Abstract: The present invention provides a tool 1 for curing a composite component, the tool comprising a lay-up surface 8 for laying-up layers of an uncured composite component, a cover assembly 9 for moving in relation to the lay-up surface to cover a layed-up uncured composite component on the lay-up surface, the cover assembly comprising a sealable cover for sealing around the uncured composite component on the lay-up surface to form a sealed zone, and a vacuum port 25 for providing a vacuum to the sealed zone, wherein the tool further comprises at least one heating element 15, 53 within the sealed zone for heating the uncured composite component. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a composite component and a composite component. The composite component may form at least part of a piece of aircraft furniture, such as an aircraft seat shell.

Abstract: A thermoformable sheet transfer system is provided having at least one frame, and upstream conveyor, a sheet cutter, and a downstream sheet manipulator. The upstream conveyor is configured to deliver a series of shots of formed articles in a thermoformed sheet from an exit end of an article forming station. The sheet cutter is carried by the at least one frame provided proximate the conveyor downstream of the article forming station and is configured to cut a leading edge of the formed articles and sheet sufficiently formed to index within dies of an article trim press. The downstream sheet manipulator is carried by the at least one frame and is configured to transport the leading edge and the sufficiently formed articles and sheet for delivery in sequential shots from downstream an article forming station to upstream an article trim station. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a punching/transferring device (1), in particular for producing RFID antennas. The punching/transfer device (1) has a punching tool (2) with a vacuum connection (3), said vacuum connection (3) interacting with a porous elastomer (9) such that by means of the punching tool (2), a desired contour can be punched out of a multilayer composite, held, and then dispensed by modifying the shape of the porous elastomer (9) and/or by modifying the vacuum.

Abstract: An automotive interior component including an airbag chute having at least one weld bar, and a pre-stressed instrument panel having a substrate layer for bonding to the weld bar. The pre-stressing provides tensile stress at weld bar bonding areas to reduce any deformation visible on an exposed surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cutting a strand to a length with regard to a weight and to the use of such device in a method for producing a medicament dosage form of at least one piece composed of at least one medicament and at least one additive, the medicament and the additive being mixed and extruded from a die as a strand and the strand being cut into pieces of precise weight using the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic trim reclaim process that recycles otherwise wasted trim into for reuse or densified composite bricks for resale. The device combines four sections to process trim scrap from a typical plastic extrusion process. The four sections comprise an input and feed section, a grinding and pre-sizing section, a compaction and sizing section, and a repelletizing and recovery section. The final product takes one of two forms: a compacted plastic brick or pellet-sized beads that can be directly reused in a new extrusion process. The compaction and sizing section utilizes a heating chamber and ram to force ground trim through an extruder, which is then cut into sections to form brick. The repelletizing and recovery section utilizes an extrusion process that feeds into a cutting plate, whereafter the sized pellets are cooled to solidify their structure prior to being vacuum transported into a container for reuse.

Abstract: Flexible tubular film (10) is helically cut into a flat strip by unwinding the tubular film in flattened form by a tumbling unwinder (1), advancing the flat film tube to a tube expansion zone (17) in which the flat tube is expanded into a circular cylindrical tube and is passed axially over a hollow mandrel (14) slightly lower in external diameter than the diameter of the expanded tube to be cut by knife (18) helically while on the mandrel into a flat strip that is removed at an angle to the mandrel axis. The flat tube is longitudinally stretched by stretching rollers (107-112), which tumble with the tumbling unwinder. The apparatus further comprises stabilization means for stabilizing the orientation applied by the tumbling stretching rollers, applied to the helically cut film strip after it has been drawn from the mandrel.

Abstract: An automatic circle forming apparatus adapted for automatically forming OPP (O-phenylphenol) plastic circles includes a lower equipment cabinet, a first base plate, a transmitting module, an automatic separating module, an automatic tearing film module, a sucking waste mechanism, a displacement module, an automatic forming module and an upper equipment cabinet. The upper equipment cabinet is positioned on the first base plate for installing the transmitting module, the automatic separating module, the automatic tearing film module, the sucking waste mechanism, the displacement module and the automatic forming module therein.

Abstract: A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a concave-convex shape forming unit that makes a notch in the surface of a workpiece to form a concave-convex shape portion, a resin supply unit that supplies resin for a lens onto the surface of the workpiece, a resin curing unit that cures the supplied resin for a lens, a moving unit that moves the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, and the resin curing unit relative to the workpiece, and a control unit that controls driving of the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, the resin curing unit, and the moving unit so as to form the concave-convex shape portion extending in a predetermined direction, supply the resin for a lens between adjacent concave-convex shape portions and cure the supplied resin for a lens.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are used to provide ways of tire tread molding and retreading with a double tread rubber body having a unitary structure that comprises two treads in order to remove the need for buffing an oxide layer typically associated with tread molding and curing. Embodiments of the double tread molding and retreading methods also remove the need for cementing the cured tread to prevent future oxidation buildup. Once the double tread is cured and cooled, it is cut along the centerline with a double tread separation apparatus to expose a soft non-oxidized inner rubber. The cutting is much less energy intensive when compared to buffing with an expendable wire brush. There is no risk of spots of oxidized rubber being missed as is the case with buffing. There is little or no dust created.

Abstract: The invention is related in general to equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pelletizing low molecular weight semi-crystalline polymers are provided herein. Polymer compositions comprising the semi-crystalline polymer and a solvent are provided to a devolatilizing device, where the solvent is at least partially evaporated under vacuum conditions, resulting in removal of heat from the polymer by evaporative cooling and crystallization of the polymer. Once the polymer has reached the desired temperature, the polymer exits the devolatilizer and is pelletized. Semi-crystalline polymers that may be used in the present invention include propylene-based copolymers, such as propylene-ethylene and propylene-hexene copolymers having a heat of fusion, Hf, from about 5 to about 75 J/g and a weight average molecular weight, Mw, from about 10,000 to about 200,000 g/mol.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for manufacturing irregularly shaped panel filters. For example, according to one illustrative embodiment, a system for manufacturing irregularly shaped panel filters includes a filter medium source, a scoring section in filter medium receiving communication with the filter medium source, a first gathering section in filter medium receiving communication with the scoring section, an unfolding section in filter medium receiving communication with the first gathering section, a shaping section having a laterally moveable cutting portion in filter medium receiving communication with the unfolding section, and a second gathering section in filter medium receiving communication with the shaping section.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making embolization particles for occluding fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The method comprises positioning an elongated body of biocompatible material relative to a cutting device. The elongated body is defined by extrusion of a body cross-section along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body is cut with a cutting device at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis to form the embolization particles such that each of the embolization particles has a particle cross-section that corresponds to the body cross-section.

Abstract: This invention provides single-step pultrusion processes for producing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) articles that may have variable cross sections and/or non-linear shapes. This unique capability results from the use of two sets of dies to form the article. The first is a set of moving dies connected together to form mating continuous loops of moving die links to: a) draw the FRP material into the apparatus; b) shape the cross section of the FRP material; c) cut the FRP material to the appropriate length; and d) hold the uncut FRP material in position for the next production cycle. The second set of dies forms a guide path mounted on opposing conveyers. The guide path includes heated die segments to define a curing section that may be non-linear. Cycling the moving die links through the curing section and/or cycling the conveyers provides a straightforward method for automated production of finished pultruded articles with unique shapes.

Abstract: This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies.

Abstract: Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.

Abstract: A dough moulder including a dough conveyor operable to receive a strip of dough, the conveyor having a first run operable to co-operate with a curling element to curl or roll the dough strip into a dough piece and a second run operable with a pressure rolling board to mould the dough piece, wherein the pressure rolling board has an upper section and a lower section, the lower section including a plurality of formed channels or troughs.

Abstract: For forming a ready-to-bake, endless dough ring, a dough piece is first round kneaded in a round-kneading station and then fermented in a fermenting station. In a pressure station, flattening pressure is exerted on two sides of the dough piece for a flat round piece to produce. After a relaxation interval, an inside hole is punched into the relaxed dough piece in a punching station, with a dough ring being obtained. The individual stations of a corresponding dough treatment system are connected to each other by means of a conveyor. Then secondary fermenting of the shaped dough ring takes place, which is followed by baking of a ring article. The result is an efficient method of forming a ready-to-bake, endless dough ring. Producing the baked ring article can be completely automated.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding and proving dough, including a pair of sheet rollers for providing a dough strip to a dough moulder, a means for engaging and disengaging a retractable dough divider, the retractable dough divider when engaged separates the dough into dough portions as its exits the dough moulder and a prover for recovering the dough portions. Also disclosed is a dough moulder for a strip of dough including a conveyor having a first run spaced below a curling mat to curl the dough strip; the curling mat resting on at least the first run of the conveyor, the curling mat having a raised section which does not contact the first run.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing preselected lengths of coiled tubing are disclosed. According to the method, plastic tubing is continuously wound onto a rotating main tube shaft (24). Downstream from the point where the tubing begins to wind about the shaft, a heat source (46) is directed toward the coiled tubing, softening it as it traverses thereby. Further downstream, a cool-air source (48) directed at the softened tubing sets the tubing into its coiled form. Subsequently, the coiled tubing is cut into preselected lengths by a cutter (50) downstream from the cool-air source.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an operating device and a die suitable for interacting to form containers from a sheet material, a cutting device for separating said containers from said sheet material, said cutting means being so shaped as to be removably connectable to said operating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulating plastic is described, comprising a granulating head having a die plate (2) for allowing the output of strands of plastic and a rotor (5) which is coaxial to the die plate (2) and comprises granulator blades (4) for cutting strands of plastic exiting from the die plate (2), and a housing (1) for the granulating head which is connected to a discharge line (11) and a feed line (10) via a feed chamber (8) for a conveying and cooling medium receiving the granulate, preferably a cooling fluid.

Abstract: Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the production of center-filled confectionery pieces. The apparatus includes an extruder, a feedback system, and a forming device. The feedback system ensures that a strand of center-filled confectionery produced by the extruder has a substantially uniform size when the strand enters the forming device. The forming device forms the strand into center-filled confectionery pieces having 15%-25% by weight of a center-fill material without producing leakers.

Abstract: An apparatus imparts concaves/convexes to a sheet-like object by passing the sheet-like object between a pair of rollers facing each other. At least one of the rollers is a roller a surface of which is formed by laminating a single or a plurality of circular plates each provided with concaves/convexes at a peripheral edge thereof. An interval keeping mechanism is provided between the circular plates provided with concaves/convexes at the peripheral edges. At least one of the rollers is formed with a roller surface by laminating a single or a plurality of circular plates each having only convexes of concaves/convexes portions at a peripheral edge thereof. By the roller, convexes can be imparted to one face of front and back surfaces of a sheet-like object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting machine for cutting up, in particular, foodstuff products having an unstable outer contour. The product feeding unit of the cutting machine has a number of conveyor and shaping belts, which are distributed over the peripheral contour of the product to be cut, are driven in a revolving manner, and whose conveyor strands can be, in particular, individually placed with a pre-determinable pressure against the conveyed product to be cut.

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 procedure for the manufacture of paint rollers comprised of a polyolefin core covered with a pile fabric consisting of tubular bodies similar in length made of polyolefins which are held in place by supports in the form of cylindrical bodies which may or may not be hollow. A mechanism at one end of the machine generates a lengthwise shifting and spiral rotational movement. A heat source softens the surface of the tubular body and incorporates a mechanism which generates the spiral rolling of a fabric cover on the tubular body softened on the outside.

Abstract: A mold apparatus and method for forming a shaped laminate in one step are provided where the laminate includes a cladding layer and a foam backing layer. The apparatus includes a male mold half matable to a female mold half that define a mold cavity. An inlet is mounted on the mold apparatus for introducing foamable materials into the mold cavity. Edge folding members, carried by one of the mold halves, movable from a retracted position to an extended position, fold the cladding layer over at least part of the edge of the foam backing layer. Trim blades are located adjacent to the edge folding members movable from a retracted position adjacent the cavity to an extended position engaging the other mold half to sever the cladding layer to define the finished shape of the laminate.

Abstract: A plug assist tooling assembly for a roll fed, post trim thermoforming machine in which a spider plate connecting plug assist rods is located below one or more support plates holding a clamping plate having an array of holes formed therein each defining a chamber each receiving a plug assist which chambers are sealed when sheet material is clamped by rings encircling the open top of each chamber to enable air pressure communicating to each chamber to exert forming pressure on the section of sheet material within each clamping ring. The support plates are fixed spaced from one of the main platens by standoffs fixed relative to the support plate or plates and the platen, the spider plate located in the same space.

Abstract: A method of making molded components including supplying a plastic material to a mold to form a molded article and actuating a separating apparatus to at least partially separate the molded article into at least two components. An apparatus for making molded components including a cavity, a separating apparatus coupled to the cavity and configured to at least partially separate a molded article into at least two components.

Abstract: Continuous strand pellets made of particles, in which reinforcing staple fibers are arranged in a thermoplastic matrix in a helical manner, are provided. The reinforcing staple fibers and the molten matrix material are situated in a peripheral area of the particles and, together with unmolten thermoplastic staple fibers, are present in a core area of the particles. A method for producing the continuous strand pellets from a staple fiber mixture of thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers includes feeding the staple fiber mixture through a preheating zone and then drawing the staple fiber mixture through a heating nozzle to form a strand, which after rotating and consolidation by cooling, is cut into continuous strand pellets.

Abstract: An annular friction liner, especially for use in a friction device of a motor vehicle, is made by an apparatus including a pair of adjacent conical rolls, a helical guide and a device for trimming a length of the continuous ring whereby a straight strip of friction material, having a width substantially equal to the required final width of the liner, is deformed into a continuous ring.

Abstract: A thermoformer, which produces zero scrap during the heating, forming and cutting of a blister package uses a precut roll having a series of adjacent webs connected by a cut area. Each of the webs are defined by an overall length L, a width W, and a radius R. Each of the cut areas are defined by a cut depth D1, said cut depth D1 being in the range of about 25% to 90% of the width W of the webs. The thermoformer further comprises a heating station adapted to heat each of the webs, a forming station adapted to form each of the webs, and a cutting station adapted to separate the webs from each other, by making a cut along each of the cut areas connecting the webs.

Abstract: A machine for forming helical coil comprises an elongate cylindrical mandrel which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a stationary helical guide coil wrapped around the mandrel and defining a helical guide path around the mandrel between turns of the guide coil into which path the material is guided. At least two drive rollers parallel to the axis of the mandrel which are rotatable each about a respective longitudinal axis. A drive coupling member at one end of the mandrel for receiving a drive from a rotatable drive member. A mounting boss for supporting the mandrel so as to allow rotation of the mandrel while holding the mandrel against longitudinal movement, a coil support plate having one edge attached to the turns of the helical guide coil so as to support the helical guide coil along its length with the plate extending outwardly of the axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A photo film cassette includes a spool core (13) on which photo film is wound in a form of a roll. A cassette shell (3, 4) contains the spool core in rotatable fashion. In each of a pair of disks (16, 17), a bearing hole (16a, 17a) is formed. The disks are secured to first and second ends of the spool core, and regulate edges of the photo film. To produce at least one kind of disk, a continuous sheet (27, 78, 88, 162, 171, 215) of thermoplastic synthetic resin is partially masked with a mask plate (48, 87, 160, 161, 170). A portion of the sheet emerging out of the mask plate is heated at temperature higher than a softening point of the sheet. The emerging portion is subjected to vacuum/air-pressure forming, so as to form a disk-like portion (20) in the sheet. The bearing hole and a contour of the disks is cut in the disk-like portion, to produce the disks.

Abstract: A filling material includes a web of sheet made of metal, in particular aluminum, or of dimensionally stable flexible material, especially plastic, with the sheet being perforated with evenly spaced slits extending parallel in longitudinal direction of the band and stretched transversely to the longitudinal extension, and with the sheet profiled transversely to the longitudinal extension.