Abstract: A flat laminate element made of thermoplastic is hot-formed in a two-stage method. In a first stage, the flat laminate which includes film(s) and/or panels(n) is placed on a flat frame-shaped pallet and is heated to a forming temperature in a heating zone between two flat heat screens in a contactless manner. The edge zone of the hot flat laminate element lies on the pallet such that the laminate piece cannot be clamped in a first laminate direction but rather can be slide on the pallet in this direction. Two non-flat rigid contours which are identical or largely identical act on two opposing parallel laminate edge sections uniaxially and perpendicularly to the laminate plane and only in the first laminate direction, i.e. monodirectionally, and shape the entire heated laminate element into a monodirectionally molded blank.

Abstract: A mold for molding a composite preform that has an outer edge thereabout and a plurality of tethers each attached at respective opposed ends thereof to the outer edge. The mold includes first and second mold halves defining a mold body and being configured to transition between an open position and a generally closed position, and a plurality of moveable members each having a moveable gage pin configured for being wrapped thereabout by a respective one of the tethers and a respective actuator configured for moving the moveable gage pin between a respective first position in which the respective moveable gage pin is disposed at a respective first distance from a center of the mold body and a respective second position in which the respective moveable gage pin is disposed at a respective second distance from the center of the mold body that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A method and system for stretching a length of Teflon (PTFE) tubing where a mandrel is fully inserted therein requires firmly supporting and tensioning the PTFE tubing at ends thereof and grabbing the supported tubing at two adjacent locations at the center thereof and sliding and gripping with grippers from the center towards the two ends thereby stretching and pulling the length of PTFE tubing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion to form an image on a sheet, a tray on which sheets to be fed are stacked, and a swing member supported by the tray and configured to swing in a case where the swing member is pushed by a discharged sheet. A stacking portion includes a first surface on an upper portion of a first portion, and a moving member in contact with the discharged sheet. The moving member can be positioned at a position downstream of the first surface in the discharge direction, wherein the swing member overlaps with the first surface as viewed in the sheet width direction in a case where the swing member is not in contact with a discharged sheet, and the swing member is arranged such that a lower end of the swing member is not in contact with the stacking portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing an offset bend in a plastic conduit section having ends and a radius includes a tabletop surface having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; a base surface adjacent the front edge, wherein the base surface is perpendicular to the tabletop surface; an offset block secured on the tabletop surface parallel with and spaced apart from the base surface; a hot box disposed adjacent the tabletop surface and configured to heat plastic conduit; and a water drainage system disposed adjacent the tabletop surface and configured to remove water from the tabletop surface.

Abstract: A sizer for cooling an extrudate includes a core and a housing. The core includes an extrusion channel which accommodates the extrudate, a core cooling channel, and a core vacuum channel in fluid communication with said extrusion channel. The housing includes a housing cooling channel, a housing vacuum channel, a cooling intake, and a cooling exhaust. The housing cooling and vacuum channels having curved segments. The cooling intake and exhaust being in fluid communication with said housing cooling channel.

Abstract: A tool for producing a fiber composite component includes at least two tool portions which have partial cavities and which are moved together in a production position in such a manner that they form a cavity, in which cavity the fiber composite component is produced. Associated with at least a first tool portion there is a retention element which retains the fiber composite component produced in the first tool portion when the tool portions are moved apart after the production of the fiber composite component.

Abstract: A thermoforming system for forming a cushioning pod structure that includes a first and a second thermoforming station with each comprised of a film holder and a thermoforming mold holder. The system implements a thermal source that is moveable between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station such that the film holders are between the thermal source and the respective thermoforming mold holder. The system also relies on intentional application of a vacuum source fluidly coupled to thermoforming stations and a movement mechanism configured to move the thermal source between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station. Additional aspects contemplate the implementation of a positive pressure source to aid in the dislodgment of the formed portion, a cooling system to adjust mold temperatures, and/or a fan to efficiently thermoform the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending a plastic conduit section including a tabletop surface; a base surface adjacent a front edge, wherein the base surface is perpendicular to the tabletop surface; and a movable arm having a proximal end and a movable arm surface, wherein the movable arm surface is perpendicular to the tabletop surface, and wherein the proximal end is pivotably attached to the base surface such that the movable arm is configured to pivot azimuthally around the proximal end along the tabletop surface. The apparatus also includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the movable arm such that the movable arm surface is at a desired angle to the base surface; a hot box configured to heat plastic conduit; and a water drainage system disposed adjacent the tabletop surface and configured to remove water from the tabletop surface.

Abstract: An example method for curing a composite part includes placing the composite part onto a topside of a cure tool, and a bottom surface of the composite part contacts the topside of the cure tool and a top surface of the composite part is opposite the bottom surface of the composite part. The method also includes placing the cure tool and the composite part into an autoclave, using the autoclave to apply external heat to the cure tool and the composite part so that air flows over the top surface of the composite part to heat the top surface, and applying additional heat to a backside of the cure tool via radiation provided by at least one heating source of the cure tool, so as to reduce a temperature difference between the backside of the cure tool and the top surface of the composite part being cured.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a catheter includes at least first and second controllable rate material feeders that feed at least first and second materials into a temperature-controlled mixer to form a compound material that varies in flexibility and/or strength with the respective first and second materials and material feed rates. An extruder extrudes the compound material onto a rotating and translating mandrel to thereby form a variable stiffness profile along a length of the catheter that depends on respective rates of rotation and translation of the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine with a forming station. The forming station can include a forming tool lower part with at least one mold insert that is movable relative to the forming tool lower part. The present invention also relates to a method of forming a film including the step of moving the mold insert, relative to the forming tool lower part and the formed film, to a removal position while the film is clamped between the forming tool upper part and the forming tool lower part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for curing curved cylinder-like workpieces (e.g., in the shape of a half or full barrel) made of composite material, such as nacelle honeycomb core composite sandwich structures. These methods enable tailored curing of composite nacelle structures, to significantly reduce capital cost and fabrication cycle time. In lieu of an autoclave or oven, a pressurized ring-shaped cure volume is defined by a partitioned enclosure that mimics the cylinder-like shape of the composite nacelle structure with only limited clearance (e.g., a partitioned enclosure comprising inner and outer concentric cylinder-like walls). A tool (e.g., a mandrel) and at least one composite nacelle structure supported thereon are placed in the cure volume for curing. Integrally heated tooling, optionally in combination with other heating methods, such as infrared heaters, is utilized to provide the temperature profile necessary for cure.

Abstract: A process for making a sheath used to protect a medical device. The medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.

Abstract: Cells of a composite cell array are cured by placing tool blocks in the cells and inserting thermally conductive elements in each of the tool blocks. The thermally conductive elements are convectively heated by a flow of hot air. The heated conductive elements conduct heat to the tooling blocks, which then conduct heat to the cells to cure the composite and adhesive.

Abstract: A press die is provided which includes a lower die having a lower core and an upper die having an upper core, the upper die includes moving blocks installed movably in a first horizontal direction and a bending shaft installed to the moving blocks, and the bending shaft presses a plate against a side surface forming portion of the lower core as the moving blocks move in the first horizontal direction, thereby enabling the plate to be deformed in the first direction.

Abstract: A thermoformer apparatus has sheet supporting rails which are divided into sections hinged together to facilitate widening of the spacing between the rails with adjuster drive mechanism as the sheet moves through an oven to eliminate sagging of the sheet as it becomes heated. Thermoformer chains are driven by a pair of independently operable servo motors each associated with a respective thermoformer chain.

Abstract: An assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article includes a heated fixture upon which the elongated article is supported in adhering fashion to a contoured upper surface. Following heating, the article is transferred to a cooling fixture exhibiting a further contoured upper surface and, upon subsequent cooling, the article exhibits a final multi-dimensional extending profile matching the contoured upper surface of the cooling fixture. A further variation of the assembly includes an elongated and bowed track supporting a fixed jig at an end thereof. A slidable jig is traversable along the track and actuated by a ram in directions towards and away from the first jig.

Abstract: A method and assembly for reshaping an elongated plasticized article including a pair of first and second spaced apart fixtures adapted to supporting extending ends of an elongated article. The fixtures each exhibit a contoured upper surface upon which the elongated article is adapted to being supported in adhering fashion. A heated airflow is delivered in communication with at least one surface of the article and, upon cooling, the article exhibits an extending profile matching the contoured upper surface. A pre-heat station pre-softens at least an extending subset portion of the article prior to transfer to the fixture. Pluralities of gripping fingers communicate with an underside of the contoured upper surface and are adapted to engage at least underside accessible cross sectional profile locations of the article.

Abstract: A thermoforming device heats a plastic film to a substantially uniform temperature, in order to impart a curved shape to said film. The device includes a chamber, the internal pressure of which is variable and which is closed by the film, a system for measuring a sag in the film arranged outside the chamber and opposite said film, and a system for heating the film. The heating system includes a hot air blowing unit which is suitable for producing a hot airflow flowing parallel to the film between two opposite edges of said film.

Abstract: A preform station for forming a flexible semi-finished product and for transforming a flexible semi-finished product into a geometrically stable preform is provided. The preform station comprises a first pin array having a multitude of pins, on which the semi-finished product can be draped. Furthermore, the pins are movable along their longitudinal directions in order to form the flexible semi-finished product. Furthermore, the preform station comprises an activation device for activating a binder of the semi-finished product such that the semi-finished product can be transformed into the geometrically stable preform.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: Aimed at providing a method for molding a thermoplastic resin product and a molding apparatus therefor that enable productivity, transfer quality or the like to be improved. Provided is a method for molding a thermoplastic resin product that includes a heating step, a transfer step, a cooling step and a mold-releasing step, and wherein, in the heating step, a stamper is irradiated with infrared rays in a state where a cooling member is not irradiated with infrared rays, and at least in the final stage of the transfer step, the stamper and the cooling member are brought into contact.

Abstract: According to a molding method for a fiber reinforced composite material, a cavity forming surface 13 of a second mold 12 with a recessed portion 14 for molding a thick portion is brought into contact with a fiber reinforced composite material 15. The fiber reinforced composite material 15 is heated in a state in which the temperature of the cavity forming surface 13 is higher than that of a cavity forming surface 11 of a first mold 10. After that, the first mold 10 and the second mold 12 are closed with a pressure to the fiber reinforced composite material 15 so as to pass the fiber reinforced composite material 15 into the recessed portion 14. This can integrally mold the thick portion with the main body of a molded component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic trim reclaim process that recycles otherwise wasted trim into for reuse or densified composite bricks for resale. The device combines four sections to process trim scrap from a typical plastic extrusion process. The four sections comprise an input and feed section, a grinding and pre-sizing section, a compaction and sizing section, and a repelletizing and recovery section. The final product takes one of two forms: a compacted plastic brick or pellet-sized beads that can be directly reused in a new extrusion process. The compaction and sizing section utilizes a heating chamber and ram to force ground trim through an extruder, which is then cut into sections to form brick. The repelletizing and recovery section utilizes an extrusion process that feeds into a cutting plate, whereafter the sized pellets are cooled to solidify their structure prior to being vacuum transported into a container for reuse.

Abstract: A cup thermoforming machine includes a frame, a movable upper platen, a clamping grid and a movable lower platen. The movable upper platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame, and carries a male die. The clamping grid is carried by the frame above a sheet of thermoformable material and has a clearance aperture for the male die. The lower platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame beneath the clamping grid and carries a female die.

Abstract: An adjustable thermal die assembly is provided. The thermal die assembly includes a thermal forming die and at least one insert. The thermal forming die has at least one die cavity of a select shape. The die further has at least one opening to the at least one die cavity. The at least one insert has at least one internal passage that is conformed to have a shape of the at least one opening to the at least one die cavity of the die. Moreover, the at least one insert is configured and arranged to be selectively coupled to the die with the at least one internal passage of the at least one insert aligning with the at least one opening of the at least one die cavity to selectively increase a depth of a forming cavity of the thermal forming assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycarbonate panel, the method comprising the steps of cutting a flat polycarbonate panel to the desired final dimensions, inserting the panel between the two portions of a die, forming the panel by means of compression between the two portions of the die, overbending the panel between 1-12 degrees to achieve a predetermined angle of bends in the panel and repeating these steps until the panel is fully corrugated. The method further includes the steps of heating the die and/or the panel by means of an electric strip temperature of between 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit. An apparatus is also provided for forming a polycarbonate panel. The apparatus includes a die where the die includes a first portion and a second portion. The die being automatically adjustable in height and width. The first portion and the second portion movable with respect to each other and the first portion and the second portion operable to compress and overbend a panel to form a bend in the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a body made of composite material such as a shell of a helmet. Said body constitutes a multilayer structure where each layer is formed by superposed strata comprising portions of fabrics preimpregnated with thermoplastic resin in which at least some of said layers are formed by woven or non-woven LFRTP-type preimpregnated fabrics. The outer layer is formed by strata of portions of “veil” type or “felt” type fabrics, with non-woven and non-oriented fibers of lengths comprised between 5 and 20 mm. In the method, the multilayer structure arranged in a mold is subjected to the action exerted by a bag that is inflated due to pressure occupying the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for volumetric reduction of polymeric material and in particular synthetic polymeric textile materials. Such materials are typically used in hospital operating rooms and have material memory meaning that they re-expand after compression. Consequently they are difficult to process as waste material. The present invention is a method and apparatus for thermally compacting a polymer comprising a first and second heated surface inclined downwardly towards each other and providing with a passage at their lower ends through which melted polymeric material may pass.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a thermoplastic resin product includes a heating apparatus which conducts heating by radiation of infrared rays by using a light source; a stamper which is radiation heated by infrared rays radiated from the light source; a cooling member which cools the stamper by contacting the stamper which is radiation heated; a first mold which holds the stamper and/or the cooling member in a movable manner, thereby enabling the stamper and the cooling member to be in contact with or remote from with each other; and a second mold which holds a thermoplastic resin to which a structure of a shape-forming surface of the stamper is transferred. The stamper is radiation heated at least in the state where it is remote from the cooling member.

Abstract: A counterband tape for use in the heat setting tunnel of a carpet yarn heat setting machine. The tape is constructed from polyphenylene sulfide yarns. The counterband tape may be formed as a single layer woven fabric with a twill weave construction. The tape also may include a herringbone pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoforming device for thermoforming a product (1) from a plastic foil (23), and to a corresponding method. The invention relates particularly to a thermoforming process and device in which a slot (2) is arranged in a product (1) to be formed. The invention also relates to a product (1), particularly a flowerpot, manufactured using this thermoforming device or method. The thermoforming device is characterized in that the cutting sleeve (10) and cutting plate (7) and/or hold-down element (8) define an auxiliary cutting line through which the plastic foil (23) is cut in order to arrange a slot (2) in the product (1) to be formed. The functions of slot-forming and product-foil separation are hereby performed by substantially the same components.

Abstract: A system for forming frozen liquids is disclosed in which a device with first and second dies cooperate to form a frozen liquid preform into a frozen shape with indicia marked into the frozen shape. The device forms the frozen shape such that it maintains the indicia portion facing substantially upwards when the frozen shape floats in a liquid. The device may have warming fins, heat transfer passages, air and liquid passages, or temperature controlled electric heaters to aid on the forming of the frozen shape. The system may also include a frozen shape remover, a drip tray, or a frozen liquid preform tray.

Abstract: A stamp includes a metal supporting layer, a pattern forming layer and an adhesive layer. The metal supporting layer has a first thermal conductivity. The pattern forming layer is disposed on the metal supporting layer and has a surface with a molding pattern formed thereon. The adhesive layer is disposed between the metal supporting layer and the pattern forming layer to couple the pattern forming layer to the metal supporting layer, and has a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity. Thus, strength of the stamp may be improved, and deformation of the stamp during the process of manufacturing a light guide plate may be reduced or prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating of preforms formed of plastic with infrared radiation, whereby the preform is struck by cooling air at its neck finish and on its body. Furthermore, the infrared radiators are struck by cooling air at their ends. The invention relates to a heating device in which the three cooling air streams may be controlled or regulated independently from each other.

Abstract: In a belling machine and in a method of forming a socket at the heated end of a pipe, an end of a pipe made of thermoplastic material on which a socket is to be formed is heated until it is in a deformable state, inserted in a forming chamber and formed into a socket shape. Process air, taken from a compressed air source, is conveyed into an evaporator of a refrigerating machine using a refrigerant recirculating in a closed circuit and passes through the evaporator, resulting in transfer of heat from the process air to the refrigerant inside the evaporator. The process air is then conveyed to the forming chamber through an inlet, at least to cool the material of the end of the pipe at least by means of a process air flow inside the forming chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for cooling a mold in a compression or injection molding assembly, thereby enabling increased cycling speed and efficiency. Embodiments include a coolant flow path that transports a fluid coolant into and out of a cooling ring around the molding assembly's core. The coolant flow path may divide into several channels within the cooling ring. The coolant flow path may also include a series of stages with varying volumes or cross sectional areas designed to regulate the flow of coolant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a transversely curved or formed strip of material which can be cut to length for use in a fabric for coverings for architectural opening includes a supply role of a flexible fabric strip material that is sequentially passed through a heating chamber with an elongated upwardly convex extrusion across which the strip material is drawn and a cooling station before being wrapped on a take-up drum. The apparatus includes driven rollers about which the strip material passes and the strip material is exposed to tension detectors and controlled temperatures such that the strip material formed in the apparatus is uniform along its length.

Abstract: An apparatus includes one or more die groups which are movable independently of one another, each including a female part having a matrix cavity and a male part destined to penetrate into the cavity such as to define a forming chamber of the product, the cavity configured to contain a batch of material. The apparatus further includes a heating station having a heater to bring the plastic material to the fluid state, and a die group cooling station downstream of the heating station. The die groups are free to be cyclically inserted in the heating station and subsequently transferred to the cooling station. A thrust group is associated to a respective die group and is configured to provide a thrust for penetrating the male part into the cavity during the stage of forming the product, the thrust group being integral with the respective die-group in displacements during the operations performed.

Abstract: A rim rolling apparatus is provided having a plurality of rim rolling screws, a motor and a pneumatic cooling circuit. Each screw has a hot section and a cool section provided downstream of the hot section. The motor is configured to drive the screws in rotation to feed thermoformed articles between the screws to roll lips of the articles. The pneumatic cooling circuit extends within the screw from an exit end towards an entrance end. The cooling circuit is provided in thermally conductive relation with the cool section and insulated from the hot section.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially shell-shaped, fiber-reinforced plastic part includes preheating a material blank that is formed of a fibrous material impregnated with a matrix material using a heating device to ensure the formability and placing the preheated material blank into a shaping tool having an upper die and a lower die. The shaping tool is then closed to form the material blank. Using a cooling device, at least one shaping surface of the shaping tool, with the material blank inserted, is at least partially cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device with which it is possible to arrange complicated shapes with considerable differences in height in wood fiber board, and in particular but not exclusively so called MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). The deformation of the wood fiber board which can be achieved is known in the art as extrusion, wherein a considerable plastic deformation takes place accompanied by flow and stretch of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a thermoplastic work piece having a deformation temperature. The method comprises locally heating a desired portion, such as a crease line, of the work piece with a stream of a heated fluid, such as a gas, having a temperature at least as high as the plastic deformation temperature of the work piece, and forming the work piece at the heated portion. An apparatus for forming a thermoplastic work piece having a deformation temperature is also provided. The apparatus comprises a heated fluid nozzle operable to deliver a stream of a heated fluid, such as a gas, to a desired portion, such as a crease line, on the work piece to heat the portion to a deformation temperature, and a forming tool for forming the work piece at the heated portion.

Abstract: A fiber filling box divided into compartments by slotted divider walls, preferably comb-like divider fences with vertical tines extending downwardly from a top frame, is lowered onto an air-permeable conveyor over at least one vacuum box in a fiber filling station. A multi-axis controlled nozzle blows fiber material to different depths and/or densities in the individual compartments. The divider fences allow continuous intertwining of fibers between adjacent compartments, but sufficiently contain the fibers to maintain well-defined boundaries between different fiber depths and/or densities in the individual compartments. Hold-down plates are lowered onto the fiber material, the fiber filling box is lifted away, and then the hold-down plates are lifted to release a shaped fiber mass, which is then heated and compacted in a heating station to form a fiber preform. The hot fiber preform is then molded, compressed and cooled in a molding station to produce a molded fiber component.

Abstract: A fine structure formation apparatus includes a preheating heater to heat up the surface of belt-like mold alone, right before contacting the belt-like mold to heating and pressurizing rollers, the temperature of the surface of the belt-like mold is made equal to that of the heating and pressurizing rollers, enabling to reliably obtain a predetermined temperature, and cooling rollers or a cooling blower are arranged right after the heating and pressurizing rollers, enabling cooling by a forced cooling and pressure holding, and to transfer a pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for heat treatment of a tubular preform material that is loaded onto the outer surface of an electrically conductive mandrel forming a rotatable tubular shaped resistance heater.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus simultaneously produces a plurality of billets of a formable material with a press, which includes a plate-like female die, provided with nozzles in the form of continuous holes, and also a rotating hub provided with radially disposed rollers that are pressed onto the female die. The method provides that the female die is heated to a temperature above the boiling temperature of the moisture contained in the formable material, and in this way the material pressed through the hole-like nozzles of the female die is dried. The apparatus includes the female die having two plates resting closely and tightly against one another, and in at least one of the plates, a conduit for a heating medium or coolant is made in the surface facing toward the other plate.

Abstract: A seal ring whose abutment joint portion is opened is fitted into an annular gap while the abutment joint portion is substantially closed. The annular gap is formed between an inner circumferential surface of a hole portion provided in an outer circumferential jig and an outer circumferential surface of an inner circumferential jig disposed in the hole portion, and has a heating region and a cooling region. The seal ring is passed through the heating region and then passed through the cooling region in the annular gap. The outer circumferential jig and the inner circumferential jig are maintained at a constant temperature higher than a glass transition temperature of a resin material for the seal ring in the heating region, and maintained at a constant temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the resin material for the seal ring in the cooling region.