摘要:
A polymer molding system and method of operation produces synthetic article of manufacture that simulate natural building materials such as wooden shakes and stone roofing tiles. The system preferably feeds at least two dye compounds and a polymer filler material into an extruder for heating into a ribbon. The ribbon is heated as it travels through the extruder and through an outlet end where a slicing unit cuts the ribbon into a plurality of preforms at a pre-defined rate. Because the dye compounds are not homogeneously mixed with one another, the ribbon and hence the preforms are generally of at least two colors. Each preform is individually fed into a press that stamps and partially cools the preform into the simulated article of manufacture shape that also accentuates the varying colors. Preferably, the stamped article is then flexed or cupped between a carriage and a dead weight prior to crystallization and where it then cools and crystallizes to a final shape. This cupped shape of the article of manufacture is generally straightened out under stress when the article is installed.
摘要:
An apparatus for sewing two fabric panels together along the edges thereof. The apparatus includes a combining fixture for holding the panels such that the edges to be joined hang freely in the combining fixture. A staging mechanism engages the edges of the panels to be joined and disposes the edges in overlapping relationship with one another. A sewing apparatus is insertable into the combining fixture for sewing the edges of the panels together while the panels are held in the combining fixture. Finally, the apparatus includes means for movably mounting the sewing apparatus for reciprocal movement between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the combining fixture.