Abstract: A conveyance device includes a plurality of holding mechanisms and one or more pressing mechanisms, the holding mechanisms each include a holder that holds a molding material and a holder movement mechanism that moves the holder, and the pressing mechanisms each include a pusher that comes into contact with and pushes the molding material and a pusher movement mechanism that moves the pusher.

Abstract: An improved linear-motor-operated conveying system is distinguished, inter alia, by the following features: the conveyed web can be fixed to the nipper part, as a result of which a conveyed web plane is defined, said film plane being arranged at a height with respect to the motor working side of the single linear motor drive or of the more powerful linear motor drive in the case of two linear motor drives, and said height being less than or equal to the length of the secondary parts on the conveying parts; the conveying system comprises either a) only one linear motor drive provided beneath the conveying part, or b) only one linear motor drive provided above the conveying part, or c) one linear motor drive arranged beneath and one arranged above the conveying part, the upper linear motor drive and/or the associated control system being configured in such a manner that the upper linear motor drive can only be operated with a maximum power of 75% in relation to the maximum power of the lower linear motor drive.

Abstract: To provide a tapered optical fiber having a good outer diameter accuracy and a high reproducibility, a manufacturing method of the tapered optical fiber, and a manufacturing system of the tapered optical fiber. The above-mentioned problem is solved by manufacturing system 1 of a tapered optical fiber comprising: shifter 11, 12 which reciprocates optical fiber 10 mounted at positions having a prescribed distance therebetween in the longer direction X of optical fiber 10 (the direction of the optical axis); and heating device 13 which heats the reciprocating optical fiber 10 at fixed position O, wherein shifter 13 includes a broadening unit which can increase the mounting distance (L1+L2) of the optical fiber while reciprocating the optical fiber. Shifter 11, 12 has at least two mounting unit which fix the optical fiber 10, and serves as a broadening unit controlling the two mounting unit independently or interlockingly.

Abstract: Methods and tools for forming contoured composite structures are disclosed. Methods include positioning a sheet of composite material relative to a structure of shape memory alloy, heating the structure of shape memory alloy to deform the structure of shape memory alloy to a deformed conformation and thereby conform the sheet of composite material to a desired contour corresponding to the deformed conformation of the structure of shape memory alloy. Tools include a structure of shape memory alloy and a heat source for heating the structure of shape memory alloy to conform a sheet of composite material to a desired contour corresponding to the deformed conformation of the structure of shape memory alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cover sheet supply apparatus having variable clamps for a thermoforming machine. The apparatus includes a support frame (100); longitudinal guides (200) which are disposed in the support frame and each of which includes a longitudinal rail (210) and a longitudinal fixed unit (220); lateral guides (300) which are disposed in the support frame on opposite sides of the longitudinal guides, and each of which includes a lateral rail (310) and a lateral fixed unit (320); longitudinal movable clamps (230) which are installed on each longitudinal rail and are connected to each other by a longitudinal link (400); lateral movable clamps (330) which are installed on each lateral rail and are connected to each other by a lateral link (500); a lateral moving means (600) which moves the longitudinal guides in the lateral direction; and a longitudinal moving means (700) which moves the lateral guides in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A film (F) is transported with one end side in a width direction moved relatively in a preceding manner and the other end side moved relatively in a delayed manner and thus the film (F) is stretched in an oblique direction with respect to the width direction. In the individual positions of the film (F) in the width direction, the film (F) is asymmetrically heated in the width direction such that the amount of displacement (?L) of an orientation angle from a desired angle caused by bowing (Bo) asymmetrically produced in the width direction by the stretching of the film (F) in the oblique direction is reduced, and thus a maximum value in the temperature distribution of the film (F) is present between a center portion in the width direction and any one of end portions.

Abstract: In a stretching zone (Z2) included in a plurality of zones for performing temperature control for heating or cooling of a film, the plurality of zones being arranged in the conveyance direction of the film, the film is stretched in a direction tilted in relation to the width direction of the film. The film is heated by a heating unit (11) having a heating region (H) positioned facing the conveyed film and positioned along a direction intersecting at an intersection angle ? with the conveyance direction in the plane of the film, in at least one zone including the stretching zone (Z2) and positioned further downstream in the conveyance direction form the stretching zone (Z2). At this time the intersection angle ? of the heating region (H) is adjusted in accordance with the orientation direction of the film stretched in the stretching zone (Z2).

Abstract: A continuous multi-layer film includes a support layer having a first film surface, and a hard coat layer, formed on the support layer, having a second film surface, and having a curling tendency in an inward direction. In the decurling method, the multi-layer film is transported. A first transition of the support layer in the multi-layer film being transported into a rubber phase is induced by supplying fluid vapor on the support layer. After supplying the fluid vapor, a second transition of the support layer from the rubber phase into a glass phase is induced. The multi-layer film is transported while a portion of the support layer in the rubber phase is prevented from contacting a solid object. The hard coat layer is formed from a polymer produced from an ultraviolet curable compound, and the support layer is formed from cellulose acylate.

Abstract: A cut-off device is used for providing a deposit of known portion weight of the ground meat or paste. This deposit is dropped accurately onto a conveyor belt for transport to a press wheel the height of which, from the conveyor, can be adjusted to provide a finished product of correct thickness. The press wheel has a system of vacuum ducts around the circumference in four chambers that pull paper from a de-nesting tray situated at the top of the press wheel, at the correct interval as to meet up with the deposit at the base of the wheel. This results in the deposit being pressed to the required thickness onto the conveyor, with the interleave paper attached to the top of the now formed patty.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tapered line production device and method for efficiently producing line of varying thickness. An additional aspect of the present invention is to employ a heat transfer media to provide a tapered fishing line production device and method that operates at high rates of production. Further, the device may be configured to create tapered fishing line with minimal transitional distances between tapered sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting material; (b) forming at least one shared capillary in the starting material, said shared capillary comprising an fluidic inlet and an fluidic outlet; (c) functionalizing the chips by supplying a functionalization fluid to the shared capillary; and (d) dividing the starting material into separate chips. The invention further relates to a device for functionalizing microfluidic chips having at least one capillary for through-flow of a fluid, said device comprising a material holder for holding a starting material in a fixed position during functionalization, said material holder comprising at least one inlet connector for connecting at least one shared capillary formed in the starting material to a functionalization fluid supply. The invention further relates to a microfluidic chip and a device for holding a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A continuous multi-layer film includes a support layer having a first film surface, and a hard coat layer, formed on the support layer, having a second film surface, and having a curling tendency in an inward direction. In the decurling method, the multi-layer film is transported. A first transition of the support layer in the multi-layer film being transported into a rubber phase is induced by supplying fluid vapor on the support layer. After supplying the fluid vapor, a second transition of the support layer from the rubber phase into a glass phase is induced. The multi-layer film is transported while a portion of the support layer in the rubber phase is prevented from contacting a solid object. The hard coat layer is formed from a polymer produced from an ultraviolet curable compound, and the support layer is formed from cellulose acylate.

Abstract: A tire tread extractor used in the manufacture of treads includes a frame, a first nip roller rotatably associated with the frame, and a second nip roller rotatably associated with the frame. The first and second nip rollers are adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially resident in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first and/or second nip rollers operates to impart rotational motion thereto. The frame is configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the mold while maintaining the first and second nip rollers in a spaced relation to the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube film includes a substrate holder, a bar supplying device, a carrier device, and a stretching device arranged in alignment in that order. A method for making a carbon nanotube film is further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be pushed out of the work station laterally relative to the production direction, a chain guide be movable vertically to the tool insert.

Abstract: A process for producing a reinforcing-fiber strip substrate having a circular-arc part includes contacting one surface of a strip-shaped, unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate formed by arranging a plurality of reinforcing-fiber strands in one direction in parallel with each other with a flexible member; deforming the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate into a circular-arc shape by deforming at least a part of the flexible member into a circular-arc shape in a direction extending along its contact surface with the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate; and thereafter, separating the flexible member from the unidirectional reinforcing-fiber substrate having been deformed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing thermoformed articles from pre-cut thermoformable billets are provided. The system may include a heating apparatus for heating the billets, a billet thermoformer for thermoforming the billet into an article, a discharge system for evacuated the formed articles from the thermoformer, and an inspection system for inspecting each of the formed articles for the presence of a defect. Conveyors and billet carriers are provided for transporting the billets between the various components of the system, and loaders are provided for loading the billets onto the conveyor and/or billet carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane-coated (PU-coated) spandex fabric-fused midsole, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the same, which allow a shoe midsole to be easily and conveniently manufactured through a single automatic process, and allows a PU-coated spandex fabric to be easily fused to a surface of the midsole in the process of manufacturing the midsole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing packaging material, comprising a shaping device (25) that has a couple of motor-driven molding wheels or rolls, a housing support (15) with an interior, an inlet via which packaging material can be fed into the interior, and an outlet via which packaging material can be discharged from the interior in which the molding wheels are arranged. The molding wheels are rotatably mounted on the housing support and each define an axis of rotation. A continuous penetration shaft (23), the longitudinal direction of which extends substantially parallel to the two axes of rotation of the molding wheels, from the interior to the exterior of the housing support, is formed withing the housing support, said penetration shaft (23) being open towards the interior and towards an exterior of the housing support.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating upon a construct. In one example, the apparatus comprises a tool, a feed path for a feed path for feeding the construct to and withdrawing the construct from the tool, and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism comprises an arm positioned proximate to the tool and a guide for directing the construct toward the tool. The arm is movable between a guiding position and a withdrawn position, and the guide is mounted to the arm for moving with the arm so that the guide is at least partially disposed in the feed path when the arm is in the guiding position. A recess is defined in the tool for at least partially accommodating the guide.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, at least one placeholder is inserted into a recess in a molding tool, wherein the unfinished component is subsequently produced, the placeholder is removed, at least one lifting pad is inserted into the recess and the unfinished component is removed from the molding tool by inflating the lifting pad. In a system for manufacturing components from composite fiber materials, the component removal process is monitored and controlled by a computer unit in order to prevent predetermined maximum component loads from being exceeded. The gentle component removal process makes it possible to avoid consequential costs for repairing or reworking the components.

Abstract: Provided is a food molding apparatus which performs all steps from forming to conveyance and storage in one housing and which is small in size and inexpensive. A conveyance section 500 which holds a formed cooked rice product (a rice ball 10) by use of holding arms 510 is provided, within a housing, with an X-axis moving unit 570 which moves the formed cooked rice product in an X-axis direction and a Z-axis moving unit 550 which moves the formed cooked rice product in a Z-axis direction. A storage section 600 provided with a tray 610 on which the rice ball 10 is to be placed is further provided, within the housing, a Y-axis moving unit 630 which moves the tray 610 in a Y-axis direction, whereby the rice balls 10 are spread over on the tray 610.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus that includes a holding unit, and performs an imprint process, including molding of an imprint material on a substrate held by the holding unit using a mold, curing of the molded imprint material, and releasing of the cured imprint material from the mold, to form a pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a first cure device configured to perform a first cure process for the imprint material molded by the mold prior to the releasing; and a second cure device configured to perform a second cure process for the imprint material on the substrate conveyed out from the holding unit after the releasing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified manufacturing method for provision of a sound tube with a pre-formed shape, especially a sound tube for use in a BTE (Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid utilizing a holder with an external surface for imparting the shape of the surface to the sound tube, a first attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a first connector at a first end of the sound tube, and a second attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a second connector at a second end of the sound tube thereby keeping the sound tube in abutting contact with at least parts of the external surface whereby the external surface imparts the shape of the surface to the sound tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for non-contact forming of thermoplastic-made foam boards, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam boards, polyethylene foam boards, polyurethane foam boards or any other suitable thermoplastic foams, in which the forming mould or die does not come into contact with the thermoplastic foam board.

Abstract: A plastic film is drawn by a method different from a conventional one. The plastic film is intermittently fed in the longitudinal direction. A drawing member and a support base are installed in a plastic film feeding path, oppositely to each other, on both sides of the plastic film in the thickness direction. When the plastic film is temporarily stopped, the drawing member advances toward the support base between the lateral both side edges of the plastic film and is pressed against the plastic film and the support base to draw the plastic film in the longitudinal direction. Then, the drawing member retreats from the support base, and is separated from the plastic film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray-shaped packaging for food comprising a bottom and a circumferential margin. The bottom comprises at least one collecting section and at least one supporting section, wherein the support section comprises a plurality of elevations for carrying a product, and wherein the collecting section at least in a certain area has a greater depth relative to the margin of packaging than the support section.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping packaging material, comprising a housing support including hopper, a packaging material reservoir, a discharge orifice, and a bearing structure therebetween defining a continuous feeding path for the packaging material. The feeding path includes an interior wall continuously extending around an axis of the material's feeding direction. The housing support further includes at least one concavity in the bearing structure extending laterally away from the feeding path, the concavity having a portion within the feeding path at a slit formed within the interior wall, the concavity holding a shaping device that is rotatably mounted on the bearing structure and partially projects from the slit into the feeding path, the shape of the slit being complementary to the shape of a section of the shaping device adjoining the slit such that a tolerance gap is formed allowing the shaping device to rotate relative to the bearing structure.

Abstract: A fine-structure transfer apparatus has a base plate, a first post and a second post erected on the upper surface of the base plate, an elongated stamper that is fixed at one end to the upper end face of the first post. The stamper is supported at the other end in a vertically movable manner by means of an ascending/descending unit provided on the second post. A transfer element holding stage is provided on the upper surface of the base plate between the first and second posts in a position that corresponds to the position of the lower surface of the elongated stamper where a fine pattern is formed. A pressure-applying unit is provided to reciprocate on the upper surface of the elongated stamper along a longitudinal direction thereof. The transfer apparatus is characterized by the ease with which the stamper can be detached from the transfer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of an angle for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular former and/or a stringer inside a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, the angle taking place by the one-step deformation of an initially planar blank along at least three fold lines in a uniaxial compression molding device. A mounting frame with hinges is arranged in the compression molding device, the blank to be deformed being accommodated along the edges preferably by means of a plurality of peripherally arranged springs. A deformation of the blank into an auto-stabilized angle is possible in one step while simultaneously ensuring interlaminar slide. Due to the constructively conditioned auto-stabilization of the angle, additional components which increase the weight and the assembly effort (so-called “stabilos”) in the connection region between fuselage cell skin, stringers and annular formers inside a fuselage structure of an aircraft are unnecessary.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine is provided having a frame, a first platen, a second platen, a platen load shaft, and a load shaft latch. The first platen supports a first mold. The second platen supports a complementary second mold and is carried by the frame for movement toward and away from the first platen to engage and disengage with the first mold. The platen load shaft has a lock ledge with an engagement surface transverse to the load shaft. The load shaft is supported by the frame and extends between the first platen and the second platen. The load shaft latch has an engagement surface transverse to a central axis of the load shaft and is movable to engage and disengage the lock ledge transverse engagement surface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoforming plant and their transport chains. Various aspects of the chain and chain rails are proposed. Overall the chain operates such that less wear occurs; it can also be cooled symmetrically and the film can be better heated up to the edges.

Abstract: A tire tread extractor used in the manufacture of treads includes a frame, a first nip roller rotatably associated with the frame, and a second nip roller rotatably associated with the frame. The first and second nip rollers are adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially resident in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first and/or second nip rollers operates to impart rotational motion thereto. The frame is configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the mold while maintaining the first and second nip rollers in a spaced relation to the mold.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for densification of recyclable plastics. The densification apparatus may include one or more hoppers for receiving plastic materials (mixed or segregated by resin identification code). After the plastic is inserted into the hopper, a shredder grinds the plastic into plastic shreds which are suitably sized for subsequent melting and compression into an ingot. The system meters the quantity of shredded plastic within the hopper for a threshold level required to generate a fungible ingot. Once that level has been reached, a conveyer may transport a set volume or weight of the plastic shreds to a compression cylinder. In the compression cylinder the plastic shreds are heated, using a heating element, to above a minimum melting temperature. In some embodiments, the minimum melting temperature is a melting temperature above a lowest melting temperature of the mixed types of plastics.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet which fixes a plastic sheet to fabricate a nano pattern and a method of fabricating a nano pattern on a plastic sheet using the same. The apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet includes: a pair of planar metal guide rings interposingly fixing a plastic sheet from above and below, respectively; and a sheet fixing chuck including: a ring fixer sucking the pair of planar metal guide rings through a vacuum groove to be fixed thereto; and a sheet fixer having a plurality of vacuum pin holes formed therein, the vacuum pin holes sucking a bottom of the plastic sheet fixed by the planar metal guide rings. The apparatus allows fabrication of the nano pattern on the plastic sheet having less roughness than that of a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate.

Abstract: A system and process for forming an impact absorbing vehicle headliner extrusion including feeding a viscous polymeric material to an extrusion chamber, introducing a vacuum into an interior of the chamber, progressively forming the material into an extruded shape by subsequently passed through a series of sizer dies positioned at communicating interior locations along the chamber, and drawing an extruded profile out of the chamber prior to bending and forming into an overall closed profile. Pluralities of structural supporting ribs are formed within an open interior of the extruded profile. The chamber is separated into a front vacuum tank incorporating a first plurality of sizer dies and an interconnecting rear vacuum tank incorporating a second plurality of sizer dies for assisting in the formation of the ribs within a hollow interior profile associated with the extruded article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for producing a polymer film, particularly a polyimide film, perform drying and heat treatment using a tenter type feeding apparatus that suppresses the problems of deformation of film in the vicinity of pore into which the pins bite and breakage of the pores to form long pores in the width direction. The apparatus includes a device to suppress deformation of the film in the vicinity of the tenter pins at the time point when the both ends of the film is pierced with the pins and cools the pin temperature to less than 180° C. at the time when the film is pierced with the pins. Individual pins can be arranged on the innermost side of the pin sheets so that they are all disposed at the same distance both in the film feeding direction in the individual pin sheets and between other pin sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing support for an apparatus that is used for providing packaging material. A device for shaping the packaging material in order to form filling material this is discharged at an outlet of the housing support is rotatably mounted on the housing support. The housing support comprises a hopper on which a holder for a packaging material reservoir can be mounted and via which the packaging material is fed to the shaping device, a discharge orifice that delimits the outlet, and a bearing structure which is arranged between the hopper and the discharge port in the feeding direction and on which the shaping device can be rotated. The hopper, the discharge port, and the bearing structure are arranged to rest against each other in such a way that a continuous feeding path encompassing an especially rectilinear axis of the feeding direction is formed through the housing support.

Abstract: A rail support device installed in a clip chain type sheet stretching apparatus configured to stretch a sheet includes a first rail support member, a second rail support member, and an arc shaped rail support member. The arc shaped rail support member is engaged with each of the connecting portions of the first and second rail support members to form a higher pair. The rail support device is symmetrical with respect to an intersection angle bisecting plane which is a plane developing in a vertical direction and including an intersection angle bisector.

Abstract: A carrier tape forming apparatus includes a tape paying-out unit for paying out a tape to be worked, a tape feeding unit for feeding the tape, a forming unit for effecting embossing on the tape, a perforating unit for perforating at least a feeding hole in the tape, and a tape taking-up unit for taking up the finished (embossed) tape thereabout. The apparatus includes also double-acting driving units provided as driving sources at least for the tape feeding unit, the forming unit and the tape taking-up unit, each driving unit being fluid-operated and movable along a straight path and a controller for independently controlling driving/stopping of the double-acting driving units for the forming unit and the tape taking-up unit in association with driving/stopping of said double-acting driving unit for the feeding unit.

Abstract: A film stretching machine includes a clip chain for holding a lateral edge of a film and stretches the film while transporting the film with the clip chain holding the film and traveling, and includes an upper reference rail disposed at an upper side for guiding the clip chain; a lower reference rail disposed at a lower side for guiding the clip chain; a plurality of clips that constitutes the clip chain; an interval adjusting rail for adjusting intervals of the plurality of clips; and interval adjusting links that couple neighboring clips among the plurality of clips and contact with the interval adjusting rail to adjust the intervals of the plurality of clips. According to the film stretching machine, a stretch degree of a film can be adjusted with a simple configuration and little man-hours.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming shaped bodies from a thermoplastic film has a stationary support, a downwardly directed upper tool fixed on the support, means for feeding the film in a transport direction in steps underneath the upper tool, a lower shaft pivotal in support below the traverse, a frame carried on the shaft and pivotal therewith about an axis of the shaft, an upwardly directed lower tool shiftable on the frame toward and away from the axis, a pair of arms extending radially from the shaft, a link extending between one of the arms and the lower tool, and a crank drive element. A connecting rod extends between the other of the arms and the crank drive element. A stationary cam adjacent the frame has a nonstraight cam formation, and a cam follower on the tool engages the cam formation. A drive rotates the crank drive element.

Abstract: Apparatus's and methods of stretch-forming pre-preg material are provided. In one example embodiment a variable material stretch forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section along a width of a sheet of pre-preg material to a longer length than at least one other section along the width of the sheet of pre-preg material before the sheet of pre-preg material is applied to a tool.

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: In a device and method for manufacturing preforms of fiber reinforced plastic, in a first step, continuously supplied fiber layers are laterally reshaped in a predetermined manner, and the section that is obtained is curved longitudinally in a specific manner in a second step.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube film includes a substrate holder, a bar supplying device, a carrier device, and a stretching device arranged in alignment in that order. A method for making a carbon nanotube film is further provided.

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 continuous multi-layer film includes a support layer having a first film surface, and a hard coat layer, formed on the support layer, having a second film surface, and having a curling tendency in an inward direction. In the decurling method, the multi-layer film is transported. A first transition of the support layer in the multi-layer film being transported into a rubber phase is induced by supplying fluid vapor on the support layer. After supplying the fluid vapor, a second transition of the support layer from the rubber phase into a glass phase is induced. The multi-layer film is transported while a portion of the support layer in the rubber phase is prevented from contacting a solid object. The hard coat layer is formed from a polymer produced from an ultraviolet curable compound, and the support layer is formed from cellulose acylate.

Abstract: A continuous multi-layer film has first and second film surfaces and having a curling tendency to direct the first film surface inwards. For decurling, a decurling apparatus includes a cover body for covering a moving path through which the multi-layer film is moved longitudinally. A water vapor source is contained in the cover body, for supplying water vapor to contact a surface layer portion in the multi-layer film disposed on the second film surface, to apply heat to set the surface layer portion at a higher temperature than a glass transition temperature thereof. A cooling device is contained in the cover body, disposed downstream of the water vapor source adjacently, for cooling the multi-layer film of which the surface layer portion is set at the higher temperature, to set temperature of the multi-layer film at 50 deg. C. or lower within 2 seconds.