Abstract: Apparatus (1) for enabling a coating to be applied to an internal surface of a pipe elbow or bend C comprises a flexible body (2) adapted for location to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and a bendable core (3) extending through the body. Bending of the core causes the flexible body to be bent in a similar manner. A method for applying the coating to the internal surface of the pipe elbow or bend (C) comprises the steps of shaping the flexible body (2) and locating it to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and introducing a coating material so as to flow around and into a space defined between the flexible body and the internal surface of the elbow or bend.

Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: A gated mold for casting concrete pipe requires no wedges or bolts for securement. A core mold may be contracted by lifting at an actuation point, and expanded by resting on a base ring. An external mold may be expanded by lifting at an actuation point, and contracted by resting on a base ring. The mold gates are opened and closed with sets of collapsing links pivotably attached to a longitudinally extending actuation column. Longitudinal motion of the actuation column forces the links to collapse or extend, thereby expanding or contracting the mold. Appropriately positioned actuation and lifting points are provided such that the mold can be lifted vertically along the longitudinal axis containing the mold center of gravity.

Abstract: A shield or cover combined with a collapsible core used in machines for making concrete pipe lined with a plastic liner. The cover is mounted on the outside of the core between the core and the liner and extends the full length of the seam between the stationary side and the moveable side of the core. The cover extends around the core a sufficient distance to prevent friction between the liner and the moveable portion of the core from pulling the liner out of the concrete as the core is collapsed.

Abstract: A method for assembly and disassembly of formwork for walls (1) of poured material raised above a reference surface (2) using boards (3) each including a shuttering face (4) and equipped with wheels (31, 32) at their base. Assembly includes from an unshuttered position, rocking toward the wall (1) to be shuttered of at least the base (29) of the shuttering face (4) of the board (3) by rotating about an axis defined substantially by the support points (10) of the wheels (31) on the reference surface until the lower edge (35) of the shuttering face (4) is made to rest on the reference surface (2). The rocking is continued toward the wall (1) to be shuttered of at least the base (29) of the shuttering face of the board (3) by rotating about an axis substantially defined by the lower edge (35) of the shuttering face of the board (3) until the wheels (31) are raised from the reference surface. For disassembly, the rocking about the two axes is performed in reverse.

Abstract: A molding apparatus including at least two mold parts movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, the mold parts defining, when in the closed position, a mold cavity having the shape of an object to be molded, and an expandable and contractible core member for molding the object with a zero-draft opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a longitudinal multi-component frame element includes a longitudinal mold within which is positioning at least one longitudinal member to form a first component of the frame element. A second component of the frame element is formed by introducing into the mold a foamable and curable material such as polyurethane which cures to form a rigid plastic component connected to the longitudinal member. Before formation of the rigid plastic component, the longitudinal mold is bent in a direction opposite to a direction of anticipated warping of the frame element that would be caused by internal stresses therein. Thus, the frame element initially is formed within the mold to be of a bent configuration, and after removal of the frame element from the mold, the internal stresses transform such initial bent configuration into a straight or rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for making concrete pipe having vinyl liners. An expandable core is used to hold a tubular vinyl liner. The core has over-center latches which lock the core in an expanded position to hold the liner against the outside surface of the core. The core is a flexible and expandable shell which can be deformed by a forming module into an exact desired shape prior to placing concrete arount the liner and the core. The liner and core are inserted along with a reinforcing cage into a dry-cast concrete form. Then the form is placed over the module and the module is actuated into engagement with the inside surface of the core. The module has a series of disc assemblies, each of which has a plurality of radially moveable shoes capable of being moved to expanded and retracted positions. The form is filled and immediately taken off the module.

Abstract: A pour window for a metal concrete form flexible to a predetermined arcuate shape. A window panel of a generally rectangular shape forms part of a door which is pivotally mounted at one edge thereof for movement between an open and a closed position thereof. In the open position, concrete can be poured inside assembled forms intermediate the outside edges of the form assembly. In the closed position secured to structural members of the form, the window panel conforms to the generally arcuate shape of the form to present a substantially continuous arcuate surface for the forming of curvital concrete surfaces.

Abstract: Forms for a cylindrical wall of poured concrete are made of plywood sheets nailed to horizontally-spaced beams, to which are clamped transversely arranged walers. The walers are assembled in strings and the string are in parallel spaced relationship. The walers in a string are hinged together at the sheet-facing side of the walers and at least one of two adjacent waler sections is curved. Screw assemblies are mounted in brackets located at the ends of the walers but on the sides facing away from the sheets, and are operable to push or pull the walers out of alignment so that they can be pulled or pushed into a ring shape and, in so doing, bend the sheets into generally cylindrical shapes. When the sheets are raised on end, with the beams disposed vertically they provide the inside and outside wall forms for receiving concrete, for example, poured between them to form an annular cylindrical wall for a tank or the like.

Abstract: A unitary, molded, concrete stabilizing base for refuse cans and the like, and method and apparatus for its manufacture are described. The base takes the form of a concrete annulus having a right-triangular cross section and an inner diameter dimensioned freely to receive a frusto-conical refuse can having a base diameter within a range of predetermined diameters. The inner cylindrical surface and the outer frusto-conical surface of the toroid smoothly are joined in a substantially rounded way. In use, and in the presence of lateral forces incident upon the installed refuse can, e.g. crosswinds, the base and the can cooperate by the impingement of their inner and outer surfaces to resist the tendency of the refuse can to tip and spill its contents. In a modification, the effective height of the base is increased by stacking the base atop a concrete annular platform of substantially equal diameters, thereby increasing further the range of refuse can base diameters that securely can be accommodated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for adapting a formwork element, including a formwork lining and at least two formwork beams, to a given curvature of circular framework. A device includes a web engaging a space between two formwork beams and a cross-piece fixed to the web and equipped with two parallel, spaced plates which project laterally beyond the web and overlap the formwork beams in an installed position. Projecting portions are provided with mounting lugs in which a plurality of the lugs have at least one projecting portion and the lugs are arranged in two planes disposed at different spacings relative to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an otoplastic. An otoplastic is manufactured directly in the ear of a hearing-impaired person in that a deformable envelope is pulled over a die or over a shell or over an overlayed over-shell. This apparatus is then supplied with flowing otoplastic material between the die and the envelope, being supplied therewith in the ear. The envelope expands and assumes the shape of the auditory canal. After hardening or curing of the otoplastic material in the ear of the hearing-impaired person, the envelope and the die are removed and a module of either an in-the-ear or of a behind-the-ear hearing aid is integrated therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming voids in concrete which includes baseplates secured to a wood supporting deck or form for a concrete floor by a plurality of removable screws and a removalbe sleeve attached to each baseplate and having a height generally equal to the thickness of the floor with the upper end of the sleeve being accessible and observable when concrete is poured. After the baseplates have been secured in place, various subsequent work procedures may be carried out without the workers encountering obstructions that would exist if upwardly projecting cavity forming members were attached to the wood deck. A sleeve is then attached to each baseplate immediately prior to pouring concrete. After the concrete has been poured and set, the sleeves are detached from the baseplates and removed. The wood deck can then be stripped from the bottom of the concrete floor and the baseplates removed for reuse.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for molding an article made of layed up materials having opposed principle surfaces, such as one that is hollow tubular shaped. In detail, the invention includes a first mold part for forming one surface of the article on which the layup is placed and a second mold part for forming the opposite surface. Additionally included are rubber layers placed on both surfaces of the layup which expand when heated compacting the layup. A containment structure is mounted about the first and second mold parts and is in moveable relationship to the first and second mold parts. First and second inflatable bags are mounted between the containment structure and the first and second mold parts for balancing the loads on the mold parts while the silicon rubber layers compact the layup.

Abstract: A form for erecting structures having an plan shape, any generatrix and possibly changing wall thickness includes an inner form (1) and an outer form (2). Circumferentially closed support rings (5,6) are arranged horizontally spaced from the inner form as well as from the outer form. Radially aligned sleeves (35) are provided in the support rings (5,6). Threaded spindles (7,8) are slidably but fixedly held in the sleeves (35). One end of each threaded spindle (7,8) engages form carriers (11,12) which rest against the form carriers (3,4). The inclination of the form plates (3,4) or the wall thickness of the structure to be erected can thus be adjusted. Web members (13,14) are provided between the form plates (3,4) in circumferential direction of the form, the web members engaging over the form plate edges at the rear sides thereof. The web members have a support (15,16) on the surface facing the structure in the region between the side edges of the spaced-apart form plates (3,4).

Abstract: The invention provides containers useful for freezedrying of biological and other materials which can be advantageously subjected to a lyophilization process, such materials including proteinaceous materials from which moisture is removed in order to preserve the material in a dry, shelf-stable form. The present containers allow lyophilization of the contained material with a minimum of time and energy expenditure by forming the material into a frozen shell to increase the surface area of the material and to minimize the thickness of a given quantity of material which is to be lyophilized. In a typical embodiment of the invention, a container is provided with a congruent, flexible core which is inserted into the container to force the material into the space lying between the container and the core. Expansion of the material on freezing acts to deform the flexible core rather than to break the container.

Abstract: A segmental formwork for round structures has a framework consisting of soldiers (6) and polygonal stretchers (5) that can be adjusted angularly at the corner points. The formwork boards (12) of the formwork shell bear directly against the stretchers (5) and have a continuous curvature. The stretchers (5) are formed from structural shapes.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a modular, monolithic, integrated, multi-layered, mold building structure including the steps of constructing a dismantleable mold having an outer rigid matrix and an inner inflatable plug, wherein the inside dimensions of the matrix correspond to the outside dimensions of the structure and the outside dimensions of the plug correspond to the inside dimensions of the structure, placing high strength fibers between the plug and the matrix, injecting hardenable material between the matrix and the plug, curing the hardenable material into a hard shell, removing the matrix, deflating the plug, and installing walls, doors or windows. The structures may be joined together on-site in various combinations and configurations to create different types and styles of buildings.

Abstract: A core form is disclosed for casting a structurally reinforced concrete structure for use on a slab with an outer container form having rigid walls extending vertically comprising a casting core positioned internal the outer form and having vertically extending resilient walls defining an within contiguous core wall. The walls of the outer form and the walls of the casting core are spaced apart to define a mold cavity therebetween. A form base supported by the slab is positioned within the mold cavity to releasingly support the concrete structure to be formed and cured within the mold cavity. The walls of the casting core include an upper and lower periphery such that in use the lower periphery abuts the form base to seal the concrete internal the mold cavity relative the periphery and form base. The internal contiguous core wall is retractable to enable the placement of the reinforcing structure within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A formwork assembly for a poured concrete structure includes a plurality of formwork panels and girder-like members for supporting the panels. The panels comprise a concrete surface forming sheet and laterally spaced flange-like support members on the outside surface of the panel. The panel sheet is formed of an elastically deformable material so that the panel can follow the configuration of a curved surface of the concrete structure. The support members on the panels are notched or recessed at their ends so that the aligned support members on adjoining panels form a cutout to which the girder-like member is secured.

Abstract: There is disclosed a formwork for round or polygonal constructions with a formwork face having an adjustable curvature or circumference. The formwork has a chain of booms which are spaced apart from the formwork face and are composed of individual boom portions. The boom portions can be pivoted relative to one another and can be fixed in selected angular positions when the adjustment of the formwork face is completed. The pivot axes for the boom portions are not located at the boom portions themselves but are transposed into the plane of the formwork face so that the formwork and the formwork face are adjusted in assembled condition of the chain of booms. The boom portions, which are spaced apart from the joint axes have couplings which are adapted to be detachably connected to one another and are disposed along arcs with centers of curvature on the respective joint axes. The couplings can include overlapping plates with openings through which locking keys can be inserted.

Abstract: In a method of using an elongate steel core for making passages in a body of castable material, preferably concrete which is cast in an outer mould, the core is prestressed prior to casting, and to disengage the core from the finished body, the prestress is relieved against the body or the outer mould when the material has set sufficiently. The core is provided at its ends with anchoring means for one or more tensioning members extending therebetween for prestressing the core prior to casting, the prestress for disengaging the core from the finished body being relievable against said body or said outer mould by means of an abutment engageable therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for erection of arcuate walls of poured concrete has one or more deformable sheathings secured to turnable supports which are movably secured to one another by composite girders having alternating rigid variable-length links and fixed-length connectors which are affixed to the supports. The angular positions of the supports are changed by changing the length of the links. Locking devices are provided to hold the links against angular movement relative to the neighboring connectors when the sheathing assumes the desired shape. The locking devices can constitute separable components or they may be permanently mounted on and/or integrated into the links and/or connectors.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for constructing manhole assemblies in an excavation or elsewhere, by the utilization of an outer form, a preformed manhole barrel which is positioned and propped within the outer form pipe stub inserted partially into the inside of the preformed manhole and resting under notches cut into the preformed manhole barrel, inflatable or rigid forms (or both) are used to form simple or complex channels in the concrete which is to be poured. The form ends are adapted to fit into the pipe stub ends or may abut other forms, where complex channels are desired. The forms are carefully positioned to allow for the proper height and grade of the channel in the completed manhole assembly. Concrete is poured and when it is set, the forms are deflated where applicable and removed to be reused.

Abstract: The invention relates to a formwork component for use in concrete construction for the formation of a recess in a wall or ceiling, the component comprising a hollow body defining a central axis, the body having a resilient wall and at least one spreader mechanism adapted to adjust the shape of the hollow body to vary its cross-sectional dimensions. In a first aspect the resilient wall includes at least one section bendable about an axis substantially co-planar with the central axis. The spreader mechanism may include at least one movable spreader component adapted to act on the resilient wall as a hinged lever.

Abstract: A concrete pipe molding apparatus includes inner and outer mold forms defining an annular chamber therebetween. The outer form comprises first and second form sections. These sections are completely separable along two longitudinal gates. A clamp assembly is provided at each gate for releasably securing the outer form sections together. The clamp comprises an eccentric disc mounted for rotation on the first mold section. A locking arm is rotatably mounted on the eccentric disc. The locking arm includes a clamping hook which is releasably engageable with a flange on the second form section. A motor is operably connected to the eccentric disc for rotating the hook away from and toward the flange. The inner form comprises a pair of form portions that are separable along a gate. A mechanism is provided for collapsing the inner form to permit removal thereof from a hardened pipe.

Abstract: A gate for opening and closing a longitudinal joint of a core used in casting concrete pipe has a pair of hinge plates pivotally connected to each side of the core adjacent the joint. A pair of over-center links pivotally connect to the hinge plates and to a pair of coordinator links. The coordinator links pivotally connect, as well, to a displaceable one of the core sides. A remotely controlled actuator acting between the hinge plates and the over-center links opens and closes the gate. The pivotal connections of the coordinator links to the displaceable side of the core, the coordinator links to the over-center links, and the over-center links to the hinge plates are such that in a closed position with both sides of the core abutting and with opening rotation of the over-center links about their pivot with the hinge plates, the pivot between the over-center links and the coordinator links during opening first passes through center before moving away from the joint.

Abstract: A method and a device to cast elongate concrete structural members formed internally with channel means in horizontal moulds. The channel means is formed by a double-wall inflatable hose of an elastic and flexible material which is introduced into the mould and is provided with support walls extending between the inner and outer hose walls so as to divide the space therebetween into longitudinal chambers. After inflation of these chambers, concrete is poured about the hose while at the same time weights displaceable in the interior of and in the longitudinal direction of said hose, exert a load on the hose, thus preventing it from being lifted from its predetermined position inside the mould by the concrete.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding articles without a seam or parting line even though the articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a flexible mold of relatively thick and self-supporting wall construction which is deformable by the application of fluid pressure differential to thereby release the finished article from the mold. One modification of the mold also has a thick radially extending flange which forms a seal with a vacuum pot when the mold is simply set in the pot. One modification is directed to a male and female type mold in which the outer female mold is expanded to be withdrawn from the article and the inner mold portion collapses inwardly so as to be withdrawn from the article.

Abstract: A form assembly which may be used to provide a core portion in a concrete or other cast structure. A pair of former elements having interfitting hooks and flanges which are normally urged apart by a resilient sleeve which fits over the former elements. The sleeve biases the former elements to a collapsed position in which they may be inserted and removed. An inflatable tube is interposed between the former elements and may be inflated to move the elements to an expanded position wherein forming surfaces of the elements cooperate to provide a core about which concrete or the like may be poured.

Abstract: A core member used in a moulding flask for making prefabricated concrete products, comprising a hollow tubular member of predetermined size having all outer surfaces intended to be in contact with concrete mixture covered by a thin layer of rubber plate.

Abstract: A molding device including a rigid container defining a molding chamber and a mating collapsible member with walls and a floor and of a normal size and shape to mate in the rigid container and define a molding space between the container and the collapsible member; the collapsible member includes means to collapse it through a first stage of movement of withdrawal of the walls inwardly from a molded object and a second stage of movement of withdrawal of the floor axially upwardly away from the container and a molded object.