Abstract: A tilting platen pre-loading system for thermoforming press the system pre-loads a tilting thermoforming press platen with a specialized spring-loaded hammer and anvil assembly, to provide better efficiency and consistency in the high speed, cyclic operation of the thermoforming press. The anvil assembly includes an anvil base and an anvil, and the anvil base is immovably mounted to a tilt-frame. The anvil is maintained separate from the anvil base by a loading spring, which are preferably conical or Belleville washers. The tilting platen is rotatably mounted within the tilt-frame and a platen hammer immovably mounts to the tilt-frame. The loading spring compresses and retracts the anvil as the hammer contacts the anvil, and the tilting platen rotates on the tilt-frame to align the tilting platen with a receiving platen. The loading spring de-compresses and extends the anvil as the hammer separates from the anvil, and the tilting platen rotates on the tilt-frame away from the over-platen.

Abstract: A drive and tilt system for a thermoforming press to simultaneously operate the vertical drive and angular tilt of a platen in the thermoforming press, employing a motor driven crank mechanism. The drive and tilt system provides for smooth, efficient and reliable cyclic operation at the high rate required in the thermoforming press. The drive and tilt system includes a drive mechanism, a lift mechanism, and tilt mechanism. The drive mechanism is powered by a drive motor, for rotating a lift shaft. The lift mechanism raises and lowers a tilt-able platen along with a carriage through the rotation of the lift shaft. The tilt mechanism is powered from a tilt motor mounted in the carriage. The tilt mechanism tilts the platen, which is also raised or lowered by the lift mechanism.

Abstract: An axially oriented valve for regulating the flow of a fluid, to provide an efficient and quick cycling control of a high volume of air or other fluid flow through the valve, with a minimum of flow resistance when the valve is in the open position. The axial valve includes a valve body having a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a valve chamber. An annular shaped valve seat within the valve chamber is positioned proximate to the valve inlet, and a piston is contained within the valve chamber, movable within the valve chamber, the piston movable along the axis of the valve, between an open position and a closed position. The piston includes an internal piston chamber and a head seat sealable upon the valve seat with the piston in the closed position, and the piston actuateable between the open valve position and the closed valve position.

Abstract: A system for minimizing platen drive shaft flex in a thermoforming press employed in a thermoforming process is provided. The thermoformer press molds plastic sheets into finished articles. The system minimizes rotational vibrations in a platen drive shaft that actuates the thermal press. Reenforcing plates, or doubler plates, are added as auxiliary frame members, to reduce flex in the platen drive shaft. The doubler plates support the drive shaft along the length of the shaft. The doubler plates include bearings positioned proximate to linkages. The linkages interconnect the drive shaft and the platens. The doubler plates are preferably positioned proximate to the linkages, on the drive shaft and opposite frame bearings. The system can include yoked pivots to support both sides of bearings in the linkages between the drive shaft and the platen. The yoked supports evenly transmit forces between the platen drive shaft to the platens.

Abstract: A system for minimizing platen drive shaft flex in a thermoforming press employed in a thermoforming process is provided. The thermoformer press molds plastic sheets into finished articles. The system minimizes rotational vibrations in a platen drive shaft that actuates the thermal press. Reenforcing plates, or doubler plates, are added as auxiliary frame members, to reduce flex in the platen drive shaft. The doubler plates support the drive shaft along the length of the shaft. The doubler plates include bearings positioned proximate to linkages. The linkages interconnect the drive shaft and the platens. The doubler plates are preferably positioned proximate to the linkages, on the drive shaft and opposite frame bearings. The system can include yoked pivots to support both sides of bearings in the linkages between the drive shaft and the platen. The yoked supports evenly transmit forces between the platen drive shaft to the platens.