Abstract: Apparatus for forming a continuous ribbon of connected dish-shaped sequins including a punch-and-die system for receiving a continuous ribbon of moldable material, a power source coupled to the continuous ribbon of moldable material to move the ribbon through the punch-and-die system incrementally to discrete spaced positions; and forming a score line at a first discrete position of the ribbon, punching a hole at a second discrete position of the ribbon, shaping the sequin at third and fourth discrete positions of the ribbon, forming the dish-shaped face at a fifth discrete position of the ribbon and accomplishing the formation of the score line, the hole, the outer shape of the sequin and the dish-shaped face on each sequin simultaneously by the punch-and-die system.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a plastic cap onto a pre-formed metallic shank includes a shank insertion device for inserting the shank onto a carrier member such that a head of the shank is elevated above the carrier member. A molding device, having an open mold cavity engages the carrier member such that the carrier member acts as a portion of the mold. A contour forming device can be used to form raised contours in said carrier member prior to the insertion of said shanks at said shank insertion device. A feeder mechanism is provided for drawing the carrier member through the contour forming device, the shank insertion device, and the molding device.

Abstract: A crowned, domed garment button for use with a garment. The garment button comprises a generally cylindrical base member, a generally disc-like front facing portion, the facing portion, configured in a generally domed convex configuration, includes a periphery, and a generally annular rim portion, the rim portion being adapted to embed the front facing portion periphery, whereby the rim portion accentuates the domed front facing portion.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of patterned urea thermoplastic molding compound preforms is disclosed where such preforms are suitable for the compressive thermocasting of buttons containing cast holes and displaying an undistorted and consistent pattern. The process utilizes commercially produced molding compound, pigment, adhesives, crystalligerous material plus water which are united to form pliable, self-adhesive aggregates of various colors or hues. These masses are volumetrically measured and/or formed and then assembled in various specific arrangements. This mass is then contained and compressed to expel excess air and cause adhesion of the constituents. The mass is then extruded to a consistently patterned soft rod of a specific diameter. The rod is subsequently sliced to a specific thickness and weight and then dried prior to shipment.

Abstract: A molding process for compression molding blanks from a polymerizable, thermosetting resinous composition in which pearlescent particulate materials are mixed: Upper and lower mold parts, at least one of which has mold cavities formed in it, are held in an open condition. The resinous composition is sandwiched between two sheets of a film material and is placed on the lower mold part. At least one of the layers of film material is stretchable. The mold parts are moved together until the upper mold part contacts, without applying pressure to, the top of the resinous composition. The mold parts are held at this semi-closed condition for a period of time at an elevated temperature, thereby causing the viscosity of the resinous composition to rise significantly. The mold parts are then moved to the fully closed condition at which molding pressure is applied to the resinous material, and the resinous composition is then forced into and shaped by the mold cavities in the mold parts.