Abstract: A lighting device (100, 200, 300, 400) is disclosed, comprising an at least partly light transmitting envelope (110) arranged to at least partly enclose a light source (120). The envelope comprises a portion (114) that is elastic such that its extension and orientation relative to a nominal optical axis of a base (140) of the lighting device is adjustable so as to allow for light output from the lighting device to be modified. A method for manufacturing such lighting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a composite component, such as a composite component of an aircraft, is provided with a molding tool that includes, but is not limited to a first mold, a second mold and a pressure generator. Between the first mold and the second mold, a membrane is arranged so that between the first mold and the membrane a first region is formed, and between the second mold and the membrane a second region is formed. In the first region, a fibrous mat is arranged. In the second region with the use of the pressure generator 116 counter-pressure can be produced so that the membrane is pressed in the direction of the fibrous mat.

Abstract: A device for the production of rotor blades (1) for wind power plants with a multi-part manufacturing mold (20, 21, 22) for a rotor blade (1) that along a longitudinal extension, which extends from a rotor blade root (2) substantially to a rotor blade tip (3), has at least one area in which the rotor blade (1) has an aerodynamic airfoil section (4), which has an airfoil leading edge (5) and an airfoil trailing edge (6) that are connected via a suction side (8) and a pressure side (7) of the airfoil section (4), wherein at least two partial molds (21, 22; 34, 35) are provided for at least two shell parts (23, 24; 36, 37) of a rotor blade (1), of which a first shell part (23; 36, 37) and a second shell part (24; 36, 37) substantially lying flat on each other in the area of the airfoil trailing edge (6) are to be connected together.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a composite material part that includes a resin matrix reinforced by fibers and having a recessed shape with a small opening, whereby the device includes a mold whose shapes are adapted to those of the part to be produced, a compacting membrane and at least one shim that is placed in the recessed zone between the part and the compacting membrane whose function is to transmit the pressure exerted by the compacting membrane to the surfaces of the part that is in contact with the shim. The shim can be expanded and is able to occupy a first state before polymerization in which it occupies a low volume so as to allow its insertion into the recessed zone, and a second state, in particular during polymerization, in which it occupies a larger volume so as to exert pressure on the surfaces of the recessed zone.

Abstract: A system for processing a composite material may comprise a chamber, a mandrel, an upper ramp, and an upper diaphragm. The chamber generally provides structural support while a vacuum is applied to the system and may have a six-sided generally rectangular box shape. The mandrel generally provides support for the composite material, and may be located within the chamber. The upper ramp generally provides a path for the upper diaphragm to follow under vacuum, and may be located adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto. The upper diaphragm may be placed over an opening along one side of the chamber. During processing, a vacuum may be applied to chamber and the upper diaphragm may be pulled inward through the opening to press the composite material against the mandrel.

Abstract: A tool for the infusion of a resin into a preform made of fiber material includes a mould which can be closed around the preform and in the body of which at least one inlet duct is formed to allow resin to be injected into the mould so that the resin can be infused into the preform. At least one reservoir which can contain the resin, is also formed in the body of the mould and is connected to the at least one inlet duct. The mould can be inserted in an autoclave and the reservoir is configured to permit the transfer of the resin from the reservoir to the inlet duct under the effect of the temperature and of the pressure that are produced in the autoclave, thus allowing the resin to be injected into the mould.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a composite component, such as a composite component of an aircraft, is provided with a molding tool that includes, but is not limited to a first mold, a second mold and a pressure generator. Between the first mold and the second mold, a membrane is arranged so that between the first mold and the membrane a first region is formed, and between the second mold and the membrane a second region is formed. In the first region, a fibrous mat is arranged. In the second region with the use of the pressure generator 116 counter-pressure can be produced so that the membrane is pressed in the direction of the fibrous mat.

Abstract: A solution to some of the problems related to manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite panels is to provide a vacuum bag frame assembly for use in the production of fiber-reinforced composite panels, where the vacuum bag frame assembly comprises a tubular center frame, a first vacuum bag frame holding an integrated first vacuum bag and arranged for closing against a first side of the center frame, and a second vacuum bag frame holding a second integrated vacuum bag and arranged for closing against an opposite, second side of the tubular center frame. The tubular center frame is provided with a peripherally arranged vacuum outlet external relative to the space formed between the vacuum bags, and one or more vacuum apertures directed internally relative to the space formed between the first and second vacuum bags and the tubular center frame.

Abstract: A process for bonding a vented hollow component includes placing a preformed component with an aircraft skin on a tool surface, with bonding agent applied between the component and the skin. A vacuum bag is sealed about a vent in the preformed component. The vent may be formed through the vacuum bag and the component, or the vent may be preexisting (i.e., an open end of the preformed component or an aperture through the component). The vacuum bag is sealed to the tool surface with a temporary seal or adhesive, to enclose the preformed component and the skin. A vacuum is applied within the bagging material, to compress the preformed component with the aircraft skin, and the bagged assembly is autoclaved to cure the bonding agent. The vent in the preformed component facilitates pressure equalization within and outside of the component to enhance compression against the aircraft skin.

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 pressure compensating molding system with die faces of thin sheets. A thin die sheet separates a mold cavity from a heating/cooling cavity. A heating system causes a heated fluid to flow through the heating/cooling cavity, thereby preheating the thin sheet. The injection material is forced through a sprue into the mold cavity. Pressure sensors monitor the pressure of the injection material in the mold cavity and in the heating/cooling cavity. A controller varies the pressure in the heating/cooling cavity to equalize a pressure differential across the thin die sheet. A cooling system causes a cooling fluid to flow through the heating/cooling cavity to cool the molded component.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes a support table mounted for rotation within a vacuum chamber. A plurality of hollow part molds is radially disposed about an axis of rotation of the support table. Each part mold has fiber architecture disposed between an inflatable bladder and internal walls of the part mold. A first motor rotates the support table and resin is urged by centrifugal force to flow along the length of each part mold until the fiber architecture is thoroughly impregnated with resin. A second motor spins each part mold about an axis of rotation of the part mold to ensure that the resin migrates radially outwardly relative to the interior wall surface of each part mold. The resulting product is a monolithic, seamless part having no voids.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic structures. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to create features with high aspect ratios in lab cards.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a molded product from a sheet-form raw material blank has first and second mold tools that each respectively include a respective inner core mold and a respective outer edge mold laterally adjacent thereto. Drive elements drive the outer edge molds relative to a machine frame, and drive the inner core molds relative to the outer edge molds. A molding process involves closing the outer edge molds to hold an edge rim of the material blank while allowing slippage thereof, and then closing the inner core molds to three-dimensionally deform and mold a central portion of the material blank while pulling required additional material by slippage through the outer edge molds. A separate slip frame is not used. The edge rim held by the outer edge molds remains as a permanent mounting rim or flange of the finished molded product. Edge waste is minimized.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a mold having a pattern to be transferred to the workpiece, with the pattern including recesses, a first support member for supporting the mold, and a second support member, arranged opposite to the first support member, for supporting the workpiece. A pressing mechanism brings the first and second support members close to each other and presses the mold and the workpiece together so as to transfer, to the workpiece, the pattern on the mold. Recessed portions are provided on at least one of a surface of the mold on the first support member side, a region of the first support member, and a region of the second support member. The recessed portions correspond to recesses in the pattern of the mold.

Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises an upper molding box, a lower mold box, an upper flexible membrane covering an opening of the upper mold box, a lower flexible membrane covering an opening of the lower mold box, a heating system located in the upper mold box, a set of ports located between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane capable of being used to draw a vacuum between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane, and a displacement system located in the lower mold box under the lower flexible membrane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing fiber-reinforced resin parts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin part includes positioning a plurality of fibers on a mold surface of a female tool, and covering the fibers with a sealing layer. The method further includes pressing a portion of the covered fibers against an interior transition region (e.g., an internal radius) of the mold surface. While the portion of covered fibers is pressed against the interior transition region, air is removed from between the sealing layer and the mold surface to draw at least a partial vacuum between the sealing layer and the mold surface.

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: A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a mold having a pattern to be transferred to the workpiece, with the pattern including recesses, a first support member for supporting the mold, and a second support member, arranged opposite to the first support member, for supporting the workpiece. A pressing mechanism brings the first and second support members close to each other and presses the mold and the workpiece together so as to transfer, to the workpiece, the pattern on the mold. Recessed portions are provided on at least one of a surface of the mold on the first support member side, a region of the first support member, and a region of the second support member. The recessed portions correspond to recesses in the pattern of the mold.

Abstract: A mold tool for paper relief engraving provides a mold cavity, a mold plunger and a folder for being detachably fixed with the mold cavity and the mold plunger at the inner sides thereof. The mold cavity and the mold plunger are doubly etched to create pattern nests and pattern projections respectively with smooth fine contours and edges such that the relief engraved paper can be tightly pressed in a way of the flat part of the paper being kept without wrinkles and deformation at the nests and the jut up part of the paper extending sufficiently. Hence, the relief engraved configuration presents outstanding sense of beauty especially for making a greeting card.

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 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: The present invention provides an improved multi-mold apparatus for manufacturing friction members, with each mold composed of a set comprising a first (top) mold, a second (bottom) mold, and a frame mold. The apparatus is capable of correcting any misalignment in the mountings of the plurality of molds and accurately aligning the molds by movably supporting at least one of the first mold, the second mold and the third mold by first, second and frame bases, respectively, so that the base and molds are movable laterally, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advance. Projections are formed on one of the first mold and either the frame mold or the back plate and bonding through-holes are formed on the remaining mold or the back plate, so that the projections engage the holes so as to align the first mold and the frame mold accurately.

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 molding machine (1) may include first and second dies (13, 23) arranged and constructed to be closed and opened, and first and second trimming members (17, 27) arranged and constructed to engage with each other after the first and second dies are closed. When the first and second dies (13, 23) are closed, a resin based sheet material (S?) is pressed so as to form a molded material (S). When the first and second trimming members (17, 27) engage with each other, the molded material (S) is circumferentially trimmed so as to produce a molded article (Sa) and a waste strip (Sb).

Abstract: A method of producing a molded article including the step of inserting an expandable and contractible hollow elastic pressing member (2) inside a hollow molded article placed in a drying mold (8) and feeding a fluid in the elastic pressing member (2) to expand the pressing member (2) thereby to press the molded article toward the inner surface of the drying mold (8), wherein the molded article is pressed onto the inner surface of the drying mold (8) by the elastic member (2) in the expanded state while exchanging the fluid in the elastic pressing member (2).

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: 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 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: 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 method and apparatus for molding thermoformable sheet material is set forth. The method includes the steps of providing a conventional stamp type mold, one section of which provides a compliant mold member which is augmented by diaphragm. The diaphragm coacts with the compliant member during a molding phase to ensure dimensional uniformity in the molded article. Further, tight or detailed areas are easily molded by making use of the compliant and diaphragm members. In a further embodiment, tension adjusting is achieved during molding by a series of discrete tension members. The tension members cooperate with the compliant and diaphragm members to significantly improve dimensional uniformity and prevent wrinkling in the molded article.

Abstract: For producing a structural component of fiber-reinforced material by a resin transfer molding process, a preform unit is inserted in a form tool including upper and lower metal molds enclosing the perform unit therebetween, without a seal between the molds. The preform unit includes a resin-impregnatable and curable preform body of reinforcing fibers, and an envelope that encloses the preform body and includes an envelope sleeve and closures with valves at the two ends thereof. The sealed envelope is evacuated around the preform body through one valve, and resin is injected through the other valve. The envelope prevents resin discharge from the unsealed form tool during resin impregnation of the preform body.

Abstract: A flexible tool that fits over the pressure or concave side of a metallic airfoil that includes a lightweight material component for a gas turbine engine during the fabrication of the airfoil. The metallic fan airfoil includes pockets or cavities that have been machined into the airfoil in order to reduce the weight of the airfoil. The tool is a flexible body manufactured from sheets of composite material and includes an integral elastomeric seal. The tool is placed over the airfoil and forms a seal against the pressure side of the airfoil so that lightweight resin can be injected into the pockets and retained in position during curing. The flexible tool is formed by laying up thin sheets of composite material that includes fiber over a metallic master tool after partially cured elastomeric material is placed inside a marking corresponding to the airfoil perimeter.

Abstract: A double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding process is provided comprising the initial step of providing a double chamber vacuum resin transfer molding apparatus comprising a first mold portion and a second mold portion. The first mold portion and the second mold portion are configured such that, in an engaged state, the first mold portion and the second mold portion define a mold cavity and a brim cavity. The mold cavity is isolated from the brim cavity by a compressible seal. Either or both of the first mold portion and the second mold portion are further configured to define an injection gate in communication with the mold cavity, a mold cavity vacuum port in communication with the mold cavity, and a brim cavity vacuum port in communication with the brim cavity. The first mold portion, the second mold portion, and the compressible seal are arranged such that a decrease in brim cavity pressure below atmospheric pressure causes a corresponding decrease in mold cavity volume.

Abstract: A method of molding composite articles including arranging a pair of matched-tool mold sections in an opposed relationship, each mold section having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber; filling the fluid-tight chambers with a non-compressible backing fluid; and accommodating thermal expansion of the backing fluid by an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid tight chambers. The method further includes defining a mold plenum between the semi-rigid membranes when the mold sections are closed together; inserting reinforcement materials between the semi-rigid membranes prior to closing the mold sections; and injecting and curing a molding fluid after closing the mold sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding composite articles can include a pair of opposed hollow mold sections having first and second molding membranes which define a mold plenum therebetween. Each mold section can be filled with a substantially noncompressible, thermally conductive fluid. The temperature of the mold plenum can be controlled by regulating the temperature of the thermally conductive fluid. Sensing of various parameters during the injection and curing processes of the molding fluid, for example pressure, flowrate, temperature and filling of the plenum can be used to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming sheet articles includes: a) heating a sheet article to be thermoformed; b) inserting the heated sheet article into a pressure vessel having first and second vessel halves, wherein each vessel half includes a liquid chamber and a thin shell configured for forming the sheet article to a desired shape; c) closing the pressure vessels such that the sheet article is captured between the thin shells; and d) providing liquid of equal pressure in each liquid chamber to force the thin shells together to form the sheet article to the desired shape and to draw heat away from the thin shells for cooling the sheet article.

Abstract: A device for expanding rotationally symmetrical shaped parts (16), including a divided expanding mold (1), a pressure die (11) and a pressurizing means (14), wherein a mold cavity (9) of the expanding mold (1) is defined in axial directions by continuous end faces (20,21) of two spaced annular molds (17,18) and in radial direction by an inner peripheral surface of two mold halves (2,3).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite structure such as an aircraft radome includes preparing seamless female support mold/caul plate tooling, and seamless male support mold/vacuum bag tooling. An uncured composite structure is collated on the external surface of the male support mold/vacuum bag tooling, and then transferred to the female support mold/caul plate tooling for curing. The female support mold/caul plate tooling defines the outer surface of the final composite structure, permitting the outer surface of be smooth and of an aerodynamic shape.

Abstract: A blow down hydroforming apparatus for sheet material incorporates an hydraulically inflatable seal disposed between a platen and a table in circumscribing relationship with a cavity formed in the platen to maintain the pressure of gas in the cavity during forming of the sheet material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a resin transfer molding apparatus including a female mold member having a rigid surface including a main surface portion, and a recessed surface portion extending inwardly from and bordered by the main portion to define a recessed area, and a male mold member including a structure which is adapted to be drawn into close association with the rigid surface of the female mold member in response to the application of vacuum therebetween and which includes a member which is at least partially flexible and which includes an inner surface located, during the application of vacuum, in relatively adjacent opposing relation to the main surface portion of the female mold member and in relatively spaced relation to the recessed surface portion, and a segment which is relatively rigid, which has a shape conforming to the recessed area, which is fixedly bonded to the inside surface of the member, and which is located, during the application of vacuum, in relatively adjacent opposing relation to the rec

Abstract: In order to produce multilayer structures of composite materials by draping recut elementary layers on a shaping mold, an installation is proposed which comprises, apart from the mold, a gripping tool which can e.g. be fitted on the articulated arm of a robot. The shaping mold comprises a flexible membrane equipped with suction cups ensuring the gripping of the elementary precut layers. A vacuum circuit makes it possible to engage the membrane on a countermold placed behind the latter in order to shape the grasped elementary layer. When the tool is brought onto the mold, a pressure source acts on the membrane in order to compact the elementary later on the mold. A suction system keeps the layer on the mold following the release of the suction by the cups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of molding articles from composite materials are dlosed in which a stack of prepregs are placed on a first forming surface of a former, which forming surface has a surface configuration matching that of one side of the composite article, placing a semi-rigid molding shelf onto the former such that a second forming surface of the molding shell, which matches the surface configuration of an opposite side of the composite article, bears against the stack of prepregs and urging the molding shell towards the former, thereby compressing the plies of prepregs by drawing a vacuum between an impermeable membrane covering the molding shell and the former. The assembly of the former, the molding shell, the stack of prepregs and the impermeable membrane are placed in an autoclave such that it may be heated while the vacuum is drawn between the membrane and the former to compress the stack of plies of prepregs.

Abstract: A ceramic laminate, which is obtained by stacking ceramic green sheets provided with conductor films distributed on central portions along surface directions thereof, is charged in a die assembly. The die assembly includes an upper punch for pressing a first major surface of the ceramic laminate, a frame which encloses peripheries of the upper punch and the ceramic laminate, and a base plate for pressing a second major surface of the ceramic laminate in a manner opposite to the upper punch. In order to prevent the conductor films from undergoing misregistration toward peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate due to flowing of ceramic caused by a pressure difference between the portions provided with the conductor films and those not provided with conductor films, the upper punch is divided into an outer peripheral portion which comes into contact with the peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate and a body portion which comes into contact with its central portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of molding articles from composite materials are disclosed in which a stack of prepregs are placed on a first forming surface of a former, which forming surface has a surface configuration matching that of one side of the composite article, placing a semi-rigid molding shelf onto the former such that a second forming surface of the molding shell, which matches the surface configuration of an opposite side of the composite article, bears against the stack of prepregs and urging the molding shell towards the former, thereby compressing the plies of prepregs by drawing a vacuum between an impermeable membrane covering the molding shell and the former. The assembly of the former, the molding shell, the stack of prepregs and the impermeable membrane are placed in an autoclave such that it may be heated while the vacuum is drawn between the membrane and the former to compress the stack of plies of prepregs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron sponge briquetting press having two opposite rollers. The rollers consist of a roller base body and a coating affixed thereto, in which the moulding recesses for shaping the briquettes are formed. In order to provide less expensive roller coatings as compared with the segments used formerly as coating, which have moreover longer service lives, the invention provides that the coating is produced as a closed ring from a chromium nickel molybdenum steel and is held in press fit on the roller base body. Open grooves are produced in the sleeve surface of the roller base body or on the inner side of the ring as cooling ducts, their open sides being covered by the inner side of the ring or the sleeve surface of the base body in the assembled condition of the rollers.

Abstract: A method of shaping, forming, consolidating and co-consolidating a workpiece of layers of thermoplastic or thermosetting composite material into a final composite product. The associated apparatus includes upper and lower sheets of Kapton, Upilex or equivalent film which are positioned between upper and lower supports, respectively, in facing relationship and adapted to receive therebetween a workpiece to be shaped and formed. Means are provided for applying high heat to opposite sides of the supports, the sheets and the workpiece. Means are also provided for applying high pressure to the upper sheet, a diaphragm, and one side of the workpiece and for applying vacuum pressure to the other sheet and the other side of the workpiece for shaping and forming the workpiece into the final composite product.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for rapidly laying up and curing thick complex shaped resin matrix composites connected to a rotatable and alterable male mold to wrap a plurality of continuous and intermittent layers of uncured laminate around the male mold when said mold is in a closed position; moving the male mold into a female mold and thereafter severing all layers on the male mold and articulate the male mold to an open position which shapes the upper regions of the composite and thereafter transferring the resin matrix composite to a female mold which shapes the composite in a desired configuration and thereafter heat cures the composite lay-up while being subjected to a vacuum. A second embodiment of the invention uses a non-rotatable male mold.