Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining flame-perforated films which reduce or eliminate skewing of perforations in such films caused by thermal creep, whereby the film has perforations arranged to provide controlled tear characteristics, especially in both the lengthwise or machine direction (MD), and the crosswise or transverse direction (TD).

Abstract: A molding unit for producing an opening device, wherein a web having plural holes is fed to the unit, and the opening device has a spout closed by a membrane, a neck portion projecting from the spout, and a pull ring extending from the membrane inside the neck portion. The unit includes first and second mold devices cooperating with the web to define a closed cavity, and movable to be detached from the web. The unit also has a first and a second matrix which can be set to a configuration in which they are located inside the cavity to define a first and second volume. The matrices are movable relative to the web to disengage the opening device from the volumes and permit removal of the opening device by feeding forward the web. A single actuator moves one of the mold device and the matrices to/from the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes perforating a reinforcement panel. A mold surface onto which the composite sheet may be formed is provided. At least one outer coat of material is applied onto the mold surface. At least one coat of resin and reinforcement material is applied over the outer coat to form a reinforcement layer. The perforated reinforcement panel is applied to the reinforcement layer, and the resin is forced into the perforations formed in the reinforcement panel, thereby bonding the reinforcement layer to the reinforcement panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a film, and to a die for making the film. The fluid die includes a fluid feed manifold connected to a housing having positioned therein at least one fluid feed channel in fluid communication with the fluid feed manifold. The housing also includes at least one profiling block within the fluid feed channel.

Abstract: A method and system (10) having a flowable pressure pad (22) for consolidating an uncured laminate sheet (14) during a cure cycle is provided. The system (10) includes an autoclave machine (12) for utilizing a pinmat (20) for to perforate and consolidate the sheet (14). This pinmat (20) has a mat portion (28) and a plurality of pins (26) extending from the mat portion (28). These pins (26) are intended to penetrate the uncured laminate sheet (14) during a perforation cycle that occurs prior to the cure cycle. During the cure cycle, the autoclave machine (12) applies a predetermined amount of and pressure heat to the pressure pad (22) for a predetermined amount of time so as to cause the pressure pad (22) to flow around the protruding pins (26). This feature allows the pressure pad (22) to transfer a substantial portion of the applied pressure to the uncured laminate sheet (14) so as to improve consolidation of the sheet (14).

Abstract: A process for providing pores in a structure according to any selected physical characteristics. Generally pins or pore forming members may be positioned in a laminate preform and the laminate preform formed into a laminate structure including the pins therein. The pins generally include a size, density, distribution, angle, or other characteristic that is desired in the final laminate structure. After the laminate is formed the pins are then removed from the laminate according to a process which does not harm a selected physical characteristics of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus and method are provided. An identification tag such as a radio frequency identification tag is provided for molding into or attaching to a thermoformed article during the thermoforming process. The tag may be attached to the article by mechanical interlocking and/or a heat sensitive adhesive. The identification tag is applied to the article while the article is being formed in the thermoforming mold.

Abstract: Systems for leaching liquid waste, particularly waste water. More particularly, a cylindrical conduit or pipe for use in leaching systems. Even more particularly, a cylindrical conduit which has apertures/skimmer tabs created either during the manufacture/forming/extrusion of the conduit or by punching after the forming of the conduit. Most particularly, is an apparatus and method for perforating corrugated plastic pipe or smooth walled plastic pipe while the pipe is in the process of extrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to form a plurality of apertures in a panel made from a meltable foamed plastic material. The apparatus has a movable panel support device for supporting said panel and a heating array. The heating array has a plurality of heating elements mounted to a support frame. The heating array is disposed opposite to the panel support device. Each of the heating elements is adapted to emit sufficient heat to melt the foamed plastic material when a panel is positioned proximate the heating elements. A driving mechanism is provided for moving the panel support device toward and away from said plurality of heating elements. The panel supporting device moves a panel supported thereon, towards and away from the plurality of heating elements and during them movement melts a plurality of apertures in the panel.

Abstract: A heat pressing die set for forming embossed designs on garments includes a male and a female die seat on which a silicon and a metal die are respectively supported. The silicon and the metal die are cut according to given designs to form complementary male and female die surfaces. Continuous flat belt zones of a predetermined width are separately provided on the silicon and the metal die corresponding to perimeters of the given designs. When an area of a garment is clamped and heat-pressed between the silicon and metal dies, the given designs are embossed on the garment and surrounded by heat-pressed belts, which visually highlight the embossed designs while protect non-embossed areas on the garment against undesired pull and stretch to therefore upgrade the quality of the embossed designs.

Abstract: A perforation apparatus particularly useful for creating perforations in a foam-in-bag cushion and methods of using such apparatus are provided. The perforation apparatus is comprised of a frame, a main shaft mounted in the frame so as to be rotatable about a central axis, at least one needle roller coupled to the main shaft such that rotation of the main shaft moves the needle roller through a predetermined arc of motion out of and into an operative position adjacent to and perforating a plastic film advancing past the needle roller, and an actuator coupled with the main shaft and operable to rotate the main shaft so as to move the needle roller. Optionally, the apparatus is further comprised of at least one backup roller. Methods of preparing and perforating a foam-in bag cushion using the perforating apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.

Abstract: A blow molding system for forming a hole through a blow molded article includes a mold that houses an outer core pin and a pin support. During the blow molding process, a compression area is created in the mold. After the compression area is formed, the outer core pin and the pin support cooperatively cut out a portion of the compression area during the blow molding process. After the mold is opened, the cut-out portion of the compression area can be removed to expose the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for making slotted tubular dunnage in which a resilient plastic tube having a pair of flanges at opposite sides extending along the length of the tube is held by gripping the flanges at opposite sides of the tube and squeezing sides of the tube together. The apparatus then moves the tube into a slotting position between a steel rule die and a kissing plate while holding the tube with the sides squeezed together. The apparatus then shifts the die against and through the sides of the tube forming a slot therein surrounding a cutout slug of the tube. The apparatus then withdraws the die from the tube while retaining the slug within the slot and moves the tube to a discharged position and discontinues the squeezing of the tube.

Abstract: A forming structure for use in an apparatus for making formed polymeric film. The forming structure comprises a first portion comprising a network of interconnecting members defining apertures, the apertures being spaced in a pattern defining a first percent open area, a second portion being solid and having no apertures and zero percent open area; and a third portion being a transition between and joining the first and second portions, the transition portion exhibiting a second percent open area, the second percent open area of the third portion being less than the first percent open area of first portion.

Abstract: A method and system for molding thermoplastic sandwich material to form a deep-drawn article utilizing a unique clamping technique and mechanism are described. The method includes the steps of positioning a blank of thermoplastic sandwich material having a cellular core over a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the female die. Then, an inner portion of the blank is forced into the female die along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the female die to obtain deep-drawn material. During the step of forcing at least one outer portion of the blank immediately adjacent the female die is clamped to guide the at least one outer portion of the blank to travel into the article-defining cavity at an acute angle with respect to the vertical axis. Thickness of at least one side wall of the deep-drawn material is substantially the same as thickness of the blank of thermoplastic sandwich material.

Abstract: To provide manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein and a mold for implementing such method, which reduce the time required for manufacturing, do not leave shavings in the gap between the outer tube and the inner tube, and offer highly accurate hole positioning. The manufacturing method for a double tube having a hole formed therein pertaining to the present invention uses a mold in which a punch is located in at least one of the split mold halves that form the outer circumferential surface, an indentation is formed by drawing the punch into the mold, and fluid pressure is applied between the outer tube and the inner tube of the double tube located within the mold to form a hole in the circumferential wall of the outer tube via such indentation. Furthermore, the punch is placed in the mold in a watertight fashion.

Abstract: A method for weakening a portion of a web includes moving a web in a machine direction between at least a first location and a second location, wherein the second location is positioned downstream of the first location, forming a line of weakness in the web at the first location, wherein the web has a first tensile strength across the line of weakness, and weakening the line of weakness at a second location, wherein the web has a second tensile strength across the line of weakness after the line of weakness is weakened at the second location and wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a film, and to a die for making the film. The fluid die includes a fluid feed manifold connected to a housing having positioned therein at least one fluid feed channel in fluid communication with the fluid feed manifold. The housing also includes at least one profiling block within the fluid feed channel.

Abstract: A method and system (10) having a flowable pressure pad (22) for consolidating an uncured laminate sheet (14) during a cure cycle is provided. The system (10) includes an autoclave machine (12) for utilizing a pinmat (20) for to perforate and consolidate the sheet (14). This pinmat (20) has a mat portion (28) and a plurality of pins (26) extending from the mat portion (28). These pins (26) are intended to penetrate the uncured laminate sheet (14) during a perforation cycle that occurs prior to the cure cycle. During the cure cycle, the autoclave machine (12) applies a predetermined amount of and pressure heat to the pressure pad (22) for a predetermined amount of time so as to cause the pressure pad (22) to flow around the protruding pins (26). This feature allows the pressure pad (22) to transfer a substantial portion of the applied pressure to the uncured laminate sheet (14) so as to improve consolidation of the sheet (14).

Abstract: In a method for perforating a thin film (14), in particular a plastic film, in which the film (14) is quided over a perforating cylinder (10), with the result that perforations are formed in the film (14), a thin-walled hollow cylinder (10) which comprises at least one layer (52) of fibre-reinforced plastic is used, the fibres in which layer are oriented at least in one direction. A fibre-reinforced cylinder of this type has the required rigidity and is not expensive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. In some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.

Abstract: A forming structure for use in an apparatus for making formed polymeric film. The forming structure comprises a first portion comprising a network of interconnecting members defining apertures, the apertures being spaced in a pattern defining a first percent open area, a second portion being solid and having no apertures and zero percent open area; and a third portion being a transition between and joining the first and second portions, the transition portion exhibiting a second percent open area, the second percent open area of the third portion being less than the first percent open area of first portion.

Abstract: A method and system for co-molding a thermoplastic material with a thermoplastic sandwich material to form a thermoplastic sandwich article having a thermoplastic inner portion are provided. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic material may be a composite material and the article is a deep-drawn article. In this embodiment, the method and system include a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the female die and an outer male die for forcing an inner portion of a blank of thermoplastic sandwich material having a cellular core and a predetermined amount of thermoplastic composite material placed on the blank into the female die along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the female die to obtain deep-drawn sandwich material. In a second embodiment in which the article formed is not deep-drawn, the outer male die is not required.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to form a plurality of apertures in a panel made from a meltable foamed plastic material. The apparatus has a movable panel support device for supporting said panel and a heating array. The heating array has a plurality of heating elements mounted to a support frame. The heating array is disposed opposite to the panel support device. Each of the heating elements is adapted to emit sufficient heat to melt the foamed plastic material when a panel is positioned proximate the heating elements. A driving mechanism is provided for moving the panel support device toward and away from said plurality of heating elements. The panel supporting device moves a panel supported thereon, towards and away from the plurality of heating elements and during them movement melts a plurality of apertures in the panel.

Abstract: A robotic method and apparatus for removing finished parts from the trim press of a thermoforming system including a pick and place tool mechanism moveable on at least a two-axis gantry mechanism arranged adjacent the trim press, the pick and place tool being moveable into and out of the trim press to acquire and remove finished thermoformed parts from the trim press. Movement of the pick and place tool is synchronized with the trim press cycle. The present method may include a conveyance system mounted adjacent the pick and place mechanism for placing and stacking the finished thermoformed parts thereon once such parts are removed from the trim press.

Abstract: An equipment and method of manufacturing an amplifier utilizes different injection molding machines to respectively manufacture an external case of an amplifier by using unlimited kinds of material to increase the connection between a diaphragm and a suspension, reduce the cost and enhance the speed of manufacture and the utilization rate of producibility tremendously.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain a disk substrate in which an edge of a center hole is free of flash. The disk substrate (23) in which the center hole (24) is provided with a straight portion (24a) and a tapered portion (24b), and an edge on the side of a signal transfer surface (22) of the tapered portion (24b) is provided with an R surface or C surface (24c), a mold apparatus optimum for molding the disk substrate (23), and a disk taking-out apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.

Abstract: A film is made of an elastic material. The film is stretched in at least one direction in parallel to a surface of the film. Then, through-holes are punched in the film be means of needles, in a state the film is stretched. After the punching is completed, the stretching is terminated, so that the film recovers its original shape.

Abstract: To make holes in ceramic green sheets that are needed to create feedthroughs, it is proposed to make the holes by using a gas that is under a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure and that is expelled in a pulsed manner from a pressure vessel and thereby acts on a principal surface of a ceramic green sheet, at at least one location at which a hole is to be made, in such a way that material is shot out of the ceramic green sheet at that location. This eliminates the disadvantages associated with the use of punches to punch holes.

Abstract: A film is made of an elastic material. The film is stretched in at least one direction in parallel to a surface of the film. Then, through-holes are punched in the film be means of needles, in a state the film is stretched. After the punching is completed, the stretching is terminated, so that the film recovers its original shape.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a method for drilling holes in a work piece with a laser. A laser beam is received by the optical system and directed along an optical path. The system directs the laser beam through a moveable mask aperture creating a sub-beam, that is reduced in size by a lens system as it is imaged onto a work piece. Multiple features are formed in the work piece by moving the mask.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus, in which a hole and an insertion hole for a drilling rod are formed at a drilling position of a table and at a sheet pressing member capable of approaching or leaving a surface of the table, respectively, the drilling rod made of metal, capable of rotating at high speeds and reciprocating vertically are inserted through the both holes, the drilling rod has smooth peripheral and front end faces composed of at least part of a circular section having no blade, and a predetermined clearance is provided between the diameters of the hole and the insertion hole and the diameter of the drilling rod, whereby by pressing the drilling rod rotating at high speeds to the sheet, a sheet material is melted by frictional heat so that a beautiful hole is formed.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes an upper mold tool having an upper-most mold half, a lower mold tool having a lowermost mold half, and an intermediate mold tool having a first auxiliary mold half cooperating with the uppermost mold half and a second auxiliary mold half cooperating with the lowermost mold half. In a first molding step, the intermediate mold tool is positioned between the upper and lower mold tools to form a first mold cavity between the upper and intermediate mold tools and a second mold cavity between the intermediate and lower mold tools. In this molding step upper and lower material layers are individually pre-molded in the two cavities. In a second molding step, the intermediate mold tool is moved laterally away, and the upper and lower mold tools are moved directly into molding cooperation with each other. Thereby, the separately pre-molded upper and lower material layers are brought together, laminated, bonded, and molded to produce a finished, two-layered molded component.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming discrete hollow parts includes extruding at least one continuous stream of molten plastic. A plurality of mold segments are arranged such that one or more segments periodically close on the one or more streams of molten plastic and define discrete part forming cavities when closed. A pressure differential is created within the discrete part forming cavities to shape the molten plastic accordingly. Air or another gas is replenished within the discrete hollow parts either in the discrete part forming cavities, or nearly immediately upon discharge from the cavities. The discrete hollow parts are then cooled. The apparatus for forming discrete hollow parts in this manner has an extruder and a plurality of the mold segments including one or more segments that can be closed on the plastic stream or streams. The pressure differential is applied by the apparatus to the closed mold segments. The hollow part interior is replenished either by the apparatus or manually by an operator.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain a disk substrate in which an edge of a center hole is free of flash. The disk substrate (23) in which the center hole (24) is provided with a straight portion (24a) and a tapered portion (24b), and an edge on the side of a signal transfer surface (22) of the tapered portion (24b) is provided with an R surface or C surface (24c), a mold apparatus optimum for molding the disk substrate (23), and a disk taking-out apparatus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes perforating a reinforcement panel. A mold surface onto which the composite sheet may be formed is provided. At least one outer coat of material is applied onto the mold surface. At least one coat of resin and reinforcement material is applied over the outer coat to form a reinforcement layer. The perforated reinforcement panel is applied to the reinforcement layer, and the resin is forced into the perforations formed in the reinforcement panel, thereby bonding the reinforcement layer to the reinforcement panel.

Abstract: Mold apparatus for molded wood strand three-dimensionally carved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of shaping optical storage devices (OSD) by placing an OSD between a die set having a male die and female die corresponding to a desired shape and advancing and retracting the die set so as to die-cut the OSD to the desired shape to form a shaped OSD, the shaped OSD products formed therefrom and the die set.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for the production of holes, particularly of micro-perforations, in a composite material, constituted by fibers embedded in a resinous matrix, characterized in that it consists in a preliminary step of carrying out on a specimen of the composite material, with the help of a laser beam, tests consisting in adjusting the duration of illumination at a predetermined place on the specimen, as well as the focusing and power of said laser beam, so as to confine the temperature in the mass of the material to a range of temperatures both greater than the thermal decomposition temperature of the matrix resin and below the temperature of altering the physical properties of the fibers, so as to carry out the elimination of the resin without affecting the physical integrity of the fibers, then in reproducing on the material (8) to be treated, at each position of a perforation to be made, the operating conditions of the laser (10, 12) so as to constitute in said material a through p

Abstract: An assembly disposed within a mold for forming openings in a plastic part includes a punch pin and a backing pin having faces disposed flush with a surface of a mold cavity. The backing pin is disposed opposite the punch pin. The punch pin is driven into the completed plastic part removing material to form an opening. The waste material is driven into a bore housing the backing pin. The backing pin recedes into the bore to accept the waste material. Upon ejection of the plastic part the waste material ejects from the mold cavity as the backing pin moves back to a position flush with the surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing fiber-cement soffit building products. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for producing fiber-cement soffits includes a punch assembly, a support assembly facing at least a portion of the punch assembly, and an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the punch assembly or the support assembly. The punch assembly can include a punch plate and a plurality of punches coupled to the punch plate. Each punch can have a length and a first cross-sectional dimension generally normal to the length. The support assembly can have a support plate, and at least a portion of the support plate is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the punch plate. The support plate can include a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern so that each hole in the portion of the support plate juxtaposed to the punch plate is aligned with a corresponding punch on the punch plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device to form a bung in which a piece (1) is provided that features a protrusion (2) designed to define said bung, said protrusion (2) constituting a conduit (3) equipped with a previously closed first end, with said piece in place in an enclosure (5); said piece (1) is released from said enclosure (5) using relative driving means (6) of one in relation to the other and said previously closed end is unplugged using cutting means (7) operated, directly or not, by said driving means (6). The invention concerns also a fabrication mold for a hollow body, such as a tank, provided with a bung, equipped with the above-described device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing fiber-cement soffit building products. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for producing fiber-cement soffits includes a punch assembly, a support assembly facing at least a portion of the punch assembly, and an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the punch assembly or the support assembly. The punch assembly can include a punch plate and a plurality of punches coupled to the punch plate. Each punch can have a length and a first cross-sectional dimension generally normal to the length. The support assembly can have a support plate, and at least a portion of the support plate is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the punch plate. The support plate can include a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern so that each hole in the portion of the support plate juxtaposed to the punch plate is aligned with a corresponding punch on the punch plate.

Abstract: A calender for treatment of a web of a nonwoven textile V made of thermoplastic fibers. The calendar includes a heated embossing roller made of steel and a counter-roller that runs at the same circumference velocity. The local plastification in the nonwoven textile V that is produced at the locations of the raised embossing areas results in a board-like feel of the nonwoven textile V. To reduce this hardness, the web of the nonwoven textile V is broken, after having cooled at least partially.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: To make holes in ceramic green sheets that are needed to create feedthroughs, it is proposed to make the holes by using a gas that is under a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure and that is expelled in a pulsed manner from a pressure vessel and thereby acts on a principal surface of a ceramic green sheet, at at least one location at which a hole is to be made, in such a way that material is shot out of the ceramic green sheet at that location. This eliminates the disadvantages associated with the use of punches to punch holes.