Abstract: An apparatus, for making a lens from thermoplastic material in the form of a monolithic preform mass, having a press; and a pair of lens molds positioned in said press. The monolithic preform mass has at least one or more radii and is disposed between the lens molds such that said one or more radii make point or line contact with said lens molds. Means are provided for closing the pair of lens molds, and pressing the molds toward each other and against said preform mass to a predetermined pressure; and for heating up the molds until the preform mass begins to soften with the predetermined pressure varying slightly therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die used in bar stamping. Specifically, it relates to the orientation of cavities found on the die whereby, by angling the x-axis across the cavities at 10.degree. to 90.degree. from the horizontal axis of the press on which they are mounted, it is possible to add more cavities over a fixed length and/or to reduce spacing between cavities and thereby reduce rework. Surprisingly, the cavities are all filled using the same billet volume and, because the same volume fills more cavities, there is less rework and higher ultimate throughput.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. First and second wheel pairs on opposite sides of each carriage ride on first and second tracks respectively through a molding section of the path. An offset wheel is disposed between the wheels of each pair and rides on guide tracks associated with and facing oppositely to the first and second tracks respectively through the molding section. Each mold block is a plurality of sub-blocks secured end to end, with each sub-block having an arcuate face and corrugated with not more than one complete wavelength. Vacuum channels about sub-block end surfaces connect the block face to a vacuum port.

Abstract: A toroidal semifinished product (5) made of raw elastomeric material is semivulcanized in a semivulcanization chamber (4) defined between two half-molds (2, 3) disposed close to each other. A pressure, preferably equal to the pressure exerted by the gases generated in the semifinished product (5), is created in the mold (1a). The half-molds (2, 3) are moved apart from each other and pressure in the mold is gradually reduced, thereby giving rise to the expansion and consequent transferring of the semifinished product (5) from the semivulcanization chamber (4) to a surrounding final vulcanization chamber (6). When the inner diameter of the semifinished product (5) is larger than the inner diameter of the final vulcanization chamber (6), said chamber is closed at its inner circumferential edge and then, after possible pressure increase in the mold, at its outer circumferential edge, in order to integrally enclose the semifinished product and enable completion of the vulcanization process.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for press forming a sheet blank (5) of the type including a die formed by a pad (2) composed of an elastic material disposed in a retaining box (1), a lower blank holder (3) which rests on the upper part of the box (1) and on which the sheet blank (5) rests, structure for preforming the sheet blank (5) constituted by an outer slide (6) carrying an upper blank holder (6a), structure for forming the sheet blank (5) constituted by a central slide acting on a plunger (7) and, in the region of heating zones of the elastic pad (2), structure (20) for regulating the temperature of the elastic pad (2) in the course of the press forming of the sheet blank (5).

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer molded article that includes a resin body and a skin material on a surface of the resin body, which method uses a mold having male and female molds. The shortest horizontal distance of a mating gap between the horizontally outermost wall surface of the male mold to which the skin material contacts and the horizontally innermost wall surface of the female mold to which the skin material contacts is 0.25 to 3 times the minimum thickness from which the once compressed skin material can restore the original thickness. The shortest length L in a mold closing direction of a mated part formed between the outermost wall of the male mold to which the resin melt contacts and the innermost wall of of a flange of the female mold satisfies the equation:(t.sub.1 -t.sub.0 +10)mm.gtoreq.L.gtoreq.(t.sub.0 -t.sub.0)mmwherein t.sub.1 is a distance (mm) between the male and female molds when the resin melt first reaches the horizontally outermost edge of the male mold, and t.sub.

Abstract: A travelling mold has mold blocks formed by opposing mold block sections which open and close relative to one another. The mold sections travel horizontally around a continuous track which is fitted with a plurality of side-by-side mold block carriers on which the mold block sections are releasably supported. The mold block carriers are provided with carrier gears which engage with the main drive gear of the mold so that the mold is driven by engagement of the drive gear with the carriers and not the mold block sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of corrugated pipes of thermoplastic plastics, which has circulating mold segment halves disposed in two opposite rows subsequent to an injection head, includes a wedge element for separating the mold segment halves. This wedge element is displaceable parallel to the direction of production. Further, grab equipments are provided to be displaceable,counter to the direction of production, by which one additional mold segment half at a time can be moved to the downstream end of a molding path, removed from the latter in the direction of production and moved into a parking position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic pipes has half shells of which two at a time combine as a pair to form a mold. It is provided with a temperature-regulating bell. Supply lines are formed as flexible supply hoses of temperature-resistant plastic material. A line conduit accommodating them is provided with a protecting tube, which accommodates the supply hoses and which is provided with a heat insulation towards an injection head.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. A mold train drive engages a selected number of carriages at the beginning of the mold tunnel to continuously drive the carriages along the mold tunnel. A shuttle drive follows the continuous path through a shuttle area and spaced from the path along a substantial portion of the mold tunnel, and includes first and second carriage engaging sections at substantially opposite points along the drive so that a carriage at the end of the mold tunnel becomes engaged by one shuttle drive engaging section while the other shuttle drive engaging section engages a carriage at the beginning of the mold tunnel.

Abstract: A machine for making plastic tubing including a plurality of separate carriages for carrying mold blocks about the continuous path. First and second wheel pairs on opposite sides of each carriage ride on first and second tracks respectively through a molding section of the path. An offset wheel is disposed between the wheels of each pair and rides on guide tracks associated with and facing oppositely to the first and second tracks respectively through the molding section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utensil for molding sushi rice for use in preparing nigiri-zushi, the molding utensil having a split mold having a mold member, and an outer frame for the split mold to removably fit in, the molding utensil being characterized in that the utensil is provided with a pair of vertically split side mold members forwardly movable toward each other within the outer frame, each of the side mold members is provided on each of their opposite end walls with one of pairing elements provided by an angular cam and a pin for advancing the side mold member by about 5 mm, the other pairing element is provided on a wall of the upper mold member to be opposed to the end wall, the outer frame has such a depth that molding cavities having their contours defined by the lower mold member inserted into the outer frame to its bottom, the upper mold member pushed into the outer frame and fitted to the inserted lower mold member and the side mold members in a forwardly moved position within the outer frame have a combin

Abstract: Thermal forming of objects made from plastic material if performed by machine which has first, second and third sectors. The first sector includes structure for unrolling a coil of plastic sheet material. The second sector receives and transports the plastic sheet from the first sector and also heats the plastic sheet as it is moved through the second sector. In the third sector, there is a rotating die which has a plurality of die faces. Each of the die faces is an object form. A first stage of the rotating die receives the heated plastic sheet from the second sector and deforms the heated plastic sheet around the object form to create the object shape. A second stage of the third sector cools the deformed plastic and removes the object from the die faces.

Abstract: This method for forming a measuring diaphragm which measures the volume of a passing gas with high accuracy and has a prolonged service life because the diaphragm moves completely in the same way to both sides of the measuring vessel in which it is fixed. The measuring diaphragm when produced in quantity has an undulating structure of high uniformity and variation in quality of the diaphragm is small.

Abstract: A metal mold for producing a wood type golf club head, including an upper metal mold member having a molding recess including a surface for molding an upper end portion of a shaft bore in a club head, a lower metal mold member having a molding recess including a surface for molding a sole of the club head, a shaft bore molding upper pin fitted firmly in the portion of the surface of the upper metal mold member which corresponds to an upper end portion of the shaft bore, so as to project to the inner side of the metal mold, and a shaft bore-molding lower pin fitted firmly in the lower metal mold member so as to project to the inner side of the metal mold, the upper and lower pins being arranged coaxially in an opposed state via a narrow clearance, the direction in which the upper and lower pins are arranged crossing perpendicularly the direction in which the joint surfaces of the upper and lower metal mold members extend.

Abstract: Apparatus for folding a dough leaf 30 about a filling 32 comprises a series of folding pans 26.1 to 26.6. Each folding pan is foldable with respect to the next pan in the series about a folding axis 28.1 to 28.5, and is provided with a weighted plunger 34 which is connected to the folding pan by a lost motion connection. The weighted plunger serves to hold the dough leaf down while the pan is displaced from the folded position back towards the unfolded position, to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-cavity type utensil for molding sushi rice for use in preparing nigiri-zushi. The utensil has a split mold comprising a lower mold member and an upper mold member, and an outer frame for the split mold to removably fit in. The molding cavities defined by partition walls are formed in the lower mold member and the upper mold member. The cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows and have one or more intersections of crisscrossed partition walls. The cavity corners are rounded or beveled at least in a vertical direction. An upwardly and downwardly movable, spring-biased baffle piece is projected from the end surface of the intersection in at least one of the lower and upper mold members.

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

Abstract: A machine for molding bonded plastics material, in particular expanded or foamable polystyrene in combination with rigid sheet polystyrene, wherein the rigid material (2) is preformed in a preforming station (1) in a preforming mold (33, 36) while simultaneously separating by a cutter (40) the preformed portion from the rigid sheet of starting material to produce separate preformed pieces, the preformed pieces are moved by a transfer table (27) to a molding station (3) while retained on preforming half-mold (33), foamable material (44) is fed to molding mold (41) and molded and bonded on the preformed pieces with sintering by pulse action of steam (45) and, the final molded articles (P) are discharged at discharge station (6). The half-mold (33) is moved alternately between the preforming station (1) and molding station (3), and cooperates with respective counter-molds (36, 41). The scrap is recovered without being involved in the molding stage.

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

Abstract: A molding apparatus for making a hollow pressurized pulse dampener including a fixed platen having a primary member extending from the fixed platen and a secondary member including a centrally disposed aperture and a second mold surface to define a mold cavity for molding an intermediate member. The primary member extends through the centrally disposed aperture of the secondary member and includes a distal terminal end which includes a first mold surface for molding a pulse dampener. The first mold surface is disposed recessed within the secondary member such that the secondary member is moveable with respect to the primary member to present the first mold surface in the mold cavity to define the pulse dampener from the intermediate member. The secondary member includes means for continuously, positively and precisely pressurizing the mold cavity and the intermediate member until the first mold surface is presented within the cavity to mold the pulse dampener.

Abstract: Continuous process and apparatus form products from thermoplastic materials between top and bottom mold carriages. A flexible silicone rubber mold on a fiber belt continuously moves around each carriage frame. A surface of desired shape on one rubber mold mates with the desired shape of an opposed rubber mold forming a continuously moving mold channel into which is fed hot thermoplastic material at moldable temperature. After discharging the molded plastic product from the moving mold channel, localized surface heat in the molds resulting from contact with hot plastic is removed from the belt molds by air blown onto mold surfaces. Each carriage frame includes a back-up plate coated with low friction coefficient material over which slides a continuously moving belt mold. These slippery plates have numerous air-bearing holes feeding high pressure air between them and the respective moving fiber belt for reducing friction and wear.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for use in the preheating and forming of a material object about at least one mold 12 or die thereon. The apparatus has a primary platform 4 for supporting a length or sheet of material 13 thereon, a heating station 2 having a mechanism 8 for heating the object 13 laid on the primary platform 4 a mechanism for isolating the heating mechanism 8 form the object 13. The apparatus 1 also converts the heating station 2 to a forming station 3 which has associated therewith the mold 12. The forming station may either have an envelope 11 for creation of a vacuum seal or a second mold 17 for the purpose of forming object 13.

Abstract: A multi-plate lamination fixture includes at least a first, an intermediate and a bottom plate, of which the intermediate and either the bottom or the top plate each have a keyway therein adjacent one surface thereof and in which the intermediate and the other of the bottom or the top plate have a key projecting past the other surface thereof thereby to permit registered stackability of the plates. The intermediate and either the bottom or the top plate each also have a recess extending into one surface thereof for at least a predetermined distance, while the intermediate and the other of the bottom or the top plate have a pin projecting past the other surface thereof. The projecting pins are received in the recess of the adjacent plates to further assure accurate location of the stacked plates forming the lamination fixture.

Abstract: A continuous, non-hesitant apparatus and process for producing a molded body of plastics material and for simultaneously securing the molded body to a tubular body by means of a plurality of heading units mounted in series on a continuous conveyor, each heading unit having a mold cavity associated with the mold arm slidably positionable with respect to a mandrel arm having a mandrel, press rod and mold core secured thereto, the mold core and press rod in coaxial alignment with the mold cavity, each of which responsive to a camming surface, the tubular body positioned on the mandrel and brought in registration with a continuous web of hot plastics material which is positioned at one end of the tubular body, the tubular body and mold core then positioned within the mold cavity responsive to the camming surfaces for a time sufficient to form the molded body and secure the molded body to the tubular body, the molded body and tubular body then released from the heading unit, the heading unit recirculating to obtai

Abstract: A mold structure for press molding, including an upper mold member and a lower mold member in a sleeve member in longitudinally slidable manner. The mold includes a member for limiting the movement of the lower mold member with respect to the sleeve member in a direction in which the lower mold member is separated from the upper mold member, and a ring member mounted on the upper end face of the sleeve member. The ring member is provided, in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve member, with at least three penetrating holes in which pins with same length are detachably inserted, and the upper mold member has an impinging face to be brought into contact with the pins in the pressing operation, thus determining the thickness of the molded article.

Abstract: Bars of soap, synthetic detergent or mixtures of them are stamped between dies. In contrast with conventional stamping machinery the relative velocity of the dies is made to decrease at a rate which is more than proportional to the decrease in distance between the dies. Preferably the decrease is at a rate which is proportional to the cube of the decrease in distance. The process leads to a reduction in the adherence of soap/detergent to the dies.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article supplying tape formed with recess for containing articles therein in a tape-like or plate-like member, and supplying the articles to an automatic assembling machine or a working machine by the tape member, and the specification discloses a mold apparatus for forming the article containing recess in the tape, and particularly a mold apparatus for forming the shape of the recess variably in conformity with the shapes of the articles to be contained therein.

Abstract: A mold, adapted for resin transfer molding of composite articles, that has a seal for maintaining a vacuum resulting in denser composite parts. A mold body has at least two openings including an opening for removing the article therethrough. There are at least two mold closures adapted for closing the openings and two of the mold closures are in mutual contact within the interior of the mold. A seal is disposed between each closure and the mold body for sealing each mold closure to the mold body to continuously seal only a single surface. The mold has an improved seal for initiating and maintaining a vacuum thus reducing part porosity.

Abstract: According to the invention, calibrated rings are obtained by superficially vulcanizing extruded or profiled extrudate at the exit of an extrusion head (T), then by cutting this vulcanized extrudate into portions by means of a conical cutting device (C), subsequently by butting the two ends, in the respective form of a conical tip and a funnel, of each portion (t) together under hot conditions and under a controlled pressure, in order to obtain a ring blank which is then engaged between the half-cavities of a mold (Mo), where it undergoes shaping and vulcanization by the heating of the latter and thereafter deburring as a result of a shearing action produced by a push device (D) causing the half-cavities to slide in the closed position in the frame of the mold, before causing the opening of the latter by means of a device (G) and the release of the calibrated and superficially clean ring obtained.

Abstract: Continuous process and apparatus form products from thermoplastic materials between top and bottom mold carriages. A flexible silicone rubber mold adhered to a fiber belt continuously moves around each carriage frame. A surface of desired shape on one rubber mold mates with the desired shape of an opposed rubber mold surface forming a continuously moving mold channel into which is fed hot thermoplastic material at moldable temperature. After discharging the molded plastic product from the moving mold channel, localized surface heat in the molds resulting from contact with hot plastic is removed from the belt molds by blowing cold air onto mold surfaces. Each carriage frame includes a back-up plate coated with low friction coefficient material over which slides a continuously moving belt mold. These slippery plates have numerous air-bearing holes feeding high pressure air between them and the respective moving fiber belt for reducing friction and wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding pieces of soap or other soft and pasty substances having at least a central rotor (2) capable of a reciprocating rotating motion supporting two half-molds (4, 4') placed at 90.degree. and at least two lateral rotors (1, 1') capable of a reciprocating rotating translating motion, each supporting a half-mold (3, 3'), the three rotors (1, 1', 2) having their axis of rotation parallel to the feeder and discharge conveyor belts (6, 6', 7, 7', 8). Between each lateral rotor (1, 1') and the central rotor (2) an elevator/lifting device (5, 5') or other apparatus lifts/raises the pieces (19, 19') to be shaped from the feeder belt (7, 7') and brings them to the molding area, each lateral rotor (1, 1') capable of a rotating translating motion, translating in a radial direction towards the central rotor (2) molds the piece and then moves away with the molded piece (10, 10') and while rotating deposits it on the discharge conveyor belt (6, 6') of the molded pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding hollow composite articles having a plurality of internal webs. A mandrel assembly apparatus includes slidable sidewall members, an inflatable pressure membrane surrounding the length of the slidable sidewall members and actuator means mounted on the interior of the sidewall members for lateral displacement thereof together with the inflatable membrane. Adjacent mandrel assemblies accurately position the internal webs of the composite article mechanically, while the inflatable membranes serve to compact the web laminates. The expandable sidewall members also prevent bridging or tearing of the pressure membrane associated with the formation of inner corner radii.

Abstract: A mold for forming a container from a sheet of deformable material has upper and lower mold parts with die surfaces in conforming relation to one another. Upper and lower keys, each having a shear surface, are mounted in said upper and lower mold parts, respectively, so that the shear surfaces confront each other to form an opening in the container as the mold parts close. At least one of said keys is mounted so that its shear surface pivots on a plane normal to the motion of the closure of the mold parts.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus for and a method of producing compacted particulate articles, as well as the compacted particulate articles made by that method. A particulate material mixed with a binder is introduced to and directed through a briquetting press wherein said particulate material is first sandwiched between polymer film, the sandwich formed in resilient polymer dies, then the polymer film is peeled off of the formed articles and collected while the formed articles are collected, accumulated and further processed.

Abstract: The die essentially comprises a top chain and a bottom chain entrained between horizontal parallel axis gear wheels and having corresponding sliding portions contacting one another.The top chain defines at a central position, by inner and outer links thereof, substantially dihedral structures, forming open seats therealong can slide the two portions of a sugar drop forming die.The bottom chain, in turn, defines like dihedral structures the corner portions of which are adapted to cut a sugar bead, means being moreover provided for clamping the two portions of the die.

Abstract: A shaping apparatus for the production of fiber reinforced articles is disclosed. The shaping means includes a first screen having a surface defining the contoured shape of the article; a second screen having a complementary surface defining the reverse contoured shape of the article; and, at least one resilient presser rod operatively attached to the first screen or the second screen. The presser rod engages the fiber matting and presses the fiber matting into either a portion of the first screen or the second screen as the screens are closed together. The shaping apparatus is particularly suitable for the manufacture of glass fiber-reinforced automobile bumpers.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the shaping of a sheet of preform material. A flat planar (heated) sheet of preform material is held tightly between two elastomeric sheets of the apparatus, 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 or 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 compression-molding plastic without producing flashes. The apparartus basically consists of a pair of dies complementary to each other, one being stationary and the other being movable so as to be capable of engaging the stationary one. The apparatus has substantially no clearance at a pinch-off section formed by the engaging edge portions of the two dies, and at least one of the engaging edge portions is made of plastic. In one embodiment of the invention both the engaging edge portions are made of plastic.

Abstract: A tube container molding apparatus in which a cylindrical tube is inserted into a split mold in its closed state so that the end section of the tube comes into contact with a cavity face of the split mold. A core is then advanced to fit into the tube from its rear end, and finally a resin melt is introduced into the cavity formed by the cavity face of the split mold and the end face of the core.When the resin melt is injected into the cavity, a tube holding piece pushes the tube against the core to prevent the tube from being drawn out of the cavity.Midway during the advance of the core into the tube, the tube is held by the tube holding piece and the further advance of the tube is made together with the core. Thus, the forward end section of the tube is bent inward to a prescribed width.

Abstract: A molding system including a mold and a molding machine has been adapted to monitor the position of first and second mold surfaces that move relative to each other to form a mold cavity. The system includes a source of gas under pressure and an orifice on a first molding system surface to direct a flow of pressurized gas from the first molding system surface. A monitoring system monitors the condition of the gas remote from the first molding system surface to indicate the spacing between the first molding system surface and an adjacent second molding system surface as the first and second molding system surfaces move with respect to each other.

Abstract: Detergent bars (soap or non-soap) are stamped or imprinted using a die or dies having a modulus of elasticity in the range 5.times.10.sup.5 to 1.times.10.sup.7 Nm.sup.-2. This gives reduced adhesion of detergent to die, reduced die-blocking and consequently reduced marring of bars. Preferably each such die has a facing layer of elastomer so as to achieve the desired low modulus of elasticity which preferably is distinctly less than that of the detergent.

Abstract: Detergent bars (soap or non-soap) are stamped or imprinted using a die or dies having a modulus of elasticity in the range 5.times.10.sup.5 to 1.times.10.sup.7 Nm.sup.-2. This gives reduced adhesion of detergent to die, reduced die-blocking and consequently reduced marring of bars. Preferably each such die has a facing layer of elastomer so as to achieve the desired low modulus of elasticity which preferably is distinctly less than that of the detergent.

Abstract: A corrugator for molding externally ribbed and corrugated thermoplastic pipes, including two trains of moldblock halves circulating respectively in two endless paths and cooperating with each other to form a travelling mold for the thermoplastic pipes. The halves of one train are biased in relation to and overlap those of the second train along the travelling mold and are provided with intermeshing elements hooking the halves of the two trains together.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of pipes with cross-profiled walls from a pipe strand of thermoplastic plastic emerging in still plastic state from an extrusion nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a synthetic resin skin uses a mold for forming at least two separate skin sections which are then joined prior or after a final heat treatment. The synthetic resin skin sections are produced in at least two separate mold members, and the skin sections are then caused to contact each other along determined faces or margins which are joined under light pressure. Any so-called selvage is easily removed after the joining which intimately bonds the skin sections to each other due to the curing of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing novel three dimensional shaped frozen confection products on a stick. A molded slug of frozen confection having a generic shape is converted into a three dimensional frozen confection having any desired shape including shapes having variable cross-sections and undercut portions. The desired final shape is formed by the application of pressure to the slug, without significant melting of the slug, using a split mold which defines the final three dimensional shape by controlling the temperature of the slug and the relative size and shape of the slug and mold cavity.

Abstract: A machine and method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent continence pad. The machine has a series of stations including a shell-forming station for forming a shell from thermoplastic material, a slitting station for forming slits in a facing material to be sealed to a shell in order to permit the facing material to adapt to the shape of the shell and a sealing station where the facing material and the shell are heat sealed together. The shell-forming station, slitting station and sealing station have special components to assure accurate molding of the shell and prevent wrinkles in the facing material. The manufacturing method embodies a series of processing steps as carried out at the aforesaid stations.

Abstract: A number of distributed springs, fabricated from memory metal alloy, are connected to a die in a molding assembly. When heat is applied to the springs, they expand with sufficient force to mold a resin-impregnated composite material over a contoured mold form. The heat may be simultaneously applied to the composite material for achieving curing while molding occurs. Upon removal of the heat, the springs contract thereby allowing removal of a finished molded product.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing of an oleaginous product in an extruder under pressure and heat and then introducing the product, while under such pressure and heat, into a forming unit for particulating the product into a predetermined substantially uniform size and shape. The operation is continuous with the forming unit comprising an attachment mounted at the extruder product outlet to receive directly therefrom the processed product.