Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for venting trapped air and gasses in a mold. The mold and method comprise or use at least one pin formed from multiple pin sections. When assembled, the pin sections provide space on the interior of the pin through which trapped air and gasses can escape from the mold. The present invention may also be used to assist in ejecting an object from the mold. The pins can have circular or non-circular cross-sections and also may have dimple-forming projections to conform to a golf ball dimple pattern.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a mold for improving the release of a molded ophthalmic device from a mold. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first mold half and second mold half each having opposing top surfaces at least one of which has been hollowed out to define a cavity for forming said ophthalmic device and at least said first mold half further defining a boundary for a release element, said boundary is part of said cavity, said release element comprising a ramped surface, said cavity having a corresponding ramped surface, and said release element having its widest part near the top surface of said at least said first mold half that defines said release element therein. The mold of this invention has a hollowed-out portion as part of the cavity to provide a release element to the molded ophthalmic device.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for simultaneously coating and forming a body (11), comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A measured amount of a material that is crosslinkable by impingement of a suitable form of energy, especially UV light, is introduced into a two-part mould of which cavity determines the shape of a moulding to be produced. The two mould halves are held a small distance from one another so that a thin annular gap is formed between them, which gap is in communication with the mould cavity and through which gap excess material can escape. The crosslinking is triggered by impingement of the selected form of energy, the impingement being spatially restricted to the cavity by suitable masking so that material disposed outside the mould cavity is not crosslinked. In that manner mouldings are obtained that do not require subsequent mechanical processing, and the mould is reusable. The process is especially, but not, however, exclusively, suitable for the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: A microstructure is formed in a viscous glass or plastic substrate by pressing a structured surface of a forming tool corresponding to a negative of the microstructure to be produced in the viscous glass or plastic substrate. After the microstructure has been formed, the forming tool is removed from the surface. In order to help form the microstructure and remove the forming tool from the substrate the forming tool has an at least partially porous base body (1) and an operative layer (2) structured with a negative structure consisting of grooves (11) extending to the porous base body (1). The forming of the microstructure in the substrate is assisted by applying suction to the porous base body (1) so that the grooves (11) fill more easily and completely with melted glass or plastic material. The removal of the forming tool after forming the microstructure is assisted by applying an overpressure to the porous body to help release the solidified glass or plastic material from the forming tool.

Abstract: A mould for moulding plastics items formed by two half-moulds movable between a closing position and an opening position, said closing position defining a cavity (24) for forming the plastic item and said opening position allowing the removal of the moulded item, apertures (23) being arranged in the surface (25, 26) of the forming cavity (24) of one half-mould (1), said apertures (23) communicating with the source (41) of compressed air when said mould is open, in such a way to prevent the formation of a vacuum between said item and said surface from being generated and cause detachment of said item from said surface (25, 26).

Abstract: Molds made from a porous metal material allow for superior injection and compression molding of golf ball portions, such as cores, intermediate layers and covers. Use of the porous material in the sections contacting molding material, such as mold sections forming cavities, pins, or runners, allows for production of superior ball portions, with reduced formation of pin marks, knit lines, and other imperfections leading to degradation of the properties of the resulting portions. All or part of the mold can be made from the porous metal. Particular mold apparatus incorporate vacuum and/or compression devices to improve venting and release of the ball portions from the mold. Also, methods for preparing a layer for a golf ball incorporates using a mold made from a porous material and incorporating use of vacuum or pressurizing devices.

Abstract: An improved take-off device for an injection molding machine that includes an extensible sleeve for extending a suction channel during transfer of parts from the mold core assembly to the take-off device, the tube being retractable after the parts have been transferred.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing hollow articles made of plastics having internal undercuts, comprising at least one compression-molding unit (S), which is composed of an upper male mold part (1) which comprises a plug (15) and of a lower female mold part (2) which is aligned, along a vertical axis, with the male mold part (1), means for actuating the mold parts (1, 2) between a spaced position, at which a dose of plastic material sufficient to mold an article is deposited in the female mold part (2), and a mutually adjacent position, in order to produce the compression molding of an article, the male mold part (1) comprising a plug, which can slide in a sleeve (34) that constitutes an extractor (36) associated with the plug in order to remove the molded article when the mold parts are in the spaced position, the apparatus comprising a tube (30) which can slide in the sleeve (34), a stem (3) which is accommodated coaxially inside the tube (30), the tube (30) having an end portion (32) provided with angularly di

Abstract: A compression molding apparatus including a top mold base, a top mold insert removably mounted in the top mold base, a bottom mold base, and a bottom mold insert removably mounted in the bottom mold base. The top and the bottom mold bases are pressed together to compress a molding material inserted between the top and the bottom mold inserts to compression mold a desired part. The top and bottom mold inserts are removed and replaced with different top and bottom mold inserts to compression mold a different part.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing, in particular, plastic caps for closing containers, comprising molding units, each of which is composed of a male mold part and of a female mold part. The male mold part has a punch which is directly provided with compressed air which exits through ports, so as to cause the separation of the cap from the punch and facilitate the removal of the cap.

Abstract: A device and a method for transferring microstructures from a tool to a substrate which is to be structured. The device and method are intended to align the tool and the substrate in a mutually controlled manner. The device contains supports for the tool and the substrate which can be displaced in an opposing direction in relation to one another, resulting in an alteration of the distance between the tool and the substrate. A measuring system is provided which can be inserted between the supports, for measuring selected locations on at least one measuring plane. The direction of displacement of the supports is aligned vertically in relation to said measuring plane. The measuring system forms a fixed spatial relationship with the tool in a measuring position. The substrate can be aligned in relation to the tool. The method and device can be used for producing microstructured components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink which includes the steps of filling molten ink into a mold cavity defined by a first die and a second die of a mold, allowing the ink to cool down and solidify in the mold cavity, and heating at least one of the first and second dies for re-melting the surface of the ink pellet to facilitate its removal from the mold cavity.

Abstract: Method of molding flexible polymeric envelopes, the mold useful therefor, and the products that are produced by such a method. The essence of this process is the ability to injection mold the polymeric envelopes, cure or dry them on the mold core, and in spite of the small opening left by the molding process as compared to the size of the large core, eject the molded product without splitting or tearing the product in the process of demolding using gas injection to expand the molded product.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold comprising a first mold half which works in conjunction with a second mold half for forming ophthalmic devices wherein said first mold half comprises at least one changeable cassette comprising inserts for forming said ophthalmic devices. The mold is particularly well-suited for use in an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making multiple layer optical discs is applied to separate the base plate from the mold plate. The base plate is formed with a first opening, an empty zone and a data zone having a first recording layer. The apparatus includes a first adhesive ending groove, a mold plate, a sealing member and an air-blowing axle. The first adhesive-ending groove is formed on the empty zone of the base plate. The mold plate, movably pressed on the base plate, includes a main body, a second opening, a second adhesive ending groove, a second recording layer and an adhesive layer. The second opening is located on the main body at a position corresponding to the first opening of the base plate. The second adhesive-ending groove is located on the main body at a position corresponding to the first adhesive-ending groove of the base plate.

Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.

Abstract: A resin-sealing mold for encapsulating a semiconductor device includes upper and lower molds with a first cavity insert forming a cavity side face portion; a first elastic post supporting the first cavity insert; an elastic plate, built in the first cavity insert, forming a cavity bottom portion; a second cavity insert embedded at a position adjacent to the elastic plate on the side opposite to the cavity; a second elastic post supporting the second cavity insert; a retainer including the first cavity insert and the second cavity insert; and a backing plate to which the first elastic post, the second elastic post and the retainer are attached. Generation of thin burrs that tend to appear on the periphery of the package and in the vicinity of the cull section is prevented, and, consequently, a resin-sealing mold with high reliability is produced.

Abstract: A part removal tool for removing a resilient molded tubular part from a mold core first clamps the molded part on a cup removal tool at one end of the part and then inflates the part to separate the part from a mold core. The part removal tool includes a protective housing having spaced protective side plates that protect interior switches, conduits and actuators, while providing easy connections with exterior quick release fittings. The tool employs replaceable clamps and part removal cups so that the tool can be used for a variety of parts of different sizes and shapes. An extendable part ejector rod can be used to facilitate removal of a part from a mold core.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism are selective heated and cooled. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and the respective device for pulling cones or containers or similar supports containing an edible product, in particular ice-cream cones, out of the moulds. According to the invention at least one blast of air under pressure is played against the upper edge of the mould, just near the air-casing between mould and cone until it causes the lifting of the latter, after which the locking of pincers around the cone is controlled, which cone leans against the arms of said pincers and can be removed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing pellets of hot-melt ink which includes the steps of filling molten ink into a mold cavity defined by a first die and a second die of a mold, allowing the ink to cool down and solidify in the mold cavity, and heating at least one of the first and second dies for re-melting the surface of the ink pellet to facilitate its removal from the mold cavity.

Abstract: So that a method for the surface coating of an interior fitting for vehicles with a lacquer or resin layer, in which the interior fitting to be coated is inserted into a cavity of a molding tool, the inner wall of which is at a defined distance from the interior fitting in the region of the interior fitting surface to be coated and thereby forms a clearance extending over the entire surface to be coated and having a substantially constant thickness, and in which a liquid surface coating material is introduced into the clearance and is cured there, can be developed in such a way that the quality of the surface coating is improved as far as possible without additional after-working, it is proposed that the surface coating material have at least two components which are mixed with one another in a mixing and feeding assembly immediately before the filling of the clearance and are fed to the clearance, and that, after the clearance has been filled, the molding tool be separated from the mixing and feeding assembl

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly having a spring for holding the valve in a closed position and permitting opening of the valve in response to air pressure including valve stem alignment provided by a sleeve in engagement with the spring and having a cross pin supporting surface for engagement with the pin in shear to avoid bending.

Abstract: A rotary cutter separates a molten plastic pellet from a nozzle and deposits the molten plastic pellet into a mold of a mold cavity. The cutter blade includes a cutter blade and a cutter shaft rotatable about an axis of the shaft. The cutter blade is mounted to extend radially from an end of the shaft, the shaft positionable adjacent the nozzle such that the rotary path of the cutter blade closely conforms to a facing surface of the nozzle. An air conduit extends through the cutter shaft to the cutter blade. An air orifice in communication with the air conduit is oriented to direct a stream of air radially along the cutter blade to displace a molten plastic pellet from the cutter blade with a stream of pressurized air. The delivery of pressurized air is precisely timed to displace the pellet from the cutter blade and into the mold cavity.

Abstract: The object, in a device and a method for separating a shaped substrate from a stamping tool, is to make demolding more functionally reliable and to substantially prevent damage to expensive components. A closeable chamber, the mutually moveable chamber parts of which are the support for the stamping tool and for the shapeable substrate, contains a substrate holder which, when the chamber is closed, fixes. the substrate to its support outside the stamping area, with the result that the substrate is detached from the stamping tool when the chamber is opened. The device and method can be used for the production of microengineered components.

Abstract: A robot for a production machine including a rotation drive unit disposed on a support base; a first arm having a proximal end portion fixed to a rotary shaft of the rotation drive unit; a first proximal-side pulley disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft and fixed to the support base; a second proximal-side pulley fixed to a distal end portion of the first arm; an intermediate shaft rotatably supported on the distal end portion of the first arm and penetrating a center portion of the second proximal-side pulley; a first distal-side pulley provided integrally with the intermediate shaft; a first rotation transmission section for drivingly connecting the first distal-side pulley and the first proximal-side pulley; a second arm having a proximal end portion fixed to the intermediate shaft; a distal-side shaft rotatably supported on a distal end portion of the second arm; a second distal-side pulley provided integrally with the distal-side shaft; a second rotation transmission section for drivingly connecting t

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooking snack food pieces features a drum-type fryer which transports individual, die-cut piece preforms through hot oil contained within a cooking tank defined between the periphery of the drum and a housing in which the drum is contained. Vacuum transfer and feed rollers transfer the individual piece preforms from a die-cutting roller assembly onto the drum for cooking, and a similar roller transfers the cooked snack food pieces from the drum to a take-away conveyor for subsequent, downstream processing. The pieces are retained by suction against molding surfaces of frying mold elements distributed over the periphery of the frying drum.

Abstract: A pizza die includes an outer die ring and a plate ring. The outer die ring and an inner die plate are spring-biased away from the die mount plate. The outer die ring includes a plurality of axial ridges located on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the outer die ring. The inner die plate includes a step on which a flexible seal is seated. A spring-biased plate ring compresses the flexible seal on the seat. The flexible seal includes axial grooves on its outer circumference. The axial grooves engage with the corresponding axial ridges on the outer die ring. The axial grooves act as passageways to vent trapped air within the pizza die. The axial ridges provide a self-cleaning mechanism to remove pizza dough lodged in the axial grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming threaded molded parts such as closures for containers having improved means for unthreading the formed part from the mold core. The apparatus includes a cavity part and a core part, the cavity part being rotatable relative to the core part, such that simultaneous rotation of the cavity and opening of the mold results in unthreading of the part from the core. The mold cavity is rotationally coupled to a mold cavity rotator which is preferably driven by means of a rack. The rotation of the mold cavity is timed with the mold opening step such that the threaded part is unthreaded from the core as the mold plates are separated.

Abstract: A machine for forming molded foam cushions, including an apparatus for enclosing a foamable composition in a flexible bag; a mold having a cavity and a closure mechanism and being movable between an open position and a closed position such that, when in the closed position, the closure mechanism and the cavity define an enclosed three-dimensional shape, the mold comprising a material capable of transferring sufficient heat to or from the cavity to maintain the cavity at a desired temperature; a device for controlling the temperature of the mold cavity; means for placing the bag in the mold cavity while the mold is in the open position, whereby, when the mold assumes the closed position, the foamable composition expands within the cavity to form a foam cushion that substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape; and means for pulling the foam cushion from the mold cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for semi-automatically forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a male die, a female die, a presence sensing assembly, and a control assembly. The presence sensing assembly is positioned for sensing the presence of an operator in a sheet feeding zone which is located between an operator's station and a zone of operation of the male die and the female die. The control assembly initiates an article forming sequence, wherein the male die and the female die are moved from a discharge position to a forming position to form the article from the sheet of material and subsequently returned to the discharge position, in response to the operator clearing the presence sensing assembly subsequent to the operator breaking the presence sensing assembly while positioning a sheet of material between the male die and the female die via the sheet feeding area.

Abstract: A hollow form body having a first-level faceplate and a second-level faceplate, with an appropriately sized space formed in between the two faceplates and a pattern formed on the one of the faceplates. An arresting edge of an appropriate height extends from the outline of a pattern such that a recessed area is formed in the bottom section of the pattern by the arresting edge. The pattern is figured on the first-level faceplate. A thick section at the lower extent of the arresting edge of the pattern covers and fastens onto the first-level faceplate, with a section being exposed on the surface of the first-level faceplate. The first-level faceplate fits into the recessed area of the pattern unit itself formed by the arresting edge and a rib is formed where the first-level faceplate covers the arresting edge.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a core (3) and a female mold member (4) as well as wraparound peripheral dies (7), which are attached to the core for movement in a closing direction and completely surround the core (3). In the region of the impact areas of the peripheral dies (7) upon the female mold member (4), the impacting surfaces are configured complementary, for example planar. Each peripheral die (7) is attached laterally to the core by at least one spacer and retaining element (8, 10), with the spacer element (8) having a width which is slightly greater than a cross section of the peripheral die, so that a small gap (9) is formed between confronting surfaces of the peripheral dies and the core. The fixed tolerance gap offers the advantage that constant, minimum frictional conditions exist. The lateral attachment facilitates the replacement of individual peripheral dies (7) and temperature-based dimensional changes of the core (3) are followed by the peripheral dies, without risk of jamming.

Abstract: A mold assembly is provided for injection molding a plastic container that is adapted to releasably interlock with a lid for sealing off the container. The mold assembly is arranged to mold a container that is characterized by a rim section that projects inwardly of the inner surface of the container's side wall and has an annular locking channel for receiving a locking rib on the lid. The mold assembly comprises a core member, a first cavity member that cooperates with the core member to form a first mold cavity section that is shaped to mold the bottom and side walls of the container, and a second cavity member that cooperates with the core member and the first cavity member to form a second mold cavity section that is an extension of said first mold cavity section and is shaped to mold the rim section of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing an item of shaped clay from a mould. The method including holding the piece (14) on a synthetic mould (10), pressing it against a resilient member (18) such that the member (18) substantially adopts the shape of the piece (14), and blowing the piece (14) off the mould (10), at which time the member (18) is compressed a little further to receive the clay (14) off the mould (10).

Abstract: A method of forming a side wall of a cupped cake cup at high speed, including paying off a paper sheet through a plurality of paying off rolls; cutting a blank off the paper sheet with a paper cutter disposed at least one of normal and oblique to a direction in which the paper sheet is fed; immediately before or after the cutting, applying a sealing agent; supplying the blank to a specified roll gap formed between a forming cone roll and a holding cone roll capable of rotating in opposite directions; performing shaping, cutting and sealing works on the blank during one rotation of the forming and holding cone rolls, wherein the blank is made into the side wall of the cupped cake cup; separating the side wall of the cup from the forming cone roll; and guiding the side wall of the cupped cake cup in the axial direction of the forming cone roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing and transporting articles from molds. More specifically, the present invention pertains to such an apparatus and method which is particularly well suited for removing the articles from a molding machine having molds in which they are molded, and thereafter carrying the articles within a very short period of time away from the molds and depositing the articles for further processing in a high speed, automated production system.

Abstract: The stamper 16 is disposed opposing to the cavity 3 formed between the fixed mold 1 and the movable mold 2, as a holding means of the circumference of the stamper the flat type of holding means 17 is provided, and when using this molded product for molding a disk, the air for releasing the mold is blown out from a plurality of air passages into the cavity. The air from the outer circumference side of the disk is blown out from one of the air supply opening provided on at least one of the recessed portion 28 formed on the holding means 17 and the mirror plate 15 opposing to the recessed portion 28 simultaneously, before or after the operation time of opening the mold during the time of restoring stroke of the holding means from being pushed against the resilient means 32 through the gap 30 between the inside projection wall 27 of the holding means 17 and the stamper surface 16a.

Abstract: A disk substrate injection molding mold comprises a stationary mold half, a movable mold half capable of mated engagement with the stationary mold half and having, on a side thereof confronting the stationary mold half, a cavity for being filled with a molten material for molding a disk substrate, at least one air nozzle for blowing out into the cavity air fed through the movable mold half for peeling the molded disk substrate off the cavity, and a valve mechanism disposed between the stationary mold half and the movable mold half for selection-controlling on/off of the feed of air to the air nozzle. Since the valve mechanism is built in the mold, the volume of the flow passage from the valve mechanism to the air nozzle becomes small. As a result, the molded disk substrate is peeled off from the cavity immediately an air blow signal is sent out, thus improving the response capability of the mold.

Abstract: Method for making flexible, noncarpeted thermoplastic articles, including floor mats. The method includes placing a flat slab of thermoplastic material in a cavity between first and second mold sections with each mold section having a mold surface for contacting a respective surface of the slab. The mold cavity is placed under vacuum and the mold sections are heated under compression to cause the thermoplastic material to heat and flow against the mold surfaces. The process further involves cooling the mold sections under compression and removing the floor mat from the mold sections. Vacuum is maintained in the mold cavity by way of a check valve device during transition from the heated compression apparatus to the cooled compression apparatus and during the cooled compression step. In this general manner, a floor mat formed with a Class A, textured finish and with a variable cross sectional thickness may be manufactured in a short cycle time.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing rollers covered with layers of elastic silicone-based material, including: a base frame; a hollow box-like cylindrical support-mold rotatably mounted on the base frame about a longitudinal axis,of the support-mold; a device for rotating the support-mold about its longitudinal axis; a hollow prepared and coverable cylindrical perforated supporting structure which is removably insertable coaxially and snugly inside the support-mold so as to provide a perimetric seal between opposite ends of the supporting structure and the support-mold and so as to define a sealed interspace between the outer surface of the supporting structure and the inner surface of the support-mold; slides mounted on the base frame; a device, slidably mounted on the slides, for introducing elastic silicone-based material inside the supporting structure such that upon rotation of the support-mold the elastic silicone-based material travels through the perforated supporting structure from the inside of the supportin

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a lens-forming structure, the structure having a front mold, a rear mold, and a gasket defining an axially extending bore, including a collet for supporting the gasket so that at least one of the front mold or the rear mold are insertable into the bore thereof, a robotic arm for inserting the front mold into the bore of the gasket, and a piston for inserting the rear mold into the bore of the gasket. The piston axially moves within the bore of the gasket a selected one of the front mold or the rear mold relative to the other mold to a desired one of a plurality of axial separation distances between the molds. Alternatively, the robotic arm can move the selected mold relative to the other mold.

Abstract: A fish lure body has integral gussets that hold protruding fins at a predetermined angle to the lure central axis when the lure is moved through water. Molds and methods of molding soft plastic artificial fishing lures in which air is trapped in a blind cavity in a mold and compressed in such a cavity by molten plastic to a pressure that causes the compressed air to eject the finished lure from the mold when the mold is opened after the molten plastic hardens, and artificial fishing lures molded by such methods.

Abstract: A machine for pressing and forming food products has a die including an inner die plate surrounded by an outer die ring. The inner die plate is axially movable relative the outer die ring, between an extended state and a compressed state. A circumferential flexible seal connects the inner die to the outer die ring. During operation, when the inner die moves from the extended state to the compressed state, the seal creates a groove for the formation of a ridge, or crust of pizza dough. The die is more easily manufactured, has a longer useful life, improves the reliability of the machine, and allows for making rising crust pizzas.

Abstract: An injection mold cavity and a method for fabricating an injection mold cavity. The mold cavity includes a tear-drop shaped channel and an ejection valve simultaneously formed with the fabrication of the mold cavity using a layer-additive process. The ejection valve is movable within the mold cavity and actuatable by a flow of gas through the channel to eject a molded part from the injection mold cavity. The mold cavity, including the ejection valve, is made of the same material.

Abstract: Lightweight part retention apparatus is arranged on a removal tool plate. A low pressure air supply is supplied to the apparatus to induce an area of reduced pressure in a channel formed in a passage therein, the reduced pressure being formed by a jet pump action within the channel. The reduced pressure draws a part to be removed from a mold or the like into the apparatus and retains it therein until a separate device removes it and/or the air supply is interrupted. Due to the relatively low mass of the retention apparatus, the tool plate and retention apparatus, with the molded part retained therein, can then be rapidly withdrawn from the open mold to permit early closing of the mold so that a new molding cycle may begin.

Abstract: A resin compound for a molding die, a molding die made of the resin compound, and a molding method using the molding die are disclosed. The resin compound includes thermoplastic resin, inorganic fiber reinforcing material and inorganic particle filler, has a flexural strength of 1000 kgf/cm.sub.2 or more and a modulus of elasticity in bending of 70000 kgf/cm.sup.2 or more, and allows machining. A deflection temperature under flexural load of the compound may be 180.degree. C. or more. From this compound, it is possible to provide a core, a cavity block or the like of molding dies which can be accurately finished by machining finishing with a low cost and within a short term, have durability and allows recycling. The molding dies can be applied to various molding methods, and provide accurate molded products with a low cost.

Abstract: A method of forming and removing thin walled plastic articles from a plurality of dies in a thermoforming apparatus is described. In the method, a plurality of articles are formed and trimmed in a plurality of dies of a thermoforming apparatus. The apparatus includes a flat movable extractor plate. After the articles are formed they are removed from the apparatus by opening the dies sufficient to permit entrance of the flat movable extractor plate between the dies. The extractor plate has a non-porous top plate and a bottom plate having a plurality of spaced holes. A suction chamber is formed by the top and bottom plates with that suction chamber connected to the outlet end of a vacuum source and the inlet end of the vacuum is connected to a pressure control valve with a vent valve between the inlet end of the vacuum source and the pressure control valve.