Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying an oscillating force to a molten material. The apparatus includes a barrel in communication with a hopper for receiving a flow of moldable material. A screw conveyor is rotatable and axially reciprocatable within the barrel. At least one conveyor flight is formed on the screw conveyor for conveying and compressing the moldable material. Rotation and reciprocation of the screw conveyor forces the material to flow out of the barrel and along a conduit in a mold assembly. The conduit communicates with a mold cavity. A controller controls the rotation and reciprocation of the screw conveyor. The controller reciprocates the screw conveyor toward and away from the mold during filling of the mold cavity inducing a shearing of the material. Each reciprocation of the screw conveyor translates the screw conveyor closer toward the mold cavity. A method is also disclosed which includes dispensing a moldable material into an barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping deformable materials during molding processes. Such an apparatus includes, among other things, a vibrating wall assembly. The vibrating wall assembly fits the contours of at least a portion of a mold's cavity. The vibrating wall assembly includes a pliable wall positioned within the mold. The pliable wall is positioned such that its outside wall surface is adjacent to a portion of the mold's inside wall surface; and its inside wall surface defines a portion of the geometric configuration of the material passing thereover. The pliable wall is designed to deform from its original shape when a positive or negative pressure is exerted on its inside or outside wall surface. This positive and/or negative pressure is generated, at least in part, by the displacement of a displaceable fluid. This fluid is contained within a chamber. The chamber is in communication with a portion of the pliable wall's outside wall surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus and method of using the same. This apparatus includes a mold defining a mold cavity and an inlet through which molten material can pass. Also included is at least one feeder for preparing a molten material. This feeder has an outlet through which molten material can pass. There is also at least one accumulator spaced from the feeder and the mold. This accumulator has an inlet through which molten material can enter, and an outlet through which molten material pass. The accumulator also is designed such that it can introduce a molten material through its outlet into the mold cavity and exert a shear stress, compressive force or stress tensor on the molten material contained within the accumulator and/or within the mold cavity. The apparatus also includes a flow control mechanism is designed to prevent the flow of molten material from the accumulator back into the feeder.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for shaping deformable materials during molding processes. Such an apparatus includes, among other things, a vibrating wall assembly. The vibrating wall assembly fits the contours of at least a portion of a mold's cavity. The vibrating wall assembly includes a pliable wall positioned within the mold. The pliable wall is positioned such that its outside wall surface is adjacent to a portion of the mold's inside wall surface; and its inside wall surface defines a portion of the geometric configuration of the material passing thereover. The pliable wall is designed to deform from its original shape when a positive or negative pressure is exerted on its inside or outside wall surface. This positive and/or negative pressure is generated, at least in part, by the displacement of a displaceable fluid. This fluid is contained within a chamber. The chamber is in communication with a portion of the pliable wall's outside wall surface.