Abstract: Apparatus for processing a workpiece comprises a base adapted to have a workpiece placed thereon. A vacuum bag is placed over the workpiece, and the bag is sealed to the base using inner and outer seals. The inner and outer seals are spaced apart from each other to form a channel therebetween. A vacuum port coupled with a vacuum source is used to evacuate air from the channel.

Abstract: An isostatic press is disclosed in which tunnel-like passages are formed between the envelope surface of a force absorbing body and a prestressing device. A method and a press are further disclosed, wherein a cylindrical element is prestressed simultaneously with obtaining a tunnel-like passage on the cylindrical element.

Abstract: A system and method for laminating a module. The system comprises a membrane adapted to apply a pressure on the module to press a plurality of layers of the module together, an intermediate member adapted to prevent gases set free during a lamination process from making contact with the membrane, and a base for retaining the module, wherein the membrane and the base are capable of forming a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.

Abstract: A method of making a tool for curing a composite layup and a method of removing air and volatiles from a composite layup during curing. The tool includes a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup and includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.

Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: A tool for forming a panel including a core area, at which plies sandwich a core, and a trim area surrounding the core, at which the plies are bonded together, is provided and includes a body having a surface on which the panel is formable, an assembly to apply bonding pressure to the plies at least at the core and trim areas and a clamping device external to the assembly to apply a clamping force to the vacuum bag and the plies.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating objects through sublimation comprises a kiln for heating the objects, a carousel comprising a plurality of arms having a supporting arrangement for supporting the objects, each object being associated with a transferring sheet provided with a sublimable decoration and further comprises a sucking arrangement for sucking air between the transferring sheet and the object.

Abstract: An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness.

Abstract: An inventive lamination method for producing laminates from a plurality of layers of laminatable material.

Abstract: A method of assembling a chair includes providing a first chair component composed of a first polymeric material and a second chair component composed of a second polymeric material. An adhesive is positioned on or in the first chair component. The adhesive is composed of a third polymeric material and at least one ferromagnetic susceptor. The second chair component is positioned in engagement with the adhesive and adjacent to the first chair component. A magnetic field or electromagnetic waves are applied to the adhesive to activate the adhesive. A force is also applied to at least one of the first chair component and the second chair component to press the first chair component and the second chair component. A chair is also provided that includes the first and second chair components and the adhesive.

Abstract: A solution to some of the problems related to manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite panels is to provide a vacuum bag frame assembly for use in the production of fiber-reinforced composite panels, where the vacuum bag frame assembly comprises a tubular center frame, a first vacuum bag frame holding an integrated first vacuum bag and arranged for closing against a first side of the center frame, and a second vacuum bag frame holding a second integrated vacuum bag and arranged for closing against an opposite, second side of the tubular center frame. The tubular center frame is provided with a peripherally arranged vacuum outlet external relative to the space formed between the vacuum bags, and one or more vacuum apertures directed internally relative to the space formed between the first and second vacuum bags and the tubular center frame.

Abstract: A laminate press device for forming a laminate structure body by hot-pressing a lamination body, comprising: a diaphragm; first and second chambers comparted by the diaphragm; an inner pressure control unit configured to individually control inner pressures of the first and second chambers; and a first platen which is provided in the first chamber to perform press-forming for the lamination body between the first platen and the diaphragm, When the lamination body is subjected to the press-forming by the diaphragm while the inner pressure of the second chamber is set to be higher than the inner pressure of the first chamber, the inner pressure control unit controls the inner pressure of the first chamber to be within a predetermined inner pressure range within which flowing out of a filler contained in the laminate body is prevented, without vacuumising the first chamber.

Abstract: A curing processing device including a top moving plate, a bottom moving plate, an intermediate moving plate, a heating unit which heats each of the moving plates, a moving plate driving unit, a carrying unit, and a controller, and wherein each of the top moving plates includes an elastic film and a positive pressure applying unit applying a positive pressure to a space between the moving plate and the elastic film, and the controller is configured to cause the curing processing device to operate in a carrying mode for carrying in or out the solar battery assembly and a compress mode for applying a positive pressure to a space between a lower surface of an upper side moving plate and the elastic film to press the solar batter assembly, and the controller changes a pair of moving plates in a predetermined order each time the mode is switched.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for performing rigid-to-rigid substrate lamination implementing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The process may include pressurizing a first sealed cavity to a first pressure. The process may further include creating a vacuum within a second sealed cavity, the second sealed cavity being sealed from the first sealed cavity by a flexible membrane. The process may further include applying the first pressure to a laminate assembly stack via the flexible membrane, the laminate assembly stack including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a PSA layer, the PSA layer being positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The process may further include applying the vacuum created within the second sealed cavity to the laminate assembly stack. The applied first pressure and the applied vacuum promote intimate contact between the first substrate and the second substrate of the laminate assembly stack via the PSA layer.

Abstract: A welding machine having a frame that includes end supports spanned by a top beam with a truncated V-shaped cross-section and a method of using the same. A vacuum track assembly disposed vertically beneath the top beam retains fabrics to be welded on a perforated surface using suction. A welding head travels along the top beam and applies heat and pressure to the surface to weld the fabrics together. The top beam and vacuum track assembly are extendable by including additional unit segments from which the beam and assembly are constructed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an air-filled cellular structure for use as a resilient cushion. The method includes providing a molding structure including a shelf substantially surrounding a depression, and a platform that fits within the depression and is selectively movable between a plurality of positions relative to the shelf, moving the platform to a preselected position relative to the shelf, wherein the preselected position corresponds to a substantially predetermined amount of air to be contained by the air-filled cellular structure, and using a vacuum device to draw air from within the depression.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus and method are provided. The substrate bonding apparatus may include a first support member that receives a first substrate, a second support member that receives a second substrate opposite the first support member, and a support pin located at the outside of the first substrate fixed to the first support member. The support pin may be connected to the first support member, and a distance adjustment device may move the support pin upward or downward to adjust the distance between the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fibre composite component to be reinforced to form a mould portion and at least the formed mould portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fibre composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fibre composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

Abstract: The apparatus for laminating a solar module includes a press for pressing and heating the solar module including: a first press part and a second press part between which an evacuable cavity is formed; a bearing surface for the solar module disposed in the cavity; a heater being disposed in the cavity and being movable relative to the bearing surface so that the solar module can be pressed via the heater against the bearing surface. The press includes one or more sealing bodies being disposed in an intermediate space between the heater and the first press part and/or in an intermediate space between the heater and the second press part and being brought into contact with the heater and at least one of the press parts so that the cavity is divided into at least two chambers being separated from one another in an airtight manner.

Abstract: A method of using a assembly facilitator for a pulp-molded shell with polymer liner containing systems to precisely create a integral pulp molded shell is disclosed along with the assembly facilitator itself

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mould (103) and a vacuum foil (105) and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mould. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied, This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit (200) which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.

Abstract: A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a combination of a substrate (6) and a wafer (15), wherein the substrate (6) and the wafer (15) are arranged parallel to one another and bonded together with the aid of an adhesive layer (8) situated between the substrate (6) and the wafer (15), and wherein the adhesive is chosen such that its adhesive properties are neutralized or at least diminished when a predetermined temperature is exceeded. According to the invention, the adhesive layer (8) is only applied annularly between the substrate (6) and the wafer (15) in the edge region of the wafer (15).

Abstract: A bonding apparatus and method holds first and second bodies peripherally, one above the other, on respective shelves. A lower heat-transfer body is configured to lift the first body from below and press the first and second bodies against an upper heat-transfer body to enable bonding between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are various features associated with a securing mechanism for a wafer bonder. In certain situations, operation of securing mechanisms can generate undesirable particles and debris, and some them can be introduced to a wafer being bonded. In certain implementations, a securing mechanism can be configured to reduce the likelihood of such particles and debris being introduced to the wafer.

Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.

Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer assembly formed by bonding a support wafer to a thin wafer using a double-sided bonding release tape. The support wafer provides support for the thin target wafer such that existing handling tools can accommodate transporting and processing the assembly without compromising the profile of the thin target wafer.

Abstract: An autoclave may be reconfigured to accommodate differently shaped parts by relatively rotating portions of the autoclave.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices wherein the apparatus includes a bonding module that has a pumping device; a vacuum chamber connected to the pumping device; and an optical system configured to determine the position of alignment marks on the surfaces of the semiconductor wafers to be bonded in the bonding module. The apparatus also includes a loadlock module connected to the bonding module and configured for wafer transfer to the bonding module. The loadlock module is also connected to a first vacuum pumping device configured to reduce the pressure in the loadlock module to below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural part including at least two wings extending in intersecting planes made of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite material including at least two plies of continuous fibers. The fibers extend from one wing to another. The method includes cutting the at least two plies in a fabric and/or a tape of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin; assembling the plies to create a preform; and compacting the preform to a final shape of the part by subjecting the preform to a defined cycle of temperature and pressure. A toolset can implement the method described above. Such a toolset includes a rigid punch and die such that closing the tool creates a sealed chamber in a shape of the part between the punch and the die.

Abstract: A substrate bonding apparatus for bonding substrates together in a vacuum at high speeds, with a high degree of accuracy includes a first chamber C1, a second chamber C2, and a third chamber C3. Two substrates to be bonded together are loaded in the first chamber C1. The two substrates are bonded together in the second chamber C2. The two substrates bonded together are unloaded in the third chamber C3. The first and third chambers are variably controlled from an atmospheric pressure state to a medium vacuum state. The second chamber is variably controlled from the medium vacuum state to a high vacuum state.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

Abstract: An attaching device which makes it possible to accurately perform alignment when the diameters of a substrate and a supporting plate are substantially the same includes a mounting plate for mounting a semiconductor wafer thereon, a pressing plate for pressing a supporting plate onto the semiconductor wafer, and a pair of alignment members. The pair of alignment members are arranged to freely move back and forth in a horizontal direction, and blades for supporting a lower surface of the periphery of the supporting plate and pushing members for performing positioning in a state where the supporting plate is superposed on the semiconductor wafer are provided at tip ends of the alignment members.

Abstract: A reinforcement insert includes superposed laps of fiber which are coupled to each other by a coupling fiber which passes through the laps in order to form fiber sections wherein at least certain sections thereof are rectilinear. The fiber sections and laps are immersed in a cured resin. The total density of the fibers that make up the insert ranges from 50% to 60% of the volume of the insert and the fiber sections take up 3%-10% of the volume of the insert. A method for creating a sandwich structure includes at least one such insert.

Abstract: A sealing device for forming an airtight seal between a first body, such as a cure tool, and a second body, such as a vacuum bag, without the use of adhesives. The sealing device may comprise an outer surface attached to the second body, an inner surface configured to face the first body, and two cusps located at opposite edges of the inner and outer surfaces. The sealing device may form a continuous boundary around an area of any shape or size. The sealing device may have a substantially crescent-shaped cross-section, allowing the sealing device to suction to the first body when compressed against the first body. The sealing device may also comprise a tab portion protruding from the inner surface between the first and second cusp for providing a more secure seal between the sealing device and the first body.

Abstract: The machine (1) has a heated plate (5), conveyor means (6) for conveying the elements (4) along a conveyor path leading across the heated plate (5), a top part (8) which can be moved vertically with respect to the heated plate (5), a membrane (9) disposed on the top part (8) and a separating film (10) disposed between the membrane (9) and the heated plate (5) which can be moved synchronously with the conveyor means. The separating film (10) is divided into sections (11) and every section (11) is retained exclusively by a single edge oriented transversely to the conveying path by retaining means (32). The sections (11) therefore sit loosely on the elements (4) free of tension. The membrane (9) lies against a peripherally extending peripheral face (46) of the top part (8) facing the heated plate (5) and can be moved directly onto the plane of the surface of the heated plate (5) in order to form a closed chamber with it. Finally, the membrane (9) is connected to clamping means (25, 26, 27).

Abstract: In a Joule heat encapsulating apparatus and an encapsulating method using the same, a panel is mounted on a stage, the panel including a thermal-hardening type sealant for surrounding and sealing a display unit formed between a first substrate and a second substrate, a heat-generating wiring overlapping the thermal-hardening type sealant, and an electric current application wiring connected to the heat-generating wiring. A cap is employed to form a sealed space, in which the panel is arranged, between the stage and the cap. An exhaustion mechanism for exhausting air in the sealed space, and a power applying mechanism connected to the electric current application wiring for supplying a current to the heat-generating wiring, are provided. As a result, a stable encapsulating structure which prevents permeation of oxygen or moisture may be easily formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold and a vacuum foil and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied. This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.

Abstract: A vacuum bag is applied around a fuselage barrel made of composite material to be polymerized, formed by lamination on the outer surface of a mandrel having the form of a solid of rotation about a longitudinal axis. A bag material in the form of a sheet having a transverse width corresponding to the longitudinal length of the fuselage barrel is provided alongside the mandrel. A first transverse end portion of the sheet is fastened or sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel. Then the mandrel is rotated around the axis, so as to wrap the sheet about the barrel. While the mandrel rotates, the opposite axial end edges of the sheet are sealed on the mandrel. Finally, a second transverse end portion of the sheet is sealed on the outer surface of the barrel or the mandrel.

Abstract: A process comprises constructing a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and a poly (vinyl acetal) interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press; applying vacuum to the vacuum bag or vacuum press for a maximum of 30 to 60 minutes while maintaining the sub-assembly at a temperature between 10° C. and 22° C. to produce a cooled sub-assembly; increasing the temperature of the cooled sub-assembly to at least 100° C. or 125° C. over a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to produce a heated sub-assembly; maintaining the heated sub-assembly at minimum of 100° C. or 125° C. for a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to form a laminate; cooling the laminate at a rate of at least 0.5° C./minute until the laminate reaches a temperature below 40° C.; contemporaneously with the cooling, removing the vacuum from the vacuum bag, containing the laminate, and allowing the laminate to reach atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A non-autoclave process for producing a glass laminate comprises applying a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and an ionomer interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press under vacuum followed by heating, cooling, and releasing vacuum.

Abstract: A substrate stage for mounting a substrate thereon includes a peripheral stage member on which a peripheral substrate portion of the substrate may be mounted, the peripheral substrate portion controlling a temperature of the peripheral substrate portion, a central stage member on which a central substrate portion of the substrate may be mounted, the central substrate portion controlling a temperature of the central substrate portion, and a support base that supports the peripheral stage member and the central stage member. A gap is formed between the peripheral stage member and the central stage member to keep the peripheral stage member and the central stage member from coming in contact with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, comprising the molding of at least two sheet-like, web-shaped preforms of plasticated thermoplastic material in a multi-part tool forming a cavity to form two complementary shells, and also the joining together of the shells to form a substantially closed hollow body, wherein the preforms are brought between open parts of the tool which each have part-cavities, the parts of the tool are then closed against a tool separator arranged between the preforms, and the preforms are inserted into the part-cavities with the use of differential pressure and molded. In a subsequent separate method step, the tools are reopened and internal components of the hollow body to be produced are fastened to the shells. Finally, the shells are joined together by reclosing the tools to form a closed hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductor devices wherein the apparatus includes a bonding module that has a vacuum chamber to provide bonding of wafers under pressure below atmospheric pressure; and a loadlock module connected to the bonding module and configured for wafer transfer to the bonding module. The loadlock module is also connected to a first vacuum pumping device configured to reduce the pressure in the loadlock module to below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A laminated glass forming machine comprises an electro-thermal elements (1), a drawer-type multilayer structure with independent working components, a vacuum pump (3), a main vacuum chamber (4), a door sealing adhesive strip (6), a fan unit (7) and an electronic measuring and controlling device. Each layer structure of the drawer-type multilayer structure with independent working components comprises a laminated glass vacuum bag (2); and the electro-thermal elements (1) and the drawer-type multilayer structure with independent working components are arranged in the main vacuum chamber (4). A method for producing laminated glass is provided in which the above mentioned laminated glass forming machine is used.