Method and apparatus for forming an article and an article formed thereby
US7018582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24174
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming an article in which thermoplastics materials are used as the binding agent. Materials (21) are shredded in a shredder (1), compressed in a compressing chamber (15) and moulded in a moulding chamber (16, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27). The thermoplastics material is heated whilst the material is held under compression and then cooled to bind the material together. In one embodiment superheated steam is supplied via tubes (31) having apertures there along. In another embodiment superheated steam is supplied via apertures in side walls of the mould (58, 59). Blocks (62, 72) formed by the method and apparatus of the invention may find application as construction materials etc. and have good structural, thermal and acoustic properties.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.