Abstract: This invention relates to an improved integral manifold for a sprue gated multi-cavity injection molding system and a method of manufacturing the same. The manifold has an inner body portion which fits into a hollow retaining ring portion to define a circular peripheral space between them. The inner body portion is formed of a corrosion and abrasion resistant material such as stainless steel and has a number of straight melt ducts extending through it from a common inlet to spaced outlets each leading to a central bore in separate heated nozzles. The peripheral space contains an electric heating element surrounded by a highly conductive material such as copper. The manifold is manufactured by assembling the retaining ring portion on the inner body portion with the heating element in the space between them. A filler tube is located on the retaining ring portion in alignment with a filler duct therethrough and all the joints are sealed by brazing the assembly in a vacuum furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and applying meltable adhesive in which a separate melting insert including a melting wall is interposed between the melting chamber and the application device. The melting wall is formed with projections or cones, and channels for passing molten adhesive to the nozzle body of the application device. A piston in the melting chamber presses a unit of adhesive against the melting wall. The melting wall is independently heated by a heater and controlling temperature sensor. The nozzle body and melting insert/melting wall are formed of different metallic materials, the latter being made of light metal alloy for better thermal conducting response. The melting insert forming the melting wall is removable to facilitate the cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A low level indicator for a heated fluid in a container such as for use in indicating the glue level in a tank in a hot melt glue application. A thermistor probe is positioned at the mid-level of the container and senses the level of the heater fluid based upon sensing fluid contact with the probe. A light or alarm is activated when the heated fluid level falls below the probe, permitting of cooling the probe. The light or alarm is only activated when the probe becomes cooler subsequent to a time at which the probe was immersed in the fluid and properly heated. This conditional activation prevents continued low level alarm indications when the container is refilled with material at a temperature lower than that of the heated fluid.

Abstract: A basin for simultaneous or consecutive dewaxing and curing of denture molds is disclosed. The basin is generally box-shaped and is provided with three vertically-shaped trays of which the topmost remains above the high fluid level. The upper rear portion of the basin has a pivotally-secured frame-arm provided with a plurality of nozzles adapted to spray over the entire area of the topmost tray. The fluid from the nozzles drains back into the basin; a recirculating pump recirculates the fluid back into the nozzles. A separate fluid inlet is provided to fill the basin for curing. The basin is further provided with an upper and lower fluid level-limiting means, a heating element, a thermostat and, preferably, an automatic timer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved connector assembly for an electrically heated injection molding sprue bushing and a method of making the same. The sprue bushing has a helical portion of the heating element extending around a central core portion which conveys pressurized melt from a molding machine to a cavity in the mold. It is formed by filling the space between the stainless steel core portion and a stainless steel outer sleeve by a highly conductive copper alloy. The heating element has a lead portion which extends out through an aperture. The aperture provides a seat which receives two split washers with central openings therethrough for the lead portion. The washers are each formed of two half washers which are oriented so that the divisions therebetween are not aligned. A connector sleeve is inserted over the projecting lead portion with a flared end which is received in the aperture against the washers. The washers and connector sleeve are brazed in position in a vacuum furnace.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for softening and molding fillet wax strips used in foundry molds and castings includes a housing supporting a plurality of electric radiant heaters, such as lamps, above a platform for holding strips of fillet wax during preheating. An electronic control circuit is provided in the housing for varying the heat output of the radiant heaters and includes a thermostat located between the heater and the platform for limiting the temperature to prevent melting of the wax strips. Electrically heat fillet-forming tools, supported in holder on the housing during non-use periods, are provided for forming the preheated wax strips after application thereof to a mold. The tools are provided with ball-shaped tips and the housing is provided with a separate adjustable electronic control circuits for each tool so that the heat output of each tool can be adjusted to a temperature appropriate to the particular wax being worked and the size of the ball-shaped tip.

Abstract: A conduit for high temperature transfer of molten semiconductor crystalline material consists of a composite structure incorporating a quartz transfer tube as the innermost member, with an outer thermally insulating layer designed to serve the dual purposes of minimizing heat losses from the quartz tube and maintaining mechanical strength and rigidity of the conduit at the elevated temperatures encountered. The composite structure ensures that the molten semiconductor material only comes in contact with a material (quartz) with which it is compatible, while the outer layer structure reinforces the quartz tube, which becomes somewhat soft at molten semiconductor temperatures. To further aid in preventing cooling of the molten semiconductor, a distributed, electric resistance heater is in contact with the surface of the quartz tube over most of its length. The quartz tube has short end portions which extend through the surface of the semiconductor melt and which are lef bare of the thermal insulation.

Abstract: A preheater for a casting ladle includes a stationary horizontal refractory deck having vertical apertures in which are disposed refractory plugs, each of which supports an electrical heating element that depends downwardly from the refractory deck. A lifting table is movable into registration with the set of depending electrical heating elements and is also adapted to support the casting ladle thereon and to raise it into surrounding relation with the electric heating elements that depend from the refractory deck. Individual defective heating elements can be removed and replaced during operation of other operative heating elements.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic recording medium including a step of continuously depositing a ferromagnetic layer with the use of electron beam for heating an evaporation source material. A container for retaining said source material in a heating position is made of a ceramics having a composition comprising 97 to 99 wt % of MgO, 0.2 to 0.5 wt % of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 0.4 to 1 wt % of SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of making a sprue bushing for injection molding and the improved sprue bushing made thereby. The runner passage extends through a corrosion resistant inner core portion with an outer surface around which a helical electrical heating element is located. A stainless steel outer sleeve extends between an enlarged front portion which provides the opening to the gate and an enlarged back collar portion which provides for connection to the heating element leads. The space around the heating element is filled by a highly conductive material such as a beryllium copper alloy in a vacuum furnace which causes the beryllium copper to fuse with the adjacent materials. This improves the transfer of heat from the heating element to the melt and the outer sleeve substantially reduces the costly machining required to produce the finished product as well as provides additional strength.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in an injection molding machine. The nozzle comprises a tripartite body having an inlet, an outlet and an interconnected passageway extending therethrough. A heat pipe is located within the center of the body and portions of the passageway are disposed about the heat pipe. A resistance heating band is mounted on the body to conduct heat therethrough to heat the heat pipe. The heat pipe serves to heat plastic flowing through the surrounding passageway portions to the outlet.

Abstract: A sanitary waste grease and fat disposal system and apparatus includes a novel sanitary storage unit for storage and handling of waste fatty materials, a tank truck for transportation of such materials, and equipment for transferring the stored materials to the truck for transportation to a fatty material processing plant. The sanitary storage unit is an enclosed storage bin of sealed, sanitary construction with a top opening for introduction of fatty materials and a bottom, valved outlet for connection to a hose for pumping to a tank truck for transportation. The top of the storage unit has a spring loaded lid which opens by operation of a pedal and has an interior wall with a strainer for trapping larger contaminating materials from the fatty materials being collected. The contents is kept fluid by a thermostatically controlled heating element in the bottom of the storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container comprising a plate having an aperture therein through which material is caused to flow out of the container when the plate is caused to move vertically within the container. A scraper member is spaced from and coupled to such plate to engage the inside walls of such container to scrape material from the walls as the plate moves vertically relative to the container. A space is formed between the scraper member and the plate to form a cavity which communicates with the aperture and which includes a material entering opening, the level of material in the cavity being controlled during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An extrusion nozzle assembly for use on a dispenser of molten hot melt adhesive. The nozzle comprises a heat conductive insert housed within a heat insulative plastic holder. A resilient seal within the holder prevents leakage between the nozzle and the dispenser when the nozzle is threaded only "finger tight" onto the dispenser.

Abstract: In a device for the melting and the dose discharge of thermoplastic material, a melting chamber is located within a housing. The material is introduced in solid rod form into the inlet end of the melting chamber where it is melted and discharged through the opposite end by a displacement member. A closure member is mounted in the housing and closes the discharge end of the melting chamber. The displacement member is formed as a part of the closure member and extends from it into the melting chamber. The displacement member has a length equal to about one-third the length of the melting chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying meltable material comprises a container adapted to be filled with the material to be liquefied. The container has a heavy bottom wall formed with closely adjacent perforations which taper in downward direction. The sum of the open cross-section of the perforations at the upper face of the bottom wall is only slightly smaller than the total area of the latter, whereas the sum of the smallest cross-sections of the perforations is only a small fraction of the total area of the bottom face of the bottom wall. The bottom wall is heated by electrical heating elements located in ribs separating the perforations from each other to a temperature to liquefy the material passing from the container into the perforations and the liquefied material flows in a collecting trough arranged below the container and separated by a heat insulating layer therefrom.

Abstract: An electric heater for a foundry ladle wherein a frame is equipped with a descending electric heater operated and controlled to preserve the integrity of the electric heater.

Abstract: A materials heating device includes rod-shaped electrical heating element which serves both to heat a thermoconductive receptacle containing the material to be heated as well as tools and instruments for working with the material. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship to the receptacle by a thermoconductive bracket through which heat is conducted to the receptacle to heat the contents thereof. The end of the heating element protrudes from the bracket, whereby tools and instruments to be heated can be held in direct contact with the exposed end portion of the heating element until sufficient heat is transferred thereto. An adjustable heat dissipator can be provided on the receptacle to regulate the temperature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A plastic injection molding system having a temperature controlled electric heater element.The heater element is formed by disposing a pair of heater wires and a pair of thermocouple wires and a powdered mineral material in a metal sheath which is subjected to repeated drawing and annealing operations and is then cut to a desired length after which at one end, the heater wires are welded together and the thermocouple wires are welded to the sheath and the sheath is welded to form a closed end wall. At the opposite end, the heater and thermocouple wires are connected through connection means and connection wires to a current supply and a temperature sensing circuit. The sheath is in the form of a rightly wound helical coil structure and is installed in direct heat transfer engagement on a cylindrical surface of a metal part which has an axially extending plastic flow passage therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a melting and casting means. The means comprises a heating chamber confined by side, top and bottom walls made of insulating material and enclosed by a steel shell. Mounted in the chamber are a crucible stand and upon said stand a crucible. According to the invention, the means further comprises at least three silicon carbide heating elements for heating the crucible to between 1100.degree. and 1650.degree. C. to the purpose of melting copper and copper alloys, and the insulating material mainly consists of aluminium oxide and silicon oxide fibres. The heating elements have been disposed in the chamber so that the distance between the element center and the outer wall of the crucible is 2 to 4 times the element diameter. The elements are advantageously disposed horizontally piercing the side walls of the means, and they have no contact with the bottom wall. The spacing of the heating elements from the inner wall of the chamber is advantageously 2 to 4 times the element diameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved electrically heated sprue bushing for injection molding. The sprue bushing has a central runner passage for conveying melt from the molding machine or manifold to the cavity. The runner passage extends through an elongated inner core portion having an undulating outer surface in the form of a helical ridge with a rounded cross section. A single element electrical heating element with a helical configuration is located over the core portion and an outer shell portion is cast over them to form the sprue bushing as an integral unit. The inner core portion is formed of a high strength material such as a beryllium nickel alloy and the outer shell portion is formed of a highly conductive material such as a beryllium copper alloy. The coils of the heating element are separated from each other and threaded in the opposite direction to the helical ridge on the outer surface of the core portion.

Abstract: A portion of a melting or fusing adhesive in the form of a cartridge is melted in a melting chamber and supplied under pressure to an adhesive applying device. The latter includes a melting chamber with a heated facing wall having exit holes therein through which the molten adhesive may be pressed out by a piston movable in the melting chamber by way of a power drive. The starting and stopping of the adhesive supply is controlled by the movement of a work piece past the adhesive applying device.

Abstract: An internally heatable nozzle provided with a divisible housing having a cylindrical bore narrowed at one end towards the mouth opening of the nozzle in which bore a cylindrical core is connected at one end in said housing, said core being divisible in transverse direction, its two parts being provided with directly adjacent flanges, which flanges have throughgoing axially channels lying in the extension of the annular channel of the housing and which flanges fit in between inner shoulders on the two parts of the housing, between which parts tensile elements are operative tightening the core parts together, the core being conical at one end and being provided with an internal heating element with connecting leads passed laterally through said housing, an annular channel being arranged between said core and said housing on the side remote from the mouth opening.

Abstract: A hot melt pumping and dispensing apparatus for heating and pumping a heat liquefiable product from a barrel includes a platen movable into the barrel and having a plurality non-perforated, sector-shaped cast heater segments, each provided with an electric heater, arranged in a circle on the lower face of the platen and having inner ends defining a central space at a common apex thereof. The segments are spaced from each other to define narrow radial passageways between adjacent segments opening into the central space for delivery of liquefied product thereinto. A cartridge-type pump carried by the platen communicates with the central space. The lower face of each heater segment is provided with depending heat conducting cylindrical projections which extend in advance of the segments into the product in the barrel to preheat and soften the product.

Abstract: A heater module adapted to be used in an apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material, with other like modules for forming a pre-melt and/or a melting stage for heating the thermoplastic material. Each module is of uniform construction and includes an elongated core having a plurality of longitudinally spaced first fins projecting from one side of the core and second fins projecting from the other side of the core, but longitudinally and uniformly staggered from the first fins, so that a plurality of parallel modules adjacent to each other will have the recesses between adjacent fins closed by the opposite fins to form longitudinally staggered vertical holes for the fluid passage of the melted thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A toy molding apparatus having a housing or container with a heat source therein surrounded by a heat directing baffle member, at least a portion of the baffle member being configured for receiving a plastic squeeze bottle containing a gelatinous substance therein, the substance being generally solid at room temperature and approaching a liquid state at approximately 105.degree. Fahrenheit. The bottle is positioned within the receptacle for heating by the heat source and upon reaching a fluid state it is poured into a separate mold member to set upon cooling.

Abstract: A system for applying a foam insulation material which automatically compensates for changes in temperature and flow rates so that an optimum blending of materials can be maintained to provide for the production of high quality insulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing thermoplastic material, such as hot melt glue, from a shipping container, such as a 55-gallon drum, including a heated follower and mechanism for urging the follower into the container against the surface of the thermoplastic material. A plurality of groups of conductive fins secured to the follower for transferring heat to the material so as rapidly to heat the material to a flowable condition. Each group of fins includes a plurality of parallel fins which define channels therebetween, the channels being oriented so as to afford fluid flow toward the center of the follower, a location at which the inlet of a pump is mounted in receiving relation to the heated material. The thickness of the fins and the width of the channels are established to expedite heat exchange between the heated follower and the material as well as provide a low impedance flow path for the material.

Abstract: A portion of a melting or fusing adhesive in the form of a cartridge is melted in a melting chamber and supplied under pressure to an adhesive applying device. The latter includes a melting chamber with a heated facing wall having exit holes therein through which the molten adhesive may be pressed out by a piston movable in the melting chamber by way of a power drive.

Abstract: A spigot for connecting the inlet of a low pressure casting mould to a pipeline connected to an electromagnetic pump for supplying the mould with liquid metal, the spigot being adapted to be clamped against the mould inlet, comprises a supply conduit surrounded by thermally insulating means within an external metal jacket, said conduit including a sleeve at that end to be connected to the mould inlet which is removable from the spigot in the event that metal solidifies in the sleeve, the sleeve being made of thermally insulating refractory material and being held in place, in use, by clamping the spigot to the mould inlet.

Abstract: A tool is provided for applying adhesive material to a surface. The tool utilizes a cartridge of heat-softenable, thermoplastic material which is positioned in a chamber of the tool. Air under pressure at the rear end of the chamber is applied directly to the rear of the cartridge to urge it toward a heat block located at the forward end of the chamber. That portion of the adhesive material in contact with and near the heat block is softened and flows through passages in the block and past a check valve to a nozzle from which the softened adhesive is directed to the surface. The heat block has a plurality of radially-extending fins which are designed to concentrate heat at the center of the cartridge. The tool features a sleeve of plastic material in the cartridge chamber adjacent the heat block, which sleeve is isolated from the rear portion of the chamber to minimize the conduction of heat toward the rear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for epitaxial film formation is disclosed. Planar reactive evaporation techniques suitable for scaling are employed to produce high purity compound semiconducting films at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for heating and extruding fluid sealant material onto a work surface which includes a heated feed chamber, a heated hose connected to the outlet of the feed chamber, and a handgun connected to the heated hose for applying the fluid sealant material onto the work surface. The feed chamber is provided with an opening for receiving sealant material is a solid bulk form and an outlet for dispensing sealant material in a fluid state. Heating coils are disposed on the outer walls of the feed chamber for heating the bulk sealant contained therein to a fluid state having a pumpable viscosity. The hose connected to the outlet of the feed chamber receives the fluid sealant material dispensed therefrom, and a heating coil surrounds the hose to maintain the sealant material passing therethrough in a fluid state.

Abstract: A hot melt applicator of the type in which a preformed rod of thermoplastic composition is pressed against a heated body which transforms the composition in contact therewith into a molten state and in which pressure applied upon the pre-formed rod forces the molten hot melt composition through a nozzle or other aperture. The invention relates to improvements in the melting head, and in the rod advancing and feed mechanism.

Abstract: A preheating arrangement for bringing foundry ladles up to temperature is described. The arrangement comprises a slotted elongated graphite rod extending down from a ladle cover, a pair of clamp and contact elements extending through the cover and a transformer above the cover with a shell around the transformer forming a single turn secondary winding connected directly to the clamp and contact elements. A graphite element is coated to protect it from corrosive atmospheres by heating it, while buried in sand, to the fusing temperature of the sand and then allowing it to cool.

Abstract: A tool is provided for applying adhesive material to a surface. The tool utilizes a cartridge of heat-softenable, thermoplastic material which is positioned in a chamber of the tool. Air under pressure is applied directly to a rear portion of the cartridge to urge it toward a heat block located at a forward end of the chamber. That portion of the adhesive material in contact with and adjacent the heat block is softened and flows through a central discharge passage in the block and past a check valve to a nozzle from which the softened adhesive is directed to a surface to be bonded. The heat block is designed to apply more heat to a central portion of the forward end of the cartridge than to a peripheral porton, in order to promote flow of the heat-softened material toward the discharge passage from the peripheral portion of the cartridge.

Abstract: In a hot melt glue dispensing gun, apparatus is constructed to feed a flexible rod of glue to a heated melt chamber. This apparatus includes two motor driven gears which engage the glue rod and feed the glue to the melt chamber. This feed mechanism is mounted on a sliding frame which is spring biased to retract when the appliance is idling, thereby partially withdrawing the glue rod from the melt chamber.

Abstract: A warming and storage unit for quickly thawing frozen artificial insemination materials and in which such materials and insemination guns used in such operations may be stored at desirable temperatures while awaiting use. The unit includes a metal block provided with a thermostatically controlled electric heater means. The block has an elongated vertically extending central well for receiving semen capsules for thawing and a horizontally extending compartment spaced from the well and being of such size as to accommodate and store at least one artificial insemination gun. The metal block is enclosed in a heat insulating housing provided with openings for access to the well and compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing heat meltable material from a container including a heated head adapted to engage the upper surface of the material within the container to melt the material immediately below the head. The head includes an inlet passage whereby melted liquid material may enter a reservoir defined in the head, and a dispensing pump includes an inlet communicating with the head reservoir whereby the melted material is pumped from the head reservoir for dispensing purposes. The head inlet passage includes flow control means for retaining melted material within the reservoir, and the head includes means for improving the heat exchanging characteristics between the head and the material confined within the reservoir.

Abstract: The present hand gun receives pressurized hot melt adhesive and the like via a heated flexible hose. The operator's handle and the supply conduit for adhesive project in a common plane from opposite end portions of the gun barrel. Although generally parallel, the handle and conduit typically are inclined toward each other and are joined at their ends remote from the barrel, forming a rigid generally polygonal frame with ample opening between the handle and conduit to receive the fingers of a hand gripping the handle. The gun thus completely isolates the operator's hand from the path of supply of the molten material, while still permitting the hose to extend generally downward from the gun in most positions of use. The disclosed configuration further provides a well protected location for the control trigger. An improved safety latch for the trigger is disclosed. The swivel connection between gun and hose provides fully enclosed access for electrical wires.

Abstract: A combination waxing device and edge sharpener for skis having a combined file guide and waxing surface; the file being adjustably securable to a lateral side substantially perpendicular to the guide surface. A wax container is provided on the opposite side of the device from the guide and waxing surface and channels are provided through which the melted wax is delivered to the waxing surface to be applied to the skis. Two means of heating the device are provided to melt the wax placed in the container; one is an alcohol burner of predetermined proportions which heats the device through at least one flue extending through the device adjacent the wax container, and the second means of heating is an electric heating rod which may be placed within the flue so as to provide continuous heat to the device for extended use.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material comprising a hopper, a grid melter, a reservoir and a pump. The novel grid melter comprises a plurality of upwardly extending frustoconical melting elements formed on the bottom wall of the melter. The pump is also novel and comprises a unique infeed system for forcibly moving molten material into the pump inlet. The apparatus lends itself to a modular building block concept in which differing manifold blocks, pumps and drive motors, as well as applicators may be utilized in combination with the grid melter and/or reservoir to create differing operating characteristic dispensing systems.

Abstract: An appliance for sterilizing and melting plastic items such as found in hospitals or the like, for example, which appliance includes a chamber containing a foil casing within which the items are placed, and means for heating the chamber for a temperature and time cycle sufficient to soften or melt the plastic items which when cooled will form a solid body of plastic material containing within it other non-melted disposable items such as might have been included with the plastic items.

Abstract: A hand held applicator for extruding molten thermoplastic material wherein a supply of the material is contained within an attached receptacle, which receptacle is provided with means for melting a portion of the material contained therein. The melted material within the receptacle is drawn under reduced pressure into a passageway extending through a heated member, and is extruded under increased pressure from a valve controlled orifice provided on one end of the passageway by means of either a motor driven conveyor screw or an electromechanical solenoid actuated piston. Heat for melting the plastic material is conducted from the heated member to the inside of the receptacle by means of a metallic duct member which communicatively connects the inside base region of the receptacle to the passageway. Melting of the plastic material is confined to the base region of the receptacle by thermally insulating the walls of the receptacle from the heated inner base region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the application of a hot-melt resin adhesive wherein an enclosed chamber having a restricted discharge orifice is provided with a valve element for opening and closing said orifice; a non-oxidizing gas is introduced into the chamber at super-atmospheric pressure with a charge of resin adhesive, and heat is applied uniformly to the chamber to cause the adhesive to attain a viscous, flowable condition. The gas under super-atmospheric pressure forces a portion of the flowable resin through the orifice when the valve element is in open position.