Abstract: A centrifuge has a mechanical drive coupled to a capsule rotatable simultaneously about mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. A stationary base has a first motor driving a centrally located hub in rotation about the Z axis. The hub has a pair of colinear arms and a pair of struts extending from the arms to support an outer ring. An inner ring is positioned concentric with the outer ring and a second motor is engaged with both the outer ring and inner ring so that it is enabled for rotating the inner ring relative to the outer ring. A third motor is engaged with both the inner ring and the capsule for rotating said capsule relative to the inner ring. The simultaneous rotation of the capsule about all three axes is therefore possible.

Abstract: A column or other elongate molded part is molded using an elongate tubular mold having a closed end, an open end and a flexible sidewall. After the column or other molded part is formed, it is extracted from the mold by pulling the column or other molded part axially through the open end of the mold. The column may be extracted using an expandable plug or gripper that is inserted into the interior of the column or other molded part through the open end of the mold. The expandable plug or gripper is expanded to engage an inner surface of the elongate molded part.

Abstract: A centrifugal hollow basic body forming method includes forming a parison that includes a superficial frozen layer and an inner uncured layer, by filling a model with material; and centrifuging to form the hollow basic body by causing the inner uncured layer to separate from the parison under centrifugal force generated by a centrifugation device and provide a separated uncured material. A centrifugal hollow basic body forming device includes a molding device structured to form a parison that includes a superficial frozen layer and an inner uncured layer; and a centrifugation device that generates a centrifugal force effective to separate the inner uncured layer from the superficial frozen layer as separated uncured material and form the hollow basic body, and that is provided with an overflow chamber for collecting the separated uncured material.

Abstract: A technique for polymerizing ethylene on catalyst in a first polymerization reactor and in a second polymerization reactor to form polyethylene particles, and controlling particle size of the polyethylene particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semiaromatic and semicrystalline thermoplastic polyimides obtained by polymerization of at least one aromatic compound comprising two anhydride functions and/or carboxylic acid and/or ester derivatives thereof and a diamine comprising between 13 and 22 carbon atoms. These polyimides may be converted into plastic articles by various methods, such as injection-molding.

Abstract: Resins suitable for rotomolded articles comprise a bimodal polyethylene copolymer comprising from 0.1 to 5 weight % of one or more C6-8 alpha olefins and the balance ethylene, comprising from 20 to 50 weight % of a higher molecular weight polymer component having an Mw greater than 120,000 and correspondingly from 80 to 50 weight % of a lower molecular weight polymer component having an Mw less than 100,000 having a density greater than 0.942 g/cc [but less than 0.965 g/cc] and a bent strip ESCR as determined by ASTM D 1693 in 100% Igepal® CO-630 (ethoxylated nonylphenols) for conditions A and B of greater than 1000 hours. The resulting articles have a very good balance of properties and significant ESCR.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer polishing pad includes rotating a cylinder about a central axis. The cylinder encloses in an interior space a single polymer mixture that phase separates under centrifugal force. The method also includes forming the polishing pad from at least some of a polymer formed after the polymer mixture has reacted. The method includes forming at least two distinct layers in the polishing pad by casting and gelling sequentially at least two different polymers.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing hollow bodies, particularly wide-necked containers, having a blow nozzle and a blow mold for accommodating a preform. To save air during the blowing process in a simple way, a plunger is introduced into the preform during the blowing operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a vacuum formed, apertured film with micro-aberrations may be disclosed. For example, a polymer web such as a molten polymer web may be received at an engagement point between a screen with a positive aberration and a roller comprising a surface with a negative depression. The roller may have a diameter of no more than about 5.5 inches. A micro-aberration may be expanded, for example, on a land of the polymer web at the engagement point by inserting the positive aberration on the screen into the negative depression on the surface of the roller at a pressure of about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per linear inch (PLI). Additionally, one or more apertures are formed in the polymer web adjacent to a micro-aberration on a land.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a refurbishing machine into a reforming machine. The apparatus reforms a portion of a plastic container using induction heating. The apparatus includes a reform heating assembly that achieves a temperature of above about 500° F., heats the container via radiant and convection heating without contacting the container, and has a power and thermocouple connection to a first controller. The apparatus also includes a reform cooling assembly that has a forming die which contacts and reforms the container portion, a support housing a Peltier thermoelectric cooler, a heat sink facilitating heat transfer away from the forming die, and a power and thermocouple connection to a second controller. The method includes the steps of replacing heating assemblies of the refurbishing machine with the reform heating assembly and the reform cooling assembly, respectively, using the existing equipment utilities of the refurbishing machine.

Abstract: A film formed from a polymer composition containing one or more thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers is provided. The specific nature of the polymer or blend of polymers is selectively controlled so that the resulting polymer composition possesses both a low viscosity and high melt strength. The present inventor has discovered that this unique combination of thermal properties results in a composition that is both highly melt processible and stretchable, which allows the resulting film to be oriented to a degree greater than previously thought possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of pressure-resistant gas and/or liquid tight containers made from thermoplastic materials. To this end the method comprises the following steps: providing a removable external mandrel around a neckpiece, followed by providing at the inside of such mandrel a thermoplastic material for the manufacture of a thermoplastic internal wall. Hereupon the external mandrel is removed and the thermoplastic internal wall is filled with a cooling liquid. Hereupon additional thermoplastic material is provided to the external side of the thermoplastic wall and is consolidated either during the provision hereof, or thereafter or both. Hereupon the cooling liquid is removed and the container is ready for being used.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a pre-pleated catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a folding head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The folding head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and defining a central aperture The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is folded around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a novel method for controlling the particle size of deposited fine particles in a fine particle production method that introduces a fluid to be processed between at least two processing surfaces, which are disposed facing each other, are advancible and retractable, and at least one rotates relative to the other, to deposit fine particles in the thin fluid film which forms between said processing surfaces. A fluid to be processed is introduced between processing surfaces (1, 2) that are disposed facing each other, are advancible and retractable, and at least one rotates relative to the other to deposit fine particles in the thin fluid film that forms between the processing surfaces (1, 2). The particle size of said fine particles is controlled by controlling the temperature of the fluid to be processed that contains the deposited fine particles.

Abstract: A form-molded filter element cartridge has a pass-through filter-media sidewall through which fluid passes and is filtered, and has at least one filter-media flange compressively engageable to form a seal between a first dirty unfiltered-fluid side of the filter-media sidewall and a second clean filtered-fluid side of the filter-media sidewall. A method is provided for making the filter element cartridge.

Abstract: Tools for manufacturing composite parts and methods for using such tools are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part from a plurality of fibers positioned on a tool having a female mold surface. The mold surface can include a first side region, a second side region, an interior region between the first and second side regions, and transition regions between the first and second side regions and the interior region. The method includes positioning a compaction tool over the mold surface. The compaction tool includes a first pressing device and a second pressing device carrying the first pressing device. The method further includes pressing a first portion of the fibers against the transition regions with the first pressing device without generally compacting the portions of the fibers outboard of the transition regions.

Abstract: Molding methods and molds for making a synthetic resin molded product include disposing a curable liquid resin mixture in a recess of a female mold. The curable liquid resin mixture is then simultaneously agitated and degassed by a mixer while under a partial vacuum. More specifically, at least the female mold is orbited around an orbital axis while being rotated about a rotational axis that is eccentric to the orbital axis. After being thoroughly mixed and degassed, the liquid mixture is then cured in the mold unit.

Abstract: Resins suitable for rotomolded articles comprise a bimodal polyethylene copolymer comprising from 0.1 to 5 weight % of one or more C6-8 alpha olefins and the balance ethylene, comprising from 20 to 50 weight % of a higher molecular weight polymer component having an Mw greater than 120,000 and correspondingly from 80 to 50 weight % of a lower molecular weight polymer component having an Mw less than 100,000 having a density greater than 0.942 g/cc [but less than 0.965 g/cc] and a bent strip ESCR as determined by ASTM D 1693 in 100% Igepal® CO-630 (ethoxylated nonylphenols) for conditions A and B of greater than 1000 hours. The resulting articles have a very good balance of properties and significant ESCR.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web includes providing a precursor web a first forming structure having a plurality of discrete first forming elements and a first pressure source and applying pressure between the first pressure source and the first forming structure to force the precursor web to conform to the first forming elements of to form a first embossed web having a plurality of first discrete extended elements. The first embossed web is then provided between a second forming structure having a plurality of discrete second forming elements and a second pressure source and pressure is applied between the second pressure source and the second forming structure to force the first embossed web to conform to the second forming elements to form a second embossed web having a plurality of second discrete extended elements. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of first and second discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A continuous blow molding machine includes a mechanism for shifting molds upstream after closing to reduce between-mold flash.

Abstract: Black particles include a black pigment; and a cyan pigment, wherein when the reflectance to light of wavelength of 420 nm and the reflectance to light of wavelength of 770 nm of plural samples are measured, the standard deviations (1?) of the measured values are about 1 or less with respect to both wavelengths.

Abstract: The instant invention provides rotational molded articles, and method of making the same. The rotational molded articles according to the present invention comprise a polyethylene composition comprising: (a) at least 85 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and (b) less than 15 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein the polyethylene composition has a density in the range of 0.930 to 0.945 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.70 to 3.50, a melt index (I2) in the range of 0.5 to 20 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.06 vinyls per one thousand carbon atoms present in the backbone of the polyethylene composition.

Abstract: According to a method of producing an absorbent member (3) of the present invention including a depositing step of depositing raw material of absorbent member fed along with an air stream to a recess portion (22) which is arranged at an outer circumferential face of a rotatable drum (2) by suctioning and a pressing step of pressing and compressing a deposited aggregate (32) released from the inside of the recess portion (22), the recess portion (22) includes a suction portion (23) which is formed of a porous plate (26) to perform suctioning from a bottom face and a non-suction portion (24) having an air-impermeable bottom face not to perform suctioning from the bottom face while depth of the non-suction portion (24) from the outer circumferential face of the rotatable drum is shallower than depth of the suction portion (23) from the outer circumferential face of the rotatable drum, the raw material is deposited into the recess portion (22) in the depositing step, and the absorbent member (3) having a high den

Abstract: A method for producing plastic containers by a production process, which is either drape forming and blow molding, using a preform in a drape forming or blow molding machine, and for subsequent treatment of the plastic containers in a treatment station of a container treatment line includes, prior to completion of the production process, determining first positional data associated with the container at a location, wherein the first positional data is selected from the group consisting of angular position of a container and angular position of a design feature on the container, and wherein the location is selected from the group consisting of the production machine, a conveying line that precedes the production machine, and a treatment line that precedes the production machine, and passing the first positional data to the treatment station for control thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding an article. The apparatus includes a mold and a mold plate slidable between a first position and a second position within the mold. In the first position the mold plate creates an undercut feature in a molded article in the second position the molded article with the undercut feature may be easily removed from the mold without damaging the mold or the article.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material apparatus suitable for fabricating a nanocomposite material from different materials is provided. The nanocomposite material apparatus includes an acceleration inner tube and a collection outer tube. The acceleration inner tube disposed along a rotation axis has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer peripheral surface. Pipes for accelerating different materials is distributed within the acceleration inner tube. Each pipe includes an inlet, an outlet opening at the outer peripheral surface and a spiral trench connecting the inlet and the outlet. Nano materials having electricity are emitted from the corresponding outlets by accelerating different materials within the corresponding pipes.

Abstract: A method for forming a tail fin of wind turbine includes first pouring a proper amount of molten plastic into a mold having a cavity showing a contour of the tail fin and the mold is rotated to induce a centrifugal force that makes the plastic uniformly sticking to an inside surface of the cavity to form a tail fin that shows an aerodynamic feature of a one-piece hollow shell. The tail fin, when mounted to the wind turbine, realizes efficient and stable control of rotor blades at a front end of the nacelle in alignment with windward direction so as to improve the use of wind power and make the tail fin and the rotor blades in a weight balanced condition to thereby reduce the load applied to a yaw bearing located under the nacelle and extend the service life of the bearing.

Abstract: An in-mold labeling system includes a molding apparatus having a first mold half and a second mold half that opposes the first mold half, the mold halves defining at least one mold cavity contained within a cavity wall. The in-mold labeling system further comprises a polymeric label receptor fixed to at least a portion of the cavity wall of the at least one mold cavity. The polymeric label receptor has a tacky contact face facing the inside of the at least one mold cavity when the molding apparatus is in the closed position. During a molding process, the tacky contact face of the polymeric label receptor receives a mold-side face of a label. The label is held in position against the tacky contact face during the molding process by surface tension between the mold-side face of the label and the tacky contact face of the polymeric label receptor.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process and apparatus for manufacturing plastic articles through the rotational molding method, and is more particularly addressed to a process and apparatus of rotomoulding in furnace for manufacturing containers with multiple layers. The apparatus of the present invention uses a series of bins for the introduction of the materials to be molten on the molds, which are controlled by a computerized control panel.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use in rotomolding or slush molding applications of a composition comprising a polyolefin, a processing aid and optionally a UV-stabilizer.

Abstract: A valve in a mold as to provide a potential airflow pathway either way, the valving having at least a substantially closed condition from which it can be opened by a pressure differential in one direction that is below that which will cause it to open or fail to allow an airflow in the other direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.

Abstract: A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for inflation extrusion molding of pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, the apparatus including: one or a plurality of extruders; a die into which one or a plurality of resin materials including at least a resin material for forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and extruded respectively from the extruders are respectively introduced and which extrudes from an ejection opening the resin materials into an inflated cylindrical shape having a predetermined diameter in accordance with an inflation method; and two stabilizers facing each other at a predetermined angle so as to upwardly approach each other, and defining a space therebetween through which the cylindrically-shaped resin materials extruded from the die are passed to be deformed into a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet in a flattened elliptical shape having a predetermined width, in which the stabilizers each have a plurality of air floating portions each of which blows air toward the resin materials; and

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a perfume-containing body enclosing a single hollow space on all sides and comprising or consisting of an elastomeric, in particular cross-linked, polymer matrix and one or more perfumes stored in the polymer matrix in a total quantity of 10-75 wt. %, with reference to the total weight of the hollow body, optionally other substances stored in the polymer matrix, wherein the hollow body has a total volume of 5-8, 181 cm3 at 25° C. and 1,013 mbar, and the thickness of the wall surrounding the hollow space on all sides at any point is 0.25-20 mm, preferably 0.5-15 mm, particularly preferably 0.75-10 mm, most preferably 1-8 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction industry pipe for use in the construction industry, such as for example a drain pipe or a central vacuum cleaner pipe or the like, comprising a tubular body having a substantially non-collapsible outer wall comprising rigid sections alternating with corrugated flexible sections. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a pipe, which involves the technique of blow/vacuum moulding, and a method for installing a conduit system comprising such a pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a flexible pouch, said method being characterized in that it comprises: the step of inserting (a) at least one fluid or powdery material into a hollow mould (3) having an inner wall (3A), said inner wall (3A) defining a closed moulding surface; the step of rotating (b) the mould (3) in order to spread the material substantially against the entire inner wall (3A) of the mould (3) by centrifuging. The invention can be used for flexible containers.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing hollow bodies, particularly wide-necked containers, having a blow nozzle and a blow mold for accommodating a preform. To save air during the blowing process in a simple way, a plunger is introduced into the preform during the blowing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: Method of applying a layer of material (25, 26) to the inner wall of a cycle tyre (20) in the form of a torus, with an inner wall (28) and an outer wall (29) and having a crown (22) extended by two sidewalls (21), two beads (23a, 23b) and two bead wires (30a, 30b) placed in said beads, said tyre having a given nominal inflation pressure, which comprises the following steps: the tyre (20) is turned inside-out so as to bring the inner wall (28) to the outside of the torus and the outer wall (29) to the inside of the torus; the outer torus wall (29) of the tyre is extended by applying an internal inflation pressure to said outer wall (29) above the nominal inflation pressure of said tyre; the layer of material (25, 26) is applied to the inner wall (28) of the tyre (20); and the tyre (20) is turned inside-out so as to bring the inner wall (28) and the outer wall (29) back into their initial positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon having a non-uniform thickness that is adapted to facilitate folding of the balloon. The balloon comprises at least one relatively thin section formed between inner and outer surfaces of the balloon, and at least one relatively thick section formed between the inner and outer surfaces. The balloon may be formed from a balloon preform that similarly comprises at least one relatively thin section and at least one relatively thick section. The shape of the balloon preform may be formed, for example, by extrusion. The balloon preform may be placed in a balloon mold having a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and blow-molded to form the finished balloon configuration. The balloon comprises a non-uniform thickness, while comprising a substantially cylindrical outer diameter both after removal from the balloon mold and in an inflated state.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers. The wetted fibers are arranged on pressurizable members and may be configured to include internal structural features, such as shear webs. A reinforcement stiffener may be located adjacent to at least one of the pressurizable members and the wetted fibers that form the internal structural feature. The reinforcement stiffener includes a modulus of elasticity that is substantially higher than a modulus of elasticity of the resin used to wet the fibers. In one embodiment, the reinforcement stiffener may be received in a pocket of one of the pressurizable members and may include a releasing agent that permits removal of the stiffener after the composite structure has been pressurized and cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite pressure vessel containing a distributor plate. The distributor plate comprises a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening. The disk is provided with a plurality of radial slits, which define fluid flow passages through the disk between the central opening and the perimeter edge. The fluid flow passages through the disk are adapted to swirl fluid flowing through the disk from the bottom side to the top side such that it swirls around the central opening. The perimeter edge of the distributor plate is joined to an inner side of a thermoplastic liner during or immediately after the thermoplastic liner is formed by a blow-molding process or a rotational molding process.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for blow-moulding containers from preforms which have been previously heated in a heating section and consist of a thermoplastic material. After being heated, said preforms are transferred to a blowing device in which they are deformed in order to form containers under the action of a blowing pressure inside blow moulds. The blow moulds respectively consist of at least two blow-moulding segments. The preforms are transported together with the blow moulds at least along part of a path of a rotating blow wheel. The blow-moulding segments are braced in relation to each other during at least part of the blow-moulding process. At least one of the blow-moulding segments is pivoted about a rotational axis in order to perform opening and closing movements.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped thermoplastic sheet is described. The method includes providing a mold apparatus (1) that includes, a first mold portion (11) having an interior mold surface (14) having a plurality of perforations (26) and a perimeter edge (17). The mold apparatus (11) further includes at least one sheet retainer (35) having an upper surface (38) having a plurality of perforations (41) and a longitudinal axis (44) that is oriented along at least a portion of the perimeter edge (17) of the first mold portion (11). Each sheet retainer (35) is reversibly and controllably: (i) positionable along an x-, y- and/or z-axis relative to the perimeter edge (17); and (ii) rotatable around its longitudinal axis (44), toward and/or away from the perimeter edge (17). A heated thermoplastic sheet (95) is formed and contacted (while at a thermoformable temperature) with the interior surface (14) of the first mold portion (11) and the exterior surfaces (38) of the tubular sheet retainers (35).

Abstract: A method and device are provided for manufacturing a unitary caul sheet to be used in creating a composite material fuselage for an airplane. Specifically, a generally tubular shaped tool having a hollow interior cavity defining a fuselage IML surface is provided. In the method, a caul sheet material such as polyurea is applied to the IML surface before an armature is inserted into the interior cavity of the tool. Then, a filler material is introduced between the armature and the caul sheet material. Further, steam is injected to form the filler material into an infrastructure. Then, the caul sheet material is cured before the tool is removed from the caul sheet material to expose the caul sheet to receive composite material.