Patent ID: 6427360
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B29B,B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
A method for preheating a permeable, thermoformable material having first and second sides, the method comprising:positioning the material proximate an outlet of a fluid distribution system such that a first section of the material is disposed further away from the outlet than a second section of the material; supplying heated fluid through the outlet; regulating flow of the fluid; introducing the fluid onto the first side of the material; and developing a suction on the second side of the material sufficient to draw the fluid through the material thereby convectively heating the material; wherein the flow of the fluid is regulated such that a first portion of the fluid having a first velocity and a first temperature passes through the first section of the material, and a second portion of the fluid having a second velocity less than the first velocity and a second temperature greater than the first temperature passes through the second section of the material, such that substantially uniform energy flux is transferred from the first and second portions of the fluid to the first and second sections, respectively, of the material.