Abstract: A device and method for thermoforming of a product from a plastic film includes a mould assembly which is used in such a device. The plastic film is clamped between the mould parts in primary and secondary manner. The forming process can hereby be divided into more or less independent zones. Different forming techniques, positive or negative, can be used in the different zones. This makes it possible to combine the advantages of the two techniques in one forming process.

Abstract: A seal system includes a male body and a female body that are slidable in relation to one another in an axial direction and between which an interstice is arranged. Plastics in pasty state pass through the interstice to a chamber partially defined by at least one of the aforementioned bodies. An elastic strip is arranged in the interstice to prevent leakage of the plastics.

Abstract: The flat foil printing press comprises an evacuable back-pressure plate (9), with suction regions (15k) which run in the sheet running direction (X) and which are next to embossing regions (16k), in which foil webs (6k) run. The suction regions are subdivided into several suction segments (10i) which are successive in the sheet running direction, and are each connected to a vacuum source (14) by way of a vacuum feed line (12i) via a vacuum switching element (13i). With the running-out of an embossed sheet (5), firstly all suction segments (10i) covered by the sheet are evacuated, and subsequently the suction segments which are no longer covered by the sheet are successively disconnected from the vacuum source. This results in an error-free separation of foil webs and sheets, for a greater picture quality and machine output.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to punch die apparatus, related thermoforming press apparatus, and methods for thermohydroforming die-punched parts formed therefrom, in particular from sheet blank substrates such as polymer composite materials and metals. The disclosure further relates to thermohydroforming blanks incorporating a vacuum-sealed outer film, in particular polymer composite blanks which can be used in combination with the disclosed apparatus. The apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for thermohydroforming parts with complex deep drawn geometries yet which retain relatively smooth outer surfaces and internal material structure. The apparatus and methods provide a fast and efficient means for composite part manufacturing.

Abstract: A weighing device is disclosed including a motor that can be used to rotate a drive head. The drive head supports a cylindrical spindle having a plurality of holes or recesses. The spindle is configured so that it can be easily removed from the rotatable drive head and placed on a load sensor that can be used for weighing the device. In use a blister strip (not shown) can be loaded onto the spindle. An evacuation unit is provided with a pair of cutting blades. The load sensor can determine a first measurement of weight when the blisters are full of powder and a second measurement of weight after the evacuation unit has been used to evacuate receptacles supported on the spindle.

Abstract: A checkweigher (10) for measuring the weight of a pre-metered dose of medicament in a pharmaceutical blister (12) is provided. The checkweigher comprises a rotatable blister support element (14) for supporting a plurality of blisters (12), an evacuation assembly (16) for sequentially accessing and removing the contents of the plurality of blisters (12) as the blister support element rotates, a load sensor (18) for weighing the blister support element (14) and the plurality of blisters (12), drive means (20) for moving the blister support element (14) to and from the load sensor (18), and a controller (22) for controlling the drive means (20). The plurality of blisters (12) may be provided as single blister units or as part of a blister pack.

Abstract: A method of forming a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, the method comprising providing first and second sheets of material. The first sheet of material is thermoformed over a first forming tool forming a first intermediate structure. The first intermediate structure is then thermoformed over a second forming mold to create a second intermediate structure. The second sheet of material is then sealing connected with the second intermediate structure forming an annular space. A vacuum is created in the annular space creating a vacuum insulated cabinet.

Abstract: A shaping method and a shaping device are provided which can easily and inexpensively form a curved face in a film including a micropattern. A shaping method is for forming, in a predetermined shaping-target area of a film including a patterned face with a micropattern, and a rear face opposite to the patterned face, a curved face beyond the thickness of the film, and includes a fixing step for fixing an outer edge of the shaping-target area of the film by fixing means, a first heating step for heating the film 20 by heating means 95, and a pressure adjusting step for producing a predetermined pressure difference between both faces of the film by the pressurizing means in such a way that pressure at a side where the film is fixed in the fixing step becomes small to form a pre-curved face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurizing and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurizing means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: A correcting apparatus of a seamless belt includes a bottomed cylindrical main body that has an inner peripheral surface formed of mirror surface and that accommodates a seamless belt at a distance from the inner peripheral surface, a lid body detachably attached to the main body, a fixing unit that fixes an upper end and a lower end of the seamless belt to the mirror surface, a pressing unit that presses the seamless belt accommodated in the main body against the mirror surface, and a heating unit that heats the mirror surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing flash from molded parts. The method and apparatus is primarily used with molded plastic parts, but parts formed of other material can also be processed with the equipment of the present invention. The parts are held in position by an electroform mask and an electroform mask is utilized to protect the surface of the part adjacent to the flash that is to be removed. A spin jet nozzle is utilized to provide fluid under pressure to the areas of the part where the flash is to be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing cloth of a seat pad which includes: a mold for fixing a sheet and having an outer shape substantially identical to a shape of the reinforcing cloth and provided with a plurality of air holes interconnecting an internal space with an outer surface; a closed space between the mold and a cover member formed by covering the sheet fixed on the mold with the cover member; a heating unit for heating the sheet; and an exhausting unit for exhausting air from the closed space is provided.

Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.

Abstract: A device for producing a composite material part designed to be in contact with aerodynamic flows, in particular a portion of the fuselage, whereby the device includes at least one mold (32), elements (34, 36, 38) for compressing the part that is to be produced, as well as a system for drainage of the gases emanating from the part that is to be produced that includes at least one plate (42), characterized in that the at least one plate (42) includes a number of openings (44) whose shapes and/or arrangement limit the degradation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the part that is to be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: A press device for the energy-efficient curing of a sandwich component for an aircraft, includes an open and mechanically adequately loadable core structure with cover layers applied to one side or to both sides. The sandwich component is restrained between a pressure piston, an abutment and sidewalls of the press device, thus forming an essentially closed interior space. At least one of at least one cover layer and the core structure includes a curable duroplastic plastic material. A conveying device feeds heated air through the core structure of the sandwich component in a closed heated-air circuit or preferably in an open heated-air circuit in order to ensure energy-efficient curing of the sandwich component from the inside out. The heated air is temperature-controlled by a heater. In the case of an open heated-air circuit, heat recovery by a heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a composite component, such as a composite component of an aircraft, is provided with a molding tool that includes, but is not limited to a first mold, a second mold and a pressure generator. Between the first mold and the second mold, a membrane is arranged so that between the first mold and the membrane a first region is formed, and between the second mold and the membrane a second region is formed. In the first region, a fibrous mat is arranged. In the second region with the use of the pressure generator 116 counter-pressure can be produced so that the membrane is pressed in the direction of the fibrous mat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material that includes fibers that are immersed in a resin matrix, whereby the piece is placed in a first chamber with at least one flexible wall. The process includes a thermal cycle with essentially a first phase (50) at a first temperature during which the resin is liquid or in the “gel” state, and then a second phase (52) at a second temperature that is higher than the first during which solidification of the piece takes place by polymerization of the resin. An external pressure is applied to the outside of the first chamber and an internal pressure is generated inside the first chamber, wherein during the first phase (50), the relative internal pressure is less than 0 during a first period, and then greater than 0 during a second period preceding the beginning of the polymerization for reducing the porosity rate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for stiffening a flat component, a process for the production of a flat component, in particular a fiber composite component, and a fiber composite component. The device has a portion for producing a space for receiving a mold core for the transmission of a pressure for pressing the flat component and the device. It is characterised by means for positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the space of the device. The process according to the invention includes the following steps: introducing the mold core into the portion of the device, positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the portion of the device by means of the means, applying the device including the mold core to the non-hardened material layer or layers, pressing the material layers, and hardening the material layer or layers and joining the device to the material layer or layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacture of a liner of a container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end receives a container penetration element thereon.

Abstract: A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum thermoforming and printing plastic articles from a continuous web of plastic material in which a rotatable vacuum thermoforming drum has a plurality of vacuum thermoforming dies mounted on circumferentially surfaces. The drum further comprises a gear path and a cam path, each with a plurality of substantially flat and curved sections. A print structure in a frame includes a device for imparting ink to the articles after they are formed, and a linear bearing adapted to allow the printing cylinder to move in a constrained motion substantially normal to the central axis. The printing cylinder comprises a shaft with a pinion gear to engage the gear path and a cam roller to engage the cam path. As the drum rotates, the articles are formed, printed and separated in substantially a single operation.

Abstract: In a belling machine and in a method of forming a socket at the heated end of a pipe, an end of a pipe made of thermoplastic material on which a socket is to be formed is heated until it is in a deformable state, inserted in a forming chamber and formed into a socket shape. Process air, taken from a compressed air source, is conveyed into an evaporator of a refrigerating machine using a refrigerant recirculating in a closed circuit and passes through the evaporator, resulting in transfer of heat from the process air to the refrigerant inside the evaporator. The process air is then conveyed to the forming chamber through an inlet, at least to cool the material of the end of the pipe at least by means of a process air flow inside the forming chamber.

Abstract: A nanoimprint lithography template including, inter alia, a body having first and second opposed sides with a first surface disposed on the first side, the second side having a recess disposed therein, the body having first and second regions with the second region surrounding the first region and the recess in superimposition with the first region, with a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the first region being spaced-apart from the second side a first distance and a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the second region being spaced-apart from the second side a second distance, with the second distance being greater than the first distance; and a mold disposed on the first side of the body in superimposition a portion of the first region.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable production process for a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising thin fibers and having extremely few thick fibers [number of fusion-bonded fibers] formed by fusion bonding of thermoplastic resin fibers to one another, and an apparatus for the same. The present invention relates to a melt-blown nonwoven fabric comprising polyolefin fibers and having (i) a mean fiber diameter of not more than 2.0 ?m, (ii) a fiber diameter distribution CV value of not more than 60%, and (iii) 15 or less fusion-bonded fibers based on 100 fibers; a production process for a melt-blown nonwoven fabric characterized by feeding cooling air of not higher than 30° C. from both side surfaces of outlets of slits 31 from which high-temperature high-velocity air is gushed out and thereby cooling the spun molten resin; and a production apparatus for the same.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) molding device is designed to mold a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a chain curing polymer (CCP). A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP to the exterior. An element for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .

Abstract: A fluid inversion liner apparatus controls fluid loss to permit lining of pipe in smaller spaces by requiring less fluid. The apparatus includes a housing, a liner feeding assembly, and a nozzle. A tubular flexible liner is insertable through the liner feeding assembly. The liner has a first end couplable to the nozzle forming a fluid seal at the nozzle. A fluid injection port is provided for introducing fluid such as air or water into the housing. The liner feeding assembly is adjustable for conforming to the liner as the liner passes through the liner feeding assembly. Thus, fluid introduced into the housing through the fluid injection port is prevented from passing out of the housing through the liner feeding assembly. As a result, fluid pressure between the interior of the housing and the liner draws the liner through the liner feeding assembly and out of the nozzle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using stamps to print or mask materials on a substrate service. In one particular embodiment, the systems and methods include a microcontacting stamp that has a plurality of rigid posts each having a resilient pad at its distal end. Each post is fitted within an aperture located in a guide plate such that the post may move longitudinally within the guide plate. The guide plate includes a variety of apertures that typically are aligned with the wells of a microtiter plate. The apertures extend typically through the entire thickness of the guide plate. On one side of the guide plate is a resilient member that extends over one or more of the apertures thereby holding the post in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a pipe, comprising a support structure, a liner secured to the support structure and having a non-everted portion and an everted portion, and a pressure connector secured to the everted portion of the liner. The pressure connector includes a connector stud positioned in an opening of the everted portion of the liner, an inner pinch plate positioned inside the liner adjacent the opening, an outer pinch plate positioned outside the liner adjacent the opening and in opposing relation to the inner pinch plate, and a compression mechanism forcing the outer pinch plate toward the inner pinch plate. Preferably, the connector stud includes splines, and the outer pinch plate includes grooves receiving the splines. The compression mechanism can include a reaction plate coupled to the connector stud and including a threaded hole engaged with a threaded member.

Abstract: Device (1) for producing a stacking projection (2) on the inner side (3) of a container wall (4) comprises a splaying mandrel (5) and a support ring (S) open at the top. Those are movable relative to one another between a standby position (7) and a deformation position (8). The splaying mandrel comprises at least in some places a retaining indentation (9) running externally circumferentially and the support ring comprises at least in some places a notch projection (10) running internally circumferentially. Through the interaction of those indentation and projection in the deformation position the stacking projection can be produced, wherein in the deformation a gap width (11) between in particular the retaining indentation and the notch projection in a border section (12) of the circumference is greater than the gap width (13) between the other circumferential sections (14).

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: In a belling machine and in a method of forming a socket at the heated end of a pipe, an end of a pipe made of thermoplastic material on which a socket is to be formed is heated until it is in a deformable state, inserted in a forming chamber and formed into a socket shape. Process air, taken from a compressed air source, is conveyed into an evaporator of a refrigerating machine using a refrigerant recirculating in a closed circuit and passes through the evaporator, resulting in transfer of heat from the process air to the refrigerant inside the evaporator. The process air is then conveyed to the forming chamber through an inlet, at least to cool the material of the end of the pipe at least by means of a process air flow inside the forming chamber.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof. The method comprises the steps of providing a forming structure being moveable upon a forming drum and comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the forming structure, the protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1. The forming structure is disposed adjacent a vacuum chamber and vacuum is applied at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform a precursor web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web. The precursor web can be cast directly onto the forming structure, or it can be re-heated by re-heat means to elevate its temperature sufficiently to permit vacuum formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids. The method and apparatus include the step of imparting printing to the lids in two or more colors. The step of imparting printing to the lids is done while the lids are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.

Abstract: A fluid reticulation system for a composite component production assembly, the production assembly including at least one pressure chamber (25) having a chamber wall (21) locatable adjacent a composite lay-up or mold, at least a portion of the chamber wall (21) being resiliently deformable, the fluid reticulation system being locatable within the inner volume of the pressure chamber (25) and including means (5) for distributing fluid towards an inner surface (22) of the chamber wall as the fluid enters the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure and a composite structure obtained by the method is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes a vacuum chamber, a forming die positioned in the vacuum chamber, a vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, a composite-body support device for supporting a composite body without making the composite body come into contact with the forming die in a state where the forming die is opened by the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, the composite body including an airtight internal-pressure holding tube and a prepreg fitted on said airtight internal-pressure holding tube, an evacuation system for evacuating the vacuum chamber, an internal-pressure supplying device for applying pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube, and a controller for actuating the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism to clamp the forming die to thereby bring the forming die and the composite body into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A multilayer, flexible planar material for delimiting a matrix supply chamber during the production of fiber-reinforced plastic components made of fiber composite semifinished products includes a multifunction laminate, which has a diaphragm, a textile layer, which is laminated on the diaphragm, and a spacer layer, which is disposed on the textile layer.

Abstract: A process for bonding a vented hollow component includes placing a preformed component with an aircraft skin on a tool surface, with bonding agent applied between the component and the skin. A vacuum bag is sealed about a vent in the preformed component. The vent may be formed through the vacuum bag and the component, or the vent may be preexisting (i.e., an open end of the preformed component or an aperture through the component). The vacuum bag is sealed to the tool surface with a temporary seal or adhesive, to enclose the preformed component and the skin. A vacuum is applied within the bagging material, to compress the preformed component with the aircraft skin, and the bagged assembly is autoclaved to cure the bonding agent. The vent in the preformed component facilitates pressure equalization within and outside of the component to enhance compression against the aircraft skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.

Abstract: A reusable apparatus and method for forming a composite part through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The reusable apparatus may be configured to vacuum seal a curable material, such as composite material, against a tool and disperse a permeating substance such as liquid resin through the curable material. The reusable apparatus may comprise a sheet of material such as rubber having a plurality of surface deviations facing the curable material and the tool. The surface deviations may provide paths for evenly distributed air flow as air is evacuated from between the sheet of material and the tool. Additionally, the surface deviations may allow the permeating substance to be evenly dispersed throughout the curable material. A vacuum outlet of the tool may be positioned between two sealing apparatuses to provide continuous vacuum suction proximate a perimeter of the sheet of material to prevent air from leaking in.

Abstract: A plant for manufacturing a continuous latex foam layer (2) to form mattresses (6) provided with cells (5). The plant comprises a plurality of laying planes (7) provided with a plurality of separate tables (13) separately arranged side by side to form a surface for the foam deposit. Each table comprises protuberances (14) and the arrangement of the protuberances on a table can differ from that of the juxtaposed tables in order to create supporting areas for the different body parts of the user. Preferably the tables (13) with their protuberances (14) are slidably fitted onto the laying planes (7) and can be easily and quickly replaced with separately provided tables having protuberances (14) differently arranged in order to meet the support capacity values required by different users.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for performing a UV nano-imprint lithography are provided. The process uses a polymer pad which allows a uniform application of pressure to a patterned template and an easy removal of a residual resin layer. The apparatus includes a tilt and decentering corrector which allows an accurate alignment of layers during the nano-imprint lithography process.

Abstract: A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.

Abstract: An improved imprint device is disclosed. It comprises a drive component, an imprinting object, and at least one mold, stacked together within a chamber, a fluid supplier is used for providing the solvent fluid into the chamber through a pipe. The solvent fluid will permeate the imprinting object, and the imprinting object will be plasticized at the temperature lower than the glass transition temperature. The drive component is used for driving the mold to the plasticized imprinting object, so that the pattern on the mold will be imprinted on the imprinting object. It is the advantage of the present invention to reduce the process temperature, prevent the pattern distortion, and save the process time. Furthermore, by using the fluid and a barrier film as a pressing medium, the pressure can be applied to the object and the mold uniformly, such that a large area imprint can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of transcribing a shape of a surface of a stamper on a transcription surface of a transcription object by pressing the stamper on the transcription object, which comprises steps of: having one of the stamper and the transcription object positioned opposite a plate surface and the other of the stamper and the transcription object placed on one surface of a pressure plate; and having the one of the stamper and the transcription object pressed onto the plate surface by applying a fluid on the other surface of the pressure plate, wherein an area of the one surface of the pressure plate is larger than a contact area in which the other of the stamper and the transcription object is in contact with the pressure plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for installing a tubular liner in a pipe, as in repair of underground sewer piping. A feeder is of flexible material, which may be similar to that of which the tubular liner is made, and is connected to an end of the tubular liner. The feeder includes a throat portion through which a quantity of inside-out tubular liner is drawn into the feeder by fluid pressure within the feeder and beyond the throat, and the tubular liner is thence urged by fluid pressure into the pipe where it is to be installed.