Abstract: A soap consolidation assembly includes a mold that may receive fragments of soap. A housing is provided that may insertably receive the mold. A heating element is coupled to the housing so the heating element may heat the mold. A processor is coupled to the housing and the processor is operationally coupled to the heating element. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is operationally coupled to the processor so the actuator may selectively actuate the processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion device and an extrusion method for the extrusion of plastic profiles (10), in particular a nozzle plate (1), having at least one flow channel (3, 12) for plastic melt, wherein at least one wall region (A) of the flow channel (3, 12) can be temperature controlled in a targeted manner with a local temperature control device (2) for setting the flow speed of the plastic melt. The invention relates further to an extrusion method.

Abstract: A soap remnant molding assembly is provided for combining, heating and re-forming small soap remnants into full size soap bars. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom and an exterior wall defining an interior space of the housing. A tray is positioned in the interior space. A plurality of heating elements is positioned in the interior space around the tray. A power source is operationally coupled to the heating elements and a switch is operationally coupled between the heating elements and the power source. The switch selectively activates and deactivates the heating elements to heat and then cool the tray such that the soap remnants convert to a liquid and the liquid in the tray subsequently hardens into a single soap bar.

Abstract: In a process for producing half-shells (2) which are made from a dough for bakery products and are characterised by an annular orifice rim (6) with a finished surface, by producing a wafer sheet (1) comprising a plurality of half-shells (2) connected to one another by an interconnecting wall (4), by forming and baking said dough in a mould with the use of a mould formed by two complementary plates (12, 14) having respective front surfaces which, as a result of the fitting together of the two plates, can define a forming cavity having a shape generally corresponding to that of said wafer sheet (1), a mould is used wherein the front forming surface of at least one of said plates has shaped portions (26) which project towards the front surface of the other plate (12) and which can define, in the dough that is subjected to baking in the forming cavity, a notch (24) in the interconnecting wall (4) adjacent each half-shell (2), wherein the plates can be fitted together in an initial position in which the forming ca

Abstract: The method includes providing a plurality of semiconductor chips and placing the plurality of semiconductor chips on a carrier. A compression molding apparatus is provided that includes a first tool and a second tool. The carrier is placed on the first tool of the compression molding apparatus and the semiconductor chips are encapsulated in a mold material by compression molding. During compression molding a heat transfer from the first tool to an upper surface of the carrier is delayed.

Abstract: An injection molding machine is provided with a mold forming a cavity into which a resin is injected, a liquid supplying device which supplies a liquid continuously to an internal flow channel of the mold during a preparation period prior to injection of the resin and an injection period in which the resin after the preparation period is injected, an electricity supplying device which supplies electricity to an electric heater arranged on the mold at least during a part of the preparation period, thereby heating the mold, and a controller which carries out a predetermined procedure for making different a temperature of a liquid in the internal flow channel between the preparation period and the injection period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plastic components, in particular optical lenses or optical light-guides, wherein plastic melt is injected via a sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) into a cavity (1) of a moulding tool shaping the component and additional plastic melt is after-pressed into the cavity (1) for the purpose of compensating a volume contraction of the injected plastic melt due to cooling. The process is characterised in that the plastic melt located in the sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) is kept flowable by means of energy introduced in the region of the sprue until such time as the molten core of the plastic component has solidified in the course of the after-pressing of plastic melt for the purpose of compensating the volume contraction due to cooling (holding-pressure). The invention further relates to an apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: An expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling and extruding machine is shown and described. The machine comprises a conveyor for transporting waste pieces of EPS of various sizes into the device. A housing surrounds upper and lower crushers that break down the EPS pieces in to progressively smaller pieces before depositing them through a screen that selectively prevents pieces above a predetermined size from passing. Below the screen, the small EPS pieces fall into a heated extruding mechanism that melts the pieces into a liquid and urges the liquid forward by means of an Archimedian screw to a nozzle, through which the reconstituted EPS is extruded for collection and reuse.

Abstract: A method for forming a flare in the end of a flexible tube comprises heating the end of the flexible tube to a near-melted state, inserting the end of the flexible tube into a flare-forming die with a flare forming portion, and pressing a mandrel into the end of the flexible tube, thereby pressure forming a flare in the end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for controlling the quality of a product produced by an injection molding production process. The invention includes performing a multivariate analysis on injection molding process data collected real-time and determining whether the real-time data is within a predetermined production control limit. When the real-time production data exceeds the control limit, the process is considered out of control and product produced during the out of control condition is removed real-time from the injection molding production process.

Abstract: Within a cotton candy machine a delay-on-break delay timer is used to delay the de-energization of the spinner-head motor for a predetermined period of time after the heater elements are turned off. Thus, while the heater elements are cooling down, the motor and spinner head continue to rotate. Once the heater elements are cooled to the point where they cannot melt or burn the sugar, then the motor can be de-energized and the spinner head allowed to stop.

Abstract: A photo-fabrication apparatus comprises a stage for holding a photosensitive member which is a substrate coated with a photosensitive material, a head part for emitting a spatially-modulated light beam to said photosensitive member and a computer. The head part has a DMD having a plurality of micromirrors arranged in a two-dimensional array, and a light beam from a light source is reflected on only some of the group of micromirrors in the DMD which have a predetermined tilt angle and led onto the photosensitive member. In the photo-fabrication apparatus, the tilt angle of each micromirror in the DMD is controlled by the computer. This can control the quantity of irradiation light for an irradiation region on the photosensitive member corresponding to each micromirror, to perform an exposure in accordance with a three-dimensional shape of a desired object for a short time. The exposed photosensitive member is developed by another apparatus.

Abstract: A binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate a flexible plastic spiral element into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the spiral bonding elements. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding element is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book. A pair of leading edge spreaders, one of which has a guidance groove, engages the plastic spiral to spread its coils just enough to permit it to enter the successive holes of a sheaf to be bound. A trailing spreader at the opposite end insures that the last hole is accommodated with a portion of the spiral coil.

Abstract: A method for cooling melt spun filaments, as well as an apparatus for melt spinning a plurality of strand-like filaments. In this method and apparatus, the filaments that are melt spun by means of a spin unit are cooled in a cooling unit by a conditioned cooling air stream. For conditioning the cooling air, a required wet steam is produced by a plurality of steam generators, which connect via parallel lines to a coolant source. With that, it is possible to adapt the number of steam generators to the required quantity of steam such that at least one the steam generators can be disconnected for purposes of maintenance.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: A method for operating actuators, such as pneumatic valves, in an injection molding machine especially for CD or DVD discs, or other molded articles. The timing of auxiliary processes (such as blowing air into the mold cavity or applying suction to the molded article in the cavity) is set as a function of the instant of completion of a process in the main sequence of operations (especially, cooling the molded article prior to ejection from the mold). In a set and display section the user sets a preferred time tn for each actuator to operate after, or before, a set completion time T of the main-sequence process (e.g., cooling). The time tn can be negative or positive, so that the various actuators turn on before or after the set completion time. A CPU calculates a starting time T±tn, and keeps the actuators on during a following interval tp. The starting time T±tn may be input to a memory, and output to the respective actuator.

Abstract: A method and system for providing for the production of preforms of thermoplastic resin by filling a plurality of multiple-cavity molds with molten resin for forming the preforms, holding and cooling down the molten resin inside the molds, removing the molded preforms from the molds, subjecting the preforms to a subsequent temperature conditioning stage, and transferring the preforms to a blow-molding stage. Each of the multi-cavity molds includes a plurality of cavities defined in several distinct clusters and each cavities belonging to the same cluster is cooled in a distinct and differentiated manner with respect to the cavities belonging to other clusters provided in the same mold.

Abstract: An automatic lubricator for an injection molding machine, capable of performing proper lubrication in accordance with operation environment of the injection molding machine. A lubrication interval Ls is controlled according to length of cycle time S of the injection molding machine so that the lubrication interval Ls is increased when the cycle time S is long and it is decreased when the cycle time S is short. Further, when a ball screw temperature t1 is high the lubrication interval Ls is accordingly decreased by &Dgr;DL, and when the ball screw temperature t1 is low the lubrication interval Ls is accordingly increased by &Dgr;DL. Also, when the ambient temperature t2 is high the operation time Tp of a lubricating pump 2 is decreased, and when the ambient temperature t2 is low the operation time Tp is increased to stabilize the lubrication quantity.

Abstract: A method of forming plastics which comprises the sequential steps of cutting a plastic piece from a sheet of plastic, heating both sides of the plastic piece by contact heating, molding the heated plastic piece into its end-shape by press-molding, and cooling the heated and molded plastic piece into its end shape by air cooling means. In the preferred embodiment, the plastic piece, which may be laminated on one or both of its sides, is heated by use of a heating press which compresses the plastic piece thereby preventing "wrinkling" or warping of either side of the plastic piece. Thereafter, in the preferred embodiment, the heated plastic piece is positioned in a press-molding mechanism which comprises specially made male-female dies. Preferably, the air cooling step of the method takes place during the latter part of the press-molding step whereby both steps are, at some period, occurring concurrently.

Abstract: An injection molding machine in accordance with the present invention includes a storing function portion 2 composed of a first memory portion M1 for storing in advance a standard program Ps that becomes standard of a sequence program and a second memory portion M2 having one or more memory areas into which a user program Pu . . . to be interrupted into the standard program Ps can be written, a user program making portion 3 that can make the user program Pu . . . by indicating a process of making the user program Pu interrupt into the standard program Ps, and a controlling function portion 4 for writing the made user program Pu . . . into the memory area in the second memory portion M2 and executing both of the standard program Ps and the user program Pu . . . interrupted into the standard program Ps at the time of the molding operation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of operating an injection molding machine including a hydraulic device (1) which has an asynchronous main drive motor (10) driving a hydraulic pump (2). The injection molding machine is operated in an injection molding cycle with a cooling phase and a phase in which an injection molding tool is opened following the cooling phase. It is determined before commencement of the injection molding cycle if the duration of the cooling phase is above a minimum duration. If the duration of the cooling phase is above the minimum duration the asynchronous main drive motor (10) is switched off after or at commencement of the cooling phase and is switched on again before commencement of the phase in which the injection molding tool is opened. Electrical energy is saved by switching off the main drive motor in dependence on the cycle.

Abstract: A supply of pressurized gas is separated into a first quantity of pressurized gas at a first temperature and a second quantity of pressurized gas at a second lower temperature. The first and second quantities of gas are injected into molten plastic in an injection mold in a predetermined sequence to form a hollow molded plastic article. A controller independently controls the pressure and time of delivery of the first and second quantities of pressurized gas supplied to the mold. A third quantity of extremely lower temperature gas may also be supplied to the mold in a timed sequence with the first and second quantities of gas. A variable pressure regulator receives stored pressure signals from the controller and establishes the pressures of the first, second and the optional third quantities of gas independent of each other.

Abstract: A temperature regulating system for a cyclic processor that consists of a mould having at least one internal passageway for receiving temperature regulating fluid, preferably coolant water. Continuous fluid flow will overcool the mould. Therefore, the system normally is set to provide flow only for a part of the cycle, the proportion depending on mould temperature or the fluid exhaust temperature from a previous cycle, preferably the immediately preceding cycle and with an averaged temperature over the cycle. The system also includes a processor fitted with the system, and a method of controlling the temperature of a fluid cooled processor.

Abstract: A hot air cold form pin welding device for use in assembly of work pieces using thermoformable and pressure deformable synthetic resin studs. A hot air heater is positioned in a support structure that isolates heat transfer along with multiple power and air cycling to reduce heat build-up. The cold forming pin assembly with internal heat dissipation and airflow structure forms and presses a replasticized pin significantly reducing the cold pin press cycle time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermoforming 3-dimensional articles of chosen wall thickness dimensions from a polar polymer sheet. The polymer sheet is dielectrically heated, the heating being controlled to impress a predetermined thermal pattern on the sheet. The thermal pattern is selected in accordance with the amount of stretching to which each area of the sheet is subjected during the subsequent work-forming step, the areas subjected to greater stretching being heated to a lower temperature and vice versa. Thus, the stretching action is balanced and results in accurate control of the wall thickness of the final article.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking a first component to an apertured second component to form a unitary assembly are featured. A heated staking head from which one or more heat staking anvils extend laterally and are arranged at their respective distal ends to head over a protruding portion of a shank member formed in the first component to secure the shank to the second component, and which apparatus further includes an apertured cooling tube or tubes located in the proximity of the free end of respective anvils and when the tubes are supplied with a cooling fluid, the ends of the anvils will be chilled for immediate disengagement and clean release from the headed-over portion of the respective shanks.

Abstract: A molding apparatus transfers plural molds in succession through a temperature elevating step, an injection molding step, pressurized cooling step and a molded article removing step. The apparatus is provided with plural cooling presses for the pressurized cooling step and so constructed as to prevent the stagnation in the transfer of the molds according to the molding conditions and the number of molds.

Abstract: A pellet injector for injecting pellets of condensed gas, such as hydrogen, tritium or deuterium, into a reactor comprises an arrangement of pipe guns in a cylindrical arrangement. Each pipe gun which may be made from stainless steel, has a freezing section and three axially spaced metal rings of a heat conductive metal arranged in good thermal contact with the outer surface of the pipe gun at the freezing section thereof. Each of the rings is thermally connected to a cryostat, for example by means of a copper wire. The center ring is cooled to a temperature below the condensing temperature of the gas so as to condense the gas in the freezing section of the pipe gun to form a pellet therein, and the temperature of the adjacent outer rings are maintained at temperatures exceeding the temperature of the center ring so as to obtain a pellet of a desired size. The pellets formed in the pipe guns may be expelled therefrom by a pressurized gas force pulse and injected into a reactor.

Abstract: A method for curing rubber in a heated mold in which the temperature of the mold is measured after closure and variations in temperature from an optimum cure temperature are used to adjust elapsed cure times which decrement an optimum cure time. The adjustment of elapsed cure time is determined by an algorithm which utilizes the 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.) doubling rule; that is, that the rate of cure doubles for each increase in temperature of 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.) and halves for each decrease in temperature of 18.degree. F. (10.degree. C.). Accordingly, the algorithm reduces the cure time remaining at a rate exceeding the actual elapsed time if the temperature of the mold is measured and determined to be above the optimum or set point temperature, and conversely, the cure time remaining is lengthened by reducing the cure time remaining at a rate below the actual elapsed time rate if the measured temperature of the mold is below the set point temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling certain parameters of an injection molding cycle applying PVT optimization wherein the injection pressure and injection velocity of the melt are utilized to calculate an average viscosity for the melt during injection in a qualifying cycle of the machine as well as subsequent production cycles. A ratio of the average viscosity in a given cycle relative to the viscosity in either the qualifying cycle or a preceding cycle is utilized to adjust the holding time and cooling time, thereby achieving PVT optimization. In a second aspect, an injection molding machine is utilized to develop PVT constants for a given material by pressurizing the material in the barrel against the blocked outlet nozzle, measuring the volume during pressurization, and then weighing the pressurized shot after it is purged from the barrel in order to calculate the specific volume of the material.

Abstract: In a process for heating an object made of thermoplastic material along a predetermined zone, a ring of burners arranged in series is guided along the zone and heats this zone, the zone forming a closed path and approximately matching the outer contour of the object; in a device for implementing the process, series-arranged burner units circulate on a path covering the zone to be heated, the units being guided along a closed loop.

Abstract: A thickness control system for controlling the thickness of an extrudate includes a nested temperature control loop for controlling the temperature of a heat responsive element based upon a predetermined temperature set point. The temperature set point for the temperature control loop is computed based upon the measured thickness of the extrudate.

Abstract: Plastics-forming materials are shaped in a mold tool sealed by an associated closing unit. Lifting elements the stroke of which can be limited and controlled are associated with the mold tool. Shaping is accomplished by filling the mold cavity with reaction mixture while the mold tool halves are not completely sealed, sealing the filled mold and keeping the mold sealed until the article is completely cured. This method and apparatus are particularly useful in the production of dimensionally accurate geometrically complicated shaped articles.

Abstract: A resin molding apparatus which can produce a molded resin article having neither a runner nor a gate portion thereon. The resin molding apparatus comprises a pouring pot including a pot having a heating member provided therein, and a piston member disposed for up and down movement within the pot and having a lifted position in which the piston member defines part of a mold cavity. Since the appratus has no runner or gate portion therein, the necessity of a high injecting force to be applied to a metal mold and hence of a high mold clamping force can be eliminated and the overall size of the apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vulcanizing machine in which vulcanizing is effected by introducing a vulcanizing medium into a rubber made product placed in a molding die and then discharging the same therefrom is disclosed, wherein said control apparatus includes a vulcanizing sequence timer adapted to an output function signal in response to a vulcanizing operation start signal on the basis of vulcanizing data comprising preset vulcanizing steps and functions, said vulcanizing data being read by said vulcanizing sequence timer, and a plurality of control valves for controlling introduction and discharge of a vulcanizing medium in accordance with said function signal outputted from the vulcanizing sequence timer whereby sequential function of the vulcanizing machine is automatically carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame and a crucible having a central axis and a bottom. The crucible is supported and is moved so that the central axis of the crucible describes a substantially conical surface with an apex located substantially on the central axis and spaced from the bottom of the crucible by a distance equal to or less than the crucible height. The crucible is restrained against rotation about its own axis.

Abstract: The mold halves of a tire press are provided with sensors which determine the contact times of a green tire at certain points on the mold surfaces. The timing so obtained is processed by a microprocessor to determine the run-out profile of the tire. The data is further used for determining the average gap between the green tire and the mold surfaces both at the time of mold closure and at the time of first contact between the green tire and the mold surfaces. This data is then used to regulate the closure rate of the mold halves and/or the inflation rate of the green tire. The sensors contemplated include pressure switches, vacuum switches, microswitches, linear variable differential transformers, and thermocouples.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of shaped articles of polyurethane foam, which comprises pretreating metal molds for at least two types of shaped articles of polyurethane foam conveyed on conveyor units connected to heater units, forwarding said metal molds on the conveyor units according to the types of shaped articles to be produced, adjusting temperatures of said metal molds, feeding relevant polyurethane dopes to said metal molds, conveying said metal molds containing the dopes on conveyor units into the heater unit containing hot water, and immersing said metal molds in the hot water thereby allowing the dopes to foam and set within said metal molds.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preforming automobile rooftop coverings made of flexible sheets of vinyl and the like. The flexible material is treated with a thermosetting composition and then applied to an automobile rooftop form. Pneumatic tensioning means are attached to the edges of the material at a plurality of spaced-apart points to tension it over the form to a predetermined orientation and shape while maintaining the forces on the material substantially in equilibrium. The material is heated to set the thermosetting composition. Clamping means lightly engage the material to hold it in the predetermined shape until the setting temperature is reached and then firmly engage it to form maginal flanges thereon. The shaped material is then removed from the form by a vacuum carrier and then cooled and trimmed in the carrier.A pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner may also be applied to the material so that after it is shaped it can be directly adhesively secured to an automobile rooftop.

Abstract: A plastic material extruder having a barrel and an outer sheath with heating and cooling means in the outer sheath is disclosed, together with means for maintaining the temperature of the inner barrel, including two temperature sensing devices, one on the barrel and one on the other sheath, the sensing devices connected to control circuitry which actuates the heating and cooling means to maintain a temperature gradient between the two sensors by sensing the temperature change from the barrel and adjusting the set point of the sensing device on the sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple cavity injection molding which permits individual variation of gate opening time for mold shut-off bushings. The gate pins for the shut-off bushings are controlled by individual double-acting fluid motor, the bushings being fed by a common manifold. Gate opening is thus not dependent upon attainment of a predetermined injection pressure. Closure of the gate for each cavity will permit material to be fed faster to the other cavities. Novel means is provided for securing each gate pin to its actuating cylinder, which minimizes heat transfer to the motor, accommodates expansion of the material manifold and permits gate opening adjustment. The fluid motors are end-mounted on an actuating fluid manifold, allowing close juxtaposition. A cycle counter may be used to control inventory.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a molding machine used for exothermic curing senses the rate of change of the temperature of the material in the mold. When the rate of change of temperature has first exceeded and then fallen below a predetermined reference level, it is determined that the exothermic curing reaction has been completed, and the mold is opened after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: Apparatus for production of a re-entrant article, such as a vehicle mud guard, comprising a frame on which is mounted a pair of freely movable trolleys, on each of which are grasping means for holding the respective opposite ends of a sheet to be worked. The trolleys are movable towards one another, in a horizontal plane and hold the sheet parallel to this plane. A former is mounted under the sheet and is raised to cause it to move across the plane to deform the sheet into its required re-entrant form.

Abstract: A mechanical press includes a plurality of cylinders to provide different fluid pressures to a lower mold against an upper mold to mold plastic parts. A pair of accumulators sequentially apply a low pressure to the cylinders for a predetermined time during the initial heating period and a high pressure for a predetermined time during the final molding period. A control valve controls the rate at which the high pressure is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a fusible material has a support on which is provided a row of melting burners and a parallel row of warming burners. A crucible holder on the support has a pair of bars forming a plurality of seats each above a respective one of the melting burners and each for a respective crucible. A slide having a plurality of mold holders is displaceable into a position with the mold holders above the warming burners. Once the material in the crucible holders has been melted by the melting burners the entire crucible-holding assembly may be agitated horizontally to homogenize this material. Thereafter the entire crucible-holding assembly is tipped up to pour the contents of the crucibles into the molds which have been preheated by the warming burners. The warming burners are then shut off and jets of compressed ambient-temperature gas are directed at the molds to cool the material therein and solidify same into a tablet or slug suitable for X-ray analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for injecting a temperature sensitive probe into a tire to be cured in a mold which is at least in part heated by a steam cavity. The probe is utilized to monitor cure conditions and provides an electronic input signal to control the cure. The probe is carried by a movable member in a housing mounted in the mold with one side of the movable member being exposed to, and thereby worked on, the steam in the cavity so that the steam pressure itself is utilized to inject the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bar of soap from leftover pieces includes a hopper for holding pieces until enough are collected to form a new bar. Then a weight sensor causes the activation of a heater which melts the collected soap. The molten soap runs into a mold, thus producing a new bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling sequence and duration of the operational steps in processes such as vulcanization of a pneumatic tire is capable of operating under two basic modes or parameters. In one mode the operational steps are dictated by elapsed real time, while in the other mode, the operation can be dictated by elapsed cure equivalent factors. The desired length of each step or the cure, whether in time or cure equivalents, is set into an input program means. In the time mode, time generating circuitry provides an output proportonal to elapsed time which output is displayed on a counter and electrically compared with the information in the input program means. When a match occurs, the time generating circuitry and displays are reset and the input program means directs the tire vulcanization press to perform the next sequential function. Also disclosed is circuitry which is capable of performing secondary functions such as extending the length of a step, as necessary.

Abstract: A plurality of groups of mandrels are arranged for movement successively through a plurality of workstations with each group being worked on at a station while other groups are being worked on simultaneously at other stations to produce continuously automatically groups of retractile cords. Cordage is fed from a supply into clamping engagement with each of the mandrels in the group in a cord-loading position and then wound in a plurality of spaced-apart convolutions on each of the mandrels of that group after which the wound cords are severed from the cordage supplies. The wound cords are advanced incrementally through a heating zone, wherein the cords are exposed to radiant heating supplemented by preheating of the mandrels while cordage is being wound on the next successive groups of mandrels.