Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for applying additional momentum to the movement of a body (1) adapted to reciprocate or flex through a substantially linear or arcuate path, notably for increasing the impact velocity of a linearly travelling weight upon an object (3), which apparatus comprises means (4) for retracting the body from its rest position, notably for retracting a weight from the point of impact between the weight and an object located at the rest position of the weight, means (5) for biassing the body towards its rest position, notably for urging the weight towards the object so as to impart additional impact velocity to the weight as it travels towards the object, characterised in that: a) the means for biassing the body towards its rest position is an elastic polymeric material which is retained under tension or compression when the body is in its rest position; and b) the biassing means is one which undergoes strain crystallisation.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying additional momentum to the movement of a body adapted to reciprocate or flex through a substantially linear or arcuate path, notably of increasing the impact velocity of a linearly travelling weight upon an object. The apparatus includes an element for retracting the body from its rest position, notably for retracting a weight from the point of impact between the weight and an object located at the rest position of the weight and an element for biasing the body towards its rest position, notably for urging the weight towards the object so as to impart additional impact velocity to the weight as it travels toward the object. The apparatus is characterized in that: a) the element for biasing the body towards its rest position is an elastic polymeric material which is retained under tension or compression when the body is in its rest position; and b) the biasing element is one which undergoes strain crystallization. Also a method for breaking or penetrating a surface using the apparatus.

Abstract: In the heating or cooling of conveyor or power transmission belts or similar articles during manufacture, successive regions of the article are presented to a zone wherein they are subjected to pressure accompanied by simultaneous heat transfer, the displacement of the article between applications of pressure being short compared to the length of said zone. Only preferred apparatus comprises a continuously rotatable heated drum over which said articles are passed, a tensioning roller having its axis parallel to that of the heated drum and movable towards and away from the drum, at least one curved, heated platen or equivalent member movable towards and away from the drum for exerting simultaneous heat and pressure on said articles, and means mounting said platen member for limited arcuate movement circumferentially of said drum and whereby said member is enabled when urged against said drum to move circumferentially and in synchronism with the same.