Abstract: An automated method for controlling the amount of charge introduced in a mold having a mold cavity and associated overflow assembly by adjusting the amount of charge introduced into the mold cavity in subsequent moldings using a measurement of the amount of excess charge material received by the overflow assembly. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity of the molding unit. Excess charge from the cavity is forced into the charge overflow unit, which is selectively located in an area where surface finish is less critical. The excess charge displaces an overflow pin, which is kept upwardly biased, under molding pressure, to be flush with the lower inside wall of the molding unit cavity. The pin displacement is measured by a sensing transducer.

Abstract: A simple yet reliable sealing assembly for a vacuum compression mold. Molding apparatus for compression molding a charge under vacuum includes an upper die having a molding surface and outer side walls. A lower die has a complimentary molding surface and side walls substantially aligned with the side walls of the upper die. A heat source heats the upper and lower dies. A sealing assembly includes a seal plate on each side wall of the upper die. Upper portions of the seal plates are fixed and sealed to the upper die. Lower portions of the seal plates extend downwardly therefrom. The sealing assembly includes flexible sealing tubes on lower portions of the plates. A distance between upper and lower edges of the seal plates is related to a height of the charge to be molded. A moving device moves the upper die towards the lower die to a partially closed position where the tubes of the sealing assembly engage side walls of the lower die to thereby create a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic composite wheel and method of making it is disclosed. The wheel includes a rim and a disc, with the disc comprising reinforcing fibers oriented predominantly in a radially outwardly extending direction. The rim, in the preferred construction, has a plurality of radially disposed and substantially distinct layers. The inner and outermost layers have fibers that extend essentially in the same direction, with one or more middle layers having fibers extending in an opposite direction. Preferably, the inner and outer layers have directional fibers extending essentially parallel to the wheel axes.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic composite wheel and method of making it is disclosed. The wheel includes a rim and a disc, with the disc comprising reinforcing fibers oriented predominantly in a radially outwardly extending direction. The rim, in the preferred construction, has a plurality of radially disposed and substantially distinct layers. The inner and outermost layers have fibers that extend essentially in the same direction, with one or more middle layers having fibers extending in an opposite direction. Preferably, the inner and outer layers have directional fibers extending essentially parallel to the wheel axes.

Abstract: An energy attenuator for absorbing impact of a foreign object against a body to be protected. The energy attenuator comprising a plurality of layers in a desired form or shape and each layer may be separated from the adjacent layer by films of high temperature resistant thermoplastic materials, which are neither soluble in nor compatible with or modified by the molding conditions encountered in processing the laminates or layers. The energy attenuator may be manufactured by either a buildup process whereby each layer is formed, then separated by a separating material, another layer is then deposited upon the material forming a laminate structure which may be made to the desired thickness by continually forming layers with separators between each layer or the separate layers may be formed individually and then assembled by stacking them into a laminated structure.