Abstract: A method and apparatus for a nonsynchronous system for continuously molding articles from a material cured by the control of temperature and pressure. The apparatus includes a multi-section self-clamping mold, a controller system, a material injector, a transfer system, a curing apparatus for curing the articles, and a mold separator-assembler. The method comprises pre-treating and then assembling the mold in a clamped condition. Under the control of the controller system, the mold is then injected with material from the injector, and moved by the transfer system through the curing apparatus to cure the material within the mold. Once cured, the controller system moves the mold to the mold separator-assembler via the transfer system. The mold is then disassembled into sections, the molded article is removed, and the sections are pre-treated and reassembled, for the next injection operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing molded articles from a continuous, nonsynchronous system using multi-section, self-clamping molds. The apparatus is a mold separator-assembler having an elevator, and a horizontal position mover for disassembling the mold into sections, tracks for receiving sections of the self-clamping molds, and a track mover for moving the mold sections along their respective tracks to parallel, co-planar work stations. Once the molded article is removed at one of the work stations using an intermediate mechanism, the main sections are pre-treated and then reassembled using a second elevator and second horizontal position mover, for the next injection operation.

Abstract: A metering apparatus 10 for continuously supplying a specified amount of fluid material F to a desired surface. The apparatus 10 includes a reservoir 14 for maintaining a supply of fluid material, a housing 16 having a central bore 22 therethrough, a receiving opening 24 for receiving fluid material from the reservoir 14 to central bore 22, and an exit opening 26 through which fluid material exits the housing 16. A rotatable screw member 28 is provided engaged through the housing 16 within said central bore 22, and a driver 37 engaged with the screw member for rotating the screw member within the bore at between approximately 1 rpm to 2,700 rpm, and preferably approximately 1,750 rpm, in order to continuously supply fluid to the exit opening 26. At this operating level, fluid material is provided from the exit opening 26 at a flow rate of between approximately 1 to 23 grams/min, and in a thickness of approximately 0.001 to 8 mils.

Abstract: A self-centering molding apparatus 10 for forming molded products including a first mold portion 14 and a second mold portion 15 together forming a mold cavity 16 for receiving molding material forming the molded product M. The first mold portion 14 has an alignment member 18 in fluid communication with the mold cavity 16 and for alignment and engagement with an injection press P for injecting molding material into the apparatus 10. The first mold portion 14 is adapted for self-centering, mating engagement with the second mold portion 15. The second mold portion 15 has a multi-section mold assembly 22, a support plate 24 and an operating assembly 26. The multi-section mold assembly 22 is adapted for self-centering, mating engagement with the first mold portion 14 and the operating assembly 26, and is supported on and engaged with the support plate 24 for opening and closing the multi-section mold assembly for accessing a molded product M supported within the mold cavity 16 .

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing molded articles from a continuous, nonsynchronous system using multi-section, self-clamping molds. The apparatus is a mold separator-assembler having an elevator, and a horizontal position mover for disassembling the mold into sections, tracks for receiving sections of the self-clamping molds, and a track mover for moving the mold sections along their respective tracks to parallel, co-planar work stations. Once the molded article is removed at one of the work stations using an intermediate mechanism, the main sections are pretreated and then reassembled using a second elevator and second horizontal position mover, for the next injection operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting molding material into a self-clamping mole. The apparatus includes a support frame with spaced plates and support bars interconnecting the plates, and a C-shaped opening formed in the plates. An injector is included for injecting molding material into the self-clamping mold under pressure, and an extruder for providing molding material to the injector. Temperature controllers are also provided for controlling the temperature of the molding material within the injector and extruder. A lift mechanism supported on the frame provides clamped engagement between the self-clamping mold and the frame. During the injection operation wherein the injector is engaged with the mold, the lift mechanism clamps the mold to resist internal mold forces resulting from the injection of molding material.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of material to the external diameters of cylindrical items of manufacture. The apparatus includes a frame, a transport system having work stations supporting the items, an application system, and a curing system for curing the material applied to the cylindrical items. The application system includes first and second horizontally, axially spaced application rolls engagable with the items external diameter, and an adjustable reservoir system for supplying a desired thickness of material to be applied to the external diameter of the item.

Abstract: A self-clamping mold assembly for injection molding articles from material cured by the application of temperature and pressure. The assembly includes a mold body and a lock mechanism housed within the body. The body has aligned, independent plates, each having a mold cavity and a lock bore portion with a central axis. The lock mechanism includes a tie rod assembly for engagement with one of the independent plates, and a force generator assembly for engagement with another of the independent plates. The tie rod and force generator assemblies are engaged with the lock bore portion of the plates. The tie rod assembly includes a tie rod adapted for rotatable engagement within the mold assembly, and the force generator assembly includes a lock shaft adapted for locking engagement with the tie rod and a spring biased member retained with respect to the lock shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of material to the internal surface of cylindrical items of manufacture. The apparatus includes a frame, a transport system having work stations supporting the items, an application system, and a curing system for curing the material applied to the cylindrical items. The application system includes a drive roll, movable into engagement with the item for rotating the item, a coating roll movable between a position engaging the internal surface of the item to apply the desired material, and a position engaged with a reservoir system having a rotating supply roll for supplying the coating roll with material.

Abstract: A method for injecting molding material into a self-clamping mold. The method comprises the steps of supporting the mold in a support frame clamped in engagement with an injector using a lift mechanism. The pressure required to inject material into the mold is pre-determined and applied by the lifting mechanism to maintain the condition and position of self-clamping mold during injection, and is a function of the area of exposed sprue openings in the mold. The molding material is transferred into the injector. The temperature of the molding material transferred to the mold is controlled, and the molding material is injected into the mold under the pre-determined pressure using the injector, while clamping the mold within the frame with a force of less than 25 tons.