Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for isostatic compaction of powder materials for forming complex patterns on the inside diameter of isostatically compacted parts, the method comprising the steps of forming segments of a collapsible mandrel having an outer surface formed with the inverse of a desired pattern to form a patterned collapsible mandrel, the mandrel formed by combining together a plurality of interfitting segments secured with a central key portion. enclosing a material charge to be compacted and the patterned collapsible mandrel in a flexible containment bag, sealing the bag from a fluid environment in a pressurization vessel, applying pressure via the fluid to the bag to cause hydrostatic compaction of the material against the mandrel, and removing the central key portion and the combined interfitting segments until the compacted material and mandrel are separated without fracturing and without uncompacting the compacted material, to form a part having an interior formed according to the desired pattern.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for isostatic compaction of powder materials for forming complex patterns on the inside diameter of isostatically compacted parts, the method comprising the steps of forming segments of a collapsible mandrel having an outer surface formed with the inverse of a desired pattern to form a patterned collapsible mandrel, the mandrel formed by combining together a plurality of interfitting segments secured with a central key portion. enclosing a material charge to be compacted and the patterned collapsible mandrel in a flexible containment bag, sealing the bag from a fluid environment in a pressurization vessel, applying pressure via the fluid to the bag to cause hydrostatic compaction of the material against the mandrel, and removing the central key portion and the combined interfitting segments until the compacted material and mandrel are separated without fracturing and without uncompacting the compacted material, to form a part having an interior formed according to the desired pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
96 words
Method for isostatic compaction of powder materials for forming complex patterns on the inside diameter of isostatically compacted parts, the method comprising the steps of forming a patterned sheet material form having an inverse pattern thereon to fit about the circumference of a mandrel, forming a compacted part within an isostatic processing container by isostatically compacting a material charge upon the patterned form fitted on the mandrel, removing the mandrel, and removing the patterned form, wherein the compacted part is formed with a pattern on its inside diameter as an impression of the form inverse pattern.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
Method for isostatic compaction of powder materials for forming complex patterns on the inside diameter of isostatically compacted parts, the method comprising the steps of forming a patterned sheet material form having an inverse pattern thereon to fit about the circumference of a mandrel, forming a compacted part within an isostatic processing container by isostatically compacting a material charge upon the patterned form fitted on the mandrel, removing the mandrel, and removing the patterned form, wherein the compacted part is formed with a pattern on its inside diameter as an impression of the form inverse pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the step of forming includes affixing the pattern form to the outside of the mandrel using an adhesive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the step of forming includes affixing the pattern form to the mandrel with heat shrink material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the part is a warhead.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the compaction is cold isostatic compaction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of sintering and hot isostatic compaction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 wherein pattern form is peeled from the interior of the compacted part.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the mandrel is a melt-away mandrel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the mandrel is removed by heating the compacted part until the adhesive holding the pattern form to the mandrel melts and releases the mandrel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the mandrel has an unpatterned outer surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the mandrel is a collapsible mandrel.