Abstract: A method and apparatus for foam molding packaging using a staged vacuum system to place a plastic sheet used as a release agent in conformity with the surface of the mold is provided. A mold having a complex image divides the mold image into separate and distinct sections. A plastic sheet is placed loosely over the mold in covering relation to the image and a vacuum is drawn on the surfaces of the separate and distinct sections of the mold image in a staged sequence to cause the plastic sheet to conform to the surfaces of the mold image on the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of foam molding packaging using a positive vertical mold is provided in which a vertical mold with sides having channeled vertical flap areas is automatically covered with a plastic sheet. Brushes, assisted by a vacuum assure the plastic sheet conforms to the mold including the flap areas. An open-ended carton having upper and lower flaps is placed over the mold so that the lower flaps are disposed vertically and cover the vertical flap areas. Foam precursors are dispensed into the carton and its top sealed to allow foaming within the carton. The carton is then removed from the mold with the foam cushioning fully formed therein including the carton flaps which cover the top of the article to be packaged therein.

Abstract: A molded structural panel with substantially parallel major surfaces includes integrally formed thin thermosetting resin high density outer sections. Less dense thermosetting resin foam intermediate sections extend inwardly from the outer sections with the density of the intermediate sections decreasing substantially uniformly with increased spacing from the outer sections. A thin thermosetting resin high density central section is located between the intermediate sections. The high density outer sections are in a stressed state from the pressure of the foam intermediate sections thereon. Also, a method for molding the panel.Rotational molding apparatus includes a chemical supplying portion, a chemical mixing portion, a mold portion, a mold supporting portion, a mixture delivery portion and a control portion. The chemical mixing portion includes a tubular member disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation with a plurality of spaced angled deflector sections.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for rapidly forming plastic foam shells from a flexible foam sheet. The foam sheet is intermittently passed through a radiant heating unit and is rapidly heated on both sides to 130.degree.-250.degree. F. to soften the foam. The heated foam sheet is immediately passed through a forming die unit in which the foam sheet is deformed partly into the die cavity by withdrawal of air from the cavity, and a die plug descends and final forms a shell while rapidly cooling the foam shell to below its plastic deformation temperature. By this forming method and apparatus, ethylene-containing foam shells having a depth 10-25 times the foam sheet initial thickness are rapidly formed at 10-30 cycles/minute.

Abstract: A plant for molding articles in polyurethane material; the plant comprises a plurality of motorized mold supporting carriages independently movable along a suspended monorail running along a production line. Each carriage comprises a mold supporting press for opening and closing a mold provided with independent pneumatic control means supported by the same carriage; the control means are connectable to a source of fluid under pressure in pre-established working positions along the production line; each carriage also comprises a drive unit connected to electrical power supply bus bar along the monorail and a peripheral control unit operatively connected to a central logic unit by dialogue conductors provided on the monorail.

Abstract: A solid tire having a polyurethane foam core is fabricated by first mounting the tire on a two piece jig which simulates the wheel hub on which the tire is to be mounted. This jig is centered on the tire and tightened so that the inside surfaces of the two halves of the jig abut tightly against the tire body. A fill hole for filling the tire with foam is provided on one of the jig halves. A plurality of small holes are formed in the tire in a circle which runs along the high point of the outer surface of the tire, these vent holes being formed on the same side of the tire as the fill hole. The tire is then filled with a mixture of polyol and isocyanate through the fill hole to form a microcellular flexible polyurethane core within the tire. The core material is fed into the tire until the tire is filled a predetermined amount which with the expansion resulting from the chemical reaction, completely fills the tire as evidenced by material existing from the fill hole, at which time the fill hole is plugged.

Abstract: A composite plastic product is formed by a process which includes formation of a preform of high strength plastic having openings formed therethrough which are covered by a film barrier that is formed during molding of the preform; and wherein the preform is configured to be placed as a unit in a foam station at which material is foamed onto the insert without escape to its backside.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of molded parts having areas in the form of grids, grills or gratings, in which a fluid mass is introduced into the mold cavity of a molding tool conforming to the molded part and the cavity is filled by said fluid mass, characterized in that in the mold cavity, the zones provided for the apertures in the areas conforming to the said grids, grills or gratings of the molded part are first flooded by the mass and the mass is subsequently displaced from these zones, and to a molding tool to be used in such process.

Abstract: A composite foam seat cushion is comprised of foams of different firmnesses which are bonded to adjacent foams without adhesives or glues. The cushion has a supportive bottom of one or more firm foams, a layer of soft foam on the top of and supported by the bottom layer, a protective front foam cap for the front edge of the layer of soft foam, a protective back foam cap for the back edge of the layer of soft foam and side walls of foam(s) of suitable firmness to provide support. A method of preparing the composite foam seat cushion is disclosed.

Abstract: A foam mold equipped with a self-cleaning mold vent assembly constructed of a rigid apertured plate member and a sacrificial filter member for molding a unitary foamed article.

Abstract: An impingement mixing device for preparation of plastic parts or objects including cellular foam from at least two reactive synthetic components and an auxiliary component such as liquid foaming agent and including at least two injection ports and a third port for input of the auxiliary component. Inert gas optionally and a foaming agent and further additives are mixed at a point in the cylindrical wall of the component mixing chamber located in or near the vicinity of the radial plane passing through the component openings. The introduction of the inert gas, foaming agent, coloring agent, or further additives is controlled by a cleaning piston which also simultaneously cleans the mixed plastic material penetrated therein from the opening area of the inert gas feeder line. The cleaning piston is part of a control piston, which with its rear segment is located in a metering chamber for the inert gas and optionally also for the foaming agent and the additives.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic molding of a foamable thermoplastic raw material blank or preform which contains a foaming agent by high frequency voltage heating in a molding die assembly defining a molding cavity, wherein gas discharging openings which extend through the thickness of the blank or preform are preformed in the raw material blank or preform.

Abstract: A process for making molded high resilience polyurethane cellular products which require reduced crushing in preventing the products from substantially shrinking or changing dimensionally upon cooling which comprises: exposing the curing product to atmospheric pressure while in contact with the confines of the mold at a time when the cell walls of the curing polyurethane cellular product have cured sufficiently to develop sufficient strength to partially resist bursting by the pressure of said expansion gases contained within the cell walls upon exposure to atmospheric pressure, but before the cell walls have cured sufficiently to develop sufficient strength so that exposure to atmospheric pressure does not result in a reduction of the crushing force necessary to prevent the products from substantially shrinking or changing dimensionally.

Abstract: Plastics-forming materials are shaped in a mold tool sealed by an associated closing unit. Lifting elements the stroke of which can be limited and controlled are associated with the mold tool. Shaping is accomplished by filling the mold cavity with reaction mixture while the mold tool halves are not completely sealed, sealing the filled mold and keeping the mold sealed until the article is completely cured. This method and apparatus are particularly useful in the production of dimensionally accurate geometrically complicated shaped articles.

Abstract: A polyurethane RIM method has two mixheads. Reactants are brought to each mixhead and are supplied as separate streams to two spaced cavities in a mold having a pre-formed porous mat separating the two cavities. One stream contains an isocyanate, polyol, chain extender and crosslinker selected to have a very low viscosity and which reacts to produce a high modulus armature or load bearing member. The other stream contains a polyol and isocyanate with additives that have relatively high viscosity to produce a semi-rigid polyurethane foam. At each mixhead the proportions of ingredients are controlled to give a desired isocyanate index to control the flex modulus and other properties of the loading bearing member and foam molded components of the product. The low viscosity material penetrates the porous mat to reinforce it and the porosity of the mat prevents the high viscosity material from entering the armature cavity so as to reduce the load capacity of the finished product.

Abstract: Expandible synthetic resinous particles are molded by injecting heated air generally centrally into the mold cavity by means of a probe, withdrawing the probe and heating the surface of the mold. Low densities and rapid cycle times are obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing moldings from flowable reactive components comprising(a) a mold assembly having two halves surrounding a mold cavity,(b) a mixing device for combining said reactive components mounted on said mold assembly, said mixing device having a mixing chamber,(c) a supply channel in said assembly for supplying said components from said mixing chamber to said mold cavity,(d) a throttle device located between said mixing chamber and said mold cavity, said throttle device capable of moving into and out of said supply channel in a direction transverse to the orientation of said supply channel, thereby forming a throttle zone in said supply channel,(e) a relaxation chamber located in said supply channel between said throttle device and said mold cavity, said apparatus further characterized in that the dividing plane which separates the mold assembly into halves extends through said supply channel, said throttle zone and said relaxation chamber.

Abstract: Rotational molding apparatus includes a chemical supplying portion, a chemical mixing portion, a mold portion, a mold supporting portion, a mixture delivery portion and a control portion. The chemical mixing portion includes a tubular member disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation with a plurality of spaced angled deflector sections. The mold portion includes a pair of spacially connected substantially parallel frame sections. The mold supporting portion includes spaced upstanding sections with rotating clamping members selectively engageable with opposite edges of the mold portion. The mixture delivery portion includes a translatable elongated hollow probe member that is selectively connected with the tubular member.

Abstract: The molded shell of an article, while still warm from being molded, and while remaining within the mold or fixture in which it has been created, for instance by blow-molding of a parison of polyolefin plastic material into contact with the mold walls, is filled with a fluid, settable foaming plastic material, for instance polyurethane. This may be done by injecting the foaming mixture directly into the cavity of the shell. In this manner time, labor and materials are saved, and the resulting product is characterized by better adhesion of the foamed core to the internal wall surface of the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously manufacturing polyurethane foam slabs in a batch, which comprises a cylindrical tank for developing polyurethane foam, having an inlet at the side wall thereof for introducing therein polyurethane feed solution; a stirring tank for forming polyurethane foam feed solution, which is mounted on a carriage movably placed in proximity to the cylindrical tank; stirring blades mounted within the stirring tank; a discharge pipe extending from a lower side of the stirring tank to discharge the feed solution through the inlet into the cylindrical tank; pipes for introducing raw materials into the stirring tank; and a pipe for introducing a washing solvent for removing the raw materials. The cylindrical tank is interchangeably connected with the stirring tank through the discharge pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of moulded bodies such as cornices from foam plastics material, the visible side of these bodies being heavily textured or profiled, smooth, non-porous and free from separation elements, with a unit weight of less than 200 kg/m.sup.3. In the method, a thin, elastic, heat-deformable film (3) is inserted between two heated mould portions (1, 2) in such a way that the film edges are clamped between the superimposed mould edges of the two mould portions (1, 2), a reactive, heat emitting, foaming plastics mixture is introduced through the upper mould portion (1) in such a way that it may be distributed on the film, and the hollow chamber formed between the film and the lower mould portion is evacuated during foaming, such that the film intimately conforms to the shape of the lower mould portion.

Abstract: An insulating foam and a process for producing insulating foam, wherein a foamable first component may be made of alkyl sulfate, half ester of maleic anhydride and acrylic resin in an aqueous solution is mechanically foamed with air, and to that foam is added an aqueous solution of magnesium oxide, dispersant, acrylic resin, perlite and/or precipitated calcium carbonate. To those components is added an aqueous solution of at least one of aluminum chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, zinc chloride, sulfamic acid, sodium silicate, zinc oxide, barium metaborate, vinyl alcohol, magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride and vinyl acetate. In another embodiment a polyvinyl alcohol and dispersant first portion is foamed with air and mixed with a second cementitious portion comprising magnesium oxide and barium metaborate.

Abstract: A taxidermy mold (10) is disclosed which includes an eye socket recess (13) into which an artificial eye (20) is inserted. Eye (20) is held in mold (10) while a hardenable liquid foam is poured into mold (10) to create a taxidermy form (30) having a molded eye therein. The eye (20) is held within the eye socket recess (13) during molding by means of an adhesive which separates from the eye (20) and remains in eye socket recess (13) when mold (10) is removed from the taxidermy form (30). It is therefore unnecessary to provide an additional step of cleaning the adhesive from the eye (20) after molding is completed.

Abstract: Method for making magnetic rolls having a plurality of magnets integrally set fast with a retaining member at stated portions of the periphery of a roll shaft thereby forming a magnetic force generating part, in which the retaining member is made from a rigid synthetic resin or resin foam, and optionally having a strain absorbing groove at a portion outside of said magnetic force generating part are provided.

Abstract: A method of re-shaping polyimide and modified polyimide foam sheets into selected shapes. Polyimide foam sheets can be made by any of a number of methods, some of which produce sheets of selected thicknesses directly and others of which produce blocks or buns of foam which are sliced into sheets. A sheet is placed in a mold having the desired configuration, such as a half-pipe. The sheet is compressed to about 0 to 99% of the original thickness with heating of one or both major surfaces of the sheet to a temperature of from about 250.degree. to 320.degree. C. for about 0.5 to 5 minutes. Upon removal from the mold, the polyimide foam is found to be self-supporting and to have taken on the mold shape. A moisture impervious densified skin is found on the heated side(s).

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating a cushion contoured and fitted to the sitting support surfaces of a user includes a generally flat plate having a plurality of apertures in the upper surface thereof. Each aperture is coupled to and continuous with a duct within the flat plate, with all of the ducts coupled to a vacuum source by appropriate fittings and hoses. Mounted to the upper surface of the flat plate and in sealed engagement therewith are a plurality of rails arranged so as to form a generally rectangular structure, or form, open at the top and closed about its lateral periphery. A plaster positive having a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface conforming with the support surface to which the cushion is to be fitted is positioned within the rectangular form and a flexible, nonporous membrane is positioned over the open form and in contact with that portion of the flat plate therein as well as with the plaster positive.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a molded thermoplastic resin by interposing during molding a thermoplastic resin different from the thermoplastic resin to be molded as a skin layer between the die surface and the thermoplastic resin to be molded. A lubricant is provided to lubricate the interface between the die surface and the skin layer. After molding, the skin layer with lubricant is removed.

Abstract: In the case of a process for producing pourable spherical-segment-shaped packing material particles (18) made of plastic which have an external convex and an internal concave surface, the plastic material is mixed with additives, such as bubble forming agents, coloring pigments and similar agents. The plastic material is fed, by means of a feeding funnel (17) into an extruder (14) through an opening in a bush (13) surrounding the extrusion screw. The plastic material plasticizes over the course of the extruder (14) and, because of the difference in speed existing over the cross section of the mass, comes out of an opening (15) in the die with a bent surface. The plastic material is cut off directly at the opening (15) of the die and before any considerable expansion has taken place. Before the processing of the plastic granules in the extruder (14) a bubble-forming agent (nucleation agent) is applied to their surface in a drum (5).

Abstract: An egg carton thermoformed from a plastic sheet has a cover extension and a cell section extension formed by stretching the plastic sheet in the opposite direction from the sheet line from the direction in which the cover and the cell section are formed. Latching elements on these extensions lock the egg carton without the need for a latch flap. This permits the eighteen cell carton to be loaded on conventional egg loading machinery. The mold for forming the carton has formers which mate with cavities to stretch the lastic into the cover and cell section extensions.

Abstract: Expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads comprise an aggregate having coated thereon a solid, expandable resin composition comprising a solid, phenolic resin initial condensation product, a foaming agent and, if necessary, a hardening agent. The expandable phenolic resin-coated composite beads provide composite cellular moldings in which the aggregates are uniformly dispersed in a phenolic resin-expanded layer and are firmly adhered to the expanded layer. The composite cellular moldings can be adhered to a face plate to form integral laminates.

Abstract: The foaming system, in particular for foaming refrigerator furniture or cabinets, comprises a first path for the translation of first means for independently carrying furniture pieces, possible means for preheating said furniture pieces, an operating station for handling masks, a second path for the translation of second means for independently carrying or displacing mask members and at least a stocking region for stocking the masks and the related furniture piece contained therein.

Abstract: A one-piece, hollow, moulded head for a golf-club of the "wood" or "driver" type is made by injecting a thermoplastics material around a fusible core having a melting-point below the injection temperature, allowing the injected material to set and melting out the core.One or more holes are provided, the holes extending completely through the core, so that the injected material fills each hole and sets therein to provide corresponding internal "struts" in the moulding.The injected material may be, e.g., a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a poly(phenylene oxide), an acetal resin or an ABS resin. The material may be reinforced with up to 50% by weight of glass and/or carbon fibres.The moulded head may optionally be filled with a polyurethane foam.The finished moulding may have the conventional face-pieces and/or sole-plates attached thereto.

Abstract: Apertures are formed in plastic resin sheet material during a thermoforming process by shearing the heated plastic sheet between shear members which have cooperating shear faces extending in two dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the thermoforming dies. The resulting apertures have a three dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A mold for producing a padding member having side by side portions of different hardnesses integral with each other, and a method of producing the padding member using such mold. The mold has a lower half with partition walls movably extending upwardly through the bottom of the lower mold half into the interior of the lower mold half to define a plurality of cavities into which moldable materials of which the padding member is to be formed and having different hardnesses from each other can be contained. The upper mold half is placed over the lower mold half, and has pressing members extending downwardly which engage the edges of the partition walls and force the partition walls downwardly. The pressing members are spaced from each other along the partition walls, so that the materials on the opposite sides of the partition walls can contact each other and, while molding is being carried out, become integrally joined to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus or system for the continuous manufacture of building element consisting of a self-supporting framework of tightly compressed solid particles and a foaming material in the shape of a foamed plastic material, includes the use of a filling station where mold bottoms are placed in series on a roller conveyor, assembled with sidewalls and passed along a guide section, wherein particle-shaped filler is supplied from a silo while premixed foam material is injected into the material through nozzle tubes and the components are mixed before being injected into the mold and compressed. After placing of a top wall on each of the molds, these are passed under a roller conveyor, and while the molds are moved ahead between the roller conveyors and possibly roller conveyors outside the sidewalls, the foam material binds the particles together to form a monolithic unit which will set before the molds leave the roller conveyors.

Abstract: A process for the production of expandable granules of thermoplastic polymers comprising: (a) the extrusion of the polymer in which an expanding agent is incorporated, through a die-head in order to obtain an expandable polymer; (b) immediate cooling of this polymer in water, kept at a temperature at which the polymer remains in the non-expanded state, but not lower than the Tg of the expandable polymer; (c) cutting of the polymer to granules in water immediately at the outlet of the die-head, and (d) annealing of the thus obtained granules, by slow cooling in a temperature range comprised between at least +5.degree. C. and at least -5.degree. C. the Tg of the expandable polymer, wherein the cooling and the cutting of the polymer to granules and the annealing thereof are carried out under pressure.

Abstract: In the production of polymeric foam in particular polyurethane foam slabstock, a mixture of foam reactants is allowed to expand in a closed mould while substantially atmospheric pressure is maintained above the upper surface of the foam. After expansion is completed, air is supplied to the foam upper surface and noxious gases in the foam are removed through one or more apertures in the lower region of the mould. Preferably, the air supplied is dry. Removed gases may be collected for re-cycling. Air may be supplied during foam expansion. Various mould aperture arrangements and means for progressively covering the mould are described.

Abstract: A taxidermy mold is disclosed which includes an eye socket recess (13) into which an artificial eye (20) is inserted and locked into position. Locking takes place by means of two diametrically opposed lugs (14) and (15) which mate with two diametrically opposed notches (26) and (27) in artificial eye (20). Alignment is maintained while a hardenable liquid foam is poured into the mold to create a taxidermy form (30) having molded eyes therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of elastomeric molded parts having urethane or urethane and urea linkages which comprises reacting(a) an organic polyisocyanate,(b) a polyhydroxyl compound selected from the group consisting of(i) polyester polyols with molecular weights of 1000 to 3000 and hydroxyl numbers of 170 to 35 produced by polycondensation of organic dicarboxylic acids and a polyol mixture of at least 3 polyols;(ii) polyether polyols having terminal ester groups, molecular weights of 1000 to 8000 and hydroxyl numbers of 170 to 15; and(iii) mixtures thereof;(c) a chain extenderwherein components (a) through (c) are processed according to reaction injection molding techniques in open or closed molds.The reaction is preferably carried out as a one-shot process and may also be carried out in the presence of blowing agents (d), auxiliaries (e), and additives (e).

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an injection-molded ski plate comprising steps of disposing a lower side member in a lower mold, disposing an upper side member in the lower mold, disposing an upper mold formed with a concaved portion corresponding to a roof-like shape with the widthwise central part of the ski plate and injecting a foaming synthetic resin into a hollow space between the lower and upper members and harding after foaming, whereby the upper member is molded following the roof-like concaved portion so that a convexed roof-like portion is formed on the upper member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling foamable insulating material into a cavity or cavities within the interior of a hollow building panel, by first positioning the panel within a chamber in a press, inflating a flexible bladder within the press at the outside of the panel, filling the foamable insulating material into the cavity or cavities in the panel, and restraining at least one wall of the panel by the force of said bladder against deflection by the foamable insulating material.

Abstract: A shoe-innersole material for use in providing cushioning and support in footwear, and a method of manufacturing the shoe-innersole material, the shoe innersole comprising a heel and an arch section composed of a molded, elastomeric polyurethane foam material of low compression set, the heel and arch sections directly bonded in the molding process to a full-sole material composed either of foam or a solid, flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A process for making molded flexible polyurethane cellular products which do not substantially shrink or change dimensionally upon cooling is provided by exposing the curing product to atmospheric pressure while in the confines of the mold. Exposure can be accomplished by unlatching the mold or opening a port at an appropriate time after the reaction mixture was introduced into the mold so as to burst the cell walls of the polyurethane product.

Abstract: Increasing the wall strength of a cup having a closed cell foam wall and a solid plastic coating on at least the outer surface thereof by contacting said surface of the cup with a heated mandrel. Apparatus is also shown.

Abstract: A method of sizing thermoplastic foamed cigarette filter rods and apparatus therefore. The apparatus comprises a rotating drum member having a plurality of stationary heated block members mounted about the periphery thereof. The block members are positioned such that a specific gap is created through which the thermoplastic polymeric filter rods are rolled and compressed to a uniform circumference.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing foam building blocks (39) and the like wherein a plurality of two-piece forming molds (21) are continuously moved by a conveyor mechanism along a closed path-of-travel (22) is disclosed. Filling, curing and injection stations (31, 32 and 33) are located along the path-of-travel (22). As a mold (21) enters the filling station (31), the nozzle (37) of a foam gun (35) enters a hole (34) in the top of the mold (21) and moves with the mold (21) as that mold continues to move along the path-of-travel (22). At the end of the filling station (31), after the foam gun (35) has injected a suitable amount of resin, curing and foaming agent materials into the mold (21), the nozzle (37) rises from the hole (34). Thereafter, a cap-latch (36) is moved into a hole closed position. In addition to closing the hole (34), the cap-latch (36) forms one of two latches that latch the two mold pieces (21a and 21b) together. The other latch (38) is located on the opposite side of the forming molds (21).

Abstract: The specification describes urethane foam automobile seats having variable firmness or density or varying in some other property from one portion of a seat to another by combining several hardenable precursor constituents in a predetermined ratio and discharging the resulting mixture through a single nozzle into a predetermined place in the mold and then changing the constituents and/or ratios of the constituents as the mixture discharges into other parts of the mold to produce the desired property in each part of the seat. The mixing of the various constituents is under the control of a computer programmed to deliver to each mold a series of shots of the polymer mixture, each constituent being supplied at the proper rate, and gradually and simultaneously changing the flow of each constituent at the beginning and end of each shot to maintain a consistent ratio within each shot yet allowing a change of ratios from one shot to the next.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a molded article comprising covering at least a portion of the mold wall with a thin smooth surfaced soft lining as an integral permanent lower part of the mold cavity, thereafter loading a preformed grained vinyl shell against at least a portion of the soft lining; closing the mold and injecting a reactive plastic formulation into the mold such that the reactive plastic material forms a rigid backing layer that is strongly bonded to the vinyl shell without distorting the vinyl.

Abstract: Open molds for forming molded packings are moved sequentially to a series of work stations. The work stations include a preparation station for preparing the molds with a separator sheet or other release agent and a clamping station for covering the molds to contain foam material within the molds during cure. The foam material is dispensed into the molds as the molds are moved from the preparation station to the clamping station. The molds may be inverted as they are moved from the clamping station to an ejection station such that removal of the molded packings is facilitated by gravity. The sequence and duration of the various operations are controlled to provide automatic manufacture of the molded packings. A unique system for delivering a thin sheet to a molding machine or to other types of sheet processing machines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filler carrier of the type adapted to move metal extrusions in a generally horizontal plane beneath the dispensing nozzle of a machine for dispensing uncured liquid plastic is disclosed. Uncured liquid plastic is dispensed into a channel of the extrusion which is subsequently cut so as to form a thermal barrier between the remaining sections of the extrusion which remain coupled by means of the cured plastic material. The filler carrier is provided with a mechanically driven conduit that is movable between a first lowered position that permits the passage thereover of the extrusion, to a second raised position wherein an upper opening of the movable conduit receives the nozzle of the dispensing machine so that uncured liquid plastic from the machine and any subsequent flushing solvent passing therethrough may be collected and transferred to an appropriate container in a clean and simple fashion.