Abstract: Apparatus for producing articles of polyurethane or the like material including a mold of the article shape and apparatus for centrifugally discharging the polyurethane material used into the mold such that polyurethane molecules will strike the wall of the mold and break so that the article produced has a smooth, non-porous outer skin and the interior of the article has a foamed interior.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, control and instrument panels and the like includes a charge box or powder box for supplying dry thermoplastic material to separate casting surfaces on a heated mold selectively connected to the charge box during a casting process. A selectively pressurizable inflatable seal gasket is connected to the charge box for sealing a division surface on the heated mold which surface separates the casting surfaces of the mold. The inflatable seal gasket includes a base portion fixed to the charge box; an inflatable core with expandable walls to bridge the distance between the charge box and the division surface and a seal bead that sealingly engages the division surface when the seal gasket is inflated to keep the division surface clean for a subsequent application of material to form a connector bond between previously cast two tone colored segments.

Abstract: A rotational molding process for slush casting mold with plastisol includes providing a conveyor having a plurality of spaced reversing arm assemblies, each arm assembly having opposite ends carrying molds thereon; providing first and second conveyor paths for the molds on the opposite ends of each arm assembly and locating one of the first and second conveyor paths inside the outer perimeter of the other of the first and second conveyor paths; preheating a mold on one of the arm assemblies on the first conveyor path and filling the preheated mold with an excessive charge of plastisol to form a gel layer thereon while on the first conveyor path and thereafter dumping plastisol from the preheated mold for return to a supply source of plastisol; and simultaneously curing a gel layer on another of the arm assemblies by directing the mold through the second conveyor path as the preheated mold on the other end of the arm assembly is being filled and dumped whereby the movement of an arm assembly produces simultane

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multi-colored integral vinyl skin shell including a heated mold and dual powder box arrangement wherein the mold is formed to include alternately positioned tear surfaces and recessed surfaces. The powder box has a plurality of spaced dams or dividers formed therein such that the dams cooperate with the respective recessed surfaces of the mold to provide clearance therewith that permit different colored powders in the compartments between the dams to cover the previously cleared tear surfaces and to flow past the selectively formed free ends of the dams to become integrally secured to the adjacent edge portions of the shell segments remaining in the areas of the recessed surfaces of the mold, forming the multi-colored, integral plastic shell.

Abstract: A access-hole frame for the construction of a spherical tank made of nonmetal moldable material, the frame having a cylindrical neck, an outwardly extending flange at the top side of the neck, and a collar configured as a segmented sphere to be integrated with the spherical wall of the tank. Bolt holes are drilled around the flange for bolts that hold an access-hole cover to the access-hole frame. A three-piece die provided for making the access-hole frame includes a bottom die piece and two top pieces that are bolted together to form an integral top die piece that fits over the bottom die piece. The access-hole frame is formed in accordance with a manufacturing process by placing the three-piece die in stages upon a rotatable table and spraying the nonmetal moldable material onto the rotating bottom and top die pieces.

Abstract: On the sizing unit of a blow molding machine, one or more blow mandrels are mounted in blow mandrel holders and are centered in sizing plate openings. To obtain faster and more accurate centering, the blow mandrel holder has independently adjustable sleeve and flange parts. The sleeve adjusts axial location while the flange fixes radial location. Conical mandrel tips and sizing plate openings facilitate rapid alignment as the blow mandrels are lowered.

Abstract: A method for producing articles of polyurethane or the like wherein a mold of the article shape is positioned to centrifugally receive a polyurethane composition comprising polyisocyanates, polyol, water and fluorocarbons such that the polyurethane molecules striking the wall of the mold are broken to provide a resulting smooth non-porous outer skin for the article and wherein additional polyurethane materials provide a foamed interior for the article. The water serves as a reactive polyol and reacts with the polyisocyanate to create carbon dioxide gas which yields increased expansion pressure which causes the foaming polymer to produce a uniform skin around a cellular inner core.

Abstract: A system is provided for molding a slurry containing particles in a solution of solvent and binder, which enables the close control of the production of a tape with particles of a high density. A rotor forms a chamber with a cylindrical molding surface, and a conduit carries the slurry from the outside to the surface while the molding surface rotates to use centrifugal force to force particles against the molding surface. The chamber is substantially closed to avoid the uncontrolled loss of solvent, and a means is provided for venting the chamber to remove solvent therefrom after the slurry has been molded into a tape. A container lies within the chamber and holds solvent prior to casting the slurry, to create a solvent-containing environment within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing a layer of plastics material between two glass panes and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the plastics material is filled in liquid form between the two glass panes which are in an inclined or vertical position and maintained parallel and sealed at their outer edges, are characterized in that the two glass panes are pressed against each other at their outer surfaces by one or a plurality of rotatable devices to achieve pressure guided in parallel and extending preferably over the total width of the glass panes, which pressure devices are movable along the total length of the glass panes, and that the pressure devices are moved at the curing rate of the plastics material from one end of the glass panes to the other end of the glass panes relative thereto.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon wafer having the step of flowing in a predetermined atmosphere molten liquid of silicon base material on a rotating fabrication tray toward a radial direction by means of a centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the tray, thereby forming a thin molten material layer of desired diameter with the molten liquid and solidifying the molten material, comprising a cover, at which a through hole is perforated at the ceiling wall thereof, detachably covered on the tray, a wafer-molding space formed to be surrounded by the cover and the tray, the molten material being filled in the wafer-molding space via the through hole to form a thin molten material layer. Thus, the wafers can be simultaneously formed without production of small projections of the surface of the wafers.

Abstract: A three piece die is provided for making an access-hole frame and includes a bottom die piece and two top pieces that are bolted together to form an integral top die piece that fits over the bottom die piece. The access-hole frame is formed using the three-piece die by placing the three-piece die in stages upon rotatable table and spraying the nonmetal moldable material onto the rotating bottom and top die pieces. The access-hole frame so produced may be used for the construction of a spherical tank made of nonmetal moldable material.

Abstract: Shaped pieces of insulation having non-uniform thickness but substantially uniform density are formed by simultaneously compacting and consolidating at least first and second portions of a particulate insulation material in an independent manner so as to form a shaped piece of insulation in which the first and second portions have different thicknesses in the direction of compaction. The degree of compaction of the first portion is the same as the degree of compaction of the second portion so that the shaped piece of insulation has substantially uniform density.

Abstract: A device affixed to a centrifugal force casting machine that developes a vacuum as it travels through the air on the spinning arm of the casting machine. The developed vacuum is used to evacuate unwanted gasses from a casting mold.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for casting concrete elements from a concrete mix by slipforming molding which involves extruding the concrete mix onto a bed, generating pressure into the concrete mix by a first set of extruder members and by compacting the concrete by moving at least one of the movable mold walls in a direction approximately parallel to its plane. The concrete mix is tamped into a more compacted form by protrusions formed onto at least one of the movable mold walls and projecting into the mix. The method and the apparatus achieves a high degree of compaction in the concrete mix by an uncomplicated method and apparatus without generating a loud noise.

Abstract: An automatic control for an extruder has a temperature sensor which monitors the exit temperature of the extrudate and several pressure transducers which monitor the pressure within the extruder to control the cooking of the mash inside the extruder to ensure production of high quality extrudate. The controller monitors and controls the temperature and moisture content of the mash in the extruder by controlling the input of various ingredients and also the cooling or heating of the mash near the exit of the extruder through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus in which moulds may be prepared by centrifugal casting comprises a moulding case comprising two plates and spacing means such as two spacing rings therebetween, each of the plates having an opening on or near a central axis of the case for supply of a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) rubber or molten casting material in the case, means for clamping the two plates together such as a clamping nut threaded on a pillar; and means for spinning the moulding case about a central axis such as a motor-drivable turntable. The moulding case is spun about the said central axis and simultaneously RTV rubber supplied into the moulding case to prepare a mould. A cast may be taken in the resulting mould spinning the mould whilst supplying molten casting material into the mould. Spinning is continued until the casting material has solidified.

Abstract: A potter's table including a rotating pneumatic clay extruder coupled to the potter's wheel. Clay is fed from a vented storage cylinder in centered relation to the wheel past an interchangeable template via a hand valve controlled pneumatic piston and rotatable ram head coaxially mounted within the storage cylinder. An electric foot-operated, proportional speed belt drive, belt tensioning assembly and upper and lower bearing assemblies support the cylinder and potter's wheel in rotative relation to the table and pneumatic piston.

Abstract: An improved mold apparatus and spin casting method adapted for use in the molding of precisely configured articles, e.g., a contact lens, from a liquid polymerizable reaction mixture containing at least one volatile component is disclosed. Loss of this volatile component from the reaction mixture is prevented by providing a separate reservoir filled with a liquid volatile substance which volatilizes and fills the space above the liquid polymerization mixture.

Abstract: A method of making a spin cast contact device having a circular aperture in the center. The central aperture has a thin tapered inner edge. A spin cast concave mold having a raised central area provides the aperture with thin tapered edges. The device is a non-optical plano in the center and provides color enhancement to the eye.

Abstract: Means for accurately controlling the transfer of heat to or from a device includes a heat pipe having a condenser end and an evaporator end. A helical screw thread is provided on the exterior surface of the heat pipe so that a portion of the heat pipe may be removably insertable via the threading into a threaded aperture in a desired section of the device. Alternatively, a connecting member, in which a portion of the heat pipe is fixed, may be selectively secured to the desired section of the device. At least one heat sink fin which is selectively securable on the heat pipe via the threading may also be provided.

Abstract: A spin casting machine having a gyro rotor which stabilizes the spindle in the vertical position. The weight of the heavy rotating wheel provides the inertial resistance to speed changes to provide smooth continuous rotation at the selected speed. Lenses spun cast on such a gyroscopically stabilized rotor shaft will be of high optical quality and reproducible.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing pin-stripe or common color thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, controls and instrument panels from dry thermo-plastic powders include a powder box divider to form two or more compartments in a powder charge box and means for joining the charge box divider end-to-end with a mold separation edge on an open-ended heated mold for separating the mold into two or more sections; each compartment of the charge box has a different color powder. The charge box and mold are joined and then are rotated so that the powder is distributed into each mold section by gravity flow. Thereafter a third powder is distributed against an exposed division surface on the mold separation edge so as to form a pin stripe or common color for bonding prior cast multi-colored sections of a resultant shell of cured material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful in a cast lining process. In the cast lining process, a mandrel is positioned inside a vessel to be lined, so as to form a casting space, and a castable is delivered into the casting space to produce the cast lining. The novel apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatable and horizontally movable belt conveyor arranged above the casting space. The preferred apparatus also includes a contractable and expandable mandrel. Also provided by the present invention is an improved cast lining process.

Abstract: A mold made of steel and intended for manufacturing tubular objects by a centrifugal casting concrete method is formed of two semicylindrical shells having longitudinal flanges to which locking wedges are welded. The locking wedges provided on the two opposing flanges have oblique surfaces cooperating with each other. The oblique surfaces of the locking wedges extend over a plane of separation between two flanges when the mold is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously propelling and forming images in a means for receiving with a flowable material consisting of a support structure, a lever, a piston, a means of pivoting the lever about the piston, a storage area for flowable material, a receiving member for receiving flowable material, a means for guiding the receiving member and a means of transferring the flowable material from the storage area to the receiving member. The toy device is used primarily by children to form various images in or on strips of flowable material like Play-Doh.RTM.. A plurality of receiving members are operatable with the toy device and include thin square and rectangular members, rotary disc members, and circular members for both a strip embossing and an animating device. The toy device is capable of multiple modifications for use with the various receiving members.

Abstract: A machine which makes building blocks from earth efficiently and rapidly has a pair of block forming molds at each end of the machine for simultaneously forming blocks at each end by means of a pair of rams. The hydraulic cylinder which actuates the two rams is located away from the axis between the two rams. The use of two molds eliminates wasted motion of the machine as a block is formed at one end of the machine as the ram is being retracted from the other end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding molds to a device for centrifugally casting a plurality of axially symmetrical or asymmetrical articles such as lenses, disc valves, and the like on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing moldings (48) from concrete et cetera, particularly concrete paving stones, the top side of which exhibits partial surfaces of different vertical level, comprises a molding table (46), a molding frame (30, 31) and a stamp fitting in the latter. For better consolidation and in order to facilitate clean removal from the mold, it is provided that the stamp consists of two separate partial stamps (33, 42) guided in each other, the end cross-sectional surfaces of which are dimensioned so that the one (33) molds the lower-lying and the other (42) the higher-lying top partial surfaces of the molding (48) and that the stroke distance of the partial stamp (42) for the higher-lying partial surfaces is limited in an upper consolidation position, in which both partial stamps conjointly reproduce the top side of the molding, and in a lower mold-removal position, by stops.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming fine, relatively dry particles into shaped refractory, ceramic and porcelain preforms or similar compacted articles by confining the loose particles in a shaped enclosure having at least one movable, preloaded side to maintain the particles in a loose but contiguous mass, accelerating the mass particles and at least a portion of the mold in such a manner as to induce a positive or negative acceleration of the mass of a magnitude at least 25 to 50 G's, depending upon the particle composition, and preferably in the range of 500 G's to 5000 G's, or greater, again depending on the particle composition in order that each particle undergoes a force generating impact with adjacent particles to homogeneously compact and fuse the adjacent particles one to the other in a nonbridging manner.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polycrystalline silicon wafer, which method advantageously has the steps of radially outwardly flowing molten liquid of silicon base material on the wafer forming surface of a turntable mechanism by means of centrifugal force, thereby forming a thin molten liquid layer in a prescribed atmosphere, and cooling and solidifying the same. An apparatus for fabricating the wafer is used to carry out the method with a recover tray arranged at the wafer forming surface for receiving the excessive silicon liquid scattered, and a wafer tray placed on the recovery tray, and the wafer forming surface is cooled with coolant flowing in the wafer forming mechanism. Thus, large crystalline grains can be grown on the wafer in free states with the atmosphere from the inner surfaces of the casting mold as the conventional method.

Abstract: The method for producing articles from thermosetting resins, more particularly articles having a complex, variable shape such as spectacle frames, comprising bottom casting liquid thermosetting resin into a mold and causing the resin to set in a field of centrifugal force.

Abstract: A front loading spin caster for spin casting a mold includes a vertically stationary top plate, a vertical movable bottom plate, a housing in which the top and bottom plates are disposed, a loading door disposed on one of the sides of the housing and adapted to allow the mold to be moved therethrough in a generally horizontal direction and placed on the bottom plate. The bottom plate can then be moved vertically upward to cause the mold to contact the top plate and a rotational force applied to the top plate propagates from the top plate through the mold to the bottom plate, the top plate, bottom plate and mold thus rotating together.

Abstract: A concrete mold press for a concrete molding machine includes a reciprocating tamper operatively movable to an operative position in pressing contact with the concrete in a mold. The tamper includes a tamping plate mounted to vertically oscillate in response to the press head vibrations to repeatedly strike the press head to provide a tamping force which compacts the concrete in the mold.

Abstract: There is disclosed the distribution of an amorphous refractory in a case where a lining frame is positioned within a molten metal vessel preliminarily lined with a permanent lining refractory and the amorphous refractory is cast into the space between the permanent lining refractory and the lining frame thereby applying a lining to the inner surface of the vessel.A conical distributor is arranged above the lining frame and the amorphous refractory is continuously delivered from a rotary chute onto the distributor so as to describe a concentric path of moving falling points.

Abstract: To make quartz glass crucibles suitable for drawing of single crystal silicon for electronic semiconductor applications, granular crystalline quartz or amorphous quartz glass is introduced into a rotating hollow mold which has gas-pervious wall regions at the side walls and bottom thereof, for example by having bores extending through a metal mold or being made of porous, sintered material. After introducing the raw material, a heat source, such as an electric arc, is introduced into the hollow mold, causing first sintering and then melting of an inner layer; upon introduction of the hollow mold, a vacuum is applied to the outside of the hollow mold, for example between the housing and the mold body, and, during continued rotation, to draw out any included gases and cause melting-together of vacuoles which, otherwise, might form due to included spaces and gases within the granular filling material.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a film of uniformly oriented molecules from a solution or suspension of the molecules including means to house the molecules in a swinging bucket centrifugation apparatus. The housing means has a gravitational isopotential surface with a radius of curvature equal to the distance between the surface and the spin axis of the centrifugation apparatus. The isopotential surface is normal to the direction of the gravitational forces during spinning. Means for evaporating solvent during centrifugation is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a record carrier is disclosed in which a liquid moulding resin is deposited in a cavity formed in the surface of a mould which also has at least one data track. Thereafter a flexible substrate, having a central projection, is deformed into a convex shape and is pressed against the moulding resin. As the projection on the substrate enters the mating cavity in the mold, the resin is squeezed out of the cavity and rolled out across the mould surface by the substrate which is flattened into a planar form during the pressing step. The moulding resin is then cured and the assembly of the substrate with attached, cured resin layer is removed from the mould.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus comprises a mold mounted for rotation about the vertical axis thereof and having a bottom provided with a through axial opening. A member having a helicoidally shaped surface is axially mounted within the opening in the bottom. The member has a lower portion to be immersed into a melt and extending out of the opening and downwardly of said bottom of the mold. The mold and the member are connected with a rotation drive and a vertical motion drive.

Abstract: A mandrel for forming a bell shape and an annular groove in the bell in one end of a plastic pipe which comprises a shaped profile and a plurality of identically formed segments which are movable relative to the profile. The segments are radially urged in identical radial paths from an initial position which is inwardly of the bell shaped profile to an expanded position wherein the segments cooperate and interact to form an expanded ring of diameter greater than the pipe bell, thereby to impress a circular groove therein. An actuating shaft rotatively reciprocates a pair of actuating plates to radially reciprocate the plurality of segments simultaneously between their initial positions and expanded positions. The segments each include link pairs in pivoted engagement with the actuating plates and keys which respectively ride within guide slots to radially guide the segments between their initial positions and expanded positions upon rotative reciprocation of the actuating plates.

Abstract: A die for compacting powder by dynamic compaction. The die is intended for compaction pressures substantially above 1 GPa. The die is made of a mixture of a plastic material and a metal powder. The die has the same density before compaction as the powder to be compacted. Furthermore, the die undergoes the same increase in density during compaction as the powder being compacted. The die is cheap relative to a steel die and can, thus, be made for single use. The range of geometries possible to compact is greatly extended.

Abstract: A centrifugal molding apparatus for manufacturing composite material pipes comprising a rotary mold and operating arm means extensible into and retractable from the rotary mold; the operating arm means having, in sequence from the front end thereof, a press roll portion for uniformalizing the interior of a pipe being molded, a first resin-liquid supply portion, a second resin-liquid supply portion, a chopped-strand supply portion, a third resin-liquid supply portion, a sand smoothing portion for smoothing sand supplied on to resin liquids, a sand supply portion, and a roving supply portion.According to the invention, the operating arm means have various functions, and by causing them to extend into and retract from the rotary mold one or more times it is possible to mold various kinds of composite material pipes efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugal casting of thermosetting plastic and the like in a vacuum chamber including a vacuum chamber for enclosing a rotating spinner journaled in a stationary base, a dividing hub removably engaging the spinner, a reservoir for holding the casting material within the dividing hub, the dividing hub additionally adapted to equally distribute the casting material to a plurality of nozzles extending outwardly from the dividing hub, a plurality of casting molds removably engaging the nozzles, a sleeve within a mouth of the casting mold forming a seal between the casting mold and the nozzle while reducing mold wear, a removable clamp for retaining the plurality of casting molds to the dividing hub during the spinning cycle, the plurality of casting molds additionally adapted for removal from the apparatus for transfer to a remote curing station.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus for dentistry comprises a rotating member or platform for the mold having a mold disposed on one side thereof, a rotating member for the crucible movably positioned at the center of revolution of the said rotating member for the mold and provided with a crucible and a melting means, and a driving mechanism therefor, whereby metal for dentistry uses charged into the crucible is heated to be molten, while the mold is caused to rotate about the periphery of the crucible by means of the rotating member for the mold, and, after melting of the metal for dentistry uses is completed, the rotating member for the crucible is brought into engagement with the rotating member for the mold for rotation therewith where the metal in the molten state is cast from the crucible into the mold through impact force produced upon transmission of rotation as well as centrifugal force after initiation of rotation.

Abstract: Annular magnets, primarily for motor stators, are centrifugally cast from particulate materials and synthetic plastic materials. Iron particles and ferrite particles stratified during the spin casting procedures so that the former provide an outer stratum that serves as a yoke in the permanently magnetized structure. The anisotropic ferrite particles are magnetically oriented during casting by a rotating center magnet with the aid of bucking magnets that also rotate and serve to confine the field of the center magnet to the cavity area. Apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed and includes means for introducing the plastic and particulate materials to the mold cavity while the mold is rotating as well as mold arrangements that facilitate material introduction by the creation of reduced pressure conditions in the cavity during the rotation of the mold.

Abstract: Films having uniformly oriented molecules or molecular structures are formed by centrifuging a suspension or solution of molecules or molecular structures onto a gravitational isopotential surface in the bucket of a swinging bucket rotor or in a rotor tube of a fixed angle rotor while evaporating the suspending or solvating liquid.

Abstract: A glide-casting machine for the manufacturing of hollow concrete elements. The machine is movable in relation to a casting base and comprises means for feeding concrete mix onto a number of screw feeders with vibrator sleeves constituting extension of each screw feeder. In addition, the machine comprises external vibrating means. In connection with each screw feeder there are provided on one hand, two guide plates parallel to the axis of the screw feeder, which guide plates follow the shape of the screw feeders in the bottom portion of the screw feeders. Between the guide plates there is an elongated space parallel to the axis of the screw feeder so as to allow concrete mix to fall straight onto the base on a substantial portion of the length of the screw feeder. On the other hand there are provided flow plates which follow the shape of the outermost screw feeders from above and from the sides.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting machine has an interchangeable casting head to permit the head to be rapdily and easily changed from one mold size to another. The head is removably affixed to the upper end of the motor driven shaft of the machine as by bolting to a flange on the shaft.

Abstract: Method for making a doll's head, for use in conjunction with a suitable torso, which will excrete a fluid through the brow portion of the head for simulating perspiration, and a method for making the same. The doll head includes an exterior surface formed and contoured with human characteristics and including an interior cavity or reservoir for storing fluid. The head is formed of flexible plastic having a slit at the mouth providing a valve for filling the interior reservoir and a plurality of small measured holes or pores in the brow or forehead which permit the fluid to flow outwardly therethrough. The method includes the steps of heating a mold containing heat curable plastic and slush molding the plastic to attain the interior shape of the mold.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting machine includes a rotatable shaft having a mounting plate for receiving a pair of molds containing the casting cavities. A passage in the shaft has one end connected to a source of vacuum and the other end opening in the plate. A conduit is provided from the casting cavities to the exterior of the molds. Connection means are provided for applying the vacuum in the passage to the cavity through the conduit. The vacuum so applied improves both the operation of the casting machine and the quality of the castings.

Abstract: A mechanism for the production of large molded carbon bodies such as electrodes for the aluminum industry including a mold box for a carbon body with a resilient support and an osciallating drive for the box with the support mounted on a frame movable by hydraulic means between a first charging position and a second compacting and jarring position with an overhead charging container above the box at the first position and a vertically movable compressing shoe at the second position with the fore and aft sides of the box removable to move the completed carbon body out of the box.