Abstract: A building material discharge head is provided which uses a flow path structure which can be produced with extremely low-cost materials such as plates, etc., and which can discharge, in a prescribed place, a prescribed amount of a building material, even one with a high viscosity. This building material discharge head is provided with, a first heating plate which configures a first lateral wall, which is a part of the lateral wall forming the flow path through which the material flows and which heats the material inside of the path, a closing plate which configures a second lateral wall, which is the part of the lateral wall other than the first lateral wall, a discharge opening which is formed at one end of the path and communicates with the path, and a material supply opening which is formed at the other end of the path and communicates with the path.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a product. The apparatus includes a container for holding a radiation-curable liquid, a build platform having a build surface for holding a product being manufactured during a manufacturing process, a radiation source for providing hardening radiation to selectively solidify radiation-curable liquid in the container by exposure to form the product. The build platform is movable relative to the container in a predetermined direction. The apparatus further includes a temperature element that is integrated in the building platform with the purpose of generating or removing heat from the build surface and/or the product, and a controller for causing the temperature element to generate or remove heat from the build surface and/or the product until the product releases from the build surface. A corresponding method, and a build platform are also provided.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping/manufacturing construction platform (100) as a base for the creation of a plurality of components (20, 40) through a rapid prototyping/manufacturing process. The construction platform (100) includes a carrier substrate (4) for carrying the components (20, 40) to be manufactured, to which a three-dimensional structure is incorporated or applied. The three-dimensional structure comprises individual structures (12, 14, 16) for each component (20, 40) to be manufactured or for each group of components (20, 40) to be manufactured, which individual structures (12, 14, 16) are different among each other.

Abstract: A system for additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising at least one work station, which is designed to carry out at least one work process as part of the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising: at least one, particularly user-side, movable, particularly sliding, transport carriage, which comprises a frame structure, which comprises a receiving device, which comprises a receptacle chamber designed to receive a powder module within the frame structure, wherein the frame structure comprises at least two frame structure sections, wherein a first frame structure section is borne so as to be movable relative to a second frame structure section, particularly in a vertically aligned movement direction, wherein the transport carriage comprises at least one, particularly motorized lifting device, which is designed to generate a lifting force that moves the first frame structure section relative to the second frame structure section.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing build material container comprises a reservoir to hold build material and a build material outlet structure. The container also includes a throughput structure to allow air to enter into the reservoir through the throughput opening, wherein said throughput opening provides access to build material in and out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for making a three-dimensional object by means of layer-wise application and selective solidification of a pulverulent building material The method includes applying a layer of the pulverulent building material onto a build area by an application device The application device includes a recoating unit movable across the build area in an application direction. The method further includes solidification of the applied powder layer at positions corresponding to a cross-section of the object to be made, and repeating the steps of applying and selective solidification until the object is completed. The pulverulent building material to be applied onto the build area is heated locally by a radiant heater before being applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising: a build vat for holding a radiation-curable liquid, a build platform having a build surface for holding a product to be manufactured during a manufacturing process, the build platform being movable relative to the build vat in a predetermined direction, and a radiation source for providing hardening radiation to selectively solidify radiation-curable liquid in the build vat by exposure to form the product. The apparatus is characterized in that the additive manufacturing apparatus further comprises a recoat unit, the recoat unit being configured to perform a recoat procedure, the recoat procedure comprising: the recoat unit sweeping across at least a part of a surface of the radiation-curable liquid in the build vat, the recoat unit supplying additional radiation-curable liquid at the surface of the radiation-curable liquid during at least a part of said sweeping, the radiation-curable liquid being added by a feeder unit.

Abstract: Embodiments set forth in this application relate to systems and methods by which parts produced by additive manufacturing can be reliably assessed for conformity to a known master model which has quality conforming to the desired specifications. These systems and methods involve recording a thermal history of the manufacturing process of each part. The recorded thermal history is then compared to the previously-recorded thermal history of the master model. Significant deviations in thermal history are indicative of irregularities in the manufacturing build, and the part quality may then be assessed in view of those irregularities.

Abstract: In order to provide a composite object that can be produced at high quality and low cost using a 3D printer, a composite object includes: a first object obtained by assembling one or at least two assemblable toy blocks; and a second object constituted by one or at least two parts produced through 3D printing, and configured to be attached to the first object so as to cover at least a portion except for part of a surface thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to produce an object at high quality and low cost using a 3D printer.

Abstract: A uniquely featured addition to previous three dimensional prototyping machinery without any traversing X and Y coordinate moving parts, thus saving time by focusing on only an incrementally regular Z stage and the rapidity of chemical deposition via electrically localized reaction nodes through a porous/channeled plane called the build/extrusion platen. Processes for making objects using such machine and platen are also disclosed as well as features and further indexing of extrusion location inventions. Other features including chemistry, curing material, and curing control as well as activation methods and machines are also disclosed in combination with the feature of a simultaneous two-dimensional layer-wise deposition machine and process for “growing” the object in the Z direction using the displaceable platen or object supporting stage in a rapid manner. Further due to the rapid growth and deposition manner, additional benefits to the object creation and curable material, e.g. a monomer can be realized.

Abstract: A three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus capable of measuring the quality of a three-dimensional laminated and shaped object in real time during shaping of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object includes a material ejector that ejects the material of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object onto a shaping table on which the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object is shaped, a light beam irradiator that irradiates the ejected material with a light beam, a data acquirer that acquires monitoring data used to monitor a shaping state of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object during shaping of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object, and a shaping quality estimator that estimates shaping quality of the three-dimensional laminated and shaped object based on the monitoring data.

Abstract: A device for the layer-wise additive production of a complex three-dimensional component has a measuring mechanism for continuously monitoring quality indicators during the production of the component, wherein the measuring mechanism and a bed with a material powder are surrounded, at least in regions, by a processing cell filled with a protective gas atmosphere and the material powder of an uppermost layer can be melted in a locally limited manner in a melting zone by means of at least one laser. The measuring mechanism has the at least one laser and at least one optical sensor for the priority detection of the quality indicators in the region of the melting zone, in particular by means of Raman spectroscopy. Consequently, any construction errors in the component can be recognised, evaluated and, if necessary, corrected in a resource-saving manner without delay.

Abstract: A closed-loop adaptive material deposition apparatus and method uses a scanning system to monitor an additively manufactured object as it is being fabricated and adapting the geometric shape and material composition of the subsequent layers based on the scan data. The scanning system repeatedly captures geometric and/or material information of a partially manufactured object with optional auxiliary objects inserted during the manufacturing process. Based on this information, the actual surface geometry and/or actual material composition is computed. Surface geometry may be offset and used as a slicing surface for the next portion of the digital model. The shape of the slicing surface may then be recomputed each time the system scans the partially fabricated object.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for improved core structure includes splitting a computational model into sequentially queued individual model segments based on a predetermined number of slices with a predetermined orientation, and building a part in layers applied sequentially to form a final part having a core portion supported with a custom in-fill pattern. An additive manufacturing system for providing an improved core structure supported by a custom in-fill pattern includes a controller having instructions for individual model segments based on slices of a solid model, and a 3D printer for sequentially printing individual model segments in adjacent layers. A 3D-printed part includes a first exterior surface separated by a gap from a second exterior surface, and an internal core structure within the gap for mechanically connecting the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The internal core structure includes a custom in-fill pattern of support members.

Abstract: Method for generating a numerical representation of a three-dimensional object (11) to be made through stereolithography, comprising the following operations: preparing a first set of data (1) representative of the geometry of the object (11); defining first surfaces (13, 13a) of the object (11) and reference surfaces (14, 14a) facing them; defining a first point (X1) on the first surface (13, 13a), a second point (X2) on the corresponding reference surface (14, 14a) and geometric parameters (P1 . . . Pn) that define the three-dimensional geometry of a corresponding supporting element (15) that connects the first point (X1) to the second point (X2); generating a third set of data (3) containing the coordinates (7) of the first point (X1) and of the second point (X2) and the values (8) of the geometric parameters (P1 . . .

Abstract: A method for forming an object having a three-dimensional target shape, that makes use of a build powder, a support powder and a binder. The build powder is more strongly bound by the binder than is the support powder. The build powder and the support powder are dispensed in a sequence of layers of build powder patterned with support powder that collectively form the three-dimensional shape in build powder, and the binder is applied to the deposited build powder, thereby forming the object of build powder and binder. Finally, the formed object is separated from the support powder.

Abstract: A method comprising depositing, in layers, a shrinking platform formed from a composite including metal particles embedded in a first matrix, depositing shrinking supports of the composite upon the shrinking platform, forming a separation clearance dividing at least one shrinking support into fragments, depositing, from the composite, a part upon the shrinking platform and shrinking supports, depositing a separation material intervening between the part and the shrinking supports, the separation material including a ceramic powder and a second matrix, and forming, from the shrinking platform, shrinking supports, separation material, and part, a portable platform assembly in a green state, wherein the shrinking support is configured to prevent the portable platform assembly from distorting from gravitational force during sintering of the metal particles of the assembly in a brown state, and wherein the ceramic powder of the separation material is configured to separate the shrinking support from the part follo

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a component bond (70, 140) comprising: a fastening structure (60, 160) that has at least one component layer (60A, 60a; 160a, 160b); and a thermoplastic connecting element (10, 110) having a head (12, 112) and a shank (14, 114), in which method the connecting element (10, 110) is driven into the fastening structure (60, 160) under pressure whilst rotating, such that the shank (14, 114) penetrates the fastening structure (60, 160). The connecting element (10, 110), after penetrating the fastening structure (60, 160), is converted by friction into a softened, free-flowing state in a die (44, 144) which is placed against the fastening structure (60, 160) in the opposite direction to the driving direction, resulting in a thicker section (22, 22) that extends beyond the radial extent of some sections of the shank (14, 114). The fastening structure (60, 160) is thus interlockingly held between the head (12, 112) and the thicker section (22, 122).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preferably continuous welding of plastic films by means of hot gas with at least one tubular body through which an electric current flows for the heating of the hot gas, wherein the device comprises at least one gas inlet opening (6, 106) and a plurality of gas outlet openings (12, 112) arranged next to each other, from which hot gas is blown onto the plastic film. It is provided that the at least one gas inlet opening (6, 106) is provided on a main tubular body (4, 104), which stands in gas communication with a plurality of branch tubular bodies (8, 108) at branching points (10, 110), wherein the branch tubular bodies (8, 108) each have at least one gas outlet opening (12, 112) and all the branch tubular bodies (8, 108) have electric current flowing through them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for interconnecting components of a sporting good, in particular a sports shoe, and a sports shoe manufactured with such a method. The method may include (a.) forming a pattern element having at least one removable at least partially non-transparent or non-reflective portion, (b.) irradiating at least one of the first and the second component via the pattern element with heat radiation and (c.) interconnecting the irradiated first and second component.

Abstract: A system and method for bonding structures includes a method of bonding a first panel to a second panel. An adhesive material is applied to at least one of the first panel and the second panel and is disposed between the first panel and the second panel. A welding device having at least a first electrode and a second electrode is configured to receive and position the first panel and second panel between the first and second electrodes. The welding device generates an electric current with the first and second electrodes to apply to the first panel and the second panel. The electric current generates thermal energy having a first temperature that cures the adhesive material positioned between the first and second electrodes to bond the first panel with the second panel.

Abstract: A fastener and method for joining dissimilar materials. The fastener has a metal body and a hollow portion. The method includes the steps of: layering a thermoplastic first component with a second component such that the first component covers an opening formed through the second component; pressing the metal fastener against the first component through the opening in the second component; and heating the thermoplastic at an interface of the metal fastener and the first component so that the thermoplastic flows into the hollow portion of the metal fastener during the step of pressing. A portion of the metal fastener is thus embedded in the thermoplastic and a joint is formed that attaches the first and second components together when the thermoplastic is cooled.

Abstract: An article with a component joined with stitchbonding to a nonwoven textile formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The nonwoven material, component, yarn, and stitch pattern can be optimized using disclosed structures and components to provide the article with desirable characteristics such as increased tensile and tear strength, improved aesthetics, moisture resistance and to limit or modify the stretch of the article in one or more directions and the like. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear) may incorporate the article. In some of these products, the nonwoven textile may also be joined to the component with other bonding structures such as heat bonding, adhesives and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making elastomeric laminates with deactivated regions that may be used as components of absorbent articles. The methods and apparatuses may be configured with a pattern roll and a pressing surface adjacent the pattern roll. The pattern roll may include a bonding surface and a protuberance. As the pattern roll rotates, first and second substrates are welded together between the bonding surface and the pressing surface to create bonds between the first and second substrates. As the pattern roll continues to rotate, the first and second substrates and one or more stretched elastic strands are compressed between the pressing surface and the protuberance to sever the one or more stretched elastic strands to create deactivated regions in the elastomeric laminate. The processes and apparatuses may be configured to help prevent ends of the severed elastic strands from retracting in an uncontrolled fashion.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a base film, a cavitated layer, and a sealing layer. Such films have been found to produce good ultrasonic seals in the cross-machine direction at high speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic-welding device for connecting a first, thin-walled plastic part to a second plastic part in a planar manner. The device includes a hand-held mounting aid and a welding head that can be held in a retainer of a hand soldering iron; wherein the welding head has a main body and at least one welding tip arranged on the main body. The mounting aid has at least one spacer, which can be placed onto the thin-walled plastic part by means of an underside of the at least one spacer and on the surface of which the main body of the welding head can be supported. The spacer is designed so that, when the main body is supported on the at least one spacer, a depth of penetration of the welding tip into the plastic parts to be connected is limited to a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: The invention provides a 3-D printing method including: providing a liquid-state forming material in a 3-D printing apparatus; detecting a temperature of the liquid-state forming material; and adjusting corresponding curing parameters according to the temperature and curing characteristics of the liquid-state forming material to cure the liquid-state forming material layer by layer, so as to form and stack multiple cured layers to form a 3-D object. The invention can ensure consistency of a molded object printed by the 3-D printing apparatus using the liquid-state forming material and thus, solve the issue of inconsistent quality occurring to the molded object printed by the 3-D printing apparatus using the liquid-state forming material due to the curing speed of the liquid-state forming material varying with temperatures.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional printing system including a method of making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a resin material. The system may include a liquid reservoir to hold a liquid resin and a drop-on-demand (ink-jet) print head configured to deposit a resin-modifying composition on a surface of the liquid resin. The resin-modifying composition may include a photoinitiator transforming the liquid resin into a radiation-curable composition when combined. A radiation-emitting source activates curing of the radiation-curable composition in the reservoir. A positioning member may be configured to supportively position the radiation-curable composition within the liquid resin after the curing. The positioning member may be configured to move cured portions of the radiation-curable composition downward to permit successive layers of the radiation-curable composition to be created and cured at the surface of the liquid resin. The system is further adaptable to provide two-dimensional printing functionality.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to additive manufacturing of an object using both a digital light processing (DLP) projector and a focused energy source to irradiate a photopolymerizable material, and apparatuses and methods for the same. The DLP projector irradiates and cures an outer perimeter of the object, and the focused energy source irradiates and cures an inner region of the object. In a preferred embodiment, irradiation by both the DLP projector and the focused energy source occur from underneath a tank holding the photopolymerizable material and through a transparent window.

Abstract: A method of forming a build in a powder bed includes emitting a plurality of laser beams from selected vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) of at least one VCSEL array onto the powder bed, the selected VCSELs of the at least one VCSEL array corresponding to a pattern of a layer of the build; and simultaneously melting powder in the powder bed corresponding to the pattern of the layer of the build.

Abstract: A fused filament fabrication (FFF) machine includes a cabinet defining a build chamber for building a workpiece including a part and a sacrificial tower for the part at a build location. A head assembly has a filament dispenser for dispensing media through a liquefier tip at the build location during a build process. A controller is operably coupled to the head assembly to control the position of the head assembly and dispensing of the media during the build process. The controller periodically moves the head assembly away from the build location to a tip wipe assembly to clean the liquefier tip during a tip wipe process. The controller moves the head assembly from the tip wipe assembly to dispense a sacrificial slug of material away from the part after the tip wipe process before deposition of the material into the part.

Abstract: A method of shaping the profile of a fan casing having an inside surface, the method including placing the casing around a surface of revolution of a drum of shaping tooling; interposing at least one bladder that is inflatable under the action of a fluid under pressure between a portion of the inside surface of the casing and the drum, the bladder extending over all or part of the surface of revolution of the drum; stoving the assembly including the casing, the tooling, and the at least one bladder at a predetermined temperature; and during the stoving, applying isostatic pressure via the at least one bladder so as to impart a cylindrical profile to the portion of the inside surface of the casing facing the at least one bladder.

Abstract: A first continuous fiber component and a second continuous fiber component are stacked with a non-woven fabric interposed therebetween to thereby prepare a fiber base material. The fiber base material is placed between an upper mold and a lower mold. The upper mold and the lower mold are brought close to each other to thereby form an enclosed space therebetween. The enclosed space is larger in volume than a product cavity. A liquid matrix resin is supplied to the enclosed space. The upper mold and the lower mold are brought closer to each other to thereby form the product cavity in a manner that a pressing load is applied to the fiber base material. Then, the liquid matrix resin with which the fiber base material has been impregnated is hardened in the product cavity, whereby a fiber-reinforced plastic molded article is produced.

Abstract: A method and a system for making a rotor slot cell by pultrusion are presented. The slot cell is positioned in a rotor slot between a rotor winding and a rotor body for insulation. Reinforcement material is pulled from a roving and passes through a resin tank for impregnation with resin mixture in the resin tank. The impregnated reinforcement material is cured in a die having a shape of the rotor slot. The cured reinforcement material is pulled from the die and cut to a predefined dimension for making the slot cell. The method significantly reduces cycle time for manufacturing slot cells and increases product output.

Abstract: A die face monitoring system may include an upper die having an upper die face and an upper die opening extending towards the upper die face. Similarly, a lower die may include a lower die face and a lower die opening extending towards the lower die face. The lower die face is arranged to confront the upper die face and form a concavity therebetween. Furthermore, a plurality of sensors are mounted on a press, with each sensor corresponding to each one of the upper and lower die openings. Each sensor emits a beam of light towards and receives a reflection from a target surface within the upper and lower die openings in order to calculate a distance thereto.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced polymeric component includes securing a plurality of pins within a mold and wrapping reinforcing fibers around the pins to form a web of reinforcing fibers. The web of reinforcing fibers has a plurality of layers. The method of forming a reinforced polymeric component further includes adding a polymer to the mold and processing the polymer to form a molded polymeric component that contains the pins and the web of reinforcing fibers. A reinforced polymeric component includes a web of reinforcing fibers wrapped around a plurality of pins. The web of reinforcing fibers includes a plurality of layers. The reinforced polymeric component further includes a molded and processed polymer containing the web of reinforcing fibers and pins.

Abstract: Buoyancy modules (200) are made from a foam composition that includes a combination of a thermally fusable powder and glass microspheres heated in a manner that provides a hardened syntactic foam having both low density and a high degree of compressive strength. An outer barrier (220) may enclose the buoyancy module.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus capable of imparting heat sealing properties to a biaxially stretched polyester film through a method having high efficiency and high safety. The laser processing apparatus includes a laser oscillator, where a film formed of a single layer of a biaxially stretched polyester or a laminate containing a layer of a biaxially stretched polyester on the surface is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser oscillator, to impart heat sealing properties to a region of the film irradiated with the laser light. The laser processing apparatus may include an optical element which shapes a spot profile of the laser light into a predetermined profile, and may also include a film mounting part which mounts the film.

Abstract: A repair for a structural element made from a composite material includes a bracket defining a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted for facing the structural element. A chamfer is located on a first end of the bracket. An angle is defined between a plane of the chamfer and a plane of the first surface, the first surface of the bracket being adapted to be disposed adjacent to a side of the structural element. The repair also includes a sealant material between the bracket and the structural element, where the sealant material occupies a space established between the chamfer and the structural element.

Abstract: A collet (230) for holding a contact lens mold half (240) during machining of a surface of the mold half (240) comprises a disc (235) having a face and defining: a central structure (250a), at the centre of the face, for receiving a head portion (240a) of the mold half (240), and an elongate recess (250b), in the face, for receiving a tail portion (240b) of the mold half (240), the elongate recess (250b) extending from the central structure (250a) along a radius of the disc (235).

Abstract: The invention provides a method producing contact lenses, comprising the step of: separating the mold into the male and female mold halves, with the silicone hydrogel contact lens adhered on one of the male and female mold halves; bring a shaped ultrasonic horn in direct contact with at least one area of a non-optical surface of the female mold half or the male mold half having the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens attached thereon; and applying a ultrasonic vibrational energy to the at least one area of the non-optical surface of the female mold half or the male mold half having the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens attached thereon so as to separate the molded silicone hydrogel contact lens from the mold half attached thereon.

Abstract: A method for managing a carcass structure building line, a plant and a process for building tyre carcass structures, wherein the plant includes a carcass structure building line provided with a plurality of stations including an unloading station and n building stations. A group of forming drums being processed includes m forming drums being processed defining a first size of carcass structure being processed. Three groups of entering forming drums include respective entering forming drums, defining a second size of carcass structure being processed. A pair of support elements being processed includes a first and a second support element being processed and three pairs of entering support elements respectively include a first and a second entering support element. The invention also relates to a method for managing a carcass structure building line.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization mold including a sector mold divided into a plurality of pieces along a circumferential direction of a green tire, the sector mold configured to vulcanization mold a tread portion of the green tire into a predetermined shape, and an upper mold and a lower mold disposed on both sides of the green tire so as to sandwich the green tire therebetween in an axial direction of the green tire, the upper mold and lower mold configured to vulcanization mold a side portion of the green tire into a predetermined shape. The sector mold has a weir portion in a vicinity of a fitting portion between the sector mold, and the upper mold and the lower mold.

Abstract: A tire vulcanization mold including a sector mold divided into a plurality of pieces along a circumferential direction of a green tire, the sector mold configured to vulcanization mold a tread portion of the green tire into a predetermined shape, and an upper mold and a lower mold disposed on both sides of the green tire so as to sandwich the green tire therebetween in an axial direction of the green tire, the upper mold and the lower mold configured to vulcanization mold a side portion of the green tire into a predetermined shape. The sector mold has a relief groove in a vicinity of a fitting portion between the sector mold, and the upper mold and the lower mold.

Abstract: Provided are: a tire including: a tire frame; and a reinforcing metal cord member that is wound at least on the outer circumference of the tire frame, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing metal cord member is coated with a coating composition via an adhesion layer that contains a polyamide-based adhesive and has a melting point of from 160° C. to 200° C., the coating composition containing at least one thermoplastic material selected from polyamide-based thermoplastic resins having a melting point of from 160° C. to 240° C. and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers having a melting point of from 160° C. to 240° C.; and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: The portable cardboard baler is an apparatus that receives, stores, compresses, and outputs recyclable items. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a bailing ram, an ejector mechanism, a control panel, a control unit, and a power source. The enclosure houses the bailing ram and the ejector mechanism. The elongated housing houses the recyclable items. The bailing ram compresses the recyclable items. The ejector mechanism pushes the bale of recyclable items out of the elongated housing. The apparatus preferably includes an input door that corresponds to a first opening of the elongated housing. The apparatus also includes a first output door and a second output door that corresponds to a second opening of the elongated housing. The apparatus preferably includes a plurality of environmental sensors to prevent a user from getting injured. The apparatus may further include a vehicle the directly transports the enclosure, the bailing ram, and the ejector mechanism.

Abstract: HPHT press system includes a thermal insulation layer. The thermal insulation layer includes CsCl, CsBr, CsI, or a combination thereof, and the thermal insulation layer is electrically insulating. The thermal insulation layer may include a thermal insulation sleeve and/or a thermal insulation button for an HPHT cell.

Abstract: A machine for forming a carton from a carton blank using a forming cavity uses at least one gripper for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along a path of travel (such as from the hopper to a transporter in a linear fashion). A plurality of grippers may be provided for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along the path of travel. The or each gripper may be adapted for gripping a lateral side of the carton blank, and the gripper(s) may be connected to a transporter adapted for moving in a reciprocal fashion along a linear path of travel. The machine may also include a forming cavity adapted for being raised and lowered, as well as a low level hopper for holding the carton blanks such that each is raised to associate with the gripper(s). Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container that includes a microwave interactive web at least partially overlying and joined to a three-dimensional support, wherein the three-dimensional support may be formed prior to having the microwave interactive web mounted thereto. The three-dimensional support may be a preformed container that is sufficiently rigid and dimensionally stable for use in containing food.

Abstract: A machine for making bags is disclosed and includes input, drum, and output sections. The drum section has at least one seal bar on a drum. The sections are mounted to side frames that are single metal plates. The frames are not coated after being formed and/or are comprised of at least one of galvanized steel, galvannealed steel, stainless steel or aluminum. The drum is comprised of first and second plates, and opposing third and fourth plates. The first plate is rotatable with respect to the second plate, and the third plate is rotatable with respect to the fourth plate. The distance from the seal bars to the center of the drum is responsive to the rotation of the plates. The first plate has a plurality of non-radial grooves, and the second plate has a plurality of radial slots, with fixtures in the slots and grooves. The fixtures are connected to seal bars. The non-radial grooves are curved and/or spiraled. The plates are comprised of zinc plated steel and/or are discs.