Abstract: A vacuum debulking table for fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg includes a base, a base table mounted to the base, and a platen mounted to the base table. The platen has a frame and the base table includes a vacuum aperture located within the frame. A vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum aperture. The platen includes a heat generator. The table further includes tooling conforming to the frame and a kit to be debulked. A pair of opposing pressurized cylinders is coupled to the base at a first end. A top cover is mounted to the base and attached at a second end of the opposing pressurized cylinders. The top cover includes a flexible bladder. An insulator is mounted to the base table surrounding the platen. An insulation cover blanket is configured to be drawn between the insulator and top cover. An activation switch activates a programmable controller connected to the pressurized actuator control, the heat control and the vacuum control.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite molding tool including a surface coat that comprises metal powders and mineral fillers, and a composition comprising a resin mixture and metallic fillers. The composition includes at least about 45% metallic fillers, based on the weight percent of the total composition.

Abstract: A system for making extruded cement-based articles. The process can include forming a cement-based feed mixture including water, aggregate and binder and directing the feed mixture to a vacuum zone, wherein sufficient vacuum is maintained in the vacuum zone to remove entrained air and, preferably, excess water, from the feed mixture. The feed mixture is held in the vacuum zone at a negative pressure for a time sufficient to form a vacuum-treated or densified mixture. The vacuum-treated or densified mixture is passed through an extruder at an elevated pressure to provide an extruded cement-based article.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective article comprising on the top surface thereof a retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in a contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a substantially planar position.

Abstract: A double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding process is provided comprising the initial step of providing a double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding apparatus comprising a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The first mold portion and the second mold portion are configured such that, in an engaged state, the first mold portion and the second mold portion define a mold cavity and a brim cavity. The mold cavity is isolated from the brim cavity by a compressible seal. Either or both of the first mold portion and the second mold portion are further configured to define an injection gate in communication with the mold cavity, a mold cavity vacuum port in communication with the mold cavity, and a brim cavity vacuum port in communication with the brim cavity. The first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the compressible seal are arranged such that a decrease in brim cavity pressure below atmospheric pressure causes a corresponding decrease in mold cavity volume.

Abstract: A caul is used in an autoclave process for consolidating a composite, multi-ply, gas turbine fan blade preform having first and second opposite sides and a varying thickness therebetween. The caul includes a body having fibers situated in a matrix. The caul is complementary in shape to the preform first side and has a bending flexibility varying over the body for correspondingly varying consolidation of the preform. The second side of the preform is shaped by a bottom mold in the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mould the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess, and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. Once formed, the or each recess is substantially retained in its formed orientation by the application of a vacuum through the or each cavity.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display, the face plate having integral spacer support structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process. The support structures are designed to be load bearing so as to prevent implosion of a planar, transparent face plate toward a parallel spaced-apart base plate when the space between the face plate and the base plate is sealed at the edges of the display to form a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated in the presence of atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. Unlike most spacer support structures proposed for such flat panel displays, the support structures are made from the same material as the substrate from which the face plate is fabricated. For a preferred embodiment of the process, a perforated laminar template is sealably sandwiched between a laminar silicate glass substrate and a manifold block to form a temporary sandwich assembly.

Abstract: In a process for producing large-surface structural elements from fiber-reinforced composite materials by resin transfer moulding, a mold (2) that can be evacuated has a dimensionally stable part (4) and an elastically deformable part (6). The mold (2) has connections for injecting a resin mixture and connections to a pressure sink. A fibrous fabric (12) is set into the mold (2). Elongated pipes having a large supporting surface (22) and a cavity (24) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the pipes above the supporting surface (22) are provided on the surface of the fibrous fabric (12) opposite to the dimensionally stable mold part (4) to inject the resin mixture and to ensure the connection with the pressure sink. The supporting surface (22) of the pipes has a narrow slit (26) which extends substantially over the whole length of the pipes and which is in communication over its whole length with the cavity (24).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly for a door of a motor vehicle includes a trim panel substrate mounted on an inner panel of a door, a trim panel cover mounted on the trim panel substrate, and an arm rest portion formed by the trim panel substrate and trim panel cover extending longitudinally and inwardly into an occupant compartment of a motor vehicle and having an arm rest pad disposed between the trim panel cover and the trim panel substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for forming gelatin capsules comprising: supplying two gelatin sheets having preformed pockets between die rollers; partially suturing the gelatin sheets together by means of the die rollers to form a pocket; weighing powder or particulate capsule content in a weighing hole aligned with said pocket; utilizing a pusher to push said capsule content through said weighing hole and into the pocket; and completing the suturing of the gelatin sheets by means of the die rollers to envelop said capsule content in said pocket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing an item of shaped clay from a mould. The method including holding the piece (14) on a synthetic mould (10), pressing it against a resilient member (18) such that the member (18) substantially adopts the shape of the piece (14), and blowing the piece (14) off the mould (10), at which time the member (18) is compressed a little further to receive the clay (14) off the mould (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to tooling for the fabrication of composite materials, particularly layered composite materials. The tooling apparatus encapsulates the composite material and uses an applied pressure, either atmospheric, induced gaseous or mechanical, to the material to retain it in place during off-gassing and/or consolidation.

Abstract: A partition member having partition walls arranged in a lattice is disposed in the vicinity of an upper surface of a molten metal mass. The upper surface is divided by the partition walls into a multiplicity of segmental surfaces. A forming starter member is brought into contact with the partition member so that the molten material adheres to a starter surface of the forming starter member, and is then separated from the partition member. The molten metal is drawn from each of the segmental surfaces, and the drawn metal is solidified to form a piece which has a cross sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the starter surface. With the use of forming starter members having respective starter surfaces which are different in shape from each other, it is possible to form pieces having various cross sectional shapes which correspond to the shapes of the starter surfaces.

Abstract: A method for sealing the circumferential edge region of a laminated electrochromic device is disclosed. The method involves inserting a device to be sealed into a mold having a cavity aligned with the portion of the edge region to be sealed, and injecting a sealant into the cavity. Devices containing molded edge seals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a reseal element through the use of a mold assembly including first and second mold plates, a shell core, a center pin, a center core, and a mold cavity having a shape corresponding to that of the reseal element and collectively defined by the first and second mold plates, the shell and center cores, and the center pin. The method comprises the initial step of injecting a quantity of a moldable material into the mold cavity to form the reseal element. Air is then infused between the shell core and the center pin into the mold cavity to dislodge the reseal element from the shell core and the center pin. Thereafter, the center core is retracted from the reseal element to define a gap therebetween, with the second plate then being retracted from over the reseal element to expose the same. The first plate is then advanced toward the second plate to remove the reseal element from upon the shell core and the center pin.

Abstract: A method of forming a side wall of a cupped cake cup at high speed, including paying off a paper sheet through a plurality of paying off rolls; cutting a blank off the paper sheet with a paper cutter disposed at least one of normal and oblique to a direction in which the paper sheet is fed; immediately before or after the cutting, applying a sealing agent; supplying the blank to a specified roll gap formed between a forming cone roll and a holding cone roll capable of rotating in opposite directions; performing shaping, cutting and sealing works on the blank during one rotation of the forming and holding cone rolls, wherein the blank is made into the side wall of the cupped cake cup; separating the side wall of the cup from the forming cone roll; and guiding the side wall of the cupped cake cup in the axial direction of the forming cone roll.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lens having a lens body integral with a functional sheet on one side thereof, includes an insert molding process including the steps of: placing the functional sheet as an insert in position in a mold defining a suction hole therein; and while attracting the functional sheet against a molding surface of the mold by a peripheral portion thereof by suction through the suction hole, supplying to the mold a molten plastic material for forming the lens body, to form the lens.

Abstract: A hollow molded article having no sink marks on its surface and having an excellent appearance is produced by filling a mold cavity with a resin being in a molten state and then ejecting at least a part of the resin by sucking through a resin-ejection opening and introducing gas through a gas-introduction opening into the resin inside of which being in a negative pressure. According to this process, the use of a high-pressure gas is not required.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-woven material using a contoured honeycomb drum with an outer microporous surface, more particularly with a contoured outer surface, for the manufacture of contoured non-woven fibrous materials. The method can use spunbond or melt blown techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on the microporous surface such that the non-woven material conforms to the contour of the drum, and then removing the non-woven material from the drum. The drum of the current invention facilitates continuous production of non-woven articles with three dimensional shapes such as surgical masks or pleated air filters.

Abstract: A method for forming a vehicle headliner comprises providing at least one layer of formable material and a cover member; heating the layer and the cover member; providing a mold having a pair of mold halves and a compressible seal disposed between the mold halves, at least one of the mold halves having an aperture and a channel in communication with the aperture; positioning the layer and the cover member between the mold halves; bringing the mold halves toward each other to effect a sealed relationship; and applying a vacuum pressure to the aperture to sufficiently draw the mold halves together and compress the seal, thereby compressing the at least one layer and the cover member together to form the headliner.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: A photo film cassette includes a spool core (13) on which photo film is wound in a form of a roll. A cassette shell (3, 4) contains the spool core in rotatable fashion. In each of a pair of disks (16, 17), a bearing hole (16a, 17a) is formed. The disks are secured to first and second ends of the spool core, and regulate edges of the photo film. To produce at least one kind of disk, a continuous sheet (27, 78, 88, 162, 171, 215) of thermoplastic synthetic resin is partially masked with a mask plate (48, 87, 160, 161, 170). A portion of the sheet emerging out of the mask plate is heated at temperature higher than a softening point of the sheet. The emerging portion is subjected to vacuum/air-pressure forming, so as to form a disk-like portion (20) in the sheet. The bearing hole and a contour of the disks is cut in the disk-like portion, to produce the disks.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a face plate for a flat panel display such as a field emission cathode type display, the face plate having integral spacer support structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a product made by the aforesaid process. The support structures are designed to be load bearing so as to prevent implosion of a planar, transparent face plate toward a parallel spaced-apart base plate when the space between the face plate and the base plate is sealed at the edges of the display to form a chamber, and the chamber is evacuated in the presence of atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. Unlike most spacer support structures proposed for such flat panel displays, the support structures are made from the same material as the substrate from which the face plate is fabricated. For a preferred embodiment of the process, a perforated laminar template is sealably sandwiched between a laminar silicate glass substrate and a manifold block to form a temporary sandwich assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tooling for the fabrication of composite materials, particularly layered composite materials. The tooling apparatus encapsulates the composite material and uses an applied pressure, either atmospheric, induced gaseous or mechanical, to the material to retain it in place during off-gassing and/or consolidation.

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: In a method for producing a molded plastic article, individual portions of material are removed from a flow of heat-plasticized material which flows vertically downwards from a closable dispensing aperture of a dispenser and are transferred to a mold before being pressed by closure of the mold to form a molded article. The required portions are cut by cutting shears from the flow of material at a point below the dispensing aperture and at a distance from it. A device for the production of the molded plastic article has a closable mold and a material dispenser for heat-plasticized synthetic material which can be arranged above the molding chamber. The dispenser has a dispensing aperture which points towards the mold and can be closed by a closure unit and from which the flow of plasticized material emerges. A shearing device for separating the required portions of material is situated below and at a distance from the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A method of the invention can produce a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin foamed product having less unevenness in a thickness of a surface layer and excellent mechanical strength. In the method, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet is continuously shaped into a hollow member, and a foaming resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin and a foaming agent is supplied into an interior of the obtained hollow member. The foaming agent is foamed so that the hollow member is shaped into a desired form by the foaming pressure.

Abstract: A single component, extremely low viscosity, pre-catalyzed high functionality diepoxide and epoxy resin system has been developed. This resin system has good thermal stability, an extended work life and is capable of being refrigerated to -18 C. and stored for extended periods of time with little or no change in physical or mechanical properties. The resin system has direct applications in a number of industries including, but not limited to, the aircraft and spacecraft industries. The resin system is a mixture of specific epoxy resins and curing agents that when combined form an extremely low viscosity resinous system that may be readily cured at a temperature as low as 52 degrees C. into novel thermoset materials prepared therefrom, which are characterized by superior strength properties and methods for preparing the same.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus used to prepare a thermoplastic composite from a plurality of plies of thermoplastic resin prepregs. The prepregs are formed into a composite structure under two chambers; a rigid outer chamber (of any convenient size or shape) and a second flexible inner chamber containing a prepreg lay-up. The absolute pressures are reduced concurrently in a stepwise method in both chambers. This concurrent, stepped pressure reduction is accomplished at a rate which prevents the vacuum bag from moving far from the prepregs, and prevents wrinkles from forming in the prepregs. Pinching off the diffusion paths required for the removal of unwanted gases is eliminated. The lay-up is then heated and the absolute pressure in the outer rigid chamber is increased. This pressure constrains the flexible inner chamber during out-gassing of the thermoplastic resin, preventing wrinkles from forming in the prepregs.

Abstract: The device according to the invention is used for conducting a fluid between a space at least partly bounded by a solid surface through which a fluid can flow and a duct, a high surface continuity of the fluid flow through the surface being achieved with a relatively small differential pressure. The device comprises a coarsely porous shaped part (3), which has on the surface areas through which a flow is to take place a finely porous surface layer (4). The pores of the surface layer (4) are open at the surface and progress continuously into the shaped part (3). The shaped part (3) and surface layer (4) together form a one-piece part of a cured plastic, in that in the vicinity of the shaped part are incorporated larger particles and in the vicinity of the surface layer (4) smaller particles, e.g. aluminium particles, in such a way that the particles represent a larger proportion of the weight than the plastic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and a vacuum is applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to draw lipstick wax material therefrom and into the interior of the spindle. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: An implant having an integrally-textured, hemocompatible blood-contacting surface and a method for producing the same is provided. The implantable device can include a device body having a textured surface and a predefined complex shape, such as a bladder or a generally U-shaped conduit. The device body can be composed of a first device material, and the textured surface can be formed of a second device material on the obverse side of the device. The textured surface can have multiple, blood-compatible structures integrally formed thereon. The structures can be fibrils that are suitable for a generally uniform biological layer to be established thereupon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying a cover sheet of plastic material to the surface of a mold, during the molding of panels and/or of plastic pieces. The cover sheet is pneumatically held and stretched by a support frame provided with a sheet clamping groove, which peripherally extends for at least part or the edges of the mold; the support frame is provided with an air suction chamber connected to the sheet clamping groove by at least an air suction slot which opens on the bottom of the groove. The pneumatic support frame for the cover sheet and the mold are movable between each other for pneumatically adhering the cover sheet to the edges and the internal surface of the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing large composite parts. The method utilizes a fiber metal mesh sheet (40) situated against a composite material(34) during a curing process. The fiber metal mesh sheet (40) provides a porous network for flow of the reaction by-products during a curing and vacuuming process, yet gives adequate structure to prevent both mark-off by vacuum ports (52, 70) and crushing of the porous network as a result of autoclave and vacuum pressure. External vacuum ports (52) are located in a bagging film (50) surrounding the composite material (34). Alternatively, vacuum ports (70) are located below the composite material (34). The use of the external vacuum ports (52), vacuum ports (70) located beneath the composite material (34), or both, shortens by-product flow path and provides adequate vacuum pressure over all areas of the composite material (34) to remove reaction by-products.

Abstract: A multilayer article such as a door trim board is fabricated by the steps of extruding melted resin layers (13m), (12m) and (11m) respectively forming a soft skin material (13), a foamed soft intermediate layer (12) and a base member (11) in the form of a multilayer resin sheet from a die-head (40) of an extruding machine, supply the extruded multilayer resin sheet to a molding machine in such a manner that the resin layer for the skin material is placed on a lower molding die of the molding machine and molding the resin layers in the form of the multilayer article. The resin layer for the skin material consists of thermoplastic elastomer, the resin layer for the intermediate layer consists of ethylenic copolymer copolymerized with ethylene and at least radical copolymerizable acid anhydride, and the resin layer for the base member consists of olefinic resin.

Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The structure includes cores each having a main feeder groove or channel therein. A resin distribution network is provided adjacent the core surface in fluid communication with the feeder groove. In a first embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a plurality of microgrooves formed in each core surface. In a second embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a separate distribution medium surrounding each core. Each core and associated resin distribution network is covered with a fiber material. The dry lay-up is placed against a mold and encapsulated in a vacuum bag. Uncured resin is fed under vacuum directly into the main feeder groove in each core via a fitting through the bag. The resin flows from the main feeder groove through the resin distribution network and outwardly into the fiber material and is allowed to cure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the downstream handling of water soluble polysaccharide-containing extruded tobacco smoke filtration material. During conveying of the extrudate from the extruder die of an extruder to a cutter, the extrudate is heated, shaped, and cooled to provide tobacco smoke filtration material of desired dimensions and physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a composite article in a resin transfer molding system. The process includes the steps of providing a fiber preform in a mold, injecting a matrix resin into the mold, allowing the matrix resin to impregnate the fiber preform, and heating the resin impregnated preform to at least about 200.degree. F. for sufficient time to produce at least a partially cured solid article. The matrix resin comprises 1) a liquid epoxy resin component selected from the group of a phenolic novolac epoxy resin,, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and mixtures thereof; 2) an epoxy diluent; and 3) at least one latent curing agent that cures only when subjected a temperature of at least about 200.degree. F. The partially cured solid article may be subjected to post-curing operations to produce a final composite article. The present invention also relates to a process for forming a composite article in a vacuum assisted resin transfer mold system.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the production of fiber reinforced polymer composite structures includes a mold having a mold surface and a fiber construction on the mold surface including at least one layer of resin absorbing fibrous lay up material. A stiffener on the fiber construction is constructed of a resin absorbing material. A flexible, resin impervious vacuum bag lays over the mold surface and is marginally sealed to the mold surface to define an enclosure for the fiber construction and stiffener. The vacuum bag has a resin inlet to permit introduction of a resin into the enclosure. A vacuum is drawn upon the enclosure to draw the vacuum bag against the fiber construction and stiffener. The stiffener spaces the vacuum bag from the fiber construction when the vacuum bag is drawn against the fiber construction and stiffener to facilitate the distribution of resin uniformly throughout the fiber construction. The stiffener is integrated with the fiber construction upon curing of the resin.

Abstract: A method of removing a piece of shaped clay from a mold. The method comprising locating a former against the shaped clay on the opposite side thereof to the mold, with the former being shaped to correspond substantially to the shape of the clay to provide a close fit thereagainst. Fluid such as air is blown through the mold to blow the shaped clay thereof and on to the former.

Abstract: An improved roll-form vent for buildings comprises a sequentially thermoformed polymeric vent which provides multiple venting air flow paths between the interior of a building and ambient atmosphere. The vent includes projections extending from a web and a plurality of vent openings that cooperate with screening to bar entry into the building of water, insects and foreign matter. A method of making the vent includes steps of providing a web of material of indeterminate running length, heating the web, sequentially thermoforming the web, cooling the web and rolling the formed vent for storage, shipment and use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preforming soles which includes compressing a foot so as to push soft fat tissue masses of the foot on its underside and inner and outer lateral arches inward toward a top of the leg; making an accurate molding of the foot thus compressed by using material for making the molding which is capable of flowing into cavities which result from the compression of the foot and which is capable of filling the cavities; removing the foot from the molding; and placing a sole blank on a bottom of the molding, the blank preferably having been treated so as to be capable of being shaped by pressure from a foot on it; and pressing the foot, which is still compressed, onto the blank so as to shape it between an inner face of the foot and the bottom of the molding.

Abstract: A consolidation apparatus includes a female mold having a first portion and a second portion, a movable caul plate within the first portion of the female mold, and a pressure bladder disposed between the caul plate and the second portion of the female mold. A pressurization line communicates between the interior of the pressure bladder and a gas source exterior to the female mold, and an evacuation line communicating between the unfilled space between the caul plate and the second portion, and a vacuum source exterior to the female mold. In using the apparatus, a workpiece is loaded into the first portion of the female mold between the caul plate and the first portion. The consolidation apparatus and the workpiece contained therein are heated, a pressure is applied to the pressurization line, and a vacuum is simultaneously applied to the evacuation line.

Abstract: An EMI shield for personal computers, cellular telephones, and other electronic devices is constructed from thermoformable polymeric material which is then metallized on all surfaces by vacuum metallization techniques to provide an inexpensive, lightweight, yet effective EMI shield.

Abstract: A process and method for manufacturing fiber reinforced composite structures without trapping volatiles in the resin matrix. Volatiles from the curing cycle are absorbed into a silicone rubber layer,and a gas impermeable barrier layer outside the silicone rubber layer prevents autoclave atmosphere from permeating into the part. The process is to layer the finished ply build-up, with a ply of FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), a layer of silicone rubber to absorb the volatiles, and a layer of impermeable elastomer. The layer of fluoroelastomer is bonded to the silicone rubber to form a reusable, impermeable elastomeric vacuum bag, eliminating the need for disposable edge and surface breathers.

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).