Abstract: An inner mold construction and an outer mold construction are provided to define a mold cavity or shape into which wet or uncured concrete is introduced. The method includes the sequential steps of compressing the concrete by movement of the inner mold relatively toward the outer mold to remove surplus liquid from the inner surface of the concrete so that the concrete is at least partially cured. The compression applied on the inner surface of the concrete by the inner mold is maintained while inward pressure is applied over the outer surface of the concrete by the outer mold to remove surplus surface liquid from the outer surface of the concrete. The inner and outer surface pressures on the concrete are released to release the molded article from the mold so that it may be separated therefrom.

Abstract: An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Abstract: A method of molding generally hollow components and assemblies for a bicycle frame including molded composite materials, such as unidirectional structural fibers impregnated with a heat curable synthetic resin. Opposing parts of at least two adjacent wall sections are overlapped to form a shell and the overlapped parts are compressed together between an external mold and an internal pressing member, such as an inflatable bladder. The shell is then cured while under compression to provide a pressure molded juncture integrally uniting the wall sections and forming a generally hollow bicycle frame component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making self-supporting bodies from particulate materials. The apparatus includes a mold with opposed first and second walls defining a particulate chamber therebetween. The second wall is advanceable and retractable toward and away from the first wall. A plurality of chamber reducers may be removably mounted over each of the walls. Thick-walled members can be incrementally built up by pressing successive batches of particulate material at low and high pressures respectively. The chamber reducers can be successively removed between such batches, or can be used to vary the mold for making bodies of different sizes. A long body can be built up in increments, using a shorter mold, by forming a first increment, displacing the increment lengthwise in the mold, adding another batch of particulate material in overlapping relation to the first body increment, and then pressing such other batch to form a second increment bonded to the first.

Abstract: A method of making a fibre-reinforced molded racquet frame is disclosed. The method comprises placing two cores each including a respective tube having at least one layer of woven reinforcing fibres in a mold shaped to define the frame. A respective core is positioned on each side of the split-line of the mold. A plurality of string-securing members are formed with each string-securing member comprising a first portion shaped to receive and position at least one string of stringing to be secured in the frame and a second portion adapted to be embedded in the frame. The string-securing member is supported such that, upon closure of the mold, the second portions are disposed inside the mold cavity and entrapped between the two cores while the first portions project out of the mold cavity into the area which will be surrounded by the mold frame. A plastics material is injected into the mold around the cores and the second portions of the string-securing members.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compressed elastomeric spring, having an S-bent tubular envelope, of flattened cross-section, filled with a mass of electrically conductive elastomer and closed by metal endpieces. By causing an electrical current to pass through the conductive elastomer, via the endpieces, the elastomer is heated up by Joule effect, thereby inducing a thermal expansion which results in a modification of the properties of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a hollow recreational product, such as a racket, made of fibre or carbon fibre by providing a fibre sleeve tube mounted onto a racket filament mold and having several layers of overlapped woven boards wrapped about the entire filament mold. Several layers of woven boards of a shorter length are wrapped about the head of the filament mold. A fibre sleeve tube is disposed about the layers and the end of the head is sealed with a fibre cloth. The racket is then removed from the filament mold. An air blowing sleeve tube is placed into the opening of the tail of the embryonic mold of the racket and an air blowing nozzle is installed at the opening end of the air blowing sleeve tube. The assembly is placed into a die, air is blown into the embryonic mold and the mold is heated, so as to have the embryonic mold hardened and formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding tubular components of thermoplastic material. The apparatus includes a heating device for heating the ends of the tubular components to be welded together until the melting range of the thermoplastic material is reached. Two outer support rings which are slid toward each other after the thermoplastic material has melted and an expandable inner support member ensure that welding pressure is built up, so that a welded connection can be obtained which is strong and free of welding beads.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the manufacturing of advanced composite tubes involving the steps of wrapping various layers, including a composite layup, around an elongated mandrel, placing the mandrel with layers applied in a tubular female mold, expanding the diameter of the mandrel, thus forcing the various layers to compress against the surface of the female mold.In order to remove excess resin from the layup this method also incorporates a resin absorbing layer which is wrapped around the mandrel prior to the composite layup. In addition, all the layers necessary to produce the tube are wrapped around the mandrel with a wrapping apparatus in which the various layers are first placed flat on a sheet. The sheet is then pulled around the mandrel, mechanically transferring the various layers to the perimeter of the mandrel. This method results in the formation of high quality composite tubes with smooth external surface finishes.

Abstract: A method of molding in a single operation an integral fiber structure including a hollow resin impregnated fiber section. A fibrous material is placed in a mold having a hollow section formed by a first mold part and a second mold part formed by second complementary surface portions extending from the hollow first mold part. An inflatable member is placed in the mold in the cavity and inflated. Resin is injected into the fibrous material between the second complementary mold surface portions and flows toward the cavity to impregnate all of the fibrous material. The resin is cured to form a fiber reinforced structure with a sheet-like portion joined to the hollow section.

Abstract: A customized spinal orthotic device is provided to enhance spinal adjustment and manipulative procedures. The embodiment of the orthotic device shown and described is a plastic head and cervical basin which is enclosed in a plastic bag. The patient is placed in a supine position with the head and cervical spine portion received within the plastic basin but exterior of the bag. Commercial flexible polyurethane foam A and B components are mixed and placed in the bag-enclosed basin. The A and B components react exothermically to expand and to apply pressure to the cervical spine portion contained within the basin. In about fifteen minutes the polyurethane hardens to form a foam mold for the posterior apophyseal joints of the cervical spine and in the process urges the joints of the spine into their normally aligned positions. The mold may then be used by the patient on a daily basis within the purview of a clinical care program to enhance the effect of the spinal adjustment and/or manipulative procedure.

Abstract: A method of molding generally hollow components and assemblies for a bicycle frame of composite materials, such as heat curable synthetic resins reinforced with structural fibers. The entire bicycle frame may be one integrally united piece. Layers of the composite material are shaped to form a shell for the frame component. Uncured portions of this shell are then compressed against the surfaces of a mold by a pressing member such as an inflatable bladder routed to the outside through a passageway passing through a metal sleeve.

Abstract: Seamless hollow-bodied objects of expanded polystyrene are made by a method in which polystyrene material in bead form is agglomerated about a solid removable core in a split mold. The mold halves are opened and the solid core is removed, leaving at least two preliminary sections in contact with the mold halves. The mold is reclosed, and an inflatable core is inserted and inflated to desired dimensions. The inflatable core is supplied with steam for its inflation and the polystyrene heating is completed. After deflation and removal of the inflatable core and opening of the mold halves, there is obtained a desired seamless hollow article having smooth surfaces inside and out.

Abstract: A method of consolidating a tubular composite article of polymeric matrix material and fibrous reinforcing material, comprising enclosing a length of the tubular composite article in a tubular protective member and advancing the protective member to carry the length of the article thus enclosed through a consolidation zone wherein the article is progressively subjected to consolidating temperature and pressure. The method enables the composite to be pulled through the consolidation zone without the distortion which tends to occur in standard "pultrusion" methods owing to surface friction and longitudinal tension on the composite.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved bicycle frame of composite materials and a method of molding generally hollow components and assemblies for such a bicycle frame. The entire bicycle frame may be one integrally united piece of molded composite materials, such as unidirectional structural fibers impregnated with a heat curable synthetic resin. Layers of the composite material may be shaped to form an uncured frame shell. This shell is compressed against the surfaces of a mold by an internal pressing member, such as an inflatable bladder routed to the outside through a passageway passing through a modified bottom bracket sleeve or a modified head tube sleeve. The shell is then cured while under compression in the mold.

Abstract: A shaped body of a refractory or other functional inorganic compound of a metal, e.g., borides, carbides, silicides, etc. of titanium, zirconium, niobium and the like in a plate-like form can be prepared by an in situ reactive sintering method in which a metal-made flat reaction capsule is filled with a mixture of the reactant powders to form a powder compact which is ignited at a periphery while the capsule is under hydraulic compression so that the exothermic reaction is efficiently and almost instantaneously propagated within the plane of the plate-like powder compact. The liquid compression medium communicates to an accumulator filled with a compressed gas so that the otherwise unavoidable sudden pressure decrease due to the shrinkage of the powder compact can be compensated by the expansion of the compressed gas to keep constancy of the pressure.

Abstract: Powder is filled in an axially elongate powder filling space defined in a flexible pressure tube, and the pressure-bearing surface of the flexible pressure tube is pressurized with a pressurizing fluid, from a wall portion of the pressure tube which corresponds to a localized region of the powder filling space progressively toward another wall portion of the pressure tube which corresponds to an end of the powder filling space, until the pressure-bearing surface of the pressure tube is pressurized in its entirety, thereby compacting the powder in the powder filling space. Therefore, air in the powder is progressively squeezed toward the end of the powder filling space where the air can be discharged. Thus, no air remains trapped in the powder, and a formed product is prevented from being damaged, which enables elongate products to be produced.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped article from a stock of preformed, thermoplastic, syntactic foam material of hollow microspheres in a thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprising heating the preformed syntactic foam to a temperature above the softening point of thermoplastic polymer matrix and applying differential pressure over at least one surface of the foam material through the medium of a plastically deformable diaphragm member to cause the foamed material to conform to a desired shape. Shaped articles of syntactic foam material, optionally having a surface coating of unfoamed, preferably fibre reinforced thermoplastics materials are provided in a more versatile and convenient manner than curing or sintering syntactic foam material in a mould.

Abstract: A method for laying a sheet of material having a sticky texture on to a surface comprises applying pressure by way of a flexible diaphragm to force the sheet of material on to the surface and adjusting the diaphragm so that its surface assumes a varying curved convex shape whereby the diaphragm is peeled gradually from the surface of the sheet of material inwardly from an edge region. The invention is described with particular reference to the laying of sheets of pre impregnated fibre-reinforced material in a mould tool in the automated manufacture of a helicopter rotor blade and several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a molded article of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which is characterized by compression-molding, or heating and pressurizing a porous sheet of said ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The porous sheet may be superposed with a substrate, and may be wrapped around a deformable member of a mold and densified by deformation of said member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the reduction of mold cycle time. A deflatable member is positioned flush with the surface of a mold in an opening defined downwardly therein. Prior to flow of a resin or other hardenable liquid within the mold, the deflatable member is deflated so as to define a resin flow channel across selected portions of the mold surface. Prior to hardening of the hardenable liquid within the mold, the deflatable member is inflated so as to become flush with the surface of the mold so as to yield an article of manufacture having a relatively planar surface.

Abstract: A hollow fiber reinforced structure having irregular cross-sections, curvatures, joints and twists is provided. A method of forming the structure includes placing fibrous material on the walls of an outer mold and placing a bladder internal to the fibrous material, which serves as an inner mold. When the mold is closed and the bladder expanded, resin is injected into the fibrous material. After curing, the solid reinforced structure is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing cast products which include a filling unit wherein elastic moulds of open-bag shape are filled with non-solid materials, a solidifying unit wherein the materials are allowed to solidify in the elastic moulds, and a withdrawal unit wherein the solidified materials are withdrawn from the inside of the elastic moulds in the filling unit, the elastic mould is positioned under a vacuum when filling starts. The apparatus provides cast products without mould joint marks, low mould production costs and prevention of mould breakage as well as a great degree of production simplification.

Abstract: A method for producing press-molded articles having a plurality of cavities therein includes a mold cavity which can be filled with a particulate molding compound, which mold cavity contains rods sheathed with expandable tubes which can be expanded by means of a fluid under pressure conveyed into the space between the rods and the tubes: this causes compaction of the molding compound to form the pressed article, which can be removed from the mold after reduction of the fluid pressure to allow detumescence of the expandable tubes and withdrawal of these from the mold cavity so that the mold cavity can be opened to remove the shaped pressed article.

Abstract: A method of making tubular composite structures that simplifies vacuum bag sealing. The method comprises disposing a prepreg structure within a tool that has at least one hole. The prepreg is disposed adjacent a mandrel. The mandrel comprises an inner bag containing a solid filler core that comprises about 75% to about 95% of the volume of the inner bag. The hole is enclosed with a vacuum bag thereby forming a void space between said vacuum bag and said prepreg. The void space is evacuated. The vacuum bag applies a predetermined pressure to the inner bag thus causing the inner bag to apply a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of the prepreg. The prepreg is exposed to heat.

Abstract: A flow molding process and associated molding apparatus for making plastic parts employing a radio-frequency heating field. In a two-piece mold, a diaphragm is supported thereacross and over a foam plastic compound that is disposed in the bottom half of the mold. A fluid is adapted to be introduced into the mold against the diaphragm. The introduction of this fluid is controlled to initially inject the fluid into the mold to cause deflection of the diaphragm to thus expel substantially all air from the mold and to thereafter extract the fluid from the mold during the heating cycle as the material expands, the extraction causing a vacuum that assists in the plastic foam compound expansion.

Abstract: A method of making a hollow fiber reinforced plastic structure with integrally molded fastening devices for attaching external components. The fastening device is attached to a piece of fibrous material into which resin is injected. The finger holds the fastening device in place during the resin injection step. The resin is cured to form a molded structure with the fastening device lying on an outer surface thereof. After removal from the mold, the fastening device can be used to attach external components to the part.

Abstract: An improved method for forming an assembly of laminated materials is provided. The method eliminates an necessity to evacuate a package or position the assembly in an autoclave for forming. In the method, the assembly (14, 70) is positioned against the die face of a rigid die (12, 72). A cavity of essentially constant volume is formed about the die and assembly and encloses the side of the assembly opposite that in contact with the rigid die. The cavity is filled with expandable spheroids (56). The spheroids are expanded to provide the necessary force on the assembly to urge the assembly against the rigid die to form the completed assembly. Preferably, the expandable spheroids (56) are thermally expandable and can comprise, for example, silicone rubber having a coefficient of thermal expansion of about 50.times.10.sup.-5 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A method of molding a generally hollow front triangle for a bicycle frame of composite materials, such as heat curable structural resins. Layers of the composite material are shaped to form a front triangle shell and this shell is compressed against a mold using at least one inflatable bladder routed to the outside through a passageway passing through a modified bottom bracket sleeve or a modified head tube sleeve.

Abstract: An orthotic support system is embodied as cooperating seat and back cushion elements for assembly into a wheelchair frame. These cushion elements are custom-fitted to the individual patient by injecting an incipiently reacting and foaming, fluorocarbon-blown polyurethane chemical system into the space between a rigid mold box and an elastic membrane which is fitted over the open face of the mold box and which is deformably engaged by the appropriate portions of the patient's torso. The foaming mixture is injected in predetermined excess volume and expands against the physical resistance of the patient's body where contact is made with the corresponding regions of the elastic membrane; and this forcible engagement produces selective densification of the foam where a high degree of body support is required. Elsewhere, the foam expands more freely and stretchably inflates the membrane to generate graduatedly less dense regions matably contoured to fit or partially embrace the patient.

Abstract: A method of producing a fiber reinforced plastic billiard cue which includes a tip end portion and a butted portion by forming an open-ended tubular tube of fiber reinforced plastic; securing joining devices in one open end of the tubular tube; placing the tubular tube in a cavity of a mold corresponding substantially to the size and shape desired of the billiard cue; heating the mold under a predetermined temperature for curing the tubular tube; applying compressed gas through the other open end of the tubular tube to force the shell thereof into contact with the inner surface of the cavity of the mold; and releasing the compressed gas from the open end of the tubular tube.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of cored construction products from dry particulate materials including feeding the materials into a vibrating mould so as to bring the same into pre-compacted condition, and subjecting the materials when in such condition to a transverse pressure so as to effect final compaction thereof. After compaction, a free standing surface of the material is impregnated with a setting liquid. The vibration is of such frequency and amplitude as to bring the individual particles into substantially uniform closely spaced disposition, the subsequent application of pressure bringing the material into a compacted state without any substantial re-arrangement or crushing of the particles.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow reinforced fiber structure includes the steps of providing fiber reinforced material around a flexible expandable member and placing the resulting package inside of a mold which includes inner surfaces conforming to the shape of the structure being formed. A second expandable means is included in the mold on both sides of the package. After the mold is closed, pressure is applied to force the second expandable means against the fiber reinforced material. Resin is injected into the fiber reinforced material. The pressure is then decreased in the second expandable means as inflatable member is expanded to force the fiber material to conform to the inner surfaces of the mold. The fiber material is then cured to form the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing cast products comprises a filling unit wherein non-solid materials are filled into open-bag shaped elastic moulds through filling nozzles, a solidifying unit wherein the material is solidified in the elastic mould, and a withdrawal unit wherein the solidified product is removed from the inside of the elastic mould. The apparatus can produce cast products with high commercial values and low production costs.

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: The invention is directed to a method of making fibrereinforced plastic moulded parts, in which fibrous material such as glass fibre material is placed in a mould and a liquid synthetic composition is pressed into the fibrous material with the aid of a pressure bag. In order to avoid air bubbles and defects not provided with synthetic composition, the invention provides for a wide-meshed net to be placed either onto or between the fibrous material. During pressing, this net will promote escape of the air entrapped in the fibrous material.

Abstract: A method of constructing a reinforced concrete structure (e.g. a cement building or pipeline) wherein an inflatable form is placed on a precast foundation and confined thereto by wrapping the exterior of the inflatable form with a layer of chain link fencing fabric. For large structures, a plurality of adjacent inflatable forms (preferably pneumatically interconnected) is employed wherein either the exterior interstitial spaces between adjacent forms are occupied by lightweight spacer means or structural walls and support means are present to further anchor the chain link fencing fabric. The inflatable form can then be highly pressurized such as to prestress the chain link fence and a uniform layer of fiber reinforced cement is applied to the form. The resulting thin walled structure exhibits excellent structural properties virtually free of form deformation and cement sloughing.

Abstract: A compact stretcher is disclosed which is erectable upon requirement. In a preferred embodiment, stretcher poles each consist of a tube of textile material impregnated with a moisture-curable polyurethane which is received within an impervious outer cover tube. The tubes and stretcher base are carried in a folded condition until erection is required when the contents of a canister containing compressed air and water are introduced into each pole. Once the two poles have been extended and the polyurethane cured, the poles are inserted into respective cavities of a canvas base to a stretcher.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding system includes a plurality of ports for injecting resin into reinforcement material, which preferably comprises fabric, disposed between upper and lower mold pieces to form a structural part. Channels are provided adjacent the fabric reinforcement material and act as reservoirs to permit relatively fast and efficient injection of the resin without excessive applied pressure.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding system and method provides for injecting resin into fibrous material disposed on the inner surfaces of a pair of mold pieces. The mold pieces are shaped to form a structure with two sections which extend in at least two different planes. An inflatible member in one of the sections forces a second pre-inflated member into the second section prior to the injection of resin into the fibrous material.

Abstract: A process using molds for curing a composite skin-stiffeners assembly from fiber material impregnated with a resin. This process allows molding and co-curing of single-skin type panels with integral stiffeners, allows stiffeners of variable heights, thicknesses and widths, allows substantial freedom in the layout of stiffeners, and allows even integral cross-stiffeners. Bonding and mechanical fasteners are also dispensed with. This process is further characterized by providing a stiffener forming mold part having a corrugated face, laying composite material over the ridges defined by the corrugated face to form stiffeners of open cross-sectional shape and interspacing gaps between them in bonding contact with skin forming material, and co-curing of the skin-stiffeners assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing a rubber repair patch on a tire incorporating an internal fluid pressure bag placed within the interior of the tire and against the patch, an inflatable mandrel within the tire and against the internal bag, an external fluid pressure bag engaging the exterior of the tire radially opposite the internal bag, and a retainer device, such as a retainer strap radially encircling and engaging the external bag and the mandrel to cause the internal and external bags to be forced toward each other to squeeze the patch and tire between them, upon inflation of the mandrel.This invention is paticularly characterized in utilizing internal and external fluid pressure bags having walls of two-dimensional flexibility and utilizing a heat-conductive hydraulic fluid within both bags having a boiling point greater than the vulcanizing temperature.

Abstract: A rocket motor insulator of varied thickness with an integrated flap to rce propellant stresses.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber reinforced resin composite article having tubular structures that has improved density and fewer voids. The method comprises laying up a prepreg that has at least two tubular structures and disposing a thermally conductive metallic support structure within and in contact with the tubular structures. The prepreg is disposed within and in substantially complete contact with a tool which has at least one hole. An expandable bag having at least one opening in communication with a tube is inserted within each tubular structure thereby forming a void space between the bag and the tubular structure. The void space is substantially filled with a solid flowable particulate silicone rubber that contacts the prepreg and the tube is sealed to edge of hole in the tool. The solid flowable rubber is caused to transfer a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of the prepreg by pressurizing the expandable bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing three-dimensional structural members having one flat side from wood fibers utilizing flow deposition of the fibers onto a support. The support includes resilient deformable mold inserts. The mold inserts are formed of silicone rubber and may be blocks of the material, or may be a membrane which can be inflated to form the mold inserts. Pressing is done with a force normal to the support, and the mold inserts create response forces at varying directions to thus shape and hold the three-dimensional finished part. Heat drying also may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the construction of a low-cost building structure through the synergistic composition of material, process, and structural design. In a first embodiment, a specially fashioned balloon, in the shape of a house, is used as a one-sided form, and is sprayed with a building material formulation. The building formulation may include: structural material, reinforcing material such as fibers to eliminate or minimize separate structural reinforcement, a gaseous bubble material (to provide thermal insulation), and other ingredients such as fillers, strengtheners, bulk-formers, accelerators, coloring agents and dryers. The structure can be created rapidly, and the balloon deflated and removed in minimum time, all by a few as 2 men. The low cost of the labor and materials and equipment used according to the present invention result in a more economical method of creating a building than any presently known method.

Abstract: A method employing tool (10) for taking an impression of an area of the internal bore of a tubular member (16) or a joint between two such members comprising means for directing a casting compound between two flexible membranes (20, 22) which are then forced outwardly so that the outer membrane (22) engages the area to be inspected within a bore where the compound forms a resilient mold (cast). When the force against the membranes and mold is removed, the membranes and mold collapse allowing the mold and tool (10) to be retrieved out the bore.

Abstract: A plastics composite of fibres in a thermoformable matrix is formed by contacting the composite with a sheet of metal and deforming the metal plastically. The thermoformable matrix may be thermoplastic or thermosetting and the metal may be superplastic. The matrix may be deformed between the sheet and another sheet or between the sheet and a mould. Thin bodies of complex shape may be formed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a pressed body (54) with a bore (56) therein and with a notch (58) in the exterior surface thereof. The body (54) is formed by isostatically pressing particulate material (52) in an elastic mold (14) so that the material (52) is compacted into a self-supporting mass. Used in conjunction with the elastic mold is a mold closure and core holder member (32) to which is fixed a rigid core (42) and a resilient notch defining bar (44).

Abstract: A method for processing intumescent material which forms a layer of a transparent fire-screening panel, which method includes forming a layer containing an aqueous solution of intumescent material on a cyclically moving support, removing water from the layer of material on the support by applying heat, removing the intumescent layer from the support within one cycle of its application thereto in such a manner that the layer becomes reworked or broken, and incorporating the removed intumescent material into a glazing panel.