A heating module for heating at least one film element. The heating module has two or more heating segments with in each case one or more heating elements for heating a first area of the film element assigned to the respective heating segment, wherein the heating module and/or at least one of the heating segments includes at least one sensor for measuring the state of the heating of the film element.

An apparatus for hot drape forming a part includes a plurality of pyrometers, a bladder covering a formable material, and a pyrometer control medium positioned between the plurality of pyrometers and the formable material. The plurality of pyrometers are configured to measure a temperature of the pyrometer control medium.

An apparatus for hot drape forming a part includes a plurality of pyrometers, a bladder covering a formable material, and a pyrometer control medium positioned between the plurality of pyrometers and the formable material. The plurality of pyrometers are configured to measure a temperature of the pyrometer control medium.

Provided is a method of thermoforming a molding material to have a bent portion and a flat portion extending from the bent portion. The method includes: placing the molding material on a bending mold, the bending mold having a curved surface; and forming the bent portion of the molding material by heating a portion of the molding material at least to a fluidization temperature such that the portion of the molding material bends due to the weight of the flat portion of the molding material to form the bent portion according to a shape of the bending mold.

Provided is a method of thermoforming a molding material to have a bent portion and a flat portion extending from the bent portion. The method includes: placing the molding material on a bending mold, the bending mold having a curved surface; and forming the bent portion of the molding material by heating a portion of the molding material at least to a fluidization temperature such that the portion of the molding material bends due to the weight of the flat portion of the molding material to form the bent portion according to a shape of the bending mold.

A system for controlling the temperature of a film before and/or during application, the system including: a heat source for heating a film; and stretch rollers; wherein the heat source heats the film from an ambient temperature to a temperature from about 2 C. to about 40 C. above the ambient temperature, wherein the film is heated prior to or simultaneous to being stretched by the stretch rollers, and wherein the ambient temperature is below 15 C. A system for improving the application of film by transfer of electrostatic charge is also described. The preheating system and/or electrostatic charge system may be used to enhance binding and sealing properties of stretch films used for wrapping palletized products in a reduced temperature environment. Other embodiments of the preheating film system and electrostatic charge system, and methods for their use, are described herein.

A system for controlling the temperature of a film before and/or during application, the system including: a heat source for heating a film; and stretch rollers; wherein the heat source heats the film from an ambient temperature to a temperature from about 2 C. to about 40 C. above the ambient temperature, wherein the film is heated prior to or simultaneous to being stretched by the stretch rollers, and wherein the ambient temperature is below 15 C. A system for improving the application of film by transfer of electrostatic charge is also described. The preheating system and/or electrostatic charge system may be used to enhance binding and sealing properties of stretch films used for wrapping palletized products in a reduced temperature environment. Other embodiments of the preheating film system and electrostatic charge system, and methods for their use, are described herein.

A process for producing a thermoformable polymer/fiber composite using a fibrous substrate, an organic di- or polyisocyanate compound and a dispersion polymer.

A process for producing a thermoformable polymer/fiber composite using a fibrous substrate, an organic di- or polyisocyanate compound and a dispersion polymer.

Methods and systems herein relate to receiving dentition data of a patient; processing the dentition data in a server to determine a vertical displacement and a forward mandibular position to enable the patient to breathe during sleep by opening the airway of the patient; and forming a homogeneous dental appliance via direct manufacture using the processed dentition data, the vertical displacement and the forward mandibular position, the dental appliance including a lower dental tray and an upper dental tray, the lower dental tray inclusive of a pair of vertical displacement bite pads with the vertical displacement and a first pair of button protrusions, the upper dental tray inclusive of a second pair of button protrusions, the first pair of button protrusions and the second pair of button protrusions providing the forward mandibular position when two elastic bands are attached to connect the upper dental tray and the lower dental tray.