Patent ID: 6900547
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber, said system comprising: a heater operable to pre-heat reinforced thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material; an extruder coupled to the heater and operable to melt and blend the molten thermoplastic material with the fiber to form a flow of composite material for gravitating onto a lower portion of a mold to form the article; a movable structure coupled to the lower portion of the mold and operable to be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold; and a press coupled to the upper portion of the mold and capable of receiving said movable structure with the lower portion of the mold, said press operable to press the upper portion of the mold against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.