Abstract: A process is provided for the fabrication of orthopaedic aids from a semifinished material which is obtainable from a hardened material based on one or more than one epoxy resin and one or more than one polyamine as essential polymer component, which process includes shaping the hardened material after heating said material to above the glass transition point and cooling it again, to the use of said material for the fabrication of made-to-measure orthopaedic aids and to the orthopaedic aids so obtained.

Abstract: The inventive process forms a thermoformable preform by pressure laminating a layer of cloth fabric to one face of the thermoplastic substrate, preferably as the substrate is extruded and while still hot from the extrusion process. This fabric/thermoplastic laminated preform can be easily processed in a matched mold press. The fabric should be of a non-stretch type. This non-stretch characteristic, together with its intimate bonding to the thermoplastic substrate, prevents the substrate from thinning in the corner regions. Indeed, because the intimately bonded fabric drags or pulls the substrate from a number of directions as the corner regions are formed, the thermoplastic substrate accumulates and actually thickens in the corner regions, leading to a shell which is remarkably durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A process of molding multi-durometer footwear soles which includes forming elongated components from compression moldable compounds, each component having a different hardness (Shore A). The components are configured and dimensioned such that the softer component will be positioned on top of and within the configuration of the bottom, harder component. The assembled components are placed in a compression mold and covulcanized together.

Abstract: An optical coupler using round optical fibers whose ends have been formed into a predefined shape to allow greater physical packing densities in order to achieve greater uniform illumination efficiency. The interstitial space between optical fibers is greatly reduced by thermoforming the ends of round optical fibers in a mold that makes a gradual transition from a circular shape to the predefined shape to avoid optical loss. Since the change in shape is gradual, the total cross-sectional area of the fibers remains constant; and optical loss is minimal because there is no reduction in mode volume. The predefined shape may be substantially square or rectangular. The core and cladding materials of the optical fiber are carefully chosen with respect to the glass transition state temperatures of both materials because the temperature at which the materials are formed by a mold are slightly above the glass transition state of the core or cladding, whichever is higher.

Abstract: A method for making an anti-skid apparatus for an automobile tire includes coating a plurality of core materials with rubber to form a plurality of cords; placing the cords in grooves of a preliminary molding plate and knitting the cords to form a net body; molding the cord into a non-vulcanized net body which inherently possesses crossing sections-where one of the plurality of cords lies on top of another of the plurality of cords; pressing the crossing sections so as to cause the core materials at the crossing sections to become linearly aligned; and vulcanizing the pressed non-vulcanized anti-skid net bodies to form a vulcanized net body. The step of pressing the crossing sections temporarily fixes the respective cords to each other at respective crossing sections. Also, affixing elements are attached to the vulcanized net body to detachably secure the vulcanized net body to an automobile tire.

Abstract: Porous graphite in solid form is hot isostatically pressed in a refractory metal container to produce a solid graphite monolith with a bulk density greater than or equal to 2.10 g/cc. The refractory metal container is formed of tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum or alloys thereof in the form of a canister or alternatively plasma sprayed, chemically vapor deposited, or coated by some other suitable means onto graphite. Hot isostatic pressing at 2200.degree. C. and 30 KSI (206.8 MPa) argon pressure for two hours produces a bulk density of 2.10 g/cc. Complex shapes can be made.

Abstract: A thin ribbon of paint film is guided and applied directly to hot thermoplastics extrudate just as it exits the extrusion die by a film curving and guide plate and then by a film application wheel that is adjusted so that the film mates with and is laminated to the extrudate with an adhesive bond between the paint film substrate and the extrudate. This eliminates the need for high gloss, high metallic content thermoplastics for use as extrudate such as currently used for finished automotive side molding and allows reground thermoplastics to be used as the extrudate and finished with a paint film covering. The thermoplastic extrusion molding is then compression formed in a preform operation to establish end corners with selected radii for corner sharpness as well as reshape the part cross section. This is accomplished with a die and end cap construction which can be relatively adjusted to provide effective gas venting around the end of the die cavity on die closure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a novel liquid cast urethane rubber object that exhibits dimensional stability when subjected to temperature fluctuations comprising the steps of casting a liquid urethane polymer with curing agent in a heated mold and then subjecting the cast polyurethane part to compression in a second mold while heating (typically above 17.degree. F. and preferably 212.degree. F.) followed by cooling (typically below 40.degree. F. and preferably 32.degree. F.), thus inducing a low temperature set in the final cured product. Such a method is useful to mold a polyurethane object (e.g., a wear ring for marine jet pumps and the like) to exacting tolerances without machining.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of fully densifying a plurality of preformed ceramic plates by axial compression of the billets along a wall defining a cylinder and cavity. A series of the plates are stacked along the wall with the smallest dimension of the billets aligned with the axis of the cavity. The billets have a ratio of the smallest dimension to the largest dimension in the range of 1:3 to 1:40. The largest dimension of each of the plates is less than the lateral dimension of the cavity to leave an annular space; the space is filled with a pseudo isostatic pressing medium. The assembly is hot pressed under sufficient pressure and heat to convert the plates to billets of substantially full density.

Abstract: Method for forming a composite elastomer tire tread by applying a heat curable liquid elastomer mixture to a thin rubber sheet and curing the liquid mixture to form the composite tire tread. A tire retreaded with such a composite tire elastomer tread is also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a friction material under low-temperature conditions using, as a reinforcement, one or more fibers selected from a metal fiber, an organic fiber and an inorganic fiber and, as a binder, a compounded pitch that consists of a mesophase pitch and sulfur and/or an aromatic nitro compound. The content of an optically anisotropic phase in the mesophase pitch is at least 80% and the softening point of the mesophase pitch is not higher than 270.degree. C. The friction material produced exhibits consistent friction characteristics over a broad temperature range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stamping a blank of plastic material, such as a soap blank, into a shaped article, such as a soap bar. The apparatus and method uses a pair of mating die halves spaced apart from one another in order to receive the blank of plastic material. Thereafter, the blank of plastic material is stamped and shaped by closing the die halves so they are mating. The die halves are then opened so as to discharge the shaped article and receive a new blank of plastic material. The present invention contemplates placing an elastomeric septum across each die half between the blank and the die half so as to prevent plastic material from sticking to the die halves after stamping. It has been found that a septum made from latex works well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a molded plastic part such as a body side molding for a motor vehicle in which a ribbon of plastic material is extruded through a shaping die of an extruder and is thereafter moved through a runner and into an elongated closed end mold cavity having a size and shape conforming to the body side molding. The cross-sectional area of the extruded ribbon, the runner and the mold cavity are substantially equal and the entire path of the plastic material moving through the extruder, runner and mold cavity is maintained at a temperature above the melting point of the plastic material so that the plastic material moves smoothly and quiescently along the path under relatively low pressure and with minimal disturbance. The invention process substantially eliminates swirling and streaking of metal particles which are commonly dispersed in the plastic material to give the body side molding a metallicized, glossy appearance.

Abstract: A method for making improved surface profile composite structures containing crystalline thermoplastic materials involves employing individual glass filaments and molding with a hot mold insert. The method provides composites having smooth surfaces suitable for automotive applications.

Abstract: A process for preparing an impermeable carbon fiber reinforcing deposit material including placing a preformed carbon fiber material and an impregnating material of pitch or heat-resistant glass or mixtures thereof into a heat-resistant capsule; placing said capsule into a pressing container; heating the mixture to the melt temperature of the impregnating material under pressure of an inert gas; after maintaining temperature for a given time reducing the temperature and pressure; subsequently, raising the temperature gradually while maintaining the reduced pressure; after heating to a maximum temperature, maintaining said maximum temperature at the reduced pressure for a given time; then injecting an inert gas to raise the pressure to a given value; and, after maintaining the pressure for a given time, reducing both the pressure and the temperature.

Abstract: There are disclosed in process for shaping ceramic composites which comprises shaping a sintered silicon nitride-silicon carbide composite material having a microstructure formed predominantly of equiaxed grains with an average grain size of 2 .mu.m or below and a silicon carbide content of 10-50% by volume, obtained by liquid-phase sintering, at least 40% by volume of the silicon nitride in the material being in the .beta.-phase, by superplastically deforming said material at a strain rate of 10.sup.-6 sec.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-1 sec.sup.-1 under application of tensile stress or compressive stress in a superplastic temperature region of 1400.degree.-1700.degree. C., and a process for shaping ceramic composites which comprises shaping said sintered composite material by superplastic deformation as described above and then heat-treating the shaped article obtained in a non-oxidizing atmosphere under normal or applied pressure at 1000.degree.-2300.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of molding complex shapes by injecting a plastics material resin into fibers (24, 32) within a mold (10, 34) wherein one or more galleries (22, 40) is provided in the mold communicating with the fibres, the gallery or galleries being so arranged as prevent substantial deformation of the fibres into them. The galleries may be arranged transverse to the length of some or all of the fibres and be sufficiently narrow to prevent deformation of the fibres into them; or the galleries may lie in the same general direction as the length of the fibres and channel inserts (42) provided with a series of transverse slots (44) are employed within the galleries to prevent fibres being pressed into the galleries.

Abstract: A method for forming stabilized preforms for complex composite articles is disclosed using a solid meltable uncatalyzed thermosetting resin as the stabilizing agent. The resin is applied to each layer of the preform and heated to melt the resin and bond the layers together. After cooling, the resin resolidifies but does not set and thereby holds the layers in the desired preform shape. The layers can be first formed into a flat sheet as a raw material from which shaped preforms can be made by cutting the sheet into sections which are placed over a mandrel and reheating to thereby remelt the solid resin to allow the preform to conform to the shape of the mandrel. Utilizing this process allows complex composite parts to be easily preformed and assembled prior to placement in a mold for resin injection molding, without inhibiting part strength as the resin is compatible with the injection resin and is cocatalyzed by the catalyst contained in the injection resin.

Abstract: A rigid three-dimensional preform is made by moving a plurality of webs of fibrous reinforcement material superposed and coplanar to a cutter, the webs being coated with an electromagnetic energy-curable binder and pressed together. Prior to cutting a blank in a two-dimensional development of the three-dimensional preform from the webs, the webs are tacked together at spaced local zones by locally curing the binder at those zones by locally applying the appropriate electromagnetic radiation (microwave, ultraviolet, electron) so that the webs travel as one to the cutter. After cutting of the blank, the blank is loaded into a mold to replicate the three-dimensional shape of the preform and the remainder of the binder is cured in the mold by the application of the appropriate electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite product from an intake material incorporating commercial, municipal or industrial waste containing organic, plastic and fibrous material includes first granulating and sizing the material. The material is then heated in three consecutive phases, first at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 215.degree. to 250.degree. F., then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 250.degree. to 320.degree. F. and then at a temperature sufficient to achieve an internal temperature within the material of about 320.degree. to 400.degree. F., wherein said material is continuously mixed during said heat phases. The material may then be co-extruded with a reinforcement structure and forced into vacuum profile dies to form a product or compression molded to form a product and cooled.

Abstract: Glass fiber mats are made for subsequent use in preforming for an RTM or SRIM molding process, for example, such that the binder applied to the mat has two distinct curing stages. In the first stage, a partial cure is provided by visible light upon a free radical generation in response to a photoinitiator mixed in the binder in an exact ratio to give a predictable increase in viscosity to that of a semi-solid so that the fibers are sufficiently bound for subsequent handling, but not sufficient to complete a cure, while leaving a second stage ready for a final cure which is achieved by the use of a cationic-type second photoinitiator which is sensitive to ultraviolet light. During the second curing stage, the mat is formed into a three-dimensional shape of a desired end product and cured with ultraviolet radiation while still in the mold, to obtain a rigid three-dimensional preform structure.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention transforms naturally occurring or synthetic waxes into a state characterized by the fact that when the waxes solidify, they do so in forms different from those forms into which they would solidify except for the transformation. The transformation is achieved by subjecting the waxes to force. As examples of apparatuses which can supply the force to effect the transformation, a piston apparatus and an ultrasonic apparatus are disclosed. The triglyceride waxes are one type of wax which may be transformed by the method and apparatus of this invention. Transformed triglyceride waxes form superior shells when the waxes are used in an encapsulation process.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic-backed carpet blank to a desired shape uses a minimum of work force and carpet material. The method utilizes a portable frame assembly having an open rack with yieldable holding clamps. The holding clamps are used to suspend a plastic-backed carpet blank in the rack. The frame assembly has a set of wheeled legs which allows it to be readily transported between work stations such as a heating zone and a molding zone. The yieldable holding clamps maintain the carpet under constant tension during the molding zone to result in a high quality molded carpet.

Abstract: A plastic connector housing (50) having a plurality of contacts secured therewithin is securable to and within a protective metal shell (12) without a bead of liquid adhesive placed therebetween during assembly, by forming a shallow peripheral channel (76) in a housing flange forward surface (74) and a shallow recess (30) in an abutting rearward surface (24) of a corresponding shell flange (18), the channel and recess defining a confined seal seat (80) extending around the housing body section (70). Lengths of solid sealant preforms (90) such as of epoxy are disposed along the channel during assembly, and the shell (12) and housing (50) held together and heated, thereby melting the sealant to flow and bond to the surfaces of the channel and recess, both joining the housing (50) to the shell (12) and forming a hermetic seal (92) along the interface therebetween, recessed from outer surfaces of the connector (10).

Abstract: In a process for molding a fiber molding for a fiber-reinforced composite material with short fibers oriented in one direction, a slurry molding material having short fibers dispersed in a liquid is used, and pressing forces are applied to the molding material from two directions substantially perpendicular to each other within a mold, while removing the liquid.

Abstract: A process for impregnating a glass fiber mat with a resin, and for producing composite structures having impregnated glass fibers, is provided which substantially reduces the number of voids in the resulting structure, provides fast and efficient heating of the materials, and requires low capital cost equipment to perform the process. The process includes heating a glass fiber mat and an RF-sensitive resin in a radio frequency electromagntic field to quickly heat the mat and resin, the resin flowing into voids in the glass fiber mat, thereby impregnating the mat; forming the resulting composite structure into a desired end shape; and cooling the structure. Reduction in the number of voids is advantageously accomplished by impregnating the resin into the mat under vacuum, which removes air and decomposition products which result from the RF heating of the resin.

Abstract: A directed fiber, directed energy process provides both a method and an apparatus for making structural preforms. Fibrous reinforcement material is chopped into short lengths of fiber and propelled toward a perforate mold part. During propulsion and/or after deposition on the perforate mold part the fibers are sprayed with an electromagnetic radiation-curable binder. The binder-carrying fibers are held on the perforate mold part by a flow of air in that the perforate mold part is rotatably mounted in a plenum which provides an air flow therethrough. Rotation of the perforate mold part and scanning action of the fiber and binder propelling mechanisms effects even and complete coverage of the perforate mold part. After a mat of the chopped fibers has been applied to the perforate mold part, a conforming second mold part closes the mold and presses the fibers to replicate the shape of the three-dimensional rigid perform.

Abstract: Multiple extruder apparatus for compounding thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers incorporates a resin extruder in which thermoplastic resin pellets are melted and a compounding extruder in which the molten thermoplastic resin is mixed in intimate contact with long reinforcing fibers of at least one inch in length. The melted thermoplastic resin is introduced into the compounding extruder at a point downstream of the inlet point for the reinforcing fibers, so that the fibers are mechanically worked and heated before coming into contact with heated, molten thermoplastic resin. The extrudate from the compounding extruder consists of a homogeneous, molten mass of thermoplastic resin having discrete lengths of fibers randomly dispersed therein. This hot mixture may be fed directly into preform-making equipment to produce a measured preform of desired size, weight, and shape. The preform may then be fed directly into a compression molding machine.

Abstract: A continuous forming method is provided here whereby long composite structural shapes such as "Z", "HAT", "L", etc. can be formed economically with relatively small equipment. First, a lay-up is made from unidirectional tape or woven cloth, then the material is heated to accommodate softening of resin, then pulled through a set of rollers, then through a matched metal die and a rapidly reciprocating punch that facilitates to form the final shape. As the material is pulled through the area of match metal die and punch, it is cooled down by the heat sink of the die and punch, or any other means, so when the part exits the die and punch area, it is sufficiently cooled down to retain the desired shape. The rapidly reciprocating punch permits the part to be pulled continuously, thereby enabling it to produce a long part very economically.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing a frame for a working hull, specifically an aircraft fuselage wherein at least a part of the frame is in the form of a monolithic structure. The method includes the steps of draping unidirectional and multidirectional fabrics impregnated with resin on a form, placing inflatable bladders between the form and a counter form, closing a mold on the form, inflatable bladders and a counter-form, inflating the bladders to compress the fabrics and heat-set the resin impregnating the fabrics. Thereafter, the monolithic structure is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a randomly patterned floor covering having contrastingly-colored zones from a preform of rubber in which the preform is cut in pieces, each of which are molded into a blank having projections extending from a top side of the blank in relief-like fashion, solidified by vulcanization and then machined by cutting only in the region of the projections. The rubber forming the contrastingly-colored zones is mixed with contrastingly-colored particles in an amount of at least ten percent by weight. These particles are substantially free of flat surfaces and are in, at least, an advanced state of vulcanization. The particles located in the projections extending from the top side of the blank are exposed during the cutting step.

Abstract: A method and device for shaping tubular workpieces from thermoplastic placs is disclosed. In the method, the workpiece to be shaped is inserted into a mold, heat is applied from the interior of the workpiece to heat the workpiece to the softening temperature of the plastic, this temperature is maintained until the workpiece assumes the shape of the mold, and the workpiece is left in the mold until it has cooled off. A flexible heating core is used to apply heat to the interior of the workpiece. The heating core has an insulating jacket with a sliding layer on its outer wall and a heating conductor winding located within the insulating jacket. A stress relief extends lengthwise in the middle of the heating core and outward of the heating core at one end. A receptacle is provided at the other end of the heating core for the stress relief.

Abstract: A method for the injection molding of a laminate article having a deformable material sandwiched between a textile layer and a thermoplastic substrate and bonded into a unitary assembly by the thermoplastic. The laminate is molded into a sheet form for deformation to a preselected shape in a die-forming operation.

Abstract: A mould for an injection moulding apparatus having two resilient mould inserts mate to form a mould cavity and which separate to permit removal of the moulded article. Each mould insert being inserted into opposed movable mould parts such that they abut to form the mould cavity before the movable mould parts abut one another. A process for forming the mould inserts by pressing bodies of mouldable material together around an article and curing the material to form the inserts.

Abstract: A thermoplastic sheet is placed between a pair of mold members each having a thermal insulator and a mating metal mold insert. RF energy is applied to the inserts to dielectrically heat and melt the thermoplastic sheet. The heated sheet is then deformed in a low pressure press with the insulators. The insulators are then replaced with cool thermally conductive structures to shorten the cooling cycle time. The thermally conductive structures cool the sheet by pressing the sheet in a high pressure press.

Abstract: A method of molding complex composite articles having skin portions containing fibres to be injected with a resin and a core portion includes providing one or more galleries in the core or fibre skin and injecting resin into the gallery or galleries whereby it is rapidly transmitted to all portions of the skin. The galleries overcome the resistance to flow created by the capillary nature of the fibrous layer and enable more rapid mold cycles to be employed and more complex articles therefore to be molded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a molded product by a) reacting i) an organic polyisocyanate, ii) an hydroxyl group containing component having an average hydroxyl number of 300 or more, an average hydroxyl functionality of from 2 to 8, and an average molecular weight of no more than about 500, and iii) a carboxylic acid, in a closed mold, b) allowing the components to react, and c) removing the product from the mold.

Abstract: A method for deforming a ceramic compound by doping a zirconia ceramic material with an effective amount of a transition metal and superplastically deforming the material.

Abstract: A method of extruding a profiled strip of polymeric material off the extrusion die of a plastic extruder and immediately thereafter compression forming a predetermined section of the profiled strip into a predetermined shape when temperature of the polymeric material is sufficiently high to allow plastic flow in the profiled strip.

Abstract: A process for curing a polymeric article formed from a fiber material inpregnated with uncured phenolics, unsaturated polyesters, epoxides, or silicones. The process involves placing the uncured article into a non-gas tight pressure chamber, packing the chamber with lubricated beads, and heating the article under pressure. Additionally, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics may be heat shaped in the presence or absence of a mold.

Abstract: A method for providing a coating upon a metal small or the like through the use of an injection molding process includes the use of a resilient, molded insert. The shell is positioned within a mold receptor such that a void is defined between the outer surface of the shell and the inner surface of the mold receptor. A hardenable material is injected into this void, thereby coating the outer surface of the shell. In order to prevent distortion or other damage to the shell due to pressure exerted within the mold, a thin, resilient and substantially flat insert is placed upon the inner surface of the shell. A male mold member engages the insert during the molding process, thereby compressing it. The insert may be formed from a solidifiable material introduced in liquid form into a master shell which then receives the male mold member.

Abstract: A high-speed hydraulic press of frame design, with press platen, crosshead and a press ram movable between these, for the forming, coating and pressing of large-surface pieces of material of small wall thickness made from plastic or plastic composite materials or of fiber-reinforced plastic boards into moldings, with a press ram which carries the upper mold half and which can be raised and lowered by means of a hydraulic rapid-motion arrangement for the idle stroke and a hydraulic short-stroke arrangement for the working storage.

Abstract: A non-magnetic substrate used for a magnetic head comprising a pair of non-magnetic substrates, and a magnetic layer structure sandwiched between the pair of non-magnetic substrates. The magnetic layer structure is comprised, of alternately laminated magnetic layers and intermediate insulating layers. The invention discloses for the substrate material a composition expressed by Zn.sub.x M.sub.y Co.sub.2-x-y O.sub.2, with the proviso that M is Mn or Ni, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.4, 0.4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1.0, 0.8.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.1.0, or Co.sub.x Ni.sub.2-x O.sub.2, with the proviso that 0.2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.8, and having a rock-salt structure.

Abstract: A method for forming stabilized preforms for complex composite articles is disclosed using a solid meltable uncatalyzed thermosetting resin as the stabilizing agent. The resin is applied to each layer of the preform and heated to melt the resin and bond the layers together. After cooling, the resin resolidifies but does not set and thereby holds the layers in the desired preform shape. The layers can be first formed into a flat sheet as a raw material from which shaped preforms can be made by cutting the sheet into sections which are placed over a mandrel and reheating to thereby remelt the solid resin to allow the preform to conform to the shape of the mandrel. Utilizing this process allows complex composite parts to be easily preformed and assembled prior to placement in a mold for resin injection molding, without inhibiting part strength as the resin is compatible with the injection resin and is cocatalyzed by the catalyst contained in the injection resin.

Abstract: A method of die forming using an elastically deformable die is characterized by using a die provided in advance with a prescribed pattern of thickness variation, allowing the die to be elastically deformed by the pressure it receives from the material being formed during the forming operation, and forming the material to the configuration resulting from the deformation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming seals, such as composite seals in rubber/metal or other materials, includes supplying a raw elastomeric mixture in the form of a suitably shaped extrusion, and optionally a metal or other material insert, to respective loading and a possibly metal or other material insert are supplied to respective loading stations of a transfer machine; the machine is provided with a plurality of carriers each composed of at least two pivoted leaves joined in book-like fashion and each carrying a respective mould half, respective spring presses movable on the machine together with the said carriers, and cam means for holding the said carriers open at the loading stations; after cleaning of the mould halves and spraying of the upper mould half with a release agent a said insert is deposited between the mould halves by means of manipulators able to self-center themselves with respect to each carrier and then a blank of raw mixture obtained by slicing the extrusion is deposited between the mould

Abstract: Compositions of matter consisting of matrix materials having silicon carbide dispersed throughout them and methods of making the compositions. A matrix material is an alloy of an intermetallic compound, molybdenum disilicide, and at least one secondary component which is a refractory silicide. The silicon carbide dispersant may be in the form of VLS whiskers, VS whiskers, or submicron powder or a mixture of these forms.

Abstract: A mold structure including layers with different physical properties is used to provide hot surface during molding. The use of a thin layer of low thermal conductivity covered by a smooth skin layer prevents quick cooling of the surface of the pre-heated plastic to be molded. The plastic surface remains molten and flows to fill the mold during press closing, resulting in smooth surfaces even when fiber reinforced plastics are used.

Abstract: Method for press vulcanizing, not only of dry, wholly or partly vulcanizable articles (1), such as auto rubber mats, piled rubber mats, etc., of a humidity of 0-3 weight percent but also of such articles (1) of a humidity of 3-5 weight percent or more, in the press zone of a vulcanizing press (P) having a shiftable part for closing and opening of the press (P) capable of applying a uniform surface pressure against any article (1) fed into the press. In that at least from the beginning of the vulcanizing operation to the end of it, a multitude of flow routes is established between the press shiftable part and each article (1) for vapors and gases released from each article (1), and a multitude of flow routes out from the press zone from where said vapors and gases may thus escape at least along part of the border of said press zone border, a method is brought about in which no vulcanizing heat is lost for heating of confined vapors and gases at high pressures.

Abstract: A conductive-metal-filled substrate is formed by intermingling oxide coated, non-conductive copper or nickel particles into a substrate having a softening point of at least 200.degree. C. followed by compression molding at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. The filled substrates are electrically conductive and are useful for a variety of uses such as EMI shielding.