A system for curing polymer matrix composite parts out of autoclave in manufacturing and repairing processes including: (i) an inner vacuum bag (3) placed over the lay-up to be cured located over a working area (15, 18) with the edges of the inner vacuum bag (3) joined to the working area by first sealing elements (8); (ii) a Perforated bulkhead (4) located over the inner vacuum bag (3), (iii) an Outer vacuum bag (2) over a perforated bulkhead (4) and over the edges of the inner vacuum bag with the edges of the outer vacuum bag (2) joined to the working area (15, 18) by second sealing elements (1), (iv) a vacuum device (5, 7, 6) and (v) a heating source (9, 20).

The present system, method and apparatus are adapted for the quick and easy patching of inflatable devices. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods comprise a tip, a body portion, an adhesive, a patch and a probe, wherein the tip and body portion are inserted into the inflatable device so as to apply the adhesive and patch to the interior of the device to create an air-tight seal. The disclosure thus provides an improved patching system, apparatus and method.

The present system, method and apparatus are adapted for the quick and easy patching of inflatable devices. More specifically, the system, apparatus and methods comprise a tip, a body portion, an adhesive, a patch and a probe, wherein the tip and body portion are inserted into the inflatable device so as to apply the adhesive and patch to the interior of the device to create an air-tight seal. The disclosure thus provides an improved patching system, apparatus and method.

A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including an outer tubular liner and an inner inflatable bladder positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, the tubular liner being wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder so that the inflatable bladder expands to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure; and deflating the inflatable bladder and retrieving at least a portion of the liner assembly from the pipeline.

A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including an outer tubular liner and an inner inflatable bladder positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, the tubular liner being wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder so that the inflatable bladder expands to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure; and deflating the inflatable bladder and retrieving at least a portion of the liner assembly from the pipeline.

Systems and methods for attaching to a surface and applying a calibrated load are described. An example system for attaching to a surface and applying a calibrated load includes a suction cup to attach to an attachment surface and a rocker arm to apply a load to a working surface. The rocker arm is coupled to the suction cup and comprises a portion extending over the suction cup to apply pressure over the suction cup. The system also includes a force scale coupled to the rocker arm to provide an indication of an amount of the load applied to the working surface by the rocker arm.

Systems and methods for attaching to a surface and applying a calibrated load are described. An example system for attaching to a surface and applying a calibrated load includes a suction cup to attach to an attachment surface and a rocker arm to apply a load to a working surface. The rocker arm is coupled to the suction cup and comprises a portion extending over the suction cup to apply pressure over the suction cup. The system also includes a force scale coupled to the rocker arm to provide an indication of an amount of the load applied to the working surface by the rocker arm.

An acoustic panel (200) for an aircraft nacelle (100) may comprise a perforated first skin (220), a second skin (230), and a core (210) sandwiched between them. A camera system (330) may scan a perforation pattern of a damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220). The damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220) may be removed. A replacement patch (660) may be formed. A CNC machine (450) may drill the replacement patch (660) according to the perforation pattern. The perforations (425) in the replacement patch (660) may be aligned with perforations (325) in the perforated first skin.

An acoustic panel (200) for an aircraft nacelle (100) may comprise a perforated first skin (220), a second skin (230), and a core (210) sandwiched between them. A camera system (330) may scan a perforation pattern of a damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220). The damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220) may be removed. A replacement patch (660) may be formed. A CNC machine (450) may drill the replacement patch (660) according to the perforation pattern. The perforations (425) in the replacement patch (660) may be aligned with perforations (325) in the perforated first skin.

Presented are repair systems for fixing filler-reinforced polymer structures, methods for making/using such repair systems, and techniques for repairing surface damage/defects of multidimensional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels. A repair system for fixing a contoured surface of an FRP structure includes a flexible contact sheet that is fabricated from a thermally stable polymer, and has a textured contact surface that seats on the FRP structure and overlays the damaged area. A rigid cover sheet, which may be fabricated from a metal material, a polymeric material, and/or resin-impregnated fiber, has a complementary surface that conforms to the contoured surface of the FRP structure and covers the flexible contact sheet. The repair system also includes a heating element that lays against the rigid cover sheet and applies heat to the contoured surface with a substantially uniform profile that is sufficient to soften/melt portions of the FRP structure neighboring the damaged area.