Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing cold formed shaped forms of packaging having at least one recess from a metal-plastic laminate. Examples of such shaped forms of packaging are the base parts of push-through packs or blister packs. The apparatus is such that the laminate is held between a retaining tool and a die. The die exhibits at least one opening and a stamp is driven into the die opening causing the laminate to be shape-formed into a packaging, correspondingly exhibiting one or more recesses. The die and the retaining tool exhibit facing edge regions and the die, within the edge region, exhibits a shoulder region that surrounds the die opening or openings. The surface of the shoulder region lies 0.

Abstract: A thermoforming method and apparatus is provided for a flat thin sheet plastic substrate having printed material thereon in the form of a matrix of a plurality of items. The substrate is clamped between a pair of clamp plates providing support for the substrate around the perimeter thereof and also in a matrix support pattern having a plurality of subperimeters providing individual support around the respective perimeter of each item. The assembly is heated, and then thermoformed into a contoured three dimensional workpiece by pushing a matrix of a plurality of tool faces into the substrate at respective items. The matrix support pattern of the clamp plates along the plurality of subperimeters prevents sagging across the substrate during heating, and isolates the items from each other during deformation of the substrate by the tool faces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an injection-molded article having an outer film on an exposed surface. The method includes securing the film about its periphery within a mold cavity prior to injection of molten material into the cavity. One way of securing the film is by applying vacuum pressure through peripheral holes in a frame surrounding the mold cavity. Molten material is injected into the cavity, behind the film and the film slips from its initial position to be forced against a wall of the cavity by molten material being injected into the cavity. The apparatus includes a frame for a molding apparatus, adapted to initially secure the film in place prior to movement of the core block into place and to permit the film to slip from its initial position to be forced against the cavity wall as molten material fills the cavity.

Abstract: A method for producing a fibre reinforced three-dimensional product comprises depositing of long fibers in a mould consisting of a frame in which a carrier net for the fibers is suspended. The individual layers of a formed plane laminate are positioned in such a manner that only a first end is secured at a frame side. Said first ends are secured at different frame sides. In this manner it is possible, in a pressing procedure giving the product is three-dimensional shape, to obtain a virtually even distribution of the fibres, even in areas which are subjected to the longest move away from the plane original laminate. In this manner sound well-defined properties are obtained in the three-dimensional product formed.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine utilizes two clamping frames to advance cut sheets through heating and forming stations, with the clamping frames returned via an overhead path above the oven in the heating station. Pneumatic cylinders arranged about the inner perimeter of the frames are operated to grip the sheet and release the sheets, which are pressurized and released via fluid connections established when the frames are lifted from a transfer bar structure at the loading and forming stations. The clamping frames have pivoted end sections which are engaged by extendible gear posts at the forming station to bend the clamped sheet into greater conformity with the tooling shape prior to forming.

Abstract: In the method, after the pattern-bearing film is fed to the female mold, the distal end of the film is fixed under a lower portion of the female mold, and at the same time the film is retreated by a force from the film supply portion. Thus, this tightens up the film so that the slacks or wrinkles cannot be formed on the film. Therefore, the film can be fortunately spread around the parting surface of the female mold. In the apparatus, the film suppressing frame is pressed to the female mold through the sliding rod arranged in the female mold, in such a manner that the female mold embraces the frame. Thus, the pressing of the frame is performed by a simple structure, and the film is accurately positioned to the internal surface of the female mold. Also, the film suppressing frame is constituted to advance from and retreat to the female mold. Thus, this causes a space between the both molds and an outside standby position to be useless. A space around the apparatus can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming thick wall plastic components laminated with formable decorative film layers. A thermoformable thick wall plastic sheet in the range of 0.065 to about 0.300 inches thick over at least half its area is provided having a thermoformable decorative dry film coating on one side forming an outer surface of the laminated sheet. The sheet is peripherally supported in an open center rack, heated in one or more ovens to forming temperature and formed by a combination of compression and, preferably, vacuum forming with subsequent trimming of excess material to form a finished component with a high quality finish suitable for automotive body use. The compression and vacuum forming steps may be interchangeably performed in order and provide for high quality finish on the outer surface with shaping of reentrant wall portions on the inner side. Any suitable form of laminated sheet may be formed by the apparatus and method.

Abstract: A molding method and apparatus capable of reliably removing a molded product without deformation even if the product has a shape difficult to be removed, such as a shape having a plurality of vertical portions. The method of molding a product by using a film sheet, includes the steps of: adapting to operate a pair of film pushing rings disposed facing upper and lower metal molds of a molding apparatus for thermally molding a product by using a film sheet, independently from the upper and lower metal molds; attracting and attaching a molded product to one of the upper and lower metal molds; fixing the ring on the side of the one metal mold; attracting and attaching a pickup jig to the molded product in tight contact therewith, the pickup jig having a surface shape matching the surface shape of the molded product; releasing the attraction and attachment by the one metal mold and moving the pickup jig to displace the molded product from the one metal mold; and moving the fixed ring to an original position.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine for thermoforming thermoplastic sheets wherein molding dies are used to apply pressure to a sheet to be thermoformed. A rectangular carriage carries a frame adapted to clamp the peripheral edge of a thermoforming thermoplastic sheet. One side of the frame that is positioned downstream of the carriage is adapted to open so as to have the carriage pass through the molding dies. The carriage is removed from the sheets so as to be pulled back upstream of the molding dies while the operation of the molding dies is carried out for the sheet. The fully pulled back carriage can be used for the following sheet.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus to allow a tray containing a sheet, to be molded into a prescribed shape, to be moved manually in a very rapid manner in a rearward diagonal upward direction from a horizontally positioned vacuum table that is at one level into horizontal engagement with a heating element that is at a higher level, When in this latter position the tray is retained by a magnet until the sheet is heated to a moldable condition. The tray is then manually withdrawn from the magnet without harm to an operator's fingers while the tray is being moved rapidly in a forward diagonal downward direction away from the heating element into engagement with the vacuum tables In this position the moldable sheet is formed into the prescribed molded shape. To accomplish this very rapid diagonal movement of the tray parallel linkages are employed that are each pivotally connected to the rear central portion of the tray at one end and to a post at its other end.

Abstract: Apparatus for compression molding thermoplastic backed carpeting in deep draft molds wherein carpeting is precut into sheets, heated, positioned between the mold parts, clamped at selected locations around its periphery, differentially prestretched by tensioning actuators, compression molded, cooled and removed from the mold. Tensioning actuators draw the sheet material downwardly into the deep draft of the mold and further stretch the material in the region of shallow draft, uniformly thinning the material. Stretching of the material by the mold during the compression molding step is minimized in this method. Prestretching allows sheets to be precut to a smaller size than the mold for more efficient use of material and provides control of product thickness independent of mold draft.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping frame used in a vacuum forming machine comprising two longitudinal frame members disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another and two transverse frame members disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another. The two longitudinal frame members are perpendicular to the two transverse frame members. The longitudinal frame members have elongated slots for receiving the opposite ends of the two transverse frame members. The elongated slots permit selective sliding movement of the transverse frame members within the longitudinal frame members for varying the spacing between the transverse frame members in order to accommodate varying sizes of plastic sheets to be molded. The elongated slots also permit removal of each transverse frame member by rotation of each transverse frame member out of the elongated slots of the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: The mold is secured on the bed portion, and the frame is moved up and down by the jack devices so that the rubber sheet is moved down to the mold and moved up from the mold in a reciprocating motion. While setting the work W, the rubber sheet is stretched by the sheet stretching devices for absorbing the deflection of the rubber sheet, thereby the possibility of the dislocation of the work W on the mold due to the contact with the rubber sheet is reduced, and the insertion of the work between the rubber sheet and the mold becomes easy. Both edge portions of the rubber sheet extending beyond the edge of the mold are clipped by the convex portion formed on the bed portion and the concave portion formed on the frame, thereby the wrinkling of the rubber sheet hardly occurs.

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 method of manufacturing three-dimensional parts using sheets of a thermoplastic resin high-performance fiber-reinforced composite material includes the steps of supplying the sheet of the high-performance resin-reinforced composite material which uses as a matrix a thermoplastic resin and in which reinforcing fiber is oriented, clamping an end portion of the sheet by a sheet clamping device, conveying the sheet to a heating/forming zone, heating the sheet to a predetermined temperature, clamping the sheet by upper and lower frames by driving cylinders, forming the three-dimensional part by operating a mold and thereby deep drawing the clamped sheet inwardly according to a stroke of the mold, and repeating the above-described series of steps continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional parts using sheets of a thermoplastic resin high-performance fiber-reinforced composite material. The apparatus includes a sheet clamping device for clamping an end portion of the sheet and conveying the sheet to a heating/forming zone, a heater for heating the sheet to a predetermined temperature, upper and lower frames driven by cylinders for clamping the sheet and a male mold member for forming the three-dimensional part by deep drawing the clamped sheet inwardly through a stroke of the mold member.

Abstract: A process for the production of shaped lined panels, of the type wherein the lining is positioned on a frame including a series of reference and adjusting pivots capable of being reversibly engaged by a pluality of corresponding reference holes provided on the lining. The process positions the pivots on the frame according to an arrangement which is a function of the arrangement of said plurality of holes in the covering and the shaped and correctly lined panel.

Abstract: A skin or shell is disclosed for use in a mold process in which the skin or shell is placed in a mold in which foam precursors are directed onto the skin for reaction thereagainst to form a foam layer thereon; the skin includes integral connector features thereon adapted to be connected to the mold for stabilizing the location of the skin within the mold so as to prevent wrinkling of the skin during the mold process.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a mold assembly for molding a frame-installed and skin-covered seat cushion structure, which includes a mold having a cavity formed therein; a retainer jig adapted to be put on the mold, the retainer jig being equipped with clamps for clamping a frame of the seat cushion structure to be produced; a lid adapted to be put on the mold with an interposal of the retainer jig therebetween; and a sealing element for achieving a sealing between the mold and the lid upon proper putting of the lid on the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for manufacturing foam cushions with coverings. The device broadly includes:(i) a mold having an upper half and a lower half and having a mix head associated therewith, wherein at least one half of said mold consists of a cavity and a surrounding stretching rim, the inner walls of said cavity having suction channels therein, said suction channels being connected to a vacuum source such that when a vacuum is applied, a covering is sucked into said cavity and against said inner walls, and(ii) a tenter adapted to be placed over said rim, said tenter having(1) an elastic, flexible roller element rotatably mounted in a groove in said tenter, said roller element being further characterized as(a) being capable of twisting around its axis,(b) being located in the region of the tenter which comes into contact with said rim, and(c) allowing said covering to slide when said covering is being sucked into said cavity.

Abstract: An upper contoured die which mates with a lower contoured die is rotated relative to and against the lower die to progressively squeeze and deform a softened thermoplastic sheet. The two dies create sharp detail on both surfaces of the deformed sheet without tearing the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vacuum forming plastic sheets includes an upper member with a heater and a base member including a vacuum table. Guide rails extend between the upper member and the base member and confine a sheet-holding carrier for travel between the two members.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the location of a skin or shell in a mold for foaming a part includes magnets on the mold adapted to be releasably interconnected to a shell retention and draw bar. The draw bar connects to an integral shell connector. The draw bar is adjustable to pull the shell with respect to the magnets for removing wrinkles from the shell prior to foaming the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of back-foamed products. The apparatus broadly consists of two mold halves, a stretching frame attached to one of the mold halves, and a pulsator device for applying pulsations to the edge region of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a skin covered foamed plastic seat capable of effectively dealing with the variations in shape and position of the trim ends. The mold includes stopper means for fastening the trim ends attached to the edges of the skin cover, located between the upper mold and lower mold separately from a space into which a liquid foam resin is to be poured, each of the stopper means having a slit through which one trim end is inserted, and a top face portion to which both ends of the trim end are to be hooked.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp frame assembly for holding different sizes of plastic sheets in a thermo form machine. The frame assembly has longitudinal and transverse beams carrying clamp units that hold a plastic sheet on the beams. The longitudinal and transverse beams are movable along rails of a rectangular frame to change the lateral distance between both the longitudinal and transverse beams to accommodate different sizes of plastic sheets.

Abstract: A clamping device for removably securing shaping moulds on the plates of moulding presses, wherein a catch with projecting head is secured on the mould element, while the plate of the press is equipped with a slide element which slides obliquely under the effect of a lateral jack. The slide element has an opening in the form of a button-hole cut out therein, of which the part of larger diameter is traversed by the projecting head, while the part of smaller diameter allows passage only of the cylindrical shank of the catch.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing a skin-covered foamed plastic article is disclosed, which includes a lower mold having a cavity formed therein, the lower mold having a first flange portion which extends around a mouth of the lower mold; an upper mold which is to be put on the lower mold to close the cavity, the upper mold having a second flange portion which is mated with the first flange portion of the lower mold when the two molds are properly coupled; a recess at an inside part of the first flange portion which is defined by a horizontal wall and a vertical wall; a press plate which is pivotally connected to the horizontal wall of the recess; a spring for biasing the press plate in a direction to achieve an abutment with the horizontal wall; and a press structure provided on the second flange portion of the upper mold, the press structure abutting on the press plate to press the same toward the horizontal wall when the upper mold is properly mounted on the lower mold.

Abstract: A mold assembly for producing a skin-covered foamed plastic article is disclosed, which includes a lower mold having a cavity formed therein, the lower mold having a first skirt portion which extends around a mouth of the lower mold; an upper mold which is to be put on the lower mold to close the cavity, the upper mold having a second skirt portion which is mated with the first skirt portion of the lower mold when these two molds are properly coupled; and a pair of holding plates which are detachably connected through fasteners to spaced portions of the lower mold, each holding plate including a first portion which is detachably connected to the first skirt portion and a second portion which extends over a given wall portion of the cavity of the lower mold, whereby when a bag-shaped outer skin member is properly set in the cavity, the holding plates press given portions of the outer skin member against the inner wall of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of roller forming thermoplastic sheet material to form large parts includes providing a form having a surface of predetermined curvature. A sheet of thermoplastic material is overlain on the form surface and heated until pliable. Pressure is provided on the thermoplastic sheet using a roller so that the sheet conforms to the shape of the form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the production of foam cushions having textile covers by inserting a textile cover into a mold cavity having gates which project into the mold cavity, initially preforming the textile cover by applying a vacuum through holes in the mold cavity such that the textile cover conforms to the contour on both sides of the gates, clamping the textile cover against the gates, further positioning the textile cover such that it conforms to the contours of both the gates and the mold cavity, releasing the clamps and introducing a foam-forming reaction mixture into the mold cavity. The present invention is also directed to a form tool having gates, means for applying a vacuum through holes in the mold cavity in gates and clamping means for clamping the mold cover to the gates.

Abstract: In the production of shaped plastic elements using deep-drawable thermoplastic film, a tension frame is required to clamp the film. The tension frame is formed by lengthwise and transverse frame parts, on the outside edges of which is located one angle clamp on each. The angle clamps can be actuated by means of closure levers into a releasable clamping position, in which the clamp arms of the angle clamp press with force against bottom fixing members of the frame parts.

Abstract: A flexible plastic cuvette belt comprises a series of open-topped chambers defining said cuvettes interconnected by webs. The chambers are generally rectangular in cross-section with their side faces having an approximately flat profile across their widths. The belt is used in conjunction with a photometric analysis station of the clinical analyzer which has a pair of spaced parallel plates which engage the cuvette side faces and render or keep them parallel. The forming press for use in the manufacture of such a cuvette belt is also disclosed.

Abstract: A front end portion of a flat plate-like transparent thermoplastic material is grasped as bent so that the middle section thereof is convex. The thermoplastic material is heated and softened, and the rear end portion of the thermoplastic material is rounded cylindrically in the same direction as the bending direction of the front end portion. The thermoplastic material is then allowed to cool gradually, so that the front end portion has a flat plate-like shape after the gradual cooling. The cylindrical rear end portion is cut and the cut face is planished.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for permanently and rapidly imparting surface characteristics, such as texture or graining, to decorative coverings for substrates, such as wall coverings in the absence of any degradation thereof, so that when the coverings are subsequently applied to the substrate, such as an aircraft bulkhead, by heat application, the texture previously imparted will remain intact. The process and apparatus uses magnetic attraction in tenter frames to carry and expose continuous webs of thermoplastic to high temperature embossing with simultaneous and subsequent rapid cooling. The arrangements and process avoid lengthy press application at high temperature which has the effect of degrading color and other characteristics of the material being treated.

Abstract: A structural article such as an automobile bumper includes a plastic body portion having an outer surface and a single metal sheet stretched to be completely disposed about and fixedly secured to the outer surface. The body portion provides a structural member and the metal sheet provides a continuous metal trim thereon.A method of forming the structural article includes the steps of compressing a sheet of metal and a sheet of heated softened plastic material within a mold so as to simultaneously cool the plastic material during the compression to set the molded plastic and stretch the metal about the outer surface of the molded plastic.An apparatus for forming the structural article includes a female mold portion including a clamping frame disposed about the periphery thereof. The clamping frame includes toggle clamps for clamping the peripheral edges of the sheet of metal to the periphery of the female portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for thermoforming a plurality of protrusions in a plastic sheet. The thermoforming apparatus comprises a pneumatic press having a pair of male and female die plates with respective projections and cavities. One of the die plates is heated. The other die plate is cooled. The cooled die plate is provided with vacuum to ensure that the thermoformed plastic sheet is held against the cooled die plate upon the opening of the press to, in turn, ensure the cooling of the plastic sheet prior to its removal.

Abstract: A foot pattern device including: a cavity having a base and a wall portion; a foot form in the cavity on the base; a frame releasably securable to the base for gripping a deformable sheet between the lower edge of the frame and the upper part of the wall portion; means for heating the deformable sheet; and clamp means for holding the frame tightly to the wall portion with the deformable sheet between them as the foot is pressed on the warm deformable sheet into the foot form.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of articles from a thermoplastic of polyester or polyamide type, preferably of polyethylene terephthalate, the element consisting of an edge part which surrounds a body in an arrangement in which the latter is sunk relative to the edge part. The element is formed from a blank of mainly amorphous material or from a material having a crystallinity of less than 10%. The blank consists, for example, of a flat plate, a blank shell or the like. The body or parts thereof are shaped by stretching the blank until that material flows which is located within the material sections of the blank, which form the edge part in the element, the material stretched up to flowing in the body assuming a crystallinity of between 10% and 25%, while the crystallinity in the material in the edge part and in the unstretched parts retains its original value of less than 10%. At least the body of the element is expanded against warm mould walls until the final shape of the particular article is obtained.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping a web of thermoplastic material against the face of a female mold prior to closure of the mold includes a clamping ring assembly mounted on the machine frame for movement relative to the frame independently of the molds. The clamping assembly is driven to and from its web clamping position by a cam mounted on the rock shaft which drives the molds between their open and closed positions and a constant radius section on the cam holds the clamp in its clamping position throughout a substantial portion of the operating cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing thermoplastic sheet continuously produced from an extruder and successively feeding a length of plastic web to an intermittently operated forming machine. The extruded and cooled sheet drops from a roller down on a belt conveyor running at the same speed as the extrusion rate and is transferred towards the forming machine by a pair of clamp chains. The chains extend from sprocket wheels located in the range of the belt conveyor and are adapted to run intermittently at a speed higher than the extrusion rate and in accordance with the operation of the forming operation. The running speed of the conveyor belt can be increased to the higher speed when the falling sheet has been severed thereabove in the suspended position so that the severed plastic web is grasped by the clamp chains to be fed to the shaping station of the forming machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding a polycarbonate plastic sheet into a skylight dome and the like. A heated clamp frame is provided for clamping the edges of a plastic sheet and preheating the edges to about 250.degree. F. Ovens heat the clamped sheet to about 300.degree. F. to soften the plastic for forming by a pair of co-acting peripheral heated molds to form steps and pushes in the periphery of the softened sheet immediately adjacent to the clamp frames. A vacuum is then drawn over the center portion of the plastic sheet to free form a dome.

Abstract: In order to make a non-planar plastics material article, a starting material has at least one ring of holes or depressions and is pressed so that the part which is within the ring is moved generally at right angles to the plane of the ring with respect to the part which is outside the ring, thereby stretching, into orientated strands, zones between adjacent holes or depressions in the ring; in the finished article, the strands interconnect the two parts.

Abstract: A press of improved moldability and operation efficiency, including an upper movable die having a concave bottom surface, a lower, stationary arc having a convex top surface conforming to the concave bottom surface of the upper die, a blank holder arranged around the lower die for vertical sliding movement, and a blank support lever arm pivotally mounted on top of the blank holder. The blank holder is normally held raised by cushion means in such a position that its top surface is lower than the crest of the convex top surface of the lower die. The blank support lever arm is normally biased to a horizontal position to support a blank in a horizontal position in co-operation with the crest of the lower die and is tilted down by the upper die in downstroke movement out of its path, allowing the blank to be pressed down.

Abstract: Apparatus for vacuum molding a plurality of three dimensional geometrical shapes in a thermoplastic polymeric sheet having a molding plate, the surface of which has a plurality of three dimensional geometrical shapes, with said molding plate having an enclosing border, a molding face and a non-molding face; a gas orifice extending through the molding plate so that a gas can flow from one face of the molding plate to the other face; a mechanism to move the molding plate along a predetermined path; a mechanism to maintain a thermoplastic polymeric sheet, heated to a plastic condition, adjoining the moving molding plate molding face; a mechanism to releasably seal the heated polymeric sheet to and all around the molding plate border; a vacuum source to remove gas, from between the heated polymeric sheet and the molding face of the molding plate, through the gas orifice whereby exterior pressure can force the heated sheet against the molding face surface; and a mechanism for removing the molded sheet, after it co

Abstract: Apparatus for making skylights from thin polymer sheets. Heated clamp frames are provided for clamping the perimeter of a thin polymer sheet and preheating the perimeter thereof to a preselected first temperature. An oven is provided for further heating the preheated perimeter and for heating the center portion of the polymer sheet to a selected second temperature greater than the first temperature to soften the polymer for forming. Upper and lower perimeter platens are provided having a plurality of stepped edges therein which are clamped onto the softened polymer sheet to thereby form a plurality of steps within the perimeter of the polymer sheet. A vacuum forming chamber is provided for forming a dome in the center portion of the polymer sheet above the stepped portion thereof. A push member may also be provided adjacent the upper platen for forming a sharp rise or push around the perimeter of the dome and between the steps and the dome.

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine has a machine frame and a forming station which includes a tensioning device for clamping a thermoplastic sheet blank to be deformed into an article, a bridge and a positive mold carried thereby. The bridge is vertically displaceable together with the positive mold between an inoperative position in which the positive mold is spaced from a location where the blank is clamped by the tensioning device and an operative position in which the positive mold is in an operative, contacting relationship with the blank. The positive mold is vertically displaceable with respect to the bridge between the operative position and a transfer position in which the article formed on the positive mold is transferred therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the vacuum-forming of sheet material in a mould comprises a clamping ring formed by a plurality of rollers mounted close to each other on an annular support which will hold the sheet material on the rim of a mould yet permit some movement of the sheet material to reduce stretching as the material is drawn down into the mould. Support members attached to the annular support are clamped to the table on which the mould is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus for production of a re-entrant article, such as a vehicle mud guard, comprising a frame on which is mounted a pair of freely movable trolleys, on each of which are grasping means for holding the respective opposite ends of a sheet to be worked. The trolleys are movable towards one another, in a horizontal plane and hold the sheet parallel to this plane. A former is mounted under the sheet and is raised to cause it to move across the plane to deform the sheet into its required re-entrant form.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically loading and unloading a press having vertically movable die halves comprises a frame positioned adjacent the press, a movable carriage mounted in the frame for longitudinal movement toward and away from the press, and a blank holding table mounted in the movable carriage for rotation about a horizontal axis, with a gripping mechanism for holding blanks being mounted on one side of the table and a nesting device for holding finished products being mounted on the other side of the table. The gripping mechanism holds blanks in a position that duplicates the charge placement pattern in the mold. The apparatus is operated by a control mechanism such that after blanks are placed in the gripping mechanism, the gripping mechanism is actuated to hold them to the table and the table is turned upside down. The table is then extended to a position between the separated halves of the die, and the gripping mechanism is released, causing the blanks to be transferred to the lower mold cavity.