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: 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: 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: 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 holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.

Abstract: A holding tool 2 for use in producing of laminated glass includes a frame 3, a bag member 4 and a supporting member 6b for suspending the bag member 4 from the frame 3. The bag member 4 is made of a film with flexibility and airtightness, is provided with a sealable opening and has evacuating ports 7a and 7b in the vicinity of an periphery of a flat shape thereof having the periphery sealed. The frame 3 has a first frame member 3w and a second frame member 3y opposing each other and disposed outside the periphery of the bag member 4, and the bag member 4 is suspended by the supporting member 6b movably against the frame 3 on a holding face formed at least by the first frame member 3w and the second frame member 3y inside an area formed by connecting ends of these frame members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a second layer comprising an olefin ester copolymer that has been blended with an organosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful in photovoltaic modules. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules are also included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first film layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a polymeric second film layer that has been surface treated with an aminosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful as a photovoltaic module component. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules that include the multilayer laminate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an air-filled cellular structure for use as a resilient cushion. The method includes providing a molding structure including a shelf substantially surrounding a depression, and a platform that fits within the depression and is selectively movable between a plurality of positions relative to the shelf, moving the platform to a preselected position relative to the shelf, wherein the preselected position corresponds to a substantially predetermined amount of air to be contained by the air-filled cellular structure, and using a vacuum device to draw air from within the depression.

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 of making a composite tubular article made up of at least two concentric members, the outer of said members being tubular and the inner of said members being at least cylindrical and preferably tubular, and struts disposed in supporting and positioning orientation between the inner and outer members, by extruding a moldable material into the desired profile; stretching the inner tubular member over a cooling mandrel and disposing a cooling sleeve over the outer tubular member under conditions sufficient to solidify the article; twisting and longitudinally pulling the solidified article, so that it rotates over the cooling mandrel and inside the cooling sleeve while it is moving down stream across the cooling mandrel, whereby causing the extrudate to be twisted into a helical shape.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic extrusion sizing tube having a cylinder with a split along its length to allow for radial expansion and reduction of the sizing tube. The cylinder has holes to allow an extrusion within the cylinder to be drawn to the cylinder by a vacuum outside the cylinder. The cylinder also has extensions on opposite sides of the split with an adjustment screw connecting the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the adjustment screw is turned in respective directions. A set screw can be connected to one of the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the set screw is turned in respective directions. The diameter of the cylinder can be locked in a desired position when the adjustment screw and the set screw are turned in the same direction. The adjustment screw and the set screw can be located in a flange at one end of the cylinder. The holes in the cylinder can be slots.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: a) forming by extrusion an extruded thermoplastic tube (20) having, when coming out of the extruder, a diameter D1; b) then subjecting said extruded tube of diameter D1 to a radiation treatment, so as to produced a cross-linked tube (21); c) after bringing said cross-linked tube (21) to a temperature not less than a temperature substantially equal to the melting point of its crystalline phase, subjecting it, in displacement, to a radial monoaxial expansion for form an expanded tube (22) of diameter D2, then cooling it down to a temperature, typically room temperature, at which it can be cut into tube portions (23) with length substantially equal to the height of said caps (1); and e) assembling or forming a head (10, 100, 101, 102, 103) on said tube portion (23), so as to obtain a cap or top (1), with heat-shrinkable skirt, economical and having a homogeneous skirt (11, 12) free of axial connection line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an extruded product includes a machine that cooperates with an extruder. The machine is commonly used as a corrugator and the extruded product is often corrugated piping. The machine has a frame supporting a trackway in a continuous path. A plurality of mold block assemblies travel about the continuous path to form a mold tunnel along a portion of the continuous path. The mold block assemblies include a carriage connected by at least one guide and linear bearings to a pair of mold holders. The mold holders are connected to at least one pair of opposing mold blocks. Guides and directors position the mold block pairs relative to one another while the assemblies travel along the continuous path. As the holders, and thus the mold block halves, are linearly displaceable from one another, the halves may meet to form the mold tunnel and separate to allow removal of the extruded product.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: A mold block which is used in a moving mold tunnel comprises first and second mold block sections which meet at their parting faces to close the mold block. Each mold block section has a product shaping interior surface and an air movement passage having an entrance at the base of each mold block section, a first opening to the interior surface and a second opening to the parting face of each mold block section. An air flow controller is provided between the parting face opening and the interior surface opening of the passage in the first mold block section and an air flow controller is provided between the entrance and the interior surface opening in the passage in the second mold block section.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus and method for producing torsion cords comprising the steps of: (1) casting a torsion cord of a rubber composition, the mold having a high pressure resistant cylindrical wall and opposite closed ends, (2) efficiently curing the rubber composition at a moderate temperature and high pressure for an extended period of time in the mold, (3) reducing the pressure in the mold, and (4) removing the molded torsion cord from the mold. An improved torsion cord manufactured by the method of the invention is also provided having closely controlled dimensions and improved physical properties with fewer process control procedures.

Abstract: A method for cooling and if necessary calibrating elongate articles 7 of plastic, in which the article 7, during its continuous progress has flowing round it only a gaseous cooling medium 42 at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. at least over a portion of its outer surface and extending over a pre-determinable length of the article 7, in a plurality of flow areas 25-35' separate from one another and located one behind the other in the extrusion direction, arrow 5.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic product comprises extruding molten plastic into a mold having a mold wall with product shaping interior face. After shaping the product in the mold, the method includes introducing gas via a gas inlet through the mold wall onto the product to cool both the product and the mold and then discharging the gas from the mold at a location remote from the gas inlet.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus is employed in a co-extrusion process to produce a triangular-shaped barrel for a writing instrument. An inner layer of material is extruded in tubular form having a substantially circular cross-section. A coating layer of three strips of material, equally spaced one from the other, is co-extruded about the outer periphery of the inner layer. A combination of forces produced during the process is effective to distort the inner layer to form a product having a substantially triangular shape.

Abstract: Convoluted tubing of thermoplastic resin is made by extruding the resin as a molten tubular extrudate, feeding said extrudate into the interior of a rotating tubular member which has a helical thread in the interior of said member, the spiral thread having a deformation zone receiving the extrudate and a cooling zone downstream from the deformation zone. A vacuum can be used to force the extrudate against the spiral thread in the deformation zone to spirally convolute the extrudate. The rotation of the tubular member causes the resultant convoluted tubing to engage the spiral thread in the cooling zone for conveyance through such zone. Apparatus comprising the rotating tubular member with the interior thread for forming the convoluted tubing is provided.

Abstract: An extruder projects through a bulkhead adapted to form part of a vacuum chamber, and a die is mounted on the end of the extruder within the bulkhead. The extruder projects through a gland seal which is formed in a sleeve surrounding the extruder. The seal includes a plurality of seal rings surrounding the extruder and packed in the sleeve and held in place in a preferred from by a yieldable retainer. A shaper is positioned downstream of the die and is clamped to the upstream end of the die. The shaper is mounted on tracks on a girder extending from the bulkhead clear of its periphery. The apparatus permits congruent axial movement of the extruder, die and shaper with respect to the bulkhead.

Abstract: Calibrators (10-16) are pre-aligned on a base (18) that is positioned on a table (60). A guide (82) includes a first section (84a, 84b) connected to base (18) and a second section (94) connected to table (60). First section (84a, 84b) cooperates with second section (94) to laterally maintain base (18) on table (60) while allowing thermal expansion of base (18) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (22).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for cooling or quenching a tube extruded from a water soluble polymer includes a plurality of cooling rings with bores through which the extruded tube passes. A gaseous cooling medium, such as compressed air, is supplied to each cooling ring and is directed immediately downstream of the bore thereof to impinge upon and cool the tubing passing therethrough. The cooling medium is supplied annularly so as to maintain the just-extruded tubing concentric and keep it centered in the bore.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable, including optical fibers and a tube housing the fibers, is made by a process wherein optical fibers are fed from one or more pay-out device to the interior of an extrusion head which also receives a sheathing material in viscous form. The extrusion head extrudes the viscous material to form a sheath surrounding, but out of contact with the fibers. With the fibers still out of contact with the sheath, the fibers and sheath pass through a jig which calibrates the sheath to the final form of the tube, and cools the viscous material in a first stage of solidification. Thereafter, the cable comprising the tube and optical fibers is would up around a first draw-in device and heat treated. From the first draw-in device the cable passes to a second draw-in device with the tension of the cable between the two draw-in devices being regulated.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. First and second wheel pairs on opposite sides of each carriage ride on first and second tracks respectively through a molding section of the path. An offset wheel is disposed between the wheels of each pair and rides on guide tracks associated with and facing oppositely to the first and second tracks respectively through the molding section. Each mold block is a plurality of sub-blocks secured end to end, with each sub-block having an arcuate face and corrugated with not more than one complete wavelength. Vacuum channels about sub-block end surfaces connect the block face to a vacuum port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding thermoplastic tubing of reduced eccentricity, in which tubing is extruded into a vacuum calibration box containing a cooling fluid and a sizing collar. An ultrasonic device for measuring wall thicknesses around the periphery of the tubing is located downstream of the sizing collar. The wall measurements are used to determine a critical parameter, and if this critical parameter is outside of a predetermined range, the vacuum calibration box is moved in the direction of greater wall thickness. After a delay which allows the product of the correction to reach the ultrasonic device, the box is again moved if necessary, until the critical parameter is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: Medium modulus molded polyethylene materials with improved impact strength are made. The polyethylene material is molded to pipes, bars, and sheets. The molded material comprises high molecular weight linear polyethylene and a substantially linear ethylene/.alpha.-olefin interpolymer. The material is more than about 0.23 mm thick, has a density in the range of about 0.923 to about 0.95 grams/cubic centimeter (g/cc) and has an excellent impact resistance.

Abstract: A vacuum sizing apparatus and method of cooling and sizing plastic extrusions. In one embodiment the molten plastic extrudate enters a first vacuum chamber, passes into an ambient air environment, and then passes into a second water chamber. The first vacuum chamber includes entry and exit sizing plate manifolds to impart and maintain the size and shape of the plastic extrudate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe for installation in an existing conduit is manufactured in folded form and spooled for storage. The pipe is then reheated to make it pliable for installation and pulled into the conduit for lateral periods. Steam under pressure is used to round the installed pipe. The leading end of the replacement pipe may be restricted by an end clamp which enables hot fluid to pass completely through the pipe and heat the full length, or by an inflatable plug which is displaced to the leading end of the replacement pipe after installation. Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of the pipe include extruding heated thermoplastic pipe material through a die to form a tubular shape, shaping the resulting hot tubular plastic material in the molten state to the folded form and cooling to provide a pipe with a memory for the folded form.

Abstract: A thermoplastic liner for installation in an existing conduit is manufactured in folded form and spooled for storage. The liner is then reheated to make it pliable for installation and pulled into the conduit. Steam under pressure is used to round the installed pipe. The leading end of the liner may be restricted by an end clamp which enables hot fluid to pass completely through the pipe and heat the full length, or by an inflatable plug which is displaced to the leading end of the liner after installation. Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of the liner include extruding heated thermoplastic pipe material through a die to form a tubular shape, shaping the extruded tubular plastic material to the folded form and cooling to provide a liner with a memory for the folded form.

Abstract: A travelling mold has mold blocks formed by opposing mold block sections which open and close relative to one another. The mold sections travel horizontally around a continuous track which is fitted with a plurality of side-by-side mold block carriers on which the mold block sections are releasably supported. The mold block carriers are provided with carrier gears which engage with the main drive gear of the mold so that the mold is driven by engagement of the drive gear with the carriers and not the mold block sections.

Abstract: An isobaric vaporization cooling for extruded thermoplastic profiles is carried out at 25 inches Hg in a tank by spraying water onto the extrusions. The water vapor and any air entering the tank are withdrawn to maintain the pressure constant during the cooling and the condensate from the withdrawn vapor is recycled to the spraying nozzles.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. First and second wheel pairs on opposite sides of each carriage ride on first and second tracks respectively through a molding section of the path. An offset wheel is disposed between the wheels of each pair and rides on guide tracks associated with and facing oppositely to the first and second tracks respectively through the molding section. Each mold block is a plurality of sub-blocks secured end to end, with each sub-block having an arcuate face and corrugated with not more than one complete wavelength. Vacuum channels about sub-block end surfaces connect the block face to a vacuum port. Cooling water channels about sub-block end surfaces connect to water inlet and discharge ports for selectively circulating cooling water through the blocks.

Abstract: A travelling mold has mold block sections which are driven around an endless track. The mold has a drive system including a first drive component which drives the mold block sections in abutting positions with one another to a second component in the drive system which accelerates and separates the mold block sections and which then decelerates and regroups the mold block sections in their abutting positions before the mold block sections are returned to the first drive component. This separation and regrouping of the mold block sections eliminates the necessity of having a complete chain of abutting mold block sections completely around the mold.

Abstract: In a method of forming a hollow product in a molding apparatus having an upstream and a downsteam end a parison of thermoplastic material is extruded in a molten state from a heated extruder at the upstream end and moved through a product shaping region towards the downstream end of the apparatus. The material is cooled by passing a cooling medium internally of the product from the downstream end towards the upstream end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sizing tool for extruding plastic tubing is disclosed. The tool includes a peripheral wall having an inner surface that defines the outer dimension of a plastic tubing advancing from an extruder through the tool under influence of an internal pressure exceeding the pressure prevailing in the tool. The tool also includes a lubricating water channel system in the peripheral wall and extending along the tool length and having at least one opening communicating with the inner surface of said peripheral wall. The tool also includes a cooling medium channel system in the peripheral wall and extending along the length. The cooling medium channel system being substantially closed within the peripheral wall and being separate from the lubricating water channel system.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for cooling and if necessary calibrating elongated, especially continuously extruded objects (7) made of plastic as well as a cooling and calibrating device (5) for carrying out the process. With this the object (7) during its advancement in the longitudinal direction is exposed in consecutive regions (13 to 18; 86 to 89, 95 to 97) to a higher vacuum in each case and is cooled with respect to the initial temperature to a lower final temperature. The heat to be removed for cooling is extracted by a coolant washing round the object (7).

Abstract: An improved manifold assembly which can be used in the extrusion of a plastic with the manifold assembly having a die having a first end and a second end, with the die having a die head sectored at the second end, sets of a plurality of tubes located centrally of one another, each set positioned longitudinally within a respective die manifold tube with the outermost surface of each set of tubes spaced a first distance from the die manifold tube, each of the die manifold tubes extending through the die, at least two calibration fingers secured to the die, each of the calibration fingers having a proximal portion adjacent the die head, the proximal portion of each calibration finger being spaced a second distance from the die head, with the manifold assembly being vented to atmosphere by a venting channel, the venting channel extending from between the proximal tip and the die head to the first end of the die head with a portion of the venting channel being between the die manifold tube and the otuermost surfac

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic pipes has half shells of which two at a time combine as a pair to form a mold. It is provided with a temperature-regulating bell. Supply lines are formed as flexible supply hoses of temperature-resistant plastic material. A line conduit accommodating them is provided with a protecting tube, which accommodates the supply hoses and which is provided with a heat insulation towards an injection head.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. A mold train drive engages a selected number of carriages at the beginning of the mold tunnel to continuously drive the carriages along the mold tunnel. A shuttle drive follows the continuous path through a shuttle area and spaced from the path along a substantial portion of the mold tunnel, and includes first and second carriage engaging sections at substantially opposite points along the drive so that a carriage at the end of the mold tunnel becomes engaged by one shuttle drive engaging section while the other shuttle drive engaging section engages a carriage at the beginning of the mold tunnel.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. First and second wheel pairs on opposite sides of each carriage ride on first and second tracks respectively through a molding section of the path. An offset wheel is disposed between the wheels of each pair and rides on guide tracks associated with and facing oppositely to the first and second tracks respectively through the molding section.

Abstract: An isobaric vaporization cooling for extruded thermoplastic profiles is carried out at 25 inches Hg in a tank by spraying water onto the extrusions. The water vapor and any air entering the tank are withdrawn to maintain the pressure constant during the cooling and the condensate from the withdrawn vapor is recycled to the spraying nozzles.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for cooling and if necessary calibrating elongated, especially continuously extruded objects (7) made of plastic as well as a cooling and calibrating device (5) for carrying out the process. With this the object (7) during its advancement in the longitudinal direction is exposed in consecutive regions (13 to 18; 86 to 89, 95 to 97) to a higher vacuum in each case and is cooled with respect to the initial temperature to a lower final temperature. The heat to be removed for cooling is extracted by a coolant washing round the object (7).