Abstract: In transfer molding thermosetting polymeric materials, a first preform of first thermosetting polymeric material having a volume substantially equal to the volume of the die cavities is placed in the transfer chamber adjacent the runners. A second preform of second thermosetting polymeric material cheaper than the first polymeric material is placed in the transfer chamber above the first preform. The transfer chamber is pressurized and the second preform is deformed and pressurizes and deforms the first preform and causes the first thermosetting polymeric material to flow through the runners into the die cavities. After curing, the molded articles consisting of first thermosetting polymeric material are removed from the die cavity, and scrap cull and runner consisting substantially of cheap second thermosetting polymeric material are removed from the mold runners and the bottom of the transfer chamber. Thus, considerable economies are effected.

Abstract: A method for making a sterile connection between fluid passage means such as a port structure for passing sterile fluids or other biological material, is disclosed. The port structure includes a flexible sleeve having a rigid thermoplastic tube secured therein. The outer surface of the sleeve has greater thermoplastic properties than the inner surface, enabling the sleeve to be heat sealed to the fluid passage means without sealing off the inner surface. The rigid tube has a free end extending outside the sleeve, having a thermoplastic diaphragm which seals off the free end. When a sterile connection between two fluid passage means incorporating the port structure is desired, the free ends of each rigid tube are aligned and softened, and each thermoplastic diaphragm is opened. The free ends of the rigid tubes are then brought into contact and held in position under a slight pressure while the thermoplastic tubes cool and solidify, thereby creating a permanent connection.

Abstract: A core unit is moved into position within the mold halves of an injection mold and a casting is molded therein. The outer wall zones of the casting are cooled sufficiently to enable the casting to maintain its shape. At the beginning of the shrinking of the casting and while the inner wall zones of the casting are still in the plastic state but before any stresses are set up in the casting the divided mold is opened. The core and the casting thereon are removed from the mold to a cooling station where the casting is rapidly cooled and the core is then removed from the cooled casting. A corrugation can be formed in a tubular casting by positioning a ferromagnetic insert member upon the core and establishing a magnetic field to maintain the insert member in position during the casting process. The core can be provided with permanent magnets or electromagnets to hold the insert member in position.

Abstract: Plastic lined pipe and fittings are prepared by forming a liner of a plastic material having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the pipe or fitting to be lined, reducing the diameter of the liner by hydrostatically swaging the liner and inserting the swaged liner into the pipe or fitting and permitting the plastic memory of the liner to cause expansion and form an interference fit of the liner with the pipe.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming decorated articles of acrylic resins, more particularly acrylic sheets bearing figures and inscriptions, according to which a molding cell, having one of its inner faces coated with a coloured paint reproducing the desired inscriptions or decorations, is filled with an acrylic prepolymer in admixture with a polymerization catalysts, the polymerization is carried out in a controlled temperature environment until the polymer is still ductile, and then the polymer mass incorporating the coloured paint coating is placed in a second molding cell of greater inner size, the space remaining between the outer surfaces of the polymer mass and the inner faces of said second cell is filled with additional mixture of acrylic prepolymer and catalysts, and then the polymerization process is completed under controlled temperature, whereby the required figures or inscriptions are incorporated in the acrylic body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding rubber to an article, e.g. a two-color rubber sole onto a lasted upper of an article of footwear, are disclosed. Unvulcanized rubber of one color is placed into a mold cavity bounded by the article, openable peripheral side ring means, and a movable mold member, e.g. a sole plate, located opposite the article. The movable mold member is provided with a peripheral outwardly extending lip for forming, in the rubber flash escaping around the periphery of the movable mold member, a peripherally extending weakened region. A peripherally extending groove is also provided in the movable mold member adjacent the lip to the side of the latter facing away from the article, for forming the flash rubber escaping past the lip into a bead. In the method, a first rubber to be molded is introduced into the cavity and the movable mold member is then advanced toward the article until the first rubber is spread against the article.

Abstract: Plastic shutters and the like are manufactured by attaching a decorative plastic shroud to a supporting frame without substantial use of adhesives by a process in which a generally pan-shaped rectangular shroud is heat formed, the supporting frame is positioned within the plastic shroud, and the sides of the plastic shroud are post-formed to embrace the outer rim of the supporting frame. Since the supporting frame and the plastic shroud are not completely bonded to each other, the shroud and the frame can separately expand or contract without materially warping or distorting the shroud.

Abstract: A method of moulding articles from a paste like material is disclosed in which a moulding tunnel having a composite piston movable therein is closed at one end by means of a separable mould insert. The moulding material is supplied into the tunnel between the composite piston and the mould insert by a suitable hopper and a plurality of transversely operable pistons are movable into the tunnel from the sides and bottom thereof. Upon a two-stage movement of the composite piston and the transversely movable pistons the mouldable material is forced into the mould insert to form an article. The mould insert and the article are then ejected from the mould tunnel and conveyed through a curing tunnel in contiguous relationship to a plurality of other mould inserts having moulded articles therein. At the end of the curing tunnel, the mould inserts are separated and the moulded article ejected. The mould inserts are then conveyed back to the tunnel for a new moulding operation.

Abstract: Means for producing fiber-reinforced foam plastic webs, panels, sandwich panels and the like from continuous rovings and a foam reaction mixture. Rovings are incorporated into a foam product or core by means of an air nozzle coupled to and adjustable in its position to the nozzle of a mixing head for ejecting the foam reaction mixture.

Abstract: Method for compacting preheated powder bodies in a high pressure isostatic pressure vessel in which a liquid such as water is used as the pressurizing medium. A preheated workpiece is inserted into the vessel which is closed and sealed. The vessel is then rapidly filled with the liquid pressurizing medium while avoiding contact of the medium with the preheated workpiece until the vessel is substantially completely full. The pressure within the vessel is then increased rapidly to a preselected compacting level by continually pumping the liquid pressurizing medium into the vessel. The preselected compacting pressure is in excess of the critical pressure of the liquid pressurizing medium. The rapid increase of pressure within the vessel to a level exceeding the critical pressure minimizes the amount of vapor that is formed in the vessel and reduces heat transfer from the preheated body to the pressurizing system.

Abstract: A rolling apparatus for ceramic material comprises a smooth upper roll and rough lower roll for rolling a bar-shaped premolding out into a plate. The premolding is arranged to become attached to the upper roll and travel round with it, possibly more than once. When the plate comes into the gap between the rolls for the last time the upper roll is made negative electrically with respect to the lower roll.