Abstract: A mold tool (10) has a temperature management system having a first fluid based heater (18) heating a first side (12) of the tool, which exhausts to a fluid heater (34) on a second side of the tool (14) and is re-circulated back to the first side (12).

Abstract: A vent apparatus for use in a mold defining an opening that includes a vent tube portion configured to extend through the opening of the mold and a secondary tube portion configured to mate with the first end portion of the vent tube portion. For example, the secondary tube portion may be used to seal the passageway at the first end portion and may define one or more membrane regions configured to melt during a mold process to unseal the passageway.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for rotational molding. The device comprises a mold which is movably arranged, having a mold wall, surrounded by a mold cavity and a material feeding device for feeding the curable raw material into the mold cavity. The mold is movably mounted on a robot arm, associated with the mold. The movement of the mold is controlled by a control device communicating with the robot arm. The mold is provided with a device for controlling the temperature of the mold and which is integrally formed with the mold.

Abstract: A powder slush molding process and associated equipment utilize a flow restrictor disposed between a powder box and a mold surface to deposit powdered resin onto the mold surface in a controlled manner, thereby forming skins having decreased variation in thickness.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete wall system for crawlspace applications is herein disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected pre-cast concrete wall panels having a recessed area along one side to reduce concrete usage and weight, while maintaining load bearing properties. The wall panels are securely fastened to a substructure, such as footers, using anchors and to each other by opposingly aligned keyways and connecting fasteners. Each wall panel includes at least one (1) pair of leveling bolts which provides for the leveling of the wall panels and correct for any unevenness in the footer. The wall panels are fabricated using a rotating casting table which allows an operator to pour concrete at ergonomic heights and rotate the casting table and cured wall panel member to a vertical position for convenient unloading and transportation of the wall panel to a job site.

Abstract: Making candles, vases or ornamental articles, by rotating a mold in elevation and azimuth, pouring wax into the mold, allowing the wax to partially or completely harden, and repeating these steps to build up layers of wax in different inclined planes. Apparatus is described for carrying out this method, having a support rotatable in elevation and a mold holder rotatable in azimuth on the support. An alternative apparatus is described having a vessel that may be optionally temperature controlled and containing flowable material supporting a mold. Further apparatus is described having means to support a mold at variable angles of elevation and azimuth. The apparatus and materials for carrying out the method may be supplied as a kit, with the apparatus either fully assembled or supplied as separate parts to be assembled by the user.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a large-scale shell construction, wherein a form is sprayed with a setting construction material, such as concrete. The method comprises rotating the form about a rotation axis while applying said construction material. Preferably it also comprises suspending the form from above in a point through which the rotation axis runs. Furthermore, the method can comprise floating the form on a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions. For this purpose, before melting the first plastic material, a region of the molding tool surface (2) is covered with a separate energy self-sufficient mask (3). After the unmasked region of the molded tool surface (2) has been coated, the mask (3) is removed, and in a second manufacturing step the exposed subregions of the molding tool surface (2) is coated with a different plastic material, the two subregions of the plastic skin bonding with each other.

Abstract: Molding methods and molds for making a synthetic resin molded product include disposing a curable liquid resin mixture in a recess of a female mold. The curable liquid resin mixture is then simultaneously agitated and degassed by a mixer while under a partial vacuum. More specifically, at least the female mold is orbited around an orbital axis while being rotated about a rotational axis that is eccentric to the orbital axis. After being thoroughly mixed and degassed, the liquid mixture is then cured in the mold unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions. For this purpose, before melting the first plastic material, a region of the molding tool surface is covered with a separate energy-self-sufficient mask. After an unmasked region of the molding tool surface has been coated, the mask is removed, and in a second manufacturing step, the exposed subregion of the molding tool surface is coated with a different plastic material, the two subregions of the plastic skin bonding with each other.

Abstract: A molding machine apparatus and method for the production of thermoplastic skins or shells by means of what is generally known as rotational or slush molding. The tooling is heated uniformly, rapidly and efficiently by means of high velocity, hot air streams directed at the tooling which create turbulent flow on the surface of the tooling. The air stream is accelerated by means of adjustable nozzles and the air is circulated in the mold by means of a centrifugal fan.

Abstract: A process for making biodegradable articles is presented. The process comprises providing a biodegradable material. A molding assembly comprising a mold and a carrier for affixing the mold to a centrifuge is provided. The biodegradable material is inserted into the mold and the mold subjected to a centrifugal force wherein solvent is separated from the biodegradable material and the shaped article is formed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabrication of injection molded optical components. In one embodiment, a moldplate with cavities receives injected optical material within walls of the cavities. The cavities are designed with a geometric profile approximately corresponding to a optical profile of an optical element to be formed therein. When molten optical material is injected into the cavities of the moldplate, the injected optical material forms a meniscus due to surface tension between the optical material and the wall of the cavities. The meniscus thus provides a shape corresponding to the predetermined optical profile. The optical material is then rapidly cured with actinic radiation, and a desired optical element with high-precision dimensions is formed within the cavities of the moldplate. In some embodiments, the moldplate is spun such that the meniscus is adjusted to match the predetermined optical profile within a certain tolerance.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material apparatus suitable for fabricating a nanocomposite material from different materials is provided. The nanocomposite material apparatus includes an acceleration inner tube and a collection outer tube. The acceleration inner tube disposed along a rotation axis has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer peripheral surface. Pipes for accelerating different materials is distributed within the acceleration inner tube. Each pipe includes an inlet, an outlet opening at the outer peripheral surface and a spiral trench connecting the inlet and the outlet. Nano materials having electricity are emitted from the corresponding outlets by accelerating different materials within the corresponding pipes.

Abstract: A method for forming a tail fin of wind turbine includes first pouring a proper amount of molten plastic into a mold having a cavity showing a contour of the tail fin and the mold is rotated to induce a centrifugal force that makes the plastic uniformly sticking to an inside surface of the cavity to form a tail fin that shows an aerodynamic feature of a one-piece hollow shell. The tail fin, when mounted to the wind turbine, realizes efficient and stable control of rotor blades at a front end of the nacelle in alignment with windward direction so as to improve the use of wind power and make the tail fin and the rotor blades in a weight balanced condition to thereby reduce the load applied to a yaw bearing located under the nacelle and extend the service life of the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a mold for the production of molded skins 7 and molded bodies 7 from plastic, wherein the mold is configured as a double-walled hollow body comprising a shaped front wall 1 as well as a rear wall 2, in which hollow chambers are formed. With this arrangement, it is possible to save energy and also not inconsiderable amounts of material when applying a slush-or rotation method for the production of molded skins 7 and molded bodies 7 especially those for use in interior paneling and dash boards of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A molding machine apparatus and method for the production of thermoplastic skins or shells by means of what is generally known as rotational or slush molding. The tooling is heated uniformly, rapidly and efficiently by means of high velocity, hot air streams directed at the tooling which create turbulent flow on the surface of the tooling. The air stream is accelerated by means of adjustable nozzles and the air is circulated in the mold by means of a centrifugal fan.

Abstract: A rotomolding tool having a textured surface is provided. The tool comprises a shell having a body portion and an upper mold surface having a grain texture, at least the body portion comprising a nickel-iron alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion of at most 5.0×10?6 in/in/° F. at temperatures between 100° and 500° F.

Abstract: A system for a thermal manufacturing system including a heliostat and a mold. The heliostat includes at least one reflecting surface, a steering mechanism and a controller. The steering mechanism is coupled to the at least one reflecting surface and capable of directing at least a first portion of the at least one reflecting surface toward a first one of multiple, selectable focal points. The mold is located in a second one of the selectable focal points. A manufacturing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Making candles, vases or ornamental articles, by rotating a mold in elevation and azimuth, pouring wax into the mold, allowing the wax to partially or completely harden, and repeating these steps to build up layers of wax in different inclined planes. Apparatus is described for carrying out this method, having a support rotatable in elevation and a mold holder rotatable in azimuth on the support. An alternative apparatus is described having a vessel that may be optionally temperature controlled and containing flowable material supporting a mold. Further apparatus is described having means to support a mold at variable angles of elevation and azimuth. The apparatus and materials for carrying out the method may be supplied as a kit, with the apparatus either fully assembled or supplied as separate parts to be assembled by the user.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a mass-distributing device (18) for supplying a mass of foodstuff starting materials suitable for consumption, in particular a meat mass, to one or more mould cavities (44) of a moulding member (16) for moulding three-dimensional products (46) from said mass. The device (18) comprises a housing (30), which has an open side (38) which can be turned towards the moulding member, in which a flexible abutment element (40) for the housing to abut the moulding member is arranged. In the housing (30), a through-passage (34) for said mass extends from an introduction opening (32) in the housing (30) to a discharge (36), which discharge opens at the open side (38) of the housing (18).

Abstract: A powder slush molding process and associated equipment utilize a flow restrictor disposed between a powder box and a mold surface to deposit powdered resin onto the mold surface in a controlled manner, thereby forming skins having decreased variation in thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a flexible pouch, said method being characterized in that it comprises: the step of inserting (a) at least one fluid or powdery material into a hollow mould (3) having an inner wall (3A), said inner wall (3A) defining a closed moulding surface; the step of rotating (b) the mould (3) in order to spread the material substantially against the entire inner wall (3A) of the mould (3) by centrifuging. The invention can be used for flexible containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: A rotational moulding process replicates a product by conveying fusible materials of one or more compositions during a moulding procedure through an opening into a heated mould rotating in one axis inside an oven. Large products are feasible. A multi-layered product wall is constructed using for example an optionally dyed exterior and foaming granules in a middle layer. A bell-shaped product capable of conversion into a dwelling is made in this manner inside a metal mould, open at one end and slowly rotating about a horizontal axis in an oven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making plastic molded articles generally having a double-skinned configuration with a foamed interior extending between the two skins. Such an article can be produced with a double beauty finish, and various inserts can be placed within the foamed interior between the two skins. The apparatus of the present invention includes the machinery used in order to make such a plastic article. The heated mold configurations can be made of inexpensive aluminum, compared to the traditional stainless steel production mold, and therefore will help the manufacture of large molded plastic articles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded structure includes the provisioning of a first mixture which includes microparticles and a liquid-phase mixture of resin and curing agent. The first mixture is centrifuged to extract a volume of the liquid-phase resin and curing agent mixture from the first mixture, the centrifuging process resulting in the formation of a liquid-phase matrix of microparticles which are at least partially-coated with liquid-phase resin and curing agent. The liquid-phase matrix of at least partially coated microparticles is cured to form a solid-phase matrix of microparticles, thereby providing the molded structure.

Abstract: The nature of the rotational molding process is cyclic. It requires the temperature of the rotating mold and the plastic it is charged with to be elevated from room temperature to beyond its melting temperature and then cooled back to room temperature. Consequently, rotational molding cycle times are lengthy, which is often considered as the fundamental drawback of this plastic fabrication process. The motivation and objectives of this disclosure are twofold. The presently proposed invention focuses on developing an innovative extrusion-assisted rotational foam molding processing technology for the manufacture of integral-skin cellular composite moldings having adjacent, but clearly distinct, layers of non-cellular and cellular structures, consisting of identical or compatible polymeric grades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of plastic skins by pulverizing, wherein a powder is placed on a forming tool and a plastic skin is formed by sintering. A partial area of the forming tool, at least during a first pulverization step, is made inaccessible to the powder by means of a mask with a preferably inflatable sealing edge. The forming tool is provided with a separating web along one edge of the partial area whereon the mask rests during the first pulverization step with the sealing edge. The invention also relates to a corresponding sintering tool and a plastic part which comprises a plastic skin produced according to inventive method of production, on one surface thereof. The inventive method can produce two-color plastic skins, which are usually used as surface decorations, while effectively avoiding scrap.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for rotational molding of a multilayer article, e.g., an article with a sight gauge, using a mold including a primary mold portion and a secondary mold portion.

Abstract: A hopper bin assembly with a slide discharge gate comprises a hopper section, a slide gate housing, and a pallet. The hopper stores a volume of dry material and includes an outlet. The slide gate housing couples with the hopper and includes a discharge opening that aligns with the outlet of the hopper. A slidable gate that is coupled with the discharge opening controls the flow of material through the discharge opening. The pallet supports the slide gate housing and the hopper and includes openings that receive the forks of a forklift. A method of making at least a portion of the hopper bin assembly includes rotating a resin in a mold along two or more axes within a heated room or chamber. The mold is cooled and the part formed therein is separated into one or more sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit for drilling earth formations includes a bit body having at least one roller cone rotably attached to the bit body and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least one roller cone in a plurality of rows arranged circumferentially around the at least one roller cone, wherein at least one cutting element in the gage row, the heel row, or a surface of the at least one roller cone bounded by the gage and heel rows comprises thermally stable polycrystalline diamond or a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond composite. The at least one cutting element may be a TSD insert or a TSD composite insert and may be formed by brazing, sintering, or bonding by other technologies known in the art a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond table to a substrate. The interface between the diamond table and the substrate may be non-planar.

Abstract: A method of venting a rotational mold at a predetermined condition by actuating an actuating venting assembly pierces the shell of the molded article and introduces a passageway to relieve pressure during the molding cycle. The actuating venting assembly enables a tactical methodology for venting such molds.

Abstract: A rotational moulding machine includes three mould manipulator arrangements and a rotatable carrousel on which the manipulators are mounted for indexed rotation between heating, cooling and mould loading stations. Each manipulator includes a rectangular frame, stub axles on the frame which are rotatable in supports on the carousel on a first axis, mould locating element in the frame which is rotatable on a second axis normal to the first and devices for manipulating a mould in the frame on both axes. The machine includes a crane beam over the carrousel which overlies the heating and cooling station positions on the carrousel, a heating chamber, a wall enclosure, and a crane for lowering the heating chamber and wall enclosure over manipulators on the carrousel at the heating and cooling stations and for lifting them clear of the manipulators to enable them to be indexed to the next station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integral one-piece solar collector panel 10 by a rotational moulding process is disclosed. The solar collector panel 10 has a plurality of fluid ways 15 extending between opposed ends 18, 19 and transverse headers 18, 19 opening into the open ends of the fluid ways 15. The panel 10 is moulded by a rotational moulding process using mould faces with a non planar topography, eg in the form of a plurality of lines projecting outwardly proud of the remainder of the mould plate. This enables areas of the moulded body 12 to be formed that are not hollow and form a solid wall in the moulded panel and other areas of the body to be formed that are hollow and form the fluid ways 15 and headers 18, 19. After the moulding of the panel 10 has taken place the two opposed mould faces are moved towards each other to cause the contacting layers of mould material to firmly adhere to each other.

Abstract: A slush molding machine having a tool with an outer surface includes a powder assembly. The powder assembly has a powder reservoir and a first lift. The first lift includes a first frame and a cylinder. The powder reservoir is mounted on the first frame. One end of the cylinder is attached to the frame, allowing the frame to be raised and lowered. The slush molding machine also includes a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly has a coolant reservoir and a second lift. The second lift has a second frame and a second cylinder. The coolant reservoir is attached to the second frame. The second cylinder is also attached to the frame. When the second cylinder is actuated, the second frame is raised and lowered as needed.

Abstract: A multi-layer rotational-molded plastic article has an area, such as a sight line for viewing content levels, where an inside layer protrudes through the outside layer and may be bonded to it. A first flowable material such as plastic resin is introduced into a mold having an insulating member extending through an aperture or slot into the mold. The mold is rotated and heated to less than full cure. The insulating member is removed, a second, transparent flowable material is introduced into the mold, and a cover member replaces the insulating member. The mold is rotated and heated to cure both resins, and only then cooled and opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a polymeric multiform skin membrane is provided. The molding apparatus includes a rotatable heated mold envelope having an opening. Additionally the mold envelope has channel members which generally extend lateral of the opening. A feed-stock bucket is provided for holding polymeric work stock. The bucket is moved by a carriage in a direction generally parallel with the channel members of the mold envelope with a first lateral position for loading and a second position closing the opening of the mold envelope. Selectively actuatable clamps are provided for securing the bucket with the mold envelope.

Abstract: A balustrade product including an elongated molded housing formed of a synthetic material is disclosed. An insert member is embedded within the molded housing to form a plurality of holes extending longitudinally through the molded housing. The insert member includes supports having openings and pipes extended through the openings. The supports each have a circumferentially spaced plurality of tabs that are sized to extend to an outer portion of the molded housing. The pipes are positioned in parallel relation to one another and in parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the balustrade product. Each of the holes is configured to receive connecting pins for releasable connection with the support structure. The balustrade product is formed by centrifuge molding process with the insert member placed within the mold halves allowing the tabs to engage the mold halves to position and hold the insert member in place.

Abstract: A method for forming a top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus has a workpiece withdrawal mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a facing material applying mechanism which are disposed parallel to each other on an axial side of a centrifugal casting mold, a unit drive mechanism for moving the workpiece withdrawal mechanism, the cleaning mechanism, and the facing material applying mechanism in unison with each other in the direction indicated by the arrow B across the axial direction indicated by the arrow A, and a pouring mechanism disposed in an opposite axial side of the centrifugal casting mold.

Abstract: An injection molded resin gear 1, which is molded by injecting a resin material from a plurality of pinpoint gates 13 into a cavity 2 of a die, includes a rim 7 having teeth 8 on its outer periphery, a shaft supporting portion 5 into which a shaft 3 is to be fitted, a web 6 extending in radial directions to connect the rim 7 to the shaft supporting portion 5, and a plurality of resin flow velocity regulating grooves 11.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming flexible mat structure in the form of spaced, interconnected concrete panels. The mat structure can serve as an erosion control mat along the banks of waterways and within drainage ditches and channels, and can also be utilized to provide temporary or permanent walkways and roadways. A rotatable drum includes peripherally-positioned mold cavities that receive concrete mix from a trough supplied from a source of concrete mix. A grid is fed against the drum periphery and over the mold cavities before the concrete mix is introduced, and after the mix is introduced a web of fibrous material is brought into contact with the concrete-mix-containing mold cavities to overlie the concrete-containing surface of the drum. As the drum rotates the fibrous material with overlying, interconnected concrete panels is deposited on the ground to provide the a finished mat structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer rotational-molded plastic article has an area, such as a sight line for viewing content levels, where an inside layer protrudes through the outside layer and may be bonded to it. A first flowable material such as plastic resin is introduced into a mold having an insulating member extending through an aperture or slot into the mold. The mold is rotated and heated to less than full cure. The insulating member is removed, a second, transparent flowable material is introduced into the mold, and a cover member replaces the insulating member. The mold is rotated and heated to cure both resins, and only then cooled and opened.

Abstract: A rotational moulding machine comprising: an oven; at least one arm arranged, in use, to rotate a mould within and relative to said oven, said at least one arm having: a connection portion for connecting said mould to said arm; a cabling receiving section for receiving cabling connected between outside of said oven and said connection portion; a first conduit portion for the flow therein of cooling fluid from outside of said oven into said oven towards said connection portion; and a second conduit portion for the return flow therealong of said cooling fluid from inside of said oven to outside of said oven: and a pump for pumping said cooling fluid through said first and second conduit portions; wherein, in use, the pumped flow of said cooling fluid through said first and second conduit portions serves to cool said connection portion and/or said cabling receiving section.

Abstract: A rotomolded plastic wall and ladder structure (10, 50, or 58)), which may be an article such as a window well (10) or a manhole (50 or 58), includes a thermoplastic wall (12), a ladder (16) whose rungs (18) each include an elongated metallic core (20) and a thermoplastic sleeve (22). Mold apparatus (70) includes a thermoplastic rotomold (72), an elongated hollow metallic core (20) having a heating passage (74) therein, and means for flowing hot air through the heating passage (74). The method includes disposing the hollow metallic core in a mold, placing a quantity of a thermoplastic inside a mold, heating the mold, rotating the heated mold, flowing heated air through the hollow metallic core, and bonding a layer of the thermoplastic onto the hollow metallic core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inventive process for the manufacture of polymeric seamless belts, e.g. drive, fuser or toner belts for reprographics applications. The novel seamless belts can have a smooth outer surface the dimensions and quality of which are effectively determined by the inner surface of a hollow mandrel employed as a mold during manufacture. The mandrel inner surface can be highly polished to enhance the smoothness of the belt outer surface, and can be formed of a material with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the belt polymer to facilitate removal of the belt from the mandrel after curing. The molded belt can be used “as is”, be sliced into smaller belts or be employed as a substrate for deposition of additional belt layers and then, optionally, sliced. The polymer, e.g.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a low pressure mold assembly includes a pin which extends from the first mold portion to be received into a female lock member. The female lock member includes a movable lock plate having a key-hole shaped opening. An actuator selectively moves the lock plate relative to the second mold portion between an unlocked and a locked position. In another embodiment, the lock assembly includes a female lock member mounted to the first mold portion and a male lock member mounted to the second mold portion. The female lock member includes a fixed bracket having a pair of parallel plates each having a substantially hook-shaped opening. The male lock member includes a linear actuator to drive an engagement member into and out of the hook-shaped opening to provide a locked and an unlocked position. A swing actuator drives the linear actuator through an arc such that the engagement portion of the linear actuator clears the female lock member to separate the mold portions.