Abstract: There are provided a powder slush molding machine that preheats a mold using the transfer time of the mold and may be reduced in size, and a powder slush molding method using the powder slush molding machine. There are provided a powder slush molding machine and a powder slush molding method using the powder slush molding machine. The powder slush molding machine includes: a mold heating portion that heats a mold so that the temperature of the mold is set to a value equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature; a powder slush portion that sprays a molding resin, while powdering the molding resin, to mold a sheet-like material having a predetermined thickness on the inner surface of the heated mold; a mold cooling portion that cools the mold so that the temperature of the mold is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature; a mold working portion that separates the cooled sheet-like material from the mold; and a transport device that moves the mold between the respective portions.

Abstract: A die for moulding a core by a PIM process, the core having at least one internal feature, the die including; a first die part defining a first portion of an outer surface of the core; a second die part defining a second portion of the outer surface of the core; and an internal feature forming element for defining the surface of an internal feature of the core; wherein the internal feature forming element incorporates a temperature control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations including a polymer and a plasticizer composition. The plasticizer composition is a blend of an alkyl ketal ester plasticizer and a second plasticizer selected from a cycloaliphatic compound, an ortho phthalate compound, a terephthalate compound, a benzoate ester compound, and a bio-based compound. The plasticizer composition is at least 10% by weight of the total of the polymer and the plasticizer composition.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a wind turbine blade is described which utilizes a post-molding station in the manufacturing process. A blade shell forming part of a wind turbine blade is initially molded in a blade mold, the blade shell subsequently transferred to a post-molding station which allows for various post-molding operations to be carried out on the blade shell away from the mold, thereby increasing the productivity of the blade mold in the manufacturing process. The post-molding station may be operable to perform the closing of first and second blade shells to form a wind turbine blade, and may be formed from an adjustable structure which can provide relatively easy access to the contained blade shell for working thereon. Accordingly, the manufacturing equipment may be of reduced cost, combined with an increase in the overall productivity of the manufacturing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyol composition including a polyol having a polyester chain, wherein the polyol composition substantially contains no metal-base polymerization catalyst and an amount of phosphorus element derived from a polymerization catalyst is 1 to 1000 ppm. Furthermore, a method for producing a polyol composition is provided, including reacting a compound having an active hydrogen with a compound having at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxyl group, ester group and acid halide group in the presence of 0.0001-0.05 parts by mol of a phosphorus compound with respect to 1 part by mol of the active hydrogen without using a metal-based polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A post-molding station is described which is used in the manufacturing of a wind turbine blade. A blade shell forming part of a wind turbine blade is initially molded in a blade mold, the blade shell subsequently transferred to a post-molding station which allows for various post-molding operations to be carried out on the blade shell away from the mold, thereby increasing the productivity of the blade mold in the manufacturing process. The post-molding station may be operable to perform the closing of first and second blade shells to form a wind turbine blade, and may be formed from an adjustable structure which can provide relatively easy access to the contained blade shell for working thereon. Accordingly, the manufacturing equipment may be of reduced cost, combined with an increase in the overall productivity of the manufacturing system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a granular polyurethane resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane resin which contains a hard segment obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate and a chain extender. The polyisocyanate contains isocyanate groups of 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane in an amount of not less than 50% by more relative to the total mole number of isocyanate groups.

Abstract: A single opening permanent breast prosthesis includes an envelope made of a flexible, hermatic and biologically inert material having a flat rear surface (3) and a curved front surface (2). The prosthesis thus defines a closed pocket (5) which contains a physiological serum. There are at least two compartments (6, 7, 8) in the pocket (5) which are separated by at least one membrane (10, 11, 12) extending in the form of an arch from the front surface (2) to the rear surface (3) of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.

Abstract: A powder slush molding process and associated equipment utilize a flow restrictor disposed between a powder box and a mold surface to deposit powdered resin onto the mold surface in a controlled manner, thereby forming skins having decreased variation in thickness.

Abstract: A device and method for producing two- or multi-color molded skins, in particular skins for a molding or component, includes a tub, in which at least two different materials can he arranged separately from one another, and a galvanic mold forming a molding or component that can be positioned relative to one another. A separating element, which separates the materials and protrudes over the tub, is introduced and positioned in the galvanic mold. Subsequently the materials are introduced separately from each other by the separating element in at least one layer in the galvanic mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid dissolve thin film drug delivery compositions for the oral administration of active components. The active components are provided as taste-masked or controlled-release coated particles uniformly distributed throughout the film composition. The compositions may be formed by wet casting methods, where the film is cast and controllably dried, or alternatively by an extrusion method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a granular polyurethane resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane resin which contains a hard segment obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate and a chain extender. The polyisocyanate contains isocyanate groups of 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane in an amount of not less than 50% by more relative to the total mole number of isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions. For this purpose, before melting the first plastic material, a region of the molding tool surface (2) is covered with a separate energy self-sufficient mask (3). After the unmasked region of the molded tool surface (2) has been coated, the mask (3) is removed, and in a second manufacturing step the exposed subregions of the molding tool surface (2) is coated with a different plastic material, the two subregions of the plastic skin bonding with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyurethane resin which is obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate component, which contains 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane including not less than 80% by mole of trans isomers, and an active hydrogen compound component.

Abstract: A molding machine apparatus and method for the production of thermoplastic skins or shells by means of what is generally known as rotational or slush molding. The tooling is heated uniformly, rapidly and efficiently by means of high velocity, hot air streams directed at the tooling which create turbulent flow on the surface of the tooling. The air stream is accelerated by means of adjustable nozzles and the air is circulated in the mold by means of a centrifugal fan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces a thickness of a cushion part by means of both slush molding and rotational molding, enhances a bonding efficiency between a lower sheet and the cushion part, and obviates the need of any separate communicating members for forming the communicating passageways for a plurality of air pockets of the cushion part, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use in rotomolding or slush molding applications of a composition comprising a polyolefin, a processing aid and optionally a UV-stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slush moldable polymeric composition for forming a skin useable in interior trim components and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the composition comprises a) from 50 to 99 wt. percent urethane elastomer, b) from 0.1 to 15 wt. percent propylene copolymer, c) from 0.1 to 25 wt. percent olefin modified thermoplastic, such as SEBS, and d) from 0.1 to 30 weight percent olefinic block copolymer, wherein the polymeric composition is slush moldable and vacuum formable. The modifiers include an olefin block copolymer (OBC) having a variable distribution of block lengths. The OBC is present in an amount from 0.1% to 30% of the total composition. The haptics of the polymeric composition is tunable by adjusting the amounts of the modifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of plastic molded skins, which are formed by consecutively performing a plurality of partial melting processes of a plurality of plastic materials, wherein the first plastic material is applied to the mold as a plastic powder in a centrifugal molding method and the second plastic material by a spraying method.

Abstract: A powder slush molding process and associated equipment utilize a flow restrictor disposed between a powder box and a mold surface to deposit powdered resin onto the mold surface in a controlled manner, thereby forming skins having decreased variation in thickness.

Abstract: An aqueous sericin solution and a polar organic solvent are mixed together to prepare a sericin-containing solution, then the sericin-containing solution is added into a synthetic resin solution, followed by drying, to produce an synthetic leather wherein sericin is present as discrete particles of not larger than 3 ?m in diameter within the synthetic resin of a skin layer almost uniformly at least 1.0×106 particles per square centimeter. The skin layer of the synthetic leather has a soft and moist touch like that of the natural leather and is superior in moisture absorbing and releasing properties and further superior in processing stability.

Abstract: Methods for making a molded beverage container insulator from a slurry including water and a polysaccharide by presenting at least one male mold, which may have an elliptical cross section, therein and causing a portion of the slurry to temporarily adhere to the at least one mold. After a suitable period of time, removing the mold from the slurry and then removing the insulator. At such time, and particularly if the mold is not characterized as elliptical in cross section, the insulator is subject to bidirectional compression in order to collapse the same. Opposing hinge elements may be formed in the insulator, either at the time of molding or subsequently, to localize stresses resulting from the collapsing of the insulator. The resulting insulator is fully recyclable/compostable and possesses a constricting bias to mitigate container slip issues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slush moldable polymeric composition for forming a skin useable in interior trim components and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the composition comprises a) from 50 to 99 wt. percent urethane elastomer, b) from 0.1 to 15 wt. percent propylene copolymer, c) from 0.1 to 25 wt. percent olefin modified thermoplastic, such as SEBS, and d) from 0.1 to 30 wight percent olefinic block copolymer, wherein the polymeric composition is slush moldable and vacuum formable. The modifiers include an olefin block copolymer (OBC) having a variable distribution of block lengths. The OBC is present in an amount from 0.1% to 30% of the total composition. The haptics of the polymeric composition is tunable by adjusting the amounts of the modifiers.

Abstract: The mixture of the invention contains, for 100 parts in weight of (A)+(B): (A) 10 to 90 parts in weight of at least one non-nanostructured olefinic thermoplastic polymer; (B) 90 to 10 parts in weight of a formulation of at least one elastomer having unsaturated double bonds and capable of reacting with a cross-linking or vulcanization agent, said formulation containing a crosslinking or vulcanization system of said elastomer(s), at least one plasticizer, and the standard additives present in elastomer formulations; (C) up to 100 parts in weight, relative to (A)+(B), of at least one copolymer grafted with polyamide blocks, said copolymer comprising a polyolefin trunk and at least 1.

Abstract: The method according to the invention is a moulding method wherein a first layer (21), having a first colour, is produced against a first portion of a mould surface (10) and wherein, in a next step, a second layer (22), having a second colour, is produced against a second portion of the mould surface (10) and at least partially against the back of the first layer (21). The method is intended to obtain a qualitative transition between the colours of the two layers (21, 22) without having to hide the actual colour transition in a groove from view. This object is achieved by applying the material forming the first layer (21) in such a manner on the mould surface (10) that the edge (20) of the first layer (21), which will be situated on the mould surface underneath the second layer (22), is visually sharp and is produced without a mask.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded toy product is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include securing a preformed item having a first magnetic-attraction element in a desired location in a mold via magnetic attraction between the first magnetic-attraction element and the mold; adding moldable material into the mold such that the moldable material covers at least part of the preformed item; and curing the moldable material. A mold for manufacturing a molded toy product also is disclosed. In some embodiments, the mold may include a mold core including a surface and at least a second magnetic-attraction element complementary with at least a first magnetic-attraction element of a preformed item; and at least one mold cavity wall spaced from the mold core, wherein an area between the mold core surface and the at least one mold cavity wall is configured to receive moldable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of plastic skins by pulverizing, wherein a powder is placed on a forming tool and a plastic skin is formed by sintering. A partial area of the forming tool, at least during a first pulverization step, is made inaccessible to the powder by means of a mask with a preferably inflatable sealing edge. The forming tool is provided with a separating web along one edge of the partial area whereon the mask rests during the first pulverization step with the sealing edge. The invention also relates to a corresponding sintering tool and a plastic part which comprises a plastic skin produced according to inventive method of production, on one surface thereof. The inventive method can produce two-color plastic skins, which are usually used as surface decorations, while effectively avoiding scrap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing plastic articles comprising preheating a metal mold having a mold contour using infrared heating elements formed to match said mold contour to establish a casting temperature, casting plastic material onto the preheated metal mold surface, fusing the plastic using infrared energy, cooling the metal mold using the change of phase or state of a cooling material and removing the cast plastic article from said metal mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition based on plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) thermoplastic resins for producing a layer of a composite structure or skin, said layer being provided on its outer surface with a coating, characterized in that the composition comprises, expressed as percent by weight: —from 40% to 60% of one or more PVC resins with a K value of between 50 and 80. —from 30% to 50% of one or more types of plasticizers, at least one of which is polymeric in nature, or is a heavy monomeric plasticizer, —from 1% to 20% of additives, such as pigments or fillers, stabilizers, antioxidants, processing additives and lubricants. The invention also provides the process for producing these composite skins by moulding, and their use for parts of the passenger compartment of automotive vehicles, such as, in particular, airbag-equipped dashboards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing plastic articles comprising preheating a metal mold (10) using infrared energy to establish a casting temperature, casting plastic material onto the preheated mold surface, fusing the plastic into a substantially uniform layer using infrared energy, cooling the metal mold using evaporative cooling, and removing the cast plastic article from said metal mold (10).

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions containing metal materials and a method for preparing the same. The compositions are formed into particles having diameters suitable for a rotational thermoforming processing. The compositions are particularly applicable for use in slush molding processes where efficient heat transfer to the material is desired to form improved surface quality thermoplastic skin. A preferred method for preparing thermoplastic compositions containing metal material into a slush moldable powder comprises melt compounding the composition to form pellets, and further processing the pellets by cryogenic pulverization. A preferred method for forming micropellets uses an extruder having a gear pump to increase the melt pressure.

Abstract: A slush molding machine having a tool with an outer surface includes a powder assembly. The powder assembly has a powder reservoir and a first lift. The first lift includes a first frame and a cylinder. The powder reservoir is mounted on the first frame. One end of the cylinder is attached to the frame, allowing the frame to be raised and lowered. The slush molding machine also includes a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly has a coolant reservoir and a second lift. The second lift has a second frame and a second cylinder. The coolant reservoir is attached to the second frame. The second cylinder is also attached to the frame. When the second cylinder is actuated, the second frame is raised and lowered as needed.

Abstract: Improved dip coating methods and mandrels for forming polymer leaflets and valve prostheses generally involve one or more features on the mandrel that facilitate the processing. The mandrel has a top surface and an outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges and contoured surfaces extending to the ridges. An edge on the mandrel separates the top surface and the contoured surfaces, with the mandrel edge corresponding to the free edge of the leaflet. In preferred embodiments, the edge separating the top surface from the contoured surfaces is sharp. The polymer formed on the top surface can be efficiently separated from the remaining portions of the polymer structure to form the free edges of the leaflets.

Abstract: A slush molding process in which the moldable thermoplastic composition powder dosed to the mold is prepared by blending ethylene carboxylic acid copolymers or ionomers with ethylene/glycidyl acrylate or methacrylate copolymer and cross-linking promoter at a temperature and for a time that does not cause significant cross-linking prior to dosing to mold, which is held for sufficient time and temperature to cause cross-linking in-situ, and optionally, other additives including release agents.

Abstract: A slush-moulding method combined with cross-linking, including the filling of a tank with a suitable quantity of ground polymer blend and the coupling of said tank with a heated mold is provided. The closed system thus obtained is moved in order to transfer the powder onto the mold, so as to carry out on the latter a layer of completely or partially melted powder. Before and after a stage of stripping of the leather off the mold, said leather is cross-linked by means of radiations.

Abstract: An apparatus for slush molding a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. The apparatus includes two tubs alternately movable to a cast position for dispensing their respective material contents into a mold cavity. According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a diverter valve configured to alternately open a passage from each of two tubs to the mold cavity to selectively dispense charge materials from the respective tubs into the mold cavity. In addition, a method is provided for forming a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. A first polymer material is cast and allowed to melt on a heated mold surface to form an outer layer. A second polymer material is then cast and allowed to melt and form an inner layer on the inner surface of the outer layer. The shell is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic shell having an outer pliable skin layer and a foam backing layer comprises casting a first skin layer portion from wear resistant material in a first casting sequence for those areas of the panel susceptible to high wear and in a second casting sequence casting self-skinning foamable material against the remaining portion of the mold surface and over the first-cast skin layer portion to develop, simultaneously, the remaining outer skin layer portion of the shell and a foam backing layer which extends across the entire skin layer.

Abstract: A multi element moving vacuum chamber (MEMVC) for rotational casting includes a mold having a predefined shape and an axis of rotation, and a box containing casting material. The MEMVC further includes a first vacuum element mounted to an outer mold surface and a second vacuum element mounted to an outer box surface. The mold and the box are detachably engageable with each other to define an engaged configuration in which air present in an enclosed area defined by the outer mold surface and an inner surface of the first vacuum element, by an inner mold surface and an inner box surface, and by the outer box surface and an inner surface of the second vacuum element, is removed to create a vacuum. Alternatively, the mold and/or the box may be constructed with vacuum loading capability, thereby eliminating the need for the first and/or the second vacuum elements.

Abstract: A plastic particle is formed of a plastic material having at least one integral protruding ring disposed on its outer surface. The ring may be continuous or intermittent around a perimeter of the plastic particle. Preferably, the particles have an outer diameter in the range of 0.007 inches to 0.040 inches.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles from particulate thermoplastic material, the process comprising: (a) providing a track having a plurality of process stations, (b) providing a mold assembly comprising a base, at least one hollow mold upstanding from the base, and guide means on the base for moving the mold assembly on the track, (c) preheating the mold assembly at a preheat station on the track, (d) moving the mold assembly from the preheat station to a transfer station on the track, (e) transferring the mold assembly from the transfer station to a molding station, (f) forming the molded articles by fusing particulate material to the at least one mold at the molding station, (g) transferring the mold assembly with the molded articles thereon from the molding station back to the transfer station, (h) moving the mold assembly from the transfer station to a cooling station on the track, (i) moving the mold assembly from the cooling station to an unloading station on the track, (j) removing the mol

Abstract: An apparatus for slush molding a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. The apparatus includes two tubs alternately movable to a cast position for dispensing their respective material contents into a mold cavity. According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a diverter valve configured to alternately open a passage from each of two tubs to the mold cavity to selectively dispense charge materials from the respective tubs into the mold cavity. In addition, a method is provided for forming a thin shell having an outer layer and an inner layer. A first polymer material is cast and allowed to melt on a heated mold surface to form an outer layer. A second polymer material is then cast and allowed to melt and form an inner layer on the inner surface of the outer layer. The shell is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating the appearance of an article having surface texture comprising the step of applying a textured skin having a surface texture to a prototype to produce a textured prototype, thereby to simulate the appearance of the article having surface texture.

Abstract: A rubber glove is produced by sequentially performing the step of immersing a glove mold in a coagulating synthetic rubber latex containing synthetic rubber in latex form, thermally expansible microcapsules, and a rubber coagulant to form a coagulant-containing synthetic rubber film on the surface of the glove mold; the step of immersing the glove mold in rubber-incorporating latex to form a gelled rubber layer; the step of heating a rubber laminate composed of the synthetic rubber film and the gelled rubber layer to vulcanize the rubber laminate; and the step of turning the vulcanized rubber laminate inside out, and removing it from the glove mold. This method produces a rubber glove, which is excellent in anti-blocking properties and grip under dry or wet conditions, by a simple procedure and for a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus/method for making a joint line in a plastic article comprising the steps of providing a mold having a mold surface, providing a gasket in the mold wherein the gasket defines first and second mold spaces, and molding a layer of a plastic material within one of the mold first and second mold spaces. In addition, during molding, the gasket is laterally moved relative to the mold surface in a direction towards that mold space containing the plastic material to therein form a distinct joint line.

Abstract: A molding arrangement and method, such as slush or rotational molding, for forming a thermoplastic shell or skin product. The mold arrangement includes a hollow mold housing provided with a mold shell thereon, which together define an air chamber located within the mold housing. A plurality of air flow control devices, such as centrifugal fans, are mounted within the mold housing and direct heated air into the air chamber through discharge channels defined within the mold housing. The mold arrangement also includes an elongate air supply and heating arrangement which generates heated air within the mold housing and along substantially the entire longitudinal extent thereof to effect uniform heating of the mold shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a cannula by forming a cannula mandrel assembly having a nare mandrel, a main body mandrel and mouthpiece mandrel; heating the cannula mandrel assembly, applying a polymeric material to the cannula mandrel assembly to provide a desired material thickness on the mandrel assembly to form the cannula, curing the polymeric material of the formed cannula and extracting the mandrel assembly from the cannula by disassembly and removal of the mandrel assembly parts.

Abstract: A method of forming a cannula by forming a cannula mandrel assembly having a nare mandrel, a main body mandrel and mouthpiece mandrel; heating the cannula mandrel assembly, applying a polymeric material to the cannula mandrel assembly to provide a desired material thickness on the mandrel assembly to form the cannula, curing the polymeric material of the formed cannula and extracting the mandrel assembly from the cannula by disassembly and removal of the mandrel assembly parts.

Abstract: Spherical particles having a diameter between 0.007″ and 0.040″ are formed from melt extruded thermo-plastic material suitable for casting on a heated mold surface and melting thereon to form a thin layer of material having a nominal thickness of 0.040″ that is cooled and removed from the mold surface as a part having a porosity less than a visually observable threshold. The process includes the steps of providing microspheres formed of blended and melt extruded thermo-plastic, plasticizers and pigment additives that constitute less than 5% by weight of the blend and shaped as a smooth round spherical particle; providing a heated casting surface and distributing a predetermined charge of such microspheres against the heated casting surface; melting the microspheres as a layer of thermoplastic material having a porosity less than 0.003 inches and thereafter cooling and removing the non-porous layer from the casting surface.

Abstract: A bulk polymerized grafted and crosslinkable thermoplastic polyolefin powder composition having elasticity and flexibility properties, which is in the form of a powder intended for the production of flexible coatings by free flow over a hot mold, characterized in that it contains: a) from 100 to 5% by weight and preferably from 80 to 20% by weight of at least one homopolymer of ethylene and/or at least one copolymer containing at least 50 molar % of ethylene; b) from 0 to 95% by weight and preferably from 20 to 80% by weight of at least one thermoplastic elastomer; c) from 0.1 to 15 parts by weight and preferably from 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a grafting agent, per 100 parts by weight of the accumulated components “a” and “b”. This powder composition is suitable for the production of flexible coatings by its free flow over a hot mold.