Abstract: Thermoforming apparatus and methods are described. To-be-formed polymeric material may be separated initially from a mold surface by a grid or support rail, avoiding the mold surface from drawing heat away from the material while it is being heated to forming temperatures. The grid may retract into the mold when no longer needed to support the material. Plugs or inserts about which material is formed may include skirts, allowing the formed material to be shaped so as to guide coins or other objects into cavities in which the coins or objects are held for presentation or display. Profile plates associated with the molds may include non-stick material on their sides intended to abut to-be-formed polymeric sheets in order to reduce possibility of transfer of printing from the sheets to the plates and reduce undesired transfer of heat from the plates to the sheets.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for flowable material comprises a valve plate (26) of resilient polymeric material in which at least one elongate discontinuity is formed. The discontinuity defines at least one valve flap (28) which is an integral part of the valve plate but whose margin defined by the discontinuity is not connected to the adjacent material of the valve plate. The valve flap (28) is movable under the application of pressure from a closed position, in which the adjacent margins of the discontinuity form a substantial seal, to an open position, in which the margins for the discontinuity are spaced from one another and material can flow through the valve member. The polymeric material is a polyolefin material and the discontinuity is a rupture line. The margins defining the rupture line are of decreasing thickness towards their free edge and overlie one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making shape memory polyphenylene sulfide, comprising: curing polyphenylene sulfide to produce cured polyphenylene sulfide; comminuting the cured polyphenylene sulfide to form cured polyphenylene sulfide particles; disposing the cured polyphenylene sulfide particles in a mold; heating the mold for flowing the cured polyphenylene sulfide; compressing, by applying a compressive force, the cured polyphenylene sulfide; cooling the cured polyphenylene sulfide; relieving the compressive force; and de-molding the cured polyphenylene sulfide to produce the shape memory polyphenylene sulfide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of an angle for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular former and/or a stringer inside a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, the angle taking place by the one-step deformation of an initially planar blank along at least three fold lines in a uniaxial compression molding device. A mounting frame with hinges is arranged in the compression molding device, the blank to be deformed being accommodated along the edges preferably by means of a plurality of peripherally arranged springs. A deformation of the blank into an auto-stabilized angle is possible in one step while simultaneously ensuring interlaminar slide. Due to the constructively conditioned auto-stabilization of the angle, additional components which increase the weight and the assembly effort (so-called “stabilos”) in the connection region between fuselage cell skin, stringers and annular formers inside a fuselage structure of an aircraft are unnecessary.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine is provided having a frame, a first platen, a second platen, a platen load shaft, and a load shaft latch. The first platen supports a first mold. The second platen supports a complementary second mold and is carried by the frame for movement toward and away from the first platen to engage and disengage with the first mold. The platen load shaft has a lock ledge with an engagement surface transverse to the load shaft. The load shaft is supported by the frame and extends between the first platen and the second platen. The load shaft latch has an engagement surface transverse to a central axis of the load shaft and is movable to engage and disengage the lock ledge transverse engagement surface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A press for thermoforming a thermoformable sheet material for obtaining at least one thermomolded object, which has a support base; a pair of female molds supported for rotation around a rotation axis on the support base, diametrically opposite with respect to the rotation axis, drive means for the pair of female molds, comprising a rotary motion source designed to drive a power drive shaft and transmission means designed to transmit the motion from the power drive shaft to the pair of female molds, whereby between power drive shaft and female mold pair there is an angular displacement ratio of an angle greater than 360°, preferably 405°/180°, in order to make the female mold pair complete a sequence of 180° angular travels, thereby angularly and sequentially move each female mold into a molding position, and into a discharge position.

Abstract: A piece of substrate material is formed under heat and pressure against a cavity into a shaped substrate sheet having one or more depressions. Two substrate sheets are bonded together to form a substrate wherein the one or more depressions form one or more interior channels. The substrate, if not formed with pre-coated substrate material, is coated with a dope and quenched to form a filtering membrane. A plurality of membranes may be placed side by side to form a bundle with permeating ends of the membrane, which are open to the one or more interior channels, separated by gaps or spacers. The bundle is connected to a header to produce a module. The module can be assembled into a cassette.

Abstract: A lozenge is provided that has stable pH and stable levels of active ingredient over time. It comprises a combination of (i) at least one gum and (ii) at least one non-crystallising sugar or non-crystallising sugar alcohol in a matrix designed for controlled buccal delivery of a drug. The lozenge also contains water and optional components selected from flavourings, taste masking agents, colourings, buffer components, pH adjusting agents, excipients, stabilizers and sweeteners. Methods of preparing the lozenge are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display with a bent portion such as one or more bent edge portions. The display may be formed from a flexible display layer such as an organic light-emitting-diode layer. The organic light-emitting-diode layer may include a substrate layer such as a sheet of polymer. The flexible display may be attached to a support structure such as a flexible support layer using adhesive. To facilitate bending, the display may be heated. Bending and heating equipment may simultaneously heat the display layer and the flexible support layer to form a bent edge portion for the display. The bending and heating equipment may include heated structures for pressing the display layer into a desired shape.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a multilayer sheet, a thermoformed article, and a method for making the same. The multilayer sheet comprises (a) at least one sealant layer comprising: less than 1 percent by weight of one or more antimicrobial agents, based on the total weight of the sealant layer; at least 20 percent by weight of a base polymer, based on the total weight of the sealant layer, wherein said base polymer comprises a propylene/ethylene copolymer composition, wherein said propylene/ethylene copolymer has a crystallinity in the range of from 1 percent by weight to 30 percent by weight, a heat of fusion in the range of from 2 Joules/gram to 50 Joules/gram), and a DSC melting point in the range of 25° C. to 110° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer article excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability and a production method of the polymer article. The polymer article of the present invention is formed of a polymer material and is a polymer blank or a formed polymer body. The polymer article of the present invention has a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%. A method for producing a polymer article of the present invention includes: a heating step of heating the polymer material to a temperature of not lower than (Tm?70)° C. but lower than Tm(° C.) where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the polymer material; and a compression step of cooling the polymer material heated in the heating step and compressing the polymer material in the course of the cooling to obtain a polymer article having a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%.

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 vehicle deck board 1 is molded in such a manner that a lower die 21 and an upper die 22 are clamped together in a state where foamed resins 13 and reinforcements 20 are interposed between a back surface side sheet material 16 and a front surface side sheet material 15, whereby the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 are welded to each other to thereby form a laminated member 26 with height-increasing bridge members included therein, compressed air is injected into an inside of the laminated member 26 with the height-increasing bridge members included therein, which is formed by welding the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet 15, while individually vacuum-sucking the back surface side sheet material 16 and the front surface side sheet material 15 to the lower die 21 and the upper die 22, and the laminated member 26 concerned is subjected to blow molding.

Abstract: The method and system for rapid press forming and consolidation of a sheet of thermoformable material provides for molding of articles with complex shapes. The sheet of thermoformable material is suspended on a movable frame and transferred on a track to a preheating and preconsolidation station, where it is heated, and rapidly transferred suspended on the movable frame via the track to a molding and consolidation station for rapid press forming and consolidation with a hydraulic punch that applies pressure uniformly in all directions, to substantially eliminate wrinkles in the formed product.

Abstract: A method for assembling a drug delivery device comprising a body (2) retaining a piston rod (3) and a cartridge (5) retaining a bung (6) and holding a drug, said body (2) having a distal end (11) and a proximal end (12), comprises the following steps: A) Providing the cartridge (5) and the body (2) retaining the piston rod (3), wherein the piston rod (3) is plastically deformable, at least a part of said plastically deformable piston rod being manufactured from a plastically deformable material, B) Applying a force on the piston rod (3), at least a part of the piston rod (3) being in a state that allows plastic deformation, so that the piston rod (3) is plastically deformed and an element of the piston rod (3) abuts the bung (6), C) Applying conditions in order to bring the plastically deformed piston rod (3) of step B) into an altered state wherein no further plastic deformation takes place, D) Securing the cartridge (5) to the body (2).

Abstract: An immiscible polymer blend including a first polymer component including a paint polymer phase and a second polymer component immiscible with the first polymer component and selected from polyolefins and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). A method of recycling paint by blending a first polymer component including a paint polymer phase with a second polymer component immiscible with the first polymer component and selected from polyolefins and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is also presented.

Abstract: A method and system for thermal forming an object. A mold is provided, a shape of which corresponds to a desired shape of the object. A material is inserted into a heating area, and the material is heated using a plurality of independently controllable heat sources that heat different areas of the material. The heated material is then disposed over or into at least a portion of the mold so as to deform the material. The deformed material may then be trimmed so as to form the object.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a propylene polymer comprising at least two propylene polymer fractions of different melt flow index and a minor amount of at least one comonomer, said propylene polymer being further characterized by specific ranges for melt flow index, xylene solubles content and recovery compliance. Said propylene polymer is particularly suited for thermoforming. The present invention further concerns a process for producing said propylene polymer as well as its use in thermoforming.

Abstract: A closure strip, for use with a corrugated material, includes an elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member and a plurality of thermoplastic undulations. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member has a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member defines a plurality of linearly disposed and spaced apart openings therethrough. A plurality of thermoplastic undulations is complimentary in shape to the corrugated material. Each undulation extends upwardly from the flat thermoplastic sheet member and defines a void that opens to a different one of the openings defined by the flat thermoplastic sheet member.

Abstract: Solid-state deformation processing of crosslinked high molecular weight polymers such as UHMWPE, for example by extrusion below the melt transition, produces materials with a desirable combination of physical and chemical properties. Crosslinked bulk materials are heated to a compression deformable temperature, and pressure is applied to change a transverse dimension of the material. After cooling and stress relieving, a treated bulk material is obtained that has enhanced tensile strength in the axial direction orthogonal to the dimension change. In preferred embodiments, medical implant bearing materials are machined from the treated bulk material with the in vivo load bearing axis substantially parallel or coincident with the axial direction of the treated bulk material.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provides a method of preparing a thermoformed article composed of polylactic acid that includes the steps of providing a foam sheet comprising polylactic acid having a D-lactic acid stereo-isomer content that is about 3 mole % or less, exposing the sheet to a temperature of at least about 190° C., and forming the heated sheet in a mold at a mold temperature that is at least about 50° C. and for a length of time to form a thermoformed article having a PLA crystalline content of at least about 10%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that heat resistant thermoformed articles can be prepared in accordance with embodiments of the invention wherein the time required for forming the foam sheet into a molded article is less than about 10 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling out-gassing and humidity in a closed space-constrained environment. In particular, an environment control device is disclosed which is made using thermoforming techniques such that the walls of the device are much thinner than other conventional devices. This allows for the device to be used in space-constrained environment while still providing a sufficient amount of absorber material such as a desiccant. The apparatus includes a base made up of a thin flexible plastic film thermoformed to create a cavity having at least one wall, the cavity having an opening on one side. An absorber material, such as a desiccant, is placed inside the cavity, and a cover made up of a permeable layer sealed to the base opening to complete an enclosure for holding the absorber material.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are discussed herein. The processes generally include contacting a polylactic acid with a reactive modifier selected from epoxy-functionalized polybutadiene, ionic monomer, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for introducing standard gas into a sample vessel is generally disclosed comprising providing a vessel containing a sample gas and a receptacle with a vessel port, such as sampling needle, pressurizing the vessel with a carrier gas, and introducing a volume of standard gas into the flow path of the carrier gas being used to pressurize the vessel when the vessel port of the receptacle is located within the vessel. In some embodiments, a rotary valve is loaded with the standard gas, and the valve is brought into fluid communication with the flow path of the carrier gas when the vessel port is within the vessel.

Abstract: Processes for the production of high strength polyethylene tape articles from high strength ultra-high molecular weight multi-filament yarns, and to the tape articles, fabrics, laminates and impact resistant materials made therefrom.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chamfered edge with depth d along at least one edge of an upper surface of a plate shaped object, of which at least an upper layer comprises a thermoplastic (or similar) material, comprises the steps of heating the plate shaped object near to said edge; engaging the respective edge of said upper surface with pressure means for forming said chamfered edge by locally displacing material of the upper layer in a downward direction while displacing a substantially corresponding amount of material of the object in a substantially sideward direction outward of the original boundaries of the object; and removing the amount of material which has been displaced outward of the original boundaries of the object. Further a plate shaped object with an upper surface provided with a chamfered edge along at least one of the edges of said upper surface is provided.

Abstract: A method for socket-forming an end of a thermoplastic material tube, according to which the end is firstly widened without forming the socket and is then stabilized; the widened and stabilized end being finally socket-formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to an efficient and economical process for dispersing fiber in water and clay. In another aspect, the process for dispersing fiber in water and clay is used in methods of making fiber reinforced composite products. In another aspect, the dispersed fiber/clay material is formulated to make products which include, but which are not limited to, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, paperboard products, kitty litter, and/or lightweight building materials comprising fiber.

Abstract: A multilayer stack of polymeric sheets can be used in thermoforming processes to make objects wherein each sheet has substantially the same shape. The stack includes at least one sheet of a thermoformable polymer, and can include many such sheets. A barrier layer is interposed between at least an overlapping portion at least two of the polymeric sheets in order to prevent fusion of the sheets in the overlapping portion during the thermoforming process. The barrier layer can include an adhesive that adheres the sheets in the overlapping portion. In formed articles including such an adhesive, the sheets can be manually peeled from one another if a suitable adhesive is selected. The stack (and object formed using the stack) can include polymeric sheets that are not thermoformable, but are adhered to the surface of a thermoformable sheet.

Abstract: A method of making a polylactic acid based article includes: (a) providing a sheet having a crystallinity ranging from 0% to 15% and including a polylactic acid polymer composition, the polylactic acid polymer composition having a polylactic acid polymer, a copolyester polymer, and a crystal nucleating agent; (b) heating the sheet to maintain a surface of the sheet at a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 105° C. while keeping the crystallinity of the sheet lower than 20%; and (c) thermoforming the sheet in a mold having a temperature ranging from 95° C. to 130° C. so as to form a polylactic acid based article having a crystallinity ranging from 35% to 45%.

Abstract: Process for the production of an at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated thermoformed film part with at least the following process steps: a flat film piece which is at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated on one or on both surface(s) and is made of at least one thermoplastic, and which includes at least one film section which corresponds to the thermoformed part to be produced with respect to size and printing, metallizing and/or coating is provided; this film piece is mounted in a defined arrangement on a frame, only the edge sections of the film piece lying on the frame; the film piece lying on the frame in this way is introduced into a heating zone, and at least the film section is heated there to a given temperature; and the film piece heated in this way is introduced rapidly into a forming zone and is charged there immediately and directly with a fluid pressure means under a pressure means pressure of greater than 20 bar and is formed isostatically to give the

Abstract: The present invention provides a duct molding method by which it is possible to improve the adhesion of a sheet. In the duct molding method of the present invention, a molten thermoplastic resin sheet is positioned between molds. Subsequently, the thermoplastic resin sheet (P) is absorbed onto cavity surfaces of the molds and the molds are closed. Thereby, a duct is molded.

Abstract: Processing and improvements in processing of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer films, sheet, injection moldings, thermoforms, and blow moldings are provided, by use of particular types of calcium carbonate. Methods for using the calcium carbonates in processing of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers are also disclosed, as well as polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions comprising the calcium carbonates, and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for programming a shape memory polymer, which comprises at least one switching segment having at least one thermal phase transition and covalent and/or non-covalent cross-linking points such that the shape memory polymer after the programming thereof is in a position to transition from a programmed temporary shape into the permanent shape thereof, following a temperature increase to a temperature that at least corresponds to a switching temperature (Tswitch, T?max).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gripper finger including a surface area for clamping. This area this area is covered with a membrane including at least one section, which is substantially made of a shape memory polymer (SMP). The disclosure relates also to a gripper tool including such gripper finger and a method for adjusting such a gripper tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of micro/nano imprinting, which applies soft mold, pre-shaping sealing film, and soft holder arrangements to the micro/nano structure imprinting process of the curved substrates. The method of the present invention can prevent the curved surface from crumbling, which may result from high gas pressuring, and can obtain uniform imprinting pressure distribution throughout the whole curved substrate. Moreover, replicating micro/nano structures onto double-sided curve, both convex and concave, surfaces can also be achieved.

Abstract: A pre-forming method for a film includes: providing a pressing mold including a lower mold and an upper mold, the lower mold defining a cavity; placing a film into the cavity, the film having patterns printed thereon; providing a heating device including a heating unit and a fixing unit, the heating unit heating and the fixing unit pressing the area of the film having the pattern, the film being softened; removing the heating device form the pressing mold and the pressing mold being closed, the film being heated further to soft; cooling and opening the pressing mold, removing the three-dimensionally shaped film from the mold without distorting the pattern.

Abstract: Improved microprotrusion abrasion devices having fluid retaining or directing patterns, and specific design parameters and method for delivery of substances into the skin. Various configurations of such devices are disclosed, including domed, channeled, patterned and stepped.

Abstract: A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1<P2. The composite may also be removed from the first and second mold halves, wherein the composite has a near-net shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved with the invention is known in the art as extrusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

Abstract: Filled polyolefin compositions comprising: A) from 10% to 75% by weight of a polypropylene component; B) from 20% to 80% by weight of a filler; C) from 3% to 50% of a polybutene-1 component; wherein the percentages of A), B) and C) are referred to the sum of A) B) and C).

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a filter medium to a connection element, wherein the filter medium and the connection element are brought into contact with each other and connected to each other by exposure to laser radiation. The connection element may be welded to the end faces of filter folds in strips having a width of 1 mm. The connection element may include a laser light-absorbing layer and a laser light-transparent layer. The filter medium and connection elements may comprise nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: Mandrel supported IV tubing is inserted within a mold of a mold assembly to heat the IV tubing and form a tapered end of the tubing. The tip of the tubing extending beyond the tapered end of the tubing is severed by the mandrel bearing against the mold to lodge the tip in an outlet of the mold. Cooling air is introduced to the mold assembly to cool the mold and to create a flow of turbulent air about the outlet of the mold to extract the severed tips. The turbulent air is exhausted through a channel, pipe and fitting into a collection chamber and causes translation of the severed tip to and into the collection chamber. Sensors may be incorporated to sense the translation of the severed tips.

Abstract: Processes and apparati for shaping sheet glass or thermoplastic materials use force from a layer of a flowing fluid, such as air, between the sheet and a mandrel at close to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic. The shape is preserved by cooling. The shape of the air bearing mandrel and the pressure distribution of the fluid contribute to the final shape. A process can be conducted on one or two surfaces such that the force from the air layer is on one or two surfaces of the sheet. The gap size between the sheet and mandrel determines the pressure profile in the gap, which also determines the final sheet shape. In general, smaller gaps lead to larger viscous forces. The pressure profile depends on the shape of the mandrel, the size of the fluid gap and the sheet and the fluid supply pressure.

Abstract: A process of production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibers is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: Domain segregation of polymer blends or block copolymers in the presence of thermal conducting high aspect ratio nanocrystals leads to preferential placement of conductive filler either inside one domain, which promote the self-assembly of a thermal and/or electrical conducting pathway composed of high aspect ratio filler. The self-assembly of such thermal and/or electrical conducting pathway effectively enhances the thermal and/or electrical conductivity of the composite with significantly less amount of filler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a molded part which comprises a base part consisting of a plurality of layers and a thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material bonded therewith, the bond of the base part with the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material being formed such that the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material is deformed under a pressure to become flowable, or that it is introduced already liquefied under pressure and forms a bond with the base part. According to the invention, the production of the base part and the production of the bond of the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material with the base part is carried out in the same die.