Abstract: A manufacturing frame comprises one or more alignment tabs. Each alignment tab comprises an alignment element. The alignment element interacts with a corresponding alignment element at a manufacturing station to identify to the manufacturing station the position and orientation of the frame. The frame supports a flexible material in a known position and orientation relative to the frame, allowing the manufacturing station to infer the position and orientation of the flexible material on the frame from the interaction of the alignment elements on the frame and the manufacturing station.

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: An injection molding system is configured to produce a multi-color molded article by simultaneously or sequentially injection-molding resins of a plurality of types by means of a plurality of injection molding machines. An insert mold is mounted in a mold of a first injection molding machine and a primary molded article is molded by this injection molding machine. Thereafter, a robot arm takes out the insert mold, along with the primary molded article, from the mold of the injection molding machine and attaches it to a mold of a second injection molding machine. A two-color molded article is injection-molded by the second injection molding machine and removed as a product.

Abstract: A method of forming a single-mode polymer waveguide array connector that provides precise alignment of a plurality of cores of polymer waveguide arrays with respect to an absolute reference position, such as a guide pin hole in a ferrule, when the polymer waveguide array connector is connected to another polymer waveguide array connector or provides precise alignment of a plurality of cores of a polymer waveguide array and a fiber array with respect to the absolute reference position when the polymer waveguide array connector is connected to a single-mode fiber array connector. A plurality of cores of single-mode polymer waveguide arrays or single-mode fiber arrays is precisely aligned with each other. In addition, there is provided a combination of a plurality of molds, e.g., a first mold (A) and a second mold (B), used in a plurality of processes in a specific method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming and cutting a dough sheet into a plurality of generally spherically shaped, boule-type dough products in a continuous process. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum and a plurality of cutter molds disposed on the rotatable drum for engaging, shaping and severing dough from the sheet as the dough sheet moves along the dough travel path. Each of the cutter molds including a peripheral edge portion, a base portion and a curved, annular side wall defining a concave, generally bowl-shaped internal cavity, with the peripheral edge portion establishing a cutting edge for the cutter mold.

Abstract: An injection molding device, includes a first mold which has an injection material channel and a second mold defining a first cavity in which a first product part can be injection-molded. The first mold can be moved in a direction different from the mold opening direction. In this manner, especially two-component products can be produced, the first mold together with the first product part being moved to a third mold section with which a second cavity for injection of another injection material is defined.

Abstract: A method for quickly applying and spreading adhesive between substrates without leaving air bubbles. The method includes holding two substrates apart from each other with adhesive sides facing, a second substrate being positioned above a first substrate. The second substrate is suspended in a manner so as to cause a portion to warp towards the first substrate. After a liquid filler is applied between the two substrates, rollers are lowered onto the second substrate and moved so as to disperse the liquid filler between the first and second substrates. In accordance with the rolling of the rollers, end portions of the second substrate are lowered towards the first substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing two or more composite parts, the method comprising: assembling the composite parts on a mandrel by laying a series of layers of bands of composite material onto the mandrel with a placement machine,—rotating the mandrel as the bands are laid onto the mandrel; attaching two or more debulk frames (10, 11) to the mandrel between opposed edges of the composite parts after the composite parts have been assembled; wrapping the mandrel, debulk frames (10, 11) and composite parts in a debulk bag; heating the composite parts,—forming a vacuum between the mandrel and the debulk bag so that the debulk bag is sucked into voids between the debulk frames and the heated composite parts and progressively presses against the heated composite parts whereby excess material is squeezed by the debulk bag towards their opposed edges; and removing the debulk bag and the composite parts from the mandrel.

Abstract: A system for processing a composite material may comprise a chamber, a mandrel, an upper ramp, and an upper diaphragm. The chamber generally provides structural support while a vacuum is applied to the system and may have a six-sided generally rectangular box shape. The mandrel generally provides support for the composite material, and may be located within the chamber. The upper ramp generally provides a path for the upper diaphragm to follow under vacuum, and may be located adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto. The upper diaphragm may be placed over an opening along one side of the chamber. During processing, a vacuum may be applied to chamber and the upper diaphragm may be pulled inward through the opening to press the composite material against the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing thermoformed articles from pre-cut thermoformable billets are provided. The system may include a heating apparatus for heating the billets, a billet thermoformer for thermoforming the billet into an article, a discharge system for evacuated the formed articles from the thermoformer, and an inspection system for inspecting each of the formed articles for the presence of a defect. Conveyors and billet carriers are provided for transporting the billets between the various components of the system, and loaders are provided for loading the billets onto the conveyor and/or billet carriers.

Abstract: A die head is provided with a plunger and a measuring chamber, and the molten resin is uniformly fed to the die head of an extrusion-forming machine. That is, the die head comprises a main layer-forming flow passage for flowing a molten resin into an ejection port of the die head of the extrusion-forming machine passing through the die head, and a core layer-forming flow passage for intermittently flowing a molten resin into the ejection port of the die head passing through the die head.

Abstract: When integrally producing a lamp holder, which is provided with a lamp body and a lens portion, by using a mold-sliding injection system, a lamp holder having a reflection surface formed on the interior surface thereof is produced. A fixed mold is provided with a vacuum deposition apparatus, wherein a lamp holder having a reflection surface is produced by a reflection surface forming process, which is provided between a primary injection process for molding a lamp holder and a lens portion and a secondary injection process for integrating the lamp holder and the lens portion by matching the same together, for vacuum-depositing the reflection surface on the interior surface of the lamp holder.

Abstract: When forming a film on a work, such as a lamp holder, the work is not set in a film-forming chamber as in the prior art, but a film is formed thereon by using a mold, thereby simplifying the film formation work. A movable mold is matched to a fixed mold in a state where a vacuum deposition apparatus, the film-forming element, is provided in the fixed mold and the work is supported in the movable mold. Next, film formation is carried out with the film-forming space in a vacuum state. Thereafter, the movable mold is opened, wherein the film formation work on the work surface using molds can be carried out with a series of processes.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.

Abstract: There is provided a method of and apparatus for forming a food by wrapping an inner material with an outer skin material, and the method of and apparatus for sealing the outer skin material more surely in a state where the inner material is disposed on the outer skin material. The food forming apparatus comprises a first shutter (1), a second shutter (2) disposed under the first shutter (1), and support means (6) disposed under the second shutter (2) wherein an operation start timing of the second shutter (2) subsequent to starting of the operation of the first shutter (1) is adjusted appropriately, and a position of the support member (60) is adjusted appropriately, thereby adjusting the amount of collection of the peripheral portion of the curst material (F), thereby wrapping an inner material (G) with the outer skin material (F) in response to the different sizes of the curst material (F) and the inner material (G), thereby surely forming the food.

Abstract: A sheet used as a spacer layer is made of photo-curing organic material and thermoplastic organic material, a stamper is pressed on the sheet, and light irradiating is performed after the stamper is stripped.

Abstract: A continuous forming method and device for an H-shaped FRP member for forming semi-hardened preimpregnated members produced by impregnating thermosetting resin to carbon fiber or glass fiber and the like into a predetermined H-shape. The forming device comprises of a device for mounting a plural number of bobbins having strip-shaped preimpregnated material spooled thereto, providing tension when pulling the impregnated material out from the bobbin. The device the shapes the preimpregnated material to a predetermined H-shape that feeds release films from four sides of upper, lower, left and right. The device then provides heat and pressure to the preimpregnated material from said four sides with a heating furnace for after-curing the preimpregnated material. The device then hauls and holds the preimpregnated material for cutting the cured product.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and crimping a plurality of sheet material web layers, including a first, second and third roll. The first roll including at least one element extending radially therefrom. The second roll has a resilient surface that engages the element to form a first nip therebetween. The third roll has a non-resilient surface that engages the element to form a second nip therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes at least a first and second element extending radially therefrom, with the first element having a greater radial height than the second element, which avoids contact with the third roll. The layers of sheet material web are embossed by the first and second elements as they are passed through the first nip, and are crimped together by the first element as they are passed through the second nip. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes a plurality of first and second elements arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and crimping a plurality of sheet material web layers, including a first, second and third roll. The first roll including at least one element extending radially therefrom. The second roll has a resilient surface that engages the element to form a first nip therebetween. The third roll has a non-resilient surface that engages the element to form a second nip therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes at least a first and second element extending radially therefrom, with the first element having a greater radial height than the second element, which avoids contact with the third roll. The layers of sheet material web are embossed by the first and second elements as they are passed through the first nip, and are crimped together by the first element as they Are passed through the second nip. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes a plurality of first and second elements arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: A device used for an ornamental body gluing apparatus is disclosed to reduce the work and time necessary to change molds. The device includes a cylinder mounted on a press-gluing station, the cylinder having an attaching plate to which a receiving plate is detachably attached; receiving-plate-holding bushes attached to the lower surface of the receiving plate; receiving-plate-holding cylinders mounted on the cope for engaging the receiving-plate-holding bushes; positioning bushes disposed on the upper surface of a drag; positioning pins disposed on a cope for engaging the positioning bushes; positioning bushes disposed on the upper surface of the cope; and positioning pins suspended from the bottom of the groove-fitting mold for engaging the positioning bushes disposed on the upper surface of the cope.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for forming a trim insert particularly suited for automotive purposes such as a door insert includes a first carrier which holds the substrate and a second carrier which holds a material larger than the substrate. A drive assembly is connected to the first and second carriers to position the first and second carriers. A positioner positions the substrate from the first carrier and together with the substrate of the material on the second carrier. An edge folder is used to fold the material around the substrate to contact an adhesive on the second side of the substrate. The second carrier may have a contoured mold to form a desired wrinkle pattern in the material prior to folding the material.

Abstract: A sheeter machine and process is disclosed which eliminates the use of at least one stripper wire or doctor blade wherein the dough, including masa, is worked between pinch rolls rotating at selected, infinitely varying speed ratios enabling controlled differential adhesion characteristics between the dough material being sheeted and the surfaces of the rolls. Variable cutter speed ratios acting with the front roll enable control of the cut product size.

Abstract: An impact resistant film suitable for medical solution pouches and the packaging of parenteral materials generally includes an interior layer of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and outer layers of a propylene homopolymer or copolymer blended with a styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer. In some cases, a flexible copolyester may be substituted for one of the outer blend materials. Sacrificial layers may be optionally be included on one or both outer surfaces of the film to improve processing.

Abstract: A ceramic laminate, which is obtained by stacking ceramic green sheets provided with conductor films distributed on central portions along surface directions thereof, is charged in a die assembly. The die assembly includes an upper punch for pressing a first major surface of the ceramic laminate, a frame which encloses peripheries of the upper punch and the ceramic laminate, and a base plate for pressing a second major surface of the ceramic laminate in a manner opposite to the upper punch. In order to prevent the conductor films from undergoing misregistration toward peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate due to flowing of ceramic caused by a pressure difference between the portions provided with the conductor films and those not provided with conductor films, the upper punch is divided into an outer peripheral portion which comes into contact with the peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate and a body portion which comes into contact with its central portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for flaring the end of a thermoplastic liner installed in a metal pipe. The end extends beyond the pipe and the pipe having at least one flange mounted thereon. The apparatus includes a first forming head having a liner contacting surface disposed at an acute angle relative to said liner, said surface being adapted to be pushed against said end to cause said end to flare outwardly about an acute angle and a second forming head having a liner contacting surface being disposed at an angle of at least ninety degrees relative to said liner. The second forming head is adapted to be pushed against said end to cause said end to bend into contact with said flange.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first female mold member defining a mold cavity for receiving a plastisol skin or layer. A second mold member or slide is positioned with a surface thereon contiguous with the surface of the mold cavity. The surface of the second mold member receives and holds thereon a portion of the plastisol skin extending from the mold cavity. A third mold member, such as a mold core, positions a rigid insert in the mold cavity with an insert surface or edge adjacent the portion of the plastisol skin on the second mold member. The second mold member includes passages for directing fluid pressure against the portion of skin thereon to fold it over the adjacent insert edge. A fourth mold member, such as a mold lid, is movable toward the second and third mold members for pressing the folded-over skin against the insert during foam formation between the skin and insert.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking plastic parts to other parts to form an assembly are featured, using multiple heating elements which are arranged in zones and which are separately programmable in terms of temperature and displacement to develop optimum deformation of plastic having different characteristics. The heating elements are isolated thermally to provide an improved conservation of heat energy.

Abstract: Upper and lower rollers have grooves for a bead ring having a clamp area portion produced by a bead winding machine. The bead ring is placed in the groove of the lower roller with the beginning of the clamp area portion in position for pressing by lowering of the upper roller so that the bead ring is engaged by the groove in the upper roller. The rollers are oscillated between the pressing position at the beginning of the clamp area and the end of the clamp area to roll the top, bottom and sides of the clamp area portion during the movement of the bead ring. The pressure on the bead ring is released by raising the upper roller at the initial pressing position at the beginning of the clamp area so that the bead ring may be removed with the same orientation it had when it was placed in the groove.

Abstract: A continuously operable chipboard press has a heatable pressing drum enclosed over a part of its periphery by a first endless steel pressing belt which is guided around direction-changing rolls, thereby forming a pressing section for a chip cake. In order to increase the surface pressure applied by the endless pressing belt, a second endless steel pressing belt is guided around separate direction-changing rolls within a space between the pressing section and a return pass of the first endless pressing belt. The second endless steel pressing belt acts on the outer face of the first pressing belt for a part of the pressing section.

Abstract: A vulcanization mold for producing laminated bodies, particularly shoe soles of different and/or differently colored rubbers or plastics, the interfacial boundary between adjacent plies of the laminate forming non-planar surfaces, is provided. The mold includes several mold cavities, disposed one on top of the other for forming the individual layers of the laminate, the mold cavities being separated by intermediate plates which are removable from the mold following a prevulcanization to allow for uniting of the premolded individual layers into the desired laminated body. A middle plate freely moveable in the direction of opening and closing of the mold together with two intermediate plates disposed on opposite sides thereof form the mold cavity for a central layer of the laminate, the surfaces of the middle plate being non-planar and corresponding to the adjacent surfaces of the intermediate plates.

Abstract: The invention concerns electromagnetic wave guides. It has as its object a wave guide comprising a hollow conductor consisting of layers of porous dielectric or conductive materials, bound together and to the hollow conductor by a resinous compound, at ambient temperature, in a very short time, in contact with a gaseous catalyst. It is applied, to great advantage, to the continuous manufacturing of wave guides.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a specialty food product, such as a fortune cookie wherein a flat, flexible cake, after being cooked, is placed on a first, flat, fixed surface and is shifted by continuously moving pins over the first surface and onto a second, flat fixed surface having a slot therethough. A continuously moving suction device removes a strip of paper from a stack and places the strip on the cake on the second surface and forces the cake into the slot to fold the same about a first axis until the cake halves formed by the fold are generally parallel with each other. As the folded cake moves downwardly in the slot, a pair of continuously rotating arms engage respective ends of the cake and fold it about a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to and slightly below the first axis.