Abstract: An upper press platen supports an upper mold member slidable vertically within a surrounding upper trim frame. A lower press platen supports a lower trim frame surrounding a lower mold member slidable vertically within the lower trim frame. The lower mold member defines a cavity connected to a vacuum source, and one or two heated sheets of material are positioned between the trim frames and mold members which are then closed to clamp peripheral portions of the sheets between the trim frames. The lower heated sheet is vacuum formed into the cavity and the sheets are fused together with heat and pressure to form a part which is then cooled. The mold members shift downwardly as a unit within the trim frames to shear the peripheral portions of the sheets from the part. The trimmed part and peripheral portions are removed after the trim frames and mold members open.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a vacuum against an elastic vacuum bag for transmitting forming forces from the elastic vacuum bag to the blank. The elastic vacuum bag includes at least one bag section having a different stiffness than other bag sections. The at least one bag section is an elongated bag section having a stiffness larger than that of surrounding bag sections. The location of the elongated bag section of the elastic vacuum bag corresponds, when the elastic vacuum bag after completion lies against the forming surface sections having the blank in between, with an elongated forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of the surrounding bag sections.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming comprises the steps of providing a film, heating the film, and forming the heated film onto a mold. The film comprises a propylene/ethylene copolymer skin layer having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 150° C. and a interior polyamide layer having a melting point of from about 125° C. to about 230° C.

Abstract: A cured sandwiched article may be used to enhance a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a cured sandwiched article may include a core sandwiched between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers cured to conform to a surface of a vehicle. A cured sandwiched article may be made by steps including shaping a core, positioning the core between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers to form the sandwiched article, and curing the sandwiched article. A cured sandwiched article may be connected to a surface of a vehicle by providing adhesive to a bottom surface of the cured sandwiched article, positioning the cured sandwiched article on a surface of the vehicle, and curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the cured sandwiched article may include a plurality of fiber-optic fibers.

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: An upper press platen supports an upper mold member slidable vertically within a surrounding upper trim frame. A lower press platen supports a lower trim frame surrounding a lower mold member slidable vertically within the lower trim frame. The lower mold member defines a cavity connected to a vacuum source, and one or two heated sheets of material are positioned between the trim frames and mold members which are then closed to clamp peripheral portions of the sheets between the trim frames. The lower heated sheet is vacuum formed into the cavity and the sheets are fused together with heat and pressure to form a part which is then cooled. The mold members shift downwardly as a unit within the trim frames to shear the peripheral portions of the sheets from the part. The trimmed part and peripheral portions are removed after the trim frames and mold members open.

Abstract: Provided is a production process for an insert decorated molding provided with two or more kinds of pictures, in which a color of a resin is not seen from a boundary part between pictures and which has a high design property. The production process includes a vacuum molding step in which two or more kinds of decorative sheets are vacuum-molded and an injection step in which at least two kinds of the vacuum-molded decorative sheets are disposed in line in a female metal die and in which a molding resin is injected onto the decorative sheets.

Abstract: A method of making a fenestration framing member includes providing a core of size and shape corresponding to the desired size and shape of the fenestration framing members. A fiberglass mat is placed on the core to form a fiberglass-engaged core, and resin is vacuum infused into the mat to form a fenestration framing member that includes fiberglass-reinforced resin engaging the core. The starting core and the final fenestration framing member preferably are of curved geometry lengthwise of the core and member. The step of vacuum infusing resin into the mat surrounding the core preferably is carried out by placing the fiberglass-engaged core into a vacuum enclosure, preferably a vacuum bag, and connecting the vacuum enclosure to a vacuum source and a resin source. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the mat surrounds the core so that the core is part of the fenestration framing member.

Abstract: The technical problem of this invention is to establish a method of processing a synthetic resin tube, in which the shape of a part of the tube wall is changed to form easily an attractively hollowed and/or raised portion in a fairly wide area of the tube wall. The object of this invention is to provide a tubular container having excellent decorativeness, appearance, or functionality that has never been found before.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus has a forming die, a plurality of holding devices, a pressing device and a pair of supplemental holding devices. The forming die has at least one suction hole for creating a vacuum. The holding devices hold a resin sheet that has been softened by heating. The pressing device moves relative to the forming die to close a space therebetween and form an airtight state therebetween. Each of the supplemental holding devices includes a clamp member and a support member. The supplemental holding devices are movably arranged to move toward each other. The clamp members clamp the resin sheet on two sides of a selected sag area where the resin sheet will be made to sag. The support members extend along two side portions of the selected sag area for supporting a bottom surface of the resin sheet where the resin sheet will be made to sag.

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured by a first, a second sliding die, a first, a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: Load-bearing articles are manufactured from shape defining compressible cores and thermoplastic shells. The manufacture of these articles requires specific methods and tools. Articles that can be manufactured using these methods include relatively lightweight pallets with high load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: A molding method involves a first and a second sliding die, a first and a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: Method of producing an oblong shell member made of fiber composite material by means of vacuum infusion, where the fiber material is impregnated with liquid polymer. A mould is applied with a mould cavity, in which a fiber insertion (3) with a first lateral face (1) and a second lateral face (2) is placed, and where said fiber insertion includes a plurality of fiber layers and a distribution layer (4), said distribution layer allowing a higher rate of flow for the liquid polymer than the fiber layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bottomed cylindrical container, comprising a body wall, a bottom wall, and a ring-shaped foot downwardly extending from the bottom wall, said container being produced by thermo-molding a resin sheet, characterized in that said foot is formed by folding an inner wall by compressed fluid to be fusion-bonded with an outer wall, so as to form the foot comprising the inner wall and the outer wall. The present invention also provides a bottomed cylindrical container, comprising a body wall having a grounding edge at a lower end thereof, and a bottom wall, said container being produced by thermo-molding a resin sheet, characterized in that said bottom wall connects with an upper edge of an inner wall produced by folding back the body wall along the grounding edge and by fusion-bonding it to an inner periphery of the body wall. In addition, the present invention provides the methods for thermo-molding these containers and their apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a walk-in bathtub. The method involves heating an acrylic sheet, wherein the outer perimeter of the sheet is heated to a higher temperature than the center of the sheet. The heated acrylic sheet is then placed over a vacuum mold that is shaped like a bathtub, including a seat and a foot well, and drawn into the mold by the vacuum. Vacuum pressure is manually reduced when the acrylic reaches the top of the seat in the mold, and the vacuum is shut off when the acrylic is approximately two inches from the bottom of the foot well of the mold. The acrylic is removed from the mold, reinforced with fiberglass and secured to a support frame. A door space is cut in the side of the tub and a pre-hung door assembly is then installed in the door threshold.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material article includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a pre-impregnated preform formed from a plurality of reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix, positioning the preform on a flat base plate, positioning a pressure bladder on top of the preform, and positioning a bridge tool above the pressure bladder. The bridge tool includes a top plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled to the base plate with the top plate spaced above the pressure bladder. The method also includes enclosing the preform and bridge tool inside a vacuum bag by sealingly attaching the vacuum bag to the base plate, drawing a vacuum in the vacuum bag to remove air and volatiles from the preform, and then applying pressure to the preform by inflating the pressure bladder to consolidate the preform.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing monolithic composite structures comprising providing first and second subcomponents (1, 2) of composite material, attaching an expansion compensating tooling to the second subcomponent, placing the second subcomponent along with said tooling on the first subcomponent and bonding it to the latter by means of an uncured structural adhesive, covering the assembly comprising the first and second subcomponents and the tooling with a vacuum bag, performing an autoclave cycle for curing the curable material contained in said assembly under high temperature and pressure conditions, withdrawing said assembly from the curing autoclave and removing the expansion compensating tooling to obtain the desired monolithic composite structure. The tooling for carrying out the process comprises metal L- or I-shaped beams having a rough surface adapted to be applied to the second subcomponent. The invention is useful for manufacturing aircraft parts.

Abstract: A method of making a fenestration framing member includes providing a core of desired cross section and geometry lengthwise of the core. A fiberglass mat is placed around the core to form a fiberglass-enclosed core, and resin is vacuum infused into the mat to form a fenestration framing member that includes fiberglass-reinforced resin enclosing the core. The starting core and the final fenestration framing member preferably are of curved geometry lengthwise of the core and member. The step of vacuum infusing resin into the mat surrounding the core preferably is carried out by placing the fiberglass-enclosed core into a vacuum enclosure, preferably a vacuum bag, and connecting the vacuum enclosure to a vacuum source and a resin source.

Abstract: A method of making a food serving tray assembly comprising the step of molding a hand portable container such that the container has a serving platter and a receptacle platter. The serving platter includes a disposal opening and serving wells for receiving food items. The receptacle platter and serving platter releasably couple to one another in a serving configuration and a transport configuration. The serving platter also has an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of dividing walls defining and separating adjacent serving wells; and the serving platter is generally received within the outer peripheral wall of the receptacle platter with the bottom of the receptacle platter and the dividing walls of the serving platter collectively isolating the wells from one another when the food serving tray assembly is in the transport configuration.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for production of a three-dimensional structured surface with haptically and/or optically detectable microstructures, in which the microstructures are fixed as a dataset, with the steps: a) preparation of at least a virtual or real elastic film; b) determination of the elongations and compressions produced in the elastic film in the shaping process of the structured surface; c) modification of the datasets so that the elongations and compressions are at least partially compensated; d) checking of an elastic film structured with the modified dataset for distortions in the microstructures; e) if necessary, repetition of steps b) to d), until a final dataset is obtained; and f) structuring of the elastic film, so that at least a structure-supporting surface is produced on the film.

Abstract: A chilled air pressure box is provided for thermoforming a plastic sheet. The chilled air pressure box comprises a box, a box perimeter, an inlet valve, a compressed air source and a chilled air source. The box has an interior space within the box and defines an inlet opening. The box perimeter is for sealingly interfacing with a vacuum mold. The inlet valve is substantially disposed within the interior space, adjacent and aligned with the inlet opening such that when the inlet valve is closed the inlet opening is substantially sealed and when the inlet valve is opened the inlet opening is not sealed. The compressed air source is capable of pressurizing the interior space with compressed air and interfaces with the box. The chilled air source communicates with the inlet opening.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin film which comprises 5 to 95 wt. % polyethylene (A) having a viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) of 2,000,000 or higher, a first-melting-peak signal height as determined by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) of 3.0 mW/mg or higher, a specific surface area of 0.7 m2/g or larger, and an average particle diameter of 1 to 150 ?m and 95 to 5 wt. % polyethylene (B) having an Mw of 10,000 to 200,000, excluding 10,000 and 200,000, wherein the ratio of the Mv of the compound (A) to that of the compound (B), (A)/(B), is 10 or higher, the film as a whole has a molecular weight of 300,000 to 1,500,000, and the film has a fuse temperature of 120 to 140° C., a breaking temperature of 150° C. or higher, and a ratio of the piercing strength at 25° C. to the piercing strength at 140° C. of from 0.01 to 0.25.

Abstract: This invention teaches methods of making a hermetic terminal assembly comprising the steps of: inserting temporary stops, shims and jigs on the bottom face of a terminal assembly thereby blocking assembly core open passageways; mounting the terminal assembly inside a vacuum chamber using a temporary assembly perimeter seal and flange or threaded assembly interfaces; mixing a seal admixture and hardener in a mixer conveyor to form a polymer seal material; conveying the polymer seal material into a polymer reservoir; feeding the polymer seal material from the reservoir through a polymer outlet valve and at least one polymer outlet tube into the terminal assembly core thereby filling interstitial spaces in the core adjacent to service conduits, temporary stop, and the terminal assembly casing; drying the polymer seal material at room temperature thereby hermetically sealing the core of the terminal assembly; removing the terminal assembly from the vacuum chamber, and; removing the temporary stops, shims.

Abstract: A macrocell structure 20 having a honeycomb form is preheated to cure to a cure depth falling within a range where a flexibility of prepregs in the macrocell structure remains. Subsequently, prepregs 31, 32 are arranged along a side wall of the preheated macrocell structure 20, so as to make a preliminary structure 40. Then, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while the inside of the prepregs 31, 32 in the preliminary structure 40 is vacuumed. Thereafter, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while imparting an internal pressure thereto within a mold 5, so as to be cured, whereby a resin structure 1 is produced.

Abstract: A net shaped latex vacuum bag as used in the fabrication of composite structural parts having complex shapes. Liquid latex is first allowed to air dry in the form of a thin flat, flexible sheet. The latex sheet is then vacuum formed over a tool having the complex shape of the part to be fabricated and assumes the shape and configuration of the tool's outer surface. The latex sheet is then rapidly cured at an elevated temperature, so as to permanently assume the part's shape for subsequent use in forming composite structural parts of the same complex shape. In one embodiment, the latex sheet may be formed on the tool by dipping the tool in liquid latex, allowing the latex coating to dry, and cutting the dry latex coating to permit separation of the tool from the latex coating which is then used in composite part fabrication.

Abstract: A tubesheet is formed at the end of a module containing polymeric material for gas separation, by immersing the end of the module in an epoxy material, or its equivalent. A vacuum, or partial vacuum, applied at or near the opposite end of the module, tends to draw the epoxy material towards the source of the vacuum, and results in a tubesheet having a desired thickness, even though the epoxy material may have relatively high viscosity. The method produces effective tubesheets, while minimizing the degree to which the tubesheet covers the otherwise useful surface area of the polymeric material. The method thus produces gas-separation modules having enhanced productivity.

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 transparent plastic container which is transparent, allows good design and can be used for an anticounterfeit system that determines authenticity by visual check with the use of polarization property. A transparent plastic sheet of a polystyrene-based resin having a total light transmission of 85% or higher and a haze of 7% or less is subjected to vacuum, pneumatic or vacuum/pneumatic forming at a sheet temperature ranging from a glass transition temperature plus 50 degrees C. to a glass transition temperature plus 130 degrees C., thereby obtaining a transparent plastic container having a planar portion with a strain amount of 150 nm or less.

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

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer article is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for performing a planarization treatment of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The process includes positioning a first substrate onto a support surface of a planarization tool. The process further includes placing at least one layer of PSA onto the first substrate. The process further includes positioning a second substrate onto the layer(s) of PSA. The process further includes applying a pressure to the second substrate via a flexible membrane, said pressure being applied in a generally uniform, unidirectional and localized manner. Further, the applied pressure flattens the PSA between the first substrate and the second substrate for promoting suitability of the PSA for use in rigid-to-rigid lamination processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to mold-release agents, in particular mold-release agents which can be used for demolding moldings from molding tools, and also to the use of these mold-release agents. The mold-release agents of the invention, which are preferably based on suspensions of nanostructured microparticles, have the advantage of being markedly more environmentally compatible than the known mold-release agents based on organic or organosilicon compounds, since they can remain on the surfaces of the moldings. The use of the mold-release agents of the invention is very simple, since advantage can be taken of existing equipment. An example of a usual method is to produce injection moldings by means of injection molds into which the material is injected. The mold-release agent of the invention is applied, e.g. by spray-application, to the injection mold prior to the actual injection-molding process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a molded article, and more particularly to a method of forming a shaped thermoplastic sheet (e.g., a fluid management structure). The method includes providing a mold apparatus (1) that includes a first mold portion (11) having a contoured and perforated interior mold surface (14), and a perimeter edge (17). The mold apparatus also includes a frame (35) that surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter edge (17) of the first mold portion (11). At least one sheet retainer (148) resides on the upper surface (38) of the frame (35). Each sheet retainer (148) includes a clamp portion (151) that faces towards (or in the direction of) the perimeter edge (17) of the first mold portion (11), and which includes a reversibly closeable clamp member (154) which defines in part a clamp interior (157).

Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay-up being accomodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.

Abstract: A method of constructing a thin film mirror, which method comprises: (i) attaching a thin film (72) to a suction chamber (68), the suction chamber (68) having edges which are for attaching the thin film (72) and which lie in a desired geometry for the thin film mirror to be constructed; (ii) applying a partial vacuum to the suction chamber (68) such that tension is introduced into the thin film (72); (Hi) adjusting the partial vacuum to form the thin film mirror but with the thin film mirror achieving the desired geometry only over a portion of the thin film mirror; (iv) providing first tensioning means (78, 80) and locally adjusting the first tensioning means (78, 80) such that the portion of the thin film mirror which achieves the desired geometry is increased, the first tensioning means (78, 80) being in contact with the surface of the thin film (72) adjacent to the edge of the suction chamber (68) at a first distance which is substantially uniform from the edge of the suction chamber (68); and providing s

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

Abstract: A method for thermoforming a thin thermoplastic carrier with uniformity of thickness at optical quality. The sheet to be thermoformed is heated and placed on a vented platform equipped with a mold insert. The thermoformer's platens clamp a shroud over the sheet. A low pressure air stream is introduced into the shroud and deflected from a direct path leading to the mold insert.

Abstract: Decorative system composites and methods for forming the same are described. The composites employ new and improved support film systems that have enhanced tensile strength under typical thermoforming conditions, including elevated temperatures. An optional release film can be used in conjunction with the support film. The support film is particularly suitable for use with decorative films used to impart a surface effect, such as paint or color-containing film systems, to a thermoformed plastic component. The support film systems also possess enhanced bag/sag/drape control characteristics.

Abstract: Load-bearing articles are manufactured from shape defining compressible cores and thermoplastic shells. The manufacture of these articles requires specific methods and tools. Articles that can be manufactured using these methods include relatively lightweight pallets with high load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a walk-in bathtub. The method involves heating an acrylic sheet, wherein the outer perimeter of the sheet is heated to a higher temperature than the center of the sheet. The heated acrylic sheet is then placed over a vacuum mold that is shaped like a bathtub, including a seat and a foot well, and drawn into the mold by the vacuum. Vacuum pressure is manually reduced when the acrylic reaches the top of the seat in the mold, and the vacuum is shut off when the acrylic is approximately two inches from the bottom of the foot well of the mold. The acrylic is removed from the mold, reinforced with fiberglass and secured to a support frame. A door space is cut in the side of the tub and a pre-hung door assembly is then installed in the door threshold.

Abstract: A chilled air pressure box is provided for thermoforming a plastic sheet. The chilled air pressure box comprises a box, a box perimeter, an inlet valve, a compressed air source and a chilled air source. The box has an interior space within the box and defines an inlet opening. The box perimeter is for sealingly interfacing with a vacuum mold. The inlet valve is substantially disposed within the interior space, adjacent and aligned with the inlet opening such that when the inlet valve is closed the inlet opening is substantially sealed and when the inlet valve is opened the inlet opening is not sealed. The compressed air source is capable of pressurizing the interior space with compressed air and interfaces with the box. The chilled air source communicates with the inlet opening.

Abstract: For making orthotic braces and prosthetic devices, vacuum shaft mandrels and foam workpiece blanks are pre-fabricated to a standard design for repeatable assembly and disassembly. A mandrel is easily installed in a workpiece blank, or reinstalled in a previously made mold body. The mandrel is likewise easily removed from the mold body and returned to stock after the mold is made and the required brace is completed. Mold bodies are storable for reuse with a mandrel of the same design for the next vacuum forming brace making operation. A limited supply of standard size mandrels can thus be used for making and serving any number of mold bodies. One mandrel size accommodates a range of mold sizes.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming shells so that their cut lips face inward toward the shells permits the production of a number of novel thermoformed products having superior nesting and de-nesting qualities and having the ability to fit together to produce a variety of closed shell forms.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bathtub liner over an existing bathtub comprising a container, a seal, a heating element, and a pressure increasing element. The container defines a cavity. The seal is associated with cavity and is capable of forming a substantially continuous seal with a bathtub liner. The heating element is capable of heating the cavity, and in turn, the liner. The pressure increasing element is capable of increasing the pressure within the cavity, to in turn, force a bathtub liner outwardly, away from the cavity. Upon positioning of the liner and apparatus over an existing bathtub the pressure increasing element will force the liner toward and into contact with the surfaces of the existing bathtub.

Abstract: A method of producing tight bezel fits between automotive interior panels and their mating subcomponents. The method includes forming at laminate preform, injection molding a substrate layer behind the laminate preform to form a molded automotive interior panel, and forming an opening in the molded automotive interior panel. The method further includes post embossing the molded automotive interior panel adjacent a perimeter of the opening to produce an embossed interface between the molded automotive interior panel and a mating subcomponent installed in the opening, thereby producing a tight bezel fit between the molded automotive interior panel and the mating subcomponent installed in the opening. Alternatively, the method includes utilizing a vacuum wrapped automotive interior panel with the embossing step described above. The invention also provides for an automotive interior panel including a tight bezel fit between the panel and mating subcomponents, formed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: A method includes a first, a second and a third step, and a circuit member is installed in a resin-molded panel simultaneously when this resin-molded panel is vacuum formed. In the first step, the circuit member to be installed is placed on an upper surface of a circuit member-installing portion formed on and projecting from a front surface of a base mold. In the second step, a heated and softened panel material is laid on the front surface of the base mold. In the third step, the air between the panel material and the base mold is drawn via notch spaces and air-drawing holes.

Abstract: A double vacuum bag molding assembly with improved void management and laminate net shape control which provides a double vacuum environment for use in fabricating composites from prepregs containing air and/or volatiles such as reactive resin matrix composites or composites from solvent containing prepregs with non-reactive resins matrices. By using two vacuum environments during the curing process, a vacuum can be drawn during a B-stage of a two-step cycle without placing the composite under significant relative pressure. During the final cure stage, a significant pressure can be applied by releasing the vacuum in one of the two environments. Inner and outer bags are useful for creating the two vacuum environments with a perforated tool intermediate the two. The composite is placed intermediate a tool plate and a caul plate in the first environment with the inner bag and tool plate defining the first environment.