Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an apertured plastic film having a tricot-like texture. The apparatus includes a film forming member comprising a rotatable hollow drum having a pattern of apertures and a topographical outer surface formed by a cluster of peaks and valleys surrounding each aperture. A plastic film is placed on the apices of the peaks and fluid streams are projected against the film while the drum is rotated. The fluid forces the film against the topographical outer surface of the drum causing the film to become apertured and to have a tricot-like texture corresponding to the pattern of apertures and peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A kit for a support fixture for a PC card. THe kid comprises a membrane and a PC card, a compliant-porous member, a vacuum platen, a rectangular frame, and a cylindrical plug which are placed under the membrane. The frame is used to create a mold to pour a casting material into and the cylindrical plug is used to create a recess to allow easy finger access to remove the PC card from the fixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a thermoplastic air bag cover having a hidden tear seam. A molten thermoplastic is injected into a mold cavity of a mold having a shape defining the air bag cover. An insert having a shape defining the tear seam is extended into the mold cavity before the molten plastic completely solidifies. The resulting air bag cover is cooled to a temperature beneath the softening point of the plastic. The completed air bag cover is then removed from the mold. The thickness of the air bag cover at the tear seam is within a range of 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters.

Abstract: A method for forming a web (N) that is permeable to liquids and designed to separate two environments and to allow the liquid to flow in one direction from one of said environments to the other. The web is caused to pass between two contra-rotating cylinders (5, 7) that are pressed against each other, one of said cylinders (7) having a surface provided with projections which cause perforations in said web (N). The cylinder (7) with the projections is turned at a peripheral speed greater than the peripheral speed of the other cylinder (5), with a consequent relative slipping action between the surfaces of the two cylinders (5, 7).

Abstract: The molding apparatus includes a press (10) with a top mold (12) and a bottom mold (14). The top mold (12) has a die (32) with a contoured die surface (34) and gas passages (36). The bottom mold (14) has a die 44 with a contoured die surface (46). The die (44) is made from either a solid piece of material with gas passages or from a porous material. During operation of the molding apparatus, a workpiece (26) is placed in a mold cavity between the top mold and the bottom mold. The mold cavity (24) is closed to shape the workpiece. The workpiece is heated by hot gas supplied by a gas supply and recirculation system (52) when the diverter valves (68 and 70) are opened and gas flows from gas circulation fan 56 to the gas heater chamber (54) to the bottom mold (14), through the die 44, through the workpiece (26), through the die 32 and back to the inlet side of the gas circulation fan (56).

Abstract: A mold for pressure-cast-molding a ceramic article having a filter material made of an open-cell porous material. The open-cell porous material is prepared by stirring a mixture of a resin material, a microballoon, a curing agent and water to provide an emulsion slurry, casting the slurry in a water-impermeable mold and curing the slurry in the water-containing state. The portions occupied by the water during the preparation of the porous material mainly form open pores.

Abstract: A mold and injection molding process for the production of a fishing lure having multiple, integral bristles extending vertically from the lure. The mold defines an internal cavity in communication with an injection port and a ventilation port. The internal cavity defines a fishing lure having a desired shape. The cavity contains a pair of porous halves that facilitate the formation of integral bristles. Molten material is injected into the cavity through the injection port while air escapes through the ventilation port. The molten material penetrates the porous insert to form the bristles. The bristles are concurrently and integrally molded with the rest of the lure. After curing, the fishing lure is removed from the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a plastic molded part. A plasticized plastic composition is fed to the open mold cavity defined between a lower and an upper mold half. At least one web and perhaps two webs of decorative material to be applied to the molded part extend across the mold cavity. The closing of the mold halves presses the plastic composition against the web or webs. There is at least one two-part clamping frame for resiliently holding the web of decorative material by clamping it outside the mold cavity, so that the web can slip with respect to the composition as the mold halves move together. One clamping frame half is developed with an immersion edge which defines a side edge of the mold cavity and with a cutting plane spaced from the immersion edge a distance sufficient that the frame half also serves as an ejector for the molded part from the mold cavity as the mold halves open apart.

Abstract: A porous mold for manufacturing ceramics comprises a porous mold body including a mold central portion and a mold outer peripheral portion and having mold surface of a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a suspension insulator and other similar ceramics to be manufactured having a small diameter hollow cylindrical central core portion with a closed head portion and a large diameter shed portion extended from the core portion in a radial direction, wherein water absorption percentage of a mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral portion is larger than that of the mold central portion. The water absorption percentage of the mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral is 20-30%, and that of a mold head portion of the mold central portion is 10-20%. A difference of the water absorption percentage between the mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral portion and the mold head portion is 5-20%.

Abstract: Process for producing fiber-reinforced thermoplastics in a double-belt press in which the lateral sealing of the press space is formed from a porous profile which is mechanically supported against being laterally forced out and moistened with water before it enters the press.

Abstract: A hot compacting device for producing a part, whose production requires raising the pressure and temperature simultaneously, is provided. A device made according to the present invention includes a heating mold for receiving a blank of the part to be produced and compacting element for pressing the blank against the heating mold. The compacting element includes a compacting bag for pressing the blank against the mold and an anti-convection zone for containing a pressurized fluid in the vapor state, which anti-convection zone is interposed between the compacting bag and a semi-permeable wall, which wall is impermeable to the fluid in the liquid state but is permeable thereto in the vapor state. Also provided is a supply zone for receiving the fluid in the liquid state, which supply zone is located on a side of the semi-permeable wall located opposite the anti-convection zone.

Abstract: A mold for use in the production of ceramic vessels is disclosed herein having a rotatable potters wheel head supporting a mold including a porous surface base disc releasably held in coaxial and concentric relationship with respect to the wheel head and which detachably carries a mold ring thereon about the periphery of the basic disc to define an inner cavity in which the shaping process is performed. A top rim is detachably carried on the mold ring and includes a porous surface for supporting ceramic material which downwardly depends into the mold cavity where pressure is applied to the unsupported portion of the material by finger tips to form a desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a product of synthetic resin which includes a mold assembly having a die plate and first and second mold dies which define a mold cavity therebetween. The first mold die includes a fixed member fixed to the die plate. At least two movable members are respectively displaceable in perpendicular directions away from each other. Each of the movable members are mounted on the die plate and are further displaced from the fixed member to open the first mold die. A resilient member is provided for perpendicular contacting the movable members and urging the movable members toward the fixed member to assembly the first mold die together.

Abstract: An apparatus used in connection with the construction of a duroplastic, fiber-reinforced article a fibrous web which includes continuously impregnating the web under subatmospheric pressure with a liquid, curable resin composition whose viscosity is gradually increasing. The prepreg thus obtained is covered on both its major surfaces by thin polymer sheets, then cut into the desired length, vacuum molded, pre-cured in the mold and finally cured outside the mold. Construction parts, car parts and boat bodies may thus be produced.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dry forming adhesive coated wood fibers in an airstream in a particular mold apparatus. The invention permits the manufacture of a mat of differing cross-sectional shapes but of uniform density. The invention includes the advantageous steps of final curing of the mat off of the main molding apparatus, thus achieving efficiencies in use.

Abstract: Particle board, hard board, wafer board, plywood and the like are formed by vapor injection pressing using thin plates through which steam is injected into the product under consolidation, the thin plates lying adjacent the press platens. For closed steam pressing, the plate is provided with a peripheral seal which is inflatable to seal the cavity of the press using either the same stream which is injected into the product, or a second source of steam or other gas at a higher pressure.

Abstract: A mold, used in pressure casting ceramic articles, includes a plurality of mold parts set and clamped in combination. Each of the mold parts includes: a porous body forming a filter layer with a generally even thickness and a plurality of channels formed in the inside or outside surface thereof and most running in parallel with the molding surface of the mold for allowing water and air to flow therethrough; a reinforcing iron frame for fitting the porous body therein; and a filler filling up the space between the porous body and the iron frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a hole in webbing constructed of thermoplastic material utilizes a clamping assembly for holding the webbing in a stationary condition for working thereon, a rotatable drilling tool having an elongated shank with a leading end and a flute spiraling along the shank from the leading end, and a burner for heating a portion of the drilling tool shank adjacent the leading end. The drilling tool is supported adjacent the clamping assembly for rotation of the tool about a rotation axis which corresponds with the longitudinal axis of the shank and for movement of the leading end of the tool along a linear path corresponding with the rotation axis into and out of the webbing held by the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a hole in a plastic pipe feeds a plastic layer for the plastic pipe from a nozzle about a mandrel into chill moulds being displaced along an elongated mould cavity about the mandrel formed by the chill moulds. All of the plastic layer is pressed into the chill moulds with a pressure medium between the mandrel and all of an inner surface of the plastic layer for forming the plastic pipe therefrom. Only portions of the plastic layer of the plastic pipe are then subjected to a local pressure difference exceeding the breaking limit of the plastic layer between the inner surface and an opposite, outer surface of the plastic layer at least in part from a flowing medium for forming a hole in the plastic layer of the plastic pipe, the flowing medium being one of a gas and a liquid and flowing from the mandrel at a pressure higher than that of the pressure medium pressing the plastic layer of the plastic pipe.

Abstract: A mold (1) for cast-molding a slip is provided, which comprises a divsible casting mold including a plurality of mold portions to form a mold cavity (4) when mated together; each mold portion including an air-tight housing (2), an intermediate layer (5) of coarsely porous structure adjacent to the air-tight housing (2), and a solid synthetic resin filter layer (3) of fine open-cell structure; a slip supply duct (8) being connected with said mold cavity (4) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); a fluid-flowing duct (9) being connected with said coarse intermediate layer (5) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); said filter layer (3) being permeably joined to the coarse intermediate layer (5), and having substantially precise shape and dimension of substantially uniform fine open-cell structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing three-dimensional structural members having one flat side from wood fibers utilizing flow deposition of the fibers onto a support. The support includes resilient deformable mold inserts. The mold inserts are formed of silicone rubber and may be blocks of the material, or may be a membrane which can be inflated to form the mold inserts. Pressing is done with a force normal to the support, and the mold inserts create response forces at varying directions to thus shape and hold the three-dimensional finished part. Heat drying also may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for transforming a substantially continuous web of substantially planar, deformable material having an indefinite length, a first surface, and a second surface into a formed material. The material has a transformation temperature range. The process comprises the following steps:(a) The web of material is provided on a forming structure with the first surface of the web of material proximate a forming surface of the forming structure. The forming surface moves in a direction of the length of the web of material and carries the web of material in that direction.(b) A liquid stream is applied to the second surface of the web of material. The liquid stream has sufficient force and mass flux to cause the web of material to be deformed toward the forming surface, such that the material acquires a substantial three-dimensional conformation.

Abstract: These novel molds are characterized in that they contain a cavity in porous material which is not monolithic, but which, on the contrary, is constituted by zones B with high capillary forces and by zones A with low capillary forces for liquids. The process of using these novel molds is useful for the manufacture of expanded plastics articles.

Abstract: A fluid-release mold is disclosed. The mold includes a preformed, porous mold body having a mold face formed on a first exterior surface and a second surface. A groove is formed in the second surface. A tape covers the groove to form a conduit between the surface of the groove and the surface of the tape facing the groove. The conduit directs pressurized release fluid to the mold. A fluid impermeable backing material is disposed over the second surface of the mold body whereby egress of the fluid from the conduit is prevented except through the mold body in a direction away from the second surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of thermoplastic sheet having elliptical perforations, the process including placing a thermoplastic sheet into contact with a continuously rotating molding element having a series of elliptical holes therein in which the major axis of the elliptical holes is oriented parallel to the direction in which the molding element is rotating, subjecting a surface of the thermoplastic sheet to the action of a fluid pressure differential to cause the material to flow into the elliptical holes of the molding element while maintaining the pressure differential to effect rupturing of the thermoplastic sheet and the formation of elliptical holes in the sheet, and continuously removing the molded portions of the thermoplastic sheet from the molding element.

Abstract: A holding device for surface sheets or surface plates in a press intended, for example for pressing wood fiber products, include a press plate, a vacuum source for supplying vacuum to the side of a surface sheet or surface plate which faces toward the press plate, a vacuum distributing body placed between the press plate and the surface sheet, and a seal which is arranged to provide sealing between the present plate and the surface sheet. A substantially air-impervious sheet is disposed between the press plate and the surface sheet to form two essentially closed spaces coupled in air communication with the vacuum. This arrangement permits independent removal of the surface sheets from the press plates.

Abstract: A fluid-releasable mold for forming shaped ware including a porous mold body comprising at least 70% alumina, up to 15% ball clay and up to 15% talc is disclosed. A mold face is formed on one surface of the mold body and fluid-permeable conduit is provided in communication with a second surface of the mold body with means for sealing the fluid-permeable conduit to the second mold body surface to prevent the escape of fluid from the conduit other than through the mold body and out the mold face. The arrangement obviates the problem of gradual loss of porosity which has heretofore limited the service life of fluid-release molds of alumina, ball clay, and talc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous manufacture of panels of synthetic material with at least one surface covered with a rigid facing by means of a machine comprising: devices for the continuous advance of the facings; a distributing station to deposit, on a lower facing, in liquid form, expandable synthetic material which will constitute the inner layer of the panel; and continuous conveyor means, arranged above and below the plane of advance of the panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of forming a tire carcass on a porous sand core in the shape of the toroidal member, such method comprising the steps of helically wrapping rubber material about the body of the toroidal member, applying a vacuum through the porous toroidal member to the inner surface of the helically wrapped rubber material, applying force to the outer surface of the rubber material, helically winding wire about the body of the toroidal member over the outer surface of the already-wrapped rubber material, and helically wrapping additional rubber material about and over the wire and first-mentioned rubber material. A vacuum probe is introduced into the area of the helically wound wire, and force is applied to the additional, outer rubber material to urge it against the wire and against the first-mentioned rubber material.