Abstract: An apparatus comprising a vacuum source line, a pressurized fluid source line and an inlet circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to an inlet container. The apparatus further comprises an outlet circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to an outlet line. The apparatus also comprises an outer cover circuit communicative with the vacuum source line and operatively connectable to the outer cover. Further, the apparatus comprises an inlet restrictor fluid circuit in communicative with the fluid source line and adapted to control flow between the inlet vacuum container and interior. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a controller operatively connected to the inlet vacuum circuit, the outlet vacuum circuit, the outer cover vacuum circuit and the inlet restrictor fluid circuit for controlling operation of the inlet vacuum circuit, the outlet vacuum circuit, the outer cover vacuum circuit and the inlet restrictor fluid circuit, respectively.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molding apparatus by which it is possible to make a frame located around a mold contact thermoplastic resin. In the molding apparatus of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin extruded from an extruding machine in a sheet form is adsorbed onto a cavity surface of the mold. As a result, the thermoplastic resin is shaped into a shape according to the cavity surface. The molding apparatus includes a frame that is positioned around the mold and is movable relative to the mold. In the frame, a suction part to suck the thermoplastic resin is provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for an absorbent body is provided. The manufacturing apparatus includes: a mold member that includes a mold formed in a depressed shape on a predetermined face and moves the mold along a first direction intersecting a width direction of the predetermined face; a supply duct that is arranged at a predetermined position in the first direction and supply air towards the predetermined face from a supply opening, the air containing a liquid absorbent material; a partitioned-space-forming member that is disposed at a position opposite to the supply opening with the predetermined face in between, and that forms a partitioned closed space together with the predetermined face; and an air intake duct that sucks air in the closed space from a suction opening in order to set a pressure in the closed space to negative pressure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for corrugating and winding up rolls of a plastic film. The plastic film is corrugated as it is continuously wound onto a roll, by a film drawing drum conformed with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves to perform open-end corrugation or folds which extend crosswise the film; the plastic film is corrugated crosswise, causing the same film to penetrate into the grooves of the drawing drum by suction of air through a plurality of suction holes which open out into the grooves of the drum.

Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a core material for closed or open mould systems, to a process for preparing a core material, to a laminate comprising the core material, to a process for preparing a shaped article, to a shaped article, and to the use of said article. The core material of the invention comprises at least one fibrous web containing a foam structure within said web, said foam structure being formed of a plurality of members, wherein said members are separated from each other by channels that are permeable to resin, a binder, and a network of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A vacuum forming process for manufacturing a transport tire from an elastomeric material that include steps of: in a mold having a cavity or annular area, positioning a transport tire core of plies, belt and beads that has been laid-up on a mandrel. Fitting a cover in sealing engagement over the mold top and fitting a cylindrical canister, that is open at a top end, through the center of the cover and into the mold center and pouring an elastomeric material mixture into the canister that includes a needle valve in its lower end that exhausts into one end of the mold annular area.

Abstract: A method for producing an article of composite material. A female molding tool is provided. A form bag is provided. At least one prepreg is placed in the molding tool. A heel shaped hard tool part. A hard tool part is placed at the female tool close to an edge of the laminate being placed in the mold. The form bag is placed in the female tool so that the bag seals towards the heel shaped tool part, in such a way that, at a later air evacuation of the bag, an increased pressure that the bag will apply towards the laminate reaches a radius before the pressure reaches an edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a fiber reinforced resin composite component by a resin transfer infusion (RTI) process in which a preform is laid up on a hard base tool and a bagging blanket is applied as a flexible upper tooling. Edge and/or other regions of the preform are superimposed by localized control plates which, together with spacer pins passing through the preform, serve to determine localized dimensional accuracy in the component without the need for hard upper tooling throughout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping and dimensioning plant material containing cellulose, according to which the plant material is prepared by at least one extrusion process involving a compression by means of a pressure and temperature increase as well as mechanical processing of the material at an outlet of an extruder (1). The invention also relates to the use of an extrusion process involving a compression by means of a pressure and temperature increase as well as mechanical processing of the material at an outlet of an extruder (1) for preparing plant material containing cellulose and for shaping and dimensioning said material and to the use of a screw conveyor (1) with a screw clearance for preparing plant material containing cellulose and for shaping and dimensioning the plant material.

Abstract: A themolaminating film for receiving a blister portion in the construction of a reusable package is described. A base blister portion configured to receive some form of media or material is molded from a formable heat sealable polymer such as PETG. A film consisting of a first layer of an amorphous polyester such as APET for heat sealing to the PETG, a second layer of a polyester such as PET, and an adhesive layer is used to laminate a graphical paper based cover thereby allowing the laminated cover to be heat sealed to the blister portion. In a preferred embodiment, the PET and APET are preferably coextruded.

Abstract: A spherically-shaped ear plug is described. The ear-plug is formed of silicone to provide pliable and malleable properties. Additionally, because the ear plug is made of silicone, when it is positioned and depressed into the ear canal, the front end of the ear plug is pushed out and deeper into the ear canal to create a safe seal. Finally, the tacky consistency of silicone creates an airtight/watertight seal between the ear plug and ear canal.

Abstract: An automotive body part, such as a body frame or side impact protection system, is prepared from a thermoplastic composite in a pressure vessel at pressures between about 1 and 6 bar and a temperature less than about 285° F.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an elongate stiffening element and a rigid shell structure integrated with at least one elongate stiffening element. The method includes providing a preformed, form-stable reinforcement member, which has a hat profile with two inwardly directed, opposing flange portions, covering the reinforcement member with a curable composite material to form an external hat profile having outwardly directed flanges, and integrating this assembly with either a curable or preformed shell structure of composite material.

Abstract: A method for making a honeycomb composite structure wherein the method allows for fluid flow from cells of a honeycomb core during a cure process. More specifically, the method involves forming one or more vents in a skin of the structure, which are preferably filled with venting wicks, to allow for fluid flow before being sealed by the polymer matrix during a skin bonding process. Additionally, the structure preferably comprises a scrim that allows for fluid flow between multiple cells of the honeycomb core. The honeycomb composite structure produced according to this process comprises, among other things, a sealed venting region that comprises a polymer matrix and fibers that are transverse to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RTM molding device designed to mold a FRP molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a CCP. A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to the outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP into the exterior. A means for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material that includes fibers that are immersed in a resin matrix, whereby the piece is placed in a first chamber with at least one flexible wall. The process includes a thermal cycle with essentially a first phase (50) at a first temperature during which the resin is liquid or in the “gel” state, and then a second phase (52) at a second temperature that is higher than the first during which solidification of the piece takes place by polymerization of the resin. An external pressure is applied to the outside of the first chamber and an internal pressure is generated inside the first chamber, wherein during the first phase (50), the relative internal pressure is less than 0 during a first period, and then greater than 0 during a second period preceding the beginning of the polymerization for reducing the porosity rate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of preparing a wet composite patch for use in various applications, such as, for example, reworking a composite part of an aircraft. The method comprises heating the composite patch to a temperature that causes resin containing gaseous components to flow from the patch through a flow path. The gaseous components are vented from the resin while restricting the flow of resin from the composite patch by restricting the flow of resin through the flow path. Systems for performing the methods of the present application are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus for forming a blank into a composite article. The thermoforming apparatus includes a forming tool. A forming member forms the blank over the forming tool. A first chamber is arranged for containing the blank. A second chamber is separated from the first chamber by the forming member. A first air circulator is configured to circulate air in the first chamber for achieving a heat distribution to the blank. The first air circulator includes a controllable valve member. The apparatus also includes a second air circulator. A method for forming a blank during circulation of air in a first chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sandwich panel which is capable of securing its flexural or its shear rigidity as a whole and securing a compression rigidity of a core material itself, while at the same time of readily reducing the weight of the sandwich panel.

Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing wind turbine blades having composite materials is provided that includes selecting an outer mould part, selecting an inner mould part, wherein at least a part of the surface of the inner mould part comprises a compressible layer being covered by an airtight membrane, positioning the composite materials in a mould cavity between the outer mould part and the inner mould part, evacuating the mould cavity, and bonding the composite materials, evacuating the compressible layer before positioning the composite materials.

Abstract: A method of molding a fibre-reinforced composite wheel using a mold assembly. The mold assembly includes an annular rim mold portion for defining an outer surface of a rim of the wheel and a disc mold portion for defining a front surface of a disc portion of the wheel. The method comprises the steps of: locating at a first part of reinforcement fabric within the mold assembly around the rim mold portion; locating at a second part of reinforcement fabric within the mold assembly over the disc mold portion; sealing the mold assembly with a flexible mold element to form a substantially fluid tight mold cavity, the flexible mold element comprising a flexible polymer component for defining an inner surface of the rim of the wheel and a rear surface of the disc portion of the wheel; introducing a resin into the mold cavity by withdrawing air from the mold cavity through an inlet at a convenient location on the mold assembly; and curing the resin to form an integral fibre-reinforced composite wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding and shape-forming apparatus for a prepreg which includes a vacuum chamber which can generate a vacuum pressure in the inside thereof, an expanding portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber, provided with a prepreg thereon, and expanding because of the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum chamber, a heating portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber for heating the prepreg, a mandrel loaded at a portion of an upper surface of the prepreg, a first pressing portion which is brought into contact with an upper surface of the mandrel to press the mandrel, and a second pressing portion which simultaneously presses both another portion of the upper surface of the prepreg and the expanding portion.

Abstract: A device for making a profiled insulation having an extrusion die with an extrusion tip and a polymer chamber surrounding the extrusion tip. The polymer chamber has at least one air chamber therein. The air chamber is held in place and coupled to the outside of the extrusion die by a vertical fin extending outwards from the extrusion tip. When molten polymer flows through the polymer chamber around the air chamber, an opening is introduced into the polymer such that the profiled insulation is formed as the polymer exits the extrusion die, having a longitudinal cavity therein corresponding to the location of the opening formed by the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining precured stringers to at least one structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft. A vacuum arrangement necessary for the joining is produced in two parts. In a first step, each precured stringer is covered in advance with a covering vacuum film. The stringers prepared in this manner are arranged on the structural component. Respective vacuum film strips are subsequently arranged on adjacent stringers and over an intermediate space between the adjacent stringers. With the use of a vacuum sealing means, the vacuum film strips and the covering vacuum films 8 form a continuous vacuum arrangement. The stringers are subsequently joined under pressurization to the structural component with the use of this vacuum arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a structure made up of at least two bodies in a cavity of a mold defining the structure.

Abstract: A molded article for an electronic device housing having a thickness of about 0.2 to about 2 mm and an apparent specific gravity of about 0.8 to about 2.5 g/ml is provided. A method for preparing the molded article for an electronic device housing includes extrusion molding a thermoplastic resin composition to form a continuous profile extrudate with a prescribed cross-sectional shape; and vacuum forming the continuous profile extrudate to form a molded article with a thickness of about 0.2 to about 2 mm and an apparent specific gravity of about 0.8 to about 2.5 g/ml.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system to manufacture composite material parts comprising a supporting mandrel having at least one compacting zone configured to contain at least one composite material element to be compacted by applying a certain degree of vacuum. The system comprises also at least one compacting equipment comprising a frame having a plurality of interconnected arms along a predetermined perimeter, at least one vacuum bag attached to a side of the frame along its perimeter and configured to compact the element, at least one porous material attached to the vacuum bag along the frame's perimeter and configured to adhere in a removable way to the compacting zone and to impede the air influx during the compacting of element. The invention also relates to a compacting equipment and to a method to manufacture composite material parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a structure on the top surface of a substrate. Mold material is dispensed onto an area of the top surface of the substrate. The mold apparatus is positioned over the area. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is positioned above the mold material and the mold material is surrounded with a shroud of the mold apparatus. A seal is formed between the shroud and the top surface of the substrate. The pressure is reduced within the shroud to below the ambient pressure. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is lowered toward the top surface of the substrate, so that at least the outer edge of the mold portion is in contact with the mold material. The pressure within the shroud is raised to at least the ambient pressure, and the mold material is cured to form the structure.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative sheet for insert molding prepared by laminating at least a surface protective layer on a support comprising an ABS resin, wherein the above support has a flexural modulus of 1500 to 3000 MPa; the above support has a thickness of 100 to 500 ?m; the above surface protective layer is obtained by cross-linking and curing an ionizing radiation curable resin composition; and the above ionizing radiation curable resin composition has a tensile modulus of more than 100 MPa to less than 1000 mPa which is measured by the following method and a static frictional coefficient of 1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dynamic bioactive bone graft material and a method of handling the material to prepare an implant. In one embodiment, a method of preparing a dynamic bioactive bone graft implant is provided. The method includes the step of providing a porous, fibrous composition of bioactive glass fibers, wherein the fibers are characterized by fiber diameters ranging from about 5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, and wherein the porosity of the matrix ranges from about 100 nanometers to about 1 millimeter. The porous, fibrous composition is introduced into a mold tray, and a shaped implant is created using the mold tray. The composition may be wetted with a fluid such as saline or a naturally occurring body fluid like blood prior to creating the shaped implant. In another embodiment, the porous, fibrous composition is provided with the mold tray as a kit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mass polymerized rubber-modified monovinylidene aromatic copolymer composition compositions with an improved balance of aesthetic, physical and mechanical properties, in particular, a combination of low gloss and good impact resistance in (co)extruded sheet and thermoformed/vacuum formed articles therefrom. A method for preparing such compositions and articles is disclosed. The improved gloss performance is achieved by maintaining the following relationship between the average rubber particle size (RPS) and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the matrix polymer: Mw?155?10?6*RPS6.

Abstract: Methods of making a removable dental positioning appliance include forming a sheet of transparent crystalline polymeric material into a shell having cavities shaped to receive and reposition teeth from a first orientation to a successive orientation. The polymeric material may then be annealed at a temperature above its glass transition temperature or cured if a curable material to enhance characteristics of the polymeric material. The polymeric material may be coated with a second transparent material.

Abstract: A resin containment and injection system includes a tool, a resin storage well provided in the tool, a composite layup location provided on the tool and a vacuum bagging film provided over the resin storage well. The vacuum bagging film is configured to define a volume in the resin storage well responsive to establishment of a pressure equilibrium across the vacuum bagging film and substantially eliminate the volume responsive to application of positive pressure against the vacuum bagging film.

Abstract: A method for structurally reinforcing a part is disclosed. The method comprising forming a part into a desired shape; placing the part on a holding fixture; introducing a substrate lay-up of a reinforcing material onto at least a portion of the part; placing a flexible sheet impermeable to a resin of the reinforcing material over a portion of the part having the substrate lay-up of said reinforcing material placed on the part, wherein the flexible sheet includes at least one injection port; evacuating all air and vapor from a pocket between the flexible sheet and the part; introducing the resin of the reinforcing material into the pocket through the at least one injection port; allowing the substrate and the resin of the reinforcing material to cure at least partially; and, removing the flexible sheet from the part.

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: A fixing device for fixating a segment of a wind turbine blade to a mold in which the blade segment is manufactured, wherein the blade segment has a fixating portion. The fixing device comprises: a first portion for removably fixating the blade segment at its fixating portion to the mold; and a second portion for fixating the fixing device to the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining constant compaction pressure in a vertically oriented resin transfer molding apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable cover for an air flow grille of the type permitting air flow through a plurality of air flow openings in a predefined array of said openings, each said air flow opening having a forward inlet aperture and a passage wall extending from said forward opening to a discharge aperture on a downstream side of said air flow grille, said disposable cover being made from a thin walled mouldable plastics material having passage means corresponding to the predefined array of said openings in said air grille and being engageable therein during use of the disposable cover, said disposable cover, in use, covering at least forward facing regions of said air flow grille and at least a portion of each of the passage walls extending towards the discharge aperture on the downstream side of said air flow grille.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus capable of obtaining a reference mark utilizing characteristics of molding of a polarizing film in the course of molding the polarizing film, and adapted for large items small scale production of the polarizing film. The molding apparatus is made up of a molding box which is opened at an upper face, a closing valve attached to a suction port communicating with an inner space of the molding box, a vacuum source connected to the closing valve, pressing means provided at an opening edge of the molding box, and a mold having a concave spherical molding face and installed in the molding box, allowing the polarizing film to be sucked onto the molding face by vacuum suction to mold a colored concave and convex polarizing film.

Abstract: A production process includes providing an envelope and a mould, introducing the material to be moulded in the mould, placing the mould in the envelope, creating a low pressure in the envelope, and deforming the mould.

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: A method of manufacturing a retro-reflective shell having a curved or irregular surface for reflecting light in all directions from a laminated product, comprising a substantially flat sheet of a plastic material and a reflective layer on at least one side of said flat sheet plastic material. The reflective layer comprises a transparent adhesive substance and transparent glass or plastic pearls with a diameter between 0.01 and 0.05 mm. The substance adheres to the flat sheet plastic material, to form the laminated product. The product is heated to a thermo-vacuum-forming temperature, whereupon the product is vacuum-formed on a mould having the desired curved or irregular surface shape, in order to form a shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a preform product includes filling a mold cavity with glass fibers. The mold cavity has an inlet end, a second end opposite the inlet end, and a longitudinal axis. Suction is applied simultaneously to the mold cavity axially from the second end, and suction is further simultaneously applied radially inwardly from a longitudinal passage within the mold cavity, thereby forming a preform product.

Abstract: The surface of a moulding tool, for receiving a first aircraft component, for example a spar, is shaped to correspond to the surface of a second aircraft component, for example a wing skin. A gap is defined between the tool and the first component. Resin is drawn into the gap by a suction pump. The resin fills the gap and cures to forma shim. The first and second components, which are in the form of composite material structures, are then joined together without any significant voids being formed therebetween.