Patent ID: 7846287
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: B29C,B29K,F24F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preforming a thermoplastic member to form a preform generally corresponding to a desired configuration of a thermoplastic duct defining a passage, the method comprising: providing a hollow tube defining a longitudinal cavity having a cross-sectional size about equal to the cross-sectional size of the duct; providing a funnel extending longitudinally between first and second ends and extending longitudinally from an end of the tube such that the longitudinal cavity of the hollow tube extends from the second end of the funnel, the funnel tapering in the longitudinal direction toward the tube from the first end to the second end, the first end of the funnel having a cross-sectional size larger than a cross-sectional size of the duct and the second end of the funnel having a cross-sectional size about equal to the cross-sectional size of the duct; providing a plurality of electrically resistive heaters disposed along the outside of the tube and the funnel and extending longitudinally and continuously along both the funnel and the tube, wherein the plurality of heaters are spaced apart from one another and spaced circumferentially about the funnel and the tube; heating, with the plurality of heaters, the thermoplastic member to a processing temperature; inserting the thermoplastic member into the first end of the funnel; and while heating the thermoplastic member to the processing temperature, urging the thermoplastic member through the second end of the funnel and into the hollow tube and thereby configuring the thermoplastic member to the desired configuration of the duct.