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 folding tool onto which one places a fortune cookie crepe and a fortune ticket, while the crepe is still soft and pliable, which one then bends at hinges of the tool in a specific sequence, to cause the folding of the crepe around the fortune ticket and into a traditional fortune cookie shape before the crepe begins to permanently harden into its thus-formed shape.

Abstract: A molding manufacturing method includes: preparing a molding body including a molding main body made of thermoplastic material and a decorative layer higher than the molding main body in hardness and melt temperature; setting the molding body in a fixed die; heating and softening an end portion of the molding body while maintaining the decorative layer softer than the molding main body, by irradiating an infrared ray onto a back surface of the molding main body corresponding to the end portion; and press forming the end portion of the molding body by applying a movable punch onto the fixed die while the end portion of the molding body is in a softened state to bend the end portion of the molding body to obtain an end cover portion having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: Gypsum boards are bent to curved shape by placing a water dampened flat rectangular gypsum board upon a resiliently bendable panel positioned below a bender shell having a wall of arcuate cylindric contour which grips a margin of the gypsum board, and rolling the bender shell upon the gripped board to produce bending. A circular cylindrical weight rolls within the bender shell to apply compressive force upon the gypsum board during the bending process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for vulcanizing rubber, particularly for vulcanizing the ends of endless rubber belts. The apparatus disclosed herein is a lightweight and portable steam heated vulcanization apparatus which comprises upper and lower platens comprising hollow bodies having a rigid outer wall and a flexible inner wall and adapted to receive steam therein and transmit heat and pressure to a rubber belt placed between the flexible inner walls of the platens. A steam source is connected to the platens for delivery of steam and a plurality of connecting bolts pass through apertures in the platens and the belt material therebetween to align the platens and secure them together so as to apply pressure to the belt in combination with heat for optimal vulcanization.

Abstract: A valve mold for a prosthetic valved conduit includes two thin film transparent plastic templates having the molding shape of the valve to sandwich biological tissue membrane to form the valve. In another embodiment, a valve mold template has a 3-dimensional geometry which, when folded and sutured to form a close-loop, resembles the geometry of a native aortic valve. The attachment side of a template designed in accordance with the principles of the invention may have a slightly undulating edge, according to one embodiment.

Abstract: A tool set comprising: a moulding tool comprising a moulding surface and a mandrel recess in the moulding surface; a first mandrel configured to fit into the mandrel recess and form a first component; and a second mandrel configured to fit into the mandrel recess and form a second component which has a different shape or size to the first component. A method of manufacturing a part, the method comprising: arranging a set of components on one or more inner mould line tools; forming a layer around the inner mould line tool(s); fitting a pair of outer mould line tools on opposite sides of the inner mould line tool(s); moulding the part by compressing the layer and the components between the inner and outer mould line tools; and removing the inner mould line tool(s) from the part.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus and method employ an effective pressure in imprint lithography. The imprint apparatus includes a compressible chamber that encloses an imprint mold having a mold pattern and a sample to be imprinted. The chamber is compressed to imprint the mold pattern on the sample. The mold is pressed against the sample with the effective pressure. The effective pressure is controlled by a selected ratio of a cavity area of the chamber to a contact area between the mold and the sample.

Abstract: Extruding radiused plastic articles with an extruding machine terminating in die defining a path of travel between upstream and downstream ends. The die has an outlet opening extending longitudinally in the direction of the path of travel, the opening oriented so a polymeric material is extruded therefrom in a direction approximately perpendicular to the path of travel through the die. Oppositely rotating rollers of tapered diameters are disposed side by side to receive the extrudate therebetween, the rollers arranged so their longitudinal axes intersect and their smaller diameters are oriented towards the downstream end of the die. Extrudate passing through the opening is characterized by a higher flow rate proximate the upstream end thereof to thereby form a radiused extrusion. The rollers draw the extrudate from the die outlet opening without significantly altering the radiused shape of the fluid plastic material.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods include a mold assembly having a malleable mold (4), a moldable blank (2) and a bladder (1) positioned about the moldable blank (2) to transmit an external force applied to the mold assembly uniformly to the moldable blank (2) and hence to the malleable mold (4). The invention further includes a method of replicating a surface by use of the mold assembly. The method may include manipulating the malleable mold (4) to record the image to be replicated. This manipulation may include a physical engagement of the mold with a physical surface to be replicated. Alternatively, an image, e.g., photograph or laser scan of the surface may be transmitted to a computer numerically controlled (“CNC”) system. The CNC system then manipulates the malleable mold (4) to reflect the surface to be replicated. An activated moldable blank, e.g., a blank (2) fabricated from a thermo-forming material, is then positioned over the malleable mold.

Abstract: A heated, segmented pressware die set for making pressware containers from a paperboard blank includes a plurality of guide keys mounted between at least one of an inner member of a punch or die and an outer ring which reciprocates independently. Each guide key extends in an outward direction from the central axis of the die set. The guide keys are positioned, configured and dimensioned to engage the outer ring in order to limit rotation of the outer ring with respect to the inner member of the punch or die. In a preferred construction, the guide keys have radially extending planar surfaces which cooperate with guide channels having like surfaces such that clearances necessary to accommodate thermal expansion are reduced, greatly increasing durability of the tool.

Abstract: A hot press mold for a MEA of fuel cell is provided. The hot press mold includes: a first mold including a first alignment part; a second mold including a second alignment part, being piled up a first electrode, a film, and a second electrode on it, whereby the first and second alignment parts join together to pile the first electrode, the film, and the second electrode between the first and second mold; and a lock loop secures the edge of the first and second mold to fix the first and second mold.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dough processing apparatus capable of not only stably thinning and shaping dough, such as a pizza dough, and so forth, into a thin sheet-like shape, but also coping with dough in a wide variety of shapes with ease. A rounded dough f obtained by portioning out dough to a predetermined quantity is transferred toward under a first beating mechanism, and a second beating mechanism by a belt conveyor. The first beating mechanism, and the second beating mechanism make the vertical movement, alternately, whereupon the dough f is pressed under pressure to be thereby thinned. The dough f after thinned is then transferred by the belt conveyor to be delivered to a dough-shaping apparatus. The dough f is transferred by a belt conveyor to be surrounded by a horizontal die. The dough f as surrounded by the horizontal die is pushed down from above by a rotator provided with a plurality of push-rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoforming machine including: a frame; a first plate and a second plate for receiving form sections, wherein at least one of the plates is adjustable relative to the frame; drive means for adjusting the plates relative to each other; and a pulling mechanism for pulling the second plate in the direction of the first plate, wherein the pulling mechanism includes at least one pulling device mounted to one of the plates, the pulling device including a pulling rod, which can be clamped by a friction locked coupling with an associated clamping device, mounted at the other one of the plates, when adjusting the first and second plates relative to each other.

Abstract: A die for producing wide, flat, plastic-based structures including a base and a cover. The die includes a plurality of ducts for feeding molten plastic, opening into a distribution channel, and a longitudinal outflow slot for outputting the molten plastic in a form of a substantially flat structure. The distribution channel and the outflow slot communicate via a plurality of distributors of generally triangular section having a downstream apex, near to which a feed duct emerges, and two upstream apexes forming intersections of the distribution channel and of the outflow slot, each feed duct being fed with molten plastic via an upstream orifice of the die that is specific thereto.

Abstract: A film profile forming device includes a supporting table, a screw coupled to the supporting table in a perpendicular direction, a motor arranged on an end of the screw for rotating the screw, a guiding base having a screw hole engaged with the screw being driven by the screw for dispersing force and moving in the perpendicular direction, a lower base fixed under the supporting table, and a upper base glidingly arranged between the supporting table and the lower base. The upper base is brought by the guiding base and moves to and fro in the perpendicular direction to close or away from the lower base.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for simultaneously forming a surface texturing pattern (embossed pattern) on the surface of an FRP product when manufacturing the FRP product by hot-pressing a prepreg material. A prepreg material 2 is a woven sheet formed by weaving a weft 10 and a warp 20 which is impregnated with thermosetting resin 40. A release film laminate 100 formed by sandwiching an adhesive film 130 between release films 110 and 120 is placed on a surface to be provided with surface texturing, before subjecting the same to hot-pressing. The softening temperature of the adhesive film 130 is close to the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin 40, so as to allow the thermosetting resin 40 to be pushed into the space between hard FRP fibers during hot-pressing and to form the surface texturing pattern on the surface of the member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming elongated composite structural members with a desired cross-sectional geometry as taken transverse to the length of the member. An apparatus may include a base with a substantially elongated mandrel mounted thereon. One or more rollers configured to at least partially complementarily engage the mandrel are configured to roll over and press one or more plies of composite material onto the mandrel. The mandrel may be disposed on a rotary table and configured to exhibit a curved elongated geometry to form at least partially curved or arcuate elongated members. The present invention enables the formation of elongated structural members from resin impregnated materials while maintaining the materials in a substantially uncured state. The formed members may then be cocured with a skin or other composite structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure, and a method and device for producing the structure, where the structure has pressure resistant characteristics despite its voluminous and elastic nature and has higher resistance to surface wear and mechanical dimensional stability than a foamed polyethylene sheet. The three-dimensional structure is characterized in that a resin sheet has needle-like projections on its both faces, each projection has a height (H) of 3 mm or more, the height (H) and a width (W) of the projection at the height of H/2 has a relationship of H?2.5 W, the projection has a hole in its tip, and the projections are joined to a sheet-like object at their tops.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a template that features a control surface extending from a periphery of a mold toward a recessed surface of the template forming an oblique angle between a portion of the control surface disposed proximate to the periphery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a sheet of polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. A forming mold is provided having halves that engage for forming a heated sheet therebetween. Each of the halves defines an interior cavity having a peripheral edge. The sheet is retained between the peripheral edges of the halves and a vacuum is generated within one of the cavities for drawing the sheet therein, whereby a sensing mechanism detects a draw depth for initiating a cooling mechanism to cool the sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the material. A series of retention mechanisms are provided about the peripheral edge of one of the halves, for biasing the sheet into engagement with the peripheral edge of the opposing half. A trimming mechanism is further provided for trimming the perimeter of the sheet to a desired form.

Abstract: A section of a foil is sandwiched between an upper die and a first lower die and heat deformed into a cavity of the first lower die while simultaneously synchronously displacing the upper die, the first lower die, and the foil downstream. Then the upper die is raised and recirculated back upstream while cooling the section of foil in the cavity of the first lower die and displacing the lower die with the section of the foil downstream. Another section of the foil is sandwiched between the upper die and a second lower die and heat deformed into a cavity of the second lower die while simultaneously synchronously displacing the upper die, the second lower die, and the foil downstream. The first lower die is disengaged from the foil in the downstream station and recirculated back upstream to the upstream station. These steps are then repeated.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine includes an upper frame (10) and a lower frame (40). The upper frame includes a top bracket (20) and a bottom bracket (30). The top bracket has a driving mechanism and a screw post (272) therein. The bottom bracket has an upper base plate (32) and a lower base plate (36) disposed with a distance therebetween. The upper base plate has a top forming plate (324) thereon. The lower base plate has a lower forming plate (362) thereon corresponding to the upper mold plate. One end of the screw post is fixed to the upper base plate, and the other end of the screw post is connected with the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving the screw post to bring the upper base plate moving toward or away the lower base plate.

Abstract: The upper block 12 contacts the bearing block 20, and the bearing block 20 is coupled to the upper plate 21. The upper block 12 has a protruding part 22 on the upper surface that is worked into a convex surface with a radius of R1, and the bearing block 20 has a recessed part 23 in the undersurface that is worked into a concave surface with a radius of R2 (R2>R1). As a result of such a construction being used, the pressing surface of the upper pressing plate 15 always conforms to the surface of the quartz crystal substrate 11 during pressing, so that a uniform load is applied to the quartz crystal substrate 11. As a result, the surface of the quartz crystal can be uniformly pressed in the hot pressing method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming patterns and structures in target materials are described. The method produces a pattern or structure in a target material by contacting a stamp including one or more features with a target material using a normal load sufficient for keeping the one or more features in contact with the target material, and providing a cyclic shear force in an amount sufficient to extrude the target material and form a negative relief of the one more features in the target material. The systems and methods can be used to produce a variety of articles including, but not limited to, semiconductor integrated electrical circuits, integrated optical, magnetic, mechanical circuits and microdevices.

Abstract: In the case of a thermoforming system, it is provided, for the purpose of changing over the moulds (11, 12) in a station (1) of this system, that one (4) of the two transporting devices (3, 4), for transporting the sheet (7) from one station to the other, can be displaced in the direction of the other transporting device (3), transversely to the conveying direction, in order to create space on one side of the lifting tables (9, 10) so that it is possible for the mould block (11, 12) to be moved out of the station onto a mould-changing arm (13) and, from there, onto a mould-changing carriage (15).

Abstract: An exemplary mold for molding lenses includes an upper mold core, a lower mold core, and a shell. The upper mold core has a first convex molding surface. The lower mold core has a second convex molding surface opposite to the first convex molding surface. The shell has an upper portion and a lower portion for respectively accommodating the upper mold core and the lower mold core therein. The shell has an inner step support formed between the upper portion and the lower portion.

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: An assembly device includes: a push-in unit provided in a vertically movable tool base to push a ceramic catalyst carrier together with a support mat into a recession of a shaping die; a first and second pressing units for pressing both end portions of the mat from side faces to curve them along an arc-shaped upper surface of the carrier; pressure rollers provided at the both pressing units to press the both end portions toward the carrier; a tape presser in the push-in unit for pressing an adhesive tape to an upper surfaces of engagement portions of the depression and projection in a gap formed between the both rollers and operating with the push-in unit in pushing the carrier and mat into the recession of the shaping die; and a push-up unit provided on a bottom of the recession to push up the carrier and mat.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a carrier tape by heating the tape at a heating portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a molding portion while a long sheet of the tape made of a thermoplastic resin is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer, the apparatus comprising a temperature-maintaining portion having a length approximately corresponding to one pitch disposed between the heating portion and the molding portion; and a process for producing a carrier tape using the apparatus, the process comprising heating the tape at a heating portion, maintaining a temperature of the heated tape at a temperature-maintaining portion and embossing the tape by heat molding at a heat molding portion while a long sheet of the tape is intermittently transferred by pitch transfer. The length of the rib portion connecting embossed portions is decreased by contriving the heating method of the tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moulding assembly to form at least one protective cap for a device. The moulding assembly includes a first mould wafer including at least one first recess and a second mould wafer including at least one pair of second recesses. The second mould wafer is able to be positioned relative to the first mould wafer so that each first recess is in register with a corresponding pair of second recesses. In use, thermosplastic material is located between the first and second mould wafers; the first and second mould wafers are positioned relative to one another so that each first recess is in register with a corresponding pair of second. recesses; the thermoplastic material is heated; and the first and second mould wafers are pressed together so that heated thermosplastic material enters the first and second recesses. Each first recess and corresponding second pair of recesses thereby combine to define a mould chamber in which a respective cap is formed.

Abstract: A feed shoe having at least one feed chamber with an open bottom portion and an open front portion whereat a gate is provided. The gate can be vertically adjustable and can have a lower edge defining a leading edge of the feed chamber, wherein the leading edge can have a flat, serrated, or rounded profile depending upon the type of feed material used. The gate, or a separate main gate adjacent the gate, can have a flat, curved, or V-shaped inner surface facing the feed chamber, wherein a lower portion of the inner surface can have a stepped profile which shears the material in the feed chamber in separate planes. The feed shoe can further include an attachment portion adapted for adjustably retaining an end of at least one material feed delivery member in communication with said at least one feed chamber.

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes a leadframe, a die, upper and lower body segments encapsulating the die, and dummy segments on the leadframe. The dummy segments are configured to vent trapped air in a molding compound during molding of the body segments, such that corners of the body segments do not include the trapped air.

Abstract: To provide a glass molding die which is more excellent in durability than the conventional ones. A glass molding die 10 includes a base body 12, an Au layer 14 which is laminated on a surface of the base body 12, and an Rh layer 16 which is laminated on a surface of the Au layer 14. On a surface of the Rh layer 16, an Ir-containing layer may be further laminated. The Au layer 14 functions as a bonding layer, the Rh layer 16 functions as an anti diffusion layer, and the Ir-containing layer functions as a mold releasing layer. The Au layer 14, the Rh layer 16, and the Ir-containing layer are preferably formed by plating.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming elongated composite structural members with a desired cross-sectional geometry as taken transverse to the length of the member. The apparatus may include a base with a substantially elongated mandrel mounted thereon. One or more rollers configured to at least partially complementarily engage the mandrel are configured to roll over and press a plurality of plies of composite material onto the mandrel. The rollers may be configured to form intermediate structures which partially conform to the geometry of the mandrel prior to forming the final structure, which substantially completely conforms to the geometry of the mandrel. The rollers serve to both form and debulk the structure. The present invention enables the formation of elongated structural members from resin-impregnated materials while maintaining the materials in a substantially uncured state. The formed members may then be cocured with a skin or other composite structure.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a hobbyist-useable apparatus and method for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments having a casing includes a heater unit and a shaper unit. The heater unit includes a heat source, and a heating compartment having an opening for inserting and removing the writing instrument casing. The heat source provides heat to the heating compartment. The shaper unit includes a platform having an elongated slot, an exterior mold assembly attachable to the platform and moveable in the elongated slot; an exterior shaping surface coupled to the exterior mold assembly; and an interior mold insert having an interior shaping surface. The interior mold insert is attachable to the platform such that the movement of the exterior mold assembly in the elongated slot moves the exterior shaping surface towards and away from the interior shaping surface.

Abstract: A tooling system in a press for forming a product from a blank of material disposed between a punch assembly and a die assembly and a method of using the same. The tooling system comprises a knockout and a bushing. The knockout further comprises a shaft having opposed ends, a plate fixed to one opposed end, and a tapered portion. The bushing is supported by one of the punch and die assemblies and defines a lumen configured to slidably receive the shaft for axial movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The lumen has a tapered receiving section at one end thereof configured to mate with the tapered portion of the knockout when the shaft is in the extended position.

Abstract: A tube bending fixture having a frame. An upper and lower tube support are both pivotally mounted to the frame between a first and second pivotal position. A bar is slidably mounted to the upper tube support and movable between an extended and a retracted position. At least one lower mandrel is mounted to the lower tube support and is dimensioned to fit within one end of a tube to be bent. At least one upper mandrel is mounted to the slidable bar, and the upper and lower mandrels are aligned with each other when the upper and lower tube supports are in their first pivotal position. The upper mandrel is dimensioned to fit within the second end of the tube to be bent when the bar is in its extended position. A former is secured to the frame and includes a channel which engages a midportion of the tube and conforms to the desired shape of the tube when the first and second tube supports are in their second pivotal position.

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: The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a laminate comprising a core of a compressed metal powder mixed with a foaming agent between two metal layers, comprising the successive steps of providing two metal strips and a stock of powder comprising a metal powder mixed with a foaming agent; applying a layer of the powder between the two metal strips; feeding the metal strips, with the powder between them, to a rolling mill; rolling the two strips with the powder between them to form a laminate of compressed powder between two metal layers. The invention also relates to an associated device and to the product formed using the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachment (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.

Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.

Abstract: A manually operated dough press comprising a frame with a base and a housing. A shaft mounted for reciprocating motion extends from an opening in the housing and an upper platen is attached to the lower end of the shaft. A pair of lower platens are pivotally mounted to the base so that they can be alternately aligned with the upper platen. A drive mechanism moves the shaft between an open position where the upper platen is spaced from the aligned lower platen and a closed position where dough on the aligned lower platen is compressed between the upper and lower platens. The drive mechanism includes a mechanism for latching the upper platen in the closed position.

Abstract: An annular mold for curing an annular ring tread is disclosed. The annular mold has a plurality of radially movable and outwardly expandable inner segments for forming the inner surface of the tread and a plurality of radially movable and inwardly contracting outer segments for forming the tread outer surface. The radially outer segments are parallelograms. Each outer segment when in a closed molding position spans across one full radially inner segment and portions of two adjacent inner segments. The radially outer segments have inclined laterally extending edges relative to the axial direction of the mold while the circumferentially extending axially outer edges are perpendicular to the axial direction of the mold. The inclined laterally extending edges are inclined at least 5°, preferably about 10° relative to the axial direction. In the preferred embodiment the mold has 12 outer segments, each segment being of an arc length of about 30°.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.

Abstract: A manually operated dough press comprising a frame with a base and a housing, an upper platen having a working surface, and a lower platen attached to the base and having a working surface opposed to, substantially parallel to, and spaced from the upper platen working surface. The upper platen is attached to the lower end of a shaft that extends from the housing and mounted for reciprocating motion. A pair of mated interlocking components, one attached to the shaft and one attached to the housing, provide stability for vertical reciprocation. The drive mechanism includes a rod fixed perpendicularly to the shaft interlocking component, a pair of cam with spiral slots within which the ends of the rod ride, and an axle to which the cams are mounted and driven by a handle that rotates the cams to raise and lower the upper platen. Counterbalance for the upper platen/shaft is provided by a torsion bar assembly.

Abstract: A system for minimizing platen drive shaft flex in a thermoforming press employed in a thermoforming process is provided. The thermoformer press molds plastic sheets into finished articles. The system minimizes rotational vibrations in a platen drive shaft that actuates the thermal press. Reenforcing plates, or doubler plates, are added as auxiliary frame members, to reduce flex in the platen drive shaft. The doubler plates support the drive shaft along the length of the shaft. The doubler plates include bearings positioned proximate to linkages. The linkages interconnect the drive shaft and the platens. The doubler plates are preferably positioned proximate to the linkages, on the drive shaft and opposite frame bearings. The system can include yoked pivots to support both sides of bearings in the linkages between the drive shaft and the platen. The yoked supports evenly transmit forces between the platen drive shaft to the platens.

Abstract: A receptor medium with a sheet having an optically transmissive microembossed imaging surface as one major surface thereof. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, biological fluids, chemical assay reagents, particulate dispersions, waxes, and combinations thereof. The microembossed medium unexpectedly solves such common inkjet printing problems as feathering, banding, and mudcracking in inkjet printing systems by controlling how an inkjet drop contacts and dries on an inkjet receptor medium and also Moire' effects but also provides sufficient optical transmissivity to be useful as overhead transparency media, backlit signage, and the like. Clear lines of demarcation between adjoining colors of a pigmented inkjet image graphic can be obtained without creation of the Moire' effects. Methods of making and using the inkjet receptor medium are also disclosed.