Brian K Fling

US Patent:

20100276085, Nov 4, 2010

Filed:

Jan 28, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/695398

Inventors:

Brian K. Fling - Dallas TX, US
Michael A. Butcher - Grapevine TX, US

Assignee:

THE BOEING COMPANY - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B32B 37/00

US Classification:

156349

Abstract:

The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machine mandrel configuration where the lap joint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user may shim the mandrel segments without otherwise affecting the integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrel segments are split at the stringer centerline through the middle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint is preferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrel segments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. The seal plane is thus protected.

US Patent:

20090033040, Feb 5, 2009

Filed:

Jul 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/831826

Inventors:

Brian K. Fling - Dallas TX, US
Michael A. Butcher - Grapevine TX, US

Assignee:

Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F16J 15/02

US Classification:

277630

Abstract:

The present invention provides an automated fiber joint placement machine mandrel configuration where the lap joint is preferably parallel to the mold surface. Accordingly, the user may shim the mandrel segments without otherwise affecting the integrity of the seal. A lap joint is preferably utilized wherein mandrel segments are split at the stringer centerline through the middle of the hat or through the cap of the stringer. The lap joint is preferably designed such that the face sheets of the mandrel segments preferably lie flat on top of one another when placed in contact. The seal plane is thus protected.

US Patent:

20090033013, Feb 5, 2009

Filed:

Jul 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/831817

Inventors:

Brian K. Fling - Dallas TX, US
Peter Janicki - Mount Vernon WA, US
Ed West - Blaine WA, US
Brian Holmes - Greenbank WA, US
Fred Smithers - Sedro Woolley WA, US

Assignee:

Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

B23Q 3/14

US Classification:

269 481

Abstract:

The present invention provides an automated mandrel clamping and indexing mechanism for a multi-piece AFP mandrel wherein a clamping mechanism is used in order to secure mandrel segments together as well as to join mandrel segments to end rings. The clamping mechanism is preferably integrated with an indexing mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention such that mandrel segments will preferably remain securely connected and aligned until air is applied to the clamping and indexing mechanism in order to unclamp the secured mandrel segments and remove the part being manufactured. The clamping and indexing mechanism preferably withstands the autoclave heat and pressure that is typically experienced during the curing part of the manufacturing process.