Pulp fibre material processing tool for use in a thermoforming process
US12358205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2201/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool for a thermoforming process to form a moulded product from wet pulp fibre material includes two or more moulds each having a moulding surface, an actuator assembly, and a fluid extraction system. At least one of the moulds is displaceable by the actuator assembly between first and second positions and has fluid extraction paths extending through the mould to transport fluid away from the moulding surface. One of the moulds has a first layer that is substantially rigid to form a support member and is in communication with a heating subsystem of the fluid extraction system, and a second layer that is, in use of the tool, between the first layer and the wet pulp fibre material. The second layer is formed of a material that has interconnected internal voids forming part of the fluid extraction paths and has a lower heat transfer coefficient than the first layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.