Abstract: A method of controlling the geometry of a composite component (3). The method comprises applying pressure to the component with a pressure transmitter (6), and during said application of pressure: heating the component; measuring the position of the pressure transmitter to produce a feedback signal; and moving the pressure transmitter in response to a change in the feedback signal.

Abstract: A forming tool (100) for and a method of making a three dimensional composite component using double diaphragm forming. The forming tool (100) comprises a forming side having two or more regions of changing profile and one or more through holes associated with each region, the through holes exit on the forming side and are connectable to one or more vacuum sources such that vacuum can be selectively and discretely applied to each region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring a pattern from a template (10) having a structured surface to a substrate (12) carrying a surface layer of a radiation polymerisable fluid (14). The apparatus comprises a first main part (101) and a second main part (102) having opposing surfaces (104; 105), means for adjusting a spacing (115) between said main parts, support means (106) for supporting said template and substrate in mutual parallel engagement in said spacing with said structured surface facing said surface layer, a radiation source (110) devised to emit radiation into said spacing. A cavity (115) has a first wall comprising a flexible membrane (113) devised to engage said template or substrate, and means (114; 116) are provided for applying an adjustable overpressure to a medium present in said cavity, whereby an even distribution of force is obtained over the whole of the contact surface between the substrate and the template.

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

Abstract: A sealing device for forming an airtight seal between a first body, such as a cure tool, and a second body, such as a vacuum bag, without the use of adhesives. The sealing device may comprise an outer surface attached to the second body, an inner surface configured to face the first body, and two cusps located at opposite edges of the inner and outer surfaces. The sealing device may form a continuous boundary around an area of any shape or size. The sealing device may have a substantially crescent-shaped cross-section, allowing the sealing device to suction to the first body when compressed against the first body. The sealing device may also comprise a tab portion protruding from the inner surface between the first and second cusp for providing a more secure seal between the sealing device and the first body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold and a vacuum foil and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied. This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.

Abstract: A portable air clamp for use during lamination of substrates is provided. The clamp includes a top clamp plate, a bottom clamp plate and at least one flexible, expandable tube within a housing of the clamp. The top clamp plate is adjacent to a top housing and the bottom clamp plate is adjacent to a bottom housing. An expandable tube or bladder may be disposed in the top housing or the bottom housing. The clamp may also include alignment devices and mechanisms for ensuring proper alignment of the substrates during the laminating procedure. The clamp is adapted to provide uniform pressure along the surfaces of the substrates to be laminated.

Abstract: A reusable apparatus and method for forming a composite part through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The reusable apparatus may be configured to vacuum seal a curable material, such as composite material, against a tool and disperse a permeating substance such as liquid resin through the curable material. The reusable apparatus may comprise a sheet of material such as rubber having a plurality of surface deviations facing the curable material and the tool. The surface deviations may provide paths for evenly distributed air flow as air is evacuated from between the sheet of material and the tool. Additionally, the surface deviations may allow the permeating substance to be evenly dispersed throughout the curable material. A vacuum outlet of the tool may be positioned between two sealing apparatuses to provide continuous vacuum suction proximate a perimeter of the sheet of material to prevent air from leaking in.

Abstract: In a uniform-pressure shaping apparatus and system, the system comprises a uniform-pressure shaping apparatus, a vacuum unit and a fluid circulation unit, and the apparatus comprises a first cavity and a second cavity, each including a sealed pressure chamber, a heat conduction film and a template. An object to be imprinted is put on a pattern-imprinting surface of the template. When the first and second cavities get close to each other, the vacuum unit vacuums the space between the pattern-imprinting surfaces of the two templates. Meanwhile, the fluid circulation unit drives a hot fluid to pass through the two sealed pressure chambers. With the iso-pressure characteristic of the hot fluid, the object to be imprinted is heated and pressed uniformly until a desired shape is formed, and then a cold fluid is driven to pass through the two sealed pressure chambers to cool the object to be imprinted.

Abstract: A composite item is fabricated in a device for infusing a layup. The device include a mandrel, vacuum cup and bagging film. The mandrel is to receive the layup. The mandrel includes a reinforcement receiving zone and a resin receiving zone substantially adjacent to the reinforcement receiving zone. The vacuum cup is in cooperative alignment with the resin receiving zone. The bagging film is to generate a gas tight envelope surrounding the reinforcement receiving zone and the resin receiving zone. The vacuum cup is sealed upon the bagging film to generate a chamber above the resin receiving zone.

Abstract: An improved imprint device is disclosed. It comprises a drive component, an imprinting object, and at least one mold, stacked together within a chamber, a fluid supplier is used for providing the solvent fluid into the chamber through a pipe. The solvent fluid will permeate the imprinting object, and the imprinting object will be plasticized at the temperature lower than the glass transition temperature. The drive component is used for driving the mold to the plasticized imprinting object, so that the pattern on the mold will be imprinted on the imprinting object. It is the advantage of the present invention to reduce the process temperature, prevent the pattern distortion, and save the process time. Furthermore, by using the fluid and a barrier film as a pressing medium, the pressure can be applied to the object and the mold uniformly, such that a large area imprint can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for molding composite bodies into composite parts using pressure. A lower inflexible mold is combined with an elastic upper mold layer to form a molding cavity in which the composite body to be molded is placed. An elastic pressure layer is used in combination with the upper mold layer to form a pressure chamber. A flexible expansion control layer is used to limit the increase in surface area of the pressure layer during pressurization. A perimeter retention lock is provided to prevent the perimeters of the elastic and flexible layers from moving inward or away from the lower mold during application of pressure to the pressure chamber.

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: An imprint apparatus has a head unit with a fine structure. The head unit includes a fine imprint pattern layer including fine concavities and convexities, a resin layer on a face of the fine imprint pattern layer opposite to a face where the concavities and convexities are formed, a first pressurizing base member on a face of the resin layer opposite to a face contacting the fine imprint pattern layer, and a second pressurizing base member on a face of the first pressurizing base member opposite to a face contacting the resin layer. The resin layer has a modulus of elasticity smaller than that of the fine imprint pattern layer, and the first pressurizing base member has a modulus of elasticity smaller than that of the resin layer. A light source or a heat source may be further provided. The head unit may be light permeable. A replacement layer may be further provided for replacement.

Abstract: A procedure for making glass frames obtained from boards made of a plastic or composite material includes a step for deforming a pre-heated single-layer or multilayer board along one or two curvature planes transverse to each other, wherein this deformation step is carried out before the board is milled to create the shape of a glass frame. The equipment suited to implement the above procedure includes a half-mold, an element configured to close the upper opening of the half-mold, and a deformable membrane, wherein the injection of air into an air space causes the expansion of the deformable membrane, which compresses a board against the half-mold, thus deforming the board accordingly.

Abstract: A mesh sheet of the present invention is a mesh sheet in which a metal mesh comprising fine bands is laminated on a surface of a base substrate, the mesh sheet being used and adhered along a surface of an arbitrary member having a curved surface portion. The metal mesh has a part in which the fine band positioned between connection points of the fine bands which are adjacent to each other is a curved line so as to absorb stress relative to deformation to be placed along the curved surface portion with a large curvature without destructing the metal mesh.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring a pattern from a template (10) having a structured surface to a substrate (12) carrying a surface layer of a radiation polymerisable fluid (14). The apparatus comprises a first main part (101) and a second main part (102) having opposing surfaces (104;105), means for adjusting a spacing (115) between said main parts, support means (106) for supporting said template and substrate in mutual parallel engagement in said spacing with said structured surface facing said surface layer, a radiation source (110) devised to emit radiation into said spacing. A cavity (115) has a first wall comprising a flexible membrane (113) devised to engage said template or substrate, and means (114;116) are provided for applying an adjustable overpressure to a medium present in said cavity, whereby an even distribution of force is obtained over the whole of the contact surface between the substrate and the template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for co-curing a multiple material golf club head is disclosed herein. The club head preferably is composed of a metal face component and an aft-body composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a semi-spherical polishing pad for polishing semiconductor surfaces, provide for: placing a polishing pad pre-form on a dome-shaped forming surface, the polishing pad pre-form including a circular body having a center and an outer peripheral edge, and a plurality of slots extending from the outer peripheral edge towards the center; disposing a bladder opposite to the dome-shaped forming surface and the polishing pad pre-form; inflating the bladder with a fluid such that the dome-shaped forming surface of the bonnet form presses against the polishing pad pre-form from one side and the bladder presses against the polishing pad pre-form from an opposite side; and maintaining the pressing step for a predetermined period of time to achieve the semi-spherical polishing pad.

Abstract: An imprinting method is disclosed that includes applying an imprinting force to a template to cause the template to contact an imprintable medium on a target region of a first surface of a substrate to form an imprint in the medium, during application of the imprinting force, applying a compensating force to a second surface of the substrate which is opposite to the first surface so as to reduce deformation of the substrate caused by the application of the imprinting force, and separating the template from the imprinted medium.

Abstract: A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

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: An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.

Abstract: A cutter includes a contacting surface and a stopping surface opposite to the contacting surface. A distal end of the cutter defines a cutting groove through the contacting surface and the stopping surface, forming two opposite resisting blocks. The resisting blocks are located on both sides of the cutting groove. A molding assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for transferring a relief pattern on a mold to a resist on a substrate through a compression of the mold against the resist, and an irradiation of light for exposing the resist onto the resist includes a mold chuck for holding the mold and for compressing the mold against the resist, and a deformation reducing part for reducing a deformation of the mold when the mold chuck applies a compression force to the mold.

Abstract: A mandrel for composite fabrication includes an open cell foam carrier and at least one vacuum bag enclosing the open cell foam carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tensioning material (12) over a mold (14), such as a cure tool, comprises a tensioning fork (10) consisting of two substantially parallel tapered legs (18,20) between which material (12) is disposed. A tensioning fork (10) is positioned at a first side edge (42) and proximate a first end edge (38) of the material (12). A first leg (18) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed under the material (12), and a second leg (20) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed over the material (12). When force is applied to the second leg (20), it pivots about the first leg (18) along the length of the legs, remaining parallel to the first leg (18), thereby pressing a portion of the material (12) against the mold (14).

Abstract: A method for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes positioning a FRP prepreg on a periphery of an airtight internal-pressure holding tube, inserting a composite body including the internal-pressure holding tube and the prepreg into a vacuum chamber containing a forming die, evacuating the vacuum chamber in an isolation state where the composite body and the forming die do not contact each other, and clamping the forming die to bring the forming die and the composite body into contact with each other and heating the forming die with an application of pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube after completion of the evacuating step.

Abstract: The invention provides an imprinting jig for transferring a pattern onto a thermoplastic sheet. The imprinting jig is provided with: a first die having a surface with a pattern; a die holder for supporting the first die; an elastic member placed between the first die and the die holder; and a second die opposing to the first die. The thermoplastic sheet is placed on the surface with the pattern of the first die. The imprinting jig optionally includes an adhesion reducing means between the elastic member and the first die or between the elastic member and the die holder.

Abstract: A specific-light-cured and pressure-differential embossing apparatus for embossing a specific-light-cured layer on a substrate includes a housing assembly, a mold, an elastic driving module, a pressure-difference generating module, and a specific light providing module. The substrate and the mold are disposed in a chamber of the housing assembly. The mold faces the specific-light-cured layer on the substrate. The elastic driving module is disposed in the chamber to divide the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The pressure-difference generating module, connected to the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, generates a pressure difference between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, and drives the elastic driving module to move and thus to drive the mold to move and press the specific-light-cured layer. The specific light providing module provides specific light to the specific-light-cured layer to cure the specific-light-cured layer.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for imprint lithography involves using direct fluid pressure to press a mold into a substrate-supported film. Advantageously the mold and/or substrate are sufficiently flexible to provide wide area contact under the fluid pressure. Fluid pressing can be accomplished by sealing the mold against the film and disposing the resulting assembly in a pressurized chamber. The result of this fluid pressing is enhanced resolution and high uniformity over an enlarged area.

Abstract: A method of making a mat with a textile surface and an elastomer backing is provided. The method includes mixing elastomer crumbs and a binder, depositing the crumb/binder mixture in a layer (22), placing a textile surface element (34) on the layer to form a mat assembly, and pressing the mat assembly in a press (9) while setting the binder. The elastomer crumbs are consolidated to form an elastomer backing (2) that includes voids between the elastomer crumbs, and the textile surface element is bonded to the elastomer backing to form the upper textile layer (1) of the mat.

Abstract: Provided is an adjusting method of a gap width of a laminated body composed of a color filter substrate and a TFT array substrate. A decompression chamber acting as a closed space communicating with a vacuum pump is decompressed, while a pressurization chamber that includes a decompression chamber is pressurized by driving a compressor.

Abstract: A tube shaped and fluid inflatable and electrically heatable in-situ pipe repair device comprising a first outer elastomeric tube layer and a resistive heating component comprised of electrically conductive fibers braided over an elastomeric core. The tube shaped device also contains an inner annulus. The device is fluid sealable and is connectible to a fluid supply and vacuum source. It is also connectible to an electrical power source. The device may also comprise two tube shaped layers configured to fit snuggly together with a resistive heating component held between the two layers. The resistive heating component may be a braided fiber-elastomeric core combination or a conductive fiber configured in a sinusoidal wave or similar pattern.

Abstract: According to the hydroforming method by the invention, when slots with the aspect ratio of 3 or more are pierced onto the bulge-formed portion made by the hydroforming, even the piercing can be carried out within a series of processing steps in the hydroforming, thereby eliminating the piercing operation by means of the cumbersome machining process such as milling and ensuring an excellent slot configuration. Thus, the hydroformed parts by the invention are best suited for the automobile parts etc. where various piercing operations are required, and the mold used for the hydroforming method by the invention can be widely employed for processing the automobile parts etc., whereby the invention can be applied for processing the parts in automobiles and industrial machineries as well.

Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay-up being accomodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid lay-up tool comprising a thin metallic working surface and a composite back structure. The working surface may be an Invar working surface, and the working surface and the back structure may be coupled using a self-locking connection mechanism. The present invention also relates to a method for providing a hybrid lay-up tool. The method may include providing a metallic face sheet, providing a composite back structure, and operably coupling the metallic face sheet with the composite back structure using a self-locking connection mechanism.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed which has a needle, and a substrate table arranged to hold a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the needle is moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position being such that in use the needle penetrates a layer of imprintable material on the substrate, and the second position being such that in use the needle is disengaged from the imprintable material on the substrate, the substrate table and the needle arranged such that one may be scanned relative to the other.

Abstract: An amputated part holding apparatus has a contact member provided in a casing to define a particle charge chamber between the contact member and the casing. The contact member comes into pressing contact with an amputated part owing to increased pressure in the particle charge chamber. The chamber is charged with particles to generate pressing force. The amputated part holding apparatus is further provided with a particle supply unit including a particle charging device.

Abstract: Tubular-shaped flexible members for air springs are made of rubber or rubber-like elastomers and are reinforced by reinforcement layers. In order that the air spring flexible member can roll telescopically off a roll-off piston, the tubular-shaped flexible member sections must be brought into a slightly conical or bottle-like configuration and then vulcanized in this form. A method forms and vulcanizes an air spring flexible member blank and utilizes an apparatus which includes a mold defining a bellied inner wall defining a common hollow space for receiving the air spring flexible member blank therein. A pressure bellows unit includes a pressure bellows extending axially in the common hollow space as well as first and second end pieces joined to the pressure bellows at corresponding longitudinal ends thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus and process for producing thermoplastic articles. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a process for manufacturing fiberglass products using a fiberglass material consisting of fiberglass strands commingled with heat-formable polypropylene strands. A molding apparatus comprising: (a) an air pressure chamber with an open side; (b) a flange plate fitted to the open side of the air pressure chamber, said flange plate having an opening therein for receiving a mold; (c) an upper bladder associated with the flange plate and covering the opening; (d) a base pressure plate; (e) a mold positioned on the base pressure plate; and (f) a locking mechanism for securing the air pressure chamber with the base pressure plate, and balanced air pressure in each chamber during molding.

Abstract: A press system that reduces contamination of workpieces and/or compliant members used in die assemblies of the press from the pressing process. The die assemblies may utilize annular or hole-less stampers in which the compliant member is sealed in the die assembly. The compliant member may have be annular having a cavity at approximately its center. A gap may be generated at the cavity of the compliant member between a constraint member and the stamper. The gap, for example, may be filled with a plug to prevent significant distortion of the stamper over a hole of a disk shaped workpiece due to the pressure induced force generated by the press system. An outer diameter ring surrounding a workpiece may be used to prevent collapse of the stampers outside the diameter of the workpiece to insure uniform pressing out to the outer diameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: A system for curing and consolidation of coil with insulation includes an insulation layer disposed around an electrical coil. A release layer disposed around the insulation layer. A breather layer is disposed around the release layer. A vacuum bag structure is disposed around the breather layer without using a molding structure.

Abstract: An embodiment of an adjustable molding apparatus includes a substrate including a negative molding surface, a layer of flexible material, and a vacuum source for drawing at least a portion of the flexible material into contact with at least a portion of the negative molding surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: The flow of resin during the molding of composite articles is controlled by forming areas of immobilized resin during the infusion of resin into the fibrous body. The immobilized resin is formed using an immobilization agent that interacts with the infused resin to form a high viscosity resin barrier that is effective in blocking the flow of non-immobilized resin. The barriers of immobilized resin are located within the fibrous body so as to control the flow of non-immobilized resin during the molding process to prevent or least reduce resin depletion and to selectively block resin flow from the mold.