The invention relates to a method for producing molded parts, wherein semifinished product is heated in a heating device and is subsequently fed to a shaping machine. The heating device has a closed housing having a door or has a separately closable opening. The heating device optionally has a dividable housing, in the case of which the housing components can be moved away from each other in order to form an opening and can be moved toward each other in order to form a closed housing. One or more radiant heaters, in particular infrared radiant heaters, are provided in the interior of the housing. Semifinished product is introduced into the interior of the housing and radiant heat produced by the radiant heaters is applied thereto, said semifinished product is heated, and said semifinished product is subsequently removed from the housing. Thermal convection, which is directed substantially upward in the housing, is produced in the interior of the housing. According to the invention, an air flow counteracting the thermal convention, in particular an air flow directed substantially downward in the interior of the housing, is produced in the interior of the housing.

A process for making a hermetically sealed package, which includes forming a sheet of wrapping made of plastic material, in particular having a thickness of less than or equal to 140 μm. The process envisages: forming on the sheet a first, hollow, portion and a second, perimetral, portion, which delimits at least partially the first portion; inserting the product into the hollow portion obtained in the sheet of wrapping; applying a second sheet of wrapping in contact with the perimetral portion so as to close the hollow portion with the product inside; and welding the second sheet on the first sheet along the perimetral portion. Forming the first sheet includes providing on the second, perimetral, portion a series of pleats of the sheet, which are then sealed.

Methods to produce thermoformed implants comprising poly-4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer, copolymer, or blend thereof, including surgical meshes, have been developed. These thermoforms are preferably produced from porous substrates of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer or copolymer thereof, such as surgical meshes, by vacuum membrane thermoforming. The porous thermoformed implant is formed by placing a porous substrate of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer or copolymer thereof over a mold, covering the substrate and mold with a membrane, applying a vacuum to the membrane so that the membrane and substrate are drawn down on the mold and tension is applied to the substrate, and heating the substrate while it is under tension to form the thermoform. The method is particularly useful in forming medical implants of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof, including hernia meshes, mastopexy devices, breast reconstruction devices, and implants for plastic surgery, without exposing the resorbable implants to water and without shrinking the porous substrate during molding.

A method for producing a vehicle interior component includes placing a polymeric cushion blank in a mold having a plurality of apertures and a mold cavity. The method may include the step of passing a first fluid having a first predetermined temperature through at least some of the apertures and through the cushion blank to heat the cushion blank to a compliant, non-liquid state. The method may also include passing a second fluid having a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature through the mold and through the cushion blank to cool cushion blank to a non-compliant state.

A thermoforming system has a composite plate, a loading area in which the plate is placed, a heating area in which the plate is heated, a pressing area in which the plate is formed, and at least one mold which is located in the pressing area that applies heat and pressure to the plate so that the plate is formed. The system also includes a thermoforming area which is formed by the loading area, heating area, and the pressing area and consists of at least two different surfaces located opposite each other. A rail system is located on at least one surface in the thermoforming area and allows the plate to be conveyed within the thermoforming area.

A molded face mask for treating a user's face, the molded face mask having a rigid, inflexible polycaprolactone body molded to the user's face, the body having: i) two opposed, slightly tapered end portions; ii) a generally straight lower edge; and iii) an upper edge having a concave portion disposed approximately half-way along a length of the upper edge. A kit for providing therapeutic relief and reducing redness and bumps associated with facial shaving.

A flat flexible hose for transporting a fluid, for example water, is adapted to move between an inoperative position having a flattened configuration and an operative position, in which the hose expands radially under pressure from the fluid. The hose has a first inner layer defining an axis, a second covering layer, and a reinforcement textile layer therebetween. The first and second layers are made of a first and respectively a second thermoplastic elastomeric material adapted to adhere to each other. The reinforcement textile layer is made of rigid textile yarns which at least partially have a respective first and second predetermined inclination opposite to each other so that the length of the hose remains unchanged both in the inoperative and the operative positions. The reinforcement textile layer is a knitted layer with tricot chain stitches with rows of stitches and courses of stitches made of chain stitches.

A flat flexible hose for transporting a fluid, for example water, is adapted to move between an inoperative position having a flattened configuration and an operative position, in which the hose expands radially under pressure from the fluid. The hose has a first inner layer defining an axis, a second covering layer, and a reinforcement textile layer therebetween. The first and second layers are made of a first and respectively a second thermoplastic elastomeric material adapted to adhere to each other. The reinforcement textile layer is made of rigid textile yarns which at least partially have a respective first and second predetermined inclination opposite to each other so that the length of the hose remains unchanged both in the inoperative and the operative positions. The reinforcement textile layer is a knitted layer with tricot chain stitches with rows of stitches and courses of stitches made of chain stitches.

An orthosis for supporting a limb or a joint of a human or of a vertebrate animal, including: a sleeve which is at least partly elastic and is designed to enclose a limb or a joint, a plate made of a thermoformable material, and a pocket formed on the sleeve in order to receive the plate, the pocket having a shape adapted to that of the plate. The adherence between the plate and the inner surface of the pocket is treated in order to permit a relative movement of the plate with respect to the material forming the pocket during and after an operation of thermoforming of the plate, this being done by placing the orthosis on the limb or the joint with the plate present in the pocket. This orthosis is designed to be fitted in place and thermoformed by the user himself.

A material forming apparatus comprises: a support which is positioned at a side of a forming tool with respect to a material arranged on the forming tool to have a first part covered by the forming tool and a second part separated from the forming tool, and which supports the forming tool; a diaphragm which presses the second part of the material while the outer surface of the expanded diaphragm comes in close contact therewith, in a state in which the first part of the material is compressed by the forming tool and the outer surface of the diaphragm; and a volume-varying member which is disposed near the forming tool between the diaphragm and the support so that at least a portion thereof is positioned on the second part of the material.