Abstract: A thermoforming device includes: an upper hot plate including a first heating surface configured to heat a sheet from above; a lower hot plate including a second heating surface configured to heat the sheet from below; and a substrate-supplying unit including a base configured to hold a molded substrate, and configured to attach the molded substrate to and detach the molded substrate from the base and to dispose the molded substrate at a molding position below the first heating surface with the sheet interposed therebetween, in which the upper hot plate and the lower hot plate are configured to heat the sheet simultaneously from an upper surface and a lower surface of the sheet, the lower hot plate is provided to be movable in a horizontal direction with respect to a position below the upper hot plate, and the thermoforming device die-molds or adheres, onto the molded substrate held by the base, the sheet softened by being heated by the upper hot plate and the lower hot plate.

Abstract: A method including a first step of performing clamping of a mold, injection and dwelling in an injection molding machine, a second step of performing a conveyance and a cooling of the mold outside of the machine, and a third step of performing a conveyance of the mold into the machine, an opening of the mold and an ejection of a molded part in the machine. The second step is performed for a first mold, the third step and the next first step are performed for a second mold. The first mold is conveyed by a first conveyance apparatus which is arranged on one lateral side of the machine. The second mold is conveyed by a second conveyance apparatus which is arranged on the other lateral side and is independently driven from the first conveyance apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoforming plastic containers comprising a thermoforming device (3) in turn comprising a shaped mould (4) and a closing element (5) movable relative to one another at least between a home position and a forming position, and an extracting device (9) for extracting the thermoformed container (2) from the shaped mould (4), the extracting device comprising at least one gripper element (68) shiftable between a pickup position and a releasing position; in which when the shaped mould (4) and the closing element (5) are in an extracting position, the gripper element (68) in the pickup position can grip a projecting edge (66) of a projecting flange (71) of the container (2) for retaining it, whilst when the gripper element (68) is in the releasing position it can release a thermoformed container (2), retained by it, onto a conveying device (69); and in which the gripper element (68) and the shaped mould (4) are also movable relative to each other, starting from the position in which the gripper el

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a tank from thermoplastic material, comprising the following method steps: extruding or providing a hose-like parison composed of plasticized thermoplastic material, and dividing and spreading the parison into two areal extrudate webs, or extruding or providing two parisons in web form, laying-in and molding the parisons in recesses of a multi-part blow-molding tool using differential pressure, wherein the recesses of the blow-molding tool delimit a mold cavity, punching out, or cutting out in a circular shape, at least one opening in at least one shell-like intermediate product, wherein the opening is produced by way of a punching or cutting tool which penetrates through a wall of one of the shell-like intermediate products, wherein in a second separate method step, a first attachment element of a line connection or of a line arrangement is welded, at the mold cavity side, to the wall of the shell-like intermediate product, in such a way that an encircling

Abstract: A method for processing two different thermoplastic films in a thermoforming system selectively and variably brings on request cuts of the one or the other film in a conveyor through the thermoforming system, such that different successive cuts are conveyed by the conveyor to a thermoforming station and processed therein, and two successive cuts are joined into a film strip, either edge to edge or with an overlap.

Abstract: A laboratory vessel assembly includes a vessel body with a closed end, an open end, an engaging portion disposed inbetween, and two edges disposed longitudinally on two opposite portions of an outer surface of the engaging portion of the vessel body along one or more fusion lines of the vessel body; a vessel cap with a closed end, an open end, a receiving portion disposed inbetween, and one or more grooves disposed on an inner surface of the receiving portion along one or more fusion lines of the vessel cap; wherein the receiving portion of the vessel cap is configured to engage with the engaging portion of the vessel body to create one or more aeration gaps between the vessel body and the vessel cap along the grooves of the vessel cap and/or the edges of the vessel body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material and to an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method comprises the molding of at least two sheet-like preforms in web form of thermoplastic material into two complementary shells in a multi-part tool, which in a closed position forms a mold impression, and the joining together of the shells to form an essentially closed hollow body, the preforms being brought between the parts of the tool in an opened receiving position of the parts of the tool and the preforms being placed into the part-cavities by applying differential pressure and being at least partially molded in them into shells. The shells are joined together to form an essentially closed hollow body by closing the tool to form a closed mold impression. The method is distinguished by the fact that the preforms are molded in the part-cavities while the parts of the tool are located in the opened receiving position.

Abstract: Separator for cylindrical cell of the outwardly guided type, wherein a sheet material is wound around a mandrel, and starting from the winding step until the insertion of a separator into the cell, an outward support is used that renders the binding of neighboring turns of the separator winding unnecessary, and the separator sheet has an extended portion, with the extension being at least equal to the radius of the separator cylinder, and with this extended portion being wetted with distilled or de-ionized water until the material softens and the winding and the mandrel are rotated and the bottom part is folded back and heat fused to close the separator cylinder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including a built-in neck, by molding a parison in a mold. The neck is molded by locally deforming the parison using a concave counter-form and a convex form configured to enter the counter-form, these two parts being secured one of them to the mold and the other to a core located inside the mold, or vice versa.

Abstract: A microstructured composite component is provided including structures for carrying out fluid processes. A device is provided for producing microstructured composite components. A method provided includes a first step during which a first film is arranged above a second film between first and second mold parts. The first and/or second mold parts have microstructured cavities to be filled. In a second step, the first and second mold parts are heated in at least one region in which they contact one of the films. An excess pressure is then produced between the first film and the second film to force the first and/or second films into the cavities. In a further step, the first and second mold parts are pressed together by a pressing force. Once the first mold part, the second mold part, the first film and the second film are cooled, they form a microstrutured composite component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a molded article (e.g., 141) from first and second heated and thermoformable thermoplastic sheets (75, 78), which are each respectively formed in situ from first and second thermoplastic compositions (e.g., by means of extrusion). The heated first and second thermoformable sheets are each drawn by reduced pressure into contour matching contact with the interior mold surfaces (14, 32) of separate first and second mold portions (11, 29), so as to form separate first and second profiled thermoplastic sheets (129, 144) within the separate mold portions. The first and second mold portions (11, 29) are positioned towards each other (e.g., together) so as to bring into contact and fuse together contact portions (159, 163) of the first and second profiled thermoplastic sheets (129, 144). Fusion between the contacted contact portions (159, 163) is achieved by means of (e.g.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a resin molded article characterized by comprising the steps of melting and kneading a thermoplastic resin, storing a predetermined amount of the melted and kneaded thermoplastic resin, extruding the stored thermoplastic resin intermittently in a predetermined extrusion amount per unit time from an extrusion slit provided in a T-die and having a predetermined gap and sandwiching the sheet-shaped resin between a pair of rollers arranged below the extrusion slit and feeding the resin downward at a feeding speed higher than, or equal to the predetermined extrusion speed by rotary driving of the rollers, disposing the sheet-shaped molten resin, fed by the rollers, near a side of a mold arranged below the pair of rollers, and forming the sheet-shaped resin in a shape conforming to a shape of the mold.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel container and a fuel container for motor vehicles. The method comprises the extrusion of web-type preforms, the shaping of the preforms to form shell-shaped intermediate products in a first step, and forming a container in the same molding tool in a second step, at least one tank-filling and/or operational venting device being fastened to the inner wall of at least one intermediate product between the first and second steps by a material and/or form-fitting joint in one work cycle, the wall of the intermediate product being penetrated by a connection fitting during assembly, with a use of at least one conduit section of variable length as a part of a vent line.

Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby:—the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); —at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and—some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; —the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: A method for forming a resin molded article includes a step of extruding a thermoplastic resin intermittently at a predetermined speed from an extrusion slit, such that the resin droops downward in a shape of a sheet. The method further includes the steps of: feeding the extruded sheet-shaped resin downward by a pair of rollers; and forming the sheet-shaped resin with a mold. In the step of feeding the sheet-shaped resin, one of the rollers is pressed against the other, but not to the extent of crushing the sheet-shaped resin, regardless of the thickness of the sheet-shaped resin. In addition, a surface temperature of each of the rollers is set lower than a temperature of the sheet-shaped resin and within a predetermined temperature range. This method can prevent sliding contact between the rollers and the sheet, while preventing the sheet from being wound around the rollers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight structural trim part is comprising the following steps: (A) inserting a plurality of layers into a molding tool comprising a first molding half (6) and a second molding half (7). The second molding half (7) comprises a plurality of cup-like indentation (8). The plurality of layers at least comprises a first air permeable skin layer (1) facing the first molding half (6), a second air tight skin layer (3,4) facing the second molding half (7), and a film layer (2) between the two skin layers. (B) Closing the molding tool and discharging gas from one side in order to press the first skin layer against the first molding half. (C) Shaping and consolidating the first porous skin layer. (D) Charging with pressurized air the first space in order to press the second skin layer against the second molding half. (E) Shaping and consolidating the second skin layer.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories, based on a plastic parison, which is split or in at least two parts, in which process, the accessories are positioned on the parison while it is being molded, using a core (1) forming part of a mold which also comprises dies (2a, 2b), and in which process, the core is able to move in a controlled manner at a variable speed and/or between optional stop positions of variable duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic plastic. The method comprises the extrusion of at least two sheet-like preforms consisting of thermoplastic plastic, the introduction of the preforms into a preferably multipart molding die with a molding cavity which at least partially defines the contour of the hollow body to be manufactured, and the shaping of the preforms inside the die, using a vacuum and/or gas pressure in the first heat of the material. The method is distinguished in that at least two preforms to be shaped into a hollow body and to be connected are extruded successively, that is to say sequentially, in time and are shaped simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion blow molding machine (1) with at least one extrusion head (2) and with at least two sheet dies (3), arranged next to one another, for the extrusion of sheet-like plastic preforms (4), with a multipart molding die (5) for processing two preforms into an essentially closed hollow body, having a device for handling the preforms (4). The device for handling the preforms comprises at least two grippers (10), arranged next to one another on a common carrier (8), for receiving the preforms (4), the distance between the grippers (10) being variable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hollow composite structure by forming a prepreg product using a plurality of prepregs, forming a soft coating layer on an inner surface of the prepreg product, and compressing the prepreg product by applying pressurized air to the coating layer and, at the same time, applying heat to the prepregs.

Abstract: A wall panel for a livestock confinement pen made of a hollow plastic twin sheet thermoformed body with a grid divider received in an opening of the body between the two sides of the body. One side has flanges by the opening to receive a cover cut from the other side over the opening.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

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 fuel tank having two opposite wall portions and at least one reinforcing element connecting these two wall portions, such reinforcing element comprising at least two parts linked by at least one rotating link. A method for manufacturing such tank.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material, in particular a process for the production of fuel tanks of plastic material. In the process according to the invention preforms in web or band form of plasticized plastic material are shaped in a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity by expansion of the preforms and causing them to bear against the internal contour of the mold cavity. The process firstly includes the production of two mutually complementary intermediate products in the form of shell portions. Then respective built-in fitment components are secured to the respective insides of the shell portions, which face towards each other in the installation position, wherein at least some built-in fitment components of mutually complementary shell portions are respectively of mutually complementary configuration, in the sense that they can be joined to provide an assembled component or to provide a functional unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material in which web- or strip-type preforms of plasticised plastics material are shaped in a multi-part tool which forms a mould nest, with two outer moulds and a central mould which perform opening and closing movements with respect to one another. The central mould is provided with at least one device for receiving and manipulating components to be fastened in the interior of the hollow body by means of a material and/or form-fitting joint. Prior to the fastening of the components to the inner wall of the hollow body to be produced, the components are heated by means of a radiant heating device. The radiant heating device is advantageously integrated in the central mould of the tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of a container, in particular a fuel tank of thermoplastic material, by extrusion blow molding, wherein during shaping of the container within a multi-part tool the container is provided with at least one connecting element passing through the wall thereof, wherein with at least a part of the connecting element as a lost shaping male die the wall of the container is displaced from one side into a tool placed on the oppositely side of the container wall and removed. The invention further concerns a fuel tank with at least one connecting element which is connected to the tank wall at least in region-wise manner by intimate joining of the materials involved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoforming mold that defines a surface of a thermoformed part, a cavity recess that defines part of the interior space of the thermoformed part, a bond flange ridge, a vent recess and a chamber recess in an offal region outside of the surface of the thermoformed part, where the chamber recess, the vent recess and the cavity recess collectively define a continuous recess and where the part does not extend substantially beyond the bond flange ridge. Also disclosed is a manufacturing method including molding a first and second plastic sheet to thermoforming molds, impressing the first and second plastic sheets together between the thermoforming molds to define the part, a seam, a vent and a chamber then inserting a blow needle into the chamber and using that blow needle to move a fluid through the interior space of the part through the vent and then removing the offal and the chamber from the part. Also disclosed is a thermoformed part manufactured using the mold and method described above.

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: Techniques for manufacturing structures that include composite hat stringers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a composite structure includes placing a generally cured composite hat stringer on a tool, the hat stringer having a rigid mold line conformal surface for adjoining a generally uncured skin, positioning the skin adjacent to the rigid mold line conformal surface, coupling the skin to the rigid mold line conformal surface of the composite hat stringer, including applying a pressure to a surface of the skin to urge the skin into engagement with the composite hat stringer, and curing the skin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding. In the process according to the invention continuous extrusion of at least two preforms in web form of plasticized material is effected by means of a plurality of extrusion devices. The preforms are jointly shaped to form a hollow body in the still plastic condition, that is to say in the first heat, within a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity. In that case a wall thickness profile is imparted to at least one preform during the extrusion operation independently of the respective other preform by continuous nozzle gap adjustment during the extrusion operation.

Abstract: A three dimensional foam costume molded from a vacuum molding or thermoforming machine which simultaneously molds two sheets of plastic. The machine is comprised of two female concave molds which are positioned one over the other and an opening mechanism to open and close the two molds. The machine accepts two sheets of plastic at one time and air is provided between the two sheets to force each sheet of plastic into one of the molds to form a three-dimensional costume in which the edges of the costume are sealed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a barrier container having a barrier layer which constitutes the inner surface of the container by joining container parts, the method having step (1) of producing container parts from a thermoplastic resin, the container parts each having an inner surface, step (2) of applying a coating liquid containing a liquid medium and a polymer component (A) having hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups with a ratio of the number of the hydroxyl groups to the number of the carboxyl groups of from 30:70 to 95:5 to the inner surfaces of the container parts produced in step (1), thereby forming a film on the inner surfaces, step (3) of joining the container parts having the film to form a primary container, and step (4) of dry heating the primary container to obtain a dry heated container having a barrier layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic plastic. The method comprises the extrusion of at least two sheet-like preforms consisting of thermoplastic plastic, the introduction of the preforms into a preferably multipart molding die with a molding cavity which at least partially defines the contour of the hollow body to be manufactured, and the shaping of the preforms inside the die, using a vacuum and/or gas pressure in the first heat of the material. The method is distinguished in that at least two preforms to be shaped into a hollow body and to be connected are extruded successively, that is to say sequentially, in time and are shaped simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion blow molding machine (1) with at least one extrusion head (2) and with at least two sheet dies (3), arranged next to one another, for the extrusion of sheet-like plastic preforms (4), with a multipart molding die (5) for processing two preforms into an essentially closed hollow body, having a device for handling the preforms (4). The device for handling the preforms comprises at least two grippers (10), arranged next to one another on a common carrier (8), for receiving the preforms (4), the distance between the grippers (10) being variable.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers. The wetted fibers are arranged on pressurizable members and may be configured to include internal structural features, such as shear webs. A reinforcement stiffener may be located adjacent to at least one of the pressurizable members and the wetted fibers that form the internal structural feature. The reinforcement stiffener includes a modulus of elasticity that is substantially higher than a modulus of elasticity of the resin used to wet the fibers. In one embodiment, the reinforcement stiffener may be received in a pocket of one of the pressurizable members and may include a releasing agent that permits removal of the stiffener after the composite structure has been pressurized and cured.

Abstract: A medical balloon having a high burst strength and the ability to return to its preinflation diameter following repeated inflation may be prepared from a first inner layer of material, a second intermediate layer of expanded PTFE and a third outer layer of material.

Abstract: A method for producing a hollow body produced by shaping at least two thermoplastic resin sheets, comprising: a supplying step including supplying the at least two thermoplastic resin sheets to between a pair of mold members with the thermoplastic resin sheets superimposed one on another; a heating step including heating the thermoplastic resin sheets; a mold closing step including moving the mold members relatively toward each other to press the heated thermoplastic resin sheets together between the flanges of the mold members, thereby joining the sheets at a part of each of the sheets, the part being pressed with the flanges of the mold members; and a shaping step including sucking air out through the molding surfaces and simultaneously blowing air into the space(s) formed between the thermoplastic resin sheets, thereby making thermoplastic resin sheets facing the molding surfaces conform with the molding surfaces to shape the sheets into predetermined shapes, wherein the thermoplastic resin sheets are foam

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories, based on a plastic parison, which is split or in at least two parts, in which process, the accessories are positioned on the parison while it is being moulded, using a core (1) forming part of a mould which also comprises dies (2a, 2b), and in which process, the core is able to move in a controlled manner at a variable speed and/or between optional stop positions of variable duration.

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 least two points, the said pipe being deformable.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow shaped article having an inner surface which is brought into contact with fuels. The hollow shaped article is produced by bonding two or more constitutional members at peripheral edges thereof into an integral body. At least one of the constitutional members is produced by applying a fuel barrier coating composition to one or both surfaces of a thermoplastic resin sheet to form a sheet having a fuel barrier layer, and forming the sheet into the constitutional member by a pressure forming, a vacuum forming or a pressure/vacuum forming.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a foam-filled thermoplastic spine board. An upper surface of the spine board has a cradle configuration to assist in more comfortably positioning a patient. The spine board includes hand holds for transporting the patient. Being free from metallic parts, the spine board is X-ray translucent and/or radio translucent.

Abstract: A twin-sheet thermoforming process for the manufacture of vehicle headliners. In the process a first sheet and second sheet of SuperLite material are mounted onto respective frames. The frames transfer the sheets into an oven, where they are heated to a desired temperature using IR. The first sheet is combined with a cover-stock material using compression molding forming a covered first headliner part. The covered first headliner part is then transferred to a second mold station. The second sheet is heated and then transferred from the oven to the second mold station where it is vacuum-formed on the upper half mold, forming a second headliner part. The upper and lower mold halves are pressed together fusing and sealing the first and second headliner parts into a unified part. The unified part is then unloaded and trimmed as necessary forming a headliner.

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine and a method of manufacturing a duplex twin-sheet element from two continuous webs of thermoplastic material conveyed in parallel by means of a twin-sheet frame provided therebetween, which is adapted to be loaded by means of a tensioning frame for creating closed machine chambers with the material web sections to be shaped, provides for the aspect that the twin-sheet frame is provided with a front frame section in the front along the conveying direction of said material webs, which frame section can be removed for de-moulding said twin-sheet element. The material webs are conveyed in a cycled operation when the twin-sheet frame is not loaded and open in the conveying direction, and for forming a twin-sheet element, the twin-sheet frame is closed and loaded by the tensioning frame.

Abstract: An automatic laundry or dishwashing product in unit dose form comprising at least three distinct zones for delivering into at least three different stages in the washing cycle. The product provides improved cleaning, care and finishing benefits.

Abstract: A simultaneous twinsheet thermoforming system having a carousel rack to simultaneously move two sheets of thermoplastic together through a heating station and a forming station. The two thermoplastic sheets are vertically disposed on upper and lower tiers of the rack. The single heating station includes vertically disposed upper and lower ovens, which both sheets pass through simultaneously. The ovens each include upper and lower heating platens, the lower platens being movable to accommodate for sagging thermoplastic. The forming station includes upper and lower vacuum molds that are movable from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the two sheets are moved in between the mold faces. The molds are driven together to contact the sheets and simultaneously form the two sheets to the two molds. At least one of the two molds is further moved to establish contact between at least portions of the two sheets, thus fusing them together.

Abstract: A forming station for a thermoformer in which the lower platen is lowered and moved laterally on linear bearings on the machine frame after two sheets are formed in side by side mold-plug assist tool sets so as to align the respective molds and formed sheets. The formed sheets are squeezed together with flanges on the formed sheets thereby fused together by a draw mechanism including a series of hydraulic cylinders which are connected to coupled elements carried by the upper and lower platens so as create the squeezing movement when the cylinders are pressurized. A precision control is exercised over the operation of each of the cylinders using a position sensing device associated with each cylinder to insure equal movement of the output member of each cylinder. The lower platen vertical drive is activated in correspondence with the travel produced by the hydraulic cylinders to reduce the load on a brake holding the upper platen stationary.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.