Abstract: A method is for forming a plastic protective package for an electronic device integrated on a semiconductor and comprising an electronic circuit to be encapsulated in the protective package. The electronic device may be at least partially activated from outside of the protective package. The method may include providing a mold having a half-mold with an insert abutting towards the inside of the mold and an end having an element that can be elastically deformed to abut in pressing contact against at least one portion of the integrated circuit. The method may also include injecting a resin into the mold so that the protective package has a hole by the at least one portion of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: A parallelism adjustment device applicable to nano-imprint lithography has an imprint unit, a carrier unit, a parallelism adjustment mechanism, and a driving source. The imprint unit has a first molding plate and an imprinting mold mounted on the first molding plate. The carrier unit has a second molding plate and a substrate mounted on the second molding plate. The parallelism adjustment mechanism has an enclosed resilient film and a fluid filled therein, and is coupled to at least one of the first and second molding plates. The driving source drives at least one of the imprint unit and the carrier unit to form contact between the mold and the moldable layer. The parallelism adjustment device is pressed via the contact to adjust parallelism for the imprint mold and the substrate and uniformly distributes the pressure between the mold and the substrate, making the molding quality of nano-imprint lithography significantly improved.

Abstract: A device for impregnating an insulation of a winding bar of an electric machine includes a container accommodating the winding rod and connected to a tank containing an impregnation agent. The container, which remains open during the impregnation process, is surrounded by an evacuation container to create a negative pressure within the container. To achieve a more rapid penetration of the impregnation agent and to simplify the overall process, a vacuum-tight sleeve acts as the container, the sleeve being encompassed by a pressure-resistant sleeve, and a conduit of an assembly that generates a vacuum leads into the interior of the sleeve. The impregnation agent is supplied with a pressure that is lower than the prevailing pressure in the pressure-resistant sleeve. The container can be a multi-part tool defining an interior for surrounding and accommodating the winding bar in a positive fit at least during an evacuation and impregnation process.

Abstract: A flexible molding component used with a base mold improves on existing methods of forming fiber reinforced composite parts. The molding component is formed of a flexible body structure having an interfacing surface and a perimeter region including a perimeter seal configured for sealing engagement with the base mold. Resin and vacuum distribution channels are formed in the interfacing surface to deliver resin to a fiber lay up disposed on the base mold and draw the resin across and through the lay up, respectively, to properly mix the resin/fiber combination which forms the desired part. Application of the vacuum causes the perimeter seal of the flexible body structure to sealingly engage with the base mold to enclose materials between the body structure and the mold, as well as causing the interfacing surface to draw against the resin/fiber combination and the mold to shape the combination into the desired part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system to vary dimensions of a template in order to attenuate if not prevent distortions in an underlying pattern formed by the template. To that end, the system features a compression device that includes a pair of spaced-apart contact members to compress a perimeter surface of the template between the pair of spaced-apart contact members. The compression device includes first and second bodies, each has a contact member and an actuator arm. One of the actuator arms is coupled to the first body to reciprocate about an axis in response to variations of a volume of a bladder disposed adjacent to the actuator arm. In this manner, the distance between the two contact members may be varied.

Abstract: A system for controlling the deposit of liquid, gaseous, and/or particulate solid substances from a staging medium and method of making same is provided. The system comprises a distribution medium for receiving substances, and a containment layer adjacent to the substance distribution medium. The containment layer substantially prevents substance from entering the deposit area until the distribution medium is substantially filled with substance, thereby helping to prevent uneven deposits of the substance.

Abstract: An improved method of imprint lithography involves using direct fluid pressure to press the 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. It can also be accomplished by subjecting the mold to jets of pressurized fluid. The result of this fluid pressing is enhanced resolution and high uniformity over an enlarged area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure vessel for exerting pressure on a repair to a component made of composite materials to cure the repair in the field. The pressure vessel includes a body having a chamber for receiving the repair to the component; a portal operable to permit a heating element of a heater located inside the chamber to be coupled with a power source located outside the chamber to power the heating element; and a pump operable to pressurize the chamber. By pressurizing the chamber, the pressure vessel may exert pressure on a repair placed inside the chamber that exceeds 14.7 psi, and thus, provide a better cure in the field to produce a stronger repair. Furthermore, the pressure vessel may be more easily transported from one location in the field to another than an autoclave.

Abstract: A press of pressure cell type, which comprises a press chamber in which a diaphragm device is arranged. The diaphragm device comprises a diaphragm which together with a press plate forms a pressure cell and is adapted to exert a forming pressure on a workpiece in the press chamber. The edge area of the diaphragm is placed in an annular diaphragm support. The press of pressure cell type also comprises actuating means which are adapted to actively exert a force on the diaphragm support in the direction of the press plate, the diaphragm support pressing the edge area of the diaphragm against the press plate so that an initial seal is provided between the diaphragm at its edge area and the press plate, which seal is built up when supplying pressure medium to the pressure cell by expansion of the diaphragm. The invention also relates to a diaphragm device, a method for applying a pressing power and a method for exchanging a diaphragm in a press of pressure cell type.

Abstract: A machine and a method for forming composite materials are provided. The machine includes a frame and at least one forming beam attached to the frame, the at least one beam being arranged to align with a mandrel. The forming beam is pivotally segmented into at least two segments to conform to the shape of the mandrel, or alternately is bendable to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The mandrel is receivable within the frame in alignment with the forming beam. An apparatus is also provided to position a composite charge over the mandrel, and to position the mandrel within the frame. A further apparatus is provided to transport the mandrel, and to urge the mandrel toward the forming beam, forming a composite charge.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket casting device includes a base with a forward side from which an expandable bladder surrounding a central casting area extends. The bladder includes a plurality of inner expandable chambers that generally extend along the length of the bladder interior and peripherally surround the central casting area. The inner walls of the chambers are formed of a pliable, fluid impermeable relatively thin sheet material that is distendable upon pressurization of the chamber volumes. The bladder further includes an outer covering or wall formed of a material or construction that limits distention of the bladder outwardly. The chambers may be expanded using pressurized air or other fluid to constrict the central casting area in which a residuum having a settable prosthetic socket material thereon may be placed for molding and curing under pressure. The multiple expandable chambers create a desirable pressure distribution circumferentially around the central casting area.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is generally characterized by a heating/inflation module having pressurizable interior and an attached heat curable pre-preg. In particular, an elastomeric, seamless composite is provided that includes a heating element disposed within a thermoset resin matrix. The composite adapted to maintain a consistent temperature profile and an internal air pressure. A first end piece is attached to a first end of the composite and has an air port for communication with a compressed air source, a vacuum port for communication with a vacuum supply source and at least one electrical cable port for communication with a power supply source. A second end piece attached to a second end of the composite. The apparatus further includes a pre-preg removably attached to an outer surface of the composite. The pre-preg includes a structural fiber matrix supporting a heat curable resin.

Abstract: Reusable vacuum bags are provided which include a fabric layer containing reinforcement fibers and a release surface disposed on at least the first side of the fabric layer. The vacuum bag is capable of withstanding multiple mold cycles of the vacuum of less than ambient pressure without significant leakage. In addition, the described vacuum bag can be used in resin transfer molding and standard bagging operations with commercial benefit.

Abstract: A uniform pressing apparatus used in nanoimprint lithographic process is proposed, including a housing having a first flange; a first carrier unit for carrying an imprint mold and having at least one second flange freely attaches to the first flange; a second carrier unit for carrying a substrate; at least one uniform pressing unit mounted on a imprint force transmission path; and a power source driving at least one of the housing and the second carrier unit to allow a contact to be formed between the mold and the moldable layer. Therefore, the nanoimprint lithographic process is achieved with good parallelism between the substrate and the mold and with uniform pressure distribution.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus for pressure molding multi-layer footwear for use in the field of sport footwear. The apparatus for pressure molding multi-layer footwear has two pressure forming receptacles, each having an inflatable vessel therein. The inflatable vessel is shaped and adapted to surround sides of the footwear, such as a skate. The inflatable vessel has an opening for receiving the skate and an air inlet for inflating the inflatable vessel. The apparatus may further has an air supply device connectable to a control system that will manage the airflow into the inflatable vessel to create the desired pressure onto the skate in order to provide a custom-fit skate.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket is made by wrapping water-soaked plaster bandages around a residual limb or around a prosthetic liner within which is disposed a residual limb, and positioning a vacuum wick in overlying relation to the plaster bandages. The residual limb, prosthetic liner, plaster bandages, and vacuum wick means are then inserted into a vacuum bladder. The vacuum bladder is sealed and a predetermined vacuum is applied internally to the bladder until the plaster hardens into a negative cast. The residual limb is manipulated through the vacuum bladder to modify the geometry of the plaster before the plaster hardens. The negative cast is removed from the residual limb and a positive cast is produced by pouring plaster into the negative cast. A thermoplastic sheet is thermoformed over the positive cast or a carbon-epoxy matrix is laminated over the positive cast. This eliminates reduction and modification of a hard positive cast.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for de-bulking a composite material preform laid up in a mold. In detail, the apparatus includes a flexible cover adapted to fit over the mold and preform and attach to the sides of the mold. The cover includes an inlet port located in the cover such that when the cover is fit over the mold and preform, the inlet port positioned over the preform. A stretchable cord seals the peripheral portions of the cover to the sides of the mold forming a chamber over the preform. A hot air pump is coupled to the inlet port of the cover for pumping hot air into the chamber.

Abstract: In the field of vacuum-assist-resin-transfer-mold (VARTM) processing, a new system is provided to lower production times and to create a high permeability mold cavity with reduced directionality to yield an optimum flow-front. The system comprises the use of a high permeability layer to evacuate air from the mold cavity and may include a reusable port-runner device for introduction of resin into the fiber mat. In the preferred embodiment, the high permeability layer is a “felt-like” material constructed of synthetic fibers, and the reusable port device is a flat, modular unit. In another embodiment, the high permeability layer is a fluid-impervious material with sporadic protrusions, and the reusable port-runner device is a flexible, silicone unit. Other embodiments are comprised of any combination thereof. Each embodiment is designed to minimize set-up times and to create a mold cavity with a low resistance to fluid flow through the application of pressure differentials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus of molding composite parts by liquid resin infusion. The invention involves the creation of temporary resin distribution channels on the surface of a preform to aid in the distribution of resin during infusion. In general, these methods are improvements over the art because the molds are cheaper to make, the parts produced are of higher quality, minimal waste is produced and the time to infiltrate the preform is reduced. Hollow tubes with moveable portions provide Channels which Assist in Resin Transfer Molding of composites (CARTM).

Abstract: The inventive method concerns a process of transferring resin into reinforcing material used in the manufacture of composite articles. A first step in the method involves positioning at least one layer of the reinforcing material on the surface of an open mold. Subsequently, a sealant layer is applied in liquid form over the reinforcing material to create an airtight chamber encapsulating the reinforcing material between the sealant layer and the mold. After the sealant layer is allowed to cure, resin is drawn through the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag is configured for application of at least one sealant bead for providing vacuum tight sealing of the reusable vacuum bag to a forming tool during fabrication of a composite part. The reusable vacuum bag comprises at least one elastomeric layer and a fluoroelastomeric strip. The elastomeric layer is sealable to the forming tool and has a sealing flange extending peripherally thereabout. The fluoroelastomeric strip extends substantially along the sealing flange and has first and second surfaces. The elastomeric layer and the fluoroelastomeric strip each have polymers and a peroxide curative. The peroxide curative initiates vulcanization wherein the polymers of each material cross-link at an elevated temperature to form double-oxygen bonds such that a permanent bond is formed between the sealing flange and the fluoroelastomeric strip at the first surface. The fluoroelastomeric strip is releaseably adhered at the second surface to the sealant bead.

Abstract: In a method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components made of dry fiber composite preforms by an injection method for injecting matrix material, the arrangement of the fiber composite preform on one surface of the preform resulting in a flow promoting device, on a tool, creates a first space by a gas-permeable and matrix-material-impermeable membrane surrounding the preforms. Formation of a second space arranged between the first space and the surroundings by a foil, which is impermeable to gaseous material and matrix material, is provided, with removal by suction, of air from the second space resulting in matrix material being sucked from a reservoir into the evacuated first space and with the flow promoting device causing distribution of the matrix material above the surface of the preform facing the flow promoting device, thus causing the matrix material to penetrate the preform vertically.

Abstract: A device for impregnating an insulation of a winding bar of an electric machine includes a container accommodating the winding rod and connected to a tank containing an impregnation agent. The container, which remains open during the impregnation process, is surrounded by an evacuation container to create a negative pressure within the container. To achieve a more rapid penetration of the impregnation agent and to simplify the overall process, a vacuum-tight sleeve acts as the container, the sleeve being encompassed by a pressure-resistant sleeve, and a conduit of an assembly that generates a vacuum leads into the interior of the sleeve. The impregnation agent is supplied with a pressure that is lower than the prevailing pressure in the pressure-resistant sleeve. The container can be a multi-part tool defining an interior for surrounding and accommodating the winding bar in a positive fit at least during an evacuation and impregnation process.

Abstract: A resin infusion mold tool system for use in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process with a subsequent pressure bleed step. The mold tool system includes a mold assembly having an outer mold line tool connected to resin supply lines and supplying resin to the preform. A plurality of inner mold line tools form a hard interface with the inner mold line of the fiber preform and are held to within tight tolerances by an external locating fixture. Excess resin is drawn out of the fiber preform using a vacuum bag connected to vacuum lines and disposed over the inner mold line tools but not between the tools and the fiber preform. The mold assembly is placed in an autoclave, the resin supply lines are detached and the autoclave pressurized to bleed additional resin out of the preform to raise the fiber volume of the composite structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a panel of composite material. The panel includes two outside skins and stringers attached inside of the two outside skins for reinforcing the two outside skins. A plurality of stringers for reinforcing outside skins is formed from dry preformed fibers and are disposed at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A pressing mold for producing a fiber molded article which is used to press a fiber molded article (10) placed in a shaping mold (11) toward the inner surface of the shaping mold (11) to carry out a dewatering and shaping step or a drying and shaping step. The pressing mold has a solid first elastic pressing member (2) and a hollow second elastic pressing member (3) which is inflatable by a fluid fed into the inside, the first and second elastic pressing members (2) and (3) being adapted to press the fiber molded article (10) toward the inner surface of the shaping mold (11).

Abstract: A mold for producing components, in particular plastic components, has at least two mold punches, which in a closed position form a mold cavity having the contours of the component At least one mold punch has at least one diaphragm which, by the action of pressure, reduces a volume of the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a holding device in connection with heat treatment of articles (3), which is at least partly manufactured in a thermosetting composite material. The holding device, which is comprised by the plant, includes a base element (1), and intermediate element (2), which rests on the base element (1), and at least a support member (4), which is fixable to the intermediate element (2) and arranged to support said article (3) on the intermediate element during the heat treatment. The intermediate element (2) is manufactured in a material which has a neglectable thermal extension at least up to a temperature level, at which the heat treatment is intended to take place. Furthermore, the intermediate element (2) is displaceably positioned on the base element (1).

Abstract: Shaping tool for the polymerisation of profiled parts (P) made of a composite material, comprising a mould (10) formed of several unconnected elements (14, 16), a flexible and leak tight bladder (24) capable of pushing a part blank into contact with the walls of a cavity (12) formed in the mould (10), and devices (36) such as flexible walls or the leak tight bladders capable of holding elements (14, 16) of the mould (10) in contact with each other. The result is a part (P) with outside surfaces free of geometric and dimensional defects.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a hot and a cold fluid reservoirs joined through a conduit and valving system to one or more pair of expandable bladders. A pump is engaged with the conduit system so as to enable the directing of the hot fluid from one of the reservoirs to one or more of the bladders and to enable directing the cold fluid from the other of the reservoirs to one or more of the other of the bladders. The bladders are mutually joined such that with either the hot or the cold bladders filled, both of the bladders are pressed against one or more workpieces, whereby heat is delivered to the workpieces when the one of the bladders, of each pair, is filled, and heat is extracted from the workpieces when the other, of each pair, of the bladders is filled while the other is deflated.

Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The resin distribution network is provided by a textured sheet of metal formed as an integral vacuum bag and mold. The texture is formed by upraised portions on one side of the sheet which correspond with depressions on the other side. Valleys between the upraised portions form the resin distribution network. A fiber lay up is placed against the textural sheet with the upraised portions facing the lay up. Main feeder grooves are also formed directly in the sheet. Resin is supplied under vacuum to the main feeder grooves, from where it travels through the valleys of the textured sheet to impregnate the lay up.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket casting device includes a base with a forward side from which an expandable bladder surrounding a central casting area extends. The bladder includes a plurality of inner expandable chambers that generally extend along the length of the bladder interior and peripherally surround the central casting area. The inner walls of the chambers are formed of a pliable, fluid impermeable relatively thin sheet material that is distendable upon pressurization of the chamber volumes. The bladder further includes an outer covering or wall formed of a material or construction that limits distention of the bladder outwardly. The chambers may be expanded using pressurized air or other fluid to constrict the central casting area in which a residuum having a settable prosthetic socket material thereon may be placed for molding and curing under pressure. The multiple expandable chambers create a desirable pressure distribution circumferentially around the central casting area.

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: A reusable vacuum bag is configured for application of at least one sealant bead for providing vacuum tight sealing of the reusable vacuum bag to a forming tool during fabrication of a composite part. The reusable vacuum bag comprises at least one elastomeric layer and a fluoroelastomeric strip. The elastomeric layer is sealable to the forming tool and has a sealing flange extending peripherally thereabout. The fluoroelastomeric strip extends substantially along the sealing flange and has first and second surfaces. The elastomeric layer and the fluoroelastomeric strip each have polymers and a peroxide curative. The peroxide curative initiates vulcanization wherein the polymers of each material cross-link at an elevated temperature to form double-oxygen bonds such that a permanent bond is formed between the sealing flange and the fluoroelastomeric strip at the first surface. The fluoroelastomeric strip is releaseably adhered at the second surface to the sealant bead.

Abstract: The composite molding apparatus includes a rigid base member and a complementary semi-rigid mold member or “black bag” caul plate having a sieve member formed therein. The sieve member layer of the semi-rigid mold member engages pins which extend from the sandwich core to limit penetration into the semi-rigid mold member to a predetermined depth. The semi-rigid mold member is supported relative to the rigid mold member by the pins to provide uniform pressure transfer to the composite article during a high pressure co-cure molding process without crushing the sandwich core.

Abstract: A method of resin transfer molding uses an open base mold filled with fiberglass material and a soft tool sealed over the base mold. A vacuum is applied to a vacuum chamber that surrounds the mold and communicates with the fiberglass material through vacuum conduits. Resin is injected into the closed mold and is drawn through the fiberglass material to the edge of the mold with the assistance of the vacuum. The soft tool is preferably a flexible sheet having an edge seal to connect to the base mold and a vacuum channel with a vacuum port that surrounds the mold. The injection head releasably connects to the soft tool and preferably uses a solenoid actuated injector to supply resin to the mold. The injection head can include a self sealing device to seal the injection port and a self cleaning mechanism for flushing resin from the interior chamber of the head.

Abstract: A method of moulding articles from layers of composite material being fibres impregnated with uncured resin, includes draping at least one layer of the composite material over a moulding tool, applying over the composite material layer or layers a membrane, and establishing an at least partial vacuum between the membrane and the moulding tool to consolidate the composite material, and wherein the membrane is made of a resilient material, and the method includes applying a force to the membrane to stretch the membrane over the moulding tool and maintaining the force whilst the at least partial vacuum is established.

Abstract: The inventive method concerns a process of transferring resin into reinforcing fiber material used in the manufacture of composite articles. A first step in the method involves positioning at least one layer of the reinforcing fiber material on the surface of an open mold. The reinforcing fiber material typically consists of glass, carbon, linear polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers. Subsequently, a sealant layer is applied in liquid form over the reinforcing fiber material to create an airtight chamber encapsulating the reinforcing fiber material between the sealant layer and the mold. After the sealant layer is allowed to cure, a vacuum pressure is applied to the airtight chamber to draw resin through the reinforcing fiber material. For example, the resin can be an epoxy, polyester or vinyl ester resin.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite structure is disclosed herein. The process uses a frame and selectively pressurizable forms. The forms define the interior members of the composite structure and frames define the exterior surface of the composite structure. Composite material is wrapped around the forms and the forms and composite material are placed in the frame. Selective forms are then pressurized and the composite material is co-cured together. A single piece co-cured fuselage incorporating a plurality of stiffeners is also disclosed in the application. The stiffeners are co-cured to the fuselage and may be in various patterns. The patterns may include an iso-grid pattern, and ortho-grid pattern, and a hoop-grid pattern.

Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing a molded object from resin. The assembly includes a cavity configured to be filled with resin to form at least one surface of the molded object into a predetermined shape with at least one transfer surface of the cavity. A molding insertion member is arranged to form another surface of the molded object, and a holding insertion piece is configured to hold the molding insertion member. The holding insertion piece includes a communication path that places a surface of the molding insertion member at a side opposite to the cavity in fluid communication with the exterior of the mold assembly and guides air from the exterior of the mold assembly toward the surface of the molding insertion member.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite component having a variable thickness includes placing a caul member over a plurality of laid-up prepreg plies supported by a mold. The mold includes a cavity for receiving the lay-up that is defined by a bottom surface, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, and an open upper face surrounded by a mold edge. A support flange extends inwardly toward the center of the cavity from each of the walls at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface. The caul is made from an anisotropic material so that the caul is basically rigid about lateral axis and flexible about a longitudinal axis. During an autoclave curing process, the caul applies pressure along the length of the lay-up to draw the caul into engagement with the support flange, which serves as a stop to prevent further movement of the caul.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for shaping plate-shaped thermoplastic material into three-dimensional molded bodies with the process steps: insertion of the heated plastic plate to be shaped into a concave mold part, sealing the mold part at its upper edge by covering with a membrane made of a material impermeable to gas and elastically stretchable, pressing the membrane onto the mold edge by means of a rigid covering, and supplying compressed gas to the space between the membrane and the covering, along with an arrangement for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite structure is disclosed. The method includes four steps. Step one calls for applying a primer (104) to a surface (102) of a tool (100). Step two requires applying a coating (106) to primer (104). Step three calls for curing primer (104) and coating (106). The last step calls for forming the composite structure on tool (100). More specifically, primer (104) may be a powdered primer, and coating (106) may be a powdered fluorinated organic compound.

Abstract: An adaptation device and method for molding a dental material to a die in the preparation of a dental coping with the die having the shape of a tooth to be restored and with said dental material placed over said die. The adaptation device includes a base for placement of the die, a cover mounted on the base over the die to form an enclosed chamber, an inlet opening extending through the cover into communication with the chamber, a source of a gaseous fluid connected to the inlet opening for pressurizing the chamber, an outlet opening extending through the base in proximity to said die and diaphragm means removably positioned in the chamber to surround the die and to isolate the outlet opening from the chamber such that upon pressurizing the chamber the diaphragm is caused to collapse about the die and to apply a uniform pressure over the dental material for adapting the dental material to the die.

Abstract: In the field of vacuum-assist-resin-transfer-mold (VARTM) processing, a new system is provided to lower production times and to create a high permeability mold cavity with reduced directionality to yield an optimum flow-front. The system comprises the use of a high permeability layer to evacuate air from the mold cavity and may include a reusable port-runner device for introduction of resin into the fiber mat. In the preferred embodiment, the high permeability layer is a “felt-like” material constructed of synthetic fibers, and the reusable port device is a flat, modular unit. In another embodiment, the high permeability layer is a fluid-impervious material with sporadic protrusions, and the reusable port-runner device is a flexible, silicone unit. Other embodiments are comprised of any combination thereof. Each embodiment is designed to minimize set-up times and to create a mold cavity with a low resistance to fluid flow through the application of pressure differentials.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mould, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one embodiment, a system for encapsulating a substrate on a vehicle structure. The system includes the substrate, the vehicle structure and a package substrate. The substrate has a top portion and a bottom portion. The vehicle structure is operatively connected to the bottom portion of the substrate. The package substrate has a plurality of layers, where the package substrate is operatively connected to the top portion of the substrate. The package substrate conforms to a periphery area of the top portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating fiber reinforced plastic structures is provided. The apparatus includes a mold surface upon which can be supported a lay-up of one or more layers of a fibrous material, and over which can be placed a fluid impervious outer sheet with an inlet port and having its edges marginally sealed upon the mold surface to form a chamber. A vacuum outlet is connected to the chamber for drawing a vacuum therefrom. A resin distribution system is positioned between the lay-up and the fluid impervious sheet. The resin distribution system includes a distribution sheet for receiving resin from the inlet port and at least one flat resin distribution line connected to the inlet port.

Abstract: A method of resin transfer molding uses an open base mold filled with fiberglass material and a soft tool sealed over the base mold. A vacuum is applied to a vacuum chamber that surrounds the mold and communicates with the fiberglass material through vacuum conduits. Resin is injected into the closed mold and is drawn through the fiberglass material to the edge of the mold with the assistance of the vacuum. The soft tool is preferably a flexible sheet having an edge seal to connect to the base mold and a vacuum channel with a vacuum port that surrounds the mold. The injection head releasably connects to the soft tool and preferably uses a solenoid actuated injector to supply resin to the mold. The injection head can include a self sealing device to seal the injection port and a self cleaning mechanism for flushing resin from the interior chamber of the head.