Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the first rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the second rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the first rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the second rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb relative to another limb about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis and fast with the carrier, whereby rotation of the carrier relative to the first limb about the first rotation axis can be driven; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis and fast with the second one of the limbs, whereby rotation of the second one of the limbs about the second rotation axis relative to the carrier can be driven; at least one of the first and second drive gears being a sector gear.

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a plurality of limbs articulated relative to each other, the robot arm extending from a base to a distal limb carrying a tool or an attachment point for a tool, the distal limb being attached by a revolute joint to a second limb, and the robot arm comprising a motor having a body and a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the distal limb relative to the second limb about the revolute joint, wherein the body of the motor is fast with the distal limb.

Abstract: A bidirectional device for changing a handling glove from inside to outside and from outside to inside a glove box under containment. The device is intended to replace a used glove (60) with a new glove. It includes a cuff (6) sealingly connected to a cuff sleeve (20) and a glove (60) of a flexible material sealingly connected to a glove sleeve (40). The glove sleeve includes externally clip-on contacts and the cuff sleeve includes bayonet type helical ramps (30). The clip-on contacts of the glove sleeve slip in the helical ramps of the cuff sleeves until the glove sleeve is latched forming, once assembled, a sealed whole called a wrist ring (10).

Abstract: A utility knife includes a shell including first and second shell bodies releasably assembled together and disposed symmetrically in a Z-axis direction. A compartment is defined by inner walls of the first and second shell bodies. A channel extends from a distal end of the shell and disposed outside the compartment. A blade carrier assembly releasably engages with a blade and is movably received by the shell. The shell is configured such that the blade carrier assembly is movable to a first position in which the blade is in a retracted position and not extending out of the shell and, to a second position in which the blade is in an exposed position and extending out of the shell. The blade carrier assembly in the second position thereof is also guided by the channel.

Abstract: A dry shaver unit includes a housing and a cutter blade assembly mounted in the housing. The cutter blade assembly includes a cutter blade and cooperating shear blade arrangement. The thickness of the shear blade varies over its surface, such that the spacing between a portion of the skin engaging surface of the shear blade and the opposite face thereof is increased as compared with the spacing required to achieve a “close shave”. The cutter blade assembly is mounted in the housing such that a plurality of portions of the shear blade having different thicknesses are simultaneously available for application to a surface to be shaved.

Abstract: A dual sided razor cartridge comprising a first face and a second face opposite the first face, at least one razor blade extending between the first and second faces, and at least one handle engagement compartment positioned on each face for engagement of the cartridge with a razor handle.

Abstract: A combination of a rotary knife blade and a trim guide for a power operated rotary knife. The annular rotary knife blade supported for rotation about a central axis of rotation in a direction of rotation and rotating with respect to the trim guide, the knife blade including a blade section extending from an annular body, the lower end of the blade section defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart notches including an opening at the lower end and a central open portion defined by a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall including an arcuate cutting portion adjacent the lower end of the blade section. The trim guide including a guide section defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart notches extending from a lower end, each of the plurality of notches including a shearing portion in overlapping axial alignment with the arcuate cutting portions of the blade section.

Abstract: A food slicer includes a frame for supporting a landing and a runway, which is movable relative to the landing. A cutting blade is secured on an upstream end of the landing. A separate cutting knife is moveably connected to the frame. An adjustment mechanism is connected to the frame to adjust an offset between the cutting blade and the runway. The adjustment mechanism includes first and second guide tracks provided on respective first and second movable cam plates, and a gear mechanism for moving the first and second cam plates along a length direction of the food slicer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator, a separator combined or integrated with a collator and a method of such separators, in order to provide segments of collated fasteners. Segments of collated fasteners are mainly used by builders, who are assembling e.g. wooden structures or for mounting purposes, to engage the fasteners by shooting or screwing the fastener into a structure with a pneumatically operated tool such as a nail gun.

Abstract: An adjusting structure for a curtain cutting machine, wherein the curtain cutting machine is adapted to cut a curtain which contains a first rail, a second rail, and a plurality of curtain blinds. The curtain cutting machine contains: an elongated base and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism contains: a fixing plate including a first orifice and a second orifice; at least one slidable rod being forced to slide in a first sliding travel; a driving unit for driving the at least one slidable rod to slide in a second sliding travel; a first cutting unit corresponding to the second orifice; a second cutting unit driven by the at least one slidable rod to slide; and a third cutting unit including a holder and a third cutter. The holder is coupled with the first orifice, and the third cutter is disposed on the at least one slidable rod.

Abstract: A curtain cutting machine contains: a base, a first cutting mechanism, and a movable platform. The base includes a fixed platform having a front segment and a rear segment. The first cutting mechanism includes a lower cutting assembly with plural first orifices and has an upper cutting assembly with at least one second orifice. The movable platform includes two support racks, two slidable adjusting devices, and a holding plate. The two support racks are arranged on a rear side of the fixed platform of the base and extend upwardly, each of the two slidable adjusting devices is mounted on each of the two support racks and moves forward and backward on each of the two support racks, the holding plate is connected with each slidable adjusting device to hold a curtain, and the holding plate moves forward and backward on the two support racks with the two slidable adjusting devices.

Abstract: A plane cutting machine for soft materials may include a worktable, a feeding device, a XY plane cutting system, and a computer. The feeding device is located above the worktable. The XY plane cutting system is located above the feeding device. The worktable is divided into a first worktable and a second worktable. The feeding device comprises a first feeding device and a second feeding device disposed above the first worktable and the second worktable, respectively. A first camera and a second camera are provided above the first feeding device and the second feeding device, respectively. The first camera and the second camera are connected with an input end of the computer via a data line. The XY plane cutting system is connected with an output end of the computer via a data line.

Abstract: Device for controlling the sharpening state of a blade (2) having a cutting edge (20) delimited by two sides (21, 22) converging towards a plane (X) that contains the cutting edge itself. The device comprises two control surfaces each of which is in contact with a corresponding side (21, 22) of the cutting edge (20) and is connected with a transducer (R4), which produces an electrical displacement signal (S4) proportional to a displacement of the control surface with respect to said plane (X). Furthermore, the device comprises a processing unit (E) that receives said displacement signals (S4) and compares them, emitting an error signal if the comparison produces a value that exceeds a predetermined limit. The control surfaces are the surfaces that delimit an external groove (40) of a roller (4) that is free to translate along an axis (A4) perpendicular to said plane (X) and spaced from the blade (2) by an amount such that said cutting edge (20) passes in said groove (40).

Abstract: Device for controlling the sharpening state of a blade (2) having a cutting edge (20) delimited by two sides (21, 22) converging towards a plane (X) that contains the cutting edge itself. The device comprises two control surfaces each of which is in contact with a corresponding side (21, 22) of said cutting edge (20) and is connected with at least one transducer (R1, R2, R4), which produces an electrical displacement signal (S1, S2; S4) proportional to a displacement of the control surface with respect to said plane (X). Furthermore, the device comprises a processing unit (E) that receives said displacement signals (S1, S2, S4) and compares them, emitting an error signal if the comparison produces a value that exceeds a predetermined limit. The processing unit is connected to means (101, 102) for supporting and moving sharpening means (100).

Abstract: A positioning system, attachable to a vehicle for remote operation of the chain saw by a user sitting in the vehicle. A shock absorber indicator functions to tell the user when the weight on the limb is appropriate to engage the saw, and additionally cushions the drop when the saw cuts through the limb.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of oil delivery to a chainsaw chain blade using a gerotor pump in sequence with flow control valves to provide lubrication to the chain blade to reduce friction with the chainsaw bar guide and prevent overheating and damage to the chain blade or guide bar.

Abstract: Methods for making composite products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include combining a plurality of lignocellulose substrates and one or more free radical precursors to produce a mixture of the lignocellulose substrates and the one or more free radical precursors. The method can also include maintaining the mixture at a temperature less than 60° C. for at least 10 minutes while retaining at least 11 wt % of the one or more free radical precursors charged to the mixture. The method can then include heating the mixture comprising at least 11 wt % of the one or more free radical precursors charged to the mixture to a temperature of at least 60° C. to about 300° C. to produce a composite product. The composite product can have a density less than 1 g/cm3 and an internal bond strength of at least 0.35 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of lignocellulose materials via mixing A) of lignocellulose-containing particles or fibers, B) with organic isocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups or a mixture of these, and optionally with C) binders selected from the group of the phenol-formaldehyde resins, the aminoplastic resins, the protein-based binders, and other polymer-based binders, and mixtures of these, D) additives or a mixture of these, and E) plastics particles or a mixture of these, with the steps of: i.) scattering of the resultant mixture to give a mat, ii.) precompaction and heating of the mat during or after the precompaction process, and iii.) then hot pressing, wherein, in the step ii.), operations are carried out at elevated temperature during and/or after the precompaction process, and a value of at least 4 cm is achieved for the resultant mat in the push-off test.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing to form a component comprises successively depositing a plurality of layers to form the component. Depositing at least one of the plurality of layers includes depositing a layer of a first particulate precursor over a platen, depositing a second particulate precursor on portions of the platen over the layer of the first particulate precursor specified by a controller, and directing energy to the second particulate precursor deposited on the portion of the platen to cause an exothermic chemical reaction between the first particulate precursor and the second particulate precursor. The exothermic chemical reaction produces heat that sinters products of the chemical reaction to fabricate the layer of the component.

Abstract: Machines and system for 3D printing are disclosed. One machine includes a machine frame having a plurality of ground engaging elements to facilitate movement of the machine frame, a telescoping boom pivotably coupled to the machine frame and configured to pivot along at least a horizontal plane, a material line coupled to the boom and configured to convey a material therethrough, a printhead coupled to the boom and in fluid communication with the material line to receive the material and to dispense the material, and a controller configured to receive 3D printing information and to convert the 3D printing information into positional coordinates of the printhead, wherein the controller is to cause movement of the boom to position the printhead based at least on the position coordinates.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a mixing at least one material with at least one other material within an in-line mixing device. In one example embodiment methods, apparatuses, and systems are described to treat, reuse or otherwise remediate dredged or raw material from bottom sediment or other sources through the mixture of raw material and another material such as a hardening agent into a homogenous material for contamination remediation, use as construction materials or other uses.

Abstract: A mobile construction plant includes two sets of low-profile bins: one set containing granular materials and the other set containing powdery materials. Each of the bins is mounted on a weighing mechanism that pre-weighs the contents before mixing. An elongated dual shaft mixer having a small bore diameter is located below the bins. A set of belt conveyors is provided for transporting materials from the granular material bins to the mixer, and a blending auger is provided for transporting materials from the powdered material bins to the mixer. All of the bins, the conveyors, the blending auger, the mixer, and other components are supported on a small footprint frame that can easily be transported to a job site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gemstone processing are described herein. According to an embodiment, a gemstone processing system includes a visualization system (100) for capturing stresses in a rough gemstone (104). The visualization system (100) can include an image capturing device (102), a gemstone stage (106) being rotatable with respect to the image capturing device (102), and one or more light sources (110, 112) to illuminate the rough gemstone (104) on the gemstone stage (106).

Abstract: On a foam plastics molding machine, a molding unit, defined by a mold and an interface frame equipped with a number or quantity of plastic molding material and operating fluid inlets, is loaded into a raised window in a fixed frame of the machine by positioning the molding unit in a fixed position on a trolley; positioning the trolley astride a fixed platform; raising the platform so that vertical ribs on the interface frame slidably engage corresponding vertical guides forming part of the machine and on a level with the window; connecting the guides to the ribs; and moving the guides towards the window.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as wall as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A mold for casting concrete contains: an inner part, an outer par, a temperature insulation layer, a fixing plate, and a pulling member. The inner part includes a cavity, an inlet, and an outlet which communicate with one another to flow first fluid into the cavity from the inlet and to discharge the first fluid out of the outlet from the cavity. The inner part further includes an outer fence and an inner fence on which the temperature insulation layer is arranged. The outer part is located outside the outer fence, between the outer part and the outer fence is defined a feeding chamber. The outer part includes a heating element and second fluid both defined therein, and the heating element is immersed in the second fluid. The fixing plate is mounted on the outer part and the inner part. The pulling member is fixed on the inner part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for incrementally forming a composite part are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming mandrel, which includes a forming surface, and a forming machine. The forming machine includes a forming bladder, a pressure-regulating device, and a positioning device. The forming bladder is configured to be inflated to a forming pressure and to press the ply of composite material against the forming surface. The methods include placing a ply of composite material on a forming surface of a forming mandrel and pressing a forming bladder against the ply of composite material at a selected location to press a selected portion of the ply of composite material against the forming surface and conform the selected portion of the ply of composite material to a surface profile of the forming surface. The methods further include repeating the pressing a plurality of times at a plurality of selected locations.

Abstract: Provided are an electron beam curable resin composition including polymethylpentene, and a crosslinking agent, in which the crosslinking agent has a saturated or unsaturated ring structure, at least one atom among atoms forming at least one ring is bonded to any allylic substituent of an allyl group, a methallyl group, an allyl group through a linking group, and a methallyl group through a linking group, and a molecular weight is 1,000 or less, a resin frame for reflectors using the resin composition, a reflector, and a molding method using the resin composition.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for performing the in-mold decoration method with an injection tool (1). The injection tool (1) has a first tool portion (11) having a first mold recess (13) and a second tool portion (12) having a second mold recess (15) corresponding to the first mold recess. The second tool portion (12) has at least one injection passage (12e), wherein a portion of an endless decorative film (16) can be arranged between the first tool portion (11) and the second tool portion (12). The mold recess (13) of the first tool portion (11) has a raised edge region (14) extending in a closed configuration around the mold recess (13) and having an end face (14s) which is flattened or rounded or pointed in cross-section. The second tool portion (12) has a corresponding end face (12s) parallel to the end face (14s) of the raised edge region (14).

Abstract: A laminated structure is manufactured using a mold in which an injection port is provided, the laminated structure including a core layer, a first surface layer, and a second surface layer. The mold includes a first surface layer material conveyance path through which a raw material of the first surface layer is conveyed, a second surface layer material conveyance path through which a raw material of the second surface layer is conveyed, and a core layer material conveyance path through which a raw material of the core layer is conveyed. The paths merge at the injection port. The mold has a shape in which a downstream portion downstream of a merging location that is the injection port does not contact the injected laminated structure formed of the raw materials. The laminated structure is injected by causing viscous fluids as the raw materials into the paths, respectively.

Abstract: A longitudinal cladding member for a motor vehicle, a method for manufacturing the longitudinal cladding member, and a motor vehicle having such a longitudinal cladding member. The longitudinal cladding member is to be fixedly connectable to a body of the motor vehicle, and in an assembled state covers a longitudinal member at least on the visible side of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Reusable cartridges allow the time consuming resin preparation and processing steps to occur offline and not affect the cycling time of the injector. Cartridges also greatly simplify the operation of RTM injectors as preparation simply consists of loading a warmed ready-to-use resin cartridge and performing the injection.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid mold material comprising: a manifold, a valve pin having a pin axis, a pin connector and a stem, the valve pin being drivable into and out of open and closed positions relative to the gate, an electric actuator comprising an electric motor comprised of a motor housing that houses a drive shaft having a drive gear and a drive axis, a transmission comprised of a transmission gear having a gear axis, the drive gear, the transmission gear and the valve pin being drivably interconnected and arranged such that the drive axis and the gear axis are non-coaxially mounted or disposed relative to each other and the valve pin is drivable linearly along the pin axis, wherein one or the other of the motor housing or the transmission housing are removably attached to a top clamping or mounting plate that is mounted upstream of the manifold and fixedly interconnected to a mold.

Abstract: Methods are provided for cooling a plastic part that has been produced in a mold. Carbon dioxide is fed through a capillary tube from a carbon dioxide source to the mold thereby providing cooling of the plastic part and avoiding hot spots in the plastic part prior to removal from the mold. The capillary tube is a smaller capillary tube located concentrically inside a larger capillary tube. Alternatively, the smaller capillary tube may extend from the end of the larger capillary tube telescopically thereby increasing the length of the capillary but also reducing its diameter as it progresses along its length.

Abstract: A control method for an injection moulding system having an extruder, feeding material continuously to an accumulator, portioning material intermittently to an injection device, wherein the control method is configured to drive the extruder at a high speed or at a low speed respectively, the high speed and the low speed defining an extruder speed interval, the method comprising acquiring a value for an actual positional change for the accumulator (?POSACT), comparing the value for the actual positional change (?POSACT) with a predicted value for the positional change (?POSPRED), and adjusting a speed of the extruder based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A injection molding method involves measuring, using at least one strain gauge sensor, a change in strain in a mold side of a mold cavity, approximating a pressure within the mold cavity based on the change in strain, comparing the approximated pressure to a pre-set trigger point, and if the approximated pressure equals or exceeds the pre-set trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor having an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve, wherein upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor tracks approximated pressures calculated from the change in strain measurements measured by the at least one strain gauge sensor over time and compares the results of the approximated pressure tracking to the optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve.

Abstract: A injection molding method involves measuring, using at least one external sensor, a change in a parameter of a mold side of a mold cavity, approximating a condition within the mold cavity based on the change in the parameter, such as pressure within the mold cavity or flow front position, and comparing the approximated condition to a trigger point,. If the approximated condition equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor having an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve, and upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor tracks an approximated condition calculated from the change in parameter measurements measured by the at least one external sensor over time. In an embodiment, results of the approximated parameter tracking can be used in conjunction with an optimal pre-defined pressure-time curve.

Abstract: An anti-falling protection device for an automatic mold opening and closing machine is used on a mold mounting unit to secure or release an upper mold with a pair of wings, and is provided with a movable member movably disposed on the mold mounting unit, two protection members movably provided along two lateral surfaces of the mold mounting unit, a power unit which extends and retracts between a first position and a second position, and the connecting member connected between the power unit and the movable member. When in the first position, the power unit drives the two protection members to move toward the power unit and make the protection members stop beneath the wings, and when in the second position, the piston drives the two protection members to move away the wings of the upper mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a combined polymeric structure are disclosed. The apparatus includes an extruder body (110), a die (120) configured to receive flowing polymeric material from the extruder body (110) and a motion unit. The die includes a hollow inner die (122), a protecting sleeve (124) located within the inner die (122) and an outer die (125) located at an exit (128) end of the hollow inner die (122). The motion unit is configured to cause bidirectional translational motion of the hollow inner die (122) relative to the outer die (125).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an extruder screw includes a screw body. The screw body is rotated about an axis parallel to a direction of conveyance of a raw material. A conveyance portion having a flight is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the screw body. The flight is configured to convey the raw material along the axis of the screw body when the screw body is rotated. A passage for permitting the raw material fed by the flight to pass therethrough to the outer peripheral surface of the screw body is provided in the screw body in a position deviated from the axis of the screw body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing bubbles from a molten substrate. The molten substrate from a furnace passes through a downtube to reach additional manufacturing tools, such as an extrusion bushing. One or more ultrasonic sensors are arranged along the downtube. The ultrasonic sensor(s) transmit ultrasonic energy into the molten substrate and measure a characteristic of the ultrasonic energy, such as a propagation time for the ultrasonic energy to be reflected back to the ultrasonic sensor(s). A bubble is detected when a change in the characteristic of the ultrasonic energy is detected. When a bubble is detected, flow through the downtube is diverted to a duct to remove a slug of molten substrate that includes the bubble.

Abstract: A plastic container having a sidewall defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end and an opening at the first end into the chamber. A base of the container extends from the sidewall and closes the second end, the base having an outer perimeter portion defining a support structure, an axially inwardly extending perimeter wall spaced radially inwardly from the support structure forming an angle with a horizontal line of greater than about 80°, a centrally disposed pushup section in the shape of an axially inwardly extending truncated cone, and a toroidal-shaped channel circumscribing and connecting the perimeter wall to the pushup section. The toroidal-shaped channel has a surface that is asymmetrical about a central axis of the container when the container is under static pressure conditions.

Abstract: A method of producing a container (2) from a blank (3) made of plastics material within a mould (4) which is provided with a wall (5) defining a cavity (6) bearing the impression of the container (2), and with a mould base (8) which can move relative to the wall (5) between a retracted position in which it extends in set-back manner relative to the cavity (6) and a deployed position in which it closes the cavity (6). The method includes a boxing stage in which the mould base (8) moves from its retracted position to its deployed position, the travel (C) of the mould base (8) between its retracted position and its deployed position being greater than 20 mm.

Abstract: Stretch blow station tooling for stretch blowing at least one parison into a molded article, with such parison including a handle. The tooling comprises at least one blow mold assembly including first and second blow mold halves shiftable between an open position and a closed position. The first and second blow mold halves each include a body cavity surface formed therein. In the closed position, the body cavity surfaces of the first and second blow mold halves are aligned to define a blow cavity for receiving at least a portion of the parison. The tooling further comprises a plunger assembly including a plunger configured to be selectively positioned within the blow cavity. When the plunger is positioned within the blow cavity, the plunger is configured to contact the handle of the parison.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a food and/or beverage packaging container is provided. The method includes injection molding a preform using a two phase injection system. A first phase of the two phase injection system includes injecting a first material into the preform and a second phase of the two phase injection system includes injecting a second material into the preform. The method further includes disposing the preform in a mold, blow molding the preform into an intermediate article having a length, a diameter and side walls having a wall thickness, and trimming the intermediate article to form a finished container having a wide mouth neck. Systems and finished products are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming and filling a container with liquid. The container being formed from a preform located within a mold and the method utilizing a hydraulic blow molding device that is coupled to a source of the liquid, which is used as the blow molding medium. The hydraulic blow molding device has a blow nozzle and a member that is extended from a retracted position to a position within the preform. A blow nozzle engages in fluid tight communication with an open end of the preform so as to provide a sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform. The liquid blow medium is injected into the preform so as to form the container after sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform. The member initiates its advancement into the preform prior to the time of sealing engagement of the blow nozzle with the preform.

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: Methods include at least one sequential stretching step between circular or spiralized grooved rollers and the sequential stretching is performed according to at least one of six aspects of the invention.