Polymer transfer and deposition molding device
OwnerRobert M. Gallagherinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A polymer is plasticized in a plasticizing unit and is thereafter fed into a transfer device which is moved into alignment with a clamping press which is remotely located from the plasticizing unit. The polymer from the transfer device is deposited directly into a mold attached to the clamping press or is deposited on a carrier which moves into the mold. An impress preforming device allows the carrier deposited polymer to be shaped prior to entering the mold. Alternatively, the transfer device can be connected with a chamber which is capable of coating continuous or chopped fibers which are deposited on a carrier in a continuous or chopped manner. The carrier moves the fiber composite into the mold.
Claims32
A polymer transfer and deposition device comprising:
- a polymer plasticating machine for providing a flow of polymer;
- a discharge device connected to said plasticating machine containing one or more valves to shift the discharged polymer from one or more positions;
- a movable non-rotatable, hollow transport device, separate and independent from said plasticating machine, said transport device including top and bottom walls and a pair of end walls, an entrance port in said top wall and an exit port in said bottom wall;
- said transport device when said entrance port is aligned with one of said valves of said discharge device accepting deposited polymer from said plasticating machine;
- a ram located within said transport device for moving the deposited polymer towards said exit port;
- and a conveyor for moving the transport device into alignment with said discharge device and one or more locations where said ram discharges the polymer through said exit port.
A polymer transfer and deposition device comprising:
- a polymer plasticating machine for providing a flow of polymer;
- a discharge device connected to said plasticating machine containing one or more valves to shift the discharged polymer from one or more positions;
- a transport device, separate from said plasticating machine, said transport device accepts deposited polymer, moves to another location and discharges the polymer;
- a conveyor for moving the transport device to one or more locations;
- a polymer collection chamber with an entrance and an exit located adjacent said transport device and accepts deposited polymer from said transport device;
- an opening in said collection chamber to allow fibers to enter said collection chamber;
- one or more rotating impellers to apply pressure to the polymer and fibers;
- one or more drivers to push or pull the fibers through the polymer in said collection chamber;
- and a discharge opening in said collection chamber that allows polymer coated fibers to be discharged from the exit end of said collection chamber.
A polymer transfer and deposition system comprising:
- a plurality of molding stations;
- a polymer plasticating machine independent of said molding stations for providing a flow of polymer;
- a discharge device connected to said plasticating machine, said discharge device containing one or more valves to discharge the polymer;
- a plurality of movable, non-rotatable hollow transport devices, separate and independent from said plasticating machine, said transport devices consecutively accepting deposited polymer from said discharge device;
- and conveyor means for consecutively moving said transport devices into alignment with said discharge device and said molding stations where each transport device deposits the polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.