Abstract: An applique article for a "B" pillar or other external surface of a vehicle is composed of integrally bonded cosmetic and functional materials. The applique article includes a thermoplastic base portion, an elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer functional sealing lip portion and a decorative covering portion applied to an exposed surface of the article. At least the functional sealing lip portion and the base portion are integrally bonded together in a mold during a process of manufacturing the article.

Abstract: First and second molten resins are continuously injected toward the respective circumferential surfaces of a die wheel and an associated roller in rotation in opposite directions. The die wheel has in its circumferential surface a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, and the associated roller is disposed in parallel confronting relationship with the die wheel with a gap equal to the thickness of a substrate sheet of a molded surface fastener member. During that time, a porous core sheet is introduced toward a meeting point of the first and second molten resins and is sandwiched between a first substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the die wheel, and a second substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the associated roller, to form a unitary laminate substrate sheet. The resulting molded surface fastener member is free from expansion and local thin portions in either substrate sheet part and is therefore prevented from being torn.

Abstract: A method for patterning a material onto a substrate including the steps of: providing a micro-mold having a plurality of non-communicating independent channels and having a plurality of reservoirs for receiving a micro-molding fluid each of which reservoirs communicates with a channel, the micro-mold including an elastomeric master having a surface with a plurality of recesses therein and a substrate; introducing a micro-molding fluid into the micro-mold reservoirs filling said communicating channels; and solidifying the fluid in the micro-mold and removing the elastomeric master thereby generating a pattern of material on the substrate. The micro-mold is formed by contacting the surface of the elastomeric master with the substrate such that the recesses in the surface form the plurality of reservoirs and channels.

Abstract: An alkaline battery separator comprising a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric obtainable from a fiber web prepared by a wet-laid method from (1) dividable composite fibers capable of producing polyolefin fine fibers, (2) high-strength fibers having a single-fiber strength of 5 g/denier or more, and (3) fusible fibers containing at least on a surface thereof a resin component having a melting point lower than a melting point of the dividable composite fibers and lower than a melting point of the high-strength fibers: by dividing the dividable composite fibers, entangling the fibers, and fusing the fusible fibers, to obtain a heat-fused and entangled nonwoven fabric, and imparting a hydrophilic property to the resulting heat-fused and entangled nonwoven fabric; wherein an average fiber length of the constituent fibers of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is 10 mm or more, is disclosed.

Abstract: The method of forming a light-weight, fiber-reinforced, particularly glass fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic resin product includes the steps of melting and mixing thermoplastic resin pellets containing parallely oriented fibers 2-100 mm long, injecting the melted resin into a cavity which is closed so that its volume is smaller than that of the final molded product, and, before or after the resin injection is completed, opening the cavity until its volume is equal to that of the final molded product. Unlike the conventional injection-molded products, this product does not require a foaming agent and, if it uses any, requires only a small amount of foaming agent. The product thus formed is light in weight and has fibers uniformly entangled inside, providing an excellent appearance of the surface. Further a skin layer is formed over the surface. These features combined with the reinforcement by the glass fibers offer high strength and high stiffness.

Abstract: A resin part such as an instrument panel, a console box or door trim has a substrate body made of hard resin and a skin mounted on a surface of the substrate. To produce the resin part, a preformed elastic sheet is set within a mold cavity. Then, a molten resin is injected into the cavity through gates. The molten resin is first injected into the cavity through gates that are opposed to the skin and after the passage of a predetermined time, the resin is injected through gates that are not opposed to the skin, thereby forming a substrate that has the skin thermally fused to a surface thereof.

Abstract: Methods for pre-shaping paint film laminates and co-molding processes using such laminates are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of providing (e.g., forming or procuring) a plastic paint film laminate, softening the paint film laminate with heat such that one or more localized portions of the member absorb more heat than the remainder, and deforming the plastic film member to form a pre-shaped article. The formation of different heat absorption areas on the paint film laminate is referred to as the provision of heat sink areas. These heat sink areas can be provided for example by surface coating of heat retention means such as black paint or ink pigments on localized areas of the surface of the laminate followed by uniform heating of the laminate in an oven or the like or the sheet can be heated in localized areas to a greater extent (i.e. time and/or temperature) than in remainder portions by the means of heat guns or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of a composite product which involves molding several materials of different natures, including an oriented-reinforcement material that is preimpregnated with resin, without the resin being injected separately after the other materials in the mold are assembled,in which the resin is a modified polyester-polyurethane that is formed by reacting:a first component that comprises (A) at least one polyisocyanatewith a second component that comprises:(a) at least one polyol polyester,(b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a ribbed hose which is capable of effectively producing a ribbed hose irrespective of a diameter or size of a hose while preventing the apparatus from being large-sized. A cylinder is formed therein with a hose feed passage and a first drive mechanism is arranged for driving the cylinder. Also, a screw is arranged in parallel to the hose feed passage and driven by a second drive mechanism. The screw is provided on a distal end thereof with a nozzle, which is adapted to revolve around the hose to form a rib on a hose.

Abstract: In making a toothbrush of the type having a shaft-like handle (3), a neck section (4) joining the handle and a headpiece (5) for toothbrush bristles (6), the body is made of a first plastic material through an injection molding step. In order to provide the body with two or more portions (20, 21, 22) made of a second material, the toothbrush body is provided with recess sections (17, 18, 19). The second material is supplied through a plurality of channels (29, 30, 31, 32) into injection nozzle means (33, 34, 35) to provide injection of the section material in a single step, multi-point injection process into the recesses on the body to form the portions (20, 21, 22), the recesses (17, 18, 19) and the portions (20, 21, 22) thus being physically isolated from each otehr by the first material.

Abstract: A golf ball has a core (1) enclosed with a cover (2) wherein the cover (2) is embossed on its surface with dimples by compression molding in a mold and includes an innermost layer (3), an intermediate layer (4), and an outermost layer (5). The intermediate layer (4) and the outermost layer (5) are formed of a laminate film while the outermost layer (5) is made of a material which is smoothly releasable from the mold. The golf ball is readily removed from the mold at the end of molding and has a high precision of dimple geometry.

Abstract: A method of molding an integrated structure, the method comprising the steps of (a) using at least first and second mold parts to define a primary mold cavity, (b) placing first molding material in the primary mold cavity to form a primary structure, (c) removing the second mold part from the first mold part, (d) using the first mold part and at least a third mold part to define a secondary mold cavity partially filled by the primary structure, and (e) placing second molding material in the remainder of the secondary mold cavity to form the integrated structure including the primary structure and the second molding material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing bus protocol simulation in a multi-processor data processing system (10). A plurality of edge interface circuits (14,16) are used to interface a first bus (32, 34, 36), which uses a first bus protocol, with a plurality of data processors (50-65), each of which uses a second bus protocol. A memory (90) within each edge interface circuit (14,16) is loaded with a plurality of values. Each of the plurality of values has a control portion and a data portion. The control portion of memory entry "N" is used to initiate the transfer of the data from memory entry "N+1". In an alternate embodiment, multi-processor data processing system (210) includes a plurality of data processors (250-258) and a plurality of edge interface circuits (214-217).

Abstract: Consequently, the resin molding can be coated over the whole surface with a coating material uniformly and with an excellent adhesion.A molding material is compressed and molded with a mold comprising split molds and capable of forming a space between them outer periphery and slidable position of which are tapered, the molds are mutually separated before complete curing to define a space between at least one side surface of the molding and an opposing surface of the mold, a gas flow is formed inside the molds and in a direction towards the outer periphery for discharging any foreign material such as molding-flash and dust through the space to the exterior of the molds, and a fluid coating material is injected in the space between the molding and the surface of the mold and, with the molds clamped again, compressed to be cured.

Abstract: This invention produces three-dimensional shapes such as window lineals by first lining a foam die with a continuously moving reinforcing veil. Once the veil is in the foam die, a foam is blown into the die. The foam expands in the die forcing the veil against the die wall. The veil is selected so that the foam never fully penetrates the veil, but adheres to it. The material exiting the foam die is now properly shaped to enter the curing die. Resin is then injected onto the foam core where it penetrates the veil, is cured in the heated curing die and exits as a finished product of a plastic skin adhered to a foam core with a veil sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: 1. Paving stone set and process and device for the manufacture thereof.2.1. In the case of lawn-paving blocks formed from paving stones (10) spaced at a considerable distance apart, these are joined together, against relative displacements, by a holding grid (11) embedded in the paving stones (10) and comprising tension-resistant strands. The said holding grid allows the transfer of traction forces and hence the reciprocal safeguarding of the paving stones (10) within a paving stone set held together by the holding grid (11).2.2. The manufacture of the paving stone sets is effected in a concrete stone mold which is conventional in its principle. A flask (19) disposed on a molding plate (28) and a drawing sheet (29) is divided in the horizontal plane (33), creating a top part-flask (34) and a bottom part-flask (35). The holding grid (11) is clamped between the two part-flasks during pouring of the concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a preferred embodiment, an interior trim component for a motor vehicle including a first membrane with a connected foam backing, an apertured second membrane spread adjacent the foam backing of the first membrane, and a moldable rigid polymeric material providing a backing for the second membrane and supporting the first membrane, the moldable polymeric material penetrating the apertures of the second membrane and adhering to the foam backing of the first membrane.

Abstract: A process creates molded pans by reaction injection molding (RIM) of inorganics. Two or more slips are mixed as they are being fed into a mold and the slips react rapidly with each other to form a mechanically strong part. The slips contain ceramics/metals which chemically react to form a binding phase, or which destabilize, floe, or gel to form the part. The formed part is then removed from the mold and used as is, or heat-treated prior to use. With this forming process, setting times are independent of part size, unlike slip casting or injection molding, and there is no requirement to add or remove heat from the mold to form the part.

Abstract: Paving stone set and process and device for the manufacture thereof.In the case of lawn-paving blocks formed from paving stones (10) spaced at a considerable distance apart, these are joined together, against relative displacements, by a holding grid (11) embedded in the paving stones (10) and comprising tension-resistant strands. The said holding grid allows the transfer of traction forces and hence the reciprocal safeguarding of the paving stones (10) within a paving stone set held together by the holding grid (11).The manufacture of the paving stone sets is effected in a concrete stone mold which is conventional in its principle. A flask (19) disposed on a molding plate (28) and a drawing sheet (29) is divided in the horizontal plane (33), creating a top part-flask (34) and a bottom part-flask (35). The holding grid (11) is clamped between the two part-flasks during pouring of the concrete. Following the completion of a paving stone set, the bottom part-flask (35) is withdrawn from the concrete stone mold.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance such as a bracket is made of a polymeric material with reinforcing fiber structure embedded in the polymeric material. The reinforcing fiber structure includes relatively long filaments that extend about the perimeter of the bracket including the periphery of an archwire slot. In one embodiment, a method for making the bracket includes the steps of placing a tubular fiber preform in a mold assembly in an orientation aligned with a mesial-distal axis of the resultant bracket, and then closing the mold assembly in directions toward a central axis of the preform.

Abstract: An injection molding method which injects a first resin in a first cavity (1) and a second resin in a second cavity (2) with a flexible fabric and porous membrane (3) spanning the interior of the cavity to inpart define the two cavities (1, 2). The second cavity is filled with fibers (14) and is vented via vents (6). The first resin injected into cavity (1) can penetrate the membrane (3) and fuse with the second resin in cavity (2). A nozzle (5) penetrates the membrane (3) with the membrane forming a seal thereabout for delivery of the second resin to the cavity (2).

Abstract: In an optical element, and a method and apparatus for forming the same, peeling does not occur while a resin layer is cured, and the completed optical element can be easily released after the resin layer has been completely cured. The optical-element forming apparatus includes a forming surface for transferring a predetermined surface shape onto a surface of the resin layer, and includes a mold member having a high molecular weight material satisfying physical values of a hardness: >D50 and/or >R70, a modulus of elasticity: 5000-35000 kgf/cm.sup.2, a coefficient of friction: <0.2, a coefficient of water absorption: <0.3%, and a light resistance: invariable or slightly variable.

Abstract: A process for installing a liner in a generally horizontal pipe section includes the steps of: providing a hollow generally cylindrical folded pipe liner having a reduced cross section sized to allow the liner to be slidably drawn into the pipe section from an upstream end to a downstream end; pulling the folded liner through the pipe section leaving end sections of the liner extending from the upstream end and the downstream end of the pipe; snaking a pull wire through the liner; pulling an air hose and a steam hose through the folded liner from the downstream end to the upstream end; providing a floating plug assembly including at least two disk shaped expanders; attaching the steam hose to the floating plug assembly downstream of the disk shaped expanders; attaching the air hose to the floating plug assembly upstream of the disk shaped expanders; inserting the floating plug assembly into the liner at the upstream end; and providing steam to the steam hose and cooling air to the air hose, while pulling the

Abstract: Dual extrusion apparatus with a horizontal extruder and a vertical extruder connected to an extruder head and in which the weight of the vertical extruder is carried by a frame. The vertical material extruder is permitted to expand upwardly under temperature variations so as to minimize stress. Also, the extruder head and the vertical extruder are movable together horizontally to comply with temperature induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A printing method for moulded plastics articles comprises printing of selected indicia onto an elastomeric film (2), locating the printed film (2) in a mould cavity (3) with the printed surface facing inwardly and the evacuating the air space between the film (2) and the mould surface (8). With the printed film (2) located firmly against the mould cavity (3), the film (2) is manipulated to bring the printed indicia into register with surface features of the mould (8). Plastics material is injected into the mould cavity (4) and during solidification, the printed indicia is transferred from the film (2) to the surface of the moulded article with the printed indicia in accurate register with surface features of the moulded article.

Abstract: A transition layer for an implant to be placed in the human body. The implant has a core, and the transition surface surrounds the core. The transition layer is an open celled foam with cut surfaces. An adhesive adheres one surface to the core, and penetrates the transition layer a limited distance so as to leave over the entire surface, microstructures of cell fragments providing for tissue attachment without formation of a firm encapsulation.

Abstract: A casting containing toxic waste is made by centrifugally casting toxic waste in a pre-formed cage having heat conducting means therein. The casting is formed with suitable shielding materials selected as a function of the waste being cast. The finished casting contains passageways through which heat is removed. These passageways are oriented such that when two or more castings are stacked in abutment, the passageways of adjacent castings interconnect.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-colored integral vinyl skin shell including a heated mold and dual powder box arrangement wherein the mold is formed to include alternately positioned tear surfaces and recessed surfaces. After the first powder box supplies a layer of powder to cover all the surfaces to form a shell, the strips of shell on the tear surfaces are removed, after which the first powder box is replaced by a second powder box. The second powder box has a plurality of spaced dams or dividers formed therein such that the dams cooperate with the respective recessed surfaces of the mold to provide clearances therewith that permit different colored powders in the compartments between the dams to cover the previously cleared tear surfaces and to flow past the selectively formed free ends of the dams to become integrally secured to the adjacent edge portions of the shell segments remaining in the areas of the recessed surfaces of the mold, forming the multi-colored, integral plastic shell.

Abstract: A multilayer compression-molded article produced by compression-molding a composite plastic material. The composite plastic material comprises a first synthetic resin and a second synthetic resin in which the first synthetic resin surrounds substantially the entire second synthetic resin. The compression-molded article comprises a first resin layer molded from the first synthetic resin and a second resin layer molded from the second synthetic resin in which the first resin layer surrounds substantially the entire second resin layer. The composite plastic material is obtained by an extrusion apparatus which intermittently extrudes the second synthetic resin via a subsidiary extrusion flow passage into a main extrusion flow passage in which the first synthetic resin flows.

Abstract: Low-level radioactive wastes and the like are identified by composition and segregated based on specific contaminants identified. The separated wastes are subsequently encapsulated in a centrifugal process prior to disposal. The wastes advantageously are subjected to heat prior to classification in order to remove any volatiles and hydrocarbons present.

Abstract: A molded circuit board is formed with a nonconductive molded polymer substrate base having at least one channel in a surface thereof. A sputtered conductive film is disposed in the channel on a virgin polymer surface thereof to establish a circuit line in the channel.

Abstract: A method of sealing electric and electonic parts, comprising employing two different ultraviolet-curing resins for upper and lower layer portions, respectively, the resin employed for the upper layer portion having a smaller specific gravity than that of the resin for the lower layer portion before the resins are cured, and simultaneously curing the resins by irradiation with an ultraviolet ray. The ultraviolet-curing resin employed for the upper layer portion is an epoxy acrylate or epoxy resin, while an urethane acrylate ultraviolet-curing resin is employed for the lower layer portion, and the thickness of the ultraviolet-curing resin employed for the upper layer portion is set at from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

Abstract: A process of molding a single-piece article by placing a resin body on a divider of a resin supply container containing different resins, fitting the resin supply container against a mold surface, engaging the resin body between the divider and the mold surface defining two discrete mold chambers, rotating the resin supply container and mold surface to contact the different resins against the mold surface, and heating the mold surface to simultaneously set the different resins and the resin body into a single-piece article.

Abstract: A fastener comprising a female member having an opening, a male member which is engageable in the opening of the female member and a string member joining the female and male members, and a fastener assembly comprising a plurality of such fasteners joined together. The female and male members are molded from a thermoplastic synthetic resin, and fused to the string member. The fastener or fastener assembly is made by a method comprising placing a string through a female member forming mold and a male member forming mold, supplying a molten thermoplastic resin into the molds to form a female member and a male member, removing the molded female and male members from the molds, moving the string forward, repeating the molding of a plurality of female and male members, and if appropriate, cutting the string between the female member of one fastener and the male member of another.

Abstract: A procedure for manufacturing a brake block comprising a body (1) and a friction bit (5,6), wherein the friction bit is pressed fast to the body (1) with the aid of heat effect so that the central region (6) of the friction bit will be softer than the margins (5) of the friction bit. The friction bit is pressed so that upon the body (1) are placed two friction material courses (5,6) of different hardness material, the harder friction material against the body, whereafter the materials are pressed together and at the same time are pressed fast to the body in such manner that the harder friction material is freely allowed to flow into a widening in the lower part of the press. The harder friction material placed against the body will spread to the margins, whereby a friction bit is obtained which has a friction surface (6) with desired friction coefficient and harder margins (5), by which is prevented the ingress of abrasive foreign bodies in between the friction surface and the brake disk.

Abstract: A headpiece for a collapsible tube is a unitary member made up of two different plastics, each plastic providing a different property for the headpiece. The headpiece is formed by extruding on top of one another a first torus like annulus of a first plastic and a second torus like annulus of a second plastic. The two plastic annuli are simultaneously molded to form the headpiece. One plastic forms, primarily, the outer portion of the headpiece and the other plastic forms, primarily, the inner portion of the headpiece.The machine for molding the plastic head includes a work table rotatably indexed from station to station at which various operations are performed. The mandrel which holds the cylindrical body, to which the head is molded, is movable from an inboard position to an outboard position so that operations can be performed relative to it. The molding operation is performed at the inboard position. The loading, extruding, capping and ejection operations are performed at the outboard position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a strain relief boot which, when affixed to an electrical cable and connector, will act in a manner that greatly reduces the stresses transmitted from the cable to the electrical contact, thereby preventing wire breakage and will also be flexible enough so as to allow free movement of said cable when in use so that bending and kinking of the cable does not occur at the cable-boot transition point causing wire breakage. The disclosure is more particularly related to a strain relief boot which may be molded directly onto a prewired electrical connector and cable or as an alternative embodiment may be molded separately for later assembly on the cable and connector at the time they are joined together.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a low density polymer shrink wrap which comprises uniaxially cold-orienting and irradiating a film formed from a low density ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, and then forming a wrap by sealing a portion of the film along a seam which runs generally perpendicular to the direction of the orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing molded bodies of expanded plastic having a predetermined density, based on a starting material in granulate form to which a blowing agent and optionally a cross-linking agent have been added, said starting material being introduced into an injection molding machine/press in which it is heated and injected/pressed into a mold. In order to obtain an efficient production process without loss of raw material and a product whose density can be determined in advance, the material in the injection molding machine/press is heated to a temperature which is below the temperature required to initiate the reaction of the blowing agent/cross-linking agent, and the blank thus formed is subsequently transferred to an expansion mold having the shape of the desired final product, but larger, than the blank. The blank is caused to expand in the expansion mold and final expansion takes place outside the expansion mold.

Abstract: A tire having a pair of bead portions for mounting on a rim, a tread portion radially outward of said bead portions and connecting sidewalls is cast and cured from different liquid elastomer forming materials in a three-stage process. First, the inner layer of the tire is molded of high modulus material on a collapsible core in a mold with an outer shell. Second, the first outer shell is removed and a second outer shell of a second mold is mounted around the core and cast inner layer. The tread portion of the tire is then molded by centrifugal casting from a low modulus material. Third, the sidewalls are molded of low modulus, optionally microcellular, material by injection of the liquid elastomer forming material into the sidewall spaces between the molded inner layer and the second outer shell.

Abstract: In the formation of cylindrically shaped heat regenerators from ceramic honeycomb structures for use in gas turbine engines, a gas-impervious seal of the peripheral honeycomb cells and a high strength outer ring are formed simultaneously in an apparatus which provides for surrounding the outer wall of the honeycomb structure with a castable ceramic composition suitable for forming the outer ring, contacting a peripheral area of the upper surface of the honeycomb structure defining a predetermined number of peripheral cell openings with a (different) ceramic slurry composition, evacuating the honeycomb cells whose openings are contacted with the slurry composition through corresponding openings in the lower surface of the honeycomb structure in order to promote flow of the slurry into the evacuated cells, thereby forming a gas impervious seal of these peripheral cells, while simultaneously vibrating the honeycomb structure and castable composition in order to promote flow and intimate contact of the castable c

Abstract: A composite article is obtained by forming a body of a mixture of a fibrous material with a heat-hardening binder, by interposing between the body and a coating layer an intermediate layer having a tear-resistance and stiffness exceeding those of the coating material and impregnated with a resin which softens more slowly than a different resin with which the coating layer is impregnated, and by transforming the assembly of the body with the layers into the final article. During the transformation, the assembly is heated to a temperature at which the binder of the body hardens, and the resin of the intermediate layer softens more slowly than that of the coating layer. The intermediate layer may include asbestos fibers, or it may be a metallic foil or a soda craft paper.

Abstract: A process for forming a mineral wool, resin-bound acoustical insulating fiberboard product is described, which includes steps for mixing mineral wool fibers and powdered thermosetting binder, the introduction of the mixture into an air stream, and the directing of the entrained mixture into a mat-forming zone formed by converging upper and lower forming wires, the exhausting of air through the wires to build up layers of fiber and binder thereon and the consolidation and heating of the layers to form a fiberboard product, the amounts of air exhausted through the forming wires being adjusted so that a resin-enriched layer of predominantly fine fibers is initially deposited on the upper forming wire. A preferred embodiment is disclosed wherein an open mesh glass fabric is positioned between the lower forming wire and the layer of fibers and resins being formed thereover, said fabric acting as a carrier for the board-forming mat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of bonding two layers of thermosetting plastic. A thin sheet of thermoplastic material is interpositioned between two layers of thermosetting plastic and the combination is subjected to temperatures sufficient to cause the thermosetting plastic layers to bond and cure. The thermosetting plastic contains mold release agents which are absorbable by the thermoplastic sheet, and crosslinking monomers in which the thermoplastic sheet is dissolvable at molding temperatures.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is provided for molding a plurality of plastic characters on the upper surface of a plastic blank having a passage at each location where a character is to be molded. Rotatable die wheels having character defining recesses or cavities are disposed at a molding station above a support for the blank. These die wheels are rotated relative to each other to align cavities defining selected characters directly above the passages in the blank. The aligned die wheels are then moved into abutting engagement with the upper surface of the blank with the passages in the blank communicating with the cavities of the wheels which define the selected characters. Plastic material is then forced through the passages in the blank and into the cavities to simultaneously mold the selected characters on the upper surface of the blank.