Abstract: A method for producing concrete pipes in a vertical casting mould comprising a moulding space (4) between a core (2) and a mantle (3) divided lengthwise and comprising mould sleeves (5, 9) which terminate the moulding space (4) at the bottom and at the top is described, wherein pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) and the pipe body (7) is demoulded after setting of the concrete by opening the mantle (3). In order to be able to cast high-quality concrete pipes, it is proposed that the pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) in a predetermined quantity when the upper mould sleeve (9) is removed and that the upper mould sleeve (9) forming a closed ring is pressed in a shaping manner into the end face of the pipe body (7) only after a setting time for a predefined setting volume of the cast pipe body (7) between the core (2) and the mantle (3).

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting of material samples via a vacuum system and controlling fluid flow through a tube of the vacuum system are disclosed. In some examples, the vacuum system may be a castable and/or cold mounting vacuum system that facilitates mounting and/or encapsulation of material samples in epoxy resin under low, vacuum, and/or near vacuum pressure. In some examples, the vacuum system may comprise a flow control device configured to control epoxy flow through a dispensing tube that connects to a hollow vacuum chamber. In some examples, the vacuum chamber may have an opening defined by a rim sandwiched between upper and lower portions of a sealing ring. A movable lid may be configured to press down on the upper portion of the sealing ring when in a closed position, so as to seal the opening.

Abstract: Provided herein is a continuous production line for a dressed proteinaceous patties with a solid food grade particulate using a coordinated volumetric toothed dispensing cylinder and variable speed conveyor for precisely controlled introduction of the particulate to a stream of proteinaceous material which is then formed into a patty.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and a mold for producing a concrete pipe comprising a basic body made of concrete and a plastic inner pipe for conducting a liquid. The method comprises introducing a mold core into the plastic inner pipe, introducing the plastic inner pipe into an outer mold and pouring concrete into an intermediate space between the outer mold and the plastic inner pipe to form the basic body. After the concrete has solidified, the plastic inner pipe remains as inner formwork in the basic body made of concrete and the mold core is removed.

Abstract: There is provided a press machine which can apply a large compression force to a mold as well as impart smooth vibration only in a rectilinear advancing direction to the mold, and thereby can improve the press-formability. A main slide and a sub-slide constitute a slide and at the same time a cylinder-piston mechanism. During press-forming, a compression force is transmitted to the sub-slide (an upper mold) through hydraulic pressure applied interlockingly with driving of the main slide, and the sub-slide is vibrated with the hydraulic pressure being periodically changed. Favorable press-forming can be performed even under relatively difficult press-forming conditions, by controlling the vibration such that a vibration frequency of the sub-slide (the upper mold) becomes 9 Hz or higher but 33.3 Hz or lower and a vibration amplitude of the sub-slide becomes 0.05 mm or larger but 0.5 mm or smaller.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a jig for detaching a display assembly. The display assembly comprises: a fixing module configured to fix a backlight module in the display assembly; and an absorbing module configured to absorb a display panel in the display assembly such that the display panel and the backlight module are separated from each other by an external force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for treatment of articles by hot pressing and preferably by hot isostatic pressing. In particular, the present invention relates to such an arrangement capable of obtaining a rapid rate without the need of special purpose valves for the cooling. A furnace chamber is provided inside the pressure vessel of the arrangement and a heat insulated casing arranged to surround the furnace chamber. A bottom insulating portion is arranged beneath the furnace chamber. Further, a fan having a controllable number of revolutions for circulating the pressure medium within the furnace chamber is arranged in the pressure vessel, and preferable within the furnace chamber. At least one feeding passage is arranged to allow feeding of pressure medium from a region being colder than a region within the furnace chamber towards an inlet of the fan, wherein an amount of pressure medium being fed to the inlet of the fan can be controlled by adjusting operational parameters of the fan.

Abstract: A forming mold made from a polyporous refractory material is provided for forming a glass piece. The forming mold includes an outer surface and a plurality of forming structures provided on the outer surface. Each of the forming structures includes a forming surface matching with a shape of the glass piece. The forming mold is structured and arranged to be pumped down from the outer surface to generated an absorption force on molten glass material provided at the at least one forming surface for sucking the molten glass material on the forming structure to form the glass piece.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adapting a prefabricated item of footwear that is formed, at least in part, of hard thermoplastic material, to a user's foot and/or leg. A pressure-exerting element is provided that substantially encloses the item of footwear and that has an accommodating space into which the item of footwear can be placed. The accommodating space is bounded, at least in part, by a deformable material which forms an inner layer of the pressure-exerting element, which contains a cavity and has an inlet opening provided for the introduction of a pressure application fluid. The pressure-exerting element is formed with a portion into which the pressure application fluid cannot enter.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component having first and second layers, the first and/or second layers including one or more depressions provided on a surface of the respective layer. The method including: arranging the first and second layers so that they face one another and with the depressions on inner facing surfaces of the layers; diffusion bonding the first and second layers together about their edges; applying a first differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to evacuate an inner space defined by the layers, thereby forming one or more depressions on an outer facing surface of the first or second layer; and applying a second differential pressure across each of the first and second layers to expand the inner space defined by the layers.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag for processing parts is made by encapsulating a generally rigid frame within a flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurizing and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurizing means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: A label applicator that includes an applicator housing having a flow chamber and a suction side. The suction side has one or more openings that allow air to pass therethrough. The label applicator also includes first and second air flow generators that are fluidly coupled with the flow chamber. The first and second air flow generators are configured to generate first and second air flows, respectively, through the flow chamber. The label applicator also includes a valve mechanism that is positioned in the flow chamber to direct the first and second air flows through the flow chamber of the applicator housing. The valve mechanism includes a diverter valve and an electric actuator. The actuator is configured to move the diverter valve within the flow chamber to different positions during a label application operation.

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: Disclosed is a method for placing fiber-reinforced, pre-impregnated, planar semi-finished products on a placement tool for the manufacture of a non-crimp fabric, wherein a placement film is clamped on the placement tool for purposes of holding the non-crimp fabric, and by means of evacuation and/or the application of pressure is fixed in position on the placement tool and/or can be released from the latter. Also disclosed is a placement tool for the execution of such a method.

Abstract: A molding machine for making thermoplastic composites contains: a machine frame, a platform, a heating device, a vacuum means, and a gas barrier film. The machine frame includes a working stage. The platform is mounted on the working stage and includes channels, a curved pattern portion and plural tiny holes which are arranged on the top surface of the platform, wherein the plurality of tiny holes communicate with the channels. The platform also includes a connector fixed on one side thereof and communicating with the channels. The heating device is secured on a bottom end of the platform and heats a working material on the platform. The vacuum means is arranged in the machine frame and includes a pipe for coupling with the connector. The gas barrier film is flaky and covers the top surface of the platform.

Abstract: A bow wave in a composite laminate generated during part consolidation is reduced by transmitting atmospheric pressure loads to a region of the part having low compaction pressure due to bridging of a vacuum bag at an edge of the part.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a web having a static gas pressure plenum and a forming structure disposed in contact to the static gas pressure plenum. The static gas pressure plenum provides a static gas pressure of from about 0.1 MPa to about 25 MPa.

Abstract: An imprinting device having a stage and a cover that depress the die and the molding target, a frame formed with a hole into which the stage is fitted and surrounding an outer circumference thereof, a first moving means for relatively moving the stage and the cover in a direction coming close to or becoming apart from each other, a second moving means for relatively moving the cover and the frame in a direction coming close to or becoming apart from each other, a first depressurizing means for depressurizing a depressurizing room formed any one of the cover, the die or the molding target, and the stage, and further the frame, and eliminating a fluid between the die and the molding target, and a second depressurizing means for eliminating a fluid in a space between the cover and the die or the molding target. The imprinting device can be thus downsized and costs can be reduced.

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: A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for elimination of lamination defects on progressive addition lenses. The lamination method uses a flexible bladder designed to apply pressure evenly across the lens surface. A spacer is positioned between a Hard Multi-Coat carrier and the flexible bladder. The spacer is located in a region of the carrier which is designated to deliver a coating to a section of the lens which is farthest from the carrier. The spacer asymmetrically increases the pressure applied to the carrier to eliminate lamination defects.

Abstract: A composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant having a first surface, shaped in a predefined fashion, on a first side of the composite fibre component. The composite fibre component is developed such that the composite fibre component has a second surface, shaped in a predefined fashion, for connecting to a further component for the rotor blade on at least one partial area of a second side, facing away from the first side, of the composite fibre component. A manufacturing device for manufacturing a composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant by using a vacuum infusion method, and to a method for manufacturing a composite fibre component for a rotor blade of a wind power plant by using a vacuum infusion method.

Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures. Fiber schedule and orientation in the panels provide enhanced properties of strength of a panel/wall per unit dimension relative to FRP layer thickness and/or mass of the panel/wall per unit dimension. Panel profiles as molded having draft angles, and molds to make such profiles, enhance panel fabrication.

Abstract: A rotating drum (1) has a collecting/stacking recess (2) in the outer peripheral surface thereof, and includes: a drum body (3); and an air-permeable porous member (4) that forms the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2). The porous member (4) is sandwiched between: an outer shaping member (6) arranged so as to oppose the bottom surface (2A); and an inner shaping member (7) arranged between the porous member (4) and the drum body (3). Both the shaping members (6, 7) are arranged so as to overlap the porous member (4). Each shaping member (6, 7) has a recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) that overlaps the bottom surface (2A) of the collecting/stacking recess (2) in a planar view thereof, and that is constituted by: a plurality of openings (65, 75) that penetrate the recess-bottom-surface corresponding section (6A, 7A) in the thickness direction; and an opening defining section (60, 70) that partitions and forms the openings (65, 75).

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a main body and an adjustment assembly connected to the main body. The main body includes a frame, a loading member, and an elastic film. The loading member and the elastic film are arranged at opposite end surfaces of the frame. A chamber is cooperatively formed by the frame, the loading member, and the elastic film. The adjustment assembly adjusts the inner air pressure of the chamber. The loading member includes an absorption area connecting the chamber to outside the main body. The absorption area changes the air pressure inside the chamber. Also provided is a bonding apparatus using the vacuum device.

Abstract: A vacuum lamination system and a vacuum lamination method are provided in which, when a laminate film and laminate base items are laminated and an excessive portion of the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon, a high precision lamination is enabled and the cutting process including a conveying device for cutting the excessive portion of the laminate film can be simplified. In the vacuum lamination system, a laminate film and laminate base items that are conveyed on the carrier film are laminated by the batch type vacuum laminating device, and the laminate film is cut from the laminated item having the laminate film laminated thereon.

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 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 an imprinting apparatus or an imprint transfer method in which uniformity of curing quality by UV light is maintained and a uniform application thickness of a UV curable resin is achieved, even if glass is contaminated with dust and/or smudges or has a flaw.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mold for resin molding which ensures ventilation characteristic without requiring an enormous amount of work. The mold for resin molding of the present invention includes: a mold 12; a design layer 16 formed inside the mold 12; and a air permeable interposing layer 22 for forming the design layer 16 on an inner surface of the mold 12. The mold 12 forms a ventilating throughhole 14. The design layer 16 is made of a resin having projections and depressions on the surface, and has a ventilating throughhole 18 formed so as to couple to the ventilating throughhole 14. The air permeable interposing layer 22 is arranged next to the inner surface of the mold 12 so that an inner surface of the design layer 16, the ventilating throughhole 18 of the design layer 16, and the ventilating throughhole 14 of the mold 12 couple to each other.

Abstract: The device according to the invention is used to blow-mold containers. After thermal conditioning, a preform is shaped into the container inside a blow mold by the effect of blowing pressure. The blow mold is retained by a support. A pressure area (43) is sealed from the surroundings by a seal (41). The seal (41) has at least two areas (45, 46). A first area (45) is composed of a harder material than the second area (46). The two areas are rigidly connected to each other.

Abstract: Disclose are a reaction container and a vacuum heat treatment apparatus. A method of preparing a reaction container comprises preparing a graphite mixture by mixing first and second graphite powders having particle sizes different from each other, preparing a graphite molded body by pressing the graphite mixture, and processing the graphite molded body. The density of the graphite molded body is in a range of 1.8 g/cm3 to 2.1 g/cm3. A method of preparing a reaction container comprises preparing a graphite molded body by pressing graphite powders, and processing the graphite molded body to prepare the reaction container. A carbon source is impregnated into the graphite molded body or the reaction container, and density of the reaction container is in a range of 1.8 g/cm3 to 2.1 g/cm3.

Abstract: A vacuum vibration press manufactures engineered stone slabs that are equal or superior in appearance and physical properties to slabs manufactured using a conventional Breton press, while weighing less, costing less to manufacture, providing shorter press cycle times, requiring less resin, and consuming less energy. In addition to providing a vibration device above the slab, the press also includes a second vibration device below the slab, which replaces the massive inertial base of a Breton press. The vibration devices can have different frequencies, amplitudes, and/or vibration axes. The press can be completely enclosed within a vacuum chamber, and vibrationally isolated from surrounding structures. In embodiments, volume reduction blocks reduce the volume to be evacuated. Embodiments use screw jacks and springs or air bags to provide controlled pressing force and precisely uniform slab thickness. Slabs can be inserted and removed on a conveyor belt, or in separate trays on rollers.

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: In a method for transcripting fine patterns and an apparatus for transcripting fine patterns, the ingress of bubbles is prevented and patterns are transcripted with a high throughput by a relatively compact apparatus. For this purpose, a back surface of a stamper is vacuum sucked and the stamper is brought into close contact with a target of transcription with its surfaces coated with resist and pressure is applied thereto. At this time, the stamper is deformed into a spherical shape or bent to expand the close contact face from a central area to a peripheral area to prevent the ingress of air bubbles into between the target of transcription and the stamper.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mold assembly (32, 34) and a method of using the mold for the manufacture of composite parts which, more particularly, are generated from a strengthener in a generally solid phase and a matrix in a generally liquid phase. Various types of molds and processes may be used in order to impregnate a strengthener with a matrix such that a composite part may be manufactured, but the efficiency rate and the duration of the manufacturing process significantly varies depending on the chosen type of mold and process. The present invention relates to a mold assembly and to the manufacture of composites by using the mold assembly which includes the injection of the matrix in the mold assembly containing the strengthener and a deformable member (36) which favors the impregnation of the matrix toward the strengthener.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: During the manufacture of slabs of stone or stone-like material using the technology which envisages preparation of a mix formed by a granular product and by a binder consisting of a hardening synthetic resin, vacuum vibrocompression of a layer of said mix and hardening of the resultant rough slab by means of a catalytic action and by heating, the slab is cooled to room temperature by directing onto both its surfaces a flow of cooling fluid, in particular air at room temperature, while controlling the flowrate of the air, so as to ensure gradual and controlled cooling, and supporting the slab in a static and perfectly flat condition. The device consists of a flat structure provided with a plurality of spacers (20) which keep the slab in a perfectly flat condition and allow the flow of cooling fluid to perform its action.

Abstract: A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mould member.

Abstract: The invention disclosed apparatuses and methods to do nanoimprint lithography using a deformable mold. Generally, the apparatus has a chamber with a transparent section on its top wall, which is capable of vacuuming and pressurizing. The deformable mold fixed firmly onto a hollow mold holder around its full periphery is attached to top inner surface of the chamber and positioned underneath the transparent section. The central area of the mold is freely accessible from underneath through the opening of the mold holder. An enclosed volume referring to mold mini-chamber is formed between the mold/holder and top wall of the chamber. Inside chamber, a stage assembly is installed. A chuck to vacuumly hold a substrate is mounted on top of the stage assembly. At beginning of the imprinting, the substrate with a layer of resist is positioned underneath the mold at a predetermined gap between them. Then, the substrate is moved up to contact with the mold either under vacuum or under atmosphere.

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

Abstract: A press device for the energy-efficient curing of a sandwich component for an aircraft, includes an open and mechanically adequately loadable core structure with cover layers applied to one side or to both sides. The sandwich component is restrained between a pressure piston, an abutment and sidewalls of the press device, thus forming an essentially closed interior space. At least one of at least one cover layer and the core structure includes a curable duroplastic plastic material. A conveying device feeds heated air through the core structure of the sandwich component in a closed heated-air circuit or preferably in an open heated-air circuit in order to ensure energy-efficient curing of the sandwich component from the inside out. The heated air is temperature-controlled by a heater. In the case of an open heated-air circuit, heat recovery by a heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and an associated method for manufacturing superplastically formed structural assemblies from preforms. The apparatus includes first and second co-operable dies structured to define a die cavity therebetween for at least partially receiving the preform, at least one heater in thermal communication with the die cavity for heating the preform to a forming temperature, and at least one injector in fluid communication with the die cavity. The injector is structured for injecting pressurized gas into the die cavity to urge the preform against one of the dies to form the preform into the structural assembly. Further, at least one of the injectors is structured for injecting a quenchant into the die cavity to thereby heat treat the structural assembly while distortion of the structural assembly is being at least partially restrained by at least one of the dies.

Abstract: The imprint apparatus of the present invention molds an imprint material on a substrate using a mold and cures the imprint material to form a pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a holder configured to attract the mold to hold the mold; and a pressure reduction device configured to reduce a back pressure of the mold held by the holder, wherein the apparatus is configured to reduce the back pressure by the pressure reduction device in parallel with release of the mold from the imprint material.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluid transfer and evacuation structures formed in a vacuum bag operable for use in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, debulking, compaction, or similar processes. A reusable vacuum bag can be provided including an elastomeric membrane having a preform-contact surface and at least one textured surface formed in the elastomeric membrane. The textured surface can define a fluid transfer channel. At least one fluid extraction port can be provided in communication with the fluid transfer channel, the fluid extraction port being adapted for engagement to a vacuum pump to remove fluids from the fluid transfer channel. The textured surface defining the fluid transfer channel can be adapted to permit the flow of fluids between the elastomeric membrane and a base mold in communication with the elastomeric membrane when the fluid extraction port is engaged to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A first sealing member and a second sealing member are disposed respectively on a lower mold and an upper mold. During a process of closing the lower mold and the upper mold, a gap between the molds is sealed by the first sealing member, thereby forming an enclosed space between the molds. Thereafter, a gas in the enclosed space is discharged. As the closing process progresses, the enclosed space is divided by the second sealing member into a sealed room and a production cavity, followed by a liquid resin being supplied to the production cavity.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.