Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tool including assembling a stack-up that includes a plurality of precured composite laminates, the stack-up having an engagement surface, wherein each precured composite laminate of the plurality of precured composite laminates is flexible, and wherein an adhesive is positioned between adjacent precured composite laminates of the plurality of precured composite laminates, and placing the engagement surface of the stack-up onto a target surface of a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

Abstract: A device, and a corresponding method, for supporting and/or guiding a plastics profile in a calibration station and/or other downstream devices, has at least one support unit in the calibration station and/or in at least one of the downstream devices. The support unit has at least one support element, and the support element is disposed on a beam and can be moved in a parallel manner toward or away from the theoretical central axis, the extrusion axis.

Abstract: A retaining member particularly suitable for use as part of a foreign material exclusion device that can be used to temporarily seal an area of a construction from foreign material or debris, wherein the retaining member includes a post adapted to be inserted through a body of the foreign material exclusion device and cap having a rim and a fitting, the latter mateably engageable with an end of the post. The post and fitting each include through bores that are alignable such that they can be connected, for example with an extraction member of the foreign exclusion material device. Foreign material exclusion devices including the retaining member are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a self-supporting, monolithic fuselage body, including engaging peripheral mandrel sections around at least one central mandrel section, placing uncured composite material on the mold surface, curing the composite material on the mold surface, and sliding the central mandrel section(s) out of engagement with the peripheral mandrel sections and disengaging the peripheral mandrel sections from the cured composite material without collapsing the mandrel sections. The peripheral mandrel sections each include a shape-retaining core of a thermally insulating material and an outer layer on an outer surface of the shape-retaining core. The outer layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion within the range of variation of that of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite material. A mandrel for layup and cure of a predetermined composite material in the manufacture of a monolithic fuselage is also discussed.

Abstract: A mold base of an embodiment is a mold base for use in manufacture of a mold that has a porous alumina layer over its surface, including: a base; and an aluminum alloy layer provided on the base, wherein the aluminum alloy layer contains aluminum, a non-aluminum metal element, and nitrogen. The aluminum alloy layer of the mold base of an embodiment of the present invention has high specularity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting to a support for modifying an ankle-foot orthosis. The apparatus comprises a tooling device having a plurality of holes spaced over an outer surface of the tooling device. The tooling device includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis, and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The second portion of the tooling device defines an opening for receiving the support. A peg is configured to be inserted into one of more holes of the tooling device. The peg comprises a body portion and a post depending from the body portion and configured to be received in the holes in the outer surface of the tooling device. In one embodiment, the body portion of the peg has a convex outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.

Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a stiffener made of composite material with an inside surface of a concave shape, includes producing a flat strip (18) that includes at least one layer of fibers; heating it to be able to deform it; connecting one of the lateral edges of the strip (18) to a rotary mandrel (36) in such a way as to cause a winding of the strip on the mandrel (36) during its rotation, whereby the mandrel (36) has an outside surface (46) of which at least one part corresponds to the inside surface of the stiffener to be produced; and exerting tension at the other lateral edge of the strip (18) in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the movement of the strip (18) caused by the winding on the rotary mandrel (36).

Abstract: A heating mold for thermal nanoimprint lithography is disclosed. According to one aspect, the mold includes a resistive heating element and collecting element for collecting the electromagnetic energy of a variable electromagnetic field emitted by a source located outside the mold. The collecting element being connected to the resistive heating element in which the electromagnetic energy is dissipated. A method for manufacturing the mold, a thermal nanoimprint lithography device including the mold, and a a method for preparing a substrate including a surface nanostructured by a thermal nanoimprint lithography technique using the mold is applied are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing hemispherical sections for a golf ball includes a mold plate and a movable insert. The mold plate includes a first surface. The movable insert includes a second surface. The movable insert is connected to the mold plate. The first surface of the mold plate and the second surface of the movable insert may move relative to one another during molding of a hemispherical section for a golf ball.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

Abstract: A support apparatus and method for providing structural support to a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus during fabrication of composite parts. The support apparatus may comprise an adjustable, rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP support components transitionable between a rigid and malleable state and fixed to an outer surface of the rigid structural member. The rigid structural member may extend in at least one cross-sectional dimension toward the SMP apparatus, pressing the SMP support components, in their malleable state, against the SMP apparatus. The SMP support components may thereby conform to a first surface of the SMP apparatus, then return to their rigid state while pressed against the SMP apparatus, thus providing a rigid load path between the SMP apparatus and the rigid structural member. Then composite material may be applied to a second surface of the SMP apparatus, opposite of the first surface.

Abstract: A curved surface forming device for an adjustable segmented mold board with square rams, consisting of an upper group and a lower group of adjustable molds (4) whose height can be adjusted, and a loading mechanism. The adjustable molds (4) are arranged in the loading mechanism and at least one group of adjustable molds (4) can move up and down under the drive of the loading mechanism. The upper group and the lower group of the adjustable molds (4) are respectively provided with M×N and (M?1)×(N?1) square rams (1) capable of swinging. The upper and the lower square rams (1) are arranged in an interlaced manner in both transverse and longitudinal directions. The square rams (1) are composed of a square plate (a) and the sphere (b) with the pressure imposition surface being a plane or a curved surface. The curved surface forming device can eliminate the crumpling and deformation generated in the board punching, reduce dents and improve processing quality.

Abstract: The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.

Abstract: A bladder-type jig used for manufacturing a stiffened panel structure using a hat stringer has the advantage that deformation of prepreg can be suppressed effectively, and durability of the jig can be improved so that repeated use of the jig is achieved. A body of the bladder includes a pipe-shaped portion and a coating film covering the outer peripheral surface of the pipe-shaped portion. The pipe-shaped portion is a main body portion of the body, and is made of a silicone rubber composition material such that its transverse cross-section has a trapezoidal pipe shape. Both side edge portions of an exposed wall portion corresponding to a lower base of the transverse cross-section are thickened edge portions which are greater in thickness than another wall portions. The thickened edge portions support the exposed wall portion from inward of the body, and can suppress the exposed wall portion from getting deformed inwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing cloth of a seat pad which includes: a mold for fixing a sheet and having an outer shape substantially identical to a shape of the reinforcing cloth and provided with a plurality of air holes interconnecting an internal space with an outer surface; a closed space between the mold and a cover member formed by covering the sheet fixed on the mold with the cover member; a heating unit for heating the sheet; and an exhausting unit for exhausting air from the closed space is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for cold expansion of fastener holes. The device comprises a hydraulic cylinder (27) in which a piston (26) with a piston rod (25) is placed, to whose end a mandrel (1) of a tool (60) is fixed. In a flange (9) a thread is made, through which an immovable fixation of the tool (60) is implemented, such that in an axial blind hole (55) of the piston rod (25), a linear displacement sensor (34), is positioned, immovably fixed to the hydraulic cylinder (26). A magnet (33) is designed for activating the linear displacement sensor (34), which is connected to the control block (38). The advantage of the device is in the possibility to control the degree of cold expansion.

Abstract: In a mold used for manufacturing a composite material structure of the present invention, first segments and second segments each having a plate shape and a convex-shaped obverse surface are each fastened at its end surface to support rings one by one, with the obverse surface being at an upper side, and adjacent segments are joined together at side surfaces thereof, to retain them as a cylindrical mold. In this configuration, in the mold having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, the segments are assembled in the cylindrical shape with high position accuracy and in a simplified manner.

Abstract: Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement, and autoclave curing.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite item from a layup may comprise a debulking device, a vacuum generator and a curing device. The debulking device may include a vacuum chamber, an envelope and a heater. The vacuum chamber may have a chamber pressure. The envelope may be contained within the vacuum chamber and may have an envelope pressure. The layup may be received within the envelope. The heater may heat the layup. The vacuum generator may be in fluid connection with the debulking device. The curing device may cure the layup.

Abstract: A process and a facility for manufacturing foam molded resin articles are provided which facilitate for a secondary material at least partially formed of a synthetic resin to be arranged so as to extend along a curved surface of a mold inner surface, and further to be released from the mold after molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting material has a die for receiving a compressive force, the die having a shaped-opening for receiving a die insert. The die insert has an exterior shape that is adapted to cooperate with and be received in the opening such that compressive forces impinging upon the die are focused upon the die insert such that tensile forces within the die and impinging upon the die insert are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a light-concentrating film capable of concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight with high efficiency; a photovoltaic module having the light-concentrating film; and a transfer mold (die) for producing the light-concentrating film. The present invention relates to a light-concentrating film including alternating fine concavo-convex structure on at least one surface, the film having a concavo-convex height (H) of 0.05 to 15 ?m and a concavo-convex pitch (P) of 0.05 to 50 ?m, the film concentrating at least one of direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight.

Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing substantially seamless, circumferentially closed flexible embossing or printing tapes (2), wherein a free-flow material is fed into an annular mould space (14) defining the profile of the tape (2), said mould (1) comprising an external sidewall (6), delimiting the external radial extent of an annular space (14), and a core (12), delimiting the internal radial extent of the annular space (14). A device for carrying out such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing a composite material part designed to be in contact with aerodynamic flows, in particular a portion of the fuselage, whereby the device includes at least one mold (32), elements (34, 36, 38) for compressing the part that is to be produced, as well as a system for drainage of the gases emanating from the part that is to be produced that includes at least one plate (42), characterized in that the at least one plate (42) includes a number of openings (44) whose shapes and/or arrangement limit the degradation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the part that is to be produced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are used to provide ways of tire tread molding and retreading with a double tread rubber body having a unitary structure that comprises two treads in order to remove the need for buffing an oxide layer typically associated with tread molding and curing. Embodiments of the double tread molding and retreading methods also remove the need for cementing the cured tread to prevent future oxidation buildup. Once the double tread is cured and cooled, it is cut along the centerline with a double tread separation apparatus to expose a soft non-oxidized inner rubber. The cutting is much less energy intensive when compared to buffing with an expendable wire brush. There is no risk of spots of oxidized rubber being missed as is the case with buffing. There is little or no dust created.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a mold for making a membrane. A mold may include a cylindrical female portion having a diameter D. The female portion may include a concave face having substantially the same diameter D as the lower portion and a radius of curvature R. The mold may also include a cylindrical male portion having a diameter substantially equal to D. The male portion may have a central cylindrical portion with a height H extending from the lower terminus and a diameter of D-G, wherein G is the annular thickness of a spacing gap extending radially outward from the central portion. The male portion may also have a centered, convex lower face with a diameter of D-G and a radius of curvature R. The mold may also include a tubular body portion support member configured to receive a portion of the female and male portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing water-soluble containers using a horizontal intermittent motion thermoforming machine comprising: a) locating a first water-soluble film over a mould, said mould containing a plurality of pocket forming cavities, defined by side walls and a base, in a 2-dimensional array, each cavity being surrounded by a planar surface of the mould on all sides in which the shortest dimension of the planar surface between two adjacent cavities is at least 3 mm and between an edge of the mould and the closest cavity is at least 1.5 mm; b) thermoforming the first film to produce a plurality of pockets; c) at least partially filling the pockets with a composition; and d) sealing the plurality of the at least partially filled pockets.

Abstract: A gusset board has a retractable nose section that travels along a proximal-distal track and can extend to the tip of the gusset board for production of gusseted film, and can retract below the level of interfering structure and moved away from the extrusion bubble for the production on non-gusseted film. Retraction and extension of the nose portion and rocking of the gusset board can be carried out remotely.

Abstract: A method for producing an adhesive fastening element made of plastic includes a support part (10) from which project a plurality of stem parts (12). A head part (14) is arranged at each stem part opposing the support part (10) and the head parts (14) are formed without the use of molding tools due to the surface tension of the used plastic material. Consequently, no need exists for a specific molding tool for forming the head parts.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement configured to move an imprint template arrangement, the electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement comprising: an array of magnets; and an array of conductors, each conductor configured to carry an electric current, one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors being moveable and connected to the imprint template arrangement, and the other of the array of magnets or the array of conductors extending at least partially around or forming a part of a substrate holder; the array of magnets and the array of conductors together being in a configuration which facilitates moving of the moveable one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors in six degrees of freedom, such that the imprint template arrangement is also movable in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mold performing in the micro/nano imprint fabricating process, wherein the mold is utilized to imprint a pattern on a substrate via a material layer. The mold comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, a pre-determined structure and an overflow controlling device. The upper surface and the lower surface are corresponded to each other. The pre-determined structure is disposed on the lower surface of the mold. The overflow controlling device is utilized to maintain the pressure among the material layer and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for stiffening a flat component, a process for the production of a flat component, in particular a fiber composite component, and a fiber composite component. The device has a portion for producing a space for receiving a mold core for the transmission of a pressure for pressing the flat component and the device. It is characterised by means for positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the space of the device. The process according to the invention includes the following steps: introducing the mold core into the portion of the device, positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the portion of the device by means of the means, applying the device including the mold core to the non-hardened material layer or layers, pressing the material layers, and hardening the material layer or layers and joining the device to the material layer or layers.

Abstract: Positive and negative stamp masters derived from UV curable ink molds comprising ultraviolet (UV) curable inks and methods for digitally preparing those stamp masters. In particular, the digitally prepared molds provide a method of printing micropatterns of fine variable features or images in a more efficient manner than the methods currently available.

Abstract: A nano-imprint mold includes a mold body having a first surface provided with a pattern having projections and recesses, a second surface opposite the first surface and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; and a mold base having a surface for fixing the mold body thereto. In addition, the second surface of the mold body is fixed to a part of the surface of the mold base, the second surface of the mold body being disposed away from at least a part of an edge of the surface of the mold base. Furthermore, the mold body has a shape such that a width thereof in a direction orthogonal to a direction extending from the first surface toward the second surface decreases from the first surface toward the second surface.

Abstract: A stamping apparatus for stamping a shading film includes a stamping head, at least one locking member and a sleeving ring. The sleeving ring defines an axial sleeving hole and includes a stamping portion formed on a distal end thereof and surrounding the axial sleeving hole. The sleeving ring is detachably sleeved on and locked to the stamping head via the at least one locking member. The stamping portion matches with the stamping head for cooperatively stamping the shading film.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a contoured tire tread, and a mold and method for forming the contoured tread. In a particular embodiment, a mold is provided for forming a contoured tread, the mold including a first mold member and a second mold member. The first and second mold members are reversibly displaceable from each other from a first, closed position in which the first and second members substantially enclose a mold cavity, to a second open position in which the first and second members are displaced from each other. The first mold member contains a mold cavity adapted to contain a polymeric material and having inner wall members and sipe-forming members. The first mold member having a contoured mold cavity bottom surface, and the second mold member having a contoured molding surface.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: A polymer opal material comprises a three dimensionally periodic arrangement of core particles in a matrix material and exhibits structural colour via Bragg reflection. IN a process for manufacturing such a material, a sandwich structure is provided, of a precursor composite material held between first and second sandwiching layers. A relative shear strain of at least 10% is imposed on the precursor composite material by curling the sandwich structure around a roller. The shear strain is cycled, in order to promote the formation of the three dimensional periodic arrangement.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanoimprint stamp includes forming a resist pattern having a nano size width on a stamp substrate by performing imprint processes repeatedly. In the imprint processes, resist layers that are selectively etched are sequentially used. The stamp substrate is etched using the resist pattern as an etch mask.

Abstract: A nanoimprint lithography template including, inter alia, a body having first and second opposed sides with a first surface disposed on the first side, the second side having a recess disposed therein, the body having first and second regions with the second region surrounding the first region and the recess in superimposition with the first region, with a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the first region being spaced-apart from the second side a first distance and a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the second region being spaced-apart from the second side a second distance, with the second distance being greater than the first distance; and a mold disposed on the first side of the body in superimposition a portion of the first region.

Abstract: A mandrel for processing a part comprises an outer sleeve and a generally flexible inner core. The outer sleeve includes at least one flexible portion along its length allowing the sleeve to flex to a desired contour.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for forming a composite part are provided. A method for forming a composite part may include placing initial composite material on a base tool, placing a tooling mandrel on the composite material, placing additional composite material over the tooling mandrel, covering at least a portion of the composite material that overlays the tooling mandrel with a composite forming tool, heating the composite material to at least partially cure the composite material, and permitting a first portion of the composite forming tool to change size during the heating of the composite material to a greater degree than a second portion of the composite forming tool. In this regard, the second portion of the composite forming tool is closer to the base tool than the first portion of the composite forming tool. A composite forming tool is provided that permits differential expansion of different portions of the tool.

Abstract: A layup mandrel includes a shell having a tool surface on which plies may be laid up. The shape of the shell is changed by an actuator.

Abstract: A belling machine (1) forms end sockets equipped with an integrated seal on pipes (3) made of thermoplastic material using a forming mandrel (4) on which an annular seal (5) was previously placed, diametrically expanded, coaxially and in a predetermined position. A loader (8) for loading the annular seal (5) on the mandrel (4) is able to move between a arming position, in which the loader is spaced from the belling axis (b) and does not interfere with the mandrel (4) movement along the belling axis (b), and a loading position, in which the loader is coaxial with the belling axis (b) and is located between the mandrel (4) back position, disengaged from the pipe (3) and the mandrel (4) forward position, inserted in the end (30) of the pipe (3). An annular seal (5) is placed in a positioner (10) which holds it in an operating position for the action of an arming device (9).

Abstract: Thermoforming apparatus and methods are described. To-be-formed polymeric material may be separated initially from a mold surface by a grid or support rail, avoiding the mold surface from drawing heat away from the material while it is being heated to forming temperatures. The grid may retract into the mold when no longer needed to support the material. Plugs or inserts about which material is formed may include skirts, allowing the formed material to be shaped so as to guide coins or other objects into cavities in which the coins or objects are held for presentation or display. Profile plates associated with the molds may include non-stick material on their sides intended to abut to-be-formed polymeric sheets in order to reduce possibility of transfer of printing from the sheets to the plates and reduce undesired transfer of heat from the plates to the sheets.