Methods and structures are disclosed. An example method includes: rotating a tubular mandrel about a longitudinal axis of the tubular mandrel; depositing a composite material on an inner surface of the tubular mandrel to form a composite tubular member on the inner surface of the tubular mandrel; inserting and expanding an inner expandable mandrel within the composite tubular member to cause the inner expandable mandrel to press the composite tubular member against the inner surface of the tubular mandrel; curing the composite tubular member; removing the inner expandable mandrel; placing a frame within the composite tubular member; and removing the tubular mandrel so as to obtain the composite tubular member with the frame placed therein.

Composite structures and methods of forming composite structures are provided. The composite structures can include one or more composite structure components. Each composite structure component is formed from a composite panel that includes one or more sheets of material. The sheets of material include a thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers. A composite panel can be formed in three dimensions to form a composite structure component. Multiple composite structure components can be fused to one another to form a composite structure. In addition, each composite structure component and the composite structure formed therefrom can include an aperture. An interior volume can be formed between adjacent composite structure components. Methods for forming a composite structure can include a step of simultaneously molding and fusing composite structure components.

Within examples, a mandrel is configured to be inserted into a cavity defined by an interior wall of a structural member to support the structural member during processing. The mandrel includes a first bladder containing a material, the material being capable of exhibiting granular jamming when air is removed from the first bladder. The mandrel further includes a second bladder configured to expand and apply a force to the first bladder. Systems and methods that relate to the mandrel are also described within examples.

Systems and methods are provided for multi-celled pressurizable air bladders. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a bladder. The bladder includes a casing that encloses an internal volume of the bladder, walls within the bladder that subdivide the internal volume into cells that are airtight with respect to each other, and ducting that couples each of the cells with a source of pressurized gas via a distinct pathway. The apparatus also includes a controller that progressively pressurizes individual cells within the bladder from a first portion of a laminate to a second portion of the laminate by controlling application of gas from the source via the ducting.

A method for resin coating electrical windings enclosed within a housing of an electric motor and defining a central cylindrical cavity, the method including preparing a core having an elastic wall that encloses an inner chamber having an opening provided with a selective shut-off means, as well as a lower disc-like portion and an upper cylindrical portion that protrudes from a surface of the lower portion, coupling the core and an electric motor stator, in such a way that the upper portion occupies the cavity of the stator, and the lower portion is positioned within a housing of the motor below the electric windings, inflating the inner chamber through the opening, in such a way that the lower portion comes into contact with an inner surface of the housing and the upper portion comes into contact with the windings, which define a central cavity of the stator, pouring a resin so that it coats the windings when they are not in contact with the core; deflating through the opening the inner chamber, and separating the core from the stator, whose windings are coated with resin.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a composite structure. A composite material having a closed cross-section or a partially closed cross-section is cured to form the composite structure, wherein the composite material is in contact with a foam mandrel assembly when curing begins. A supportive foam mandrel in the foam mandrel assembly is collapsed during curing.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can have a bowl portion and an apron portion spaced from the bowl portion by a gap. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having at least one seamless curved edge and/or an at least partially seamless sink portion.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can have a bowl portion and an apron portion spaced from the bowl portion by a gap. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having at least one seamless curved edge and/or an at least partially seamless sink portion.

A mold assembly including at least three pieces that are joined together by a seal. Once joined together, the mold assembly defines an interior cavity defining a shape for a baked comestible product. A comestible substance is injected into the interior cavity through an opening in the mold assembly that is either defined by one of the three pieces or by an opening in the seal between two or more of the three pieces. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product by breaking the seal.

A mold assembly including at least three pieces that are joined together by a seal. Once joined together, the mold assembly defines an interior cavity defining a shape for a baked comestible product. A comestible substance is injected into the interior cavity through an opening in the mold assembly that is either defined by one of the three pieces or by an opening in the seal between two or more of the three pieces. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product by breaking the seal.