Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide electrolyzers made using thermoformed electrode assemblies and diaphragm assemblies. Each electrode assembly is made from two plastic rings and an electrode plate using a twin sheet thermoforming technique. A first plastic ring is laid in a mold having the appropriate shape to form the electrode assembly. The electrode plate is laid on top of the first plastic ring and is generally centered on the ring. The second plastic ring is laid over the electrode plate, and is generally centered over the electrode plate. The plastic is heated to soften the plastic, and a vacuum is pulled on the mold to pull the softened plastic into the shape of the mold. The mold is closed over the assembly to seal the two plastic rings together. After cooling, the molded part may be removed, resulting in a hollow plastic rim surrounding an electrode plate.

Abstract: A composite wall structure formed from a plurality of layers. The composite wall structure can be used to form a composite storage tank having a tank cavity and a longitudinal axis. A composite tank trailer can be formed using the composite tank, a platform structure and a suspension and wheel assembly.

Abstract: The method of an embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: (A) filling a melted thermoplastic material for a first time; (B) closing the forming mold and blowing air into the forming mold; (C) opening the first forming mold and removing the chair legs; (D) placing at least two of the chair legs into a second forming mold; (E) filling the melted thermoplastic material for a second time; and (F) closing the second forming mold and blowing air into the second forming mold.

Abstract: In a method of providing a material amount for a generative manufacturing method, a three-dimensional object (2) is formed by selectively solidifying layers of a material at locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object (2) in the respective layers. The quality of the manufactured objects is reproducibly recorded, thus, improving the method. At least one first material amount of a powder is provided, which is characterized by at least one feature. Data is detected, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Then, the data is stored, which relates to the at least one feature of the first material. Thus, the method can provide an identifiable powder amount used in manufacturing each layer of the object.

Abstract: A system for imaging one or more items produced by rapid prototyping may include, but is not limited to: control electronics including a memory containing a plurality of data sets representing design items; a user interface coupled to the control electronics and operative to select one or more of the data sets representing design items and operative to receive user view selections; a rapid prototyping device coupled to the control electronics and responsive to the selected one or more data sets representing design items to produce physical items; a positioning mechanism operable to accept the produced physical items from the rapid prototyping device and to position the produced physical items in a field; and an image capture device responsive to the received user view selections electronics to selectively image at least a portion of the field corresponding to the received user view selection.

Abstract: Multi-layered drink-containers including an inner liquid-container and an outer shell in an at least partially overlapping, telescopic relation relative to the inner-liquid-container and methods of assembling the same. In some examples of multi-layered drink-containers, the inner liquid-container includes a lower portion having an outer cross-sectional area, an orthogonal projection of which at least partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of an inner cross-sectional area of an upper portion of the outer shell. Some examples of methods of assembling multi-layered drink-containers include reducing a resiliently deformable restrictive-portion of an inner liquid-container, positioning an outer shell in an at least partially overlapping, telescopic relation relative to the inner liquid-container, and returning the resiliently deformable restrictive-portion to a neutral, un-deformed and un-reduced state.

Abstract: A method of stretch-blow-molding a beverage container for containing a carbonized beverage which method comprises providing a preform (11) having a neck part and a body part. The preform includes an inner layer (24) of a first polymeric composition, an outer layer (12) of a second polymeric composition, and an intermediate layer (22) of a third polymeric composition. The third polymeric composition has adhesive surface properties relative to the first and second polymeric compositions, and the adhesive surface properties are permanently degraded by exposure to irradiation of a certain wavelength or certain wavelengths and intensity. The method further comprises mounting the preform onto a stretch-blow-molding device and blow molding the preform into the beverage container by irradiating the body part with radiation at least including the certain wavelength or certain wavelengths and intensity while protecting the neck part from any substantial radiation.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a composite component, a tubular hollow section blank is placed into a die cavity of a combination tool comprising an inner high-pressure shaping tool and an injection-molding tool. The combination tool is filled with a fluid in such a way that the blank is wetted from the inside by the fluid, and the ends of the combination tool are sealed by two axial molding plugs. The filled blank is then expanded under pressure . The finished hollow section is plastic-coated in the same tool. The hollow section is emptied after shaping in the sealed state, at least until it is no longer dripping, the pressurized fluid being expelled under pressure from the hollow section through at least one discharge channel formed in the axial molding plugs.

Abstract: A method of planting a handle and a bottle parison to a mold of blow-molding modules, including the steps of: first, holding a handle temporarily on a handle positioning device; then, holding a bottle parison temporarily on a bottle parison positioning device while a bottle blowing mold is in a mold-breaking state; moving the handle downward into the bottle blowing mold through the handle positioning device; positioning the handle at a desired position while the bottle blowing mold is switched to the mold-closing state; and moving the bottle parison downward into the bottle blowing mold through the bottle parison positioning device, and clamping the bottle opening of the bottle parison at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes a vacuum chamber, a forming die positioned in the vacuum chamber, a vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, a composite-body support device for supporting a composite body without making the composite body come into contact with the forming die in a state where the forming die is opened by the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, the composite body including an airtight internal-pressure holding tube and a prepreg fitted on said airtight internal-pressure holding tube, an evacuation system for evacuating the vacuum chamber, an internal-pressure supplying device for applying pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube, and a controller for actuating the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism to clamp the forming die to thereby bring the forming die and the composite body into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: Overmolded containers and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed, which may provide enhanced visual and tactile characteristics, enabling innovative packaging designs, improved grippability and thermal insulation. The containers can be made cost effectively manner, with minimal impact on polymer recycling streams. The methods of making the container include the steps of providing a container preform which comprises a thermoplastic polymer, such as a PET copolymer; overmolding an elastomeric material over at least a portion of the preform to form an overmolded preform; and blow-molding the overmolded preform to form an overmolded container. In one embodiment, the overmolded container is a beverage container.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a cuff on a plastic tube comprising an inner tube and an outer sheath covering said inner tube. The outer sheath comprises at least a portion to be molded for producing a cuff. The method comprises a covering step including an injection operation in which air is intermittently or continuously injected between the inner tube and sheath.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a retrofit sleeve for a wind turbine blade, includes positioning at least a portion of a blade-shaped form in a mold; and applying a curable material to the space between the form and mold.

Abstract: A process for bonding aircraft components with a surface, such as an aircraft skin, includes positioning the skin on a tool surface and placing a floorless component on the skin, with bonding agent therebetween. A vacuum bag is placed within the floorless component via a vent in the component, and sealed with opposing inner, lower walls of the component, creating a sealed surface over the skin within the component. Additional vacuum bags seal between lower, exterior legs of the floorless component and either (a) the tool surface (enclosing the skin) or (b) lower walls of adjacent aircraft components. Lower, opposing sides of the adjacent component are also bagged, and loose bag ends are sealed to the tool surface, such that the skin and all feet of the aircraft components are enclosed in vacuum bagging material. The bagged assembly is autoclave cured to bond the aircraft components with the skin.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank by moulding a parison in which, during the moulding operation, a pipe (3) is attached to the parison at at least two points, the said pipe being deformable.

Abstract: An acrylic resin film material comprising at least a multilayer structure polymer with a particular structure prevent a molded item from being whitened during insert- or in-mold molding and meet the requirement for surface hardness, heat resistance, and transparency or matting performance for vehicle applications. It is also possible to use an acrylic resin film material exhibiting a difference of 30% or less between haze values as determined in accordance with the testing method of JIS K7136 (haze measurement method) after and before a tensile test where a test piece with a width of 20 mm is pulled under the conditions of an initial inter-chuck distance of 25 mm, a rate of 50 mm/min and a temperature of 23° C. until an end-point inter-chuck distance becomes 33 mm as well as having a pencil hardness of 2 B or higher as determined in accordance with JIS K5400.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a polyvinyl chloride material at least partially within a host conduit; circulating fluid within an inner area of the liner conduit; and injecting fluid into the inner area of the liner conduit; wherein the liner conduit at least partially expands within the host conduit.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments methods and apparatuses can produce articles that have expandable thermoplastic material. The articles may be mono- and multilayer. The articles can be formed by various methods.

Abstract: An automotive fuel tank fabrication apparatus is provided. The automotive fuel tank has a blow mold and a built-in part holding unit. The built-in part holding unit includes a plurality of holding rods for holding a built-in part. The holding rods are made to freely advance and retreat in such a manner as to hold the built-in part in a position where the built-in part confronts cavities when the blow mold is opened and to retreat from the blow mold when the blow mold is closed with the built-in part left positioned in an interior of a parison. The holding rods are formed in such a manner that their diameters are reduced as they extend towards distal ends thereof and are inserted into insertion holes formed in the built-in part so as to hold the built-in part.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an elongate stiffening element and a rigid shell structure integrated with at least one elongate stiffening element. The method includes providing a preformed, form-stable reinforcement member, which has a hat profile with two inwardly directed, opposing flange portions, covering the reinforcement member with a curable composite material to form an external hat profile having outwardly directed flanges, and integrating this assembly with either a curable or preformed shell structure of composite material.

Abstract: Pressure cast lined steel pipes comprise an annular concrete or mortar liner along an inside diameter, and a metal shell surrounding the liner, wherein the liner is in direct contact with the metal shell. The wall thickness of the liner can be from 10 to 50 times the thickness of the metal shell. The pipe may be coated with a dielectric material. A mold assembly used to form the pipe includes an annular concrete or mortar composition chamber formed between the metal shell and an inner mold member. Pressurized water is used in the mold assembly to pressurize the concrete or mortar composition and exert a desired pressure force onto the metal shell while the composition cures in the mold. Once a desired degree of cure is achieved, the pressure is removed causing the metal shell to exert a desired compression force onto the cured liner.

Abstract: A method for producing a moldable object having a hollow plastic component and a single-piece plastic stanchion is provided. The method includes molding the single-piece plastic stanchion in a first mold. The molded stanchion includes a first substantially-closed end and a second substantially-open end, and a cap joined with the second end via a living-hinge, enabling the cap to assume and maintain a position, such that the second end becomes substantially covered. The method also includes flexing the living-hinge, wherein the cap assumes and maintains the position such that the second end is substantially covered. The method additionally includes arranging the single-piece stanchion relative to a second mold after the second end is substantially-covered via the cap. Furthermore, the method includes molding the hollow plastic component in the second mold, such that the single-piece stanchion is fixedly retained by the hollow plastic component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a vessel is disclosed, wherein a plurality of bosses are disposed in a pattern die having a die cavity with a desired shape, a material is extruded through the mold, the material is blow molded to take the shape of the cavity, and the bosses are adhered to the material.

Abstract: A lining material has a flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin and having first and second sides. A first elastic and rigid strip member is removably attached to the first side of the flexible tubular lining material so as to extend along a substantially entire length of the flexible tubular lining material. A second elastic and rigid strip member is removably attached to the second side of the flexible tubular lining material so as to extend along the substantially entire length of the flexible tubular lining material. A third elastic and rigid strip member is attached to one end of the flexible tubular lining material and to the first and second elastic and rigid strip members.

Abstract: A method of producing a panel having at least one feature comprising a discontinuation in curvature of surface in the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first reinforced layer of long and/or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of a first polymer (102a, 104a); providing a core layer of thermoplastic with at least roughly 70% by volume of a second polymer which is compatible with the first polymer (106); providing a second reinforced layer of long or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of the first polymer (102b, 104b); stacking the layers such that the reinforced layers are separated by the core layer; introducing the stack into a panel mould and heating the mould to at least the melting point of the predetermined polymer to consolidate the layers and form the panel.

Abstract: A composite wall structure formed from a plurality of layers. The composite wall structure can be used to form a composite storage tank having a tank cavity and a longitudinal axis. A composite tank trailer can be formed using the composite tank, a platform structure and a suspension and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A fluid receptacle may include an outer wall defining a periphery of the fluid receptacle, and an inner wall. The inner wall may be connected to the outer wall at certain locations and spaced from the outer wall at other locations providing gaps between the outer wall and the inner wall. In some implementations, the inner wall may be complete or continuous and liquid fuel may be contained within the inner wall. In other implementations, liquid fuel may be received between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A design module is a software module that is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. The design module receives inputs from a person to create a custom insert for a lighting control panel. The inputs identify the content and locations of labels and a decorative background of the insert. Each label is associated with a corresponding input device. Each input device is associated with an optical configuration or “scene” of an environment associated with the lighting control panel. Each label includes alphanumeric text and/or graphics that identify the scene of the label's corresponding input device. The design module causes the insert to be generated by instructing a printer to print the labels and background on a sheet of material, at the specified locations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material. In the process according to the invention preforms in web or band form of plasticized material are shaped in a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity comprising two outer molds and at least one central mold which perform an opening and closing movement relative to each other. The central mold is provided with at least one component holder which can be moved of and into the tool plane defined by the central mold. In a first step the component holder is fitted with at least one insert portion, then the insert portion is placed by means of the component holder against the inside wall of an outer mold.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: A computer-based method for defining a surface of a part for placement adjacent a mating surface of a base part is described. The method includes receiving raw data which defines the mating surface of the base part, smoothing the raw data, generating a stable reference frame consisting of at least one of a substantially smooth curve and surface based on the smoothed raw data, calculating a dimensional offset curve or surface using the smoothed raw data and the stable reference frame curve or surface by referencing any peaks in the smoothed raw data within a predefined range of a corresponding point in the stable reference frame curve or surface, smoothing the dimensional offset curve or surface, and outputting the dimensional offset curve or surface for utilization in fabricating the part that is to be adjacent the base part.

Abstract: A method of connecting a component to a molded article may include disposing a component adjacent to a wall of the article being molded, overlapping a portion of the component with a portion of the wall of the article being molded while the wall is still at least partially molten, and permitting the wall of the article being molded to cool with said portion of the component still overlapped by the wall. Preferably, a portion of the component is overlapped on two sides by the wall of the article being molded to firmly retain the component relative to the article after the article is formed. The article may be a receptacle, or any other object, as desired.

Abstract: A cladding method for sealing a leak in a casing, a pipeline, a borehole, or a well downhole using a liner having a tube with a first diameter, a plurality of circumferential grooves, and a plurality of seals in the grooves extending beyond the first diameter. The cladding method has at least the steps of fastening the liner in a fastening mechanism of an expansion tool, inserting the liner having a first part and a second part into the casing outside the leak, positioning an expansion mechanism of the expansion tool at the first part of the liner, expanding the first part of the liner until the seals in the grooves of the first part of the liner are pressed against the casing and fasten the first part to the casing, releasing the liner so that the liner is free of the tool and the liner is held in place by the seals in the first part of the liner, and expanding all the way through the liner by expanding also the second part of the liner to abut the casing for sealing the leak.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.

Abstract: A plastic container has an open end and an imperforate container wall with a base, an outwardly open pocket in the container wall, and an insert disposed in the pocket. The insert preferably is captured in the pocket by blow molding the container wall around the insert. The pocket and insert preferably are disposed in the base of the container opposite the open end of the container, most preferably centrally of the base, and the insert preferably is visible in the container base through an external opening into the pocket.

Abstract: A method for forming a foam product comprises forming a skin and inserting a bracket at least partially into the skin. Another method for manufacturing a foam product comprises sealing a tube of material in a cavity of a mold, blowing air into the tube of material to form a skin comprising an interior surrounded by a wall, cutting an incision in the skin wall, inserting a bracket through the incision and into the skin interior, filling the skin interior with foam, and curing the foam. A foam product comprises a skin with an interior surrounded by a wall, a bracket within the skin interior, a foam substantially filling the skin interior and securing the bracket in place, a recessed region configured to mate with a mounting assembly on a chair, and an incision in the skin wall, the incision positioned outside of the recessed region.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with an internal line by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, comprising the following steps: introducing the parison into the mold cavities; introducing the core inside the parison, said core having first been fitted with the line; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the line to the parison over at least two points using a device attached to the core; opening the mold to withdraw the core; and carrying out the final molding of the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming, in which the line comprises, between its fastening points, a free length that is capable of coming into contact with the parison and/or with an accessory found thereon when the mold is closed, and wherein during the fastening step, at least one intermediate fastening point is created u

Abstract: A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.

Abstract: A method for fabricating stringers is provided. The co-cured composite stringer includes a stringer and a mandrel positioned within a channel defined in the stringer. A plurality of strips are positioned within an opening of the mandrel, and a substrate layer, such as aircraft skin, is positioned adjacent to the stringer. During application of the substrate layer to the stringer, the mandrel and plurality of strips support the stringer.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a radially expandable stent, including radial expansion and axial elongation of a polymer tube, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a water reservoir with an inlet and an outlet which are compressively sealingly engaged with the water reservoir tank by utilizing the latent heat of extrusion of the extrudate to bond with the exterior surfaces of the inlet and outlet profiles.

Abstract: A lining apparatus and method is provided that obviates the need for a bladder to press the liner against the host pipe. The lining apparatus may include an extension tube sealed to the liner at one of its ends with an inversion mechanism attached to the other end of the liner for inverting the liner to its desired position within the pipe to be repaired. The lining apparatus can also avoid the use of an extension tube by temporarily closing the liner during the inversion process so that the liner can be inflated when pressurized by a fluid and then sealing an open end of the liner after it has been inverted into the pipe.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a container for a product for dispensing, including a relatively stiff outer container having at least one dispensing opening, and a deformable inner container to be filled with the product which is accommodated in the outer container and which likewise has a dispensing opening. The inner container is connected to the outer container both in the vicinity of the dispensing opening and at least at one location remote therefrom. The connection is formed in that the outer container has an opening through which protrudes at least one fixing element connected to the inner container. This fixing element is pin-like and has an end part of which the dimensions are larger than those of the opening. At least one embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a container.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank by moulding a parison in a mould, in which method the parison is locally deformed during moulding of the parison in order to obtain an impermeable hollow built-in connector provided with a screw thread, and to do so by means of a concave counter-form and a convex form that can penetrate the counter-form, these two pieces being secured, one to the mould and the other to a core located inside the mould, or vice versa, and at least one of these pieces being provided with a screw thread, the moulding of the connector taking place by the convex form penetrating the concave counter-form.

Abstract: This invention relates to an object having a functional element embedded in its top surface and processes for its manufacturing. The object is in general formed by molding, stamping, lamination or a combination thereof. The functional element is includes any electrical or mechanical elements that are capable of performing a function.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding. The stent is re-crimped on the balloon after removal from the mold to increase retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: A method of inserting a cured in-place pipe from a cleanout includes positioning a lining along a portion of a length of a bladder, wherein the lining is frangibly connected to the bladder, inserting the bladder through the cleanout, to a position wherein the lining is within the pipe and does not block the pipe.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a FRP lighting pole has a preparing step, a forming step and a departing step. The preparing step has acts of preparing a pre-impreganted sheet material (prepreg), an elastic internal mold and a rigidity external mold, wrapping the prepreg around the elastic internal mold. The forming step has acts of putting the prepreg into the rigidity external mold, pumping air into the elastic internal mold to make the prepreg being pressed between the molds and heating the rigidity external mold to make the prepreg curing. The departing step has acts of reducing the pressure of the elastic internal mold, lowering the temperature of the rigidity external mold and separating the cured prepreg (cured pole) both from the molds to form a finished FRP lighting pole.

Abstract: A flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is folded and bound with binding members to provide a reduced width. Two elastic and rigid strip members are inserted into loop members attached to the lining material and are removably attached so as to sandwich the lining material. During pipeline lining work, the lining material to which the strip members have been attached is first inserted into a lateral pipe from a main pipe. The strip members are then removed from the lining material so that the lining material may remain inside the pipeline. The strip members are extracted from the pipeline, and the lining material is then made to expand via application of pressure from the inside. While kept in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline, the lining material is heated in order to cure the thermosetting resin thereof.