US4305449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of and apparatus for fabricating filament reinforced metal matrix structures
Assignee: Avco Corp
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Filing: 1980-06-20
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Granted: 1981-12-15
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Expires: 2000-06-20
Abstract
Abstract Lightweight filament reinforced composite metal matrix structures is provided. The preferred process for producing tubing comprises wrapping alternate layers of metal and filament material to be molded around a mandrel. The mandrel is removed and in its place a test tube-shaped hollow glass cylinder is inserted. The wrapped cylinder is next placed in a cylindrical shaped mold and the entire assembly placed in an oven which is capable of heating the unit to the liquidus temperature of the metal matrix. The glass, which is of a type which softens at about the melting point of the matrix material, is pressurized to a medium high pressure. Under the influence of this pressure, the glass expands, forcing the composite metal matrix against the interior surface of the mold. The consolidated tubing is then cooled to a completely solidified state and removed from the mold.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond C. Loszewski
- 👤 Edward S. Salter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:42
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D19/00; B22D19/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S138/00; Y10S138/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of forming a metal matrix composite tube comprising: layering up alternate layers of metal foil and reinforcing filament on a hollow ceramic bladder, the matrix material and said bladder material having similar softening temperatures, said bladder material having a continuous viscosity versus temperature curve for yielding uniformly while retaining its compressive strength and further retaining its strength when softened so that it can be expanded when pressure is applied; placing said layers and bladder in a mold; heating said mold and contents to the softening temperature of said metal matrix material and bladder material; applying pressure within said bladder to cause the bladder to expand causing said matrix material and filaments to consolidate into a composite conforming to said mold; and cooling said mold and contents and removing said bladder.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of forming a metal matrix composite tube comprising: layering up alternate layers of metal foil and reinforcing filament on a hollow ceramic bladder, the matrix material and said bladder material having similar softening temperatures, said bladder material having a continuous viscosity versus temperature curve for yielding uniformly while retaining its compressive strength and further retaining its strength when softened so that it can be expanded when pressure is applied; placing said layers and bladder in a mold; heating said mold and contents to the softening temperature of said metal matrix material and bladder material; applying pressure within said bladder to cause the bladder to expand causing said matrix material and filaments to consolidate into a composite conforming to said mold; and cooling said mold and contents and removing said bladder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as described in claim 1 where the ceramics are characterized as having a viscosity that decreases continuously as the temperature is increased.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as described in claim 2 where the ceramics are taken from the group consisting of borosilicate glass, solder glass, silica boron oxide glass, fused silica and fused quartz.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as described in claim 1 which includes the step of evacuating said filaments and matrix material to aid in said consolidation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as described in claim 1 where said matrix material is aluminum alloy and said bladder material is soda borosilicate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as described in claim 1 where said matrix material is titanium and said bladder material is fused quartz.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-12-14 | 1985-06-15 | 1985-12-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-12-14 | 1989-06-15 | 1989-12-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-12-14 | 1993-06-15 | 1993-12-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |