Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending a substantially rigid substrate (22) having first and second portions (28, 30) interconnected by a bend region (32). The apparatus comprises first and second heated die members (60, 80). The first heated die member (60) has a longitudinal body portion (62) and an outer edge portion (64) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (62) and is substantially rounded. The second heated die member (80) has a longitudinal body portion (82) and a groove (84) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (82). The first and second heated die members (60, 80) are configured to contact the substrate (22) and are capable of bending the substrate (22) in the bend region (32) when the outer edge portion (64) of the first heated die member (60) slides into the groove (84) of the second heated die member (80). There is also a method for bending the substantially rigid substrate (22).

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 thermoforming machine includes a loading station configured to load a thermoplastic billet onto a frame. The frame has an outer ring and a billet support blade defining a channel therebetween. The billet support blade engages the billet to maintain the billet on the frame during heating of the billet. A heating apparatus is configured to heat the billet and a forming station is configured to form the billet into a container.

Abstract: A stamper/imprinter for use in performing thermal imprint lithography of a substrate/workpiece surface to form a pattern of features in first portions of the surface intended to receive the pattern, without incurring random formation of undesired, disordered features in second portions of the substrate/workpiece surface not intended to receive the pattern, comprising an imprinting surface configured to substantially prevent formation of gaps between the imprinting surface and the second portions of the surface during stamping/imprinting. Embodiments include stampers/imprinters with a multilevel imprinting surface comprises a first portion having a first level for forming the pattern of features in the first portions of the surface and a second portion having a second level for substantially preventing formation of gaps between the imprinting surface and the second portions of the surface during stamping/imprinting.

Abstract: A dough press machine is provided for flattening a quantity of dough. The dough press machine includes a cabinet having an upper platen and a lower platen and an extendable and retractable mechanism interposed between at least one of the platens and the cabinet to decrease and increase a space between the upper and lower platens. A sheet is interposed between the upper and lower platens and arranged such that the upper and lower platens will sandwich the sheet therebetween as the space between the platens decreases. The sheet is movable from between said platens to provide access to the sheet while being held in a horizontal orientation. A support structure extends between an upper and lower portion of the cabinet to interconnect such portions around a circumference of the platens such that no non-interconnected portion exceeds an angular extent of 165°.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive film (14) and circuit elements (16) are superimposed and disposed on a substrate (10). An isotropic pressing operation is performed by a pressing mold having a flexible layer (22) on the surface to be brought into contact with the circuit elements, and simultaneously heating is performed to bond the circuit elements onto the substrate. Since the flexible layer absorbs differences in thickness of the circuit elements, the plurality of circuit elements can be pressed simultaneously. Further, since the plurality of circuit elements are simultaneously heated, it is unnecessary to consider an influence of heat on unheated adjacent circuit elements in a case where the elements are heated one by one. The isotropic pressing makes it possible to prevent the anisotropic conductive film from protruding sideways. As a result, spaces between the circuit elements can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for folding plastic injection molded parts after the parts have been molded and while the parts are still on the mold core half. The mechanism consists of a mold core half having one or more mold cores. The mold core half has a finger movably mounted adjacent the mold core half and movable along a predetermined path between a first position wherein the finger is clear of the mold core and a second position wherein the finger bears against the part on the mold core so as to fold the part. The invention also includes a drive (either electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic) for driving the finger between its first and second positions. The present invention also consists of a method of in-mold folding of a foldable plastic part. The method consists of projecting a finger across a face of the mold core half and towards the plastic part sitting on the mold core such that the finger engages a lower edge of a first portion of the plastic part.

Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.

Abstract: An apparatus that receives packaging containers and a mixture of powdered chemicals and compresses the powder into the containers at a pressure sufficient to form a solid of the powder yet not so high as to rupture the container. The apparatus is computer controlled and fully automated. The apparatus mixes a batch of chemicals in powder form, apportions a quantity of the mixture into the container and compresses it into a solid. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a mold instead of the container for receiving the mixture portion, presses the portion into the mold and then the mold is rotated in a vertical plane to discharge the molded portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the use of a remotely actuated localized pressure and heat apparatus for the consolidation and curing of fiber elements in, structures. The apparatus includes members for clamping the desired portion of the fiber elements to be joined, pressure members and/or heat members. The method is directed to the application and use of the apparatus.

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: A dough shell mold for use with a dough press having lower and upper platens with opposed working surfaces. The shell mold has a hub integral with or secured to the lower platen and a ring resting on the lower platen with a hole that mates with the hub. The ring includes an annular groove adjacent to the ring perimeter for producing a raised rim on the shell. In a second embodiment, the ring may have an inner ring mating with the hub and an outer ring around the inner ring. The junction of the rings is the annular groove. Another aspect of the present invention is a notch in the shell mold surface between the mold perimeter and annular groove. A spatula is inserted through the notch between the dough and upper platen to put downward pressure on the dough in order to prevent the dough from shrinking after the upper platen is raised.

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 rack on the shaft interlocking component, a mating pinion fixed to an axle that is part of a handle that an operator uses to raise and lower the upper platen. Counterbalance for the upper platen/shaft is provided by a torsion spring assembly.

Abstract: A heat pressing die set for forming embossed designs on garments includes a male and a female die seat on which a silicon and a metal die are respectively supported. The silicon and the metal die are cut according to given designs to form complementary male and female die surfaces. Continuous flat belt zones of a predetermined width are separately provided on the silicon and the metal die corresponding to perimeters of the given designs. When an area of a garment is clamped and heat-pressed between the silicon and metal dies, the given designs are embossed on the garment and surrounded by heat-pressed belts, which visually highlight the embossed designs while protect non-embossed areas on the garment against undesired pull and stretch to therefore upgrade the quality of the embossed designs.

Abstract: A pressure thermoforming machine comprises a lower bracket having a molding half moveably supported thereon. An upper bracket is securely connected to the lower bracket. An upper molding half is moveably supported thereon. Driving blocks are moveably and oppositely mounted on the lower bracket. Each driving block includes an inclined surface and the driving blocks are moveably interconnected such that the driving blocks move toward and away from each other simultaneously. Rollers are mounted on the lower molding half with respect to the inclined surface of the driving block such that the lower molding half moves upward when the driving blocks move toward each other, and lower downward when the driving blocks move away from each other.

Abstract: A device for shape-forming at least one recess in a film-type material features a die with at least one opening, at least one shaping stem that can be introduced into the opening to create the recess by shape-forming, and a clamping facility for holding the film-type material fast between the clamping facility and the die. Counter-stems which are displaceable at least within the die openings are situated in the die, whereby shape-forming regions of the shape forming stems and the counter-stems for clamping the film-shaped material are, at least in part, superimposed on each other.

Abstract: A rubber track T has a plurality of guide lugs 50 arranged in two rows, one row being on each lateral edge. The guide lugs 50 of the first row are circumferentially offset from the guide lugs 50 of the second row. The track T is molded on an axially separating mold core D that is designed to form the radially inner guide lugs 50 without requiring a radially collapsible core.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a dome-shaped sealing element for a vaginal speculum from an annular workpiece (37) of closed cell polyethylene foam sheet material comprising a mould (28) defining an open ended cavity having a circular cross-sectional shape smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of the workpiece, a loading station (32) wherein said workpiece may be applied to the mould to rest on the mould to cover a mouth of said cavity, an insertion station (33) wherein a plunger with a convex head forces the workpiece into said cavity so as to cause the workpiece to adopt a domed shape with a concave side directed towards the mouth of the cavity, a heating station (34) wherein radiant heating means heat the concave side of the workpiece in the mould cavity to soften a surface layer thereof, a cooling station (35) wherein the said surface layer is allowed to cool in the mould cavity, and an unloading station (36) wherein a plunger with a concave head pushes the shaped workpiece from the cavity, conveyor means t

Abstract: A dough shell mold for use with a dough press having lower and upper platens with opposed working surfaces. The shell mold has a hub integral with or secured to the lower platen and a ring resting on the lower platen with a hole that mates with the hub. The ring includes an annular groove adjacent to the ring perimeter for producing a raised rim on the shell. In a second embodiment, the ring may have an inner ring mating with the hub and an outer ring around the inner ring. The junction of the rings is the annular groove. Another aspect of the present invention is a notch in the shell mold surface between the mold perimeter and annular groove. A spatula is inserted through the notch between the dough and upper platen to put downward pressure on the dough in order to prevent the dough from shrinking after the upper platen is raised.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: A sheet used as a spacer layer is made of photo-curing organic material and thermoplastic organic material, a stamper is pressed on the sheet, and light irradiating is performed after the stamper is stripped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool, and method of its use, that puts a pair of bevels onto an edge of a printed circuit board (PCB) so that the PCB can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer. The tool has a bevel wheel, preferably with a bilaterally symmetrical angle channel shape, that is connected to a carriage. The bevel wheel rolls along the carriage while the bevel wheel is pressed onto the edge of the PCB so as to form the pair of bevels on the edge of the PCB. No material is removed from the PCB while forming the pair of bevels. The bevel wheel is forced upon the edge using a piston that monitors and regulates the pressure applied to the edge of the PCB in order to achieve a preferred height and angular orientation of the pair of bevels.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming and performing a second operation on containers, such as plastic containers. The apparatus comprises modular container processing stations. One modular station is a pretrim station including a starwheel, blade, and rollers for spinning the containers. Another modular station is a trimming station which includes a plurality of trim heads for precisely trimming containers. The trim heads include a C-knife, an inner knife, and a neck control ring assembly. Another modular station is a second station including a plurality of second station heads. The second station heads contact a trimmed container as the container is continuously spun. The integrated apparatus also includes a carousel which conveys the containers from station to station and includes a number of spindles which may spin the containers during processing. The apparatus may also include a scrap removal assembly which collects scrap rings and blows them away to a scrap collector.

Abstract: A core board forming apparatus includes a feeding apparatus for sensing and dispensing tubular cores at predetermined dispensing positions. A compression apparatus receives and detects the tubular cores and flattens and secure at least two flattened tubular cores together. A controller unit controls the operation of the feeding apparatus and the compression apparatus. The presence of first tubular core is detected after the step of dispensing. In response to detecting the first tubular core is substantially flattened. A core board product includes at least two substantially flattened paper cores fastened together by integral fastening members having two fastening portions extending directly through the flattened cores.

Abstract: The apparatus for shaping thermoplastic materials, in particular for producing moulded parts with a large height of the moulded part, comprises a suction-pressure bell and a lower part which can be locked to each other by a locking device. Resting on the lower part are a mould and a clamping frame, while the upper clamping frame can be securely clamped by working cylinders. In the locked state, the clamping frames are braced by a seal, which is arranged between the suction-pressure bell and the upper clamping frame. The seal extends over the entire circumference of the suction-pressure bell and is able to be pressed against the upper clamping frame by a pressure medium.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and installation for integrally applying a relief decoration to the surface of solid elongate members. The installation comprises a pre-heater (43) with pre-heater control means (69), a press (51), and a camber measurement system (67). The pre-heater (43) is adapted for differently heating the surface of two opposing faces of an elongate member previous to feeding it to the press (51) for applying the relief decoration. The camber measurement system (67) measures possible camber of the elongate member coming out of the press (51) and generates camber measurement signals which are fed back to the pre-heater control means (69) for controlling the heating of the pre-heater (43). The aim of the installation of the present invention is to eliminate the camber of following elongate members to which a relief decoration is to be applied.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an air flow assembly having a valve disc within a bore. A first support is inserted into the bore from below the valve disc, and a second “floating” support is inserted from above the disc. The second support “floats” relative to the disc upon a fluid receiving member such as an inflatable bellows. As the fluid receiving member allows the second support to float when contacting the disc, any inconstancies of the disc are compensated by the “floating” second support. As the disc is squeezed between the supports heat conducted from heaters causes the material of the disc to be extruded radially outwardly into contact with the bore to obtain a consistent thickness at the disc outer periphery.

Abstract: A plug assist assembly for positioning a thermo-formable sheet onto one of a plurality of different female molds. The assembly comprises a lifting apparatus and a frame. The frame extends from the lifting apparatus which provides for beneficial movement of the frame. A plurality of movable weights are suspended from the frame for contacting and automatically conforming to a contour of any of the female molds. The plurality of weights create a seal between the sheet and the female mold to allow the sheet to be vacuum formed against the mold.

Abstract: The scope of this invention is the manufacturing of a new shell mould of a braced constitution by randomly distributed ribs, which is used for the manufacturing of windmill blades, as well as the disposition and conformation of the fabric constitutive fibers and the plies used in the constituted pattern. The loads supported by the structure and the deformations produced during curing process are absorbed by the ribs, which are distributed along mould and displayed according to the weight each of them sustain. These ribs sit on a composite bed, remaining screwed and bonded to it. This distribution of the ribs allows the introduction of an air circulation channel inside mould, whose shape is adjusted to blade profile. The air circulation is uniform and unexpected dilatations are avoided because they are absorbed by the braced structure that produces an accordion effect.

Abstract: A baking dough configuration device 10 includes a cutter or first member 12 that removably inserts into a tray or second member 18 having a preselected quantity of baking dough therein. The first member 12 is forcibly urged into the second member 18 until the first member 12 engages a lower wall 19 of the second member 18 thereby cutting or separating the dough in the second member 18 into a predetermined configuration. The first member 12 is then removed from the second member 18 followed by the removal of the dough from the second member 18. The dough maintains its configuration imposed by the first member 12 due to the dimension of the cuts or separations. The dough is then placed in an environmental chamber to allow for the growth of yeast, then baked, resulting in a bread roll having a configuration that is substantially the same as a bread roll derived from baked dough positioned into an “overhand knot” configuration.

Abstract: An embossed pottery bowl, and an apparatus and method for embossing a design on a pottery bowl. A press block and die block are each secured to output ends of a pair of actuator arms and positioned on opposite sides of a sidewall of the pottery bowl with a recessed die cavity of the die block facing in the direction of the press block. The press and die blocks are urged toward each other, preferably by a pneumatically controlled arm, so as to plastically displace a portion of the sidewall into the recessed die cavity. The plastic displacement producing an embossed portion of the sidewall having a recessed surface and an opposite bas-relieved surface, with at least one the recessed and bas-relieved surface molded into the shape of the design.

Abstract: A pressure thermoforming machine comprises a lower bracket having a molding half moveably supported thereon. An upper bracket is securely connected to the lower bracket. An upper molding half is moveably supported thereon. Driving blocks are moveably and oppositely mounted on the lower bracket. Each driving block includes an inclined surface and the driving blocks are moveably interconnected such that the driving blocks move toward and away from each other simultaneously. Rollers are mounted on the lower molding half with respect to the inclined surface of the driving block such that the lower molding half moves upward when the driving blocks move toward each other, and lower downward when the driving blocks move away from each other.

Abstract: A pair of templates form a mold for substantially flat biological membranes to shape the membrane into a configuration that, after trimming of excess tissue, is adapted for forming a replacement aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid or mitral heart valve. Each template has three members joined to another laterally, with each member configured to form, together with its mating member, the mold for one leaflet or cusp of the replacement heart valve. The negative template has concave surfaces for each member and the positive template has convex surfaces which mate with the concave surfaces of the first template. Each of the templates is made of thin, shell like material and has beveled edges. The biological membrane is placed between the mating convex and concave surfaces of the two templates assembled to one another to form the membrane into the configuration of the three leaflets of the replacement heart valve.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant is formed from a sheet of moldable material such as a polymer or a bioresorbable material using an instrument. The material is heated above its glass transition temperature so that it can be formed into the desired shape of the implant. Then the material is cooled below its glass transition temperature to harden the material such that it retains the implant shape. During surgery, a surgeon can form implants to fit unique orthopedic applications by using instruments having various internal and external mold forms between which the sheet of moldable material can be rolled, wound, pressed or drawn.

Abstract: The texturing, patterning and bending of a solid surface material. The end product can be achieved both through casting technologies and heat pressure processes. Controlled surface deformation can be created in a pre-manufactured flat sheet and the sheet can then be heated and bent using conventional thermoforming technology. This contrasts considerably with the conventional norm, whereby an embossed solid surface sheet, when reheated, loses its embossing.

Abstract: A method for molding an end of a long resin molded article that is obtained by extrusion molding and has a design surface and an attachment surface extended in a longitudinal direction of the long resin molded article, and the attachment surface is attached to other parts. An end portion of the long resin molded article is heated so as to soften the end portion of the long resin molded article. The design surface of the heated end portion is pressed so as to stretch resin on a side of the design surface thereby forming an inclined surface on the end portion, whereby the end portion is inclined from the design surface at the end portion to said attachment surface at the end portion along said inclined surface. The attachment surface of the heated end portion is pressed so as to form a cavity on the attachment surface and stretch resin on a side of the attachment surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 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 and curing the lay-up in an autoclave. 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 upward from the bottom surface. The predetermined distance varies along the length of the mold and generally conforms to the outer profile of the composite component to be fabricated. The caul is positioned over the lay-up and defines a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the caul and a lateral axis extending along the width of the caul.

Abstract: A female mold for plastic sanitaryware manufacture has an open top to promote improved air escape from the mold as resinous backing resin fills the mold in order to reduce the number of gas inclusions within the backing material after it is cured. The female mold also provides thermal insulation for the curing backing material to permit better curing and to reduce the potential for delamination in the finished product. A production fixture is equipped with a gas impermeable lid for selective contact with the female mold, after the air has been expelled from the mold, in order to control undesirable styrene emissions.

Abstract: A hands free tortilla forming machine for molding dough balls into a tortilla shell. The forming machine includes a forming portion, a linkage mechanism, a vertically extending hinge block, and a foot pedal which can be mounted to a moveable cart. The forming portion includes a base having an upwardly facing forming surface and a base having an downwardly facing forming surface. The vertically extending hinge block beings mounted relative to the base and having a first end facing the base and a second end opposite to the first end. The rear end of the push member includes a lever arm which protrudes from its rear end and which is pivotally interengaged with the hinge block at a hinge point. This provides for relative rotation of the push member relative to the base about a member axis between an access position and a formed position. The lever further includes a second pivot spaced from the first pivot which interengages with the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold for forming a contact lens comprising an overflow collector, which causes the overflow reactive mixture to be accumulated, and not to spread out as it would upon the typically flat surface of a prior art mold. This invention further provides a method of preventing the formation of contaminating pieces of overflow reactive mixture comprising the step of: preventing the overflow reactive mixture from spreading out on the mold.

Abstract: The method and apparatus prevent the formation of pin-holes or other breakage during stretching of polymeric films, non-woven fibrous webs or laminates in the cross machine direction. Pin-holes and other breakage are prevented by creating slack areas along the length of the product where the edges of the non-woven strips meet with the polymer film, pressing the slack areas into the interdigital stretching rollers without stretching the slack areas, and stretching the remainder of the web in a typical manner. The slack regions are formed prior to interdigitation by, for example, formation of a furrow, a fold or a corrugation.

Abstract: Two molds (102, 104) are provided formed of semiconductor material. The molds (102, 104) have substantially planar working faces (108, 110) into which recesses (106, 112) are formed. In use the molds (102, 104) are pressed together with the working faces (108, 110) opposed so the recesses (106, 112) form mold cavities.

Abstract: A molding/punching station for molding and punching containers out of a foil strip (2) of thermoplastic synthetic material, which station includes a molding table (5) for holding one half of a mold (4); a frame (9) in which the table (5) is mounted for pivotal movement about a fixed axis of rotation (26) transverse to a longitudinal axis (35) of the table (5); and a single guideway (27) that is mounted on the frame (9) and engages the table (5) for guiding the pivotal motion of the table (5), with the guideway (27) for pivoting table (5) being disposed between the plane of the foil strip (2) in the station and the pivoting point (26′) or axis of rotation (26) of the table (5), if necessary with sectional areas of the guideway (27) being opposite the foil strip (2).

Abstract: A thermal interface material for interfacing with at least a first surface. One embodiment of the thermal interface material includes a plurality of thermally conductive, malleable fibers arranged in a pattern. The fibers contact each other so as to reduce air gaps and fill irregularities when the fibers are compressed against the first surface.

Abstract: A twin sheet forming system and method is used to form a hollow article, such as an automotive fuel tank, from first and second sheets of thermoplastic material. The system includes first and second loading stations, first and second heating stations, and first and second thermoforming stations in an in-line arrangement. The in-line arrangement allows the sheets to be transferred independently between the stations and the separate thermoforming stations allows the sheets to be thermoformed independently. Each of the thermoforming stations includes an upper and lower platen generally in a side by side arrangement for supporting thermoforming tools and plug assists. After heating, the sheets are independently transferred to the thermoforming stations and formed using the thermoforming tools and plug assists. The thermoforming tool and thermoformed piece in one of the thermoforming stations is then transferred to the other station, and the thermoformed pieces are fused together.

Abstract: A drawing device for handling a wide range of drawable thermoplastic resin materials including a first pressurizing tank and first buffer tank on an upstream side, and a second pressurizing tank and second buffer tank on a downstream side are disposed along a drawing tank having pressurized steam and a discharge unit connected to it. A medium supply and discharge may be connected to each of the first and second pressurizing tanks, and the first and second buffer tanks. Opening members may be disposed on respective upstream and downstream ports along the drawing tank. Small amounts of pressurizing medium may then be allowed to flow into the drawing tank through upstream and downstream ports. Next, material may be supplied from the upstream port into the drawing tank where pressurized steam may be introduced in airtight conditions, and then drawn to the downstream port, thereby producing a drawable thermoplastic resin material.

Abstract: A pizza die includes an outer die ring and a plate ring. The outer die ring and an inner die plate are spring-biased away from the die mount plate. The outer die ring includes a plurality of axial ridges located on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the outer die ring. The inner die plate includes a step on which a flexible seal is seated. A spring-biased plate ring compresses the flexible seal on the seat. The flexible seal includes axial grooves on its outer circumference. The axial grooves engage with the corresponding axial ridges on the outer die ring. The axial grooves act as passageways to vent trapped air within the pizza die. The axial ridges provide a self-cleaning mechanism to remove pizza dough lodged in the axial grooves.