Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rigid circuit board has a circuit board with a reduced thickness in a bend region. The bend region may have several layers of laminate and conductive material. The circuit board is heated to the glass transition temperature which allows the circuit board to become flexible. The apparatus has a clamping member and a stationary member. The clamping member uses a shape memory alloy actuator with a transition temperature about the same as the glass transition temperature of the laminate. The actuator is used to form the bend region to a predetermined shape around the stationary member. When the circuit board is cooled, the circuit board again becomes rigid in its predetermined shape.

Abstract: The invention's first embodiment uses shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers that are blended into a concrete composite material as straight fibers and are made to deform themselves and anchor and interlock themselves after dispersement in the composite material resulting in a more evenly distributed and interlocked fiber reinforcement of the cementitious material. A self-shaping fiber can be imparted to the concrete material by making the fibers out of SMA such as nickel-titanium alloy known as nitinol where the cementitious composite material mixture is briefly heated above the "transition" temperature prior to hardening that causes the fibers to change shape. Nitinol fibers are used alone in place of conventional steel fibers.

Abstract: A method of making composite strips of millwork components, including the steps of providing a plurality of elongate strips of wood and a support sheet, adhering the strips of wood together in parallel with each other and to the support sheet to form an elongate composite sheet, and machining the composite sheet to a desired contour to form a molding strip. The method may also include the step of removing the support sheet after the machining step by machine, or by peeling, or otherwise as desired. Typically the strips of wood are of differing widths and heights. A composite molding strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming the tips on catheters is described in which the catheter is placed on a mandrel and molded in a mold. The mandrel may then be removed and a second mandrel inserted. The second mandrel having a larger diameter and adapted to contact inner surface of the mold to thereby cut any flash formed at the end of the catheter and separate the flash from the catheter tip. Alternatively, the mandrel and catheter are inserted into the mold to mold the outer surface of the catheter thereafter removed and inserted into a die to punch the flash from the tip of the catheter material. The punch process may be carried out by either the same mandrel or a second mandrel adapted to the purpose of cutting or punching the flash from the catheter.

Abstract: A flashless catheter beveling process in which a beveling catheter mold has an internal cavity which defines the external beveled shape of the catheter and also has a circular hole centrally located therein. In the beveling mold, one end of a distal endmost interior bevel terminates at the surface of the beveling mold, with the distal endmost bevel and the surface forming an angle at the edge of the circular hole. A cylindrical support pin is inserted into a hollow extruded unbeveled catheter tube. The beveling mold is heated and positioned relative to and around the extruded catheter tube with the cylindrical support pin positioned in the circular hole of the mold. This arrangement melts the extruded catheter tube to allow it to flow within and assume the shape defined by the internal cavity of the beveling mold, and the molten catheter material flashes through a narrow annular gap defined between the cylindrical support pin and the circular hole.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing shaped elements from synthetic thermoplastics, particularly polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein the plastic material is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature and is shaped in that state to form the shaped element and is subsequently cooled to a temperature below its softening temperature, the shaped elements are shaped in a hot state to form intermediate products having a certain oversize over the desired final dimensions and after they have been cooled are caused by a material-compacting pressing operation to assume the desired final dimensions, in which they are dimensionally stable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a wide angle light diffusing lens of the type which includes a peripherally extending lip for supporting the lens in a downwardly opening light fixture. The lens includes a downwardly and inwardly converging light translucent side walls as well as downwardly and inwardly extending end walls and which are connected together. These walls effectively form a prismatically shaped lens which permits dispersion of light from planes at a wide angle. The apparatus of the invention includes a form or mold having an upwardly extending rib on its upper surface which generally defines a lower edge of the lens and aids in defining the other edges of the prismatically shaped lens. A plastic sheet as, for example, an acrylic plastic sheet, is heated to a temperature where it softens and is somewhat flowable, moldable and bendable and which is then draped over the rib on the mold. A mold top is then disposed over the mold encapsulating the plastic sheet therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filter for the partial and at least temporary interruption of a vein, comprising a tube made of polytetrafluoroethylene presenting towards its distal end longitudinal notches distributed symmetrically over its periphery and defining flexible bands, and a conduit made of polytetrafluoroethylene inside the tube; the conduit and the tube are joined for example by thermo-welding by their distal ends. A ring made of a radio-opaque material is preferably included between the distal ends during thermo-welding. The flexible bands open out transversely by the conduit sliding in the tube. They have undergone a treatment of thermo-setting, memorizing in the polymeric structure of the tetrafluoroethylene the opened out form and/or a helical form.

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: 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 self-reinforced polymer composite in the form of a non-laminated shaped article is prepared by (a) melt blending (I) a matrix polymer which is a melt processable flexible chain polymer or first liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and (2) a fiber forming melt processable second LCP under high strain mixing conditions inducing fiber formation, cooling and stretching the resulting blend, and (b) shaping the resulting blend by injection molding or extrusion at a temperature which is above the minimum melt processing temperature of the matrix polymer but below that of the fiber forming second LCP. By shaping at a temperature below the minimum processing temperature of the fiber-forming LCP, the fiber structure formed during cooling is preserved. The resulting shaped articles have outstanding mechanical properties, e./g., tensile strength, modulus and impact strength.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a thin-walled tube of fluorinated resin, particularly polytetrafluoroethylene, in which a ribbon of fluorinated resin obtained by lubricated extrusion and calendaring, is wound into a tube on a mandrel, the winding of the ribbon being performed in a plurality of layers, and the thus-wound ribbon on the mandrel being brought to a temperature above the sintering temperature of the fluorinated resin for sufficient time to produce sintering. The wound tube and the mandrel are cooled; while on the mandrel the thin-walled tube is rolled to elongate the tube, to reduce the thickness of the tube, and to increase the inside diameter of the tube; and then the mandrel within the tube is extracted.

Abstract: A method of making a flanged pipe length includes flaring a metal pipe by rotating a grooved tool about the inside of the pipe and introducing a plastic tubular sleeve into the pipe. The tubular sleeve is subsequently heated and forced against the flanged portion of the metal pipe whereby the plastic material assumes a shape complementing the projections formed by the grooved tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a used thermal stencil master sheet, in a superior disposing efficiency and secret-retainability, and a process for disposing of the same are provided, which apparatus is provided with a stripping nail for stripping a used thermal stencil master sheet wound up on a stencil body therefrom, a waste stencil box for encasing the stripped master sheet and rolls for waste stencil for feeding the master sheet into the box, and is characterized by providing a means for heating the master sheet so that it is heat-shrinked and/or melted within the box, and which process comprises discarding the used master sheet of a thermal stencil master sheet, and heating the used master sheet so as to subject it to heat-shrinkage and/or melting.

Abstract: A process of forming a curved sheet rock panel that can later be used in curved ceiling constructions within buildings. Initially a flat sheet rock panel is soaked with water, and then squeezed to remove excess water. The pliable panel is transferred to an arcuate form, where it quickly remolds itself to the arcuate surface contour on the form. The arcuate panel is dried to a stiff, but still pliable, condition in which it can be fastened to an arcuate ceiling framework.

Abstract: A method for forming an inflatable catheter balloon from an initial length of tubing includes longitudinally stretching a first end segment of the tubing element and longitudinally stretching a second end segment of the tubing element. The longitudinally stretched tubing is then heated, blow-molded to radially stretch it and define a desired inflatable portion for the balloon, and cooled.

Abstract: The Assembly has a circular platform, which is threaded about its periphery, and has an upstanding stub about which to set a sleeve-type or cylindrical seal, as well as an arcuately cross-sectioned groove in circumscription of the base of the stub. A cup-shaped closure, having a circular wall, and threaded on the inner wall surface, threadedly engages the threaded periphery of the platform. Upon the platform and closure being threadedly engaged, the closure forces the seal along the stub until an inner end of the seal enters the groove and takes on a proper flare. The closure protects the seal from shipping damage.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a tube coupling body in a plastics material using injection moulding tooling. The body is formed with a cylindrical bore having enlarged end portions in a mould body and using removable cores. The cores form both the internal bore of the mould body and also end parts of the mould body so that once the cores are removed, end parts of the coupling body are revealed in the mould. While the end parts are still hot from the initial moulding operation, forming dies having tapering end cavities are pressed over the end parts of the moulding to form the end parts of the moulding with both external and corresponding internal tapered surfaces. The tapered internal surfaces of the end parts thus formed provide tapered cam surfaces for engaging the resilient arms of collets to be inserted in the coupling body to receive and lock tubes in the coupling body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming twin-wall polycarbonate sheets into desired arcuate forms to be used, for example, as awnings. The method is distinguished from known forming techniques which are generally not effective in forming the polycarbonate sheets hereinafter described.The method generally includes preheating a portion of the polycarbonate sheet within a heating chamber, engaging the sheet with the mould which is pivotally mounted to the frame of an apparatus within the heating chamber, frictionally restraining the movement of the sheet with respect to the frame at a position spaced from the mould, and outside the heating chamber, and pivoting the mould so as to form the sheet.The present invention generally overcomes the difficulties in forming twin-walled polycarbonate sheets thereby allowing this material to be used in place of other conventional awning materials such as fibreglass and corrugated iron.

Abstract: Described are smooth, glossy finished fiber reinforced thermoplastic prepreg materials composed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with and surrounded by thermoplastic. Prior to consolidation, the material preferably consists of thermoplastic fibers and reinforcing fibers, intimately blended together. When heated, with the aid of pressure, the thermoplastic fibers melt, surround and impregnate the reinforcing fibers and provide a smooth, glossy finish to the reinforced article. Excellent surface appearance and the ability to accommodate high-speed processing characterize the prepreg materials of this invention.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic molded products, sheets, and the like, having a glossy surface are produced by intimately blending discrete reinforcing fibers (e.g. fiberglass) and thermoplastic fibers (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate) into a web. The web is heated to the melting point of the thermoplastic fibers while applying pressure, to eliminate air and press the web into a consolidated structure. Breakage of the reinforcing fibers is minimized by limiting the thickness of the web and limiting the pressure so as to produce a consolidated structure with minimal fiber breakage and a Notched Izod of at least one. Layering consolidated structures, some without reinforcing fibers, may be heated and pressed together to form a final structure having a thickness greater than the individual structures. The great majority of the fibers are provided so that the fibers of each type are within the range of about 0.5-5 inches.

Abstract: A method for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets, the sheets and preform material forming a laminate assembly. The laminate assembly is then formed about a mold having the desired contours. The elastomeric sheets maintain the preform material parallel to the surface contours of the mold as the molding process proceeds. A fluid such as air is flowed between the mold surface and the laminate assembly during the forming process to prevent the elastomeric sheets from binding on the mold surface. Wrinkles are eliminated in the final shape of the preform material, and fiber distortion of tears or rips in the material are minimized due to the fluid lubrication between the mold surface and the laminate assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a foot-shaped layer, such as an insole member of a shoe. The apparatus includes a top plate having an opening of a predetermined area and mutually adjacent bar-like measuring elements supported in an individually vertically movable manner under frictional resistance within the opening. A heating chamber is provided adjacent to the top plate for heating a sheet of thermoplastic therein to a plasticized state. In accordance with the method, a plasticized sheet of the film is placed on the opening so as to cover the upper end surfaces of the measuring elements so that upon stepping on the sheet with a foot, the film is molded to the shape of the foot. The molded film is then cooled and cut along the outline of the foot to obtain a layer which may be used to define the shape of an insole member.

Abstract: For the production of decorative seams on dashboards or the like, molded of thermoplastic material by the deep-drawing method, or the like, a soft heated embossing die having a negative decorative seam is pressed briefly, at the instant of the deformation of the dashboard or the like, against the molding tool covered with the film. Elastic embossing cushions are glued into the molding tool, thereby providing that the decorative seam will have a convex curvature.

Abstract: A flat stock strip of thermoplastic material is passed through a heating station in contact with the edges of longitudinally oriented heated knife blades to heat soften the stock strip along narrow longitudinal lines to define localized fold lines for the stock strip. The strip is fed sequentially through a prebending device and a chilled forming die to set the reformed strip at the fold lines. Preferably the knife blades and any strip contact surfaces of the prebending device and the chilled forming die are PTFE covered to eliminate scratching of the thermoplastic stock strip material during heating, reforming and cooling.

Abstract: A plastic tube is sealed at its end by placing the tube in a pair of spaced apart tube holders having tube receiving pockets. The tube is cut by a cutting device movable into and out of the space between the pockets to form two distinct tube sections which are melted at their ends while in the clamped condition. The cut ends are then brought into contact with each other in a mis-aligned condition offset by one-half the thickness of a tube wall to seal the tube end.

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 of shaping a soap bar comprising the steps of obtaining a soap bar, placing the bar in a microwave oven, energizing the oven with sufficient power and time to soften the bar, and forming the softened bar into a desired shape and size.

Abstract: A method for making an article, such as a plastic food container lid having frangible score lines. The article is formed of a sheet of plastic material having substantially constant thickness with score lines defining an offset portion thereof which is connected to the remaining sheet material by a segment that is thinner than the sheet material and being rupturable for the removal of the offset portion. The periphery of the inwardly directed portion of the offset portion overlaps the periphery of the outwardly directed portion of the offset portion on the opposite side of the sheet material. The fracturable score lines are corrugated along their length by a plurality of successive grooves and ridges with the grooves extending deeper into the material than the ridges.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of high strength polybenzimidazole filaments and molded products made from such filaments. The filaments produced by this process contain from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight residual solvent and can be heated at a temperature of about 350.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C. to produce three-dimensional foamed articles.

Abstract: Forming method of producing thin-walled finished articles such as cups of expanded resin including steps of: heating beads of expandable thermoplastic resin in a mold cavity of a preforming mold, causing the beads to be expanded and fused together to produce a preformed article; transferring the preformed article as pressurized in an atmosphere under pressure to a finish-forming mold; and compressively forming the preformed article with the finish-forming mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding of plastic products in which a softened plastic material is extruded from an extruder in the shape of belts or rods, the extruded material is introduced onto a main molding roll having an outer surface with a contour of the piece to be molded and the plastic material is formed into a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the main molding roll by utilizing the fluidity of the plastic material, followed by rapid cooling, to produce a plastic product having a curved shape.

Abstract: A space portion processing method and apparatus for preprocessing a slide fastener chain before attaching parts forming a separable end stop such as a retainer pin and a separable pin at the space portion of a slide fastener chain formed by cutting and removing a row of elements for a certain length from a row of coil-like continuous fastener elements of thermoplastic resin attached around a core cord along each of the facing side edges of a pair of fastener tapes are disclosed. After the space portion is detected and positioned and the slide fastener chain is held on a bed, fusion of the element cut edges at the end of the space portion into the tapes and press-forming of the core cords is carried out simultaneously by using the same pressing means. The space portion processing method and apparatus for a slide fastener chain according to the invention enables the apparatus to be made simple and compact, allows processing efficiency to be improved, and processing costs to be lowered.

Abstract: Decorative panels having the appearance of tongue-in-groove construction and the method of making such panels. The panels are made from a composite structure including a base member and a decorative surface veneer on such member. A portion of the base member is removed. The removed portion includes a segment to a first depth less than the total depth of the base member measured from the surface of the base member opposite the veneer, and spaced segments to a total depth of the base member. This leaves an intermediate part of the base member connected to the veneer between the removed spaced segments. The sides of the base member opposite the removed portion are urged toward one another; and the intermediate part is substantially simultaneously urged toward the surface of the base member opposite the veneer. The intermediate part is then secured to such sides of the base member to complete the panel.

Abstract: A tennis racquet frame is fabricated of graphite and has tubing member for receiving the strings internally molded in the frame so that the strings do not penetrate the outside rim of the frame. This end result is achieved by preforming pieces of plastic tubing in an elongated mold, the mold shaping these tubing pieces into optimum radii for receiving the stringing. The mold is filled with plastic and the elongated strip thus formed removed from the mold and placed into a second mold which has a pair of wires installed there in and running along the longitudinal extent thereof. Plastic foam is then placed in the second mold to form a foam core which retains the wires along the back thereof with the ends of the wires protruding from the foam. The foam core strip is then removed from the mold and while being held at its ends by means of the wires is rotated to wind graphite fibers therearound, along the entire length of the core. The graphite wound core is then molded in conventional fashion to form the frame.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A method of sizing thermoplastic foamed cigarette filter rods and apparatus therefore. The apparatus comprises a rotating drum member having a plurality of stationary heated block members mounted about the periphery thereof. The block members are positioned such that a specific gap is created through which the thermoplastic polymeric filter rods are rolled and compressed to a uniform circumference.

Abstract: An inexpensive, cellular plastic mold and method of preparation, wherein the plastic mold comprises male and female mold elements which define a mold cavity therebetween, each of the elements comprising a rigid thermoplastic foam or cellular board material having a smooth, integral, solid layer of a plastic material forming the facing surface of the mold cavity and a relatively thick, solid, supporting layer of a plastic material forming the back surface of the mold elements.

Abstract: A foam structure having a density of less than about 20 lbs/ft.sup.3. The method of forming the same comprising forming a homogeneous melt blend under pressure of a polymer member selected from the group consisting of polyetherimide resin particles, polycarbonate resin particles, a polymer blend of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene in particle form imbibed with a blowing agent, followed by extrusion of the same into a lower pressure atmosphere. A composition comprising said particles imbibed with methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2-trichloroethane or mixtures thereof. A method of thermoforming said foam in sheet form.

Abstract: A method of forming pressed paperboard and pressed paperboard articles from a cellulosic fiber pulp, wherein the paperboard or paperboard articles has improved high temperature properties required of ovenable cookware. A preformed sheet or blank formed from a cellulosic fiber pulp, and having a water content in a range of from about 50% to about 100% by weight, is placed in an unheated press or mold to form the sheet or blank at a pressure in the range of from about 160 psi to about 2600 psi and then dried. When compared with hot press dried paperboard or shaped paperboard articles, such as ovenable baking trays, the products of the method of this invention have superior burst strengths after exposure to a temperature of 450.degree. F. (232.degree. C.) for one hour.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the edges of pre-fired brick includes an extruder for extruding a column of clay and a wire cutter assembly for severing the column into individual bricks having their longitudinal axes substantially perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. The bricks are transported to a first conveyor where they are turned and directed to a side conveyor. As the pre-fired bricks move on the side conveyor, they move in a single file arrangement with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to the direction of movement. The upper longitudinal edges of the pre-fired brick are treated by engagement with a pair of canted rollers to give the edges of the brick an irregular appearance. The bricks are then reoriented by a pair of rotating tables which direct the bricks onto a third conveyor with the axes of the brick being substantially perpendicular to their direction of travel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous tetrafluoroethylene tube comprises forming a sheet of tetrafluoroethylene containing a lubricant, winding it into a tubular shape, wrapping reinforcing material about the tubular shape to form a tubular product, rolling the tubular product so that it may have a uniform wall thickness, preheating the tubular product at a temperature lower than 327.degree. C., stretching the tubular product longitudinally, and heating it at a temperature higher than 327.degree. C., while holding it in its stretched position. The method may also be used to manufacture a tube containing 15 to 95% by weight of a filler.

Abstract: A preform for use in making a video recorded disc in a body of plastic material having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a first portion intermediate the top and bottom surfaces and of a peripheral size greater than that of the top and bottom surfaces. Second and third portions extend from the first portion to the top and bottom surface, respectively. Each of the second and third portions has a peripheral dimension which decreases from that of the first portion to that of the top or bottom surface so that the surface of each of the second and third portions is angled away from the top and bottom surfaces, respectively. When the preform is engaged by the molds for making a disc the angled surfaces of the second and third portions serve to minimize if not eliminate the trapping of air and gasses along the surface of the record being formed which cause defects in the record surface.

Abstract: An inwardly offset surface of the cover of a carton is cut in a plane transverse to the top of the cover. A protrusion on the bottom surface of a complementary recess in the latch flap extends through the hole to latch the carton with the protrusion being within the cover recess to prevent accidental opening of the carton. The mold for producing the carton cuts the hole while thermoforming by relative movement between a male key mounted in the male mold member and female key mounted in the female mold member. Both keys have flat surfaces transverse to the closing motion of the molds. These flat surfaces are biased into engagement one with the other so that the plastic is cut in a shearing action.

Abstract: A method for cold-forming light gauge polymer sheet material by application of localized heat to the area of the fold. In the manufacture of Lexan polycarbonate flexible magnetic disk jackets, heat is applied to the folded edge by a heating element generally maintained uniformly at 375.degree. F. The heating element contacts the folded Lexan polycarbonate edge in a U-shaped trough having planar sidewalls generally perpendicular to a planar bottom wall.

Abstract: A method of making a one-piece container of heat shrinkable thermoplastic foam from sheet stock in which a longitudinally seamed cylindrical sleeve made from such material is placed on a forming mandrel providing the essential shape of the container. An end portion of the sleeve extends cantilever fashion beyond the mandrel. The sleeve is heated to soften it and shrink partially to conformity of the mandrel and shrink to a small elongate tube a fraction of the sleeve's original diameter. The heat softened sleeve is pressed against the bottom end of the mandrel to form a container bottom, and at the same time the other opposite end of the sleeve is upset to form a bead for the container opposite the bottom end.

Abstract: A flange can be formed on the end of a plastic pipe utilizing a die and mold which define a flange shaped mold cavity which expands under the pressure of compression plastic flow of pipe as the cavity is filled with a near molten end of the thermo-plastic pipe and the flange is being formed.

Abstract: A shape-preserving device which is attached to the top and bottom mold section of a thermoforming machine which reciprocatingly thermoforms articles from a heat-softened plastic sheet. The device includes a cavity mold attached to one mold section and a remolding shoe assembly attached to the other. The remolding shoe assembly includes a floating remolding shoe attached to the outer end of a piston rod connected to a pressurized fluid-actuated pneumatic cylinder which is in unimpeded flow communication with a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A method of densifying open-celled polyurethane foam is provided in which heated air at a temperature between about 425.degree. F. and 460.degree. F. is circulated through a mass of the foam so as to rapidly and uniformly raise the temperature of the mass to between about 365.degree. F. and 435.degree. F., the mass is then compressed to a desired thickness while its temperature is maintained between 365.degree. F. and 435.degree. F., and the mass is then immediately permitted to cool.