A method of fabricating a vacuum barrier system includes fabricating a soluble forming mandrel, laying up composite material over the soluble forming mandrel, and applying a forming mandrel vacuum bag over the composite material and curing the composite tooling material to form a cured composite bag carrier. The method also includes de-bagging and trimming the cured composite bag carrier.

An example mandrel for processing a part is described including a plurality of elastomeric components aligned end to end and spaced apart linearly to form a segmented mandrel body, and compressible interconnections positioned within spacing between adjacent elastomeric components and abutting the adjacent elastomeric components. The compressible interconnections allow the plurality of elastomeric components to expand axially due to thermal expansion resulting in a distribution of pressure. An example method for fabricating a composite part is also described including placing a base composite layer into a cavity of a tooling surface, inserting a mandrel into the cavity of the tooling surface such that the base composite layer is between the mandrel and the tooling surface, applying a skin to the mandrel and the base composite layer forming a package, enclosing the package in a vacuum bag and curing, and removing the mandrel from the cavity of the tooling surface.

A system and method for producing a comestible baked product in complex shapes using upright cast molding wherein a portion of the interior cavity forms a baking cup which can optionally receive a liner. Embodiments generally include a first part and second part that are configured to be joined together along a seam. When configured, an outer surface is created and an inner surface cavity which creates a contiguous internal hollow space in the form of a three-dimensional shape is formed. A portion of this internal hollow space forms a cup. The cup can be circular shaped or a different shape entirely such as a square. The mold may provide a means for supporting the mold in its designated position. Other embodiments may include a single piece that is attachable to the rim of a cup of a multi-cup baking pan or to a single stand-alone cup.

A tooling system may include an outer mold line (OML) tool and one or more inner mold line (IML) tools. The OML tool may have an OML tool surface. Each one of the IML tools may have an IML tool surface and may be receivable within the OML tool 202. Each IML tool may be formed of expandable material. Each IML tool may apply an internal compaction pressure to a composite assembly positioned between the OML tool surface and the IML tool surface when the expandable material is heated.

A tire curing bladder and associated method of forming same includes an elastomeric body and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag chemically bonded to the elastomeric body.

Methods for manufacturing elongated structural elements are provided. Such methods provide composite material having optimal properties such as weight and strength which can be produced at much lower costs compared to conventional methods. Composite materials including such elements are also provided. In addition, commercial products incorporating such structural elements are provided.

Solid polymer objects have size at least 0.5 mm in each of three orthogonal dimensions and shape such that each object has one or more edges, points or corners and/or has a plurality of projections which extend out from a core portion. Such objects may be included in a drilling fluid as a lost circulation additive intended to bridge fractures and mitigate fluid loss. Their angular shape features make it harder for them to slide over fracture faces or each other and helps them to bridge a fracture. A method of making these objects provides a travelling endless belt made of elastomer and defining mould cavities. The mould cavities are filled with a polyerisable liquid composition, which is cured in the mould as the belt advances, and the cured objects are ejected from a mould as the belt bends around a roller.

Solid polymer objects have size at least 0.5 mm in each of three orthogonal dimensions and shape such that each object has one or more edges, points or corners and/or has a plurality of projections which extend out from a core portion. Such objects may be included in a drilling fluid as a lost circulation additive intended to bridge fractures and mitigate fluid loss. Their angular shape features make it harder for them to slide over fracture faces or each other and helps them to bridge a fracture. A method of making these objects provides a travelling endless belt made of elastomer and defining mould cavities. The mould cavities are filled with a polyerisable liquid composition, which is cured in the mould as the belt advances, and the cured objects are ejected from a mould as the belt bends around a roller.

A hybrid mandrel for forming a composite part may comprise a core and a sleeve located around the core. The core may include a rigid material. The sleeve may comprise an elastomeric material. The part may be formed by locating the hybrid mandrel in an injection mold, depositing a molten resin around the hybrid mandrel, curing the molten resin; and removing the hybrid mandrel.

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 s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.