Abstract: A molding machine comprises first and second non-complementary molds (20a, 20b). The first mold (20a) defines a female mold cavity (36). The second mold (20b) defines a flat molding surface (30). The first and second molds (20a, 20b) are movable between a first position in which the molds are apart and the female mold cavity (36) and the flat molding surface (30) both face upwards, and a second position in which the molds are brought together and the flat molding surface faces into and closes the female mold cavity to form a completely enclosed cavity. Each mold (20a, 20b) has a plurality of bores (22) formed through it and with an opening (24) at each end. At least two of the bores (22) are connected to each other by a block (38) positioned over the opening at one end of one bore and the opening at the end of another bore. The block (38) is formed with a groove (40) which connects the openings to each other.

Abstract: A device (10) for applying particulate material onto a surface of a mould is described. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for holding particulate material and defining an opening (18) for releasing the material. A closure device (20) is operable to open and close the opening (18). A levelling means (24) projects from the container (12) adjacent to the opening (18) and is operable to level the surface of the material dispensed. The levelling means (24) is shorter than the length of the opening (18) so that the opening extends beyond each end of the levelling means (24). In this way, an even layer of particulate material can be dispensed in one pass covering the bass of a mould cavity and opposed side walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A process for forming plastic articles is described which uses a machine (10) having a pair of hingedly-connected female molds (12, 14), which can be heated and cooled and which can be clamped together. The process involves placing a plastic particulate material in each mold (12, 14) when they are in an open position and heating the molds (12, 14) to form a plastic skin (58, 60) lining each mold (12, 14). An expandable filler material (62) is then placed in one mold and the two molds clamped closed to form a completely closed cavity. The plastic skins in the two molds bond together to form a continuous plastic shell (66) completely encasing the filler material (62).

Abstract: A device (10) for applying particulate material onto a surface of a mould is described. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for holding particulate material and defining an opening (18) for releasing the material. A closure device (20) is operable to open and close the opening (18). A levelling means (24) projects from the container (12) adjacent to the opening (18) and is operable to level the surface of the material dispensed. The levelling means (24) is shorter than the length of the opening (18) so that the opening extends beyond each end of the levelling means (24). In this way, an even layer of particulate material can be dispensed in one pass covering the bass of a mould cavity and opposed side walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A moulding machine comprises first and second non-complementary moulds (20a, 20b). The first mould (20a) defines a female mould cavity (36). The second mould (20b) defines a flat moulding surface (30). The first and second moulds (20a, 20b) are movable between a first position in which the moulds are apart and the female mould cavity (36) and the flat moulding surface (30) both face upwards, and a second position in which the moulds are brought together and the flat moulding surface faces into and closes the female mould cavity to form a completely enclosed cavity. Each mould (20a, 20b) has a plurality of bores (22) formed through it and with an opening (24) at each end. At least two of the bores (22) are connected to each other by a block (38) positioned over the opening at one end of one bore and the opening at the end of another bore. The block (38) is formed with a groove (40) which connects the openings to each other.

Abstract: A process for forming plastic articles is described which uses a machine (10) having a pair of hingedly-connected female moulds (12, 14), which can be heated and cooled and which can be clamped together. The process involves placing a plastic particulate material in each mould (12, 14) when they are in an open position and heating the moulds (12, 14) to form a plastic skin (58, 60) lining each mould (12, 14). An expandable filler material (62) is then placed in one mould and the two moulds clamped closed to form a completely closed cavity. The plastic skins in the two moulds bond together to form a continuous plastic shell (66) completely encasing the filler material (62).