Abstract: A system for making custom prototypes including devices for making the prototype, logic, software, firmware, hardware, circuitry or other components and responsive to user input.

Abstract: A method for elongating a foil, comprising steps of: providing an injection molding device, the injection molding device comprising a male mold having a projecting part protruding and a female mold defining a cavity; transmitting the foil into the injection molding device and between the male and female molds; clamping the male and female molds to form a molding space, the molding space being separated into a first airproof space adjacent to the female mold and a second airproof space adjacent to the male mold by the foil; vacuuming the first airproof space to suck the foil toward the first airproof space; and inputting thermal medium into the second airproof space to press the foil to cling to the inner surface of the cavity of the female mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foil decorated molding includes steps of: providing an injection molding device, the injection molding device comprising a male mold and a female mold, the male mold having a projecting part, the female mold defining a cavity; transporting the foil into the injection molding device and between the male and female molds; locking the foil to the female mold to form an airproof space together with the cavity of the female; vacuuming the airproof space to suck the foil toward the female mold; clamping the male and female molds to form a molding space; inputting thermal medium into the molding space to press the foil to cling to an inner surface of the cavity of the female mold; injecting molten resin into the molding space; and cooling and opening the injection molding device, the molten resin cooled forming a molding.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to hollow fiber reinforced composite material parts having one or more selectively positioned core, structural insert, or veneer pieces integrally associated therewith.

Abstract: A composite support arm for an automated handling device includes an elongated tubular body having an outer metal layer and an inner fibrous reinforcement layer adjacent to the outer metal layer.

Abstract: The method for identifying lateral pipes includes printing identifying indicia on the interior surface of a liner assembly positioned adjacent the lateral pipe. The apparatus includes the liner assembly in place with the identifying indicia visible from the interior of the pipe line.

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 frangible 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: Moulding apparatus comprises a mould (12) defining a blow mould cavity (14) and a core (18) which projects into the blow mould cavity. The mould has at least one mould member (22, 24, 26) movable to an extended position in which it defines together with the core (18) at least part of a preform moulding cavity (28) for moulding a preform. The at least one mould member (22, 24, 26) can be moved to a retracted position [FIG. 2] whereby a preform produced in the preform moulding cavity can be expanded into the blow mould cavity. The moulding apparatus includes a locking member (22) adapted to engage the core so as to resist lateral movement of the core whilst material is introduced into the preform moulding cavity. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced non-stick plastic bladder is provided. The bladder preferably includes a bladder body formed of a fiber reinforcing material layer with a coating on the bladder body made of a thermoplastic. The coating preferably has elastomeric properties and is semi-transparent. Methods of lining pipe using the new bladder are also provided.

Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery 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, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: Pusher apparatus and a method of using the apparatus inserts a flexible liner into an in-situ pipe. At least a pair of contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies, having a nip therebetween, drive the liner into the pipe. A guide tube can extend between the drive assemblies and the pipe. A pull head can be affixed to a leading end of the liner and adapted for sealing within a bore of the pipe and pressured fluid can be applied to pull a leading end of the liner into the pipe while the pusher pushes. The contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies can be one or more pair of opposing wheels or opposing tracks. Track assemblies can be mounted to a frame which is movable on rails and restrained with a load cell for measuring reactive forces while pushing. The rails can be angled for aligning the nip with the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a rigid, 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 a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes a collapsible mount for releasably holding an insert within a mold cavity of the assembly in order to integrally form the insert with a molded article such as a tank liner. The collapsible mount includes a number of fingers secured to the mount and capable of being inserted through and expanded to engage the insert. The fingers are expanded after insertion through the insert by a core engageable with the fingers in order to securely hold the insert in position on the fingers of the mount and within the mold cavity. After formation of the article around the insert, the core can be disengaged from the fingers, which then move to a collapsed position such that the mount can be quickly withdrawn from within the insert and the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mould assembly (60) and a method of use in injection moulding of a part having a functional cavity therein. The mould assembly has a recess (72) to receive a hollow tubular insert (48) intended to be placed in the mould assembly before the injection of a mouldable material into the cavity and to remain in the part after moulding. A gas supply arrangement supplies pressurised gas to the hollow tubular insert at a selected stage during the injection process whereby to form the functional cavity in the part.

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 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 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: The method for identifying lateral pipes includes printing identifying indicia on the interior surface of a liner assembly positioned adjacent the lateral pipe. The apparatus includes the liner assembly in place with the identifying indicia visible from the interior of the pipe line.

Abstract: A joint boot which is made of resin comprising a small-diameter cylinder part, a large-diameter cylinder part and a bellows part interlinking both is molded by injection blow molding. While forming the bellows part by blow molding, the exterior boundary between an injection molding section and a blow molding section is set in a cutout portion formed in a shoulder portion of the recess for fixation.

Abstract: A multi-insert cap blow-molding method for molding a hollow plastic product which is integrally formed with elongate fastening members. Each fastening member is seated in a groove defined in a lower mold. Each fastening member is composed of an elongate outer insert cap and an inner insert cap which is positioned in the outer insert cap to be separated from a bottom surface of the outer insert cap and to divide a space defined in the outer insert cap into an upper space and a lower space. A hollow parison is positioned between an upper mold and the lower mold. Hot air is blown into the parison with the upper and lower molds enclosing the parison to mold the parison and integrally fuse a portion of the parison to an inner surface of the fastening member. Then, the resultant product which is cooled, discharged and finished.

Abstract: The balloon catheter comprises a plastic tubing, a balloon fused to one end portion of said tubing, and the balloon being made of a polymer and on of a carbon nano-tube material, a nano-clay material or a nano-ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure using a single, hollow primary tube, preferably of a composite material, wherein ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube through aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics, and aesthetics of the structure.

Abstract: A method of fitting a compressed component, for example a pipe, in a receiver, for example a bore, comprises compressing a selected component which is made out of a polymeric material having a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C., for example polyetheretherketone; arranging the compressed component in position within a receiver; and subjecting the compressed component to conditions, for example of temperature and/or pressure, whereby the compressed component expands.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanofiltration composite hollow fiber membrane and a method of manufacturing the same. The nanofiltration composite hollow fiber membrane includes a reinforcement (1) which is a tubular braid, a polymeric resin thin film (2) coated on the outer surface of the reinforcement (1), and a polyamide active layer (3) formed on the outer surface of the polymeric resin thin film. The present invention has an advantage of an excellent strength and an increase in membrane area relative to an installation area.

Abstract: A method for making bicycle frames includes a step of preparing a seat tube and a head tube and both of which are then put in concavities of two first movable mold parts on a base board. A top tube and a down tube are prepared by carbon-fiber sheets and connected between the seat tube and the head tube. Two connection ends made by carbon-fiber sheets are connected to the seat tube. Two second movable mold parts are mounted to the first movable mold parts and air is then blown into the top tube, down tube and the two connection ends to inflate the carbon-fiber sheets to contact against inner peripheries of the concavities under high temperature and pressure to let the carbon-fiber sheets be solidified.

Abstract: A method for making bicycle frames includes a step of preparing initial parts by carbon-fiber sheets and inflatable bladders are inserted into the initial parts which are then arranged to a desired arrangement. The arranged parts are put in a mold which is heated under a certain pressure. The inflatable bladders are inflated by introducing air therein to push the carbon-fiber sheets against the inside of the mold. The carbon-fiber sheets are then solidified to form a front part of the bicycle frame. A rear part of the bicycle frame or the whole bicycle frame can also be made by the same method.

Abstract: An interior finishing panel for a vehicle, comprising a first wall) and a second wall opposed to each other at an interval. The panel is formed in a hollow double wall structure having an inner rib formed between the first wall and the second wall. A skin sheet with an averaged thickness of 2.0 mm or thinner is integrally laminated on the first wall. The skin sheet is formed in a double layer structure in which a nonwoven cloth with a weight of 250 g/m<2> or less is stuck on a resin sheet, and its tensile elastic modulus at room temperature is 3500 kg/cm<2> or less. A parting line and a step part are formed on a peripheral wall within the range of 35% of the averaged thickness of the panel from the first wall side over roughly all the periphery thereof, and the end of the skin sheet is melt-bonded to the peripheral wall along the step part. A three-dimensional pattern is produced on the surface of the resin sheet forming the skin sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a blow-molded article including a mold assembly at least partially defining a mold surface against which a blow-molded article is conformed during blow molding, and at least one dynamic device including an insert at least partially defining the mold surface, the insert movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the insert is maintained in the extended position during the blow molding and the insert is moved to the retracted position following the blow molding to enable extraction of the article.

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 process for making a molded running board assembly for installation on a vehicle includes blow molding the body of the running board and incorporating one or more additional components such as a step plate or a trim strip. The process involves placing the insert into the blow mold cavity in a subcavity, holding the insert by vacuum pressure and then extruding and blow molding a parison to simultaneously mold the running board and integrate the insert.

Abstract: A syringe for use in a pressurized injection of a fluid includes a syringe barrel including a polymeric material having undergone expansion via blow molding. An inner diameter of the syringe barrel can, for example, be sufficiently constant (over at least a portion of the axial length of the syringe) that a plunger slidably positioned within the syringe barrel and in generally sealing contact with an inner wall of the syringe barrel can be used within the syringe barrel to generate a pressure of at least 1 psi within the syringe barrel. In several embodiment, the inner diameter of the syringe barrel is sufficiently constant to generate a pressure of at least 100 psi, at least 300 psi, or even at least 500 psi within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a capacity of a tank, including providing a mold assembly for the tank, the mold assembly configured to form the tank having a first full capacity, and installing an insert block in a cavity of the mold assembly, the mold assembly and insert block configured to form a tank having a second full capacity, the second full capacity being less than the first full capacity. A tank includes a tank main body, and an insert portion extending substantially vertically within the tank main body. A ratio between a substantially horizontal cross-sectional area of the insert portion, and a substantially horizontal cross-sectional area of an inside of the tank main body from which the cross-sectional area of the insert portion is removed, is substantially constant.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: The method for identifying lateral pipes includes printing identifying indicia on the interior surface of a liner assembly positioned adjacent the lateral pipe. The apparatus includes the liner assembly in place with the identifying indicia visible from the interior of the main pipe line.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.

Abstract: A blow molded structure comprising a body made out of a first polymeric material and an integrally molded, coextruded living hinge made out of a second, more flexible polymeric material. A method of making a blow molded article having a coextruded living hinge.

Abstract: The invention prevents a crimple from being generated in a resin member. The invention provides a golf club head (1) including a head shell portion (M) made of a metal material and having an opening portion (O1), and a resin member (FR) made of a fiber reinforced resin arranged in the opening portion (O1), and provided with a hollow portion in an inner portion. The resin member (FR) is constituted by a molded body formed by integrally molding a laminated body of plural layers of prepregs having a magnitude covering the opening portion (O1) and having different resin percentage contents in the head shell portion in accordance with an internal pressure molding method. Further, the prepreg having the largest resin percentage content is used in an innermost layer of the laminated body closest to the hollow portion.

Abstract: An insert component (2) is located at a predetermined position between a pair of halves of a mold (1) in an open state while being held by a support (12) for holding the insert component (2) outside the mold. A tubular molten resin (4) is extruded through a die (3) between the pair of halves of the mold (1) to dispose the insert component (2) in the interior space (13) of the molten resin (4). By clamping the mold (1), the insert component (2) is covered with the tubular molten resin (4) in conformity with the contour thereof to result in an insert-mold product (20).

Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe liner assembly and method for installation in a pipeline by pulling the pipe liner assembly through the pipeline in a temporarily folded condition wherein the thermoplastic pipe liner assembly has a core inner liner, an outer liner with optional grooving for annular communication, orbitally wound strength and intermediate layers, two or more tension deformation members to sustain the tension needed to pull the pipe liner assembly through the pipeline for several miles and to assist in maintaining the temporarily folded condition. Also included are optional instrumentation circuits. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the pipe liner assembly and concurrent installation in a pipeline.

Abstract: Described herein are a spoiler for vehicles and a method of manufacturing the spoiler. The spoiler has a first surface and a second surface which define an appearance of the spoiler, and a hollow part defined in the spoiler. The spoiler includes a reinforcing member which is formed integrally with the second surface and has a frame defining an appearance of the reinforcing member and holes formed in the reinforcing member, and a support unit which is secured to cover the holes of the reinforcing member and an outer surface of the frame, thus supporting the reinforcing member to the second surface. The reinforcing member is formed integrally with the second surface through blow molding.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for placement in the eye includes a drug core comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, and a holder that holds the drug core. The holder is made of a material impermeable to passage of the active agent and includes an opening for passage of the pharmaceutically agent therethrough to eye tissue. The device includes a layer of material permeable to passage of the active agent. In assembling the device, a pin or weight, having a shape similar to the drug core, is used during curing of the permeable material.

Abstract: A system and process for gas-assisted injection molding of plastic materials to form laminate-type products. A laminate material is positioned in a mold and the mold is closed to a pre-set position, leaving a gap. Plastic material is injected into the mold cavity onto the laminate material, and gas is injected into the plastic material. Thereafter, the mold is closed, compressing the gas in the plastic material. Once the process is complete and the plastic has cooled, the gas is vented from the molded component, the mold is opened, and the completed molded part is removed.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing hollow plastic bodies, especially motor-vehicle fuel tanks, from an extruded parison of closed cross section, in which at least one cut is made in the parison which is then formed by moulding.

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: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.

Abstract: A process of simultaneously molding either a plurality of composite shingles or double walled shingles or other substantially planar exterior building products is provided, each being comprised of two or more layers of thermoplastic shingle material, such that a weatherable capstock material is provided outside a core material, in the form of a composite parison that is then blow molded in a hollow mold, to produce novel shingles according to the process. Ventilation and/or insulation can be provided to a hollow interior between spaced apart walls of a double walled shingle.

Abstract: A process of simultaneously molding either a plurality of shingles or double walled shingles or other substantially planar exterior building products is provided, such that a blow moldable thermoplastic material is provided, of a composite parison that is then blow molded in a hollow mold, to produce novel shingles according to the process. Ventilation and/or insulation can be provided to a hollow interior between spaced apart walls of a double walled shingle.

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded cross vehicle beam which includes a hollow blow molded thermoplastic rigid member that is integrally attached to a rigid support, e.g., a U-shaped metal plate, and at least one attachment element, is described. The rigid support (12) has a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element(s) (81, 84) have a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element provides a means of attaching the molded cross vehicle beam to a separate structure (e.g., the A-pillars of an automobile). A thermoplastic parison precursor of the hollow rigid thermoplastic member (15) is blow molded against the first surfaces of the rigid support (12) and the attachment element (81, 84).

Abstract: A composite lined tube is disclosed having end couplings. The tube includes a resin impregnated fiber preform pressed progressively along an inner wall of the tube. The tube may further include an inflatable bladder inserted into the tube. The bladder is adapted to inflate along a length thereof on application of increasing pressure to the interior of the bladder. The bladder has disposed on its exterior surface the fiber preform impregnated with resin, which is adapted to fit within the tube. The bladder is then inflated along its length by applying increasing pressure to the bladder. The preform is clamped to a shoulder of one of the couplings at another end of the tube, and the end of the preform is trimmed to conform to the shoulder. Pressure is maintained in the bladder while curing the resin.