Abstract: A multi-zone cementitious product, which includes a base zone made of a first cementitious material composition and forming a portion of the product. At least one facing zone is adjacent to and bonded to the base zone, the facing zone made of a second cementitious material composition and forming at least one exterior face of said product which is visible when the product is installed. A disrupted boundary layer is between the facing zone and the base zone, and includes material from both the facing zone and the base zone. The disrupted boundary layer bonds the facing zone to the base zone. The facing zone has a thickness sufficient to prevent the base zone from being visible when the product is installed.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, an additive manufacturing platform is described. The additive manufacturing platform includes a vibrating bed on which a volume of build material is to be disposed. The bed is to vibrate to remove excess build material and operates in at least two extraction modes during a build material extraction period. The additive manufacturing platform also includes a non-vibrating frame to support the vibrating bed.

Abstract: A feedbox for use in an automated dry-cast concrete block machine, including an agitator grid having a plurality of parallel agitator elements disposed parallel to a bottom of the feedbox, a plurality of prongs extending downward toward the bottom of the feedbox from each of the parallel agitator elements, and one or more restrictor elements slideably coupled with a coupling mechanism to one or more of the plurality of prongs which can be slideably adjusted along a length of the one or more prongs.

Abstract: A process for controlling the embedding depth of reinforcing mesh to a cementitious board is disclosed. The process comprises applying a pressure from a plate to a reinforcing mesh on a core mix moving downstream on a conveyor, wherein the plate vibrates at a rate that assists in embedding the reinforcing mesh at a depth within the core mix such that the reinforcing mesh is barely visible.

Abstract: This invention provides a resin extrusion die capable of suppressing die drool generation and contamination of a resin molded form with generated die drool serving as foreign substances. The resin extrusion die includes a cap through which a molten resin is extruded, and a cover that includes a gas outlet for forming a gap around the tip of a discharge nozzle and covers at least part of the cap so as to form a space between the cap and the gas outlet. The gas outlet forms, around the tip of the discharge nozzle, the gap whose maximum width/minimum width ranges from 1.05 to 2.0, thereby changing a gas supplied into the cover and flowing out of the gap to a turbulent flow.

Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.

Abstract: A vibration drive assembly comprising two rotary servo motors and an electronic motor controller electrically coupled to the servo motors and configured to regulate the motors and operate them in synchronism with one another at a predetermined rotational speed. Two articulated drive trains are connectable between the servo motors and mold assembly vibrator shafts of a concrete product molding machine and are configured to mechanically transmit rotational motion from the servo motors to the vibrator shafts when the mold assembly is in an elevated vibration position with the vibrator shaft axes coaxially aligned with rotational servo motor axes. The drive trains remain connected between the servo motors and vibrator shafts when the mold assembly is in a rest position below the vibration position, with the vibrator shaft axes axially mis-aligned with respect to the servo motor axes.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for depositing slurry upon a moving forming web. The apparatus includes a pivotally mounted headbox for depositing slurry from the inner bottom surface of the headbox down an inclined spillway as a continuous curtain onto a moving web. The headbox is mounted transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web. The headbox also has vertical edge boards, including a headbox back edge board and two opposed headbox side edgeboards, on three respective sides of the headbox to prevent slurry from spilling over the sides and back of the headbox. The headbox is supplied with slurry from a slurry mixer by a feed line mounted on a reciprocating trolley which moves, transverse to the direction of travel of the moving web, back and forth along the length of the headbox.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a melting chamber (6) in communication with a molding cavity made up by two half-molds (1, 2) in a close position, an inlet duct (3) through which plastic material is fed into said melting chamber (6), an ultrasound vibration element (4) activated by an ultrasound generator (5) and provided with an end portion inserted in the melting chamber (6) through an access opening thereof, and motion means for generating a relative displacement between the ultrasound vibration element (4) and the melting chamber (6). The ultrasound vibration element (4) is supported by adjustment means so as to adjust the position of a longitudinal axis (E) thereof in two cross directions (X, Y) perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to an axial direction (Z) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the melting chamber (6).

Abstract: A process for the production of a core that can be used for the manufacturing of a part that is made of composite material, whereby the core consists of at least one powdered and/or granular product (16), includes introducing the at least one powdered and/or granular product (16) by vibrating it in an outer envelope (14) placed in a device (18) having a cavity that is delimited by a wall (20) whose geometry is adapted to that of the core to be produced and flattening the outer envelope (14) against the wall (20), characterized in that vibrations are emitted slightly above the fill level during filling.

Abstract: A layered-object forming apparatus (1) includes a holding mechanism (10) that holds a base (12), a liquid applying device (20) that applies a liquid to a predetermined position from above the base, a powder applying device (30) that allows a powder to fall from above the base, and a powder removing device that removes an unconsolidated powder on the base. Then, a process of applying the liquid by the liquid applying device, subsequently applying the powder by the powder applying device, subsequently consolidating the liquid and the powder applied onto the liquid and then removing the powder that has not been consolidated with the liquid by the powder removing device is repeated, thereby forming a three-dimensional structure on the base. Thus, it is possible to produce a three-dimensional structure that at least partially has a smooth surface, thus allowing omission or simplification of a surface smoothing treatment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting a concrete product with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, wherein the concrete mix is fed at least in one step through a limited cross-section moving progressively along with the cast, whereby the height of the product forming part (1) is changed during the cast. The invention also comprises a product forming part (1) having an adjustable height.

Abstract: Filling assembly for filling holes formed in a plate, such as a printed circuit board, with a filing material, comprising a support device for supporting the plate, a filling device having a filling material source and a feeding channel connected to the filling material source for feeding filling material from the filling material source to the plate supported by the support device, wherein the feeding channel leads to an output opening held adjoining the plate for filling the filling material into the respective hole of the supported plate, and a vibration device connected to a side wall of the feeding channel, by which the side wall can be vibrated at a particular frequency transverse to the feeding channel, such that the feeding channel is correspondingly diminished at least adjacent to its output opening periodically.

Abstract: A granulation process wherein a liquid is sprayed into a prilling tower (1) by means of a rotating prilling bucket (15) having a perforated side wall (15a), and the liquid jets exiting said perforated side wall are subjected to a vibrating action according to the axial direction (A-A) of the prilling tower (1), while the remaining liquid mass inside the bucket is kept substantially free from said vibrating action. A suitable apparatus is also disclosed, wherein the peripheral side wall (15a) of the prilling bucket (15) is connected to vibration imparting means and has a flexible connection with the frame (15b, 15c) of the bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A special hand tool for laying concrete blocks. The device includes a mini-hopper sized to hold the correct amount of mortar, a sluiceway, dimensioned to fill the normal joint space between blocks, an optional divider to accommodate both 4 inch and 8 inch nominal blocks, and a vibrator. The device has a handle that can also contain batteries for the vibrator. A mason can scoop up mortar while the tool is vibrating. When full, the vibrator can be stopped and the tool positioned to face the end of a block already set in a wall while the next block to be laid can be put in place on its mortar bed and pushed to the other face of the tool. The vibrator can then be re-started, and the tool vertically withdrawn leaving the mortar that was in the tool between the two block ends. The same tool can also be used to butter horizontal joints by running the vibrator only sufficiently to apply the correct amount of mortar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curing tool (11) for curing a composite material part formed by bundles of fibers embedded in a resin matrix in an installation, such as an autoclave, allowing the curing of the part by means of applying high pressures and/or temperatures, comprising at least one mechanical vibrating actuator (1) acting on the curing tool (11) itself to facilitate resin distribution in the part during the curing process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manufacture of concrete pipes (2) made of an outer layer and having an inner layer of greater density in surface structure is described. The inner layer is applied by an applicator in a mould (1) having both outer (3) and inner (4) mould parts. The applicator is formed by an inner mould part or core (4) or by an applicator unit in immediate connection with the core (4). The applicator applies the inner layer simultaneously or immediately following vibration of the concrete forming the pipe. The inner layer is applied during movement of the inner mould part or core (4) in its longitudinal direction, the core having one or more supply openings (14) provided along the circumference of the core (4) at the upper end of the core (4) for supplying a further material of greater density to form the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Abstract: A new system and method for making agglomerates from material like wet chopped glass fiber strand segments is disclosed and the agglomerates so produced. Agglomerates, made by feeding wet chopped fiber strand segments into a wave chamber having a vibrating curved surface supporting a curved, dimpled liner working surface have improved density and flow characteristics compared with dry chopped strands, but it was discovered that the dimpled liner flexes during operation during vibration causing undesirable variation in properties like agglomerate size. In the invention the dimpled liner is backed up with a substantially non-compressible material and this results in agglomerates that have even better uniformity of flow and agglomerate diameters. Typical backing materials include a particulate material, an elastomer, a rididized elastomer, slurry or liquid, or wire or slivers of metal.

Abstract: Vibration equipment includes a vibration table with rotating shafts for producing vibrations and used in casting concrete blocks for e.g. paving and erection of walls. These vibration tables are normally made of cut-out, welded steel parts that after welding constitute the main part of the vibration table, making such vibration tables costly and resulting in relatively great waste of material. This method solves the above problems by providing vibration equipment in which individual parts for the vibration table are cast in one piece or are welded and are finally fastened to each other by bolts or by welding, thereby avoid several work operations and saving material in the form of steel. Simultaneously, the vibration table is designed such that force and stress flow in the vibration table is optimized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting wet synthetic gypsum from a flue desulphurization process (FGD) to easily handled and metered briquettes by mixing a hydraulic additive such as by-pass dust from a cement kiln with synthetic gypsum and allowing the heat from the resulting hydraulic reaction to reduce the water content of the mixture to a formable consistency without adding external heat to the mixture as it is formed into briquettes.

Abstract: An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting concrete elements with varying, determined length, equipped with one or with a plurality of longitudinal hollow cores, by means of a slipforming apparatus. The apparatus is movable with respect to the bed (2), said apparatus comprising forming members (10) for forming hollow cores. The mass is fed in the first step to the portion of the slab below the hollow cores, and in the second step the hollow-core forming members being brought onto the said portion of the slab and mass is being fed between the forming members and onto them. The forming member (10) for forming a hollow core comprises an attachable extension part (22). The height of a hollow core is changed by changing the extension part of the hollow core forming member.

Abstract: A machine for treating or processing a conveyable material, particularly a free-flowing or pasty material or a bulk material comprises at least one passage section having at least one passage through which the conveyable material, which is to be treated or processed, can be conveyed along a direction of conveyance. The at least one passage section forms at least one partial area of a channel of the machine and is mounted so that it can move in relation to this channel. This at least one passage section is coupled to at least one source, which is provided for effecting oscillations and by means of which the passage section can be set in mechanical oscillatory motion with regard to the channel of the machine.

Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A new system and method for making agglomerates from material like wet chopped glass fiber strand segments is disclosed and the agglomerates so produced. Agglomerates, made by feeding wet chopped fiber strand segments into a wave chamber having a vibrating curved surface supporting a curved, dimpled liner working surface have improved density and flow characteristics compared with dry chopped strands, but it was discovered that the dimpled liner flexes during operation during vibration causing undesirable variation in properties like agglomerate size. In the invention the dimpled liner is backed up with a substantially non-compressible material and this results in agglomerates that have even better uniformity of flow and agglomerate diameters. Typical backing materials include a particulate material, an elastomer, a rididized elastomer, slurry or liquid, or wire or slivers of metal.

Abstract: Filling assembly for filling holes formed in a plate, such as a printed circuit board, with a filing material, comprising a support device for supporting the plate, a filling device having a filling material source and a feeding channel connected to the filling material source for feeding filling material from the filling material source to the plate supported by the support device, wherein the feeding channel leads to an output opening held adjoining the plate for filling the filling material into the respective hole of the supported plate, and a vibration device connected to a side wall of the feeding channel, by which the side wall can be vibrated at a particular frequency transverse to the feeding channel, such that the feeding channel is correspondingly diminished at least adjacent to its output opening periodically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: A concrete wall fabrication system includes an endless track, mold carriers movably supported on the endless track for carrying a respective set of formworks for molding concrete into multiple concrete walls at a time, a concrete spouting unit set above the endless track and controlled to discharge a predetermined amount of concrete into each mold carrier, a vibrator unit set above the endless track and operable to vibrate the concrete in each mold carrier, and finished product collector unit set near one side of the endless track for collecting the finished concrete walls from each mold carrier for packing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamperhead structure including metal and/or non-metal components. The structure may include a top plate and a bottom plate separated by a plurality of spacers. The head structure may also include a plurality of plungers attached to the bottom plate and a stripper shoe attached to each of the plurality of plungers. Each of the components of the tamperhead structure may be fabricated from metal material, non-metal material or a combination of both metal and non-metal materials.

Abstract: A tile grouting machine has an electric motor mounted in a housing. At one end of the housing is a rubber boot having an outer edge and a back wall so as to form a cavity to receive grout. A drive connects the shaft of the motor to the boot and the drive includes a cam for shaking the boot in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the open end of the boot.

Abstract: In a mold oscillating apparatus according to the present invention, a connecting plate for interconnecting a moving bearing housing rotated by eccentric rotation of an eccentric shaft and a mold table oscillated by rotation of the moving bearing housing is supported by the mold table from one end of an upper end part thereof to the other end, and supported by the moving bearing housing from one end of a lower end part thereof to the other end. By such a configuration, torsional deformation of the connecting plate is prevented and a stress generated in the connecting plate is eased.

Abstract: A concrete dispensing apparatus is used in a manufacturing process for producing pre-cast concrete structures, which are conventionally used to form a foundation for a residential or commercial building. The dispensing apparatus includes a hopper that funnels to a discharge opening extending along the entire transverse length of the dispensing apparatus. A plurality of individually controlled gates cover the entire discharge opening for selectively controlling the length and location of the discharge opening through which concrete is dispensed. The dispensing apparatus also includes a finishing mechanism including a vibratory screed and a rotational finishing roller. The form can be moved relative to the dispensing apparatus or vice versa. A form vibrator induces a vibratory motion into the form to remove air from the dispensed concrete mixture.

Abstract: In connection with casting concrete blocks with cavities, e.g. foundation blocks, perforated blocks and elements with cavities, a moulding equipment including a bottom part (4) with casting cells with pendant core members (8) bolted on corresponding to the shape of the concrete block, and a top part (14) which have pressing plates (20) projecting downwards on support rods (18) and substantially corresponding to the shape of the casting cells, and so that the pressing plates (20) by stripping the items by vertical displacement of the bottom part (4) are passed down through the casting cells (6). By the invention is indicated a bottom part (4) that include means in the form of core members (8) bolted on, forming the defined cavities in the finished block/element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold for the production of molded parts on a jolting table, the mold having a mold frame which carries a mold insert in which recesses defining the molded parts are formed, the mold insert being surrounded by a clearance space toward the mold frame, this clearance space being at least partly filled with damping means which keeps the mold frame and mold insert at a distance apart in a non-contact manner. In this case, at least one locking element passes through the clearance space, the locking element being mounted with play in at least one of the mold frame and mold insert.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting wet synthetic gypsum from a flue desulphurization process (FGD) to easily handled and metered briquettes by mixing a hydraulic additive such as by-pass dust from a cement kiln with synthetic gypsum and allowing the heat from the resulting hydraulic reaction to reduce the water content of the mixture to a formable consistency without adding external heat to the mixture as it is formed into briquettes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.

Abstract: A new system for making agglomerates of chopped glass fiber strand segments is disclosed and claimed. The agglomerates, made by feeding wet chopped fiber strand segments into a wave chamber having a vibrating curved surface that produces a wave-like flow pattern in the segments and agglomerates, have a substantially higher bulk density and greatly improved flow characteristics than conventional chopped strand reinforcements. The wet agglomerates are usually dried in any conventional dryer.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture for determining a rate of change of orientation of a plurality of fibers disposed in a fluid are provided. The method includes determining a first tensor indicative of the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in a predetermined region due to rigid body rotation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a second tensor indicative of the rate of change or orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in the predetermined region due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid in the predetermined region, utilizing a first scalar value that reduces the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a third tensor indicative of a total rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers based on the first and second tensors, wherein the third tensor is an objective tensor.

Abstract: A system for pressing lignocellulosic and/or cellulosic materials to produce composite products such as medium density fiberboard subjects a mat of material to alternating or vibratory forces applied to a face surface of the mat. The frequency of the alternating forces may be between 0.2 Hz and 2 Hz. This vibratory pressing action causes heat to be transferred more quickly to the core of the mat from the surface, and reduces the pressing time required for thermosetting resins within the mat to cure. The system comprises a press for accepting the mat; a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of heat in the core of the mat; and a control system for controlling the application of vibratory and non-vibratory forces to the mat.

Abstract: A vibration system for concrete pipe making machines which system utilizes a precisely manufactured inner mold core that contains mounting surfaces for two coupling shaft bearings and two electric vibrators. The bearing mounting surfaces are accurately located with respect to the electric vibrator mounting surfaces to allow the mold core to become the vibration structure. Jaw-type coupling hubs are keyed and fixed to each end of a coupling shaft with each electric vibrator also having a jaw-type coupling hub fixed to one end of its eccentric weights. The eccentric weights of both electric vibrators are aligned upon assembly in the core.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carrying out compaction operations on molded bodies that consist of granular materials and are placed on pallets, the compaction being achieved by impact of a vibrating table on the underside of the pallet. The vibrating table, together with a spring system forms a mass-spring system, which acts as a vibrator capable of oscillation that is excited by an excitation device to produce forced vibrations. The spring system, together with the system mass, is designed to develop at least one individual frequency within the range of the compaction frequency, whereby it is also possible to adjust the individual frequency gradually or continuously. This, together with the fact that the excitation frequency can be adjusted, allows the vibrator to be operated partially or completely in resonance mode over the whole frequency range of the compaction.

Abstract: In connection with the moulding of tiles and bricks, for example for paving etc., use is made of moulding equipment comprising an under-part (16) with moulding cells (18) corresponding to the shape of the tile or brick, and an upper-part (2) with tubes (6) which support downwards-extending pressure plates (8) corresponding substantially to the shape of the moulding cell, and such that the pressure plates (8), in the forming of the items by vertical displacement of the under-part (16), are fed down through the moulding cells (18). With the invention, there is disclosed an upper-part (2) comprising means whereby the upper-part (2), alternatively the under-part (16), comprises means (20, 24) which ensure that when the under-part (16) is raised to a certain minimum height, which is greater than the thickness of the mould items, the pressure plates (8) maintain their position outside, or their guiding engagement with, the sides (14) of the cell (18) corresponding therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal vibration device having an electrical motor mounted in a vibrating unit housing and having a rotating device comprising an out of-balance mass that is also mounted in the vibrating unit housing. The invention is characterized in that eccentricity of a center of gravity of the out-of-balance mass can be varied relative to the axis of rotation of said out-of-balance mass depending on the direction of rotation of the electrical motor. Said internal vibration device is suitable both for compacting unset concrete and for distributing concrete in the formwork.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for casting hollow-core concrete products, in which method concrete mix is fed into a mold of a delimited cross section traveling on a casting bed. According to the invention, the concrete mix is compacted with the help of vibratory shoes operating downstream of the concrete mix feed means, and the correct shape of the hollow-core cavities is maintained with the help of troweling mandrels.

Abstract: A programmed material consolidation apparatus includes at least one fabrication site and a material consolidation system associated with the at least one fabrication site. The at least one fabrication site may be configured to receive one or more fabrication substrates, such as semiconductor substrates. A machine vision system with a translatable or locationally fixed camera may be associated with the at least one fabrication site and the material consolidation system. A cleaning component may also be associated with the at least one fabrication site. The cleaning component may share one or more elements with the at least one fabrication site, or may be separate therefrom. The programmed material consolidation apparatus may also include a substrate handling system, which places fabrication substrates at appropriate locations of the programmed material consolidation apparatus.

Abstract: A concrete product molding machine supports a mold with a vertically extending mold cavity. A pallet support is mounted for lifting movement to dispose a pallet to close the cavity. Attachment structure extends from the mold to rest on frame surfaces prior to being moved upwardly to provide a clearance for vertical vibration of the mold. Mechanism vibrates the mold in a vertical path having lateral x and y axis vibration components. A guidance pin receiver is carried by the support attachment structure and a pin carrier assembly on the machine frame carries a vertically reciprocal guidance pin movable from a remote position up into the pin receiver. A vibration limiter is disposed laterally to the pin for limiting at least one of the lateral vibration components and a motor operated mechanism is coupled to the pin for moving the pin vertically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping at least a portion of a medical balloon comprise a balloon shaping device capable of applying a radial inward force to at least a portion of the medical balloon and at least one vibratory device capable of applying vibratory energy to the at least a portion of the medical balloon.

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough, joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials, in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary, with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.