Apparatus and method for treating a moulded article made of plastic with vapour of a treatment liquid
US12115742B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y40/20
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for treating a plastic molded article. The apparatus includes a treatment chamber that can be closed and temperature-controlled. A vapor generating unit generates vapor of a treatment liquid. A fluid connection between the treatment chamber and the vapor generating unit feeds vapor to the treatment chamber and returns condensate back to the treatment chamber. A pressure equalizing device transfers waste air at atmospheric pressure and equalizes pressure with the atmospheric pressure during treatment. The pressure equalizing device retains vapor and prevents vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. A vapor phase is generated by heating a treatment liquid to its boiling point. The treatment liquid includes a solvent that dissolves or solubilizes the plastic. The article is exposed to the vapor phase for a predetermined time and removed from the vapor phase. Residual treatment liquid present on the article is removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.