Provided is a lamination device for a photovoltaic module. The lamination device includes: a conveyor, a vacuum adsorption structure, a vacuum break structure and a lamination wheel. The vacuum adsorption structure is disposed on a first end of the conveyor, and configured to adsorb the photovoltaic module to the conveyor. The vacuum break structure is disposed on a second end of the conveyor, and configured to separate the photovoltaic module from the conveyor. The lamination wheel is disposed above the conveyor. A lamination gap is provided between the lamination wheel and the conveyor. A projection of the lamination wheel on the conveyor is between a projection of the vacuum adsorption structure on the conveyor and a projection of the vacuum break structure on the conveyor.

Metal plates are placed on opposed surfaces of two heating plates, the metal plates are heated. Then, a hollow plate is placed between the two heating plates, and the two heating plates are moved toward each other. The metal plates, which are heated to a high temperature, are bonded to the outer surfaces of the hollow plate by thermal fusion caused by the heat of the metal plates. After the metal plates are brought into planar contact with the hollow plate, the heating plates are moved away from each other. The heating plates sandwich the hollow plate only for a very short time. Thus, the heat of the heating plates is not transferred excessively to the hollow plate.

A method for applying, in particular for evenly pressing across a surface, a component to a construction part by way of a manipulator, by receiving the component to be applied by means of a first vacuum pressure in a first interstice between a supporting member and the component, displacing the manipulator with the component towards the construction part, disposing the component at at least one partial surface of the construction part by way of the manipulator, where, during disposing, a second vacuum pressure is generated in a second interstice between the supporting member and the construction part, and mounting the component at the construction part by increasing the difference between the first and second vacuum pressures, where the manipulator continuously maintains the first vacuum pressure until completion of arrangement and at least partial attachment of the component at the construction part.

A composite manufacturing system for aircraft structures is provided. The composite manufacturing system comprises a tool for forming a composite structure, a vacuum bag, and a tool base. The tool comprises cured composite planks and layers of flexible material. The cured composite planks run parallel to each other. The layers of flexible material are positioned between and bonded to the cured composite planks. The vacuum bag surrounds the tool and is configured to apply pressure to the tool during curing of the composite structure. The tool is configured to deform in response to the pressure and prevent poor quality laminate and/or anomalies from developing in the composite structure during curing. The tool base is configured to hold the tool in place as it deforms.

The method for producing a strip of material with an integrated electronic component comprises the following steps according to the present invention: feeding a material web, cutting a first piece of material from the material web, lifting the first piece of material, applying an electronic component to the material web, once again feeding the material web with the electronic component located on it, cutting a piece of material from the material web to obtain a second piece of material on which the electronic component is located, and applying the first piece of material to the second piece of material so that the electronic component is accommodated between the first piece of material and the second piece of material.

This disclosure includes methods and apparatus for forming a non-pneumatic tire carcass comprising an inner hub, an outer band, and a plurality of spokes. The method includes arranging the inner hub, the plurality of spokes, and the outer band to form a curing assembly arranged in a first arrangement within a forming apparatus, where the inner hub is arranged concentrically within a radially inner annular side of the outer band and the plurality of spokes are arranged between the outer band and the inner hub. The plurality of spokes are forced in opposite radial directions from the first arrangement and to a second arrangement, where each spoke of the plurality of spokes is forced in a curing position against the inner hub and towards the outer band in a curing arrangement. The plurality of spokes are then cured to each of the inner hub and outer band.

An end effector transports, places and forms a composite ply on a tool having complex tool surfaces. The end effector includes a combination of vacuum and Bernoulli grippers for holding the composite ply while it is being transported and formed, and a set of mechanical actuators that form the composite ply down over the tool surfaces. The Bernoulli grippers allow the composite ply to slip while being held and formed.

A method for making an extrusion coated perforated nonwoven web. The method comprises the steps of extruding a molten polyethylene coating onto a nonwoven web, and aperturing the molten polyethylene coating through heat and pneumatic pressure differential to create microperforations therein at a density of between about 35 and about 120 perforations per linear inch. The resulting microperforated nonwoven web is then thermomechanically perforated by feeding it through perforating rolls, at least one of which has raised protuberances to create macroperforations that extend through at least the polyethylene coating. The macroperforations have a density of between about 6 and about 35 perforations per linear inch. The perforated nonwoven web is useful as a topsheet for absorbent articles.

At least one example embodiment relates to a composite material. In at least one example embodiment, the composite material includes an elastic layer and a support layer. The support layer is adhered to at least a portion of the elastic layer. The support layer extends across at least apportion of a surface of the elastic layer.

Multifunction end effector apparatus and methods for assembling thermoplastic composite articles are disclosed. An example apparatus for assembling a thermoplastic composite article includes a robot and an end effector coupled to the robot. The end effector includes a cutting head, a vacuum head, and a welding head.