Abstract: A method of compression molding a special purpose coating or skin onto the surface of a freshly molded polymeric substrate, including the steps of: injecting a skin-forming material between the surface to be coated and the die forming that surface such that the substrate is hydraulically immobilized within the mold cavity during separation of the die from the substrate surface, and thereafter compression molding the skin-forming material over the surface.

Abstract: A compression molding operation is controlled by applying a press force to a mold having a cavity charged with molding compound. The separation of the mold halves is measured at each corner thereof by linear variable differential transformers. Hydraulic cylinders operating on the press ram generally in the area of each corner of the molds are individually controlled to locally vary the press force on the molds to maintain mold parallelism as determined by the LVDT's to control the velocity of press closing also as measured by the LVDT's according to a preprogrammed velocity profile, and further to control the amount of press force applied to the molds according to a preprogrammed value during curing of the molding compound.

Abstract: A low-cost, easily fabricated bumper structure for the alleviation of repeated, low-magnitude impact shocks on a vehicle. The bumpers utilize structural elements of fiberglass or similar lightweight, high-strength materials to absorb energy of impact. The fiberglass elements of the subject bumper are fabricated by relatively inexpensive manufacturing processes, such as molding, pulltruding or extruding.

Abstract: A mass of alloy material is deposited on a valve seat and is heated to alloying temperature by a laser beam which sweeps around the valve seat thereby alloying the valve seat. While the alloyed material is still at a high temperature, the forming tool is pressed against the valve seat to shape the valve seat to a configuration which requires little or no grinding.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a precessing bottom pour stopper is used to accurately and precisely control the flow of molten metal through the tap hole which is located in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel. The precessional movement of the stopper, as it moves into and/or out of sealing engagement with the tap hole, removes any debris which may be lodged between the sealing surfaces and thereby ensures a tight seal over a prolonged period of operation.