In the method and the apparatus for releasing a molded article from a mold according to the embodiments, the lateral of the molded article in the mold is pressed, so that it is possible to minimize the damage of the mold and the molded article at the time of the release, while the amount of a mold release agent used is minimized.

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.

A component-removal tool assembly is configured to remove a component from a mandrel assembly, and may include a main frame, and a plurality of rotational input devices extending from the main frame. Each rotational input device may be operatively coupled to a respective plunger that is configured to be actuated against a portion of the mandrel assembly. A synchronizing link synchronously couples the rotational input devices together. The synchronizing link operates to synchronize movement of the plurality of rotational input devices. Movement of one or more of the rotational input devices causes the plungers coupled thereto to exert a uniform and consistent disconnecting force against the mandrel assembly.

A system including a rail assembly and a tread extraction assembly coupled to the rail assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame and a first clamping assembly. The first clamping assembly has a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The first clamp is configured to clamp a portion of a tire tread in a tread mold. Further, a system for removing a tire tread from a tread mold is provided. The system includes a tread extraction assembly coupled to a rail assembly. The rail assembly is configured to translate along a rail positioned adjacent the tread mold. The rail assembly is pivotably coupled to the base frame by a first linkage arm and a second linkage arm and configured to pivot the tread extractor assembly from a position adjacent the tread mold to a position over the tread mold.

In an example method, a NWM molding blank, including a non-woven material held in compression by a binder, is placed in a separable mold, and heated to a melting temperature of the binder. The molding blank expands, forming as an intermediate NWM object a NWM molded object with a 3D geometric form. The intermediate NWM object is cooled through a temperature band with an upper boundary and a lower boundary, and further cooled to a solidifying temperature of the binder. The upper boundary is above the solidifying temperature and the upper boundary is lower than the binder melting temperature. While in the temperature band, the mold is separated, rendering accessible an exposed surface of the intermediate NWM object. The object is then transported to a contoured forming surface of a forming base, by an actuatable arm having an end effector gripping the exposed surface via vacuum suction, lifting the object from the mold and placing the object on the contoured forming surface. Optionally, the end effector contact surface includes a final forming feature. The actuatable arm compresses the intermediate NWM object against the contoured forming surface, and the optional end effector final forming feature and continues compressing until cooling to the solidifying temperature.

A method for manufacturing of a wind turbine blade component is provided, including the steps: providing a fabric material and at least one binding agent, cutting the fabric material into a plurality of fabric sheets using a fabric cutting tool and arranging at least one stack of the cut fabric sheets on at least one preform mold tool, wherein the binding agent is arranged in and/or in between the stacked fabric sheets, consolidating the stack of fabric sheets, wherein the stack of consolidated fabric sheets forms a preform part, arranging at least one preform part inside a resin injection mold tool, injecting resin into the preform part, curing the resin, arranging the cured part on a holding means, and treating the cured part using at least one treatment tool for forming the wind turbine blade component.

A demolding device that removes a thin-walled part from a mold, the thin-walled part being tubular and having a partially open wall, the demolding device including: contour units that are located in a circumferential direction of the thin-walled part and each of which includes a contact structure that contacts an outer surface of the thin-walled part and moves in a thin-walled surface outward direction extending away from the outer surface of the thin-walled part; and a puller that engages with edges of the partially open wall of the thin-walled part and that applies a load to the thin-walled part, the load including a force component acting in the circumferential direction of the thin-walled part. In response to application of the load from the puller to the thin-walled part, each of the contour units moves the contact structure to keep the contact structure in contact with the thin-walled part.

A tread extraction assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The base frame defines a leading edge. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame and includes a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge. The tread extraction assembly also includes a linear rail and a linear bearing. The first clamping assembly is coupled to the linear bearing and movable along the linear rail by a linear actuator.

A device (100) for moving a workpiece (103) has a gripping unit (102) and a drive unit (101). The gripping unit (102), in a first state, is coupled mechanically to the drive unit (101) and is designed to grip the workpiece (103). The drive unit (101) is designed to move the device (100). The gripping unit (102), in a second state, is uncoupled mechanically from the drive unit (101).

There is provided a mounting structure for an apparatus for taking out a molded product, the mounting structure being configured to reduce a burden imposed on a worker required to mount the apparatus for taking out a molded product. Upright wall portions of a pair of side plates are formed with a work window. Extended wall portions are formed with a work assist window. The work window is formed to have a size that allows a worker, who is at a location at which the worker can insert bolts into three through holes in a first through hole row, to insert bolts into three through holes in a second through hole row without changing the worker's location.