Abstract: A method for moulding an article wherein mould parts are adapted to be moved together under vacuum to cause moulding material to be evenly distributed around a reinforcement structure. A finish coating of paint or the like is applied to the article during the moulding process by coating the mould interior and partially curing the coated material before introduction of the moulding material. Coating of the interior of one or both mould parts may be effected to produce articles coated on one or both surfaces. If desired, a plurality of coating and partial curing steps may be employed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an electrochemical transducer, having at least one active element in the form of at least one film of a polymer material, comprises the following steps. First, clamping a polymer film between an inner set of jaws for delimitating a central area. Second, further clamping said polymer film between an outer set of jaws for delimitating a peripheral area surrounding the central area. And finally, shaping at least one of the areas by stretching.

Abstract: The end face of an optical fiber is urged against the highly polished surface of a disk as a laser beam is directed toward the disk to heat the end face above its softening temperature and cause it to conform to the contour and finish of the highly polished surface. A termination ferrule may be simultaneously mounted on the fiber optic cable with a heat bonding agent, using as a heat source either the laser beam or an auxiliary heat source. A hand-held, gun-type unit with a built-in disk and triggered laser can be used to polish and terminate optical fibers in the field.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tag pin assemblies in which individual tag pins each comprising a head and a crossbar integrally connected by a filament are integrally but severably connected in the thickness direction, which method comprises the steps of continuously molding block tag-pin blanks of a sectional configuration corresponding to the individual tag pins, and of cutting the block tag-pin blank into slices having the prescribed thickness and altogether connected with an uncut portion respectively thereof. Apparatus for practising the method is also disclosed, which comprises an extruder provided with a die for continuously extruding block tag-pin blanks, and a cutter device for cutting the block tag-pin blank into slices having the prescribed thickness and altogether connected with an uncut portion respectively thereof.

Abstract: Mold and method of compression molding shell half covers around a core to form golf balls. Opposed dies are pressed together such that some of the material trapped between the approaching dies is forced back into the mold to compensate for shrinkage and the remainder is forced outside of the die cavities where it can be drained off.

Abstract: A mold, useful in preparing Tiffany-like lampshades, terrariums and glass lamp bases is described. The process for preparing this mold, which produces sections of a 360 degree unit within which the assembler works, is also described.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thermoplastic resin film by extruding a molten thermoplastic film-forming resin in the form of a continuous molten film onto an electrically grounded moving quenching surface, passing the molten film in proximity to but out of contact with at least one electrode which imparts an electrostatic charge to the film across its full width and withdrawing a solidified film thus formed from said quenching surface; which process comprises extruding the molten film onto a quenching surface characterized by having a channel-like microcracked structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a contact lens, which comprises coating a tool made of an inert material, having a curvature corresponding to that of one of the optical surfaces of the lens to be produced, with a layer of solid polymer, and machining the outer surface of said polymer to the desired curvature of the second surface of said lens while supported by said tool, and to a tool for carrying out such process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving a roll out of contact with a work-piece in response to its developing a slower speed than normal while being driven by frictional engagement with the work-piece which comprises(a) generating an electrical signal as the roll moves past a reference point during each revolution,(b) using the electrical signal to set a timer for a predetermined duration,(c) timing each revolution of the roll by measuring time lapse between signals,(d) comparing the time for each revolution with the timer of predetermined duration, and(e) actuating a mechanism to withdraw the roll from contact with the work piece if a revolution is longer in time than the predetermined duration.

Abstract: Method and system for orienting a multilayer polymeric film structure by differentially heating the films so that orientation at their respective optimal temperatures is achieved.

Abstract: A method of producing plastic pipe having air channels axially extending through the wall thereof, with at least one of the respective ends of the air channels being closed by an annular slotted channel-closure filled with a caulking material in its annular slot. The channel-closure is force-fitted on the pipe end, so that the caulking material is pressed into the air channels.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for fabricating ophthalmic lenses of the single vision and bifocal type comprising a holder having a base portion for support thereof. An outer circumferential side wall extends upwardly from the base portion and terminates in an upper surface which is disposed in substantially parallel relationship of the bottom surface of the holder base portion. The side walls comprise a plurality of equally spaced support posts. The support posts are provided with a lower step and an upper step with the upper step being disposed radially outwardly of said lower step. The lower steps define a parallel support surface upon which there is disposed a lower mold. The upper steps define a parallel support surface upon which is disposed an upper mold. The upper and lower support surfaces being disposed in substantially parallel relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and fixture for applying a thin layer of polymer material to a piece of wavy sheet metal, so that the layer may function as a backer during electron beam drilling. The sheet is drawn to the smooth surface of a fixture using a vacuum, and polymer is flowed across the surface using a curved leveling board, which produces a generally uniform thickness molding. The edges of the backer are molded with a bevel edge by shaped side rails, to provide a relief around the edge of the backer layer. Thus a raised up portion usually occuring at the edge rail will not interfere with the precise spacing which the backer is intended to produce between the sheet and the workpiece holder during electron beam drilling.

Abstract: A unitary molding insert (24) and pin (27) of the prior art are replaced by an improved molding insert (30) which is provided with a plurality of collapsible pin assemblies (56), each including a unitary hollow, cylindrical boss (58), and a separate piston (60) having a unitary valve (62) and pin (64). Each piston (60) may be inserted in its boss (58) with its valve (62) being seated on the upper edge of the boss (58) and with its pin (64) engaging the inner surface of a mold (84) to maintain the insert (30) in a stable position during the encasing of the insert (30) with a suitable molding material. When the mold is substantially filled to capacity, the pressure created by the molding material will force the piston (60), valve (62) and pin (64) to a recessed position within the boss (58).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an of aromatic polyimide film comprising (A) casting on a support a dope containing an amide-type polar solvent and 10-45 weight percent of a polyamic acid having more than 0.4 dl/g an inherent viscosity of more than 0.4 dl/g, (B) concentrating the polymer content to be at least higher than that of the initial dope while simultaneously raising the ring closure ratio above 30%, (C) removing the solvent from the film by extraction in an aqueous medium so as to lower the solvent content of the film below 10% and (D) then heating the film to a temperature of more than 200.degree. C.The process of the present invention is useful for the production of aromatic polyimide film having a reduced rate of solvent decomposition and improved productivity.

Abstract: A molding method and apparatus in which an insert part is supported in a mold cavity by a pin. The pin is withdrawn when the resin pressure in the mold exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and forming a continuous train of slide fastener coupling element bodies into a train of coupling elements includes a rotating forming disc against which the coupling element bodies are fed. The train is held on the forming disc for a portion of the disc rotation by a pair of flexible discs which clamp the leg portions of the bodies against the sides of the forming disc. After rotation through a portion of the forming disc circumference, the flexible discs are cammed outwardly and the train of coupling elements is pulled from the discs.

Abstract: A new method for producing retro-reflecting assemblies of the type comprising a transparent globule having an essentially part-spherical upper portion uncoated for light impingement, and a lower portion associated to a monolayer of focusing and reflective microspheres, the method comprising forming said globule by subjecting a sheet thermoplastic material to heat and pressure in the bite of counter-rotating forming rollers to provide an essentially planar intermediate product having oppositely located bulges at either faces thereof, the globules being obtained by subdividing said product in parts each comprising a pair of opposite bulges. The invention comprises improved assemblies comprising each an asymmetrical globule having the monolayer of microspheres associated to its essentially bottom face and to its peripheral toroidal side face of a radius of curvature smaller than that of its upper bulging portion exposed for light impingement.

Abstract: Plastic contact lenses are formed in a casting process in which the required amount of lens-forming material is charged into a mold half, the mating lens half is inserted but only far enough to contact at least the surface of the lens-forming material. Next the inserted part is allowed to dwell or is slowly withdrawn for a sufficient distance to cause the liquid lens-forming material to move to the center of the two molding surfaces and to approximate a column between the two molding surfaces. The moveable mold portion is then quickly inserted into the mold pushing the lens-forming material uniformly outwardly and displacing any air between the two molding surfaces to form a contact lens devoid of air bubbles and entrained air.

Abstract: A tubular article having a peripheral groove is formed by providing the groove in the wall of a tubular blank made of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate by applying simultaneously a pressure against the wall of the blank and axial stretching forces. In the bottom of the groove the material is drawn to yielding and the blank is simultaneously elongated.