Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing vacuum forming a produce container using a fiber-based slurry. The slurry includes a moisture barrier comprising alkyl ketene dimer in the range of about 4% by weight, and a cationic liquid starch component in the range of 1%-7% by weight.

Abstract: A device for making frozen geometric shapes, more particularly, to an ice molding device that shapes ice is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a device comprises a lower chamber of an ice shaping device and a plurality of guideposts on the lower chamber. The device further comprises a semi-spherical cavity in the lower chamber and a hole to fill a hollow chamber of the lower chamber with hot water.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thrust reverser blocker door may comprise thermoforming a sandwich panel comprising a facesheet, a backsheet, and a honeycomb core. The method may further comprising overmolding a mounting structure onto the backsheet. The first thermoplastic material may comprise a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material. The second thermoplastic material may comprise a discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite material.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of electric scooter, and more particularly to a foldable electric scooter and a manufacture method of the same. Electric scooter 10 includes front wheel assembly 20, front fork assembly 30, headset assembly 50, handlebar assembly 60, throttle controller 70, gooseneck assembly 80, main body assembly 90, standing platform 100, drive train assembly 110, and rear wheel assembly 120. One purpose of the present application is to provide an electric scooter that has a flexible design, whose rear tire revolves inwardly and handlebar assembly collapses to minimize the whole volume of the electric scooter for facilitating transportation and storage. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the electric scooter.

Abstract: A tool and its method of use direct a flow of liquid resin through a preform. The tool has a tool surface with a channel recessed into the tool surface to a bottom surface of the channel. A plate is positioned on the tool surface covering over the channel with the plate being supported by the tool in the channel spaced above the bottom surface of the channel and with the top surface of the plate positioned coplanar with the tool surface of the tool. A preform is positioned on the tool surface with the preform covering over the plate. A flow of liquid resin is supplied to the tool surface and a pressure differential communicating with the tool surface draws the flow of liquid resin into the channel, through the channel and through a plurality of perforations through the plate and into the preform.

Abstract: Illustrated and described are a method and a device for laminating a profiled fibre moulding with a thermoplastic film. The film is laminated onto a surface of the fibre moulding to be coated by heat and differential pressure. To improve the lamination of the fibre moulding and to achieve uniform lamination thicknesses over the entire fibre moulding, the method includes the following steps: fixing at least an edge of the fed film to a base plate, heating the film, deforming the film via a moulding tool, feeding the fibre moulding, joining the fibre moulding to the pre-formed film, and removing the laminated fibre moulding.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a molded fiber part. The die press assembly includes: a first plate having a first mold form and a first plurality of vent holes; and a second plate having a second mold form and a second plurality of vent holes; wherein: at least one of the first and second plates comprises a blade operable to cut the part; the die press assembly is configured to compress the molded fiber part between the first and second mold forms; and the first and second pluralities of vent holes are configured to remove moisture from the part.

Abstract: A plastic sheet cassette includes a first frame member pivotably coupled to a second frame member, and a plastic sheet is fixedly supported by male and female parts provided on the first and second frame members. A thermoforming apparatus includes a cabinet, a heating source, a vacuum source, a platform, and a fixing frame that supports the cassette so as to be removable, and is vertically movable between the heating source and the vacuum source in the cabinet. The fixing frame can be stopped or released at any desired level in the cabinet and supports the cassette so that the sheet is heated at the upper level by the heating source and is brought into close contact with a prototype at the lower level by the vacuum source for making a mold having the same shape as the prototype.

Abstract: A forming apparatus includes a base material jig provided on a base, adhesion means for making a sheet having an adhesion layer and covered to a base material retained on the base material jig adhere to the base material, and trimming means for performing trimming on the sheet with respect to the base material with the sheet adhered thereto, in a state in which the base material is not removed from the base material jig.

Abstract: A spherical pellet marking round for gas propelled guns, such as airsoft electric guns and gas blow back guns, allows a user or military/law enforcement trainees to actually when they hit their opponent. The marking round is heavier than conventional gas propelled gun rounds, allowing for more reliable breaking on target. The marking round has a hard, brittle shell and is sized for the gun or rifle type. The marking round can include colored marking material, ultraviolet, infrared, forward looking infrared (FLIR) and luminous “glow-in-the-dark” shells for tracer versions. An oversized wedge can be used in production that allows for heavier weighted fill material to be used.

Abstract: After beaten, pulp is mixed with a filler to obtain a mixture of the pulp and the filler. Additives are added to the mixture, which is made into pater and then hot-pressed. The filler content of the mixture is in the range of 20 wt % to 80 wt %. After the additives are added, a polymeric viscosity improver with high viscosity is added to produce a narrow diaphragm or a thin compact diaphragm with high aspect ratio. These diaphragms have high rigidity and a wide reproduction frequency range.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a thermoforming packaging machine (1) for producing upright standing packagings (21) with an undercut (26) formed into the packaging. The machine comprises a forming station (2) with a lower forming tool (30) and/or a sealing station (3) with a lower sealing tool (40). The disclosure is characterized by the lower forming tool (30) and/or the lower sealing tool (40) comprising a movable forming wall section (32) or a movable sealing seam support section (41a), respectively, in the area of the undercut (26). The disclosure is also related to a corresponding method for producing packagings (21).

Abstract: A vacuum barrier system for curing a composite part may include a bag carrier and a compliant, relatively thin film bladder formed over the bag carrier to function as a vacuum barrier. The bag carrier may be configured complementary to the composite part. The bladder may seal the bag carrier therewithin.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.

Abstract: An assembly and method for infusing composite material with liquid resin to form a composite part with a smooth outer mold line (OML) surface and a complex inner mold line (IML) surface. The method may include placing a flow media into a deepest tier of a two-tiered recess in a rigid tool, placing a perforated caul sheet into a shallowest tier of the two-tiered recess, and placing uninfused composite material over the perforated caul sheet. Next, the method may include placing an impermeable membrane over the composite material and sealing the impermeable membrane to the rigid tool. Finally, the method may include vacuuming air from a vacuum port of the impermeable membrane to compress the impermeable membrane toward the composite material and the rigid tool, thus pull liquid resin from a resin reservoir, through the flow media, through the perforations of the caul sheet, and throughout the composite material.

Abstract: A molding process that comprises, in order, a preparation step of preparing a sheet having a textured pattern due to projections formed by curing an ink composition above one face of a substrate, a placement step of placing the face of the sheet having the textured pattern so that it faces a mold, and a molding step of carrying out molding with the sheet and the mold in contact with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing a thin film mirror are provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber having edges. Adjacent the vacuum chamber is at least one extender having an edge that is spaced from and extending beyond the adjacent edge of the vacuum chamber in two directions. In this manner, the thin film does not contact the vacuum chamber until force is applied to the thin film, such as by mechanical tensioning mechanisms or application of a partial vacuum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component having first and second layers, the first and/or second layers including one or more depressions provided on a surface of the respective layer. The method including: arranging the first and second layers so that they face one another and with the depressions on inner facing surfaces of the layers; diffusion bonding the first and second layers together about their edges; applying a first differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to evacuate an inner space defined by the layers, thereby forming one or more depressions on an outer facing surface of the first or second layer; and applying a second differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to expand the inner space defined by the layers.

Abstract: A label applicator that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to different positions during a label application operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for placing fiber-reinforced, pre-impregnated, planar semi-finished products on a placement tool for the manufacture of a non-crimp fabric, wherein a placement film is clamped on the placement tool for purposes of holding the non-crimp fabric, and by means of evacuation and/or the application of pressure is fixed in position on the placement tool and/or can be released from the latter. Also disclosed is a placement tool for the execution of such a method.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of biodegradable plastics films as vacuum films in processes for producing fiber-reinforced plastics or fiber-reinforced plastics components by means of vacuum infusion. The invention further relates to a process for producing fiber-reinforced plastics or fiber-reinforced plastics components, in particular fiber-reinforced rotor blades for windpower systems, by means of vacuum infusion with use of biodegradable films.

Abstract: A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a first roll around which a film is wound to be continuously drawn, ii) a second roll arranged to face the first roll and around which the film is continuously wound, iii) a plurality of chambers disposed between the first and second rolls and through which the film passes, and in which laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) is performed on a substrate by forming a transfer layer on the film, and iv) a gate unit installed at least one of the chambers and disposed at at least one of a film inlet and a film output of the chambers that are installed, to maintain a substantially vacuum state in the chambers during passing of the film.

Abstract: A method for producing an analysis tape for fluid samples, in particular body fluids, is proposed. The method comprises providing a laminate tape having a laminate carrier tape and at least one diagnostic functional layer, and cutting the laminate tape in such a way that a diagnostic auxiliary label arises; transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a vacuum roller; and transferring the diagnostic auxiliary label to a carrier tape. In general, at least one vacuum roller is used for the transfer of the diagnostic auxiliary label to the carrier tape. The cutting of the diagnostic functional layer is effected in such a way that a free end of the diagnostic functional layer is lifted off from the laminate carrier tape by guiding the laminate carrier tape around a cutting edge with a small radius, wherein the diagnostic functional layer is cut at a predetermined distance from the lifted off free end by means of a cutting device.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination system and a vacuum lamination method are provided in which, when a laminate film and laminate base items are laminated and an excessive portion of the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon, a high precision lamination is enabled and the cutting process including a conveying device for cutting the excessive portion of the laminate film can be simplified. In the vacuum lamination system, a laminate film and laminate base items that are conveyed on the carrier film are laminated by the batch type vacuum laminating device, and the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a first vacuum against an elastic forming medium for transmitting forming forces from the elastic forming medium to the blank. The elastic forming medium is evacuated with the first vacuum for allowing the elastic forming medium to stretch and conform the blank to the forming surface sections. The elastic forming medium includes at least one void. A second vacuum is applied to the void for achieving a stiffened section of the elastic forming medium corresponding with the location of the void and corresponding with, when the elastic forming medium after the completion lies against the forming tool having the blank in between, a forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of surrounding sections of the elastic forming medium.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet is disclosed. The flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet is positioned onto a work surface and a vacuum sheet is operatively coupled to the flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet. The vacuum sheet is operatively coupled to a flexible conveyor sheet and the flexible conveyor sheet is positioned proximate to a mold such that the flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet is in contact with the mold. The vacuum sheet is decoupled from the flexible conveyor sheet and the vacuum sheet is removed from the flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet after the debulking of the flexible pre-impregnated composite sheet(s).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a customizable vacuum molding method for forming personalized luggage bags utilizing a customizable vacuum molding device having a main mold body (1) and a personalized pattern module (2) customized to suit a customer preference. The vacuum molding method comprising the steps of: 1) placing the personalized pattern module on a molding surface of the main mold body at a predetermined location; 2) placing a plastic luggage bag substrate onto the molding surface of the vacuum molding device and soften the substrate by heating; and 3) generating negative pressure in the vacuum molding device and stretching the plastic substrate onto the personalized pattern module on the molding surface of the main mold body while cooling the plastic substrate to form a personalized pattern. The instantly disclosed vacuuforming method provides a simple yet cost effective solution for manufacturing luggage bags having personalized patterns of a customer's choice.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, and a hinge joining the cover portion with the base portion. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the peripheral flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible portion for facilitating the removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.

Abstract: A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: In accordance with the present teachings, a method of producing composite having a 3A Q3D reinforcement phase is disclosed. The method of producing the composite provides producing a three-dimensionally woven configuration where a first fiber from a first sheet of reinforcement phase is interwoven or mechanically linked with at least one of an adjacent second layer and then back into the first sheet. The linking fibers are passed between layers at an acute angle generally less than about 10 degrees. The method includes impregnating the woven construction with a curable polymer such as epoxy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas assisted imprint system and the manufacturing method thereof. More specifically, instead of utilizing a rigid platform to, the gas assisted imprint system and the manufacturing method of the present invention utilizes a film to support the work-piece so as to evenly apply a force to the surface by the deformation caused by pressurized gas. More specifically, one of the main features of the present invention is that the present invention utilizes two films to cover the surfaces of a work-piece and applies a force evenly thereto by deforming the films by high pressure fluid. Accordingly, the present invention is capable of pressing the irregular surface of the work-piece evenly, solving the long lasted problem of the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a hemocompatible article. A non-thermally stabilized polytetrafluoroethylene membrane comprised of non-oriented fibers is heated to a temperature of around 400° C. and above the gel point of the polytetrafluoroethylene, while the membrane is being applied against a forming mold. The membrane is applied against the forming mold by generating a pressure differential between opposing faces of the membrane to form a conformed membrane. The conformed membrane is then cooled, thereby producing the hemocompatible article.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: In some examples, a method for densifying a material via pitch comprises inserting the material to be densified into a mold, wherein the mold is part of an apparatus. The apparatus may include a ram configured to apply a ram pressure sufficient to force a pitch into the mold to densify the material, a gas source configured to apply a gas pressure sufficient to force the pitch into the mold to densify the material, and a vacuum source operable to create a vacuum pressure in the mold at least prior to application of either the ram pressure or the gas pressure. The method may further comprise densifying the material in the mold via pitch using a selectable one of the ram, the gas source, the ram and the vacuum source, or the gas source and the vacuum source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foamed member capable of inhibiting or preventing foam breakage at the time when the foam member is peeled from a carrier tape, even when the foamed member has a high expansion ratio. The foamed member has a thermoplastic resin foam layer containing a thermoplastic resin foam formed through a step of impregnating a high-pressure inert gas into a thermoplastic resin and subsequently reducing pressure, and at least one of a thermoplastic polyester-based resin layer and a thermoplastic elastomer resin layer disposed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the thickness of composite laminates cured on closed angle tools. The invention utilizes a peel ply rather than a breather during the preparation for cure of laminate parts having a substantially uniform initial thickness. This method allows composite parts to be formed with greater uniformity and without the need for extra hardware. The composite part formed by the above method may find use in a wide variety of applications, including, for example, automotive and aerospace applications. Thus, for example, a composite part formed in accordance with the present invention is ideally suited for use as a shear tie in a commercial aircraft, which are used to secure the inner framework of the aircraft to the airplane skin.

Abstract: A method of assembling and shaping a laminate panel. An intermediate member is mounted on a lay-up table and a lay-up is assembling by laying a series of plies onto the intermediate member on the lay-up table. The intermediate member and the lay-up are then removed from the lay-up table and placed them on a shaped surface. The lay-up is then forced against the shaped surface, via the intermediate member, in a manner that modifies the shape of the lay-up to form a shaped laminate panel. Finally the shaped laminate panel is removed from the intermediate member. The lay-up table can thus support the flexible intermediate member during assembly, and can be relatively flat to enable the lay-up to assembled by an automated process.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure comprising fiber reinforced material by means of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding is described. The fiber material is impregnated with liquid resin, and the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a forming structure comprising a rigid mold part and a second mold part, b) placing the fiber material in the rigid mold part, c) sealing the second mold part against the rigid mold part to form a mold cavity, d) connecting a source of uncured fluid resin to at least one resin inlet communicating with the mold cavity, e) connecting at least one vacuum outlet communicating with the mold cavity, f) evacuating the interior of the forming structure through the at least one vacuum outlet, g) supplying uncured resin from the source of uncured resin to the mold cavity through the at least one resin inlet so as to fill the mold cavity with resin, and h) curing the resin in order to form the composite structure.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (FT) equipped with an internal accessory, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, said process comprising the following steps: the parison is introduced into the mold cavities; the core is introduced inside the parison, the core having first been fitted with the accessory; the mold is closed so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; the parison is pressed against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; the accessory is fastened to the parison by snap riveting using a device attached to the core; the mold is opened to withdraw the core; and the final molding of the parison is carried out by blow molding and/or thermoforming.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming a molded thermoplastic piece are provided. The molded thermoplastic piece can have an outer layer of one or more sheets of reinforced flexible thermoplastic and a porous layer, such as cork. The outer layer can a mechanical bond with the porous layer.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system is provided that includes an upper chamber assembly lower chamber assembly, layup and demolding station, transfer assembly, automatic or permanent coupling system, and controller. The upper and lower chamber assemblies are coupled to form an enclosed plenum operable to maintain a pressurized environment about a tool. The layup and demolding station receives the tool and facilitates the layup, bagging and sealing of unprocessed components at the tool. A transfer assembly accurately positions the tool on the lower chamber assembly in alignment with the upper chamber assembly. An automatic or permanent coupling system provides services to the tool and the enclosed plenum. A controller directs services to be supplied to the enclosed plenum and tool in accordance with a set of process parameters. This set of process parameters allows an individual set of unprocessed components to be thermally processed and consolidated.

Abstract: Oral appliances, methods of making oral appliances, and bite registration devices for use in making oral appliances are provided. An oral appliance includes a lower segment, and upper segments. The upper segments are operably connected to the lower segment using threaded elements. Rotational manipulation of the threaded elements causes the upper segments to be displaced horizontally relative to the lower segment about the lengths of the threaded elements, and the lengths of the threaded elements are substantially parallel to each other. A bite registration device for use in making an oral appliance includes a top surface including a protrusion and a bottom surface including a receptacle configured to receive the protrusion. The device is configured to be maintained in stacked relation to a like configured second bite registration device by mating the protrusion of the bite registration device with a receptacle of the second bite registration device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated board, comprising: preparing a first and a second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by laminating the carrier with an insulating resin layer in which a fiber cloth is embedded, and laminating the first and the second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by bonding the insulating resin layer in the first prepreg 31a with a carrier and the insulating resin layer in the second prepreg 31b with a carrier directly or via an additional member under reduced pressure and heating it.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: introducing a parison into mold cavities; introducing a core inside the parison, where the core is first fitted with a swirl pot having a housing for the pump; 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 swirl pot to the parison using a device attached to the core; molding the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming; unmolding the tank, and mounting a pump in the housing of the swirl pot. The mounting of the pump is achieved by way of an intermediate part, the external shape of which is standard and complementary to that of the housing, and the internal shape of which is adapted to the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a workpiece comprises a base adapted to have a workpiece placed thereon. A vacuum bag is placed over the workpiece, and the bag is sealed to the base using inner and outer seals. The inner and outer seals are spaced apart from each other to form a channel therebetween. A vacuum port coupled with a vacuum source is used to evacuate air from the channel.