Abstract: Apparatus for producing containers, and in particular beverage containers, having a heating device configured to heat plastic parisons, having at least one first transport device, which transports the plastic parisons along a predetermined transport path, a sterilization device configured to sterilize the plastic parisons, and a forming device arranged downstream of the sterilization device, as seen in a transporting direction of the plastic parisons, and configured to form the plastic parisons into plastic containers by the application of a free-flowing medium, wherein said forming device has a transport chamber within which the plastic parisons are transported. The apparatus has an application device configured to apply a free-flowing sterilization medium, at least temporarily, to the transport chamber.

Abstract: A continuous, serpentine and intersecting pattern of filaments is provided on a surface of a house wrap membrane. Water drainage channels may be provided by depressions or viaducts formed at locations along filaments. The filaments may be formed using hot melt nozzles disposed on a member and translated transversely as the membrane is translated longitudinally beneath the nozzles.

Abstract: A vacuum thermoforming apparatus including: a molding machine on which a window base material is mounted; and a pressure supply machine coupled to the molding machine and configured to supply a pneumatic pressure toward the molding machine. The molding machine includes a mounting part having a curved surface-shaped mounting surface, and a coupling part having a structure for coupling with the pressure supply machine and a curved portion along the shape of the mounting part. The pressure supply machine includes: a cover part facing the mounting surface; and a side wall extending from the cover part to define an inner space in the pressure supply machine, the side wall having a curved upper surface so as to engage with the coupling part.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to further develop conventional devices for stretching and/or shaping and/or applying a lamination of a film element. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, by a device for stretching and/or shaping and/or applying a lamination of a film element, which device comprises a support frame for gripping the film element relative to a shaping tool or to a component to be laminated, and having grippers for gripping the film element, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to the support frame, said device being characterized in that grippers are arranged in a multi-axially adjustable manner relative to the support frame in order to adapt the film element more precisely to a contour of the shaping tool or of the component to be laminated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: A tool comprises a first rod that extends along a first axis and moves perpendicular to the first axis along a second axis. A first sliding guide moves along the first rod. A second rod extends parallel to the second axis and moves perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the first axis, and a second sliding guide moves along the second rod. A third rod extends along a third axis and moves perpendicular to the third axis and parallel to the second axis, and a third sliding guide moves along the third rod. A fourth rod extends along a fourth axis and moves perpendicular to the fourth axis and parallel to the first axis, and a fourth sliding guide moves along the fourth rod. The periphery of the sensor network film is secured to the rods, and the rods and guides move simultaneously to stretch the film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying a protective layer to an outer surface of a mobile device. A system may include a protective layer for an outer surface of a mobile device and an alignment layer coupled to the protective layer. A frame may define a cavity configured to receive the mobile device. The frame may include a surface positioned outside of the cavity and configured to support the alignment layer and configured to be depressed relative to the mobile device to reduce a distance between the protective layer and the outer surface of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: Methods are described for printing a three-dimensional structural component onto a base. For example, a method of printing is provided, including receiving a set of predetermined thicknesses for the three-dimensional structural component. The set of predetermined thicknesses has a first thickness and a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The method further includes instructing a printing device to print a single layer for the three-dimensional structural component using the set of predetermined thicknesses. The method further includes printing a first portion of the single layer onto the base so that the first portion has the first thickness. The method further includes printing a second portion of the single layer onto the base so that the second portion has the second thickness.

Abstract: A method of producing an optical device from a volume of a curable composition, includes the following steps: —polymerizing a first portion of the volume by irradiating an external surface of the volume with a light irradiation, thereby increasing a transmittance of the first portion for the light irradiation; —polymerizing a second portion of the volume by irradiating the second portion with the light irradiation through the external surface and the polymerized first portion, wherein the light irradiation has a light intensity varying over the external surface between a first light intensity and a second light intensity distinct from the second light intensity. A corresponding system is also described.

Abstract: A composite body comprising a first state having a first mixture including a binding agent and unfused powder and a second mixture including the unfused powder, where the first mixture surrounds and contains the second mixture.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a carrier, a set of rails coupled to the carrier, and a transition housing movably attached to the set of rails. The additive manufacturing system may include an extruder having an extruder barrel coupled to the transition housing, and a melt pump fixedly attached to the carrier. The melt pump may be in fluid communication with the extruder barrel. Additionally, the additive manufacturing system may include a nozzle in fluid communication with the melt pump, and a roller rotatable about the nozzle.

Abstract: A throat structure for a 3D printer according to an embodiment includes a cold zone for heat dissipation, a hot zone for heating, and a thermal insulation zone. The cold zone for heat dissipation has a titanium throat outer tube body and a teflon throat inner tube body, and the teflon throat inner tube body is socketed in the titanium throat outer tube body. The hot zone for heating has a heating block connection zone and a nozzle connection zone. The heating block connection zone is located on an external side of the hot zone for heating, and the nozzle connection zone is located at a lower part of the hot zone for heating. The thermal insulation zone is connected to the titanium throat outer tube body such that an area of the hot zone for heating is reduced and a printing material extrusion amount is controlled.

Abstract: Systems may reduce fugitive particles of powdered build materials in additive manufacturing by including a shroud positioned over a powder spreading roller, wherein the shroud forms a passageway to transport the fugitive particles. The bottom of the shroud forms a horizontally elongate opening to fit over an upper circumferential portion of the roller, leaving a lower circumferential portion extending out therefrom. The shroud may also be connected to a fan, blower, or other suction source to transport fugitive particles along a passageway, through a filter, and into a bin for collection or potential recycling. The system may include a brush or scraper positioned in the shroud and which contacts the spreading roller to help physically remove any fugitive particles that might be stuck to the roller.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printer including a floating solution for reducing resin usage may include a main frame, a water tank disposed inside the main frame, a build platform slidable in a vertical direction along the water tank, an optical assembly disposed at an upper portion of the main frame and irradiating a laser beam to the build platform, resin contained inside the water tank, and the floating solution contained inside the water tank, wherein the floating solution is not mixed with the resin, has a higher density than the resin, and supports the resin.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing build material container comprises a reservoir to hold build material and a build material outlet structure.

Abstract: An optical head (50) according an embodiment includes a light source unit (20) and a regulator (30). The regulator includes an outer surface (32) including a regulation surface (32a), and an internal space (35) in which the light source unit is arranged, the regulator supporting the light source unit, the regulator regulating a level of a liquid of a material (Q) using the regulation surface, the material being hardened by being irradiated with light by the light source unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods of providing heat to enable an FDM additive manufacturing nozzle having refined print control and enhanced printing speed. The heating element may include at least one sheath sized to fittedly engage around an outer circumference of the FDM printer nozzle; at least one wire coil at least partially contacting an inner diameter of the sheath; and at least one energy receiver associated with the at least one wire coil.

Abstract: Provided is a powder bed fusion apparatus that further reduces the difference in temperature between a powder material at a peripheral region in a fabrication container and a powder material at a center region in the fabrication container during preheating. The powder bed fusion apparatus comprises: a container that has a quadrangular shape as viewed from above and has an opening in an upper surface; a table which is disposed in the opening of the container and onto which a powder material is supplied through the upper surface; and a plurality of heaters that are attached to each of corner portions of sides of the container to heat the powder material on the table through the corner portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for surface finishing of pieces obtained by 3D printing. The piece to be treated and a liquid process plasticizer are heated together in a hermetically sealed treatment chamber up to a working temperature lower than the boiling temperature of the process plasticizer. The air/vapor mixture is maintained in continuous circulation in the chamber to keep the temperature and concentration uniform and to contact the piece with the air/vapor mixture to avoid condensate formation on the piece surface and allow process plasticizer vapors to be absorbed by the piece surface without condensate formation. Vapor exposure time is fixed depending on the desired penetration depth. A chamber has heaters, a ventilator for circulating the air/vapor mixture in the chamber to maintain uniform temperature and concentration conditions. A unit separates the process plasticizer vapors from the air/vapor mixture by condensation. A unit filters the residual air/vapor mixture.

Abstract: Method for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (1) based on build data, in particular via successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which build data define at least one part of an object (1) to be built in the additive manufacturing process, in particular a geometrical structure of the object (1), wherein build data are generated comprising at least two sub-data sets (3, 4) relating to different geometrical parts of the object (1); at least one sub-data set (3, 4) is defined as open sub-data set (4); all sub-data sets (3) except the at least one open sub-data set (4) are locked, wherein the locked sub-data sets (3) are unchangeable and the at least one open sub-data set (4) is changeable; and at least one three-dimensional object (1) is additively manufactured based on the build data.

Abstract: A kit for the calibration of a head system of a power radiation source of an additive manufacturing device comprises: a calibration plate having a plurality of reference marks, and a firing support made from at least one material sensitive to the radiation of the source, this support leaving the reference marks of the calibration plate visible when it is in place thereon, characterized in that the firing support comprises a plurality of windows distributed in such a way as to become superposed with the various reference marks of the calibration plate and leave them visible when the firing support is in place on the calibration plate. There is also a method for calibrating such a system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating an apparatus for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing. The apparatus comprises a process chamber, as well as a support for positioning the object in relation to a surface level of a bath of material to be solidified. A solidifying device is arranged for emitting a beam of radiation on the surface level for solidifying a selective part of said material. The solidifying device comprises a focus member for adjusting a focus setting. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of controlling the solidifying device for making test patterns at different focus settings. A calibration system with a sensor unit is used for determining characteristics of test patterns, and a calibrated focus setting is determined based on the characteristics.

Abstract: Tracking of measured depth with intervening depositing of one or more layers provides a way of improving the accuracy of surface reconstruction. For example, knowledge of the desired or expected thickness of each layer, in combination with the scan data is combined to yield higher accuracy than is available from scan data of a single scan alone. One application of such an accurate surface reconstruction is in a feedback arrangement in which the desired thickness of one or more subsequent layers to be deposited after scanning is determined from the estimate of the surface depth and a model of the object that is being fabricated, and by increasing accuracy of the surface depth estimate, the precision of the fabrication of the object may be increased.

Abstract: Techniques of optically sensing fiducial targets, such as calibration patterns, within an additive fabrication device are provided. In some embodiments, fiducial targets may be disposed on a structure configured to contact source material of the additive fabrication device, the source material being a material from which the device is configured to fabricate solid objects. Indirect sensing means may be employed such that light emitted from a light source of the additive fabrication device scatters from the surface of a fiducial target. At least some of this scattered light can be measured by a sensor and used to determine a position of the fiducial target. In some embodiments, the fiducial target may be configured to move relative to the light source and/or sensor to provide additional information on the target's position via the light scattered from its surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects is provided. The method includes generating a plan for printing a plurality of 3D objects in a 3D printing medium at least in part by identifying an unprinted area of the 3D printing medium for insertion of a cooling device and determining where at least some of the plurality of 3D objects are to be printed in the 3D printing medium such that none of the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects, when printed, intersect the identified unprinted area for the insertion of the cooling device. The method further includes printing, using a 3D printer, the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the plan and, after the printing, inserting the cooling device into the unprinted area of the 3D printing medium and cooling the 3D printing medium using the cooling device.

Abstract: A method attaches a liquid-repellent filter to an air vent of a resin molded article accommodating a component/electronic part. A thermal processing tip and a thermally welding tip and a molded article are provided. The thermal processing tip (22) forms a filter attachment surface (14) at the inlet or outlet of an air vent (16) in a thermoplastic resin molded article (13). A filter fixing rib (15) is formed around the attachment surface. The porous filter (18) is dropped onto the filter attachment surface, and a thermal welding tip (2) is used to melt the filter fixing rib such that the melted resin flows onto and covers a circumferential edge portion of the filter, penetrating the body of the filter. The melted resin penetrating the filter 18 and covering the circumferential edge portion of the filter are cooled to solid, whereby the filter is fixed to the filter attachment surface.

Abstract: A rivet connection has a hollow rivet composed of plastics material and connects a first component to a second component. The first component has a first surface and the second component has a second and third surface. The first surface and the second surface bear on one another. The second component has a first opening between the second and the third surface. The hollow rivet has a tubular component having a lateral wall, a cavity, a first end and a second end. Part of the tubular component is disposed in the first opening of the second component. The second end of the tubular component protrudes beyond the second component. The lateral wall of the tubular component adjacent the first opening of the second component is heated and compressed and configures an outwardly bulging region. Part of the outwardly bulging region contacts the third surface of the second component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composite material lay-up head (20) for applying elongate fibre reinforcement material (14) to a tool (12), the head (20) comprising: at least one elongate tow guide channel (32) for guiding fibre reinforcement material (14) from a tow inlet (33) to a tow outlet (35) of the channel (32); and feed apparatus (36, 38) for feeding fibre reinforcement material through the at least one channel (32); wherein the or each channel (32) is provided with at least one nozzle (60) arranged so that in use a jet of gas can be delivered into the channel (32) so as to inhibit contact between fibre reinforcement material (14) in the channel (32) and the channel (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a production system (1) for laying fiber tapes (2). The production system (1) comprises: a laying device (6) having an unwinder receptacle (9) and at least two unwinders (8) arranged next to one another on the unwinder receptacle (9), which unwinders (8) each comprises a receiving device (10) for receiving a raw material reel (11) and a cutting unit (27) for cutting the fiber tape (2);— a depositing device (7) having a depositing surface (12) for receiving the fiber tape (2) unwound from the raw material reel (11), the depositing surface (12) of the depositing device (7) and the unwinder (8) of the laying device (6) being displaceable relative to each other in the laying direction (18), whereby the fiber tape (2) can be unwound in stripes onto the depositing surface (12).

Abstract: A method of compacting a plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners prior to the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners being co-cured with a composite skin includes providing a caul plate with a plurality of stiffener receptacles and a skin-facing surface. The plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners is positioned within the plurality of stiffener receptacles, each of the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners having a skin-contacting surface. A caul sheet having a mold surface that replicates a surface shape of the composite skin is positioned against the mold surface. The caul sheet is compacted against the caul plate such that the skin-contacting surfaces of the plurality of pre-formed composite stiffeners acquire the surface shape of the composite skin, thereby generating an assembly of compacted stiffeners.

Abstract: A method for producing a part by injecting resin into a woven fiber preform includes the steps of (a) shaping the preform, (b) forming the preform, and (c) injecting resin into the preform. The step of injecting resin into the preform is carried out by means of equipment that includes a mold, a countermold, and resin injecting means. The step of injecting resin into the preform includes the substeps of: partially opening the equipment, injecting resin into the equipment, closing the equipment, and pressurizing and heating the impregnated preform between the mold and the countermold.

Abstract: A pultrusion method, equipment for preparing a fiber-reinforced composite, and a fiber-reinforcement composite are provided. The pultrusion method comprises the following steps: i) preforming inner layer fibers; ii) impregnating the preformed inner layer fibers with a first resin to obtain a first preform; iii) heating and curing the first preform to obtain an inner layer profile; iv) preforming outer layer fibers together with the inner layer profile; v) impregnating the outer layer fibers with a second resin to obtain a second preform; and vi) heating and curing the second preform to obtain the fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for manufacturing a wind turbine blade component, a method of manufacturing such a wind turbine blade component and a wind turbine blade component thereof. The individual panel sections are interlocked via interlocking devices arranged between adjacent panel sections. The interlocking device comprises first engaging element for engaging the adjacent panel sections, wherein the interlocking device is forced into the panel section by applying force to the interlocking device.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-section tank with composite material includes pre-tensioning the composite material, wrapping a soluble tool in the composite material, and curing the composite material around the soluble tool. The composite material is pre-tensioned with force to align fibers in the composite material.

Abstract: A hybrid metallic/composite structural component may comprise a metallic inner tube, a first lobe extending from the metallic inner tube, and a composite outer tube surrounding the metallic inner tube and the lobe, wherein a first end of the metallic inner tube extends from the composite outer tube and a second end of the metallic inner tube extends from the composite outer tube.

Abstract: A manufacturing method contemplates performing vacuum-assisted resin infusion to enclose an elongated core within a cured composite laminate without employing a mold. Not relying upon an external mold enables the process to be efficiently performed for core shapes that are manufactured in low volumes. Typical resin infusion processes utilize flow media that induces bag bridging during vacuum draw in order to provide gaps facilitating resin flow. However, popular flow media also tends to impart directional aggregate forces during vacuum draw, which forces can deform the core since no mold is being used. To avoid unequal and non-dispersed directional forces from deforming the elongated core, a flow media is employed that is configured to disperse and/or reduce such forces. Some such flow media may be knitted so as to allow overlapping strands to slide over one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tire with in-situ generated built-in puncture sealant comprising a supporting tire carcass comprised of one or more layers of ply, an outer circumferential tread, and a radially inner layer, a pair of beads, sidewalls extending radially inward from the axial outer edges of the tread portion to join the respective beads, a sealant comprising the chain cessation product of a butyl ionomer-based rubber sealant precursor composition catalyzed by peroxide disposed inwardly from said radially inner layer, and wherein said sealant provides self-sealing properties to the tire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for embedding fiber optics cables within woven fibers. More specifically, protecting fiber optic cables from fluids, well pressure, mechanical strain, and environmental hazards within a downhole setting, wherein the fiber optic cables are protected using braided fibers, gel, and metals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method enable continuous production of a reinforced plastic pipe using a transfer film. The transfer film moves at a predetermined speed in the longitudinal direction and is arranged to be in close contact with a circumferential surface of a base mold which winds glass fiber wound around the outer circumferential surface thereof using a filament winding method to mold a reinforced plastic pipe, such that the reinforced plastic pipe molded with the moving transfer film is moved forward, thereby being capable of continuously producing a reinforced plastic pipe with a desired length without breakage. The apparatus includes a rotary axial pipe; a base mold; a transfer film feeding part; and a transfer film withdrawing part. The method for continuously producing a reinforced plastic pipe includes a transfer film adhering step; a transfer film forced moving step; and a pipe cutting and separating step.

Abstract: A press machine has a body, a lower pressing assembly, and an upper pressing assembly. The body has a first driving device, a second driving device, at least one first supporting rod, and at least one second supporting rod. The at least one first supporting rod is rotatably connected to the first driving device. The at least one second supporting rod is rotatably connected to the second driving device. The lower pressing assembly is movably mounted with the at least one first supporting rod of the body. The upper pressing assembly is movably mounted with the at least one second first supporting rod of the body, and is able to move toward the lower pressing assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a coal briquette manufacturing apparatus including a material storage configured to store a plurality of materials for manufacturing coal briquette; a material mixer configured to mix the plurality of materials discharged from the material storage; a coal briquette manufacturer configured to manufacture the coal briquette by press-forming the materials mixed in the material mixer; and a conveyor provided to the material storage, the material mixer or the coal briquette manufacturer, and configured to transport the plurality of materials or the coal briquette, wherein the plurality of materials includes coal ashes, dolomite, and limestone, and a weight of the coal ashes is 70 to 80% of an entire weight of the plurality of materials.

Abstract: Provided is a coal briquette manufacturing apparatus including a material storage configured to store a plurality of materials for manufacturing coal briquette; a material mixer configured to mix the plurality of materials discharged from the material storage; a coal briquette manufacturer configured to manufacture the coal briquette by press-forming the materials mixed in the material mixer; and a conveyor provided to the material storage, the material mixer or the coal briquette manufacturer, and configured to transport the plurality of materials or the coal briquette, wherein the plurality of materials includes coal ashes, dolomite, and limestone, and a weight of the coal ashes is 70 to 80% of an entire weight of the plurality of materials.

Abstract: A hot-press device includes: a heating furnace; a pair of punches which includes an upper punch and a lower punch provided in the heating furnace and vertically facing each other; a lower press ram which is connected to a lower surface of the lower punch; an upper press ram which is connected to an upper surface of the upper punch; and a pressing device which is connected to any one or both of the lower press ram and the upper press ram and presses the punch so that the pair of punches are close to each other, in which the lower press ram and/or the upper press ram includes a plurality of individual press rams which are disposed at intervals, each individual press ram having one end coupled to the pair of punches.

Abstract: A creasing plate (24) for creasing a sheet (12) from paper, cardboard, carton, foil or a similar material, the creasing plate (24) consisting of plastically deformable material and comprising at least one creasing projection (26) formed from a plurality of small, plastically deformed areas which merge into each other so as to form the creasing projection (26).

Abstract: A hollow core sheet having a plurality of channels and at least one bendable reinforcement rod adapted in width and thickness to a given channel dimensions for insertion inside a channel wherein the method of insertion consists in the steps of having the at least one bendable reinforcement rod having either or both of the width or the thickness having an outer dimension (OD) set between 0.50 0.75 of the given dimension of the channel with a variation of 5%.

Abstract: A cross-laminated panel including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer of the cross-laminated panel having first boards oriented in a first direction. The second layer of the cross-laminated panel having second boards oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The third layer of the cross-laminated panel having third boards oriented in the first direction. The cross-laminated panel also including adhesive situated between each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The cross-laminated panel further including a hollow member forming a conduit and disposed in any one of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive film configured to suppress flowing of conductive particles attributable to the flowing of an insulating resin layer at the time of anisotropic conductive connection, improve the conductive particle capturing properties, and reduce short circuits has a conductive particle dispersion layer including the conductive particles dispersed (or distributed) in the insulating resin layer. The insulating resin layer is a layer of a photo-polymerizable resin composition. The surface of the insulating resin layer in the vicinity of each of the conductive particles has an inclination or an undulation with respect to the tangent plane of the insulating resin layer in the center portion between the adjacent conductive particles.

Abstract: A construct of selectively ventable insulation. The construct includes a substrate layer of a cohesive, bulky web of entangled fibers, with the web material defining a first side and an opposing second side of the substrate layer. The web material has an undulated form based on lapping of the web material. A covering layer is disposed adjacent to and coextensively over the first side of the substrate layer. A plurality of slits are formed in the covering layer. The slitted covering layer is configured so that when it is in a first condition, the slits are closed, and when in a relatively tensioned second condition, the slits become open perforations through the covering layer, thereby allowing venting of air or other fluid from a side of the covering layer that is adjacent the first side of the substrate layer.

Abstract: A sheet expressing a good tactile sensation and a molded product thereof. By configuring a resin sheet including hairlike bodies arranged regularly on at least one surface of an underlayer in which a continuous phase is formed without any structural boundary between the underlayer and the hairlike bodies, and the underlayer and the hairlike bodies have at least partially a crosslinked structure, a molded product expressing a good tactile sensation is obtained.

Abstract: Articles comprising an outer fabric layer and a laminate are provided. The laminate may include a barrier film layer and an inner fabric layer, in which the outer fabric layer at least partially encircles and overlies the laminate. The outer fabric layer comprises an outer fabric layer seal and the laminate comprises a laminate seal that is separate and distinct from the outer fabric seal. The articles may be devoid of any bonds between the outer fabric layer and the laminate.