Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus and particularly a corrugator for manufacturing pipes, particularly corrugated pipes, having at least two series of circulation mold jaw parts, which form a molding channel in a predetermined area, and wherein the series are guided in respective circulation guides. The invention further provides that at least one exchangeable mold jaw parts or mold blocks is provided with another pipe molding wherein at least one exchange member is provided along at least one of the circulation guides of at least one of the mold jaw part series.

Abstract: A mold for press-molding a resin package body includes a lower mold and an upper mold, wherein the upper mold includes a press plate held in a tiltable manner with respect to a press head used for urging the upper mold against the lower mold and a lock mechanism for locking the press plate. The lower mold includes an inner die carrying a semiconductor device and a resin tablet and an outer die surrounding the inner die in a manner movable up and down with respect to the inner die. In operation, the press plate is first engaged with the outer die in the unlocked state to achieve an exact parallelism with respect to the inner die, and after locking the press plate and melting the resin tablet, the press plate is urged further toward the inner die while simultaneously lowering the outer die such that the space formed by the lower die, outer die and the press plate for accommodating a semiconductor chip is collapsed.

Abstract: A brick molding apparatus and mold section adapted for receiving a plurality of individual clay slugs and molding the clay slugs into green bricks. The mold section includes first and second opposing spaced-apart end plates extending from one end of the mold section to the other. A plurality of spaced-apart side plates are perpendicularly disposed between the opposing end plates. A plurality of adjustable base plates are positioned between the end plates and the side plates. The end plates, side plates, and base plates cooperate to form respective end, side, and bottom walls of a plurality of individual mold cavities. Each of the mold cavities has a length defined by a distance between the opposing end plates, a width defined by a distance between adjacent ones of the side plates, and a depth defined by a distance between the base plate and an open top of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold exchanger system includes a transfer device for transferring a mold into, and from a vulcanizing machine. The transfer device has a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting the transferring height of the mold, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the mold relative to the vulcanizing machine. The mold exchanger system has a simplified structure and yet allows the mold to be precisely centered and positioned relative to the vulcanizing machine, and to be smoothly transferred into, and removed from the vulcanizing machine, and significantly reducing the transfer time and the removing time to thereby improve the mold exchanging efficiency.

Abstract: A blow mold assembly is provided that comprises a blow mold shell, a mold holder and a mold holding assembly. The blow mold shell having a first annular groove disposed within the lengthwise exterior surface of the shell. The first annular groove serves as a mating surface for a support harness that positions the mold shell within the blow mold assembly. Additionally, the blow mold shell may comprise a shoulder insert that may include an independent cooling channel. The blow mold assembly comprises a mold holder that includes arcuate interior surfaces and arcuate exterior surfaces so as to create a concentric blow mold holder. The mold holder may comprise a pressure compensation element that is capable of compensating for the pressure build-up within the mold shell during the blow mold process. The blow mold assembly also comprises a blow molding holding assembly that comprises clamping brackets having arcuate inner surfaces for mating with the arcuate exterior surfaces of the mold holder or mold shell.

Abstract: A mold assembly designed for casting a layer for a golf ball is disclosed herein. The mold assembly has two halves that each hold a plurality of mold inserts. Each mold half is composed of a carrier base, a carrier plate, a retainer plate and a plurality of mold inserts. The multiple component aspect of each mold half allows for a more efficient transfer of heat during a casting process. Preferably, the mold assembly is utilized to mold a polyurethane cover on a golf ball precursor product.

Abstract: A mold assembly has two mold half shells, corresponding mold half carriers, and a novel intermediate interconnecting member comprising a pair of ring shaped locating members. The locating members have an inner locating wall, preferably a stepped shoulder, that fits into a recessed slot in the outer wall of the mold shells. The locating members have an outer wall that fits into a recessed slot in the inner wall of the mold half carriers. The inner and outer locating walls of the locating members are vertically positioned relative to each to determine the vertical registry of the mold shell to the mold carrier. By utilizing intermediate interconnecting members of differing relative vertical positioning of the inner and outer locating walls, universals mold shells and mold carriers may be used for containers having differing neck heights whereby the neck height adjustment is accommodated by changing the intermediate interconnecting member.

Abstract: A thermoformed mold is supported by a quick change tooling system including a pair of parallel spaced elongated channel members each defining an open bottom cavity for receiving in precision alignment an elongated rail member secured to a supporting press platen. Each channel member is releasably locked to its rail member by a pair of couplers each including a stud projecting downwardly in the channel member and received within a corresponding cylinder within the rail member. The cylinder has locking balls which releasably grip the stud in response to axial movement of a fluid actuated spring biased piston surrounding the cylinder.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: A mold assembly has an upper positioning seat, an upper panel disposed in the upper positioning seat, a lower positioning seat, a lower panel disposed in the lower positioning seat, a first air cylinder disposed on a side of the lower positioning seat, a second air cylinder disposed on a bottom of the lower positioning seat, a third air cylinder disposed on a side of the upper positioning seat, and a fourth air cylinder disposed on a top portion of the upper positioning seat. A lower plate is disposed on a bottom of the upper panel. An upper plate is disposed on the lower panel. The lower plate engages with the upper plate.

Abstract: A press that subdivides and shapes an amorphous food article into a plurality of discrete items having a particular shape, such as a hamburger patty, a decorative cookie, a biscuit, a ravioli, a turnover and the like. The press simultaneously forms a plurality of discrete items into a particular shape wherein each item has a uniform thickness. The press has a base and an opposing lid that are capable of moving toward each other in order to create a compressive force therebetween. A mold sheet and compression sheet are attached to the base and the lid, respectively, so that the mold sheet and the compression sheet are adjacent to each other. The mold sheet has a plurality of flanges protruding therefrom. The flanges act as a cutting edge for separating a compressible food article into a plurality of discrete items. Preferably, the flanges are formed in a shape to create an ornamental periphery in the discrete items.

Abstract: A multiple insert tire mold (10) has inserts (26) with radially extending ribs (28) for sliding engagement in a slot (22) in the outer ring back (12) of the mold and abutting surfaces (48) for venting exhaust gases from the mold (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable casting mold with a plurality of axially displaceable molding pins. Each molding pin has a self-locking threaded mechanism by way of which the molding pin is supported on a carrier plate. The carrier plates on which in each case a plurality of adjustable molding pins are mounted are, in turn, connected to a molding-box housing member to be adjustable in a different manner perpendicular to the mold parting surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stamper assembly for forming an optical data storage disk in a disk molding process. The stamper assembly includes a block element having a first major surface, and a stamper member having a first major surface and an opposite, second major surface. The first major surface of the stamper member is adapted to contact a disk molding material for forming an optical data storage disk in a disk molding process. The stamper assembly further includes a medium for securing the stamper member to the block element, such that substantially the entire second major surface of the stamper member is affixed to the first major surface of the block element. This arrangement prevents relative movement between the stamper member and the block element. This substantially reduces stamper member wear and increases the useful production lifetime of the stamper assembly.

Abstract: A mold box is flexibly mounted to a product forming machine having upper and lower vertically displaceable beams. A feed drawer dispenses concrete material into the mold box while a vibration system vertically vibrates the mold box while dampening horizontal vibration. The vibration system is driven by a single drive shaft that actuates first and second vibrator rods while at the same rotating a counter-weight in a counter-rotating direction. A set of alignment brackets lock the mold box into a predetermined aligned relationship while being mounted in the product forming machine. The bottom side of each mold box is mounted to the product forming machine in the same relative position to reduce machine readjustments. A set of telescoping legs hold the feed drawer assembly variable distances above the mold box. A unitized pallet feeder quickly moves pallets one at a time from an “on-deck” position to a “receiving” position underneath the mold box.

Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.

Abstract: A mold for a tire includes a device for easily releasing a pocket plate from a recess in a side wall ring. The device includes a rod movably disposed in a hole in the mold part that extends from an outer surface to adjacent the recess. The distal end of the rod includes a cam surface wherein movement of the rod causes the cam to press on the pocket plate to urge it from the recess.

Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.

Abstract: A method of forming a stacked laminate mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for changeable forming information, such as date, time, shift, and/or lot of manufacturer information, on members being die cast or molded. The present apparatus includes at least one information forming element adapted to be mounted in communication with the interior cavity of the die or mold and having a face positioned for forming information on the member. The face is adjustably movable relative to a reference element by an adjusting element located externally to the die or mold. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes at least one additional information forming element, the additional element being concentric with the first named information forming element and being independently rotatable to allow quickly and easily changing the information to be formed on the member.

Abstract: A vulcanizing machine for producing pneumatic tires includes an exchangeable segmented mold comprised of tread mold pieces for defining the outer contour of a tire tread portion, and upper and lower side mold members engaged with the tread mold pieces, for defining the outer contours of the sidewall portions. The tread mold pieces are detachably connected to connector segments which are slidably engaged with a container ring so that vertical movement of the container ring causes radial movement of the connector segments relative to the tread mold pieces. After production of tires of a predetermined size has been completed, the mold is removed from the machine by moving the container ring upwards to disconnect the connector segments from the tread mold pieces, and disconnecting the upper side mold member from a top plate of the machine.

Abstract: A method of curing large endless track rubber belts uses a multi-platen mold assembly with a pair of fully supporting indexing wheels, non-preformed lug preparation and a post-forming cavity pressure reduction to provide cured tracks with non-deformed reinforcing members while avoiding the extrusion of rubber compound out of the ends of the molds. Also provided is an apparatus for curing large endless track belts having fully supported indexing wheels.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a thermoforming pressure box, including: a horizontal top plate; first and second vertical end plates extending orthogonally downwardly from a lower surface of the top plate; first and second vertical side plates extending orthogonally downwardly from the lower surface of the top plate; the first and second end plates and the first and second side plates mating such that the top plate, the first and second end plates, and the first and second side plates form a downwardly open rectangular parallelopipidon having first length and width dimensions; the second vertical end plate being repositionable on the lower surface of the top plate in a direction parallel to an index direction; and at least one of the first and second side plates being repositionable on the lower surface of top plate in a direction orthogonal to the index direction.

Abstract: A container (5) such as a bottle made of thermoplastic material and provided with a bottom wall having an inwardly convex curved central portion (3) is disclosed. The container is produced by blow moulding a blank (4) with at least one incipient bottom recess (3) in a finishing mould (15a, 15b, 11) of which the bottom wall (11) has an arched central portion (10) substantially matching the recess in the bottom of the container to be produced. Said container is produced by causing relative rotation of the central portion (10) and the blank (4) when said central portion is positioned in the recess in the bottom of the blank.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of forming a mold (20) including the steps of segmenting a surface to be molded into discrete adjacent linear sections, forming a profile of each section on an edge of a planar material to define a plurality of blades (30, 40, 50), and; stacking each blade (30, 40, 50) such that their profiled mold edges (34, 44, 54) together form the surface to be molded. The blades (30, 40, 50) are secured in a mold body (20) and selected ones of the blades (30, 40, 50) may be articulated to eject the molded article from the mold (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for liquid soap having a cartridge 13 with a groove 32. A housing 12 encloses the cartridge 13 and mounting bracket 15. The dispenser's mounting bracket 15 has a rib 34 which corresponds with the groove 32 on the cartridge 13. Depression of a push plate 14 activates a pump 65 to expel liquid soap 41 from the cartridge 13.

Abstract: A compression molding system has a pair of mold part holders with corner assemblies that perform guidance, stop and stabilization functions. Interchangeable heated mold parts lacking the aforesaid functions, are removably attached to the respective holders in such a manner that sheet metal core and cavity components of the mold parts are properly aligned. The guidance function of the holders guides the movement of the mold parts toward one another, and the stop function limits such movement to provide a predetermined space between the sheet metal components in order to form compression molding material therebetween to a desired shape and thickness. The stabilization function prevents longitudinal and transverse expansion of one of the mold parts relative to the other. The holders are designed to be attached to platens of a press.

Abstract: A mold for a pneumatic tire includes a plurality of mold sections that cooperate to form an annular mold. Each of the mold sections has a body with an inner surface. The body defines at least one longitudinal groove that opens at the inner surface. The body defines at least one longitudinal groove that opens at the inner surface. The groove has a mouth and a body with the width of the mouth being smaller than at least the largest width of the body. In one embodiment of the invention, the groove has a female dovetail cross section. The grooves in the mold sections cooperate to form a continuous, 360 degree groove about the tire mold. A plurality of die ribs are slidingly disposed in the grooves. Each die rib has a base that corresponds with the cross section of the groove. Thus, the die rib in the above-embodiment has a male dovetail cross section that is configured to slide within the groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a flanged polytetrafluoroethylene cuffed section from a tubular polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The flanged polytetrafluoroethylene graft is well suited for use as a distal bypass graft, for arteriovenous grafting, or as a hemodialysis access graft. The graft includes an integral terminal polytetrafluoroethylene flanged skirt or cuff section which facilitates an end-to-side anastomosis directly between an artery and the polytetrafluoroethylene flanged graft without need for an intervening venous collar or venous patch.

Abstract: A threaded actuator is disclosed for positioning a core in a molding apparatus. The threaded actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder unit having a piston rod connected to the core for positioning thereof. The core is subjected to intense force during the molding process and this force is transmitted onto the piston rod and hydraulic cylinder unit and its support. The hydraulic cylinder has a threaded nose which is secured within a threaded opening in a support. A rotatable threaded connecting member is threaded between the threaded nose and the threaded opening of the support structure. The outer and inner threaded connections of the rotatable threaded connecting member are of different thread configurations to form a differential thread assembly. The configurations may differ either in pitch and/or in the handedness of the threads. The differential threaded assembly provides for relative positioning of the hydraulic cylinder unit and core relative to the mold.

Abstract: A multiple axes electroform is created by first locating a plurality of reflex or optical pins and a mold matrix that extends generally parallel to a first axis. A second mold matrix is created by loading into a fixture yet another set of pins that are generally parallel to a second axis. Electroforms are then made from each mold matrix. The resulting electroforms are then placed into yet another fixture whereby a third electroform is made. The third electroform is then placed into a final fixture where a master electroform is made which will be used in the tooling that is used to injection mold the final automotive lens assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a stacked laminate mold.

Abstract: A process of molding of a rubber tread making it possible, after molding grooves, to strip the mold without rupture of connecting elements molded in the grooves. A molding element for molding a groove pattern in a rubber tread, the groove defined by at least two main opposite walls joined by at least one molded rubber connecting element, the molding element being designed to project from a molding surface of the mold and presenting at least one opening for molding a connecting element during molding of the tread. The molding element is constituted by the assembly of a first part forming a support, intended to be fastened to a piece of a mold by appropriate means, and of a second part constituted by at least one piece forming a key. Each key is disengaged from the support in order to strip the molding element from the mold.

Abstract: A thermoforming station in a thermoforming machine for thermoplastic cups, which is equipped with a cyclically operating conveying section which takes over a cup sheet web from an unwinding station, the conveying section running through a heating station, the thermoforming station and further processing stations. The technical problem is a perfect and rapid cooling of the thermoplastic cups in the thermoforming station, in order to keep the cycle time as short as possible, and an adaptation of the thermoforming die to different heights of the thermoplastic cups. The lower die (7) of the thermoforming station (6) is constructed from intermediate plates (32) forming a plate stack, grooves (35) being made in the surface of the intermediate plates (32) for the purpose of forming cooling channels within the plate stack.

Abstract: A forming die including of a holder having an upper portion and a lower portion, each portion having a main substrate extending in a first longitudinal direction. A fixing substrate is located on one end of the main substrate and a movable substrate is located on an opposite end of the main substrate and is movable along the main substrate in the first longitudinal direction. A plurality of die forming segments are situated between the movable substrate and the fixing substrate. Tie rods extend along the main substrate outside the periphery of the plurality of die forming segments, and connect the movable substrate and the fixing substrate to one another.

Abstract: A microprism master mold is formed from a plurality of flat sheets having two mutually parallel major surfaces. On one edge thereof, there is provided a series of V-shaped grooves having a bottom angle of about 90.degree. and roof-shaped projections having a vertical angle of about 90.degree., successively formed at a fixed repeating pitch and in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces. The flat sheets are stacked so that the vertices of the roof-shaped projections formed on each flat sheet meet the bottoms of the V-shaped grooves formed on an adjacent flat sheet. The microprism master mold includes two or more different types of roof-shaped projections and the thickness of each flat sheet is equal to 0.6-2.0 times the length of the shorter oblique sides of the roof-shaped projections. The master mold is useful for production of cube-corner type retroreflectors characterized by microprism having high brightness and excellent wide-angle properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides foam molding equipment which has an advantage in performing exchange of a molding dies within a short time period and in improving productivity thereof, and which is most suitable, in particular, to the case of using upsized molding dies. The equipment is provided with a fixed die base 21, movable die base 8, a die opening/closing mechanism to move the movable die base 8 together with a movable die 12, and a base frame 1. The fixed die base 21 is detachable from the base frame 1. Molding dies comprising a stationary die 11 and a movable die 12 is preliminarily attached to the fixed die base 21 to form a unit 20. The base frame 1 is provided with a loading surface 4 to load the unit 20 and a unit connector 27 to fix the unit loaded on the loading surface 4 to the base frame 1. The unit 20 is loaded on the loading surface 4 in a detachable manner.

Abstract: Improved blow-molding prototype molding system, method and apparatus wherein a plastic container is first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a geometric computer software model of a hollow plastic container of desired contour. This model is then used to generate a geometric computer software model of a corresponding mold cavity. This data file in turn provides the control signal for a cutting tool of a CNC three axis mold machining tool operating on a starting blank for each mold half of metal material having predetermined and constant length, width and thickness outside dimensions. A mold cavity is thereby automatically machined in a front face of this blank that constitutes one of the two major and parallel face planes of the mold half block. The other half of the mold cavity is similarly formed in the front face of a second mold half block that cooperates with the first mold block to form the two mold halves of a complete blow mold.

Abstract: A moulding member defining a portion of a mould cavity for blow moulding an article in blow moulding apparatus, wherein said moulding member includes: (a) a backing member (5, 19) fixable to said blow moulding apparatus and having a wall which defines a recess in said backing member, and (b) a removable insert (3, 47) located in said recess and having a surface defining a portion of said mould cavity (11), wherein said backing member (5, 19) and said insert (3, 47) are located in register relative to each other by way of cooperating locating means (17, 73) on said insert and said backing member, respectively.

Abstract: A substrate forming mold for forming a substrate by filling a cavity formed between a pair of matching molds 1, 2 with resin, that is, this substrate forming mold has shims 9, 12 disposed at least between a mirror finished surface plate 6 for composing one mold 1 and a stable mold base 8, and in a region inside of a fixed abutting ring 13, depending on fluctuations of plate thickness of formed substrate. As a result, the plate thickness of formed substrate can be adjusted finely, and fluctuations occurring in the radial direction or peripheral direction of the formed substrate can be decreased.

Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.

Abstract: A shuttle system for a vertical injection molding machine provides two carrier members slidably mounted to the upper surface of a platform of the vertical injection molding machine. A detent attached to the bottom of each of the carrier members mates with a slot associated with each of the carrier members to restrict the motion of the carrier member and define the travel path of the carrier member. The travel paths lie at an angle to one another and deliver the carrier members between a common aligned position and separate offset positions. The aligned position is the position of the carrier member in which a lower mold half attached to the carrier member is aligned with the upper mold half for completion of the mold and injection. The offset positions are nearer the front side of the vertical injection molding machine than the aligned position so that the carrier members move toward the front side between injection cycles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for producing thermoplastic containers, in particular bottles, by the blow-molding or stretch blow-molding of a preheated preform. The device comprises at least one mould consisting of two half-molds (2) each supported by a mould carrier, the two mould carriers being movable relative to each other. Each half-mould (2) comprises a shell holder (9), supported by the respective mould carrier, and a shell (7) which is equipped with a half-impression (8) of the container to be obtained and can be rendered integral in a detachable manner with its shell holder (9) by rapid-fastening means (19-23). The shell (7) and the shell holder (9) are of complementary shapes such that they contact each other at least partially for heat conduction purposes whilst the pipes and connections for circulating and/or heating fluids are provided in the shell holder alone.

Abstract: A frame is provided for firmly securing a dental press holding one or more flasks during preparation of dental prostheses. The frame securely locks the press in position and facilitates tightening of the press to exert pressure on the dental flasks as well as release of the pressure once the procedure is completed. Use of the frame permits a single technician to tighten and loosen the press with a single hand and allows greater tightening of the press to exclude voids and pockets in the finished prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing brake pads includes a base board with three flanges extending from the upper side thereof and each of the flanges has a plurality of notches defined in the sides thereof, a first mold and a second mold respectively received in the first recess defined between the first and the second flange, and the second recess defined between the second and the third flange, and cover mold mounted to the first and the second mold. The first mold has a plurality of slots and the second mold has a plurality of concavities, which are respectively located in alignment with the slots. The cover mold has a plurality of elongated recesses which communicate with the aligned slots, the concavities and the notches so that the brake pads are formed between the base board, the two molds and the cover mold.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and process is described in which a side wall mold insert is accessible and releasable from the interior of the molding apparatus. A fastener reversibly seats the side wall insert to the mold frame, the insert having an inclined rim wall for engaging a complementary-shaped wall of an adjacent tread mold piece. The process and apparatus facilitates the rapid replacement of a side wall mold insert without disassembly or cooling of the molding components.

Abstract: A mold assembly for casting or molding a multiple portion article in sequential shots without opening the mold assembly. The mold assembly includes a movable mold insert that permits the portions to be interconnected as an integral part of the casting process. The mold insert includes a first or male void for defining a male end and a second or female void for defining a female end. In operation, the mold insert is placed in a first position and molten material is introduced into a first cavity portion to form a first portion with a male end. The mold insert is then placed in a second position with the female portion surrounding the male end of the first portion. Molten material is introduced into a second cavity portion to form a second portion with a female end at least partially surrounding the male end of the first portion.

Abstract: A mold press includes an upper mold carrier mounted to slide up and down along an upright mold press frame and to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis. The mold press frame is supported on a mold press base to tip forward and aft about a horizontal upper mold pivot axis disposed parallel to and below the rotation axis. A lower mold carrier is supported on the mold press base below the upper mold carrier and above the upper mold pivot axis. The lower mold carrier includes a lower mold mounting plate that is pivotally supported on the mold press base for tipping motion along a hinged edge about a lower mold pivot axis that lies parallel to and below the rotation axis and above the upper mold pivot axis. An electronic motion controller may be programmed to coordinate the reciprocating, tipping and rotating motions to accommodate a variety of mold/retainer configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing both wing-type and wingless tire treads from a single mold. The mold includes a main portion, a pair of first inserts which are selectively attachable to the main portion. The pair of first inserts is capable of molding wingless treads. A pair of second inserts can be selectively secured to the main portion in place of the first pair of inserts to mold wing-type treads. The method for converting a wingless tire tread mold to a wing-type tire tread mold includes the steps of removing the pair of first inserts from the main portion of the mold and securing the pair of second inserts to the main portion of the mold with the securing apparatus.

Abstract: A mold insert for transferring selectable reference indicia to a molded part is used for tracking various production parameters for a manufactured component. The mold insert contains a plurality of tapered concentric rings, each tapered concentric rings having a face surface containing various transferable reference indicia. A housing having a bore accommodates the plurality of tapered concentric rings and permits rotatable adjustment of the tapered concentric rings relative to a reference indicator. A releasable fastener connected with respect to a tapered core within the tapered concentric rings is used for adjusting and fixing a position of each one of the plurality of tapered concentric rings with respect to one another and the reference indicator.