the piston applies pressure the compound is released and the piston advances toward the first end of the pneumatic tube;
- a pneumatic pressure source to apply pressure to the piston from the closed end of the pneumatic tube;
- and
- a frame for holding the pneumatic tube, wherein the frame further comprises a movable joint interconnected to the pneumatic tube, wherein the joint permits motion of the first end of the pneumatic tube throughout at least a conical region, and wherein the movable joint comprises a gimbal.
The apparatus for injecting a potting compound into cells within a panel, comprising:
- a pneumatic tube holding the potting compound, the tube having a first end having an opening capable of releasing the potting compound and second end having an opening substantially smaller than the first end opening for receiving pneumatic pressure;
- a piston disposed within the pneumatic tube and capable of applying pressure to the potting compound disposed within the tube such that when the piston applies pressure the compound is released and the piston advances toward the first end of the pneumatic tube;
- a pneumatic pressure source to apply pressure to the piston from the closed end of the pneumatic tube;
- and
- a frame for holding the pneumatic tube, wherein the frame further comprises a movable joint interconnected to the pneumatic tube, wherein the joint permits motion of the first end of the pneumatic tube throughout at least a conical region, and wherein the movable joint comprises a ball and socket joint.
An apparatus for injecting a Dotting compound into cells within a panel, comprising:
- a pneumatic tube holding the potting compound, the tube having a first end having an opening capable of releasing the potting compound and second end having an opening substantially smaller than the first end opening for receiving pneumatic pressure;
- a piston disposed within the pneumatic tube and capable of applying pressure to the potting compound disposed within the tube such that when the piston applies pressure the compound is released and the piston advances toward the first end of the pneumatic tube;
- a pneumatic pressure source to apply pressure to the piston from the closed end of the pneumatic tube;
- and
- a frame for holding the pneumatic tube, wherein the frame further comprises a movable joint interconnected to the pneumatic tube, wherein the joint permits motion of the first end of the pneumatic tube throughout at least a conical region, and wherein the frame further comprises a hydraulic ram apparatus capable of exerting force to the tube such that the first end of the pneumatic tube is capable of being pressed against the panel.
A frame for holding a pneumatic tube for injecting potting compound into cells within a panel, the frame comprising:
- a receptacle for receiving and holding the pneumatic tube such that an open end of the pneumatic tube is capable of being positioned against the panel;
- and
- a hydraulic ram apparatus interconnected to the receptacle and capable of exerting force to the pneumatic tube such that the open end of the pneumatic tube is capable of being pressed against the panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.