Patent ID: 6186766
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B29C,B29L

Abstract:
In an apparatus for shaping a preheated settable material, the apparatus including: an upper die located in a forming area; opposed tensioning assemblies; a flexible support rotatably connected between the opposed tensioning assemblies for supporting the settable material the flexible support having a plurality of openings; and a regulation system operably engaged with the opposed tensioning assemblies for maintaining tension between the opposed tensioning assemblies, during use the settable material being shaped by the relative pressing between the upper die and the flexible support; an improvement comprising:a cooling system for actively providing cool air to the settable material during a cool down period, the cool air being provided in the forming area at a location beneath the flexible support,wherein the flexible support and the forming area are both of a width greater than the width of the upper die so that during use, cool air passes through the plurality of openings in the flexible support to directly reach both the settable material and the upper die, thereby immersing the combination in cool air;wherein the cooling system comprises:(a) first and second air conditioning units;(b) first and second cool air plenums, the first and second cool air plenums being located to face one another from opposed sides of the forming area beneath the flexible support, the plenums being adapted to direct cool air at the flexible support at the position of the settable material; and(c) ducting connecting the first cool air plenum with the first air conditioning unit and the second cool air plenum with the second air conditioning unit.