Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for forming a trim insert particularly suited for automotive purposes such as a door insert includes a first carrier which holds the substrate and a second carrier which holds a material larger than the substrate. A drive assembly is connected to the first and second carriers to position the first and second carriers. A positioner positions the substrate from the first carrier and together with the substrate of the material on the second carrier. An edge folder is used to fold the material around the substrate to contact an adhesive on the second side of the substrate. The second carrier may have a contoured mold to form a desired wrinkle pattern in the material prior to folding the material.

Abstract: An upper thermoforming mold is positioned above a lower thermoforming mold on a platen. The platen is provided with an array of position-controlled hydraulic cylinders. A controller drives the array of cylinders to uniformly advance the two molds together once heated sheets of thermoplastic material have been formed thereon. By controlling the position of each actuator, forces may be applied at different levels to the platen to bring about uniform molded parts and reduced deflection of the molds.

Abstract: An improved mold assembly is provided for use in a thermo-forming press having a first and a second platen movably engageable there between. A first die member of the assembly is configured to be carried by the first platen. A second die member is configured to be carried by the second platen, and is constructed and arranged to mate in assembly with the first die member. Aa resilient member is disposed between one of the die members and an associated one of the platens. The compliant member is constructed and arranged to provide compliant engagement between the first and second die as first and second platens on which they are mounted, respectively, are engaged together to form a web of plastic material there between during a thermo-forming cycle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for blow-molding hollow articles. The blow-molding apparatus includes a carrousel mounted to rotate within a support frame. The carrousel carries four molds around a circular mold path. Two blow-molding work stations are disposed next to the mold path in fixed positions relative to the frame. The carrousel is indexed to cause each mold to pause by each work station one time during each carrousel revolution. The molds pause by each work station to allow blow-molding operations to be performed in conjunction with each mold at each work station. At one blow-molding work station, located at the 12:00 position of the mold path, an extruder injects parison into each mold. At the other work station, located in the 9:00 position of the mold path, a take-out mechanism extracts blow molded articles from the molds and places them upright on a conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for readapting a dental appliance to better fit a model of a wearer's teeth using a vacuum forming table and a heating element is disclosed. The readaptation apparatus is provided with an elastic membrane for closely conforming the dental appliance to the contours of the model upon application of negative pressure to the model and with a drum head adapter for retaining the elastic membrane to the surface of the vacuum forming table in order to efficiently readapt the dental appliance. The disclosed system includes the described readaptation apparatus, as well as a specialized vacuum forming device. The vacuum forming device positions the dental appliance a specific distance from a heating element on the vacuum forming device for bringing the dental appliance to a proper state of plasticity and then smoothly relocates it to the surface of the vacuum forming table, where the dental appliance is vacuum formed using the readaptation apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for blow-molding hollow articles. The blow-molding apparatus includes a carrousel mounted to rotate within a support frame. The carrousel carries four molds around a circular mold path. Two blow-molding work stations are disposed next to the mold path in fixed positions relative to the frame. The carrousel is indexed to cause each mold to pause by each work station one time during each carrousel revolution. The molds pause by each work station to allow blow-molding operations to be performed in conjunction with each mold at each work station. At one blow-molding work station, located at the 12:00 position of the mold path, an extruder injects parison into each mold. At the other work station, located in the 9:00 position of the mold path, a take-out mechanism extracts blow molded articles from the molds. The carrousel is additionally indexed, i.e.

Abstract: A mold assembly is disclosed that has an electrically heatable body, that glues and trims a film, and that minimizes the heat loss of the heatable body. The mold assembly includes a receiving mold (2) formed on the upper part of a frame (1), a non-current-conductive and heat-resistive material (11) disposed at the periphery of the receiving mold and having vertical throughbores (14), an electrically heatable body (5) extending along the throughbores, and metal holders (12) disposed in the throughbores (14) to hold the electrically heatable body (5) in a non-contact relation with the heat resistive material (11) at least at the positions where the holders are.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an article of advanced composites on a tool forming surface from a preform are disclosed. Apparatus includes, according a preferred embodiment, a tool forming surface, a first diaphragm for urging a preform into conforming contact with the tool forming surface, and a second diaphragm for supporting a side of the preform opposite the side engaged by the first diaphragm during forming. The second diaphragm does not extend completely between the preform and the tool forming surface. The apparatus is arranged with a first diaphragm mountable on the apparatus and conformable to a preform to be formed and a second diaphragm mounted on the apparatus and conformable to a portion of the preform simultaneously with the first diaphragm. A forming tool is provided, including a tool forming surface positionable for receiving the preform between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm when the first and second diaphragms are mounted on the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for forming composite hollow crown stiffened skins and panels in which a first layer or skin is placed on a forming surface of a female mold and, after forming a plurality of U-shaped stiffener elements in the first skin, a second skin is placed over the first skin, whereupon the resulting assembly is prepared for autoclave curing. The stiffener elements are formed by pressing the first skin into U-shaped depressions in the female mold surface and inserting a hollow, expandable rubber mandrel into each of the depressions on top of the first skin. Valve stems in the mandrels enable maintaining the pressure inside at atmospheric pressure. The mandrels are maintained in their "pressurized" state during subsequent formation and autoclave curing steps.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus is provided including a blow mold, an extrusion apparatus, a locator mechanism, and a blow pin. The blow mold has first and second blow mold halves which are engageable and disengageable with one another. The first and second blow mold halves define first and second inner cavities when the mold halves are engaged. The first cavity has a first shape and the second cavity has a second shape which differs from the first shape. The extrusion apparatus has a die head through which a parison is extruded. The locator mechanism is associated with one of the blow mold and the extrusion apparatus for changing the positioning between the blow mold and the die head to allow capture of an extruded parison by the first and second mold halves within a desired one of the first and second inner cavities such that the extruded parison can be formed into an article having substantially the same shape as the desired cavity.

Abstract: A tool for deep-drawing and sealing open plastics shells (3, 3') has a shell-like metal body (2, 2') which includes a flat edge (11, 11') at the open side. A heat insulating attachment is secured to the edge of the metal body so that the outer seam of a first plastic shell can be joined by sealing, to the outer seam of a second plastic shell oppositely disposed to it without supplying additional heat.

Abstract: A multi-station apparatus and method of manufacture allows the manufacture of an article having a fluid filled cavity fabricated from simultaneously fed twin thermoplastic webs. A web transport means simultaneously feeds twin thermoplastic webs into an apparatus, where a oven raises the temperature of the material of the webs for thermoforming and molding. The cavity then is partially fusing to provide an injection and outlet port and a fluid is injected into the cavity, which is then sealed to provide a finished article. The fluid can be formed from a super absorbent material as a thick, viscous gel-like colloidal substance.

Abstract: A manifold is disposed within a pair of abutting pre-load mold plates in a pre-load relationship. Fluid flowing through the manifold is heated by a first heater. The fluid is then divided into a plurality of passages in the manifold. Pairs of passages have a back-to-back in-line relationship. A cylinder between each pair of the in-line passages holds a pair of pistons in the in-line relationship. Each piston in the pair has piston units in an interdigitated relationship with piston units on the other piston in the pair. Each pair of pistons is movable by pressurized fluid (e.g. air) between first and second positions. In the first position, each piston provides for the fluid (e.g. resin melt) flow through one of the passages to a pair of runners in the manifold. In the second position, each piston prevents the resin melt flow through the passages. A first heater heats the resin melt flowing through the passages. A second heater heats the resin melt flowing through the runners.

Abstract: A bend portion of a bonded, laminated article is made substantially free of wrinkling, which results in interlaminar voids and discontinuities, by applying tension to at least one layer of a radially outer portion of a preform of the article during bonding, the tension being applied in a direction away from the bend, typically generally tangentially in respect to an inner portion. The apparatus includes a rigid support to carry the preform bend portion, held to the support to enable application of force or pressure to the outer layer.

Abstract: There are mounted on the carriage (2) which moves alternately between station (4) where the parisons (T) of thermoplastic material and the blowing station (5), two adjacent pairs of moulds (S) with their corresponding means of self-centering opening and closing. The containers (Z) coming from the two scrap-removal stations are taken by a single transverse discharging conveyor (34). The magazines that feed the labels to each pair of moulds are all positioned on the external near side of the machine, where the magazines are aligned in two parallel rows (35-135) and positioned at different levels so that they can easily be inspected and refilled with labels.

Abstract: A plurality of shapes each having a fundamental construction of a flange are vacuum formed on a continuous sheet of thermoplastic resin. When blanking each of the formed shapes out of the resin sheet into an individual flange, a spool core is placed coaxially with the formed shape placed in the blanking position. The flange just blanked out of the resin sheet is moved in the blanking direction toward the spool core, to be fit on the spool core. The shapes are formed in a double line along the resin sheet, and thereafter, the resin sheet is slit along the longitudinal direction into two sheet branches each having the formed shapes arranged in a single line. The back side surfaces of the two sheet branches are opposed to each other, and the spool core is disposed between the sheet branches and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the back side surfaces of the sheet branches. The formed shapes are blanked out of the sheet branches in opposite directions toward opposite ends of the spool core.

Abstract: In order to produce multilayer structures of composite materials by draping recut elementary layers on a shaping mold, an installation is proposed which comprises, apart from the mold, a gripping tool which can e.g. be fitted on the articulated arm of a robot. The shaping mold comprises a flexible membrane equipped with suction cups ensuring the gripping of the elementary precut layers. A vacuum circuit makes it possible to engage the membrane on a countermold placed behind the latter in order to shape the grasped elementary layer. When the tool is brought onto the mold, a pressure source acts on the membrane in order to compact the elementary later on the mold. A suction system keeps the layer on the mold following the release of the suction by the cups.

Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for forming and deep-drawing the neck region at the edge of a plastics half shell, having a deep-drawing tool (3) and a counter-pressure plate (2) which are movable in two directions relative to each other, wherein the deep-drawing tool (3) embraces a deep-drawing cavity (29) in shell-like manner and has a recess (30) in the side wall (31) at the edge (32). So that deformation of the collar at the edge of the plastics half shell and also over-heating of the plastics plate for forming the half shell are avoided, according to the invention it is provided that the counter-pressure plate (2) has at least one opening (16) in the contact face (17) facing the deep-drawing tool.

Abstract: A composite molding apparatus for high pressure co-cure molding of lightweight honeycomb core composite articles having ramped surfaces utilizing low total density, stabilized ramped honeycomb cores. The composite molding apparatus is a semi-rigid molding assembly that includes a rigid base member and a complementary semi-rigid mold member that is formed from a combination of layers of fiber-reinforced elastomeric material and unreinforced elastomeric material. The semi-rigid mold member further includes internal rigid reinforcement inserts formed from a structurally rigid material and having a configuration that matches the configuration of the ramped surfaces of the honeycomb composite article. The rigid reinforcement inserts are interleaved between the layers of fiber-reinforced elastomeric material and/or unreinforced elastomeric material forming the semi-rigid mold member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-mold labelling in which labels are individually cut from a continuous web as demanded by the cycling of a mold. The web of labels is advanced through a die cutter which sequentially cuts individual labels from the web. A transfer device picks a freshly cut label from the die cutter and places the label within the cavity of a mold located in proximity to the die cutter. By individually cutting labels from a web at the time of use rather than loading a stack of precut labels in a magazine, the invention allows for the use of thinner, less expensive, and compatible plastic label material.

Abstract: Blow molding and thermoforming processes in which a mold system having low thermal inertia mold-halves provided with heating and cooling systems is utilized for producing plastic articles coated with surface-upgrading films of high melting polymers or polymers exhibiting a high scratch resistance to improve mechanical characteristics of the molded article. The films may be positioned, before the mold is closed, close to the low thermal inertia mold-halves. Rapid heating and rapid cooling of the mold-halves in contact with the surface-upgraded films permit strength adhesion of the upgrading material to the surface of the molded article.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet-shaped molding including a pre-impregnating process and a final impregnating process. A sheet of thermoplastic resin and a web of reinforcement fibers are supplied through the pre-impregnating process during which the thermoplastic resin is sucked under the influence of a suction force so as to partially penetrate into interstices in the reinforcement fiber web while both are transported around and by a perforated rotary drum, thereby to form a first preformed sheet. The first preformed sheet is subsequently supplied to the final impregnating process during which an impregnating machine is employed. As the first preformed sheet is passed through the impregnating machine while compressed inwardly and heated, the thermoplastic resin is allowed to completely penetrate into the interstices in the reinforcement fiber web to complete the fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheet-shaped molding upon cooling thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing a blow molded article, in which a parison is disposed between an outer face-forming mold section having an air bleeding hole and a bottom face-forming mold section and adjacent said bottom face-forming mold section. A resin film is disposed between the parison and the outer face-forming mold section. Then the outer face-forming mold section and bottom face-forming mold section are closed. Then air is blown into the parison to inflate the parison to form the end product and simultaneously to mold the resin film and the end product in an integral relationship with each other.

Abstract: This relates to a labeller for applying simultaneously two labels to a dual cavity mold half. The labeller is especially constructed to receive a pair of labels from a pair of adjacent label magazines and then move one of the labels towards the other so as to reduce the overall width of the pair of labels. This permits the pair of labels to be moved between a pair of mold halves within the limited space available and thereafter be rotated for alignment with the dual cavities of the mold half for positioning within the dual cavities. Basically speaking, the labeller includes a support member having mounted thereon a pair of carriers for separate movement towards and away from one another. The carriers are moved such that one normally remains fixed after a label is picked up by pickup heads carried thereby while the other carrier is moved towards the first carrier so as to move the labels together.

Abstract: A label comprising a bottom wall section and side wall sections has cuts formed into respective said side wall sections which extend along extensions of opposite side edges of said bottom wall section. There are provided folding lines extending between forward ends of the respectively paired cuts transversely thereof and/or cutouts intermittently arranged on imaginary lines corresponding to respective said folding lines so that said side wall sections may be folded upwardly with respect to said bottom wall section to define a lower end of the label located below the inner bottom surface of the container in the proximities of respective curved corners. A mold consisting of a core and a cavity is loaded with the label and then the in-mold labeling operation is carried out with injected resin.A surface of the mold core may be provided with injected resin guide grooves or the like to form thickened areas extending along the label folds or along the inner surface of the container's bottom.

Abstract: An in-mold label dispenser for a blow molding machine having a dispensing head mounted on a base for movement along a first path from adjacent a label magazine to between the open sections of a mold. The label carrier is mounted on the dispensing head for movement along a second path substantially transverse to the first path from a retracted to an extended position. A drive mechanism is mounted in the base for moving the dispensing head along the first path and the label carrier along the second path in co-ordination with the opening of the mold. An adjustable stop assembly is provided on the label carrier for stopping movement of the label carrier along the second path after the label carrier has moved a sufficient distance into the mold section to establish a gap of predetermined width between the label and the wall of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A label transfer assembly providing for in-mold labeling of blow molded articles in blow molding machinery. A label carrier is utilized which includes means for individually receiving labels from a label storage magazine. Once loaded with labels, the label carrier is moved to a position adjacent a placement assembly. The labels are removed from the carrier by the placement assembly which includes arms that transfer the labels to positions in mold cavities in the machinery. During molding, the labels will become fused to the surfaces of the blow molded articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for deep drawing a bowl from a blank of deep-drawable plastic material is provided comprising deep drawing tools, and cooperating jaws including an outside heating jaw and a forward feed heating jaw. The deep drawing tools and cooperating jaws are movable relative to each other to advance a blank of deep-drawable material for preheating, forming, and deep drawing a bowl open at one end therefrom. The outside heating jaw includes at least one outside suction plate to retain the blank, and intermittently moves in a first direction into and out of cooperating relationship with the forward feed heating jaw. The deep drawing tool also intermittently moves parallel to the first direction into and out of cooperating relationship with the forward feed heating jaw. The forward feed heating jaw includes a plurality of main suction plates secured to a heatable carrier to retain and heat the blank as it advances thereon.

Abstract: A spray shield for a field sprayer includes a front skirt and a rear skirt each extending along a plurality of nozzles of the field sprayer. For each nozzle there is provided a dome-shaped enclosure which is attached to the front and rear skirt and extends therefrom upwardly toward the nozzle so that between each enclosure and the next there is defined a V-shaped through which prevailing winds can pass. The dome enclosure terminates at an edge surrounding an opening with the edge lying in a plane below the height of the top of the nozzle so that an initial portion of the spray pattern is exposed to view above the dome enclosure while an open portion of the spray pattern is protected by the dome enclosure and by the skirts from the prevailing winds.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the shaping and compacting of absorbent pads for absorbing body fluid, which are intended for articles of hygiene and which consist of a plurality of part layers and, if appropriate, are treated with a superabsorbent agent, to form at least one absorbent-pad layer. A rotary band has arranged on it over the entire length of the rotary band, at distances from one another, trough-shaped insertion molds into which shaping insets can be inserted. Along the rotary band production devices are arranged, in twos respectively along the linear outward path and return path, and in the opposite direction to the rotary band there is a driving band which can be pressed against this, and furthermore there is arranged a thermal compacting device which has calender and/or embossing rollers following in the conveying direction and which consists of a heating cylinder with a pressure band arranged on it.

Abstract: A vacuum bag including a non-porous material having impressed therein a three-dimensional pattern which defines a plurality of interconnected channels, methods for producing the vacuum bag, molding methods using the vacuum bag, and improved composite articles produced by the molding method, are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum forming process, and an apparatus for carrying out the same, for imparting a predetermined shape to a sheet material. The process includes the steps of placing a thermally softened sheet material onto a molding surface of a mold and evacuating air remaining between the molding surface of the mold and the sheet material, thereby bringing the sheet material into a close contact with the molding surface of the surface of the mold. The vacuum forming process and apparatus is adapted for giving a predetermined shape to a sheet material having a low elongation ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing thermo-composites is disclosed where individual lies of a prepreg, to be formed into a laminate, are processed under two, concentric vacuum chambers. Heat and consolidating pressure are applied under a first vacuum to the material and then a second vacuum is drawn under an outer, rigid shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a self-supporting tray-like container wherein a product-receiving well protrudes into a second well in an all-round mutually spaced relationship. The method calls for two parts, each formed with a well therein and each part formed of a thermoplastic having a different resistance to thermal deformation, to be joined at their peripheries. The present invention additionally provides that the two parts are to be formed simultaneously, their peripheries are to be joined so that their respective wells extend in opposite directions after which one well is inverted into the other.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making hollow plastic articles in which a label is positioned in each of a plurality of spaced partible molds in a predetermined array, preforms are positioned in each set of partible molds and the molds are closed and the preforms are blown outwardly to the confines of the molds to apply the labels to the resultant hollow plastic articles.

Abstract: An in-mold label supply system (20) for a plastic blow molding machine (22) has particular utility for use with rotary wheel type blow molding and includes a hopper assembly (68) including a feed hopper (70) for positioning discrete sheet-like labels (72) in a vertical feed stack (74). A feeder (76) of the system includes a feed member (78) that selectively grips the lowermost label (72) of the feed stack (74) to provide delivery thereof to a conveyor (80) for conveyance to the blow molding machine (22) where a label dispenser (82) transfers the label (72) to a mold (24) of the machine for placement within a mold cavity section (28). A gate (104) of the feeder (76) cooperates with the feed member (78) to permit only the lowermost label (72) to be fed from the feed stack (74) to the conveyor (80). The feed member (78) is preferably embodied by a feed roller (114) to which pressurized gas and a vacuum are alternately fed to control the label feeding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a labeled container of synthetic resin having a label affixed to its outer periphery. A heat-stretchable tubular label is inserted into a forming die, and a thermoplastic resin sheet which has been heated and softened is positioned within a space defined by the label. When the resin sheet is expanded radially of the tubular label, the resin sheet is expanded radially under heat simultaneously with the resin sheet, so that both the resin and the label are formed into a shape conforming to the internal surface configuration of the forming die.

Abstract: A rotating shaft for intermittent rotation through predetermined angles is located in parallel to a rotation shaft of a rotor holding a plurality of split mold units, and rubber cups for adhering labels are secured to the front ends of links which are swingable about pins secured to the rotating shaft. The label is positioned upon the inner walls of the split mold halves when the same are in their open state by the combination of the intermittent rotation of the rotating shaft and the swinging movement of the links. The split mold holds the label by vacuum suction and the label is fused to a product when a highly heated plastic material is applied under pressure to the inner wall of the mold. A split mold holder is constructed so that when a slider-crank mechanism in association with a cam follower is positioned to a dead position, the clamping force is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttle member is horizontally translatable above the vacuum box on a support bed and the shuttle member is divided into air flow channels by baffle plates. Only a small number of air flow channels can pass above the air flow opening at a single time and this serves to keep low pressure in the vacuum box. In addition, a vortex gate is provided in the duct between the fan housing and the vacuum box and serves to restrict air flow through the duct when the pressure within the duct drops below a certain level.

Abstract: An in-mold labeling method and apparatus for a blow molding machine having a primary circular multiple mold path. A continuous drive closed circuit is provided by a guide track means and forms a secondary path in which a carriage or trolley carrying an air actuated means for picking and holding a label for transport to a matched segmental transfer station at which the mold parts and the carriage move in unison at zero relative velocity during which the label is automatically deposited in a mold for application to the plastic part being formed by the mold. Thereafter, the carriage or trolley is conditioned to pick up another label. The continuous driving of both the blow molding machine and the in-mold label dispenser is synchronized for unison uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for feeding labels to a mold for plastic parts. An object of the invention is to having a pair of tie bars associated therewith for opening and closing the mold, can feed into the mold cavity labels larger than conventional labels, can also feed labels to various molds having different sizes and different heights, and which is also arranged such that the label-attachment locations and the position of labels relative to a mold can be changed when the labels are attached.

Abstract: Sailboards having a tucked rail are made from a flexible, resilient mold so that the seam of the board is along its bottom edge instead of at its point of greatest breadth. A flexible mold part having the contour of the sailboard to be produced has an opening smaller than the greatest breadth of the board. The mold is first flexed so that its opening is sufficiently wide to receive the blank that forms the body of the sailboard. Secondly, the blank is inserted into the flexed mold, and thirdly, the mold is released and its resiliency returns it to its original shape. A conventional rigid mold part closes the open end, and a vacuum is applied to form the final product. The flexible mold part is flexed a second time to remove the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a label into a mold cavity of a bottom tool which can move up and down in a apparatus for thermoforming plastic containers from a film includes a feeder for the intermittent advancement of a strip of labels by a predetermined amount, a cutting means for cutting off a single label each time from the leading edge of the label strip, and transport means for transferring the single label to a final position in the mold cavity in which it lies against a side wall of the mold cavity and is held in place. The transport means is a transfer arm which grips the label strip and before the label is out off and, after it is cut off, carries it over the top edge of the mold cavity of the bottom tool while the latter is in its bottom, starting position, and lays it against one side wall of the mold cavity.

Abstract: In in-mold labeling for applying a label or workpiece into a mold by using a robot hand apparatus, the robot hand apparatus has therein a static-electricity-generating apparatus for generating static electricity on a holding surface. The static electricity generating apparatus comprises a holding member attached to a surface of a base continuous with a hand of a robot and having a holding surface with approximately the same shape as that of the label on the side opposite to the attached surface, tungsten wires stretched using securing members in grooves opened on the side holding surface in the holding member, high-voltage cables with static electricity shields that are connected to the tungsten wires and are led to a high-voltage power source, and suction holes opened perpendicularly to the holding surface of the holding member and connected to a vacuum generating source.

Abstract: A web or structure is formed by feeding separate supplies of fibrous material into contact with two separate lickerins that are parallel to each other and rotated toward each other. The fibers from the two lickerins pass through a mixing zone and are accumulated on a moving conveying screen that is moved parallel to the axes of the lickerins. Segmented baffle plates may be inserted into the mixing zone to control the lateral or cross-sectional composition of a web formed by the fibers accumulated on the screen. A segmented feed may be used to advantageously deliver different fiber materials at different rates to each lickerin. Radially layered composite web structures having circular cross-sections may be formed with the same apparatus by forming the conveying screen into a U-shape and selectively controlling the air flow through the screen.

Abstract: A plastic molding mold for inmold labelling including an inner surface defining a cavity and adhering a label placed prior to molding on the inner surface to an outer surface of an article to be molded simultaneously with molding. The mold having a label support portion protruded from the inner surface and having a surface slightly projected into the cavity, and an exhaust port opened in the side of the label support portion. The exhaust port is connected to an air suction device provided outside, and air stayed between an article to be molded and a label is removed as the air suction device is actuated.

Abstract: An in-mold label dispenser (20) for use with a multiple cavity mold (28) of a plastic blow molding machine (22) includes dispensing heads (54) adjustably supported on a movable shuttle (52) to permit adjustment of the location of label positioning within the molds. An adjustable support assembly (58) supports the dispensing heads (54) with respect to each other, and a drive mechanism (70) drives the shuttle and label carriers (56) of the dispensing heads to provide the in-mold labeling operation. The drive mechanism (70) includes first and second drives (80,84) that respectively drive the shuttle (52) and the label carriers (56).

Abstract: In the method of making hollow plastic articles wherein a label is positioned in each of a plurality of spaced partible molds in a predetermined array, preforms are positioned in each set of partible molds and the molds are closed and the preforms are blown outwardly to the confines of the molds to apply the label to the resultant hollow plastic article, and apparatus for providing labels on a web of a roll of labels, successively die cutting the labels from the web of the roll of labels and simultaneously delivering each label directly to an endless vacuum conveyor, indexing the endless vacuum conveyor to provide an array of labels on the conveyor which corresponds in spacing to the spacing of the array of molds, engaging the array of labels on the conveyor and removing them from the conveyor and depositing the array of labels in the array of molds.