Abstract: An elongate packing is sandwiched between two sheet-like mold members in an encircling manner to define a mold cavity therebetween, then a thermosetting plastic material is poured into the mold cavity, and the thermosetting plastic material is heated and set in the mold cavity. The upper and lower mold members are held against deformation transverse thereof so as not to be deformed by the shrinkage of the thermosetting plastic material when the latter is set, and the packing is allowed to move transversely thereof for following the shrinkage of the thermosetting plastic material when the latter is set. In some embodiments, the packing comprises a packing body adapted to be sandwiched between the mold members for preventing the plastic material from flowing out of the mold cavity with a flange joined to the packing body and adapted to be held against peripheral edges of the mold members.

Abstract: Polymerized foam material in flat billet form is enclosed in a heat-retaining envelope and heated to forming temperature then promptly loaded into an innovative unheated forming press and accurately formed before cooling below forming temperature. The heat-retaining envelope has an expansive skin on one side and a contractive skin on the other side to facilitate bending without wrinkling or other distortion. The forming press utilizes a rigid male form punch and a spring-tensioned elastic belt, supported on a pair of variably-spaced rollers, initially presenting a flat compliant surface upon which the heated workpiece is placed. Pressure from the form punch progressively deflects the workpiece and the belt, which becomes a compliant mold member conforming itself and the workpiece progressively around the form punch to yield an article of required carved shape, free of wrinkles or tool creep distortions.

Abstract: A method for shaping thermoplastic fabrics such as those made of polyester or polyamide fibers into desired three dimensional configurations through a simple procedure. Thermoplastic fabrics are immersed into hot liquid metallic bath made of eutectic metals such as lead, tin, cadmium, zinc and bismuth and formulated to have the eutectic point at least equal to or higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic fibers and lower than the melting point of the fibers. This metallic bath may be called "fluidic lower mold." The thermoplastic fabrics are immersed into the fluidic lower mold by means of an upper mold or core member having desired outer configurations substantially corresponding to those of final products, for example, headrest or seat cushion. The upper mold pushes down the fabric preferably along with a protective sheet laid beneath the fabric into the metallic bath.

Abstract: A silicone rubber vacuum bag for use in composite article manufacture is reusably sealed to a mold, without mechanical clamping means. The mold-mating portion of the bag is primed with a silicone rubber adhesive, which is cured thereto, and a layer of semiadhesive sealer is applied between the primed mold-mating portion of the bag and the mold.

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 of molding oriented structural yarn/polymer matrix composite structural articles in which a preform of oriented yarn layers saturated with a resin is placed in a shape-defining mold, which is put in an enclosure, and subjected to heat and pressure to cure the resin, after which a cooling medium may be introduced. To enable the use of lightweight multi-part molds, and a mixture of pressure is distributed evenly, an internal liner is collapsed about the mold prior to curing. The process is extremely productive, and allows for accuracy and reproducibility through the use of real time temperature monitoring and closed loop feedback control.

Abstract: A method of producing a layer of plastics material between two glass panes and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the plastics material is filled in liquid form between the two glass panes which are in an inclined or vertical position and maintained parallel and sealed at their outer edges, are characterized in that the two glass panes are pressed against each other at their outer surfaces by one or a plurality of rotatable devices to achieve pressure guided in parallel and extending preferably over the total width of the glass panes, which pressure devices are movable along the total length of the glass panes, and that the pressure devices are moved at the curing rate of the plastics material from one end of the glass panes to the other end of the glass panes relative thereto.

Abstract: Method for preparing a shaped part, from a flexible plastic material, from a particular pattern, which comprises first forming by gun-spraying, a layer (6) plastic material over a shaping surface from a first mould (11) corresponding to an outline distorted along continuous lines, of the visible surface impression (12) of said pattern, and then stripping the layer of plastic material from the mould, laying said layer (6) inside a second mould the shaping surface of which coincides with the shape of the pattern visible surface.

Abstract: A method for modifying a surface to a desired contour by pressing a flexible molding plate, having holes for releasing trapped fluids and excess molding compound, is pressed on a molding compound by a plurality of ordered pressure points which are set to define a shaped plane corresponding to a desired contour. The pressure points are adjustably included in a support frame, or are provided by shaped rollers. Compound extruded through the holes by the operation is removed from the plate which is then removed. Nubs resulting from excess molding compound in the holes are removed by sanding or other finishing means.

Abstract: A method of shaping a body of thermoformable material containing continuous filaments comprising selecting a shaping polymer material having a glass transition temperature which is greater than the glass transition temperature of the thermoformable material of the reinforced body, locating the reinforced thermoformable body between a pair of sheets of the selected shaping polymer, heating the assembly of reinforced body and shaping polymer sheets to a temperature at which the reinforced material can be formed and the shaping polymer can be stretched and applying a differential pressure preferably of not greater than 10 atmospheres, between opposite sides of the assembly of shaping polymer sheets and thermoformable body to induce a desired shaping of the reinforced thermoformable body and cause rearrangement of the filaments relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of molding an article utilizing two types of solid flowable particulate polymer pressurizing media wherein one medium is protected from thermal degradation by a second medium. The method comprises disposing an article precursor within a pressure vessel and disposing a first solid flowable polymer medium that is substantially thermally stable at temperatures in excess of about 316.degree. C. so that it is capable of transferring a substantially uniform, predetermined medium pressure to the surface of the article precursor. A second solid flowable polymer medium is disposed so that it is capable of transferring a substantially uniform, predetermined medium pressure to the first polymer medium. The second medium is caused to produce a substantially uniform medium pressure so that said pressure is transferred to the surface of the article precursor and the article precursor is exposed to temperatures in excess of about 316.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending flat thermoplastic laminates into structural shapes such as angles, channels, Z sections, J sections and I sections. In order to bend the laminate into the desired shape by appropriate tooling, heat is applied in a localized manner only to the area that is to be bent. The application of heat is sufficient to heat the laminate to its softening temperature in the bend area, and the plies of the laminate can thus slip in the bend area only as bending force is applied so that the bend can be made without the need to heat the entire laminate to the softening temperature.

Abstract: There are disclosed an apparatus and method of forming magnetic recording media having surfaces thereof replicated while being in the process of being cured.

Abstract: A flowable particulate polymer-metal mixture that is thermally conductive and is particularly adapted for use as a pressurizing medium in a high pressure elevated temperature molding process. The material comprises a substantially uniform mixture of about 20% to about 90% solid flowable, particulate silicone rubber having a nominal flow rate of at least 0.6 gram/second through a 1.1 cm diameter pipe 7.6 cm long under applied pressure of 10.34 MPa at room temperature. The material also comprises about 10% to about 80% thermally conductive particulate metal that has a melting point less than the molding temperature and is substantially chemically compatible with said silicone rubber. The pressurizing medium is used to mold article precursors into articles by placing an article precursor within a pressure vessel and substantially filling the vessel with a pressurizing mixture.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack comprising flat sheets of an elastomeric material with no cords therein peripherally held in place by rigid framing members. The jack also includes a valve for communicating with the interior of the sheets. A source of aeroform fluid is utilized for inflating the jack to an enlarged shape to lift a car sufficiently for changing a tire.

Abstract: A method of lining pipes comprises the steps of laying along the pipe (56) hoses (63) filled with constituent components of a settable resinous lining composition, axially slitting the hoses, conveying the constituent components to a mixing chamber (65), and centrifugally impelling the mixed lining composition against the wall of the pipe (56). A lining apparatus (50) for carrying out the method is advanced along the pipe (56) and comprises delivery tubes (62) with slitting blades (70) at their leading ends which are pushed through the holes (63) and which communicate with a mixing chamber (65) which, in turn, is open to a centrifugal impeller (57) of a lining machine. The slit and emptied hoses (63) may be left in situ in the pipe (56) or removed therefrom in advance of the lining apparatus (50). A trowelling arrangement using a thin-walled, flexible tube (112) of, for example, a cellulose polymer and a conical trowel (112) is employed to smooth the pipe lining.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for molding a plurality of articles of hardenable material such as plastic which requires each article to be maintained under heat and pressure for a cure interval. A molding press is utilized wherein there is placed a first open mold assembly having spaced die halves between supporting mold platens. At least one of the die halves has a resilient pressure pad between the die and the mold platen supporting the die half. The press is closed to maintain the mold platens in a first force applying position having a slight gap between the die halves and locking the platens in the first position. The mold assembly is removed while in its first locked position from the press and gas from the curing material is evacuated through the gap between the die halves while heating the material.

Abstract: In the present publication a method is described for encapsulating of components (3), in particular of semiconductor components, mounted on a carrier tape (6) by means of a polymer in order to prevent access of moisture into the component (3). According to the invention a polymer film (24, 25) is pressed onto the support area (2) of each component (3) from both sides of the carrier tape (6), and the carrier tape (6) treated in this way is subjected to warm-air blasting (14). Thereupon, an encapsulating tape (9) that has been moistened with polymer (13) and subjected to a warm-air treatment (15) is connected to one side of the carrier tape (6), and the combination tape (6, 9) in this way obtained is heated in a pre-heating oven (16).

Abstract: Concrete elements, such as blocks or bricks, are molded or cast by forming in a primary mold cavity a secondary mold made of a portion of a thermoplastic film which has been contacted with a flat heater surface to assure a uniformly heated film portion which is then sucked into the primary mold cavity without wrinkles and filled with concrete mix. The secondary mold with the concrete mix in it is withdrawn, for example, sucked out of the primary mold cavity well before any effective hardening of the concrete mix, so that curing and hardening takes place in the secondary mold outside the primary mold cavity. This early withdrawing is important because it avoids expansion of the curing mix in the primary mold, whereby removal from the primary mold is facilitated. Additionally, the early removal with the aid of the secondary mold assures a more efficient use of the primary molds which are used again while the hardening is still going on in the secondary mold.

Abstract: A diaphragm (10) suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials, which include multi-layered lay-ups of diaphragm materials (20a, 22, 20b) sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabric (29, 36), which, after being formed in the desired shape on a mold (26), are vacuum sealed (38) and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave, to produce a bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

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 cavity floor is formed by placing on a structural floor bottom a flexible floor mold which has leg forming portions arranged in an array with generally planar portions extending between and surrounding the leg forming portions. A flowable substance is applied over the mold, which subsequently hardens to form an upper floor having a plurality of legs defined by the leg forming portions, with a cavity region therebetween. The planar portions of the flexible floor mold permit adjacent leg forming portions each separately to contact the floor bottom under the weight of the applied flowable substance, even if the floor bottom is uneven.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating a cushion contoured and fitted to the sitting support surfaces of a user includes a generally flat plate having a plurality of apertures in the upper surface thereof. Each aperture is coupled to and continuous with a duct within the flat plate, with all of the ducts coupled to a vacuum source by appropriate fittings and hoses. Mounted to the upper surface of the flat plate and in sealed engagement therewith are a plurality of rails arranged so as to form a generally rectangular structure, or form, open at the top and closed about its lateral periphery. A plaster positive having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface conforming with the support surface to which the cushion is to be fitted is positioned within the rectangular form and a flexible, nonporous membrane is positioned over the open form and in contact with that portion of the flat plate therein as well as with the plaster positive.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a non-asbestos corrugated sheet comprising forming into corrugated form an aqueous slurry of a mixture comprising, on a dry weight basis, 40-60% cement, 30-40% silica and 5-15% cellulose fibres, compressing said corrugated form so produced in a press to reduce its thickness and increase its density, removing said form from said press and submitting said form to autoclaving to cause reaction to occur between said cement and said silica to form a binder matrix. The aqueous slurry may include a moldability aid such as finely divided silica, and the corrugated forms are suitably compressed individually and then passed through a steam tunnel partially to harden them before autoclaving. In corrugated sheets formed are suitable for external cladding and roofing.

Abstract: A method of making panels of composite wood material in a wet process includes depositing a layer of wet composite wood material in a mat on a press wire screen mesh and moving the screen mesh to carry the mat into a pressing position between a pair of spaced apart pressure plates having generally matching, contoured facing surfaces for shaping the outer face and a smoothly contoured back face of the panel. The pressure plates are moved toward one another compressing the mat of wet material and biasing the supporting screen mesh to conform generally to the contour of one of the pressure plates. After a suitable time interval for molding, the pressure plates are moved apart and the press wire screen mesh is rewound on a roll to aid in separating the completed panel from the mesh. The finished panel is carried by the screen mesh away from the pressure plates for unloading as the screen is rolled up and the deformations formed in the screen during molding are flattened out as the screen is rewound on the roll.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic resin sheet or a filler-containing thermoplastic resin sheet by which method a difficultly-workable thermoplastic resin as well as an ordinary thermoplastic resin can be formed into a sheet and various kinds of fillers can be compounded into the sheet. The method is characterized in that a thermoplastic resin or a composition of a thermoplastic resin and a filler is fed in powder or preformed sheet form between a pair of tensioned endless belts disposed parallel and travelling together around a set of rolls, the endless belts being heated by being brought into surface-to-surface contact with heating rolls while travelling along a path having at least one bend formed by the heating rolls, and the material is heated and compressed between the endless belts and melted into an integral body at or above the melting point or softening point of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Improvements in manufacturing composite material articles. The use of male molds in forming such articles has the problem of requiring large tolerances for the outer dimensions of the articles. The use of female molds has the problem of inaccurate forming of highly contoured inner surfaces. The invention produces an accurately formed inner surface by molding material against a male mold, and outer dimensions within close tolerances by curing the material in a female mold. A male caul (34) is positioned on a male mold (30). A preplied stack (32) of composite material is supported on a blanket (36) and held in position against caul (34) with caul (34) and mold (30) in an inverted position. Stack (32) is heated. A vacuum causes blanket (36) to mold stack (32) against caul (34). Mold (30) is rotated 180.degree., and stack (32) is allowed to cool. A female mold surface (43) is placed into contact with formed stack (32). Male mold (30) is moved away, leaving caul (34 ) and formed stack (32) in female mold (42).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for production of plastic sheets of high optical quality, used particularly in laminated glasses.According to the invention, a liquid mass is applied to a plane mobile support consisting of a horizontally taut flexible strip, this flexible strip passing over two horizontal and longitudinal rectilinear supports, contact of each with the flexible strip being limited approximately to a generatrix, these two supports extending over the entire length useful for production and being placed along the side edges of the strip, this latter being stretched crosswise on these two rectilinear supports like a drumhead.

Abstract: A new and novel process for constructing longitudinal concrete members such as beams by providing a longitudinal sack like mold constructed from a pliable sheet or sheets having an open throat supported by an open rim frame in turn supported by a plurality of inverted "U" shaped supports spaced apart one from another while in a common straight alignment while the supports rest upon an equipment base. The concrete members being either removed from the sack like mold, or the member being a cast in place member with the mold acting as a casing or protective skin. The sack like mold being a hybrid sling because of being provided with a long under loop support on which the loop portion of the true sling rests.

Abstract: Concrete structures consist of fabric containers which are filled with concrete through an opening in the top thereof while the top of the container is suspended from a portable support frame placed over the container. The support frame supports the container in an open and upward position with the bottom wall of the container resting on the ground while concrete is pumped or chuted into the container through the top opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a concrete flush floor having at least one trough formed therein, the method making use of high chair units (14) that support a fiberglass mold (16) having a truncated teardrop-shaped cross section. The fiberglass mold (16) may be supported at an angle to provide a resulting sloping trough. A spacer (17) can be placed in the fiberglass mold (16) during the pouring process to urge the fiberglass mold (16) to assume a first shape. When the concrete has hardened, the spacer (17) can be forced to a second position that allows the fiberglass mold (16) to assume a second position, which second position allows the fiberglass mold (16) to be easily removed from the cast concrete.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming composite material components that have relatively complex surfaces. Currently such components are very expensive to manufacture because forming them requires a good deal of time and hand working of the material. In the system of the invention, a flexible membrane (38) is heated to a forming temperature. Composite material (70) is laid on membrane (38) and heated evenly by contact with membrane (38). Fluid pressure is applied to membrane (38) to force membrane (38) and material (70) upwardly against a mold surface. While it is urged against the mold surface, material (70) flow forms to the shape of the mold surface. Preferably, the mold surface and membrane (38) are rotated about a horizontal axis approximately 180.degree. to position the mold surface below membrane (38) before the fluid pressure is removed to allow membrane (38) to move out of contact with material (70).

Abstract: Silicone elastomeric films of 1 to 500 microns can be made by coating an addition-curable or dehydrocondensation-curable silicone elastomer composition on a coated paper which has a peeling resistance of no more than 50 g/cm, curing the composition, and then peeling the film from the coated paper. These thin silicone elastomeric films can be used for gas separation.

Abstract: Manufacture of shaped bodies from fiber-reinforced plastics material, in which fibrous reinforcing material is positioned in a recess in a mould die (9, 10, 11) consisting of one or more parts. The die recess is then closed by means of a cover (12) which can move relative to the die, in order to form a mould cavity. A solidifiable, liquid plastics composition is introduced into the mould cavity and there subjected to a pressure of such magnitude as to substantially completely fill the cavity, the cavity then being held closed until the plastics composition has at least partially solidified. In order to reinforcing material to be used and in order to raise the mould capacity, the reinforcing material (4) is placed in the die recess while lying in prepared orientation in a thin-walled lining (1, 2) intended to be received in the die recess, the lining being removed, subsequent to a moulding operation, and replaced with a similar lining having fresh reinforcing material thereon.

Abstract: Finished and semi-finished ophthalmic lenses are made by polymerizing the monomer while it is sealed in an oxygen-impermeable envelope.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a transformer winding embedded in casting resin by winding coils respectively by themselves and independently of one another for disposition thereof in tandem in axial direction of the winding includes placing the wound coils in a substantially annular casting mold having an inner and an outer jacket, with respective impregnated corrugated mats of insulating material as spacers disposed between the inner jacket and the coils as well as between the coils and the outer jacket, the inner and the outer jackets being fixed between mold end walls at respective ends of the casting mold; and disposing the casting mold containing the wound coils in an evacuated chamber and pouring casting resin into the casting mold through an axially parallel slot formed in the outer jacket thereof.

Abstract: A method of molding stone-faced pillars comprising attaching stone pieces onto a wooden base, covering the surface of said base, not covered by the stone pieces, with Plaster-of-Paris, spraying numerous coatings of latex rubber on the entire base and stone pieces of the pillar and spraying numerous coatings of liquid base fiberglass on said coatings, peeling off said coatings, and laying them in right angular relationship in a right angular mold and finally pouring wet cement onto the stone-faced portions to reproduce the stone faced pillar model.

Abstract: A method of forming perforations in composite laminates by impregnating the material with a modified epoxy resin by means of hot melt or solvent methods. The resin is then allowed to dry. The epoxy impregnated material is then warmed to around 165.degree. F. and forced by a resilient pressure pad over a tool having a plurality of upstanding studs or pins. While in position on the pin tool, the laminate is then partially cured by combined heat and pressure to minimize resin flow while retaining the ability to be formed to a final contour in a contoured curing fixture after removal from the pin tool. Controlled partial cure and selected low flow resin systems prevent resin flow into the formed apertures formed by the pin tool during final resin cure.

Abstract: A ply (100) of fiber reinforced composite material is laid onto a mandrel (30) having a vacuum ported upper surface with a generally U-shaped cross section. Ply (100) is laid onto the top web (32) of mandrel (30), with its side edges being laid in a cantilevered fashion. A flexible bag (20) is inflated into a stretched condition and lowered over mandrel (30). Bag (20) rolls over mandrel (30) to form play (100) down over mandrel (30). As bag (20) rolls over mandrel (30), it folds ply (100) along two contoured bend lines between the web (32) and flanges (34, 36) of mandrel (30) and simultaneously restrains ply (100) from folding along a straight line. Bag (20) engages a seal (38) carried by mandrel (30). A vacuum is applied through mandrel (30) to evacuate the area between bag (20) and mandrel (30) within seal (38), to compact ply ( 100). Each ply of composite material is formed and compacted before laying another ply.

Abstract: A destructible core is formed from a frangible plastic shell filled with inert ballast. The core is used for forming complex cavities in the production of cast resin parts.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin compositions are formed into shaped objects in a rapid-stamping process when such compositions are pre-heated and supported upon a metal foil support. The heated and relatively flowable composition is then readily transferred by means of the foil carrier to a stamping press by automatic or manual means. The thermoplastic composition may be filled and/or reinforced, and may be in the form of sheets, logs, cakes or other irregular shaped objects.

Abstract: A composite part (10) and a mold (12) having different coefficients of expansion are allowed to move differentially while being cured under conditions in which both heat and pressure are applied to the mold and part. A sheet of flexible material (18) that is a solid at room temperature and a viscous liquid at the elevated curing temperature is placed between a pair of flexible parting films (14, 16). The resulting laminate is interposed between the part and the mold pair to subjecting them to elevated curing temperatures. The flexible material in the laminate becomes a liquid at the elevated curing temperatures and thus provides lubrication between the parting sheets so that the part can move relative to the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming indicia on the outside of a roto-molded plastic container during the roto-molding process wherein a template bearing a mirror image of the indicia is removably affixed to the interior wall surface of a mold.

Abstract: A finished concrete part is prepared in a casting mold with a perforated mold wall. A pliable thermoplastic film is placed over the inner surface of the casting mold wall, the film is heated sufficiently to make is supple enough to conform to the inner mold wall surface, the supple film is sucked against the inner mold wall surface under vacuum, the lined mold is filled with concrete, the concrete is permitted to harden in the lined mold while being vibrated to compact the concrete in the mold during hardening, and the hardened finished concrete part is removed from the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming moulded articles such as removable insoles for shoes. A blank is placed between a rigid plate corresponding to the peripheral base contour of the finished article on one side thereof and a mould bed corresponding to the shape of the article on the other side thereof. Peripheral areas of the blank are exposed by the plate and a flexible diaphragm is applied over the plate under pressure or with the aid of a vacuum after heating the blank to the softening point, to define said peripheral base contour, and to conform the other side and the exposed areas of the blank to the shape of the mould bed. In the case of shoe insoles, a range of sizes can be made with the same mould bed, using only different sizes of plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming indicia on the outside of a roto-molded plastic container during the roto-molding process wherein a template bearing a mirror image of the indicia is removably affixed to the interior wall surface of a mold.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a record carrier is disclosed in which a liquid moulding resin is deposited in a cavity formed in the surface of a mould which also has at least one data track. Thereafter a flexible substrate, having a central projection, is deformed into a convex shape and is pressed against the moulding resin. As the projection on the substrate enters the mating cavity in the mold, the resin is squeezed out of the cavity and rolled out across the mould surface by the substrate which is flattened into a planar form during the pressing step. The moulding resin is then cured and the assembly of the substrate with attached, cured resin layer is removed from the mould.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for producing fabric-reinforced, thin concrete panels suitable as a backer board for construction materials such as ceramic tile, slate and thin brick. A process is described whereby the components of the panel are deposited on a web of disposable carrier/release material such as polyethylene coated paper while moving on a conveyer belt to form a continuous strip, the strip is cut into panels and the wet, uncured panels are stacked by means of an air-float stacking unit, then subsequently cured.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for a vacuum bagging curing operation comprising a base on which is placed a one piece vacuum bag comprising a top sheet with a peripheral sealing means attached thereto which cooperate to seal the bag in a zipper-like fashion, thus enclosing workpiece therein for the vacuum curing operation. A vacuum manifold is attached to the base to connect the tool to a vacuum pump to create a vacuum between the base and bag.

Abstract: Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is transversely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.