Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for welding hard material elements (4) onto teeth (6) of a saw blade (8), comprising a saw blade feed device (12) for moving the saw blade (8) in a feed direction (14), such that a tooth (6a) of the saw blade (8) can be brought into a target position (16) in a working region (10) of the device (2), comprising a first centering device (30) for centering the saw blade (8) transversely to the feed direction (14), comprising a second centering device (32) for centering a respective hard material element (4) transversely to the feed direction (14), comprising a resistance welding device (24) having a welding electrode (26) that can be deployed into and withdrawn from the working region (10), comprising a supply device (28) for supplying and transferring a respective hard material element (4) to the welding electrode (26), and it being possible for the welding electrode (26) to be deployed in such a way that the hard material element (4) can be brought toward the tooth (6a) to

Abstract: A marine engine has a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder bore and a cylinder liner providing a running surface for a piston in the cylinder bore. The cylinder liner is non-axisymmetric relative to a center axis of the cylinder liner. The cylinder block defines a pocket that retains the cylinder liner and prevents the cylinder liner from rotating about the center axis. Novel cylinder liners, assemblies and methods are provided for forming a marine engine having the cylinder block with the cylinder liner formed therein.

Abstract: Device for blocking a spectacle lens blank that has a finished surface and a machining surface, situated opposite the finished surface, for machining in a machining device. The device includes a receiving component having a convex, planar or concave receiving surface for blocking the finished surface of the spectacle lens blank, wherein the receiving component has an essentially flat counter-surface that is arranged opposite the receiving surface, and wherein the normal of the counter-surface is inclined by 1° to 10° counter to the normal at the middle point of the receiving surface.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a mounting structure configured to removably mount a concave surface of a device. The mounting structure may have a convex mounting surface that corresponds to the concave surface of the device. The device may have a convex surface opposite the concave surface. The apparatus may also include a base structure that has a flat surface. The apparatus may also include a support structure coupled to the base structure and the mounting structure. The support structure may be configured to align the mounting structure at a given angle such that a target area on the convex surface of the device is substantially parallel to the flat surface of the base structure when the device is mounted on the mounting structure.

Abstract: Method of blocking an unfinished optical lens to be machined, the unfinished optical lens comprising an unfinished face and a second face, the method comprising: an unfinished optical lens providing step in which the unfinished optical lens is provided; a positioning step in which the unfinished optical lens is positioned in a first reference position by positioning the unfinished face of the unfinished optical lens on the top of at least three pins; a preformed optical substrate block providing step in which a preformed optical substrate block is provided; a docking step in which the second face of the unfinished optical lens in the first reference position is docked to the docking surface of the preformed optical substrate block.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for casting a cylinder block having a cast-in cylinder liner by installing the cylinder liner inside a cavity and pouring a melt into the cavity, the mold apparatus includes a first mold and a bore pin. The first mold defines a deck surface of the cylinder block. The bore pin is in the first mold so as to hold the cylinder liner inside the cavity when the mold is closed. The bore pin is configured to hold the cylinder liner interposed by a gap, and the gap is arranged so as to enable gas produced during the cast-molding to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for forming a component from a solidified fluid medium. The apparatus comprises a body defining a cavity into which the fluid medium may be introduced, the cavity optionally being shaped to define a shape of the component, and a carrier for supporting one or more elements to be embedded in the component. The carrier is arranged to be introduced into the cavity to support the one or more elements within the cavity whilst the fluid medium is introduced into the cavity. Embodiments of the invention are useful in a range of fabrication technologies including casting of metals and injection moulding operations.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing features into the tread of a tire are provided. The device and method provide for manufacturing tread features of various shapes and sizes. The tread features may be recessed, protruding, or flush with respect to the surrounding tread surface. The device and method may be used for both new tire constructions as well as retreading operations.

Abstract: Of the many embodiments provided, one embodiment is a drill bit mold assembly comprising: a mold having a bottom and at least one side; a core centrally disposed within the mold; and a filter disposed above the bottom of the mold and within a space formed between the at least one side of the mold and the core.

Abstract: A brake calliper for a vehicle brake system includes a housing produced in the form of a casting. At least one guide structure configured to receive a corresponding brake piston is provided in the housing. A method and a device are configured to produce a casting having at least one guide structure. The at least one guide structure is formed in the housing by at least one prefabricated insert having a defined production quality, which is encapsulated by the casting material of the housing.

Abstract: A mold for forming a plurality of rotors includes a plurality of lamination stacks, wherein each lamination stack defines at least one void therethrough; a tube having a central longitudinal axis, wherein each lamination stack is concentrically spaced apart from the tube to define a channel therebetween; a plurality of washers each having a shape defined by a first diameter and a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, wherein each washer is configured to concentrically abut the tube and define a feed conduit interconnecting with the channel; and a shell disposed in contact with each lamination stack and concentrically spaced apart from each washer to define a plurality of ducts, wherein each duct is interconnected with the at least one void of at least one lamination stack. A mold system and a method of forming a plurality of rotors are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting tool for producing workpieces from light metal alloys. The system includes a positioning element, a core part, a first mold part structured to carry the positioning element and be movable toward the core part, and a core part support structured to support the core part. The system also includes at least one stop structured to limit movement of the front mold part toward the core part and to allow the positioning element to be introduced into the core part, whereby the positioning element holds the core part in a predetermined position for casting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a down hole tool that reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the tool's performance. A belted mold assembly includes a casting assembly, a belt assembly, and a mid-belt. The belted mold assembly is used to fabricate a casting that allows for a larger diameter blank to be used which displaces the more expensive casting material and for using a smaller outer diameter thin-walled mold. The casting assembly is disposed within the belt assembly and the mid-belt is loaded in the volume created between the casting assembly's outer surface and the belt assembly's inner surface. The mid-belt provides a bracing for the casting assembly during the casting process. Optionally, a cap can be disposed on top of the blank for preventing metallurgical bonds from forming between the binder material and the upper portion of the blank. This allows for the excess binder material to remain high in purity so that it can be reprocessed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a down hole tool that reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the tool's performance. A belted mold assembly includes a casting assembly, a belt assembly, and a mid-belt. The belted mold assembly is used to fabricate a casting that allows for a larger diameter blank to be used which displaces the more expensive casting material and for using a smaller outer diameter thin-walled mold. The casting assembly is disposed within the belt assembly and the mid-belt is loaded in the volume created between the casting assembly's outer surface and the belt assembly's inner surface. The mid-belt provides a bracing for the casting assembly during the casting process. Optionally, a cap can be disposed on top of the blank for preventing metallurgical bonds from forming between the binder material and the upper portion of the blank. This allows for the excess binder material to remain high in purity so that it can be reprocessed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting tool for producing workpieces from light metal alloys. The system includes a positioning element, a core part, a first mold part structured to carry the positioning element and be movable toward the core part, and a core part support structured to support the core part. The system also includes at least one stop structured to limit movement of the front mold part toward the core part and to allow the positioning element to be introduced into the core part, whereby the positioning element holds the core part in a predetermined position for casting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting tool for producing workpieces from light metal alloys. The system includes a positioning element, a core part, a first mold part structured to carry the positioning element and be movable toward the core part, and a core part support structured to support the core part. The system also includes at least one stop structured to limit movement of the front mold part toward the core part and to allow the positioning element to be introduced into the core part, whereby the positioning element holds the core part in a predetermined position for casting.

Abstract: A cast-in-place cylinder bore liner (15) is disclosed for use in sand casting of engine cylinder blocks, the cylinder bore liner (15) having a protuberant portion (60) adjacent a first end (61) thereof, whereby accuracy in the positioning of cast-in-place bore liners (15) is maximized.

Abstract: A mold design is disclosed for sand casting of engine cylinder blocks, such as engine cylinder V-blocks, with cast-in-place cylinder bore liners, wherein a dimensional accuracy in the positioning of cast-in-place bore liners is maximized.

Abstract: Bimetallic plate is produced by providing a substrate of a first metal and, with the preheated substrate positioned in a mold cavity with a major surface of the substrate facing upwardly and to fill a portion of the depth of the cavity, a second metal is cast against that surface to form a cladding component and, with the substrate, to form the bimetallic plate. Prior to the cladding being cast, the major surface is rendered substantially oxide-free and is protected against oxidation. The cladding is cast by a melt, of a composition required for it, being poured at a superheated temperature whereby, with the preheating of the substrate, an overall heat energy balance is achieved between the substrate and the cladding.

Abstract: A method of infiltrating preformed, bonded-particulate components, such as rotary bits, for subterranean drilling manufactured by techniques such as layered-manufacturing or those employed in rapid prototyping technology. A support structure is provided for the preformed component to physically support the preformed component during various manufacturing processes such as sintering and infiltration.

Abstract: A controlling member (a controlling pin 10) is inserted through an insertion hole 7 of a mold 1 and projected into a cavity 6. After a pipe P as an insert member is arranged at a predetermined position in the cavity 6, the pipe P is held in the cavity 6 by inserting a tip of the controlling pin 10 into a hole h of the pipe P at the end p1, or by inserting the end p1 of the pipe P into a cave 21 of the controlling member. A molten aluminum alloy is then poured through a gate 5 into the cavity 6 under such the condition, to enclose the pipe P with the aluminum alloy. Dislocation of the pipe P caused by kinetic and thermal energies of the poured aluminum alloy is suppressed by the controlling pin 10 or block 20 at the end p1. Since the enclosed pipe P has its end p1 opened at a predetermined position, a cast product obtained in this way can be used as a brake caliper or the like having an inner hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A radiator shaping device comprises a lower mold, an upper mold, and two movable molds. The lower mold is installed with a lower chamber; The upper mold installed with an upper chamber, after the lower mold and the upper mold are engaged, a closing space is formed therewithin. The movable molds having a plurality of inserting plates which serves to insert into the fins at two ends of an aluminum folded radiating piece so as to support the folded radiating piece from the two ends thereof. Then it is further placed into the closing space for separating the space as a lower space and an upper space. Next, aluminum liquid is filled into the filling hole of the upper mold. After cooling, the mold is detached, therefore, a high heat dissipating radiator with a lower plate integrally formed in the lower surface of a folded radiating piece is formed by above components.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a heat sink, in which a plate-shaped base portion is formed by the diecasting method integrally with the one-end portions of a plurality of fins arrayed at a constant pitch and in parallel with each other.

Abstract: An improved bushing mold is disclosed for an apparatus for welding a battery terminal post to a battery bushing. The battery terminal post is electrically connected to a battery plate disposed within a battery case and the battery bushing is secured to a battery case cover with the bushing having a central bushing aperture for receiving the battery terminal post therein when the battery case cover is located on the battery case. The bushing mold comprises an electrically conductive mold body having an insulating mold insert. The mold insert comprises a first and a second insert portion with the second insert portion being replaceable independent of the first insert portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for die casting a rotor is disclosed, by which the die cast totors do not require reworking processes. An annular inner wall and an annular outer wall of a first mold are projected against an opposite surface of an intermediate die plate facing the movable die plate for inserting the inner wall and the outer wall into a sleeve. An annular first cavity is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a plurality of sprues is penetrated from an upper surface of the first mold to an annular first cavity. A plurality of gates protrude from a bottom portion of the first cabity. Also, sizing bars inject high pressure water through spraying holes to clean the die plates.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for casting a lead formation, particularly on the lug of a battery component. The lead is streamed over a mould block (20) defining a mould cavity (21) to flood the cavity (21). The flow of lead is maintained to raise the temperature of the block (20), at least adjacent the cavity, to achieve an appropriate working temperature.

Abstract: A number of strap-forming metal molds 12 corresponding to the number of steps are arranged on a circumferential track and are fed to the devices of the respective steps A.about.F together with electrode plate groups 10. Position A is an electrode plate group 10 introduction position; position B is a flux coating position in which electrode plate leads 6 are coated with flux; position C is an auxiliary heating position in which a mold 8 is heated to the temperature of the molten lead; position D is a molten lead pouring position in which molten lead is poured into a mold 8; position E is a strap-forming position in which electrode plate leads 6 are inserted into the molten lead, fused and cooled and the molten lead is solidified; position F is a discharge position in which a completed electrode plate assembly is discharged. Heating of a mold 8 is commenced by inductive heating from position F and is continued to position E.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a finishing block to a lens. The apparatus displays an alignment pattern representing characteristics of the lens and includes a visual representation of the allowable tolerance in the position of the optical center of the lens and the prism of the lens. An imaging screen is provided for imaging the alignment pattern and reference data applied to a surface of the lens. The lens is positioned in the apparatus with the pattern and the data aligned. With the lens in this position, a determination is made using the visual representation as to whether the lens is within the allowable tolerance. If this is the case, the apparatus automatically attaches the finishing block to the lens in registration with the reference data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for casting a conductor of a cage rotor of an induction motor. A rotor core (13) comprising a laminated steel sheets is housed in a recess portion of a casting mold, an upper end portion thereof is held by a holding portion (70) and molten metal is supplied into a plurality of slots formed in the rotor core, thereby forming a plurality of conductor rods and a pair of end rings connecting the ends of the conductor rods with one another. The holding portion (70) comprises a cup (72) and a cylinder (73), and an axial dimension of the cup (72) is selected in correspondence to an axial dimension of the rotor core (13) housed in the recess portion of the casting mold. Further, by using a double cylinder (77, 79) in the holding portion (70), a rotor having higher quality can be obtained. For this reason, the same conductor casting apparatus can be used for casting the conductor of the rotor having different axial lengths and qualities depending on specifications.

Abstract: A ring carrier, for use in a piston casting die, is an annular-shaped member having a channel on an outer surface area. The piston casting die includes projections for engaging the channel and supporting the ring carrier within the piston casting die. At least one of the projections is fixed and at least one other of the projections is movable into and out of the piston casting die. The movable projection includes a driving member for urging the movable projection into engagement with the channel for supporting the ring carrier at a predetermined position within the piston casting die.

Abstract: A rotor core (12) of a squirrel-cage rotor of an induction motor is housed in a recess (14) of a mold (18) of a conductor casting apparatus (10). A composite cylinder device (68) is fixed on the upper side of the mold (18) or on the side remoter from the pouring gate thereof, and the rotor core 12 is held in a predetermined position in the recess 14 by one piston (70). The other piston (72) locally pressurizes a molten metal that fills an end-connector ring cavity (66) defined between the rotor core (12) and the recess (14) on the side remoter from the pouring gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a finishing block to a lens. An imaging screen for imaging an alignment pattern representing characteristics of the lens and reference data on the lens is provided. The lens is positioned in the apparatus with the pattern and the data aligned. With the lens in this position, the apparatus automatically attaches the finishing block to the lens in registration with the reference data.

Abstract: A method for casting metals around an article having a bore extending along a central axis and defined at least in part by an interior cylindrical wall portion utilizes a mandrel having a cylindrical exterior surface portion sized to be slidingly positioned in said bore in close relationship with said interior cylindrical wall portion. The mandrel has an annular groove in which is positioned a canted coil spring with a series of outer contact points extending radially outwardly beyond said cylindrical exterior surface portion. The article is moved onto the mandrel to compress the spring and deflect the outer contact points such that the spring imparts an outwardly directed force to the article interior cylindrical wall portion to provide frictional resistance between the spring, outer contact points and the interior cylindrical wall portion to retain the article on the mandrel while casting molten metal around the mandrel supported article to form a cast part.

Abstract: A cylinder liner for an internal combustion engine is held onto a detachable mandrel portion of a die by a plurality of split-ring-type compression springs. A sliplock on the ends of the split-ring spring limits the extent to which the spring can open or close.

Abstract: A holding member (22) which can hold a predetermined axial-length laminated core member by pressing down both axial end faces thereof is used to hold a short laminated core member (24) and a spacing element (48) having a thickness generally equal to the difference between the axial lengths of those laminated core members. The spacing element is disposed at a position between one axial end face of the laminated core member (24) and a lid element (32) of the holding member (22). The laminated core member (24) and the spacing element (48) are both held by the holding member (22) and are introduced into the mold (20) to form a conductor portion integrally with a predetermined axial-length laminated core member held by the holding member (22). In this state, molten metal is poured into slots (38) of the laminated core member (24) and annular cavities (44, 46), and thus a conductor portion is formed integrally with the laminated core member (24) when the molten metal is set.

Abstract: A foundry die casting machine for the small and medium-scale production of metal parts, having at least two die cheek parts for receiving molten materials, wherein the die cheek parts form a cavity, a framework having a supporting wall for supporting the die cheek parts, at least one cheek-moving jack having means for supporting and displacing the die cheek parts, which permits removal of the metal parts, at least one removable coupling member, wherein an end of the coupling member is removable and directly supported by a die cheek part and the other end is removably connected to the cheek-moving jack, at least one cheek-moving jack carrier mounted on said framework, at least one hollow-formation reservation member for insertion into the cavity, at least one reservation member-moving jack having means for supporting and displacing the hollow-formation reservation member, and at least one removable reservation member-moving jack carrier, wherein an end of the latter is removably and directly supported by one o

Abstract: A method for casting a housing and insert assembly including a housing and a cast-in-place insert. The casting method comprises the steps of providing a prefabricated insert, surrounding the insert with an evaporable foam pattern to form a pattern and insert assembly, and utilizing the pattern and insert assembly in a lost foam casting process wherein the pattern is replaced by a material to form the housing and insert assembly.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for casting an engine block, a core holding portion located below an open upper mold located above a lower mold fixed on a stationary platen is caused to hold a water jacket formation destructive core surrounding a cylinder bore formation portion. Slide molds divided in a circumferential direction, located between the upper mold and the lower mold, and supported by the upper mold to be opened/closed in a horizontal direction is closed. Mold clamping is performed upon downward movement of the upper mold. A molten metal is injected at a high casting pressure of not less than 300 kg/cm.sup.2 from a molten metal injection sleeve open to a portion at which the lower mold is brought into direct contact with the upper mold.

Abstract: A pot of molten lead is situated adjacent to a mold chamber containing a mold. A displacement piston is lowered into the pot to displace lead into the mold chamber to fill the mold. The displacement piston them allows the lead to flow back into the pot, leaving the lead in the mold. A battery handler then lowers a battery into the mold to cast lead straps onto the lugs of the battery. Water is forced through a passageway in the mold chamber to cool the lead in the mold. Air is then forced through the passageway to remove the water. The battery handler then removes the battery from the mold and a heating unit begins to preheat the mold chamber for the next battery.

Abstract: A blocking mechanism comprises a similified rotary dial mechanism and a l clamp which automatically depressurizes a molten alloy tank in response to a release of the lens clamp pressure. A lens seat is provided with a raised resilient pad to accommodate the recessed portion of a bifocal lens. The application of final lens clamping pressure cannot occur until the lens clamp contacts the lens in order to assure that an operator's finger cannot become accidentally pinched.

Abstract: The present invention concerns essentially a method for moulding a rocker arm for an internal combustion engine and the mould structure for carrying out this method, which mould structure comprises a device for maintainiing a ceramic reinforcing element of the arm of the rocker arm co-operating with the cam of a camshaft and comprising a spindle-forming part disposed on the end of the reinforcing element and a pusher-forming assembly located above the spindle-forminig part to forcibly urge the latter against the reinforcing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for sand molding composite articles formed of a light alloy metal and fibrous insert. A sand mold is formed containing a fibrous preform separated from the walls of the mold cavity. The mold is fed by means of a tube dipping into a liquid metallic bath therebelow. In the molding process, the pressure in the mold cavity and above the bath are reduced, and the pressure above the bath is increased to create a positive pressure differential .DELTA.P, thereby forcing molten metal from the bath into the mold cavity. The pressure in the mold cavity and above the bath are then increased to above atmospheric, and the pressure differential .DELTA.P is maintained until the metal in the mold cavity solidifies.

Abstract: A die casting apparatus for forming rotors for electric motors. The apparatus includes a frame having at least two opposed stationary pressure plates and a rotating turret rotatively mounted betewen these stationary plates. The turret includes three apertures at three equally spaced locations around the turret. Tooling is arranged at each of the respective locations for forming a rotor. Compensating and casting tooling is located at a first station, pin pressing and trimming tooling is located at the second station and unloading and loading tooling is located at the third station. The operations at the respective stations proceed simultaneously. The operations are selected so that the combined operations of each of the stations will take approximately equal amounts of time.

Abstract: The cylindrical side wall of the mold cavity (8) has an inside diameter (D) which is greater than the largest existing ophthalmic lens diameter, and a generally cylindrical membrane (25) of elastomer material is disposed concentrically inside the mold cavity so that in conjunction with the cylindrical side wall of the cavity it defines a variable volume annular chamber (31), the membrane being expansible and retractable radially under the action of a fluid which is alternatively removed from and admitted to the annular chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a siamese-type cylinder block, which comprises the steps of pouring under pressure a molten metal of aluminum alloy into a siamese-type cylinder barrel molding cavity with an expansion force applied to the sleeve placed in such cavity, and then removing the expansion force after the completion of solidification of the molten metal to cast a cylinder block blank, and subjecting the resulting blank to a working operation for forming the peripheral inner surface of the sleeve into a true circle.

Abstract: A device, configured as a double mold, for casting terminal bars (straps) and terminal poles onto the lugs of a completely assembled plate group for electric storage batteries ensures optimum attachment of all of the lugs (both polarities) to the molten bar lead if the heat exchange between the bar lead and the dipped volume of each negative or positive lug is identical. This requirement is met by causing the negative and positive casting molds, together with their contents, to form thermally equivalent sections or blocks, which are equalized if necessary, by changing the dimensions (thickness) of the mold's walls. When the lugs are made of lead or a lead alloy, such a double mold also makes it possible, during a subsequent two-stage cooling process, to first allow the terminal poles to solidify, simultaneously, and to then allow the terminal bars to solidify, simultaneously.

Abstract: A composite material is manufactured from a formed mass of reinforcing material and matrix metal by introducing the reinforcing material mass into a pressure chamber and holding it there, introducing molten matrix metal into the pressure chamber so as to surround the reinforcing material mass, moving the reinforcing material mass from the pressure chamber into a casting chamber of substantially smaller volume than the pressure chamber while it is still being surrounded by molten matrix metal, and then allowing the molten matrix metal to solidify while applying pressure.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing vehicle wheels having a rim which is wreath-shaped in cross section surrounding a cast wheel body is such that at least one die wall delimits the mold to be filled with cast metal. The prefabricated rim is laid between facing surfaces of a die plate and a center plate with the result that the die faces and the rim form the outer contours of the wheel body when the mold space between the die faces and rim is filled with molten metal which is introduced into the mold space under pressure. The rim itself is held by a clamping ring and can be removed in two pieces from the die assembly. A device for spraying a cooling medium onto the rim is provided on or in the clamping ring. The rim features on its inner face a central strut which is T-shaped in cross section, and on both sides of the actual struts are side struts which are inclined outwards. The free ends of the side struts are displaced by the surface of the die plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting straps onto the plate lugs of battery cell elements. The apparatus includes a rotatably indexable table having a plurality of mold and element carrying stations which each are successively indexed through a plurality of operating stations, including an element loading station, an element lug alignment station, a molten-metal pouring station, a lug fluxing station, a casting station, a plurality of mold cooling stations, and an element unloading station. The mold of each table station is adapted for efficient and precisely controlled electrical resistance heating and forced-air cooling during each cycle of operation. In the illustrated embodiment, each table-station mold is successively heated from electrical sources at a plurality of operating stations upon indexing of the respective table station to such operating stations and is cooled by directing air through air-direction tubes mounted on each table station in close proximity to the respective mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a shaped composite article from a matrix material and a reinforcing material is disclosed wherein the composite article has predetermined physical and mechanical properties. As illustrated, the apparatus includes a matrix crucible (18) in which a matrix material is contained. A piston (30) is provided for maintaining and controlling the level of the matrix material (19) in the crucible (18) and for controlling the temperature of the matrix material by means of utilizing either a cooling coil (36) or a heating coil (40). A plurality of capillary tubes (26) are carried in a capillary plug (24) through which the reinforcing material is pulled during the process. Shape forming means includes a shape forming plate (42) having an opening (48) formed therein corresponding to the shape of the object being formed.