초록 ▼

A method of shaping a layer of settable material such as honeycomb core (24) including placing the core on a flexible support (38); translating the flexible support (38) and core into an oven (28); heating the core to a desired forming temperature in the oven; translating the flexible support (38) a

A method of shaping a layer of settable material such as honeycomb core (24) including placing the core on a flexible support (38); translating the flexible support (38) and core into an oven (28); heating the core to a desired forming temperature in the oven; translating the flexible support (38) and core (24) horizontally from the oven into a forming area (26); lowering a contoured upper die (32) onto the core (24); tensioning the flexible support (38); pressing the core between the tensioned flexible support and the upper die so that the core (24) is forced to conform to the shape of the die (32); cooling the core to set temperature; and raising the die (32) to remove the finished shaped core, is provided. Additionally, a shaping apparatus (22) located in a forming area (26) adjacent an oven (28), for shaping a settable material such as honeycomb core (24) is provided, including: an upper die (32); first and second tensioning assemblies (70), (72) each including a torque supply system; first and second guide assemblies (50), (52) for translating the tensioning assemblies into and out of the oven (28); at least one flexible support (38) wrapped around and between the tensioning assemblies (70), (72) upon which the core may be placed; a regulation system for equalizing tension about the core during pressing; and optional support rollers (166) for focusing the flexible support (38) against the upper die (32) during pressing. A tensioning assembly including a roller (76) and a torque supply system having an air motor (84), is provided. Alternatively, a tensioning assembly including a number of short rollers (92) each powered by a torque supply system having an air motor (108); and a like number of tensioning sub-assemblies (90) each having multiple flexible belts (96) attached thereto, is provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of shaping a layer of settable material, the steps comprising:(a) placing the layer of settable material on a flexible support;(b) translating the flexible support with se

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of shaping a layer of settable material, the steps comprising:(a) placing the layer of settable material on a flexible support;(b) translating the flexible support with settable material to a heat source;(c) heating the settable material to a desired forming temperature;(d) translating the flexible support with settable material from the heat source to a forming area; and(e) pressing the settable material using a die having a particular shape, the pressing occurring between the die and the flexible support by tensioning the flexible support so that the settable material is forced to conform to the shape of the die.