A thermoformable sheet transfer system is provided having at least one frame, and upstream conveyor, a sheet cutter, and a downstream sheet manipulator. The upstream conveyor is configured to deliver a series of shots of formed articles in a thermoformed sheet from an exit end of an article forming station. The sheet cutter is carried by the at least one frame provided proximate the conveyor downstream of the article forming station and is configured to cut a leading edge of the formed articles and sheet sufficiently formed to index within dies of an article trim press. The downstream sheet manipulator is carried by the at least one frame and is configured to transport the leading edge and the sufficiently formed articles and sheet for delivery in sequential shots from downstream an article forming station to upstream an article trim station. A method is also provided.

A thermoforming system for forming a cushioning pod structure that includes a first and a second thermoforming station with each comprised of a film holder and a thermoforming mold holder. The system implements a thermal source that is moveable between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station such that the film holders are between the thermal source and the respective thermoforming mold holder. The system also relies on intentional application of a vacuum source fluidly coupled to thermoforming stations and a movement mechanism configured to move the thermal source between the first thermoforming station and the second thermoforming station. Additional aspects contemplate the implementation of a positive pressure source to aid in the dislodgment of the formed portion, a cooling system to adjust mold temperatures, and/or a fan to efficiently thermoform the component.

A thermoplastic forming tool includes a wand that includes a handle, a tip, and a conduit coupling the handle to the tip. The tip includes a heating element, a forming shoe, and a forming shoe support. During use, heat from the heating element heats the forming shoe to a temperature at or above the glass transition temperature of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic forming tool may be used to apply a thermoplastic material to a surface.

A composite foam article is disclosed herein. The composite foam article comprises a polyurethane foam core presenting a first surface and a second surface facing opposite the first surface. A first skin is disposed on the first surface and a second skin is disposed on the second surface. The first and second skins comprise a plurality of fibers and a polymeric binder. The composite foam article also comprises at least one supplemental layer comprising an ethylene and acrylic acid copolymer dispersed in and/or disposed between any of said aforementioned skins and core.

The present disclosure is directed to recyclable lined molded fiber articles (e.g., bowls) that provide the necessary performance characteristics for storing frozen and refrigerated foods (acceptable oil resistance, water resistance, and water vapor barrier). The disclosed articles and methods for manufacturing such articles include bonding a thermoformable cellulose-based acetate film to a molded bagasse fiber article to form an impervious liner.

A section of (cured and non-liquid) textured foam includes at least a portion of an upper surface that substantially resembles a look of a human fingerprint for a purpose of providing enhanced grip traction between the at least the portion of the upper surface of the textured foam and a hand or a foot of a user of the textured foam. Disposed opposite of the upper surface of the textured foam may be an adhesive backing for attachment to a diverse variety of exterior surfaces where improved grip traction are desired. Systems and methods for making such textured foam that substantially resembles a look of a human fingerprint may utilize a heating means and a compression means.

A thermoforming machine is provided having at least one frame member and a thermal regulator. The thermal regulator is provided in heat transfer relation with one of the at least one frame member configured to control temperature of the one frame member to mitigate thermal deformation of the frame member. A method is also provided.

A method of producing a custom medical device including a splint or brace for immobilization of a selected region of a patient's body part. The custom medical device is produced in accordance with the following operations: (a) production of a three-dimensional mold of a portion of the patient's body part including the selected region onto which the desired medical device is to be placed; (b) definition of a three-dimensional shape of the desired medical device covering the selected region; (c) generation of a two-dimensional template corresponding to the defined three-dimensional shape, and which corresponds to unfolding in a two-dimensional plane of the three-dimensional shape of the desired medical device; (d) production of at least one plate of moldable material in accordance with the two-dimensional template of the desired medical device; and (e) molding of the plate of moldable material onto the three-dimensional mold to shape the desired medical device.

An assembly for a thermoplastic preform for securing body part is provided. The thermoplastic preform is deformable when heated to a softening temperature by an external heating source and hardens when cooled below the softening temperature. The assembly includes the thermoplastic preform and a protective cover surrounding the thermoplastic preform. The thermoplastic preform is sealed within the protective cover. The protective cover is heat resistant up to a temperature that exceeds the softening temperature for the thermoplastic preform. The protective cover transfers heat from the external heating source to the thermoplastic preform and prevents airborne and waterborne bacteria from contacting the thermoplastic preform.

A warpage reduction device the present disclosure includes a jig having a warped shape capable of distributing stress of a workpiece, a light source heating the workpiece so as to be flat, a pressurizer applying pressure to the heated workpiece to be pressed against the jig so as to be deformed, a cooler cooling the deformed workpiece, and a controller controlling operations of the light source, the pressurizer, and the cooler.