Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a cull from a molded part including a chip mounted on a tape circuit board are provided. The apparatus includes a cull support block for supporting a cull and a cull holder for clamping the cull. The cull holder is disposed above the cull support block. The apparatus further includes a frame support block for mounting a molded part and a frame holder for pressing the molded part against the frame support block to fix the molded part thereon. The frame support block is hinged on a first axis near the cull support block. The frame holder is hinged on a second axis near the cull support block. The apparatus also includes a pressing means configured to move downward against a distal end of the frame holder to cause the frame support block and the frame holder to rotate about the first and second axes, respectively, to separate the cull from the molded part.

Abstract: An elasticity-processing method for wet suit fabric pieces is disclosed, by which a wet suit fabric piece laminated with a knitted high-elastic cloth is pressed tightly with two sets of rubber squeeze rollers under different rotation speeds to cause an expansion effect on the fabric piece, separate and destroy the weave circle of the weave of the knitted cloth and produce an elasticity to the whole piece of the fabric. In comparison with the conventional low-elastic and high-modulus wet suit fabric pieces, the fabric pieces made with such a process has a high elasticity and low modulus, and is capable to improve the elasticity of wet suits in professional applications. The wet suits made of such fabric are more fitted, softer and more comfortable.

Abstract: The invention permits a boundary between a grained surface and a smooth surface to be seen clearly in a resin molded product, and facilitates manufacture and grinding of a mold for molding a resin. In an implementation, a resin molded product has a smooth surface adjacent to a grained surface on which microscopic asperities are formed. A step surface protruding toward the grained surface is formed on a boundary between the grained surface and the smooth surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding molded pieces including left and right molds, a sheet material setting mechanism for inserting sheet material acting as a bonding medium between the left and right molds, a sliding blade portion that has a cutting blade disposed at a front end thereof for cutting the sheet material, the cutting blade being formed so as to be along outer circumferential surfaces of the molded pieces on a left side of the right mold and the sliding blade portion being movable to left and right inside the right mold, a driving mechanism for moving the sliding blade portion to left and right, a sliding blade bearing portion formed on a right side of the left mold such that the blade bearing portion and sliding blade bearing portion are movable to the left and right inside the left mold, and a spring member for pressing the sliding blade bearing portion to the right.

Abstract: Windshield wiper apparatus and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the instant invention include forming a new edge on a worn wiper blade. The new edge increases the effectiveness of the wiper blade and thus extends the useful life of the wiper blade. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the instant invention can be employed to form the new edge in accordance with one of various methods including trimming a worn edge from the wiper blade as well as molding a new edge onto the worn wiper blade. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the instant invention, a windshield wiper assembly includes a wiper blade and a heating element supported on the windshield wiper assembly, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the wiper blade so as to keep the wiper blade substantially clear of ice, snow and the like during winter driving conditions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing balloon catheters, and the catheters manufactured thereby. In accordance with the method, a workpiece comprising a tube-within-a-tube is placed within a mold, and a first region of the outer tube is distended into contact with the mold to form a seamless balloon of a desired configuration. The distension of the first region of the outer tube may be facilitated by electron beam irradiation, heating and/or longitudinal drawing of the workpiece concurrently with the introduction of a pressurized fluid into the space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube so as to exert the required outwardly distending pressure against the first region of the outer tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of thermoforming and partly cutting thermoforming objects, which comprises intermittently feeding a tape or plate (2) of thermoformable material to a thermoforming press (46); thermoforming and cutting the tape or plate in a mould (48, 50) to obtain at least one thermoformed article (51) surrounded by residual web or waste (57), wherein partial cutting is carried out by means of punch-and-die cutting means (52, 54) and cutting affects the whole outline of each thermoformed object (51) and has at least one discontinuity (55) which results in one or more tiny connection sections or witness beads (58) connecting each thermoformed object (51) to the waste (57).

Abstract: A blow molded article includes an outer wall and an article retaining feature projecting outwardly therefrom. The article retaining feature includes a distal wall and a side wall connecting the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall is generally orthogonal to the outer wall of the blow molded article, and an inner surface is defined at least partially by inner edges of the side wall, the distal wall and the outer wall of the blow molded article. The side wall has a hole integrally molded therein.

Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material, such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of a slab of the material includes a compression roller, a support surface, a blade and a moving patterned platform interposed between the compression roller and the support surface. The moving patterned platform, preferably an endless belt or a series of interconnected panels, defines at least one recess, and may define a pattern of recesses of complex or simple shapes and at various depths. When the slab of cellular polymer material is compressed between the compression roller and the support surface, a portion of the material fills the recess or recesses in the moving patterned belt. The blade then transversely cuts from the surface of the slab a portion of the material within the recesses in the platform just as the slab emerges from between the compression roller and the support surface.

Abstract: A stereolithographic method and apparatus for applying packaging material to workpieces such as preformed electronic components, including semiconductor dice, with a high degree of precision, and resulting articles. A machine vision system including at least one camera is operably associated with a computer controlling a stereolithographic system for application of material so that the system may recognize the position and orientation of workpieces, such as semiconductor dice, to which the material is to be applied. The requirement for precise mechanical workpiece alignment is eliminated, and the ability of the system to recognize size, configuration and topography of different workpieces affords greater manufacturing flexibility. The method includes stereolithographic application of material for packaging electronic components, and the electronic components so packaged are also part of the invention.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) over the substrate layer (16) and molding the two layers into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: According to the present invention, an instrument panel having an instrument panel cover including a hidden deployment region integrally formed within an inner surface thereof by an ultrasonic embossing process is provided. More specifically, the deployment region comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of scores or cuts formed in the inner surface according to a predetermined pattern. The scores represent weakened portions of the instrument panel cover designed so that the force of an inflating air bag cushion causes the instrument panel cover to separate along the scores to thereby provide an opening for the inflating air bag cushion to deploy therethrough and be directed into the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The deployment region may be defined by any number of scores and therefore may have a variety of patterns, including but not limited to “H” pattern, “U” pattern, and “I” pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) to form a grill section (60). The substrate is folded in half and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) is placed over the folded substrate layers (16). The two layers are blow molded together into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: A combined tool for edge-folding and trimming a rim of a panel includes a cutting blade rigidly secured to a tool holder frame, an edge-folding tool slidably received in the tool holder frame, and a biasing spring arranged in the tool holder frame to bias the edge-folding tool outwardly away from the holder frame. The tool is moved in a linear stamping direction, whereby the edge-folding tool folds back and then holds and compresses a margin of a panel workpiece. The tool holder frame and cutting blade are pushed farther in the linear stamping direction, while the edge-folding tool is pushed back into the tool holder frame and compresses the biasing spring, whereby the cutting blade cuts through and compresses the panel workpiece. This forms a back-folded, compressed, and trimmed rim of the finished panel in a single work step using an integrated edge-folding and cutting tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a sheet of polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. A forming mold is provided having halves that engage for forming a heated sheet therebetween. Each of the halves defines an interior cavity having a peripheral edge. The sheet is retained between the peripheral edges of the halves and a vacuum is generated within one of the cavities for drawing the sheet therein, whereby a sensing mechanism detects a draw depth for initiating a cooling mechanism to cool the sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the material. A series of retention mechanisms are provided about the peripheral edge of one of the halves, for biasing the sheet into engagement with the peripheral edge of the opposing half. A trimming mechanism is further provided for trimming the perimeter of the sheet to a desired form.

Abstract: A method for forming tear lines in the rear side of an automobile interior article having a cover portion being developed from which an airbag inflates. When either an automobile interior article body having an integrally molded surface portion or an automobile interior article surface portion is to be molded, the mold is opened after tear line forming projections are moved forward and backward with the mold closed. Thus, the tear lines can be formed at the molding time without any visible extrusion marks of the tear line forming projections on the front surface side (the design face).

Abstract: A method for making embossed blanks for sample packages and other free-standing three dimensional display items from a sheet-type work material. The sheet-type work material has a top layer of sheet material, an intermediate layer of sheet material, and a carrier layer of sheet material. In operation, a printer prints an image onto the work material, which is then advanced to a processing mechanism where a creaser places indented fold lines into the work material, a knife cuts a blank from the work material, and an embosser embosses a design into the work material.

Abstract: A non-woven fiber pad having a convoluted surface formed by cutting a non-woven fiber batt having a plurality of low melt synthetic fibers. The non-woven batt is compressed generally toward a cutting device by a pair of counter-rotating drums having convoluted surfaces.

Abstract: A tapered running block and corresponding tapered cavity blocks are utilized in a mold for fabricating relatively thin, flat plastic cards, such as used for pre-paid telephone cards and the like. The mating surfaces of the runner block and the cavity block are angularly tapered; so that metal-to-metal contact is made between the runner block and the cavity block when the mold is in the plastic injection position. As soon as relative movement of the runner block and the cavity block is effected to part the blocks and separate the cards from the runners, the tapered 1surfaces move away from one another without any sliding contact, thereby significantly reducing wear in the mold.

Abstract: A machine for rotary cutting of continuous synthetic foam sheets while compressed between two rollers has a roller drive featuring individually adjustable roller speed to allow use of rollers of dissimilar diameter, such as a large diameter pattern roller and a small diameter compression roller. The roller drive may be selectively engaged for driving each roller with a separate drive motor or both rollers with a single motor through a gear train, allowing conversion of the machine to conventional foam convoluting using similar sized rollers.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming shells so that their cut lips face inward toward the shells permits the production of a number of novel thermoformed products having superior nesting and de-nesting qualities and having the ability to fit together to produce a variety of closed shell forms.

Abstract: An assembly disposed within a mold for forming openings in a plastic part includes a punch pin and a backing pin having faces disposed flush with a surface of a mold cavity. The backing pin is disposed opposite the punch pin. The punch pin is driven into the completed plastic part removing material to form an opening. The waste material is driven into a bore housing the backing pin. The backing pin recedes into the bore to accept the waste material. Upon ejection of the plastic part the waste material ejects from the mold cavity as the backing pin moves back to a position flush with the surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously shaping a compressible or cellular polymer material, such as polyurethane foam, by cutting portions of the material from a surface of one or more slabs of material (180) includes two compression rollers (146, 146a), two moving patterned platforms (132, 132a) interposed between the compression rollers, and one or more cutting blades (76) for transversely cutting the slab or slabs just as the cellular material emerges from between the compression rollers. At least one of the moving patterned platforms, preferably an endless belt, defines a recess or pattern of recesses. When a single slab or multiple slabs of material are fed and compressed between the compression rollers, a portion of the material from one side of the slab or slabs fills the recess or recesses in one of the moving patterned belts. The blade then transversely cuts the cellular material.

Abstract: A process for producing a sealing device includes forming the metal component having a positioning portion for positioning the metal component onto a vulcanizing mould. The metal component also has a cutting portion in a specific portion of the metal component. Removing the positioning portion from the obtained sealing device can be carried out easily because of the presence of the cutting portion.

Abstract: A decorative component (1), in particular designed to constitute a piece of internal trim of a vehicle, including at least a sheet of material (2) provided with stiffening means (3) and having, at least locally, on at least one of its faces, referred to as an aspect conferring face (4), an aesthetic and comfortable aspect. According to the method, the stiffening means (3) include a bead (5) of material, whether continuous or discontinuous, provided on a part at least of the periphery of the sheet (2) to fix its shape according to the shape desired for the component. The method also relates to manufacturing such a decorative component and to a use thereof, as well as to a process for manufacturing a piece of internal trim of a vehicle, for example a door panel, using the decorative component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method intended for heat insulation of a pipe (1), comprising the following successive stages: depositing, on the outer surface of the pipe moving longitudinally, a thickness (3) of an insulating material made of elastomer having an elastic type behaviour, substantially without irreversible plastic deformation, forming at least one circumferential slot (4) in the thickness of the material, substantially orthogonally to the axis (2) of the pipe, coating the insulating material thickness with a sealed sheath. In a variant, the slot is machined in the thickness of the insulant. The invention further relates to a heat-insulated pipe.

Abstract: A method for making a screen filter, especially for filtering liquid or gaseous materials, in which the screen filter comprises a mounting ring or mounting element (10) and a filtering screen arranged on the mounting ring or mounting element. The filtering screen is composed of a mesh web fabric (15) and can be connected to a basket-shaped support skeleton (16). The mounting ring (10) and the support skeleton (16) are injection-molded around the mesh web fabric (15).

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a molded article having a substrate material and skin material may include a first die that receives and supports the substrate material and a second die that receives and supports the skin material. The first die is arranged and constructed to engage the first die. A cutter may be provided on the first molding die. The cutter can be actuated when the second die moves toward the first die in order to partially cut away the substrate material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device to form a bung in which a piece (1) is provided that features a protrusion (2) designed to define said bung, said protrusion (2) constituting a conduit (3) equipped with a previously closed first end, with said piece in place in an enclosure (5); said piece (1) is released from said enclosure (5) using relative driving means (6) of one in relation to the other and said previously closed end is unplugged using cutting means (7) operated, directly or not, by said driving means (6). The invention concerns also a fabrication mold for a hollow body, such as a tank, provided with a bung, equipped with the above-described device.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing support materials in carrier frames in the manufacture of seat components for chairs including moving the support material to an openable mold press forming a mold cavity for the carrier frame when the mold press is closed, shaping the support material, and molding the carrier frame to capture the shaped material in the carrier frame. In one embodiment, the support material is stretched as it is moved to the mold press, and/or in the mold press before molding the carrier frame. Excess support material is removable from an outer side portion of the carrier frame after molding the carrier frame and before discharging the carrier frame and support material captured thereby from the mold press.

Abstract: A blow molding method for forming a hollow resin product comprises a parison extruding step, a protrusion abutting step and a confronting rod abutting step. In the extruding step, a parison is extruded from a die head towards a position interposed between a pair of molding portions. Each molding portion has a mating surface and a parison-cutting-protrusion erected from the mating surface. In the protrusion abutting step, the protrusions are abutted from each other. In the confronting rod abutting step, the spherical surfaces formed at tip ends of the rods protruded from the mating surfaces of the molding portions are abutted from each other. These steps are simultaneously executed, to thereby remove a flash from a product when the molding portions are closed. In addition to this, the rods mounted on one of molding portions are mounted on the same so as to be adjustable in its protruding length from the mating surface.

Abstract: Curved surfaces of a preform of thermoplastic adhesive provide improved regulation of heating and exclusion of gas as surfaces to be bonded are heated and pressed against the thermoplastic adhesive preform. Particulate or filamentary materials can be added to the thermoplastic adhesive for adjustment of coefficient of thermal expansion or further increase of heat transfer through the adhesive or both. The preform is preferably fabricated by molding, preferably in combination with die-cutting of a preform of desired volume from a web of approximately the same thickness as the completed bond.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a process and an apparatus for delivery of plastic at a viscosity and in the required quantity suitable for compression molding of large, and often odd shaped three-dimensional products, such as large automotive body parts and large appliance parts, etc. These products may consist of plastic only, or may require additional layers of other plastics or even other materials such as woven cloth, inserted into the cavity before molding. The purpose of this invention is to provide a process and apparatus for use with a compression molding machine to supply plastic to a mold cavity, at a number of suitable locations, and in appropriate quantity at each location as required by product shape and thickness. The apparatus and process includes a delivery head which is mounted on rails attached to the machine clamp or the mold cavity, and a connection between the injection unit of the molding machine.

Abstract: A method for bonding molded pieces, comprising the steps of: providing a mold which can be split into left and right molds, said right mold having a cutting blade formed on a left side thereof so as to be along outer circumferential surfaces of the molded pieces, and said left mold having a blade bearing portion formed on a right side thereof for bearing said cutting blade; setting a pair of molded pieces having sectional shapes coincident with each other into said left and right molds, respectively, in such a manner that end surfaces of said molded pieces to be bonded are put inside so as to face each other, wherein said pair of molded pieces each individually being an extrusion-molded piece or a die-molded piece; attaching said left and right split molds with each other while inserting a sheet material acting as a bonding medium therebetween, so that said end portions of said molded pieces to be bonded are brought into contact with each other via said sheet material, and that said sheet material is cut into

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting an expanded graphite sheet comprises (a) urging at least one cutting tool against the sheet, the cutting tool having at least one ridge extending therefrom, the ridge comprising a substantially tapered cross-section having sloping sides and an edge surface; (b) displacing at least a portion of the material comprising the sheet as the ridge is urged against the sheet; and (c) compressing a region of the sheet in contact with the at least one ridge so that the density of the region at least reaches the breaking density of the sheet.

Abstract: A method of trimming blow-molded products while in the mold including the steps of placing a parison between a mold having two mold halves, moving the two mold halves together to form a cavity and enclose a portion of the parison, pressurizing the inside of the parison to produce a product and trimming a portion of the product while it is in the mold by applying a vacuum to those portions adjacent to a cutter and by then moving the cutter across the cavity and across the portion of the product to be cut. The mold halves are then separated and the product is removed therefrom. The apparatus for achieving this method includes a cutter slidably disposed in a first slot and having a slot plugging member slidably exposed in a second slot wherein the cutter and slot plugging member will prevent plastic from entering the first and second slots when the plastic product is being formed. After the plastic is formed, a vacuum is applied to portions of the product adjacent to the cutter.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of padding material from inherently rigid flat material, such as cardboard packaging or the like, the flat material is cut into parallel strip sections, which in the vicinity of connecting areas spaced in the longitudinal direction of the strips remain partly interconnected. Between the connecting areas the strip sections are so deformed perpendicular to the flat material extension that transversely adjacent strip sections are bent in opposite directions. A manufacturing apparatus is constructed in the manner of a document shredder with a cutting mechanism having cooperating cutting rollers, which have circumferential grooves, which during the passage of the flat material at regular intervals lead to an interruption of the cut.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing unwanted excess material from a mold section is particularly adapted for removing a monomer ring adhered within a reservoir of a female mold section used to mold a contact lens. The invention involves piercing the monomer ring and rotating the piercing members (e.g., annularly spaced pins) relative to the mold section whereby the monomer ring is sheared from the mold section to which it was adhered while the molded lens is left intact in the mold section.

Abstract: A molded floor covering for a vehicle floor includes a thermoplastic polymer layer with an integral, threaded drain tube extending therefrom. The drain tube is configured such that a distal end thereof can extend through a drain hole in a vehicle floor when the floor covering is installed within a vehicle. The drain tube includes a threaded bore that is configured to receive a correspondingly-threaded drain plug therein. A method of producing a molded floor covering having an integrally formed, threaded drain tube includes providing a mold having a contour of a vehicle floor with an outwardly projecting threaded member. A layer of thermoplastic polymer is vacuum formed over the mold and around the threaded member such that the layer follows the contours of the mold and threaded member to form an elongate tube extending therefrom.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite parts includes positioning a plurality of composite layers on an application surface formed by a plurality of tooling members and filler members on a mandrel. A part formation aid is disposed on the composite layers above each tooling member. The filler members are then removed, and the composite layers slit over the recesses. The mandrel, the tooling members, the composite layers, and the part formation aids are placed in a vacuum bag. As the bag is evacuated, each part formation aid forces the side edge of the composite layers formed by the slit around the respective tooling member, thereby forming a composite part with a desired shape, thickness, and density. In an alternate embodiment, a flanged composite panel is formed around a rectangular mandrel after positioning composite layers on an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of a filler member disposed on one end of the mandrel.

Abstract: The process of the present invention involves molding a 3-D molded product from a sheet. The molded product includes a product section, which turns out to be a product, and an extra product section, which is to be excised. The sheet is made of a thermoplastic polymeric material. The process includes clamping the sheet at its peripheral edge; heating and softening the sheet; deforming the heated and softened sheet by stretching the sheet along a 3-D molding surface of a mold; and adhering the sheet to the 3-D molding surface to mold the 3-D molded product. A thickness of the product section is made up by moving the sheet material at the extra product section to the product section during the deforming step by partially releasing a tensile stress of the extra product section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming a distal tip on a catheter. The method includes defining an area on the distal end of a polymeric tube, creating at least one void by removing at least some of the material within the area, and sealing the cut edge closed. The area is defined by a boundary, which includes a first location on the distal tip, a second location on the distal tip radially spaced apart from the first location, and a third location proximal to the distal tip. The preferred area is a cut having a V-shape. This method creates a superior catheter tip profile, specifically for soft tips.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive reflector comprising a series of steps. A thin plastic film having a backing material is thermoformed into the rough shape of the reflector. The thermoformed film is called a pre-form. The pre-form has a concave surface and a convex surface. The backing material forms the convex surface. The pre-form is placed within an injection molding press with the concave surface juxtaposed a mold core. Molten reinforced plastic material is injected into the mold adjacent to the backing material. The plastic material heats and fuses to the backing material to form a reflector. After the plastic material has cooled, the reflector is removed from the injection mold as a finished reflector.

Abstract: A method and work material for making embossed blanks for sample packages and other free-standing three dimensional display items from a sheet-type work material includes a printer for printing a graphic image on the work material, and a processing mechanism for performing work operations on the work material. The sheet-type work material has a top layer of sheet material, an intermediate layer of sheet material, and a carrier layer of sheet material, with a first layer of adhesive material bonding the top and intermediate layers of sheet material together, and a second layer of adhesive material bonding the intermediate and carrier layers of sheet material together. Any, all, or a combination of the top, intermediate, or carrier layers of sheet material may have shape retaining deformability characteristics to aid in holding an embossed design in the work material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining single-piece capsules made of a plastic material, which comprises: a press-forming phase for obtaining a single-piece capsule (1) provided with a skirt (2) connected to a lower zone (1a) of the capsule; a folding phase of the skirt (2) internalwise of the capsule, obtained by plastic deformation of the connection zone (3) between the skirt (2) and be capsule; a cutting phase of the lower zone of the capsule, obtained by a radially-directed insertion of blades (4a, 4b) which are shaped such as to obtain cuts (5a, 5b) of predetermined shape and size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of trimming a thermoformed film comprising the following steps. A Thermoplastic flexible film is placed within a frame. The film and frame are heated sufficiently to make the film pliable. The film and frame are moved to a position adjacent a forming mandrel. The forming mandrel is moved against the film and causes the film to conform to the shape of the mandrel. After the film has fully conformed to the shape of the mandrel, the mandrel and film are moved to a trimming station. Knives on the trimming station contact and cut the film. It is also desirable that the knives be mounted on actuators to move them from extended to retracted positions. A plurality of knives are used to trim around a three-dimensional article.

Abstract: A method and a molding tool for producing containers from a thermoplastic plastic film. The method and tool permit the production of containers having a hollow floor and a double-walled standing base, with a seal between the two walls of the standing base. The method permits the production of such a container in large piece numbers, and with a high quality, and allows it to be transferred reliably into a stacking device. The components of the molding tool are subjected to low wear, and the molding tool is unsusceptible to contamination. These features are attained by a constant contact between the mold floor and the container floor between the shaping and stacking processes, and by the creation of a space between the inside wall of the standing base and the outside wall of the mold floor prior to the ejection of the container, the space also permitting the unmolding of a standing base that has a more pronounced undercut or a slightly conical shape.