Abstract: An apparatus for shaping the counters of shoe uppers is of the type which includes, on higher portions of the same frame or framework, two heating stations for heating portions of the upper, reactivating glue for assembly of the shoe uppers. In lower portions of the apparatus, two shaping stations for shaping the counters, which are made of a preform, comprise a last and shaper able to engage with one another to clamp the shoe upper tightly. The apparatus is provided with instrumentalities allowing each shaping station to operate in three stages; namely, (a) holding of the shoe piece on the last and fitting it to the height of the shoe upper, (b) positioning of the piece by holding of the preform shaper on the shoe upper at slight pressure, and then (c) properly shaping by clamping of the shoe upper between the shaper and last under a rather high pressure of 5 to 6 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating molded articles includes a turntable rotatable about an axis and having an edge. A number of independent diaphragm presses are supported for rotation with the turntable and are spaced from its axis of rotation. A fixed high-frequency heating station is positioned above and in the vicinity of the edge of the turntable, the station including a hood which defines a cavity into which the presses are sequentially positioned. A cooling device is positioned either to the side of the turntable or mounted on the turntable coaxially with its axis of rotation. Conduits connect or couple the cooling device to the presses to effect cooling of the presses subsequent to removal from the heating station as they advance to a parting station.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling the cavities of a mold with powdered plastic material and for preliminary gelation of the material is used primarily for making synthetic shoe uppers. A carriage carries a mold beneath a distributor for depositing powdered material in the mold. A leveling means then levels the material at the top of the mold and the excess powder is returned to the distributor. The filled and leveled mold is then passed beneath a heat generator for effecting preliminary gelation of the powdered material.