Abstract: A tablet making machine consisting of a turret, which rotates relative to its axis, containing a coaxial cylindrical chamber closed at the inside end and supplied with material in a powder or granular form, an annular plate locked to the turret in which there are cavities whose axes are parallel to the turret axis, equidistant from the turret axis and angularly equidistant, opposing heads of a pair of corresponding punches occupying each cavity; the punches being axially guided by housings made in the turret and movable upwardly and downwardly to determine the mutual distance between the working heads, the cavities being infed with material through corresponding infeed channels, connecting the cavities with the chamber, in an equal number of radial directions with respect to the axis of the turret.

Abstract: An endless conveyor transporting a plurality of juxtaposed shaping plates containing apertures therethrough is positioned such that a lower horizontal run of the shaping plates is positioned above and in alignment with a portion of an upper horizontal run of a belt conveyor and such that a lower surface of the plates abut the upper run of the belt conveyor for forming, by reason of the plate apertures and belt conveyor surface, article shaping cells. Means are provided for filling the cells with material to be formed into individual articles. The plates containing material in the cells are transported to a movable ejector unit having pistons which correspond in number, arrangement and shape with the number, arrangement and shape of the apertures of the plates.

Abstract: A device for forming an orthodontic retainer by rotational molding. The device facilitates the production of orthodontic bite retainer appliances by providing uniform mixing of the retainer liquid/powder precursors during the period of initial setting-up to assure a smooth, uniform product. Also described is a modification for providing more than one retainer at a time, as well as a modification to provide formation of the retainer under evacuated exhaust.

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: An insulated molded plastic structural unit includes spaced face portions, an intermediate portion and interlocking portions. The face portions each include an integrally formed stressed hard outer skin section and the intermediate portion includes an insulating core section. The interlocking portions include mateable sections along at least two edges of each unit, each mateable section including at least five alternating raised and recessed areas forming an asymmetrical pattern along the length thereof. The pattern is the same or a reverse thereof along each mateable section of the same unit and of adjacent units to which it will be joined. Particular mateable sections either extend beyond the face portions or are recessed below the face portions a substantially equal distance. Continuous molding apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a molding portion and a control portion.

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: For automotive interior trim molding assemblies having a vinyl skin shell, a reinforcement insert, and an intermediate reaction type polyurethane foam composition, a vinyl skin shell which has a gasket-type peripheral edge formed thereon for abutting cooperation with the reinforcement insert to prevent leakage of the foam therepast during the foam reaction period in a reaction mold. The gasket-type peripheral edge is formed on the otherwise thin shell by a tear edge, against which plastisol builds up in a substantially triangular cross section during the shell molding period in a heated slush mold.

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 mould for the casting of thin, cross-linked, polymerized resin films is subjected, when being filled with the liquid to be polymerized, to a centrifugal force field exceeding that of the earth gravitation field, the whole being for equalizing the intimate structure of the polymer and to expel therefrom the bubbles of gas possibly present therein. After curing the gel, a mixture of compounds to be separated by the application of an electric field is introduced into the gel and the latter is subjected to electrophoresis within the mould itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a mold having walls porous to gases by exposing external surfaces of the mold to a vacuum while filling the mold through an opening exposed to a higher pressure. The mold may be rotated at speeds sufficient for centrifugal forces to be produced to assist in filling cavities in the mold.

Abstract: A casting frame structure of a centrifugal casting machine which comprises a hollow rotary drum in a concrete-slurry charging space is formed, a rear-end plate replaceably attached to the rear end of the rotary drum, a front-end plate replaceably attached to the front end of the rotary drum and having a feeder opening through which a concrete feeder is inserted into the concrete-slurry charging space of the rotary drum, a plurality of outer frames and/or a plurality of cores mounted on the inner surface of the rotary drum defining a plurality of concrete-slurry casting spaces therebetween each of which is open to the concrete-slurry charging space.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for manufacturing thin walled hollow plastic shells for parts such as automobile door panels, controls and instrument panels from dry thermoplastic powders includes a plurality of powder boxes and an open-ended heated mold. Each charge box is carried by an indexable carousel which has a drive motor controlled by a programmable controller to position the carousel to off-load a given color to a powder casting mold carrier which is associated with means for sequentially and continuously (1) preheating a mold; (2) dumping powder from an off-loaded color box into a heated mold; (3) curing the cast powder in the mold; (4) cooling the mold; and (5) stripping the part from the mold.

Abstract: A casting frame structure of a centrifugal casting machine. Comprising (a) a hollow rotary drum defining a concrete-slurry charging space therein and being integrally provided with a bottom plate on the rear end thereof, the rotary drum replaceably connected with a rotary plate driven by replaceably mounting the back plate to the rotary plate, the rotary drum having a feeder opening at the front end thereof through which a concrete slurry is supplied into the concrete-slurry charging space of the rotary drum, (b) a plurality of casting frames replaceably mounted on and along an inner wall of the rotary drum, (c) a plurality of casting frame positioning-and-fixing members arranged between the inner surface of said back plate of the rotary drum and axially outer surfaces of the casting frames for replaceably positioning and fixing the casting frames in place on the inner surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: A mold for use in a rotary molder in molding the base or egg white portion of a molded product simulating a section of hard boiled egg includes a curved plate adapted for attachment to the rotary molder, the curved plate containing at least one depression on one side to receive the dough or other moldable composition. Each depression in the plate contains a raised portion having a planar surface of circular parameter adapted to form an impression in dough which is received in the depressions of the curved plate. Each raised planar surface within the depression in the plates includes raised ridges adapted to form corresponding grooves in the dough which is received in the depressions which facilitate the baking in situ of a filling or second layer injected into the depression formed in the molded dough pieces.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a spindle arm for use in batch-type rotational plastic molding machines. The invention herein includes two cylindrical arms, one end of each arm attached to a gear housing and extending therefrom in a common axis. The gear housing contains gears for providing connection between and transmission of rotation from, a driving shaft, extending from the gear housing, to a driven shaft, extending through the gear housing in an axis perpendicular to the driving shaft. The end of the driving shaft extending from the gear housing is attached to a drive sprocket, the sprocket providing for releasable connection to a drive motor of the molding machine. The driving shaft is contained within one of the cylindrical arms and is rotatably supported therein. The other cylindrical arm is attached, on the end extending from the gear housing, to a second drive sprocket for providing releasable connection to a further drive motor of the molding machine.

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 and apparatus for solidifying a powdered cosmetic composition in a vertically held elongated hollow container to form a stick-shaped powdered cosmetic. A dispersion of the powdered cosmetic composition in a liquid phase is filled in the container. Pneumatic pressure is applied to the upper surface of the dispersion, and at the same time, the liquid phase contained in the dispersion is removed from below a screen placed at the lower end of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multiple color thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, consoles and instrument panels from dry thermoplastic plastisol includes a supply box with a divider to form two or more compartments in the box. The box divider cooperates with selectively positioned split mold parts defining a separation in an open-ended heated mold for separating the mold into two or more sections. Complementary open ends of the charge box and mold are joined. Then the apparatus is rotated so that the powder is distributed into each mold section by gravity flow with the powder from each section flowing to the divider which separates the colors so as to form two or more tones on a resultant shell of cured material; thereafter the powder box is removed and the split mold parts are joined to clamp cast shell segments for fusion at a joint line.

Abstract: Rotational molding apparatus and methods for rotationally molding castable material such as polymers and other materials. In one form, a shuttle or wheeled carriage containing a mold fixture for holding one or more molds, which fixture is both pivotable and rotatable on the carriage, is operable to move along a fixed path into and out of an oven and a cooling chamber. Two of such mold fixture containing carriages may be automatically moved between the oven and one or more cooling chambers, alternately to permit the oven and cooling chamber or chambers to be operated substantially all of the time during an operating shift.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for producing contact lenses by centrifugal casting in molds inserted as a vertical row into a rotating polymerization column.According to this method of production, objects of cylindric shape, corresponding to the casting molds by the diameter and height, are inserted between the casting molds, whereas the ratio of weight to volume of these objects is larger than 3.

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: An apparatus is provided for inserting molds containing a dosed monomeric mixture into a rotating polymerizing column by means of an alternate pushing and releasing of a column of molds falling from tubular magazines connected to said polymerizing column. Said apparatus comprises a body fabricated from a non-magnetic material which is adapted on its lower end for a firm affixation to the column and on its upper end for affixation to the magazine, and being provided with a through-opening of a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the molds, another through-hole, leading to said through-opening, which is formed perpendicularly to the axis of the said through-opening, movable jaws being movable one against the other and moved in the direction of the center by springs, and two stationary blocks placed outside said body in an opposite position while at least the outer ends of the jaws and the stationary blocks are constructed from materials which provide a mutual counterpole magnetic interaction.

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 rotational moulding machine comprising a heat-insulated enclosure mounted to rotate on a frame about a substantially horizontal axis, which enclosure comprises means for receiving and driving in rotation at least one mould about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the enclosure, wherein said enclosure further comprises, inside, radiating elements located in front of the walls of the enclosure whose radiations are reflected by reflector means towards the central part of the enclosure where the mould is located in order to heat said mould by radiation.

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: A centrifugal casting device employing a rotatable polymerization column adapted to accommodate a plurality of vertically aligned molds and a rotatable mold-dispensing magazine disposed at an angle .alpha. to the polymerization column and adapted to dispense molds one at a time into the polymerization column.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for manufacturing multiple color thin walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, controls and instrument panels from thermoplastic plastisol includes a plastisol box divider to form two or more compartments in a plastisol 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 plastisol. The charge box and mold are joined and then are rotated so that the plastisol is distributed into each mold section by gravity flow with the plastisol from each section flowing to the divider which separates the colors so as to form two or more tones on a resultant shell of cured material.

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: A centrifugal casting device and method employing a rotatable polymerization column adapted to accommodate a plurality of vertically aligned molds and being associated with an arrangement of advancing means and mold feeding means which are synchronized to intermittently and automatically advance a mold containing a polymerizable or curable composition in the mold cavity over the polymerization column and then automatically force feeding said mold into the polymerization column.

Abstract: A device and method for spin casting articles, such as lenses, employing a rotatable polymerization column in conjunction with a plurality of molds such that the column is adapted to accommodate a plurality of gravity fed molds in a loose mating engagement that insures rotation of the molds to be synchronized to the speed of rotation of the column to produce quality spun cast articles.

Abstract: A device for the centrifugal casting of articles in a rotatable polymerization column which includes retaining means disposed in the lower end of the column for communicating with a mold therein whereby the rotational speed of said mold and other vertically arranged molds above it are made substantially synchronous with the rotational speed of the column.

Abstract: A device and method for spin casting articles such as lenses employing a polymerization tube in conjunction with a plurality of molds such that the tube is adapted to accommodate the plurality of molds in an interference fitting and sliding relationship so that rotation of the polymerization tube will cause the molds to rotate at the same speed while maintaining the concentricity of the molds to the spinning axis of the tube to produce quality spun cast articles.

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: An improved gas feed means adapted to accommodate and secure the lower end of a polymerization column for synchronous rotation therewith and adapted to supply a controlled amount of a gaseous medium, such as nitrogen, into and through the rotating polymerization column so as to purge any undesirable gas within the polymerization column that could adversely affect the quality of the objects being centrifugally casted.

Abstract: A device for the production of parts of confections comprises a plurality of cup shaped centrifugal molds (18), open at the top and arranged successively on a conveyor installation (10), supplied from above with a confectionery mass and rotated intermittently around a vertical axis by a drive (36). The centrifugal molds (18) have drive cogs (20) extending in the downward direction. The drive (36) comprises a drive element (56) moving in a stationary path located laterally in relation to the drive cogs (20) and frictionally engaging the drive cogs (20) during the movement of the conveyor installation (10).

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

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 mould for producing concrete mouldings having a frame and a plurality of moulding boxes therein with the moulding boxes removably fastened directly to the bottom end faces of the frame.

Abstract: This invention is a chemical applicator apparatus normally secured to an auger conveyor to discharge a controlled amount of chemical or other substance to the material being conveyed into a storage bin to prevent insect damage. The chemical applicator apparatus includes (1) a main housing means to hold the chemical or other substance therein; (2) a main drive means secured to the main housing means; and (3) an actuator and discharge means connected to and operated by the main drive means. The actuator and discharge means includes (1) an actuator assembly to agitate and compact a portion of the chemical or other substance contained therein; (2) a sprocket and chain assembly driven by the main drive means adapted to receive and convey the compacted portion of the chemical or other substance to a discharge area for positive injection into the auger or other type conveyor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming and laying paving blocks in which interchangeable grids are provided of dissimilar configuration comprising a plurality of mould cavities each enclosing one or more fixed centers of the modules of the pattern, whatever is in the conformation of the said grids. The modular and transformable ramming assembly comprises a plurality of fixed securing points distributed to correspond to the fixed centers of the modules of the mould pattern and intended for the removable fitting of ramming plates of forms and dimensions analogous with those of the underlying cavities of the selected grid. The changing of forms and/or dimensions of the moulded paving stones or slabs is effected by replacing one grid by another differently conformed grid and by fixing new removable ramming plates corresponding to the forms and/or dimensions of the cavities of the new grid, by means of the said fixing points.

Abstract: A rotational molding system is disclosed in which a pair of large boat molds carried on separate carriages are alternately heated in a double open-ended oven having opposing cantilevered side sections for receiving concentric drive arrangements wherein the molds may be driven about two perpendicular axes in a rocking or full rotational motion.

Abstract: A nozzle for dosing, feeding and if necessary mixing substances, comprising a rotatable vessel of cup-like form having a base, a central hub portion and an outer wall spaced radially outwardly from the hub portion. The outer wall defines a pouring opening in its upper portion and has a plurality of outlet openings disposed at its lower portion. The vessel is rotatable about a central vertically disposed axis through the hub portion. A plurality of equiangularly spaced partition walls extending between the hub portion and outer wall divides the nozzle into a plurality of chambers. An outlet opening is provided in each of the chambers; and a receiving mold at each outlet rotatable with nozzle receives the molding material by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A centrifugal potting apparatus has one or more rotators for holding housings filled with hollow semi-permeable filaments. Potting agent containers with radially-directed outlets are mounted on the rotators. Tubing connects the container outlets to potting case inlets at the ends of the filament-filled housings. Centrifugal forces during rotation force the potting agent through the tubing and into the ends of the housings.

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: A nozzle for dosing, feeding and if necessary mixing liquid and/or solid components, comprising a rotatable vessel of cup-like form. The vessel has a base, a central hub portion and an outer generally cylindrical wall spaced radially outwardly from the hub portion. The cylindrical wall has a pouring opening in its upper portion and a plurality of outlet openings disposed preferably at its lower portion. The vessel is rotatable about a central vertically disposed axis through the hub portion. The vessel is divided into a plurality of chambers by vertically oriented equiangularly spaced partition walls extending between the hub and outer wall.

Abstract: Casting apparatus including a rotatable turntable, a centrally mounted supply tank with a central filler opening and a plurality of radially extending supply chambers connected to the filler opening. A number of split casting molds, one for each supply chamber, are disposed radially outwardly of the supply chambers, each mold having an independently operable lifting mechanism for opening the mold. Each supply chamber has an outlet nozzle above the full level of the chamber. The volume of each supply chamber is equal to the volume of its associated mold. The filler opening has an indicator to permit observation of the level to which the supply chambers have been filled.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of hollow confections provided with center fillings including conveyor means with centrifugal molds mounted thereon, each mold being fitted with one member of a clutch which moves over a rotary drive comprising the other member of the clutch so that the two clutch members can be brought briefly into engagement for rotating the molds, the two clutch members being displaceable in the conveying direction and being adapted to pull themselves into axial alignment when they engage.