Abstract: This disclosure describes a method and apparatus for agglomerating stover to produce a liquid absorbing particle. The method comprises providing stover particles coated with a first binder component and then rolling the stover particles coated with the first binder component on a rotating surface. The rotating surface is inclined sufficiently to aid in the rolling of the stover particles. A second liquid binder component that readily chemically crosslinks with the first binder component is applied to the first binder component to produce a web that the stover particles adhere to. The web in combination with the inclined rotating surface rolls the stover particles thereby forming an agglomerated stover particle that will be suitable for absorbing liquids. Agglomerated stover particles are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high-temperature insulating profile strip (30) comprising a foamed insulating core (31) and an enclosure (32) surrounding the insulating core (31), with the following steps: forming the insulating core (31) by introducing a foam material into a first moulding tool; removing the insulating core (31) from the first moulding tool after hardening; introducing the insulating core (31) into a second moulding tool; injecting a casing material into the second moulding tool for forming the casing (32) surrounding the insulating core (31), and removing the profile strip (30) from the second moulding tool after the expiration of a hardening phase. The invention also relates to a moulding tool for carrying out said method and to a profile strip (30) produced according to said method.

Abstract: A method of moulding a plastics part provides mating pressure plates, at least one of which has a mould cavity. The pressure plates are maintained at a substantially constant cooling temperature. The plastics blank is pre-heated to a moulding temperature and thereafter placed between the pressure plates which are forced together to form the plastics part in the mould cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, in particular within the aeronautical and aerospace fields, comprising a first and second tool and guide means, which guide the first and second tools in such a way that they press a preliminary fabric arranged in a pressing zone of the device along a second axis as said fabric moves along a first axis through the pressing zone, said second axis being substantially transverse to the first axis, so as to form a consolidated preliminary fabric, the guide means guiding the first and second tools parallel to one another, in part, along the first axis in the pressing zone.

Abstract: A method and a device for processing a light-polymerizable material (5, 55) for building up an object (27) in layers, using a lithography based generative manufacture having a construction platform (12) for building up the object (27), a projecting exposure unit (10, 60) that can be controlled for locally selected exposing of a surface on the construction platform (12, 62) to an intensity pattern having a prescribed shape, and a control unit (11, 61) prepared for polymerizing overlapping layers (28) on the construction platform (12, 62) in successive exposure steps, each having a prescribed geometry, by controlling the projecting exposure unit (10, 60), in order to thus successively build up the object (27) in the desired shape, said shape resulting from the sequence of layer geometries.

Abstract: A forming method, in a mold fitted with a wall forming a cavity, of a container from an intermediate container including at least one lateral protrusion projecting toward the exterior of the container. The method includes a boxing operation of pushing the lateral protrusion by an insert movably mounted with respect to the mold between a retracted position in which the insert is retracted into a recess formed in the wall and a deployed position in which the insert protrudes with respect to the wall, in order to form, by overturning, a hollow reserve projecting toward the interior of the container. Also included is an operation to pressurize the intermediate container, including, prior to the boxing operation, injecting a fluid under pressure into the intermediate container; and a local pressurization operation, prior to the boxing operation, of injecting a fluid under pressure into the volume defined in said recess between the lateral protrusion and the insert.

Abstract: An injection molded article with which a sheet-like material, such as a decorative sheet, is integrated is manufactured without causing damage to the sheet-like material. A molten resin injected into a mold cavity, passes smoothly a peripheral edge of the mold cavity, and flows into a groove portion without accumulating in the vicinity of the peripheral edge. When cooling the molten resin, the temperature of the molten resin in the groove decreases more quickly than the temperature of the molten resin in the mold cavity, because the volume of the groove portion is smaller. As a result, the viscosity of the molten resin in the groove portion and in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the mold cavity is increased rapidly, preventing a further volume of the molten resin from flowing into the groove portion. The sheet-like material in the vicinity of the peripheral edge is covered by the resinous material of diminished fluidity and protected against exposure to heat and/or pressure of the molten resin.

Abstract: A tool and method for forming a container from a construct. The tool comprising a cavity for receiving a construct, a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move into the cavity, an injection cavity for receiving injection-molding material and directing injection-molding material around at least a portion of the perimeter of the construct, and a clamping feature. The clamping feature is operatively connected to at least one of the cavity and the core and is for clamping a peripheral portion of the construct as the core moves into the cavity to form the construct into the container.

Abstract: In some embodiments, reconfigurable tooling is provided having an array of actuator columns affixed to a support base. A programmable controller is configured to position the actuator columns. The reconfigurable tooling has a tooling surface which includes a variable stiffness surface capable of controllable states of stiffness, the variable stiffness surface being capable of being deformed by the actuator columns in a soften state, and rigid in a stiff state. In some embodiments, the variable stiffness surface is configurable multiple times.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member.

Abstract: A mold is provided, at an outer circumferential region thereof, with portions to be gripped, to allow a transfer apparatus to perform transferring to an object. The portions to be gripped are formed in a different shape from the remaining portion of the outer circumferential region. For a mold set including two molds, each of the molds is provided, at an outer circumferential region thereof, with portions to be gripped, to allow the transfer apparatus to perform transferring to the object. The portions to be gripped are formed in a different shape from the remaining portion of the outer circumferential region. The portions to be gripped of one of the molds and the portions to be gripped of the other mold are disposed at different angular positions.

Abstract: Method for molding a multi-component manufactured product through injection of plastic materials in a mold comprising on the inside one or more movable parts, characterized in that the movable parts are moved into a first configuration in which at least two distinct mold cavities are made in the mold, plastic material is injected into each of the two distinct mold cavities to form two components of the manufactured product, the movable parts are moved into a second configuration, in which they make at least a third cavity in the mold the walls of which at least partially consist of the two components already injected, plastic material is injected into the third mold cavity to form a third component of the manufactured product that is thus welded to the first two.

Abstract: The mold for in-mold coating formation is one including a mold main body 30 having, provided thereinside, a mold cavity 5 permitting injection molding of a resin molding with coated surface and a coating material injecting unit 50 capable of injecting a coating material to an area corresponding to the coated surface of the resin molding, within the mold cavity 5, in which a groove portion 3 of 0.3 to 1 mm width (W) is provided on the peripheral edge 15 of the mold, and in which the angle (?1) made by the inner circumferential surface 25 of the mold and the mold-opening-side internal wall surface 27 of the groove portion 3 is in the range of 30° to 70°.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mold assembly system include a mold defining at least one trench along a surface of the mold and two or more hook fastener elements disposed on the surface of the trench in an end-to-end relationship. Each hook fastener elements includes: (1) an elongated base, (2) a plurality of hooks extending upwardly from an upper surface of the base, and (3) a magnetic material disposed within the base. The hook fastener elements are unattached to each other and are separately disposed within the trench, and the magnetic portion of the trench is configured to attract the hook fastener elements toward the magnetic portion and hold the hook fastener elements adjacent thereto in an end-to-end relationship substantially along the length of the trench. In one embodiment, the hook fastener elements are substantially the same length and are usable in straight trenches, curved trenches, or trenches having various lengths.

Abstract: A system for preparing compressible food stuff such as ground meat to include a central cavity in the meat product which can receive one or more condiments prior to cooking with the pressing and shaping devices to cover the condiment filled cavity with an additional layer of the compressible food product for a final shape and compressed product. The molding system includes a mold body that is cylindrically shaped, a first press plate that includes a central smaller in diameter protrusion for forming a cavity in a compressible food product, a second press plate having a flat disc shaped for compressing the top layer of meat over the cavity and an adapter ring used to raise the side wall of the mold body for adding a second layer of meat to be compressed with the second press plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radial shaft seal assembly. The method includes the step of stretching an inner diameter of a ring-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene seal radially outward from an axis with a mandrel to a first stretched condition on a mold core element. The method also includes the step of defining a substantially enclosed mold cavity around the polytetrafluoroethylene seal stretched over the mold core element with at least one mold element. The method also includes the step of locating a rigid casing within the mold cavity spaced from the stretched polytetrafluoroethylene seal. The method also includes the step of introducing a liquefied rubber elastomer into the mold cavity. The method also includes the step of molding the liquefied rubber elastomer under heat and pressure such that the rigid casing and polytetrafluoroethylene seal in a stretched state are bonded to a solid rubber elastomer member.

Abstract: A plastic panel having channels on both sides, and system and method for producing such panel. For example, a panel is comprised of: first and second walls of plastic interconnected with one another by a set of plastic connecting structures; wherein said walls of plastic are generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to said plastic connecting structures; wherein at least one of said walls of plastic comprises an at least one indented channel running generally parallel to at least one of said plastic connecting structures without being in contact with any of said plastic connecting structures.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to fabrication of an optical wedge. For example, one embodiment provides a method for manufacturing an optical wedge comprising inserting a wedge blank into a vacuum molding tool and applying a vacuum to the vacuum molding tool to temporarily hold the wedge blank against a molding surface of the vacuum molding tool. The method further comprises removing a layer from a top surface of the wedge blank to expose a machined surface of the wedge blank, and casting a finish layer on the machined surface to form a finish layer of a finished optical wedge.

Abstract: A device for producing a wafer lens, including: a stage which supports a glass substrate; an XY-axis moving mechanism which moves the stage on an XY-plane; an XY air slide guide mechanism which floats the stage relative to an XY guide by means of air, and guides the movement of the stage; a molding die to be filled with resin; a Z-axis moving mechanism which elevates or lowers the molding die; a Z air slide guide mechanism which floats the molding die relative to a Z guide by means of air, and guides the elevation and lowering of the molding die; and a control device which locks a moving position of the stage by controlling an activation and a deactivation of the XY air slide guide mechanism, and also locks a moving position of the molding die by controlling an activation or a deactivation of the Z air slide guide mechanism.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism (24) for use in a mold structure (100) to position a film (30) within the mold structure is provided. The mold structure includes a core mold portion (10) and a cavity mold portion (20) mating with the core mold portion. The core mold portion includes a core plate (12) and a core insert (14) formed on the plate. The cavity mold portion includes a positioning mechanism having a moveable cavity insert (242) and an elastic member (244) for outwardly biasing the cavity insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic container having a sidewall defining a chamber and having an opening at one end into the chamber; a base extending from the sidewall and closing the second end, the base having an outer perimeter portion defining a support structure, an axially inwardly extending perimeter wall spaced radially inwardly from the support structure forming an angle with a plane normal to an axis of the container of greater than about 80°, and a flexing panel closing an end of the perimeter wall, the flexing panel moveable along an axis of the container from a first position where a central portion of the panel is below a top portion of the perimeter wall to a second position where the central portion is above the top portion of the perimeter wall to change the volume of the container; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial grooves on the panel.

Abstract: Forming equipment having carriages carrying lower molds that can improve the quality of a molded product by fixing a carriage carrying the lower mold at the forming station when forming is carried out. The equipment includes a forming press that molds thermoplastic sheet material H with a upper mold MU and lower molds MR, ML, wherein the equipment has two carriages TR, TL, each carrying a lower mold, which carriages can move to and from a position opposite to the upper mold at a forming station S, a carriage transport mechanism A that transports the two carriages independently by driving motors attached to each carriage, a carriage guide mechanism B having a pair of rails extending perpendicular to a pressing direction of the forming press, and a positioning device C to determine the position of a carriage at the forming station that engages with the carriages.

Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle having a first guide and a second guide spaced from the first guide. The sunshade has a pair of edges and includes a substrate layer and an aesthetic layer fixed to the substrate layer to present a show surface. Slide portions are disposed along each of the edges and are adapted to move within the first and second guides as the sunshade moves between an open position and a closed position. The slide portions define a generally corrugated configuration to provide a force that must be overcome to move the sunshade between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An assembly for forming a container that contains food product and including a thermoformed sleeve and a base. The sleeve includes a frustoconical side wall, an upper lip, and a lower lip. The side wall defines an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced handling features including an outer surface indentation and a corresponding inner surface protrusion. The upper lip projects generally radially inwardly from an upper end of the sleeve and the lower lip projects generally radially outwardly from the lower end. The base is formed apart from the sleeve, and is assembleable to the lower end for closing off the lower opening. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of handling features are wedge-shaped. In yet other embodiments, the base is a thermoformed part, and is ultrasonically welded to the lower lip.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component from a composite-fiber-material semifinished product includes providing a forming support having a contour including at least one section corresponding to a surface of the manufactured component. The semifinished product is placed onto the forming support and the semifinished product is formed such that the semifinished product contacts the forming support. Further, a device form manufacturing component includes the forming support having the contour including at least one section corresponding to the surface of the manufacture component.

Abstract: Process for producing spunbonded webs from filaments, particularly of thermoplastic material, wherein the filaments are spun from at least one spinning apparatus, then cooled and subsequently drawn and also thereafter laid down on a surface to form a continuous sheet of web. The continuous sheet of web is preconsolidated by mechanical needling and subsequently end-consolidated by hydrodynamic consolidation. The end-consolidated continuous sheet of web has a basis weight of more than 80 g/m2, preferably more than 100 g/m2.

Abstract: A die tool for forming a C-section component having radiused shoulders, the includes a cylindrical inner die and an outer die having a cylindrical central portion connected to opposing end flanges by respective radiused concave portions. A portion of the inner die is arranged to be disposed between the end flanges of the outer die and spaced apart therefrom to define a cavity corresponding to the desired cross-section of the C-section component to be formed. The radiused convex and concave portions have a radius of curvature that varies about the circumference of the respective inner and outer dies. The inner and outer dies are rotatable such that the radius of curvature of the radiused convex and concave portions where the inner and outer dies are adjacent to one another varies as the inner and outer dies are rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a profiled semifinished fiber composite (FC) product from a semifinished product (2) that is made of dry fiber or prepreg material and is moved through a shaping device (1) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the semifinished product (2). The semi-finished product (2) is moved through the shaping device (1) on a support film in the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaping device (1), between the facing shaping contours of tool parts (11a, 12a). The shaping contours of the cross-sections of the tool parts (11a, 12a) continuously change from a cross-sectional contour in the feeding zone to a shaping contour in the discharge zone. Furthermore, the support piece in the drawing-in zone of the shaping device (2) is made to oscillate such that the semifinished product is transformed into a shapeable state as a result of the frictional heat generated between the support piece and the semifinished product.

Abstract: The invention provides a confectionery bar 110 comprising a rippled wafer 112 comprising a base portion 116 and two lobes 118, enrobed in a layer 114 of chocolate. The base portion 116 and the lobes 118 define between them a channel 120. A cylindrical bar 122 of caramel partly fills the channel 120. The lobes 118 are convoluted portions of wafer ribbon. The invention also encompasses a rippled wafer having a channel shaped cross section and a rippled wafer comprising two lobes, and provides a method and apparatus for forming rippled wafers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a conveyor for conveying the dough parts wherein the pair of drivable pinchers is arranged along the conveyor movable with at least a directional component towards each other and wherein the sensor is arranged upstream in the direction of conveyance with respect to the pair of pincers. The invention further relates to a method for pinching at least two dough parts, comprising conveying the dough parts to a pinching location, detecting the presence of the dough parts by sensing means upstream with respect to the pinching location in a conveying direction and operating pinchers upon detection of the dough parts.

Abstract: Injection structure with a fiber-composite semifinished product for manufacturing a fiber-composite component, having a gate device for feeding matrix material, a distribution fabric, and a barrier layer that is impermeable to the matrix material, wherein the distribution fabric is arranged between the gate device and the fiber-composite semifinished product, and the barrier layer is arranged between the distribution fabric and the fiber-composite semifinished product, as well as device for manufacturing a fiber-composite component by this injection structure.

Abstract: A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calender rolls initially set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced: and c) once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip lowering the temperature in the nip to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and increasing the gap to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle. Apparatus for the performance of such a process is also described.

Abstract: A process for the production of virtually full density polyolefin suitable for further processing by drawing to form a high tenacity, highly oriented polyolefin sheet comprising: a) feeding a metered amount of polyolefin powder into the nip between two heated calender rolls; b) rolling the powder through the nip under these conditions until a coherent sheet of polyolefin is produced. According to a highly preferred embodiment, initially, the nip is set at a gap smaller than the size of the smallest polyolefin powder particle and at a temperature above the melting point of the powder and once a coherent sheet of polyolefin exits the nip the temperature in the nip is lowered to a temperature below the melting point of the polyolefin powder and the gap increased to a desired level above the thickness of the largest powder particle.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: A device for producing a drip irrigation tube comprises an extrusion apparatus for extruding a tube body made of a thermoplastic synthetic material, a device for inserting metering elements in the extruded tube body and for pressing and connecting the metering elements in the tube body. Furthermore, a calibrating device for adjusting the extruded tube body to the desired outer shape is provided. Provided in addition are cooling devices, for cooling the extruded tube body with coolant, and a drilling device for making outlet holes in the vicinity of the metering elements for the water. The device for pressing and connecting the metering elements in the tube body is disposed in a pre-cooling chamber. Disposed after the pre-cooling chamber is a further chamber, in which the drilling device is disposed. Disposed following the further chamber is the main cooling chamber, the calibrating device being inserted between the further chamber and the main cooling chamber.

Abstract: A cup-shaped closing material having a convex section is fitted on a protrusion-like engagement section of a distal end of a mandrel with a gap from the engagement section of the mandrel, a molten resin is then disposed in a cavity of a molding die and a holepin having an outer peripheral section of a distal end that is smaller than an outer periphery of the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pressed against the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material, whereby the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pleated to form an annular protrusion section at the outer peripheral section, and the molten resin is caused to envelope the annular protrusion section, while being pushed and charged into the cavity, whereby the head part with the closing material attached thereto is formed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing products of individual geometry, in particular dental prostheses or dental auxiliary parts, comprising the steps of producing a plurality of products on the surface of a substrate plate by means of selective hardening, in particular by means of selective sintering or melting, in which the material is applied in successive layers, after each layer application one or more predetermined regions of the applied layer is selectively hardened by means of an energy-rich radiation and connected to one or more regions of the subjacent layer, wherein the predetermined regions are predetermined on the basis of a cross-sectional geometry of the product in the respective layer. According to the invention the successive layers are applied in layer planes oriented inclinedly relative to the surface of the substrate plate. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out such a process.

Abstract: A method for producing a ball lens including determining a feed length of optical fiber based on a target ball lens diameter; providing heat energy to a heating zone; moving, at a predetermined speed, one of the optical fiber and the heating zone so that the end of the optical enters the heating zone to heat the end of the optical fiber; and stopping the heating of the end of the optical fiber when the amount of moving the one of the optical fiber and the heating zone equals the determined feed length.

Abstract: Fluid absorbent fibers are accumulated in a form die without being interfered by a polymer charging member for charging a superabsorbent polymer. There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body in which while a form die is moved in one direction along a predetermined moving path, fluid absorbent fibers are distributed toward the form die and accumulated in the form die, whereby the absorbent body is formed. A polymer charging member for charging superabsorbent polymer into the form die is disposed to intersect at least a part of a distribution path of the fluid absorbent fibers, and a space through which the fluid absorbent fibers are allowed to pass along the distribution path is formed in the polymer charging member.

Abstract: A system and a method for the production of cellular materials are described. In particular, a system and a method for the production of cellular materials with several geometries such as honeycomb geometry, chiral geometry and auxetic geometry are described. The innovative concept of the present invention concerns the pre-formation of the cellular structure by penetration of a reinforcement fabric by means of punches properly structured. The employment of punches housed on one of the matrices of the device allows obtaining several geometries without need of complex fabric pre-formation operations or of manual placement of the fabric in the interstices of the mold.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for portioning a cheese mass to be sliced and shredded directly from a quantity of bulk cheese, without the need to thermally process the cheese. The cheese extrudate strands and sheets are cut to provide discrete cheese shreds and slices, and can be automatically portioned and deposited in packages.

Abstract: A container or tray having various features. Also, the invention is generally directed to a method of forming the container or tray and a tool or apparatus for forming the container or tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for providing a roof tile with at least one water stop. With the arrangement it becomes possible to press a water stop, comprised of a material differing from that of the roof tile, into a roof tile blank. After the water stop has been pressed in, it is partially disposed with its edge in the material of the roof tile blank in the proximity of the watercourse, of the central brim and of the lateral beading.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: A device and a process for the preparation of sheets (7, 17) are specified. The following work steps are involved in the preparation of the sheets: extruding a film tube (1) laying the film tube flat and squeezing it (1) reversing the film tube (1) cutting the extruded film tube (1) In addition the invention contains following new characteristics: the film tube (1) is cut before the squeezing follows and at least one resulting sheet (7, 17) runs through (1) only one reversing device (100) before it is fed to a stationary processing device or storage device.

Abstract: A tray (100) or container (478) which may be hermetically sealed having a flange (116), rim (124), handle (258), rib, bottom surface (500), sidewall (114), or other portion that is encapsulated by or formed from injection-molded material.

Abstract: The bearing seal includes a metal core 1 having a radially outer portion engaged in a seal groove 41 formed in a radially inner surface of an outer race 40 of a bearing at its end portion. The metal core 7 includes a bent portion 2 engaged in the seal groove 41, a radially outer flange 3 extending radially inwardly from an end of the bent portion 2 located inside of the bearing, a tapered tubular portion 4 having a large-diameter end thereof connected to a small-diameter end of the radially outer flange 3 and a small-diameter end thereof located axially outwardly of its large-diameter end, and a radially inner flange 5 extending radially inwardly from the small-diameter end of the tapered tubular portion 4. A rubber seal 11 is fixed to an inner surface of the metal core 1 that faces the interior of the bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling metal scraps includes a mold having an inner conversion cavity for converting the metal scraps, an inlet disposed in one longitudinal end thereof, and an outlet disposed in the other longitudinal ends thereof, the inlet and the outlet communicating with the cavity; a gate movably mounted near the outlet of the mold so as to open and close the outlet of the mold as the gate moves; a gate actuator moving the gate to an opening or closing position; a scrap feeder supplying the metal scraps into the cavity of the mold, a conversion plunger intruded into the cavity via the inlet of the mold and compacting the metal scraps to form a solid compact having a shape corresponding to the cavity; and a press actuator reciprocating the conversion plunger between inside and outside of the mold so as to provide a conversion pressure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing more than one inflatable cuff per blow molding operation is provided. The method includes using two or more molds arranged in series and/or in parallel to simultaneously form two or more cuffs. The two or more cuffs may then be used in the manufacture of two or more respective endotracheal tubes. Apparatuses and systems for simultaneously forming the two or more cuffs are also provided.