A co-consolidation tool, including a heating assembly to receive one or more thermoplastic parts and to apply a consolidation temperature to the one or more thermoplastic parts, a pressure bladder to apply a consolidation pressure to the one or more thermoplastic parts, and a support insert shaped and configured to support and at least partially surround at least one of the one or more thermoplastic parts, wherein at least one of heating assembly and the pressure bladder is shaped to receive and support the support insert.

Described are methods and systems for manufacturing curved composite stringers. Such composite stringers may have in-plane and/or out-of-plane bends, which are formed while shaping composite charges. Specifically, a composite charge is shaped using a pallet, comprising a plurality of independent pallet portions, rotatably coupled to each other. A hat portion is formed when a part of this charge is conformed to a cavity in the pallet. The pallet portions are rotated relative to each other while forming the hat portion and/or when the hat portion already conforms to the cavity. In some examples, the die is bent together with the charge, when the pallet portions are rotated. This rotation produces one or more of in-plane and/or out-of-plane bends. In some examples, flange portions of the composite charge are positioned in a temporary orientation, e.g., to enable bending of the charge and reduce wrinkles.

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.

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.

A flexible mandrel for molding a composite material containing a thermosetting resin includes: a body including a contact surface configured to come into contact with the composite material during molding and a non-contact surface configured not to come into contact with the composite material during molding; and at least one hole formed from the non-contact surface toward an inside of the body.

A duct stringer is disclosed including a structural member with a hat-shaped cross-section. The structural member has a crown, a pair of webs and a pair of feet. A channel member with a U-shaped cross-section has a base and a pair of flanges. The flanges of the channel member are co-cured to opposed inner faces of the webs of the structural member. The structural member and the channel member together provide a duct with a closed cross-section which is adapted to transport fluid, for instance in an aircraft wing to provide a vent function in an aircraft fuel system.

A two piece mold assembly is comprised of flexible material, suitable for baking wherein the two pieces are joined together in a vertical orientation or a stacked orientation and held together by an interlocking seal structure. 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 aperture in the top of the mold assembly that is either defined by one or more of the two pieces. The interlocking seal prevents egression of injected liquid from extruding outside the mold assembly. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product at the interlocking seal structure.

Mould for producing plastic items obtained by the injection of thermoplastic material of the “hot melt” or polyamide type, the mould being made of flexible vulcanised silicone, rubber or other elastomers, the mould being formed by two parts which, when facing each other and attached, generate a series of compartments and channels that allow for the introduction of the melted thermoplastic material and the filling of the cavities with the shape of the item desired, and, in turn, allow for a vacuum to be generated, also removing the inside air from the mould by means of a series of conduits and channels; and a method or methodology for producing said plastic items by means of said mould, allowing for the reproduction of short and medium series of items produced with plastic materials, and in which a control system and a mould incorporating a means to be identified can be added to the method.

Mould for producing plastic items obtained by the injection of thermoplastic material of the “hot melt” or polyamide type, the mould being made of flexible vulcanised silicone, rubber or other elastomers, the mould being formed by two parts which, when facing each other and attached, generate a series of compartments and channels that allow for the introduction of the melted thermoplastic material and the filling of the cavities with the shape of the item desired, and, in turn, allow for a vacuum to be generated, also removing the inside air from the mould by means of a series of conduits and channels; and a method or methodology for producing said plastic items by means of said mould, allowing for the reproduction of short and medium series of items produced with plastic materials, and in which a control system and a mould incorporating a means to be identified can be added to the method.

A two piece mold assembly is comprised of flexible material, suitable for baking wherein the two pieces are joined together in a vertical orientation or a stacked orientation and held together by an interlocking seal structure. 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 aperture in the top of the mold assembly that is either defined by one or more of the two pieces. The interlocking seal prevents egression of injected liquid from extruding outside the mold assembly. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product at the interlocking seal structure.