Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a blow molded plastic container includes directing energy from a heater onto the portion of the container so as to heat the portion while leaving the remainder of the container relatively unheated. The heated portion of the container is then engaged by a reforming tool having an embossed or imprinted characteristic on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and form a three-dimensional feature thereon which is not reproducible without using the method and/or apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively, the heated portion of the container is engaged by a reforming tool having a transferable element on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and transfer the transferable element to the portion of the container.

Abstract: A deep drawing packaging container comprising: a top film made of a first heat shrinkable multilayer film; and a bottom film made of a second heat shrinkable multilayer film, the deep drawing packaging container being formed by deep drawing, so that a drawing ratio (D1) of the top film and a drawing ratio (D2) of the bottom film satisfy conditions: D1=1.1 to 4.0; D2=1.5 to 5.0; and (D2/D1)=1.05 to 4.55, wherein a hot-water shrinkability (SM1) in a longitudinal direction and a hot-water shrinkability (ST1) in a transverse direction of the first heat shrinkable multilayer film and a hot-water shrinkability (SM2) in a longitudinal direction and a hot-water shrinkability (ST2) in a transverse direction of the second heat shrinkable multilayer film satisfy conditions: SM1=5 to 40%; ST1=5 to 40%; SM2=2 to 25%; ST2=2 to 25%; (SM1/SM2)=1.2 to 12; and (ST1/ST2)=1.

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 extusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

Abstract: Sealable, thermoformable, heat-shrinkable multi-layer film having a symmetrical construction around a two-ply inner layer, and having a heat shrinkability in machine direction and in cross direction of in each case at least 20% at 93° C., the heat-shrinkability being substantially unaffected by thermoforming, and use thereof with specially equipped packaging machines.

Abstract: A method of molding provides two molds (102, 104) formed of semiconductor material. The molds (102, 104) have substantially planar working faces (108, 110) into which recesses (106, 112) are formed. In use the molds (102, 104) are pressed together with the working faces (108, 110) opposed so the recesses (106, 112) form mold cavities. The molds (102, 104) only contact each other in the plane of the working faces (108, 110). A thermoplastic sheet placed between the molds is heated to deform the sheet into the mold cavities.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a polymer composition comprising one of poly-D-lactide and poly-L-lactide bonded to an anionic clay mineral and the other of poly-D-lactide and poly-L-lactide not bonded to the anionic clay mineral. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic clay mineral is a hydrotalcite or a meixnerite. The polylactide composition according to the invention combines a high polymerisation rate with a low amount of contaminants in the system.

Abstract: An RFID insert includes a housing of molded plastic construction and an RFID tag captured within the housing. A portion of the housing is permanently frangibly removable from the remainder of the housing to remove the RFID tag from within the housing and thereby disable RFID operation of the insert. The housing preferably includes a center portion connected to a ring-shaped periphery by a plurality of angularly spaced frangible bridges. The center portion of the housing may include a slot or pocket for engagement by a tool to twist the center portion with respect to the periphery and thereby facilitate rupture of the bridges, and/or may include indicia to identify presence of the RFID tag in the insert.

Abstract: A headband includes an angled top section that enables the headband to better conform to the contour of the top of the user's head for a better fit in that area. In addition, the headband may be made of a memory-flex deformable material that enables it to conform to the contour of the top and sides of the user's head for a more comfortable fit in those areas. In some embodiments the headband has generally linear legs and in other embodiment the legs are swept back so they are positioned farther behind the user's ears.

Abstract: In press molding or embossing a thermoplastic resin for producing a molded product excellent in transferability of microscopic surface asperities and having high quality with high productivity, a preform of a thermoplastic resin is heated to about the hardening temperature of the thermoplastic resin constituting the preform. The preform is embedded between an upper half and a lower half of a mold which are maintained at a temperature of about the hardening temperature of the thermoplastic resin, and then the mold is closed at a low pressure. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in a surface of the preform by charging carbon dioxide between a surface of the mold and the surface of the preform in order to reduce the viscosity of the preform surface. The surface of the mold is brought into contact with the preform having the reduced surface viscosity by increasing a pressing pressure. Then, carbon dioxide is discharged, and a molded product is extracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight, thermally insulating tray pallet for retaining cargo in place and preventing damage of the cargo loaded on the corners of the pallet. The tray pallet simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the weight of the pallet by requiring stretching only a single thermoplastic sheet over an expanded polymer core. The strength of the tray pallet can be increased by applying a thicker thermoplastic sheet over the expanded polymer core.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for simultaneously forming a surface texturing pattern (embossed pattern) on the surface of an FRP product when manufacturing the FRP product by hot-pressing a prepreg material. A prepreg material 2 is a woven sheet formed by weaving a weft 10 and a warp 20 which is impregnated with thermosetting resin 40. A release film laminate 100 formed by sandwiching an adhesive film 130 between release films 110 and 120 is placed on a surface to be provided with surface texturing, before subjecting the same to hot-pressing. The softening temperature of the adhesive film 130 is close to the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin 40, so as to allow the thermosetting resin 40 to be pushed into the space between hard FRP fibers during hot-pressing and to form the surface texturing pattern on the surface of the member.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass wool molded product includes the steps of processing a glass material into fibers so as to obtain a glass wool, gathering such glass wools to form a glass wool mat, and subjecting the glass wool mat to press molding, wherein the above described press molding is carried out, while supplying water so that the water content of the above described glass wool mat becomes 0.1% to 7.0% by mass, and while maintaining a temperature between 250° C. and 450° C.

Abstract: Bottles, containers and other articles are formed from polypropylene compositions that include a reheating agent, such as antimony, carbon black, graphite, titanium, copper, manganese, iron, tungsten, graphite, infra-red absorbing dyes or other infra-red absorbing material. The reheating time for the polypropylene composition is shortened for injection stretch blow molding or thermoforming, and the polypropylene granule composition with reheating agent has an L* value of at least 80% of the L* value for a polypropylene granule control without added reheating agents as measured by the Gardner color test. The reheating agent may be incorporated into the polypropylene composition by in situ chemical reduction of a metal compound, such as antimony triglycolate, with a reducing agent, such as hypophosphorous acid. In addition, the polypropylene composition with reheating agent may be derived from a polypropylene masterbatch with high concentrations of reheating agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a roof lining for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof, and in particular, to the roof lining for a vehicle using a composite material having basalt fibers mixed into a thermoplastic resin as a substrate. The resulting roof lining can be lightweight, have enhanced sound absorbency and increased heat insulating properties. Due to the use of basalt fibers, which do not coat incinerator walls like glass fibers do, the roof lining is more easily recycled.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing the shape of seals is provided. The apparatus includes an elastomer member that applies force onto the seal to change the size of the seal. An embodiment of the invention includes returning the seal to its original diameter by deforming the elastomer that is positioned about at least a portion of the seal.

Abstract: A method of modifying compressive strains in formation of a pipe ring groove (16), in which a differential temperature profile is established across the pipe wall in a narrow bending locus (l3) corresponding to the ring groove position, and the material is bent to form the ring groove. The temperature differential creates a differential in elastic modulus between the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe material, modifying the strain induced in inner concave and outer convex surfaces of the ring groove during the bending step.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: A scooter holding device and method of manufacturing a scooter holding device is disclosed. The scooter holding device has a top end having a first end and a second end, a wheel holding recess positioned at the first end a second wheel holding recess that is transverse to the first wheel holding recess at a second end. The scooter holding device is used to hold and store a scooter when the scooter is not in use.

Abstract: A device for making panels with three-dimensional curvature from a sheet material, includes a forming impression (5) defined by a membrane (6) including an elastically stretchable skin (11), preferably in combination with a skeleton formed by a grid pattern of flexurally elastic battens (10) which are mobile in longitudinal translation relative to the skin, and a set of elements for selectively deforming the impression acting on the battens (10) of the membrane to impart thereto an adaptable three-dimensional curvature. The invention is particularly useful for making sails.

Abstract: An open-topped container has an outwardly turned rim extending around the open top a thermoformed body of the containers with the rim formed by a clamping ring which has one or more projections each forming an indentation into the rim. Trim tooling subsequently forms a slit through the bottom wall of each indentation able to receive a flat plastic display inserted therein.

Abstract: A process for forming a shaped three dimensional article, comprising the steps of deforming an intermediate form (10), including a plurality of thermoplastic elongated members that are initially movable relative to each other, while displaceably clamping the intermediate form during the deforming in such a way that while a force is applied for deforming the intermediate form, the intermediate form is free to move within a predetermined limit; and optionally at least partially consolidating the thermoplastic elongated members of the intermediate form for forming a three dimensional article having a predetermined orientation of the elongated members. An apparatus including a press (32) for forming the shaped three-dimensional article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing plastic moldings with a distinct grain/three-dimensional surface structure by grain-imparting negative thermoforming. The plastic molding is subjected to a preheating, and the molding is then pressed into/onto a negative mold that is formed with the negative of the three-dimensional surface structure to be applied. Those portions of the plastic molding that face away from the grain side are subjected to electron beam crosslinking before or during the preheating and the grain-imparting negative thermoforming.

Abstract: A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a water management chamber from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is then blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite is then extruded to form a flow of composite material gravitating onto a lower portion of a mold for forming the water management chamber. The lower portion of the mold is then moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. Finally, the upper portion of the mold is pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closed on the lower portion of the mold to form the water management chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.

Abstract: There is described a molding method for molding a product, having a microscopic structure of high aspect ratio. The molding method includes the steps of: setting a temperature of a mold, having a microscopic shape, at a value higher than a glass transition temperature of a material being deformable with heat; pushing the mold against the material at a first velocity, after the material is positioned opposite to the mold so that the microscopic shape contacts the material; pushing the mold against the material at a second velocity being faster than the first velocity; and releasing the mold from the material. The pushing pressure for pushing the mold against the material at the first velocity is equal to or smaller than a half of that for pushing the mold against the material at the second velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a carrier tape by heating the tape at a heating portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a molding portion while a long sheet of the tape made of a thermoplastic resin is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer, the apparatus comprising a temperature-maintaining portion having a length approximately corresponding to one pitch disposed between the heating portion and the molding portion; and a process for producing a carrier tape using the apparatus, the process comprising heating the tape at a heating portion, maintaining a temperature of the heated tape at a temperature-maintaining portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a heat molding portion while a long sheet of the tape is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer. The length of the rib portion connecting embossed portions is decreased by contriving the heating method of the tape.

Abstract: A method of deforming a component includes the step of forming the component from thermosetting, elastomeric microcellular polyurethane. The method further includes the step of heating at least a first portion of the component to a first temperature. The method further includes the step of compressing the first portion of the component while maintaining the first portion at the first temperature and while maintaining the second portion of the component at an undeformable state. The method of deforming the component shapes the first portion of the component. Preferably the method shapes the first portion of the component into a thin and/or complexly shape. The method of deforming the component also increases the first portion of the component relative to the second portion of the component, i.e. to densifying the component such that the component has varying density.

Abstract: Bottles, containers and other articles are formed from polypropylene compositions that include a reheating agent, such as antimony, carbon black, graphite, titanium, copper, manganese, iron, tungsten, graphite, infra-red absorbing dyes or other infra-red absorbing material. The reheating time for the polypropylene composition is shortened for injection stretch blow molding or thermoforming, and the polypropylene granule composition with reheating agent has an L* value of at least 80% of the L* value for a polypropylene granule control without added reheating agents as measured by the Gardner color test. The reheating agent may be incorporated into the polypropylene composition by in situ chemical reduction of a metal compound, such as antimony triglycolate, with a reducing agent, such as hypophosphorous acid. In addition, the polypropylene composition with reheating agent may be derived from a polypropylene masterbatch with high concentrations of reheating agent.

Abstract: Methods for forming data storage media and the media formed thereby are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method for forming a data storage media, comprises: injection molding a substrate comprising surface features, wherein said surface features have greater than about 90% of a surface feature replication of an original master; and disposing a data layer over at least one surface of said substrate; wherein said data storage media has an axial displacement peak of less than about 500? under shock or vibration excitation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and a method for reshaping a footwear shell, the apparatus includes a support structure, a drive mechanism and external mold arrangement that drives the external mold toward or away from the shell being reshaped; and an internal mold assembly that includes an angled support arm having a first leg adapted to couple to one of a selection of couplings provided in the support structure and a second leg offset from the first leg at an angle ?. The internal mold assembly also includes an adapter that is rotatably fixed to the second leg of the angled support arm, and a static mold removably fixed to the adapter and coaxially aligned with a common axis extending through the external mold and static mold, the support arm angle ? provides an improved support shape that improves placement of the static mold within the footwear shell during reshaping.

Abstract: A molded panel is provided, which includes a body and a plurality of supporting members. The body includes a generally planar top surface and a bottom surface. The supporting members extend from the bottom surface of the body to define a support structure. The support structure includes a top surface adjacent to the bottom surface of the body, a generally planar bottom surface and at least one edge extending therebetween. The support structure also includes at least one channel extending along a central x-axis of the support structure, and at least one additional channel intersecting the at least one central channel and extending along a y-axis of the support. The y-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis. A connection system for the molded panel, systems including the molded panel, and methods related to the molded panel are also described.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a plastic laminate body, the plastic laminate body having at least one plastic laminate member that is laminated on a plastic substrate, which plastic substrate is pre-processed in advance so as to have a substantially final configuration, the manufacturing method includes softening the plastic laminate member when a transfer surface of a mold member, which is pre-processed in advance so as to have a desired configuration, is transferred to a surface of the plastic laminate member, so that an excessive part of the plastic laminate member is moved to an escape part which is pre-formed at the plastic substrate.

Abstract: Presented herein is an apparatus and method for deforming a sheet material. The apparatus includes a deforming roller having a plurality of circumferential depressions and at least one cord in rotational engagement with the roller and adapted to press the material into the depressions. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating deforming roller having circumferential depressions, at least one cord aligned to fit within the depressions and at least one sheet material, and feeding the material in a first direction between the roller and cord and deforming the material by pressing it at least partially into the depressions with the cord. The deformation may include stretching or extending the material, and/or aperturing the material, and/or producing topographical shapes or surface features in the material.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a plurality of air diffusers from a single fiberglass and foil blank. At an automated pre-forming station upstream of a molding station, a blank has pressed therein two air diffuser patterns at a middle portion, two patterns at a first catercorner portion and two patterns at a second catercorner portion and the pressing of each set of two patterns occurs substantially simultaneously to prevent the foil from delaminating from the fiberglass. Thereafter, the blank is fed to a molding station that applies a significantly larger pressing force and heats the blank to form six air diffusers. Perforations are cut in the blank to facilitate separation of the air diffusers in a trimming station downstream of the molding station. Preferred pressing of air diffuser patterns occurs with pneumatic actuated male and female air diffuser pattern molds that are sequentially operated in accordance with a desired pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plastic shaping of a biaxially-drawn film, comprising at least one base layer, containing at least one polymer (I), made from at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and ?0.2 wt %, based on the weight of the layer, of a thermoplastic polymer (II), different from polymer (I). Said film is plastically moulded by application of pneumatic and/or mechanical forces.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.

Abstract: A sheet of plastic to be thermoformed into an appliance liner is brought to a substantially uniform temperature, preferably to a temperature differential of less than 5° F. throughout, by directing a fluid medium upon opposing side surfaces of the sheet. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid medium is constituted by air which is heated, impinged upon the opposing surfaces and recirculated, with the temperature and flow rate of the air being controlled based on sensed operating parameters.

Abstract: An improved pressware die set includes mechanical ejectors for removing formed product from the punch. A preferred embodiment includes rocker-style ejectors free from edges or other asperities which may tend to snag and mar the product during the production process. Most preferably, the outward surfaces of the rocker members extend beyond the perimeter of a paperboard blank positioned for forming so the paperboard blank does not encounter an obstruent outward edge during forming.

Abstract: A method of producing pulp moldings having a paper-making process comprising the steps of assembling split mold halves (11, 12) having suction passageways (14) to form a paper-making mold (10), feeding pulp slurry of predetermined set feed concentration into the cavity (13) in the paper-making mold (10), and sucking the pulp slurry through the suction passageways (14) to form a pulp layer (15) on the inner surface of the paper-making mold (10), wherein the concentration of the pulp slurry in the cavity (13) in the initial and/or final period of formation of the pulp layer (15) in the paper-making process is lower than the above-mentioned set feed concentration of the pulp slurry.

Abstract: An ornamental article has a shape and a plurality of sides and angles. The sides are simultaneously patterned in the course of a process by which the ornamental article is made.

Abstract: Methods for making a tubular device that has a rim disposed at one end thereof. In one method, a sleeve having an expandable profiling surface is inserted into an end of the tubular member, and the profiling surface is expanded to form a shoulder projecting outwardly from the tubular member adjacent the end of the tubular member. The profiling surface is collapsed inwardly away from tubular member, and a return margin is formed directed inwardly from the shoulder, distal the tubular member. In another method, return margin of the tubular device adjacent an end is folded inwardly and superposed on an inner surface of the tubular device adjacent the folded margin. A sleeve having an expandable profiling surface is inserted into the end of the tubular device, and the profiling surface is expanded to form the rim comprising a shoulder projecting outwardly from the tubular member and the return margin. As a result, the fold between the shoulder and the return margin defines an edge of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing distortions in a pattern disposed on a layer of a substrate, defining a recorded pattern, employing a mold having the pattern recorded therein, defining an original pattern. The method includes, defining a region on the layer in which to produce the recorded pattern. Relative extenuative variations between the substrate and the mold are created to ensure that the original pattern defines an area coextensive with the region. Thereafter, the recorded pattern is formed in the region. The relative extenuative variations are created by heating or cooling of the substrate so that the region defines an area that is slightly smaller/larger than the area of the original pattern. Then compression/tensile forces are applied to the mold to provide the recorded pattern with an area coextensive with the area of the region.

Abstract: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved to leave the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Abstract: A method to transform any portion of a two-dimensional visual image into a three-dimensional formed visual image device within the overall two-dimensional visual areas on a single image piece is provided. The resultant image has both two-dimensional and three-dimensional aspects in the same single image piece, or visual device. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method that offers fall control of the amount of visual distortion involved in the above processes.

Abstract: The texturing, patterning and bending of a solid surface material. The end product can be achieved both through casting technologies and heat pressure processes. Controlled surface deformation can be created in a pre-manufactured flat sheet and the sheet can then be heated and bent using conventional thermoforming technology. This contrasts considerably with the conventional norm, whereby an embossed solid surface sheet, when reheated, loses its embossing.

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 fibre board, and in particular but not exclusively so-called MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). The deformation of the wood fibre 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: A method and an apparatus for making a pipe, and a pipe, wherein the pipe is made from a plastic feedstock pipe by expanding it against a mould. In the first step, that portion of the plastic feedstock pipe (4) which is to have a greater diameter than the rest of the pipe is partly expanded. Only after this is the entire plastic feedstock pipe (4) expanded against the mould (1).

Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.