Abstract: A fiber tray for routing and packaging an optical fiber is disclosed. The fiber tray includes a generally round central section, a lead-in section, and a lead-out section. All three sections are integrally formed out of a thin sheet of a material and coated with a tacky adhesive material for fiber retention. The adhesive allows for fiber removal and rerouting if required. The tray includes guiding walls, which establish the path of the optical fiber on the tray. The optical fiber is routed in a single layer on the tacky surface of the fiber tray. The optical fiber is supported and immobilized essentially along its entire length, including the length of the optical fiber routed on the lead-in and the lead-out sections.

Abstract: A sizer assembly for providing a shaped polymeric article in an extrusion process includes a sizer body having a product profile channel corresponding to the shaped polymeric article formed therethrough. The sizer body includes a plurality of cooling liquid inlet slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel and a plurality of vacuum slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel for removing cooling liquid expelled from said cooling liquid inlet slots.

Abstract: Forming feedthrough device comprising an electrically insulative structure having holes extending there through. The holes have disposed therein conductive members around which the electrically insulative structure is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A soft mold includes a polymer layer having a printing pattern on at least a first surface thereof; and a back-plane attached to a second surface of the polymer layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a profile from composite fiber material, in particular in the aviation and aerospace field, having the following steps: A preliminary fabric, particularly made of pre-impregnated fiber material, is first packed in a vacuum bag. Then support elements are laid on the packed preliminary fabric to support the latter. The vacuum bag is then supplied with a vacuum. Next, the preliminary fabric is hardened to the profile under the action of heat, in particularly in an autoclave. With the claimed method the support elements can be formed advantageously from favorable material, in particular aluminum, instead of highly expensive nickel-36 steel, since the support elements are uncoupled mechanically from the preliminary fabric in a longitudinal direction by means of the vacuum bag, enabling movement of the support elements in the longitudinal direction relative to the preliminary fabric.

Abstract: Air leaks in a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film covering the inside face of the bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder carrying oxygen sensitive material that changes in physical appearance at the location of an air leak. The film may be adhered to the inside face of the bag or may form a separate membrane that is placed over a layup being molded in the bag. The film may be illuminated with light having a wavelength selected to cause the film to luminesce.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered article, the method comprises thermoforming a substrate sheet to form a shaped substrate, wherein the shaped substrate is a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a void content sufficient to allow a vacuum to be applied through the shaped substrate; pulling a vacuum through the shaped substrate; and pulling a film layer onto a surface of the shaped substrate to form the layered article.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for longitudinal orientation of a tubular thermoplastic film as it leaves an annular extrusion die aims at a better control of this orientation. On its travel between the exit orifice (21) and the draw-down means, the at least partly molten film passes an annular frictional device (101), and the frictional force set-up hereby is variable in controlled manner. This device is cooled from its interior (105) in controlled manner by means of a fluid cooling medium. The friction may be controlled by airlubrication with air pressed through holes (123) in the frictional device or through microporous metal, (102) or alternatively by sucking the film against the frictional device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag is provided. The radio frequency identification tag includes a base, an antenna formed on the base, an integrated circuit chip electrically connected to the antenna, and a bonding layer bonding the integrated circuit chip to the base. The bonding layer includes a conductive filler. The base is configured to bend away from a surface on which the integrated circuit chip is bonded.

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

Abstract: A vacuum press machine includes a platen on which a workpiece is placed, an elastic release sheet provided above the workpiece, a frame arranged above the platen and movable toward and away from the platen. The frame urges the release sheet toward the platen with the workpiece therebetween so that a first space, which is air-tightly closed, is formed between the release sheet and the platen when the frame is moved to contact the platen. A portion of the release sheet covering the workpiece presses the workpiece as the first space is vacuumed. After the pressing, the frame is moved away from the platen, and a release sheet conveying mechanism introduces an unused portion of the release sheet to between the platen and the frame, and discharges the used portion of the release sheet from between the platen and the frame.

Abstract: A process for producing a transparent or opaque silica glass product including mixing a silica fine powder and a cellulose derivative and injection molding the mixture, followed by degreasing treatment and baking treatment, which is characterized in that the cellulose derivative is a cellulose derivative which causes reversible thermal gelation in an aqueous solution of at least one member selected from methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose; in producing a transparent silica glass product, the cellulose derivative is added in water heated at a gelation temperature thereof or higher, and after cooling, the formed aqueous solution is kneaded with the silica fine powder; and in producing an opaque silica glass product, the cellulose derivative is added in a silica slurry containing a silica powder and heated at a gelation temperature of the cellulose derivative or higher.

Abstract: A method of molding a composite article includes providing a first floating mold that has a fluid backing, wherein the fluid defining the fluid backing is stored in a fluid chamber positioned beneath the first floating mold, providing a second non-floating mold that does not include a fluid backing, and sealing the first floating mold to the second non-floating mold to define a molding chamber thereinbetween.

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

Abstract: A decorating sheet comprises a transparent resin substrate sheet 1 and a glossy layer 2 laminated to the back surface of the transparent resin substrate sheet 1, and the front surface of the transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is divided into high-gloss portions H and low-gloss portions L. The transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is thick at the high-gloss portions and thin at the low-gloss portions, and, owing to these portions, the decorating sheet can provide a pattern that is visually sensed as if it were a three-dimensional pattern. This transparent resin substrate sheet 1 is composed of two layers, a crystalline resin layer 11 and a non-crystalline resin layer 12. A decorated molded product Pd can be obtained by laminating this decorating sheet to a resin molded product 5.

Abstract: Methods of forming continuous layers on regions of a substrate are described. Generally, an imprint lithography template may contact liquid positioned on the substrate. The liquid may be cured forming a masking layer, and the imprint lithography template separated from the masking layer. Prior to separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate. Additionally, during separation, pressurized gas and/or vacuum may be applied between the template and the substrate.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a system and method for improved infusion of a fiber containing preform with a resin. The system comprises a mould base portion adapted to support the preform and a mould closure portion adapted to overlie the mould base portion in sealable relation to define a mould chamber containing the preform. One or more sensors are attached to the mould base portion and/or to the mould closure portion for monitoring flow characteristics of the resin within the mould chamber. A control means responsive to the sensing means is operatively connected to a resin pump and to a vacuum pump for varying the flow of resin within the mould chamber by varying either or both of the volumetric flow rate of the resin and the level of vacuum within the mould chamber to control infusion of the preform.

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

Abstract: A method and an apparatus facilitate the processing of a core structure for a composite sandwich structure. The core has an open three-dimensional structure and is not self-supporting due to an insufficient strength or stiffness. The method involves temporarily providing a support arrangement on the core structure to mechanically support and stabilize it, then subjecting the supported core structure to the desired processing, and then separating and removing the core structure and the support arrangement from one another. The processing can involve immersion into a processing liquid such as a curable resin, or mechanical machining operations. The support arrangement preferably includes a core impression that is surfacially form-fitting on a structured surface of the core structure. The apparatus includes a support arrangement including a core impression to be disposed on a surface of the core structure. The core impression may be formed of a polymer, a metal, or a casting material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making PMC's and composites include an infusing step wherein the resin reservoir and the preform are maintained under substantially the same vacuum pressure during the infusing step or the associated structure associated with the maintenance. Substantially the same vacuum pressure may be accomplished using a collapsible resin reservoir that is enclosed within or external to the vacuum bagging assembly of the fiber preform. This method results in a maximum achievable vacuum compaction pressure and simplified resin infusion process. This process may be used to manufacture prepregs and aerospace grade fiber reinforced resin composites, also disclosed herein, that have fiber volume, void content and laminate quality that meets or exceeds those made using an autoclave.

Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.

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

Abstract: Amorphous sheets of PLA resins are thermoformed by heating the sheets until they become semicrystalline, and then forming the sheets on a relatively cold mold. Semicrystalline formed articles having improved heat resistance are made by the process.

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

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

Abstract: A method of forming hollow tubular members may include providing a mold defining a surface corresponding to a configuration of the hollow tubular member. A fabric material may be placed in the mold for bonding with a resin to form the hollow tubular member. A bladder may be placed in the mold next to the fabric material to form a substantially air tight region around the fabric material. A pump may be used to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure in the substantially air tight region and thereby press the fabric material against the mold. The sub-atmospheric pressure may also be used to draw the resin material into the mold in contact with the fabric material. Once the resin and fabric material have adequately cured, the hollow tubular member may be removed from the mold.

Abstract: The Invention is a reinforced plastic sonar dome having a low acoustical insertion loss combined with sufficient mechanical strength. Acoustical and structural fibers are stochastically mixed and formed into a blended yarn. The blended yarn is woven into a blended fabric. The blended fabric is ordered into a stack having multiple layers of blended fabric. The blended fabric is incorporated into a polymer resin while the polymer resin is in liquid form using a vacuum assist. The acoustical fibers and the vacuum assist modify the acoustical properties of the resulting composite sonar dome.

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: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a sheet of thermoformable stock material into a desired shape on a relatively-small and relatively-inexpensive “table top” version of a thermoforming and/or vacuum forming machine. Unlike conventional machines that utilize external electric or gas powered air compressors and/or separate electric vacuum pumps, the apparatus integrates a compressed fluid/suction generating device within the machine itself so that the need to connect the machine to an external source of compressed fluid or vacuum is eliminated.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a prepreg nanoscale fiber film. The method includes providing a network of nanoscale fibers, impregnating the network of nanoscale fibers with a resin, and B-stage curing the resin. A method is also provided for producing a composite structure from the prepreg nanoscale fiber film.

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

Abstract: 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: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a case of an electronic device includes the following steps. First, a vacuum formed film is formed on a first mold, and the vacuum formed film has a first surface and a second surface. Then, an electromagnetic shielding layer is formed on the first surface. Afterwards, a patterned film and the vacuum formed film are provided in the second mold, and an in-mold decoration injection molding process is performed to form a case body between the second surface and the patterned film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a structure having a surface defining an interior that is configured to surround an end portion of the molded article. A sealing surface disposed on the structure is configured to sealingly cooperate with a surface of an outwardly projecting portion of the molded article in response to an evacuation of the interior, wherein the seal allows for the molded article to be retained with the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a molded article picker for a post-mold device and a related method for the use of the molded article picker for handling a molded article. The molded article picker includes a floating element being configured to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position and biased in the extended position. Furthermore, the molded article picker comprises a pressure structure extending through the floating element. The floating element is cooperable with the molded article to define a substantially enclosed volume including the pressure structure. The pressure structure is configured such that by evacuating the substantially enclosed volume the molded article is sealed to the floating element and the floating element is drawn into the retracted position, thereby transferring the molded article to the molded article picker.

Abstract: A system for molding dispensing valves includes first and second mold sections, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other between a closed position in which the mold sections form a plurality of dispensing valve mold cavities, and an open position in which the mold sections are spaced from each other and the mold cavities are open along a mold parting line. A transfer mechanism is movable between the first and second mold sections in the open positions of the mold sections for receiving molded valves from the cavities and transferring the valves from between the mold sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to form beverage. The method includes preforming the capsule body and at least a portion of said flange-like rim, placing a premade sealing member on the flange-like rim, crimping a portion of the flange-like rim on a portion of the sealing member so resulting in the sealing member becoming attached to the flange-like rim.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for producing resin infused composite parts having improved structural performance and improved surface appearance. The process comprises the steps of positioning a dry composite preform on a forming tool component, arranging resin exit lines in close proximity to the perform, placing a permeable release material on the perform, and placing a first piece of flow media over the release material. The process further comprises the steps of wrapping a resin distribution tube with a second piece of flow media, placing a vacuum bag layer over the forming tool component, preform, release material, first and second pieces of flow media and resin distribution tube, such that the resin distribution tube is retained in a pleat formed in the vacuum bag layer and such that a bagged preform is formed, and positioning the resin distribution tube above the bagged preform.

Abstract: This application describes a tool, an arrangement, and a method of manufacturing a component. The manufacturing of the component is achieved by a resin transfer from a storage chamber via a transfer line into a working chamber. Before the resin transfer, taking place, for example by a compressed air charging of the storage chamber, the storage chamber is filled with an amount of resin adjusted to the size of the component. furthermore, a semi-finished product, consisting of cut-to-size reinforcement fibers, is inserted into the working chamber that is adjusted to the form of the component to be produced. Storage chamber, transfer line, and working chamber are configured in a one-piece mould casing of the tool. The application further describes a component manufactured by the above-mentioned tool or by the above-mentioned method respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a moulding core for producing a fibre composite component (34), in particular in aerospace, comprising the following method steps: introducing a core sleeve (9) into a moulding tool (2) for establishing an outer geometry of a moulding core (27) to be formed; filling the core sleeve (9) that is introduced with a vacuum-fixable filling material (21); applying a vacuum to the core sleeve (9) and consequently vacuum-fixing the filling material (21) for forming the moulding core (27); and at least partly laying at least one semifinished fibre product (33a, 33b) on the moulding core (27) that is formed, for the shaping of the fibre composite component (34) to be produced.

Abstract: An imprint template cover for an imprint template having a pattern feature thereon. The cover is configured such that, in use, it extends around the pattern feature of the imprint template, and such that the cover does not contact the pattern feature.

Abstract: Side edge portions of a film in which a content of a remaining solvent is at least 30 wt. % are contacted to side parts of first-third rollers with suctioning through suction ducts. Thus a middle portion between the side edge portions is not contacted to the rollers, and the film is transported toward a tenter device in accordance with the rotation of the rollers. In the rollers, each side part of the rollers has a larger diameter of a middle part. At least one of intervals between the neighboring rollers is from 1 mm to 200 mm, and the lapping angle is from 1° to 180°. Toward the middle part of the film, and air is fed in a roller side. The obtained film doesn't have any neither crumples, wrinkle, curl and the like, and foreign materials are hardly adhered. Therefore the continuous film production can be made stably.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing composite components using an elastomeric caul are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of curing a prepreg on a mandrel includes providing an elastomeric caul over the prepreg; providing a vacuum bag over the prepreg and the caul, with the caul between the prepreg and a film of the vacuum bag; and stretching the elastomeric caul over the prepreg while drawing down the vacuum bag over the caul. The caul is stretched to fit snuggly over the prepreg to reduce fiber deformation and wrinkling during curing.

Abstract: Described herein are composites that are relatively lightweight, high strength and low thermal conductivity. Also described herein are methods for the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.

Abstract: A method of decorating a three-dimensional object, which performs a thermal transfer by causing a flat thermal transfer foil to adhere favorably to a molded article of a comparatively tall shape. Providing a planar heater (17) at the side of a support jig (5) to partially heat and extend a thermal transfer foil (71) and fixing a shape cutter (19) to the side of a molded rubber mold (3) and mounting a cutting mechanism which cuts the thermal transfer coil immediately before the molded rubber mold reaches the drop point, so that the thermal transfer foil is favorably caused to favorably adhere to the molded article (6).

Abstract: A molding die apparatus and a method thereof are provided, which ensures for air and gas (or fluid) present in a resin filling space to be exhausted so as to be able to fill molten resin into the cavity smoothly and uniformly thereby enabling production of a high quality molded resin product suitable as an optical disc substrate or the like having optimum optical properties required therefore. The molding die apparatus for obtaining the molded product by injecting the molten resin into a cavity that is formed between dies includes a vacuum apparatus which is disposed in proximity to the cavity, the vacuum apparatus including a vacuum tank, an exhaustion channel and a vacuum valve which controls open and close of a channel between the vacuum tank and the exhaustion channel, and the cavity is exhausted efficiently and rapidly by the vacuum apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of molding cosmetically defect-free golf ball components that contain light stable polyurethane, polyurea, or blends thereof at processing temperatures that are lower than conventional processing temperatures used for aromatic formulations. The present invention also relates to a golf ball component formed by using such a method.