Abstract: A mold-clamping mechanism in which top and bottom tie bars extend between a pressure-receiving platen and a fixed platen fixed to a bed, a movable platen is movably attached to the tie bars, a toggle link extends between the movable platen and the pressure-receiving platen, the movable platen is moved toward the fixed platen by the toggle link, and a mold is clamped by the movable platen and the fixed platen. The pressure-receiving platen includes a bottom part surrounding a central cavity, and a ceiling part for joining respective top ends of left and right wall parts provided upright from both ends of the bottom part. An opening via which the cavity communicates with the outside is provided to the bottom part and the ceiling part.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a mold for producing a fiber composite component having at least one fiber-containing material and at least one matrix material. The mold includes at least one tool upper mold part, a tool lower mold part, and a gap lying between the upper part and the lower part. The method determines an expected thickness of the fiber-containing material in at least one region of the fiber-containing material, and adapts a width of the gap of the mold according to the expected thickness of the fiber-containing material in the corresponding region of the gap.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) drawing device having a housing configured for manipulation by a user's hand and to accept a feed stock that is, in certain embodiments, a strand of thermoplastic. The drawing device has a nozzle assembly with an exit nozzle and a motor connected to a gear train that engages the strand of thermoplastic feed stock such that rotation of the motor causes the feed stock to be extruded out of the exit nozzle to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A rotary tool ejection technology utilizing manifolded air to eject contents from the cavities of a rotary cylinder. The cavities include orifices. The orifices are aligned with a channel positioned within the rotary cylinder such that fluid (including air and gas) in the channel exits the orifices. The orifices are assembled with porous inserts. Air entering the channel is ejected from the orifices, creating force acting on the contents of the cavity thereby causing ejection.

Abstract: A rotary die ejection technology is disclosed. A cylindrical die roll has a rotary cylinder having internal air and regulation channels. The outer surface of the rotary cylinder includes mold cavity or cutter cavity. The cavity may be in the form of a socket capable of receiving inserts, including plugs and tool inserts. The plugs and tool inserts may be partially or entirely constructed from a porous material. The mold cavity or cutter cavity is in fluid communication with the internal air channel.

Abstract: A composite film material usable in a data carrier card body includes a first outer plastic layer, an inner plastic layer and a second outer plastic layer, all the layers together forming a co-extruded composite. The plastic material of the first outer layer is a polyethylene terephthalate glycol copolymer (PETG) or contains a PETG, the plastic material of the inner layer is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPC) or containes a TPC, and the plastic material of the second outer layer is a PETG or contains a PETG.

Abstract: The invention provides a coextrusion feedblock having a flow adjuster, a viscosity compensation device, an actuator, a central extrusion conduit, and a coextrusion conduit. The invention also provides a coextrusion profiling insert assembly constructed to be mounted in a coextrusion feedblock. The insert assembly has a flow adjuster, a viscosity compensation device, and an actuator. The insert assembly when mounted in the feedblock has a coextrusion conduit extending between the flow adjuster and the viscosity compensation device. The actuator is adjustable to apply force to bend the viscosity compensation device and thereby adjust a gap height of the coextrusion conduit. Also provided is a method of operating a feedblock having a viscosity compensation device comprising a flex region, a central extrusion conduit, and a coextrusion conduit. Force is applied to bend the flex region of the viscosity compensation device and thereby adjust a gap height of the coextrusion conduit.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a molded product delivery apparatus or a blow molding machine includes a first transfer member that includes first paired chucks that hold a portion of an outer wall of a neck portion of a molded product, and a second transfer member that includes second paired chucks that hold another portion of the outer wall of the neck portion of the molded product. From a state where the molded product is held by both of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks simultaneously, by opening one of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks without interfering with the other, the molded product is delivered between the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks.

Abstract: Blow molding tools and a method of blow molding which provide that the tool have a retractable push up section in the base which allows for the article molded by the tool to have a recessed base internal to an otherwise hollow structure. As the push up is moveable, adjustment of the push up portion can be performed during an automated blow molding operation so as to allow release of the blow molded article.

Abstract: Described are a mold and molding process for manufacturing devices and containers that are scalable, modular, and lockable laterally and vertically with other like devices or containers. The mold is formed with a cup mold and top end mold sections specially designed to allow for molding and demolding a container with an undercut. The cup mold includes, on a vertical wall, one or more undercuts. Multiple undercuts may further form tongues with undercuts each of which forms a groove with undercuts on the molded article, and/or one or more grooves with undercuts each of which form a tongue with undercuts in the molded article. Molding and Demolding of the article with undercuts is further enabled by utilizing an improved method of molding said article with an undercut, and demolding said article from the mold once it is molded, by improvements to each stage of the molding process, including the preform stage, the conditioning station stage, the blow stage and the release stage.

Abstract: A molding process includes the operation of placing insulation material comprising fibers and binder on the fibers in a mold cavity. The molding process further includes the operation of transferring heat to the insulation material to cause the binder to cure.

Abstract: A polymer tube is processed using a solid phase process for improving mechanical characteristics of the tube, including radial strength and stiffness. The tube is made into a scaffold possessing improved mechanical and use characteristics, such as a reduced crimped profile and improved deliverability.

Abstract: A nanoimprint system and methods for separating imprinted substrates with nano-scale patterns from mold for manufacturing. Generally, the system includes means to create, monitor, and control relative movement between the mold and substrate for separation. It is capable of controlling where and when the separation happens and finishes. The relative movement may be generated by motion stages, springs, stage driven flexures, inflatable O-rings, gas flow, and other mechanical means. It may be monitored by separation force, overhead camera, and vacuum/pressures in different area of the system. The relative movement may be any combination of stages movements and movement sequences. The separation speed, direction, and force can be well controlled in the system to achieve fast and reliable separation between mold and substrate, and at the same time maintain the pattern shape and details on the consolidated imprint resist.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing, by welding, a link between an element made from any material, for example metal, and an element made from a thermoplastic-matrix composite material, the second element being produced by depositing a textile yarn pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic material on the surface of the first element. The method mainly includes an operation consisting of producing an interface coating consisting of an epoxy resin filled with a thermoplastic material powder, coating the surface of the element made from any material with same, and leaving the coating to polymerise. It next includes an operation consisting simultaneously of forming the second element and welding same to the coating deposited on the surface of the first element by locally heating the two elements, when depositing the pre-impregnated textile on the first element.

Abstract: A seal device includes a medium passage that sends a heating medium to a sealing units, the medium passage includes a heating medium passage portion for sending a heating medium to said communication part so as to heat the pressing part, a cooling medium passage portion for sending a cooling medium to the communication part so as to cool the pressing part, and a passage switch unit that switches between a state in which the heating medium passage portion and the communication part are connected, and a state in which the cooling medium passage portion and the communication part are connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport system for a plastics-processing joining system, to the joining system itself and to a method for operating a plastics-processing joining system. It is known to feed plastics components by means of transport systems for processing purposes to a main material transport means, for example moving film path, in order to produce bags for medical purposes. According to the invention, individually controlled movable workpiece carriers for the components are provided, or in addition to a work conveyor path for the workpiece carriers, a path for temporary parking is provided for a separate multitude of workpiece carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing, and specifically for extruding tubular objects. A print head extrudes a curable material into a tubular object, while simultaneously curing the tubular object and utilizing the interior of the cured portion of the tubular object for stabilizing and propelling the print head.

Abstract: A part is fabricated by an additive manufacturing process while levitating in space. Constituent features of the part are formed by 3-D printing. A part levitation system allows the spatial orientation of the part to be manipulated relative to one or more print heads.

Abstract: A feedstock material can be doped with magnetic particles, and an inductive coil can be used to induce an endothermic reaction within the feedstock material, due to the presence of the magnetic particles within the feedstock material, during the creation (or printing) of an object. An inductive coil can also be used to create magnetic fields for manipulating the position and/or orientation of the magnetic particles within the feedstock material before, in situ, and after the AM process. A unique signature can be created by the interaction between a magnetic field and magnetic particles within the feedstock material. DNA can be added to the magnetic particles as a means for providing identification to a manufactured component or for identifying one or more characteristics of the component or portion of the component.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing device includes a base, a holder disposed above the base, a printing head fixed on the holder and including a nozzle configured to discharge a resin material, a stage disposed in the base below the printing head configured to hold the resin material discharged from the nozzle, and a stage moving mechanism configured to move the stage with five or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in 3D fabrication includes a heat sink, a melt tube extending through the heat sink, the melt tube having a first end and an opposite second end and adapted for melting filament or other material as the material is conveyed from the first end to the second end, a pen tip having an opening therein for ejecting melted material, the pen tip at the second end of the melt tube, and a pen tip holder for securely holding the pen tip during printing, the pen tip holder having a heater element associated therewith.

Abstract: A 3-D printing apparatus includes a base and a printing head disposed above the base. The base includes an adjustment platform having an adjustment side and a top surface, a first-adjustment mechanism, second-adjustment mechanisms and a printing bed. The first-adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment shaft, first and second gears and a linkage rod. The first gear disposed under the adjustment platform is engaged with the adjustment shaft to drive it to move along a normal direction of the top surface. The second gear is engaged with the first gear to drive it to rotate. The linkage rod extended to the adjustment side connects the second gear to drive it to rotate. The second-adjustment mechanisms arranged along the adjustment side are adapted to move along the normal direction. The printing bed disposed on the adjustment platform is engaged with the adjustment shaft and the second adjustment mechanisms to move therewith.

Abstract: A system and method to fabricate three dimensional objects. A set of fabrication tools include at least a coarse deposition head and a fine additive head, a fine subtractive head or both employed concurrently within a single housing. A scanner may also be used within the housing to perform interleaved scanning of the partial fabrication during the fabrication. The process may be adjusted based on the scan results.

Abstract: A variety of techniques for color mixing support a user-controllable palette of colors for use when fabricating three-dimensional objects.

Abstract: A system and method for temporarily sealing holes in a perforated material layer of a composite acoustic panel so as to reduce potential migration of a release agent through the holes during a curing process and to reduce ingression of water through the holes during a subsequent testing process. The release agent is applied to a tool, the barrier layer is arranged over the release agent, and a lay-up of elements, beginning with the perforated layer, are arranged over the barrier layer prior to heating the lay-up to form the panel. The barrier layer may be a substantially solid film, such as a plastic or nylon film, having a width of at least approximately twelve inches and a low vapor permeability with regard to the release agent. After the testing process is complete, the barrier layer may be peeled from the panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses three-dimensional articles comprising flexible composite materials and methods of manufacturing said three-dimensional articles. More particularly, the present system relates to methods for manufacturing seamless three dimensional-shaped articles usable for such finished products as airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar three-dimensional products. A preferred manufacturing process combines composite molding methods with specific precursor materials to form flexible fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles.

Abstract: A fiber-laying device is disclosed for laying continuous fiber material which is conveyed from a fiber storage unit to a fiber-laying head which is movable in space. The fiber materials here are guided along the kinematic chain of the robot, wherein an equalization system for equalizing length variations during movement of the robot is provided in the fiber-material storage unit.

Abstract: A composite ply is compacted around a radius edge of the tool by a rolling former that rolls over the radiused edge and conforms to any contours along the length of the edge. The rolling former includes a compliant tubular member rotatably held in spaced apart roller assemblies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in curing of a composite charge having an internal cavity. Apparatus includes a flexible bladder adapted to be placed in the cavity for applying pressure on the composite charge during curing. An end fitting is operatively coupled to the flexible bladder. The end fitting defining a bolt bore and a horizontal bore. When a vent bolt is operatively coupled to the bolt bore of the end fitting, the vent bolt and the horizontal bore define a pressure passageway that allows an interior of the bladder to become subjected to external pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling a fiber arrangement to be supplied to a pressing tool. The fiber arrangement is interspersed with a curable matrix material at least in some sections before being supplied to the pressing tool and then is supplied to the pressing tool. The method is characterized in that the fiber arrangement is supplied to the pressing tool largely without contact by acoustic levitation after being interspersed with the matrix material.

Abstract: A device comprises at least one optics member (O) comprising at least one transparent portion (t) and at least one blocking portion (b). The at least one transparent portion (t) is made of one or more materials substantially transparent for light of at least a specific spectral range, referred to as transparent materials, and the at least one blocking portion (b) is made of one or more materials substantially non-transparent for light of the specific spectral range, referred to as non-transparent materials. The transparent portion (t) comprises at least one passive optical component (L). The at least one passive optical component (L) comprises a transparent element (6) having two opposing approximately flat surfaces substantially perpendicular to a vertical direction in a distance approximately equal to a thickness of the at least one blocking portion (b) measured along the vertical direction, and, attached to the transparent element (6), at least one optical structure (5).

Abstract: A dielectric waveguide comprising a dielectric probe at each end, wherein the dielectric probes are arranged to transfer energy.

Abstract: A high-quality electrophotographic endless belt and a method capable of efficiently producing the belt are provided. A method for producing an electrophotographic endless belt comprising a base layer including a thermoplastic resin composition and an inner-surface layer, which includes: (1) forming an energy curable film having a glass transition temperature on an inner surface of a test tube-shaped preform including a thermoplastic resin and then subjecting the preform to blow molding to obtain a blow-molded bottle; (2) irradiating the blow-molded bottle with energy rays to cure the film to form an inner-surface layer; and (3) cutting out an endless belt from the blow-molded bottle having the inner-surface layer obtained in (2).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for correcting the shape of a green tire configured so that, even if a side wall portion (S) is subjected to local crushing deformation during its temporary storage, such deformation is effectively corrected to easily improve the tire uniformity. A pressurized fluid is applied to an inner chamber of a green tire (G) having bead portions (B) held coaxially by upper and lower holders (56, 89), for setting the tread portion (T) of the green tire (G) coaxially to the bead portions (B). The side wall portions (S) is deformed outward and applied with an internal tension in the meridian direction, for correcting the shape of the green tire (G). Crushing deformation on the side wall portion (S) is thereby effectively recovered and corrected before vulcanization.

Abstract: A transfer ring of the type having a plurality of shoes arranged in a substantially circular configuration to define an inwardly-facing segmented cylindrical gripping surface, and a shoe for use in such a transfer ring, are disclosed. Each shoe comprises an arcuate interior surface defining a segment of the cylindrical gripping surface. The interior surface of each shoe has a first arcuate edge and an opposite second arcuate edge arranged substantially parallel to one another, and opposite first and second end edges extending between respective ends of said first and second arcuate edges. Each first end edge of each arcuate surface is mounted adjacent the second end edge of an adjacent arcuate surface, and the first end edge of at least one of the arcuate surfaces defines a varied or irregular shape along its arcuate surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making a vehicle tire having a tire carcass defining an axial center, a first and a second tire bead, a tire belt and a tread. The carcass is completed on a carcass drum wherein the carcass drum is free of sidewalls. The tire carcass is removed from the carcass drum and moved to a transfer position for arranging sidewalls. The sidewalls are arranged on sidewall drums on sides of the carcass. The sidewall drums are moved in axial direction toward the axial center of the tire carcass. The sidewall drums with the sidewalls are expanded and connected to the tire carcass. Thereafter, the sidewall drums are collapsed and moved outward and the tire carcass is released for further transport. The carcass and the attached sidewalls are transferred to a shaping drum where the tire carcass with the sidewalls is shaped.

Abstract: A method for making a carcass for a pneumatic vehicle tire includes building up a carcass free from sidewalls with an inner liner, a single-ply or multi-ply carcass inlay and bead cores, at a carcass station on a carcass building drum, while creating ply turnups. The carcass produced without sidewalls is transferred to a transfer device. The carcass is kept on the transfer device while applying sidewalls to the carcass. The carcass is retained on the transfer device while transferring the carcass provided with the sidewalls to a shaping machine where the carcass is shaped into a toroidal shape.

Abstract: A press machine includes a press frame, a crankshaft having an eccentric portion, at least one crankshaft motor connected to the crankshaft, a ram, a linkage type ram drive mechanism operably connected between the ram and the crankshaft, a first motor, with a first rotary position feedback device, a second motor with a second rotary position feedback device. The eccentric portion of the crankshaft is located between first and second ends of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A feeder system for advancing a compressible material has a hydraulic circuit associated with a final compression stage. The hydraulic circuit includes a platen attached to a primary ram configured to travel within a primary cylinder. The platen is operatively connected to a main piston cylinder assembly and at least two ancillary piston cylinder assemblies. In a first mode of operation, the hydraulic circuit forces the ancillary piston cylinder assemblies to advance the platen and ram in a forward compression direction until they reach a first predetermined position between travel extremes, while the main piston cylinder assembly passively travels along in the forward compression direction. Once the first predetermined position is reached, in a second mode of operation, the hydraulic circuit additionally forces the main piston cylinder assembly to compress the compressible material. In a third mode of operation, the hydraulic circuit retracts the platen and primary ram.

Abstract: In a method of producing a stacking projection and a corresponding tool a mandrel as part of the tool is inserted into a cup, wherein the mandrel comprises a receiving recess. The bottom part of the cup is then supported by a supporting tool and a collet is assigned to a region of the cup where the stacking projection is to be formed. Thereafter, at least a part of the collet is pressed radially inwardly in direction to the receiving recess such that a portion of the cup wall is pressed into the receiving recess to form the stacking projection. Simultaneously, the height of the cup is reduced by displacing the mandrel and/or the supporting tool with respect to the other in axial direction. Finally, pressure applied to the collet is released and the cup is removed with the mandrel from the collet and the supporting tool.

Abstract: A corner board includes first and second sides, each including a board material; a bend between the first and second sides, joining first and second sides together; and a slit adjacent to a first end of the corner board, the slit completely crossing the bend and partially crossing the first and second sides. In addition, a method of manufacturing a corner board includes bending a board stock to form first and second sides of the corner board with an angle therebetween; cutting the board stock into fixed lengths, the bent and cut board stock forming the corner board; and forming a slit near a first end of the corner board. The present corner board may be advantageously rested or placed along a vertical edge of a container or stack of containers.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a flexible fire-resistant and thermal resistant sheet product. Such a method comprises securing a first insulation material sheet to a first cover sheet to form a first sheet product portion including a perimeter; securing a second insulation material sheet to a second cover sheet to form a second sheet product portion including a perimeter; and securing the first sheet product portion to the second sheet product portion, at least about the perimeters thereof and such that the first insulation material sheet is disposed adjacent to the second insulation material sheet, to form the sheet product. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A production method for a top cloth with a number of layers for a top of a vehicle, in which the number of layers is sewn to a border of the top cloth with a first layer of a binding band by means of a seam, wherein the binding band is folded and is guided with a second layer over the seam and around the border of the top cloth and is connected to an inner side of the top cloth such that the seam is concealed by the second layer, and wherein the second layer is arranged seamlessly on the first layer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a carbon fiber structure is presented. The carbon fiber structure may address loads presented to an engine component in various directions. For instance, non-planar surfaces of a composite comprising a structure disclosed herein may achieve enhanced stiffness and/or strength. Thus, delamination of elements comprising a structure disclosed herein may be reduced. A three dimensional weave of carbon fiber elements through-thickness may provide enhanced strength to the composite material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of composite moulds and methods of preparing the same, wherein the composite moulds may be prepared exclusive or inclusive of a plug. Certain composites comprise a substrate, a structural laminate, and a syntactic foam moulding product.

Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel having a core and a skin layer positioned over the core, wherein the skin layer defines an opening therein, and an insert positioned below the skin layer, wherein the insert is aligned with the opening.

Abstract: Electrically conductive thin metallic films are disclosed. The thin films can be used to form shaped or patterned electrical conductors for consumer goods and electronic applications. Various connectors are also described which can be used in conjunction with the conductors to form thin layered assemblies such as battery testers. Also disclosed are methods for producing the shaped or patterned electrical conductors.

Abstract: Coatings for substrates, such as superalloy substrates, are provided. The coating can include: 15 wt % to 45 wt % cobalt; 20 wt % to 40 wt % chromium; 2 wt % to 15 wt % aluminum; 0.1 wt % to 1 wt % yttrium; and nickel. The coatings may include nickel, cobalt, chromium and aluminum, and other optional additives to improve oxidation and corrosion resistance of the substrate without significant debit to its mechanical properties.

Abstract: A flexible article made of glass and metal foil, as well as the production thereof, are provided. The flexible article is a multilayered structure having at least one glass layer and one metal foil layer, and the shear strength between glass and metal foil is above 1 MPa/mm2. The glass layer of said flexible article has high electrical resistivity at ambient temperature, low roughness, low thickness, good adherence to metal foil, and the glass in the glass layer has high temperature stability and low flowing temperature, and the thermal expansion coefficient (20 to 300° C.) is 1×10?6/K to 25×10?6/K. The whole article is flexible and can be bent, and the curvature radius of the bent flexible article is above 1 mm.

Abstract: A method of making a high strength carbon fiber composite (CFC) wafer with low surface roughness comprising at least one sheet of CFC including carbon fibers embedded in a matrix. A stack of at least one sheet of CFC is provided with the stack having a first surface and a second surface. The stack is pressed between first and second pressure plates with a porous breather layer disposed between the first surface of the stack and the first pressure plate. The stack is cured by heating the stack to a temperature of at least 50° C.