US 12,011,889 B2
Cauls having integrated edge seals and sealing method
Kiefer Douglas Dundas, Bellingham, WA (US); Samuel Brickey, Bellingham, WA (US); David Andrew Lemme, Sedro Woolley, WA (US); and Collin Wayne Petersen, Bellingham, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Jan. 31, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/649,424.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/201,135, filed on Apr. 14, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0332064 A1, Oct. 20, 2022
Int. Cl. B29C 70/54 (2006.01); B29C 70/34 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 70/549 (2021.05) [B29C 70/342 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3082 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for sealing at least first and second cauls over a composite barrel part layup up on a mandrel, comprising:
a first edge seal integrated into the first caul, the first edge seal extending around an entire perimeter of the first caul, wherein a circumferential section of the first edge seal forms a vacuum tight seal between the first caul and the mandrel; and
a second edge seal integrated into the second caul, the second edge seal extending around an entire perimeter of the second caul, wherein a circumferential section of the second edge seal forms a vacuum tight seal between the second caul and the mandrel;
wherein the first and second edge seals each have longitudinal sections that intersect with their respective circumferential sections, wherein the longitudinal sections of the first and second edge seals overlap along the entirety of a longitudinal gap between the first and second cauls and are configured to form a vacuum tight seal between the first and second cauls, and wherein the longitudinal section of the first edge seal spans the longitudinal gap between the first and second cauls and the longitudinal section of the second edge seal does not span the longitudinal gap between the first and second cauls.