Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a die material in one embodiment is used for performing pseudo-isostatic pressing by using a uniaxial mechanical press to densify a powder mixture, preform or presinter with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The apparatus can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. As a result, near net shape parts can be cold or hot pressed pseudo-isostatically without using an expensive and sophisticated press apparatus of the prior art. In a second embodiment, the shape memory alloy is employed as the expansion tooling for near net shape forming of composite materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for consolidating loose or pre-compressed particulate materials, such as metal powder or metal flakes, in press equipment utilizing a reusable canister means that is sealed in vacuum from the atmosphere and heated prior to consolidation in the press equipment at elevated pressures and temperatures, thereby improving utilization of the press equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing wastage during the start-up phase of extrusion device used to produce extruded profiles such as tread strips for vehicle tires from a plurality of mixtures. Each of a plurality of extruders extrudes one component of the profile and is provided with its own drive motor. The outlets from the extruders communicate with a template member having flow channels formed therein which communicate with the outlet ends of the extruders and which lead into a common extrusion port. Pressure sensors are positioned adjacent to the outlet of each extruder. These pressure sensors and the drive motors for each extruder are operatively connected to a control device which has stored therein predetermined desired pressure levels for each extruder. The drive motors for the several extruders are actuated and the pressure of each is monitored and compared with the predetermined desired pressure for each extruder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a mold having walls porous to gases by exposing external surfaces of the mold to a vacuum while filling the mold through an opening exposed to a higher pressure. The mold may be rotated at speeds sufficient for centrifugal forces to be produced to assist in filling cavities in the mold.

Abstract: A pin-grid package is created by starting with printed wiring boards that have plated through holes that can accommodate wire pins. Pins are secured in position to extend outward from one face of the PW board in the form of a pin grid array of the desired configuration which is typically a plurality of concentric rings thereby creating a square grid pattern of predetermined spacing. The opposing PW board face includes a central pin-free area to which is secured a semiconductor die. This face of the PW board includes a plurality of wiring traces that connect each pin to an array that surrounds the semiconductor die. The traces are connected to the bonding pads of the semiconductor die by either wire bonds or a spider assembly using tape assembly bonding. The PW board is located in a mold that has a flat faced first platen that contains cut-out regions that will accommodate the package pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitatively extruding food material is provided. At least one introducing means such as a driven roller having a vane adapted to protrude from it propels the food material into a cylindrical food forming device, which comprises a longitudinal groove and a cylinder having a rectangular opening on a side thereof and encloses the food material for a piston to extrude it from the apparatus.

Abstract: A power press for manufacturing profiled bodies from a thermohardening bonding agent mixed with fibrous materials and utilizing at least two hot pressing steps, including an inner pressing tool part having a first surface, an outer pressing tool part having a second surface and engaging the inner pressing tool part wherein the first and second surfaces of the inner and outer pressing tool parts are shaped to correspond to the shape of the profiled body to be pressed, and a holding arrangement for holding the profiled body to be pressed fixed during at least two of the hot pressing steps so that the power press acts at the same place on the profiled body to be pressed during each one of the hot pressing steps and thus prevents damage to the profile body to be pressed caused by shrinkage occurring during at least one of the hot pressing steps.

Abstract: A method of shaping a body of thermoformable material containing continuous filaments comprising selecting a shaping polymer material having a glass transition temperature which is greater than the glass transition temperature of the thermoformable material of the reinforced body, locating the reinforced thermoformable body between a pair of sheets of the selected shaping polymer, heating the assembly of reinforced body and shaping polymer sheets to a temperature at which the reinforced material can be formed and the shaping polymer can be stretched and applying a differential pressure preferably of not greater than 10 atmospheres, between opposite sides of the assembly of shaping polymer sheets and thermoformable body to induce a desired shaping of the reinforced thermoformable body and cause rearrangement of the filaments relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of operating an injection molding machine having a pair of separable mold elements forming a mold cavity therebetween with means for opening and closing the mold elements with means for introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity at a first pressure and for exerting a second pressure on the moldable material as it cures in the cavity. The method controls the molded product and comprises the steps of closing the mold elements and introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity. The separation of the mold elements is measured during the injection of the moldable material and a predetermined separation of the mold elements is detected. Upon detecting the predetermined separation the pressure is changed from the first pressure to the second pressure and the separation of the mold elements is continued. Measurement of mold element separation is continued and the cessation of the increase in the separation of the mold elements is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the continuous production of microcellular plastic web material having integral unmodified laminar skin. In accordance with the invention a web of plastic material impregnated with an inert gas is delivered continuously to a degassing device in which the degree to which gas diffuses out of the surfaces of the web can be selectively and continuously controlled, whereupon the web enters a foaming station where it is reheated to induce foaming. The temperature of the reheated web and the duration of the foaming process prior to quenching are also selectively controllable to produce the desired web characteristics.

Abstract: A hydraulic press has a frame including a crosshead formed with a vertical passage. A lower platen is fixed to the base of the frame, and an upper movable platen is located between the crosshead and lower platen. Light-duty hydraulic cylinders move the upper platen between an operating position proximate to the lower platen and a retracted position relatively distant from the lower platen. A short-stroke, large-bore hydraulic ram extends vertically from the upper platen and travels with the upper platen is positioned by the light-duty cylinders. An upper free end of the ram locates in the vertical passage of the crosshead when the upper platen is in its retracted position but clears the passage when the upper platen is in its operating position. A hydraulic mechanism then closes the passage so that the ram can drive the upper platen towards the lower platen.

Abstract: Shaped ammunication for tubular weapons in the form of nitrocellulose-based combustible cartridge cases are continuously produced in a screw extruder from an aqueous suspension, stabilizers, flammable fibrous material, binders and optionally plasticizers being supplied to the suspension. The fibre-like constituents are matted in kneading and pressing zones, accompanied by the simultaneous squeezing out of the water, being shaped to an endless tubular structure, which is then cut to the length of the individual cartridge cases and is optionally also pressed to the desired dimensions and shape. Advantageously use is made of a double shaft screw extruder with kneading and pressing segments, as well as a water outlet, which is provided at its end with a tubular die. A following pressing and cutting to length means is arranged behind the extruder.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a roll of continuous synthetic thermoplastic film consisting of extruded flat film or of extruded blow-formed and flattened tubular film in which the thickness of the film is measured over the width of the film. Any striplike portion which deviates in thickness from a means thickness of the film is adjusted. The temperatures of juxtaposed temperature control sectors or the width of those portions of the slot die or of the annular die from which said striplike portions have been extruded are adjustable. When a striplike longitudinal portion having a relatively large thickness is detected in the film, the film is subsequently extruded to have a corresponding portion which has a relatively small thickness within specified thickness limits and for a length such that the two portions as superimposed in the roll have an average thickness approximately equal to the mean film thickness.

Abstract: A process for high efficiency hot isostatic pressing in a hot isostatic pressing treatment for sintering or densifying a ceramic or metallic workpiece in a high temperature and high pressure gas atmosphere, which includes preheating the workpiece outside a high pressure vessel prior to the hot isostatic pressing treatment, transferring the preheated workpiece as surrounded with the gas in a hot state into the high pressure vessel, then treating the workpiece at high temperature and high pressure in a gas atmosphere, thereafter taking out the workpiece from the high pressure vessel together with the gas atmosphere, then cooling the workpiece if necessary, and subsequently taking it out from the gas atmosphere, as well as an apparatus for practicing the above-noted process, wherein a treating chamber for effecting the hot isostatic pressing treatment is covered with a hermetic casing, and at least one valve mechanism capable of providing communication and cut-off between the interior and exterior of the treatin

Abstract: A mold and molding method for forming a taxidermy animal head mannikin with artificial eyepieces molded therein in proper position includes a pair of mold cavity half parts each of the half parts having a cavity surface contoured for correct anatomical formation of the features of half of the mannikin, an eye socket recess in the cavity surface shaped for snugly receiving the front portion of the artificial eyepiece and leaving the rear portion projecting into the mold cavity, and a small keyway selectively located in the eye socket recess to receive a matcing key which is affixed to the front portion of the artificial eyepiece and is positioned thereon so that placement of the key in the keyway locates the eyepiece in proper anatomical position prior to the introduction on liquid foamable hardening material into the cavity between the mold half parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for centering and shaping dough pieces baked products or the like which is inserted between two treatment machines in a commercial baking line for the production of bread or similar baked products, for example between a dividing and weighing machine and a prefermentation chamber, or between a prefermentation chamber and a shaping and alongating machine, this apparatus comprising a conveyor for feeding the ball-shaped dough pieces from the dividing and weighing machine or the prefermentation chamber, an endless belt conveyor of which the outer face comprises rack means consisting of transverse bars, two parallel guideways disposed at the input end of the apparatus and overlying said endless conveyor belt, a centering spout consisting of two convergent vertical walls and disposed downstream of said guideways, a shaping channel having an inner width inferior to the spacing of said pair of parallel guideways and disposed downstream of said centering spout, a plurality of succ

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for forming plastic items employs a mold formed of tool members which mate to form a mold cavity. A mold core assembly includes a pull core adapted to extend into the mold cavity and a core support member from which the pull core depends. A nozzle is provided for introducing liquid plastic into a runner which communicates with the mold cavity. The nozzle has a retracted position and an injection position. The nozzle is attached to the core support member such that movement of the nozzle between the retracted position and the injection position causes movement of the pull core, and such that fluid may pass from the nozzle into the runner. The nozzle may be attached to the core support member in a manner to allow the pull core to move laterally with respect to said nozzle.

Abstract: An improved molded plastic closure having an integral tamper indicating band including a plurality of upwardly and inwardly extending tabs is disclosed. Also disclosed are an improved mold and molding process for the production of such a closure. The closure comprises an upper skirt portion and a lower tamper indicating band formed integrally with the upper skirt portion. Connected to the tamper indicating band and depending upwardly and inwardly therefrom are a plurality of tabs adapted to cooperate with an annular bead provided on a container finish. The tabs are molded in their upwardly and inwardly extending orientation so that free ends of the tabs terminate radially inwardly from an inner surface of the upper skirt portion. A two-piece core is used to form the inner surfaces of the upper skirt portion and the tamper indicating band. The tabs, in their as-molded orientation, are positioned to interfere with the core during removal of the closure therefrom.

Abstract: The outer periphery of a screw and the inside of a barrel of a screw type extruding or kneading machine are made of ceramics, to improve the abrasion and heat resistances thereof, so that the screw and the barrel will operate for a longer life time even if a hard material or a material containing a hard material is worked.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selectively separating runners and molded products from an injection mold assembly. The apparatus comprises first and second mold portions having mating surfaces formed to define a runner channel and product cavity. A plurality of ejector pins are disposed within the second mold portion and adapted to translate within the second mold portion so as to retractably extend into the cavities for forming the runner and molded product. An ejector plate assembly is provided which translates the ejector pins a predetermined distance within the mold. A pin extension mechanism is connected to the ejector plate assembly and at least one ejector pin. The pin extension mechanism is adapted to selectively extend the connected ejector pin a predetermined distance beyond the stroke of the ejector plate assembly such that the connected pin is extended into contact with the channels for forming the runner, or the molded product.