Abstract: A system for manufacturing a stack the manufacture of which involves pressing/clamping and curing where improved productivity is imparted to that system by improving upon a stack transfer system. The manufacturing system comprises a press machine 1 for pressing/clamping a stack and for unclamping the stack; a curing chamber 20 for curing the stack pressed/clamped; and first and second transfer device connecting said press machine and the curing chamber, the first transfer device being in charge of a step of transfer of the stack pressed/clamped by means of the press machine therefrom to the curing chamber, the second transfer device being in charge of a step to transfer of the stack cured in the curing chamber therefrom to the press machine. A waiting station may be provided between the press machine 1 and the curing chamber 20 to put a cured stack on standby at the waiting station and then deliver the cured stack to the press machine.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus by which prototype components can be fabricated for conceptual evaluations. The rapid prototyping process entails the steps of forming a prototype within a process chamber that generates the prototype on a platform of a build chamber through sequentially depositing a layer of material on the platform, fusing the layer of material together, and then lowering the platform so as to allow depositing of a subsequent layer of material on the platform. In this manner, the depositing, fusing and lowering steps are repeated until the desired prototype is obtained. Thereafter, the build chamber, housing the prototype, is detached from the process chamber, and the prototype is cooled while remaining within the build chamber. The prototype is preferably cooled within the build chamber using a nonreactive cooling medium that is caused to flow around the prototype.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for forming cavities without using an insert. More particularly, the invention encompasses apparatus and method for fabricating cavities in MLC (multi-layer ceramic) without using inserts.

Abstract: A system for moulding containers in thermoformable and heat-weldable material. The system includes a heating and welding station and a forming and shape-stabilizing station, with at least one welding and forming station in-between, producing progressive forming and shape-stabilizing of the containers.

Abstract: An optical disk producing apparatus produces an optical disk by bonding a pair of replica disks together. The replica disks are disposed in a sealed space to oppose to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. The sealed space is defined by a peripheral wall and opposite ends. The peripheral wall is divided into two portions which are slidingly movable relative to each other. When the sealed space is evacuated, the two portions are moved to apply an atmospheric pressure to the replica disks, so that the replica disks are bonded together into an optical disk.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the mounting of an optical sensor on a windshield glass using a clear adhesive tape is disclosed. The device holds the sensor, with tape exposed, in a vacuum chamber which is sealed against the glass. The chamber is evacuated, and the sensor is then pressed against the glass by the longitudinal movement of a drive shaft. The sensor may be installed with consistent force and with no trapped air pockets or air bubbles. Air pockets are a special concern because air pockets adversely effect the optical performance of the sensor. The vacuum chamber device may be controlled by a computer, and features a latching mechanism which prevents the sensor from making contact with the glass until the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus for forming cavities without using an insert. More particularly, the invention encompasses apparatus for fabricating cavities in MLC (multi-layer ceramic) without using inserts.

Abstract: In a method for producing a three-dimensional object wherein the object is produced layer by layer by applying a layer of a material which can be solidified by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation and subsequently solidifying the layer at the points corresponding to the object by irradiation the problem is encountered that the production process is considerably delayed by long heating and cooldown times within the apparatus used for the production. According to the invention this problem is solved by irradiating and thereby solidifying in each layer a region of the material surrounding the object so as to produce a container wall (26) for the material (21).

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by layerwise solidification of a material the problem is encountered that, in particular when using powdery or pasty material, a material layer having an exactly adjusted thickness can not be generated in a sufficiently fast manner. In order to solve this problem, it is proposed to scrape the material by means of a vibrating wiper member (21, 22) when applying the material or to provide a movable container (13) used for applying the material with such wiper members (21, 22) at the lower side thereof.

Abstract: An optical disk producing apparatus produces an optical disk by bonding a pair of replica disks together. The replica disks are disposed in a sealed space to oppose to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. The sealed space is defined by a peripheral wall and opposite ends. The peripheral wall is divided into two portions which are slidingly movable relative to each other. When the sealed space is evacuated, the two portions are moved to apply an atmospheric pressure to the replica disks, so that the replica disks are bonded together into an optical disk.

Abstract: A dispersed dye sublimation imaging method of a substrate includes a pre-conditioning step, before the substrate is imaged, which uses controlled heat and humidity. The pre-conditioning step, by raising the surface energy levels of the substrate and thermally stabilizing the substrate before pressured contact in the imaging zone, allows for more precise control of dye sublimation during image. Pre-conditioning also allows: the use of higher temperature dyes; the use of higher temperatures and shorter dwell times in the imaging zone; and/or the use of lower imaging temperatures. The pre-conditioning also provides for greater migration and penetration of the dispersed dye into the surface of the substrate being imaged. The shorter dwell time and thermally stabilized pre-conditioned substrate also reduces movement between the substrate and dye carrier device, which provides for increased resolution of the imaged substrate.

Abstract: A removable apparatus for upgrade of an in-service pipeline without disrupting the flow of fluid within the in-service pipeline. The removable apparatus comprises at least one enclosure having a top section and a bottom section for temporarily enclosing a pipe section of the in-service pipeline. The top section and bottom sections are sealably disposable around the pipe section. A repairing mechanism for repairing the pipe section or an insertion mechanism for inserting and connecting a pipeline element to the pipe section is disposed within the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of joining metal parts together and the joints thereby produced having great strength and thermal conductivity by means of an adhesive filled with small, hard, thermally conductive particles. The filled adhesive is applied to the surfaces to be joined and the surfaces are pressed together with a force in the range of 35 to 105 Kg/sq cm while the adhesive is curing. A fixture is disclosed made of a metal with a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the parts being joined. When the parts are held in the fixture and heated, differential thermal expansion causes the fixture to apply the necessary pressure during curing while also providing a measure of the applied pressure. For joining a cooling fin normal to the surface of a part, a tapered plug is formed in the fin edge and it is forced into a tapered slot in the part after adhesive application. A low external perpendicular force applied to the fin yields a high pressure to the mating surfaces through the inclined plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a multilayer ceramic board having uniform density over the total area of the green sheets after a thermal compression bonding comprises a lower mold in which a plurality of green sheets, having conductive wiring patterns printed thereon, are to be set in a stacked state, an upper mold which comes into contact with a top surface of the uppermost sheet of the plurality of green sheets and applies a pressing load on the stacked green sheets toward the lower mold, and a restraining mold which restraining the plurality of green sheets in the stacked state therein and having an inner wall surface in contact with peripheral wall portions of the upper and lower molds, the confining mold being movably supported in a direction of the pressing load of the upper mold.

Abstract: A device and a method for shrinking heat recoverable sleeves for covering cable joints comprising a heating device the interior of which has a plurality of independently energizable heating elements and at least one sensor and a control circuit or control circuits which are connected to the heating elements and the at least one sensor. The control circuit is arranged to produce a uniform and then a non-uniform temperature profile within the heating device unless the initial temperature within the heating device is above a given temperature (e.g.) 30.degree. C. in which case the control circuit waits until the temperature within the heating device falls to below the given temperature before producing the temperature profiles whereby sleeved cable joints of a uniform quality are produced by avoiding air entrapment within the sleeve during the shrinking process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-exhausting and pre-pressing apparatus for laminated glass sheets. In the manufacture of laminated windscreens, the glass sheets are carried on a conveyor in a substantially upright position through a heating tunnel. The suction tubes included in a suction track adjacent to the conveyor are coupled with suction rings surrounding the edges of the laminated glass sheets. A preheating station, a heating station, and a recooling station are set successively to define together a heating tunnel, the conveyor extending through the heating tunnel. The preheating station and the recooling station are linked with each other by at least two air circulation ducts for circulating air from the recooling station to the preheating station and from the preheating station back to the recooling station. The arrangement saves heating energy and achieves a uniform heating and cooling of glass sheets.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to manufacturing apparatus, method of manufacture, and products manufactured thereby and more particularly to an integral three-dimensional object (6, 15) formed from individually contoured laminations (4, 62) of the same or gradually varying shape, successive laminae of that object being produced out of thin sheet or powder based materials (1, 60) through the cutting, fusing or physiochemical property changing action generated by a computer directed beam (7) of concentrated energy or matter, successive substantially planar laminations (4, 62) of that object (6, 15) being automatically stacked together for step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object (6, 15).

Abstract: Apparatus for mass producing one or more individual stacks of expandable, secured together tubular strips which includes a stacking station having an inlet and a conveyor system for sequentially delivering tubular strips having a flat face sequentially to a point opposite said inlet. The stacking station includes pushing apparatus opposite said inlet for pushing the strip delivered opposite said inlet into said chamber. The pushing apparatus has a strip-holding face lying in a given plane and having suction apertures for holding said flat face of each strip delivered thereto in said plane. The pushing member is moved back and forth into and out of said stacking chamber at said inlet with said strip-holding face presented parallel to the flat face of the previous strip delivered to said stacking chamber to push the opposite side of the strip against the flat face of the adjacent strip in said chamber to secure the strips together and form a substantially unwrinkled stack of aligned strips.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer (40) is placed in a first pressure chamber (37) of a bonding apparatus (10 or 60). A major surface (46) of a submount (44) is placed on a submount support (30 or 62). The major surface (46) of the submount (44) seals the first pressure chamber (37). A pressure differential is generated between the first pressure chamber (37) and a second pressure chamber (47) The pressure differential bows a central portion of the submount (44) toward the semiconductor wafer (40). The central portion of the submount (44) contacts an adhesive coating over a central portion of the semiconductor wafer (40). The submount support (30 or 62) is displaced to decrease a curvature on the submount (44). The pressure differential is increased to an end-point to facilitate bond formation between the semiconductor wafer (40) and the submount (44).

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic disk wherein a center core having an adhesive substance previously applied thereto is adhered to a magnetic sheet. The apparatus includes a holder having a center core retaining member extending therefrom for receiving and retaining the center core, the holder being rotatable such that the retaining member rotates about an orbital path; a core feed station, disposed along the orbital path, to which the center core having the adhesive applied thereto is fed, the center core being received by the retaining member at the core feed station; an adhering station disposed along the orbital path at a position downstream of the core feed station for adhering the center core to the sheet; and an annular housing substantially surrounding the orbital path an through which hot air is circulated so as to partially dry the adhesive applied to the center core.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) which handles fragile semiconductor wafers (21) adhesively mounted to a submount (22) using a high temperature wax is provided. The apparatus (60) includes a vacuum chuck (24) for holding a first surface of the wafer (21) and a solvent chamber (11, 11') for applying solvent to the back surface of the submount (22). The apparatus (60) includes an enclosure (29) for providing an inert gas environment around the solvent chamber (11, 11'), the wafer (21), and the vacuum chuck (24). The apparatus (60) further includes a means for remounting (30) the wafer (21) to a submount (22) using a low temperature wax after the high temperature wax is dissolved. The wafer (21) is then released from the vacuum chuck (24) and the first surface of the wafer (21) is mounted to an adhesive tape (34). Following the mounting, the low temperature wax is dissolved or melted to demount the wafer (21 ) from the submount (22), leaving the wafer (21) securely mounted on the adhesive tape (34) for sawing.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 10', 10'') for adhesively bonding a fabric layer (16) to a cellular foam pad (18) using a heat-sensitive adhesive (14) to produce a seat cushion assembly (12). The apparatus (10, 10', 10'') includes a microwave radiation source (22, 22', 22'') for emitting microwaves to selectively heat the adhesive (14) above its melting temperature to adhesively bond the fabric layer (16) to the foam pad (18). A method is also provided for fabricating a cushion assembly (12) in accordance with the subject invention.

Abstract: The apparatus includes advancement clamps which move two mutually facing films along an advancement direction on which the following are arranged in sequence: two welding half-molds, which by mutually welding the two films in preset regions define cells which are open toward a longitudinal edge of the films; two half-molds for heating the welded films; a cell forming station. Air injection nozzles, inserted between the two flaps of the films on the side of the above mentioned longitudinal edge, and two forming half-molds, in which forming cavities are defined at the cells, operate in the forming station. Divaricators for divaricating the two flaps of the films are provided proximate to the forming station so as to facilitate the insertion of the air injection nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing flexible tubes of desired length from several strips of rubber and/or fiber reinforced rubber. The apparatus comprises a wrapping machine and a vulcanizer arranged in series on a common axis along which a core can move.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of hermetically sealing a space, more particularly of manufacturing electronic components (9), such as CCD's, LCD's and sensors, mainly consisting of a support (13) and a covering plate (17) enclosing a cavity (19), in which a moisture-sensitive element (15) is arranged and which is hermetically sealed in that the covering plate (17) is secured by means of a thermo-setting glue (5) to the support (13), the operation of curing the thermo-setting glue (5) being carried out in a hermetically sealed chamber (11).

Abstract: A sheet binder includes a frame having first and second spaced parallel support walls for receiving therebetween a plurality of sheet to be bound. The walls each have a first end for defining therebetween an opening into which the sheets are inserted, and a second end defining therebetween a binding zone. A heating plate and deposition base are operably associated with the second ends for applying an adhesive strip to associated edges of the sheets for binding the sheets together. The plate and base are displaceably supported within the frame for being linearly and alternatingly moved into and out of the binding zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for attaching replacement frictional lining material to a face of a lock-up piston for a torque converter of an automatic transmission. A housing encloses a pair of pressure plates which are electrically heated to automatically-controlled temperatures. A cylinder-and-piston assembly carries one of the pressure plates between an open position permitting a lock-up piston and a replacement friction lining material to be placed atop the other pressure plate. Closure of the door of the housing initiates an automatic cycle of application of pressure for a predetermined amount of time during which the heated pressure plates activate an adhesive material. An automatic timing device is adjustable to control the duration of application of pressure through operation of an electrically-controlled air valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining members made of thermoplastic material are provided wherein cut edges of such members and portions of the members adjoining the edges are heated to a selected temperature to define plasticized edge portions and the plasticized edge portions are moved to bring the edges in contact with each other while shielding same from ambient air to thereby enable fusion of the plasticized edge portions with minimum flashing and carbonization of the thermoplastic material. A heating device for use with the apparatus and method of this invention is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for seaming the end of a tube. In the method, the shell of the tube is placed onto the shoulder of the end piece, a sleeve ring is placed where the joint is to be produced, and the seaming is effected by smelting in a seaming element a plastic layer provided on the sleeve ring, tube shell and/or end piece.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces (B.sub.1 B.sub.2) of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface (2) on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway (4) in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against total or limited confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces (B.sub.1 B.sub.2) of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface (2) on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway (4) in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against total or limited confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: A method of forming composite articles from components (12, 14, 16) is described in which the components are joined by adhesive at their interfaces (18). The components have cavities (22) and the adhesive is compressed while it sets by placing magnetically attractable particulate material (20) into the cavities on one side of the interface and placing magnets (26) on the other side of the interface so that the attraction between the magnets and the particulate material compresses the adhesive. The particulate material may be removed from the cavities after the adhesive has set through apertures (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the oxidation of a lead frame in a bonding system. The apparatus has a first introducing device for introducing a first atmospheric gas toward a bonding portion of the lead frame and a second introducing device for introducing a second atmospheric gas to shield the bonding portion from contact with ambient air simultaneously with the introduction of the first atmospheric gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for bonding a core member to a housing member, particularly, in instances in which the members do not mate in a contiguous fashion. The invention includes some manual and some semi-automatic functions, but is largely automated and computer controlled. A conveyor carries an assembly of an initially joined but unbonded core member and housing member along a series of discrete stations. After some preparatory steps in the process, an initial continuous bead of sealant is first applied on one side of the assembly to close off the space between the members and thereby form a cavity between them. The bead is cured, then the assembly is inverted and the cavity is filled with an anaerobic bonding material. A second continuous bead of sealant is then applied on the other side of the assembly to close off the remaining space between the members as well to isolate the bonding material within the cavity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of obtaining a void free interface between a photosensitive dry film and substrate by applying uniform fluid pressure after vacuum lamination.

Abstract: A compact tabletop machine for making laminations such as labels of the type including a central substrate layer and first and second outer layers having inside glue-bearing faces in face-to-face contact with opposite faces of the central layer.

Abstract: A curing jacket for use in conjunction with a tire to be recapped having a pair of sidewalls and a tread. The curing jacket includes a unitary tubular envelope having first and second edges. The curing jacket is sized to encase the tire by extending around a circumference of and adjacent to interior and exterior surfaces of the sidewalls and tread of the tire. An O-ring on the first edge of the tubular envelope fits within a seat on the second edge to provide an airtight seal. Air is evacuated from the envelope through a valve. The jacketed tire is cured in a curing oven.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against their confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: A workholder having top and bottom frame portions defining a cavity through which a leadframe passes is described. Dew point, moisture, ports are placed in one of the top or bottom frame portions to allow continuous, real time monitoring of the moisture level in the processing environment. A series of clamping an indexing means are integrally disposed within the frame portions of the workholder to clamp and index the leadframes.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for bonding a core member to a housing member, particularly, in instances in which the members do not mate in a contiguous fashion. The invention includes some manual and some semi-automatic functions, but is largely automated and computer controlled. A conveyor carries an assembly of an initially joined but unbonded core member and housing member along a series of discrete stations. After some preparatory steps in the process, an initial continuous bead of sealant is first applied on one side of the assembly to close off the space between the members and thereby form a cavity between them. The bead is cured, then the assembly is inverted and the cavity is filled with an anaerobic bonding material. A second continuous bead of sealant is then applied on the other side of the assembly to close off the remaining space between the members as well as to isolate the bonding material within the cavity.

Abstract: A device for mounting flexible spacers (2) to a glass pane (3) during the course of manufacturing insulating glass comprises a tool (20) for attaching the spacer (2), this tool being movable relatively to the glass pane (3). The tool (20) is guided to be displaceable upwards and downwards by way of a slide (21) and is rotatable about an axis oriented essentially perpendicularly to the glass pane (3) and is reciprocatable in the direction of this axis. The spacer (2) is guided, through a shaft (23) of hollow design pertaining to the tool (20), to an attaching head (22) of the tool. The tool (20) and the supply station (70) are accommodated in a temperature-controlled housing (71).

Abstract: Improved apparatus for heat-treating gelatin capsules containing a medicament to cause heat-seal of the telescoped cap and body wall portions thereof, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an elongate generally cylindrical passageway sloping downwardly from inlet to outlet for receiving and discharging capsules passing therethrough, a capsule conveyor comprising an elongate rotatable shaft mounted on the longitudinal cylindrical axis of the passageway for rotation and carrying a plurality of generally circular conveyor plates, each plate supportably mounted in spaced relation along the shaft and having extending ramp portions communicating with the top surface of the next adjacent plate in the direction of the housing passageway outlet to define a generally Archimedean screw-shaped path for passage of gelatin capsules through the housing passageway from inlet to outlet, air-distributing means comprising an elongate manifold attached to the housing having a first section communicating with the passageway

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for use in sealing gelatin capsules filled with medicinal ingredients wherein each capsule has a generally cylindrical cap and body arranged with the side wall of the body telescopically within the side wall of the cap to contain the medicament therein comprising an economical and compact wetting device for automatically conveying filled capsules from a capsule-filling machine by pneumatic pressure conveyance through one or more passageways to a wetting location where each capsule is maintained in a generally cap-upright position and metered amounts of a wetting liquid are applied to side wall portions of the body of the capsule adjacent the seam of the cap and body to pass by capillary action into the space between the overlapping cap and body side walls, and the capsules are released from wetting positions in the passageways for further pneumatic conveyance to a point of heat treatment for final sealing of the body and cap portions of the capsule to prevent their separation and

Abstract: A heat pad for pressing against a curved surface of an annular tire to vulcanize a tire patch having a channel-shaped sheet member of resilient conductive rubber material with reinforcing electrodes adhered to the sheet member at the elongated side edges, a cover of insulating rubber material encasing the sheet member and an intermediate portion between the electrodes stretchable to conform to the curved surface of the tire under pressure from a pressing member urging the pad against the tire.

Abstract: This relates to the forming of packages by thermoforming a web which is of a laminated construction. By forming the web as two separate webs, particularly when one of the webs may include sterile components, the number of splices which must be made under sterile conditions is greatly reduced as compared to the number of splices which may be conventionally formed.

Abstract: The invention is a vacuum bag sealing system for the manufacturing of composite structures and the like in a mold. In detail, the system comprises a base plate for mounting the mold. A first Teflon coated sealing surface is bonded to the base plate extending about the periphery of the mold. Also included is a vacuum bag, having a second Teflon coated sealing surface bonded thereto in a complimentary relationship to the first sealing surface when the vacuum bag is placed over the mold and base plate. A bead of conventional vacuum bag sealant is used to bond the first sealing surface to the second sealing surface so that an airtight seal is formed between the vacuum bag and the base plate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sealing of gelatin capsules having coaxial cap and body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described are apparatus and denaturation-melting point depression mixtures to seal the capsules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a sheet of material from a fiber textile-like mat is provided, the apparatus comprising a press having a pair of movable endless belts having adjacent runs adapted to receive a mat of fibers of thermoplastic material mixed with other fibers therebetween and having outer returning runs, the press having a compressing unit for compressing the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts to densify the mat, the press having a heating unit for heating the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts, and the press having a cooling unit for cooling the mat between the adjacent runs of the belts after the mat has been heated and densified by the heating unit and the compressing unit, the heating unit that heats the mat also preheating the outer runs of the belts before the mat is received between the adjacent runs of the belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously operating press for pressing an advancing web of material, comprising a rigid press frame, an upper and a lower endless press belt, each guided over a pair of deflection rollers mounted for rotation on the press frame, comprising a heating device to heat at least one deflection roller of each pair, comprising a reaction zone located between the upper and lower press belt strands facing each other for pressing the advancing web of material with the simultaneous application of heat, and comprising pressure plates with a heating device at the rear sides of the press belt strands remote from the reaction zone for exerting a pressure on these rear sides and, consequently, on the web of material.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the sealing of gelatin capsules having hard shell coaxial cap and body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described are apparatus and sealing fluids to seal the capsules.