Abstract: A method and an apparatus for creating a void, low-density fill or combination of void and low-density fill for underground mining having at least one module of formwork to be positioned in an open slope of an underground mine prior to carrying out a backfilling operation.

Abstract: A mold according to an embodiment includes a first surface to be in contact with a surface of a substrate to be processed. A cavity portion recedes in a first direction being away from the first surface. A vent portion recedes in the first direction and is closer to the first surface than the cavity portion. The vent portion communicates with the cavity portion and serves as a discharge path for gas in the cavity portion. A suction portion recedes in the first direction and is farther from the first surface than the vent portion. The suction portion communicates with the vent portion. A first opening/closing portion is provided between the vent portion and the suction portion, and opens and closes or narrows down the discharge path. A second opening/closing portion is provided between the first opening/closing portion and the suction portion, and opens and closes the discharge path.

Abstract: Multi-impact multi-layer body armor is presented. A first layer is a single layer of front covering material. A second layer, is a ballistic ceramic plate formed of a plurality of curved smaller ceramic tiles that are bonded together using a structural adhesive. A third layer formed of one or a plurality of aramid layers such as Kevlar® XP. A fourth layer formed of a rigid backing plate, formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene such as Spectra Shield®. A fifth layer is a single layer of rear covering material. Thus, an improved body armor is presented which is inexpensive to produce, light, durable and can sustain multiple impacts.

Abstract: A calcium aluminate cement protective coating is resistant to sulfuric acid and can be used as a lining to protect surfaces in sulfur storage vessels and sulfuric acid storage vessels. The protective coating can include calcium aluminate cement, calcium aluminate based synthetic aggregates, and water. The protective coating is resistant to sulfur and sulfuric acid attack, and thus can be used to protect surfaces inside sulfur storage pits, sulfur storage tanks, and sulfuric acid storage containers.

Abstract: An adapter for putting two incompatible medical systems in fluid communication with each other. The adapter may have a continuous outer diameter and may include two segments: a first segment composed of a rigid material and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a continuous outer diameter and the second portion defining one or more flanges, the first segment defining a first passage therethrough; and a second segment composed of a flexible material and coupled to the first segment, including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second segment may have an inner surface configured to surround the flanges of the second portion of the first segment, and the second portion of the second segment having a tapered inner surface, the second segment defining a second passage therethrough that is continuous with the first passage.

Abstract: Multi-impact multi-layer body armor is presented. A first layer is a single layer of front covering material. A second layer, is a ballistic ceramic plate formed of a plurality of curved smaller ceramic tiles that are bonded together using a structural adhesive. A third layer formed of one or a plurality of aramid layers such as Kevlar® XP. A fourth layer formed of a rigid backing plate, formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene such as Spectra Shield®. A fifth layer is a single layer of rear covering material. Thus, an improved body armor is presented which is inexpensive to produce, light, durable and can sustain multiple impacts.

Abstract: A method of making a vacuum fused-particle mold involves bringing the outer surface of a flexible bladder into contact with a master part; drawing a first vacuum between the flexible bladder and the master part to cause the flexible bladder to conform to its shape; placing a quantity of particles inside the compartment in sufficient quantity and distribution to cover at least a portion of the inner surface of the flexible bladder that conforms to the shape of the master part; sealing the mold compartment with a rear bladder; drawing a second vacuum on the mold compartment to hold the quantity of particles in place; removing the first vacuum to release the master part; and maintaining the second vacuum on the compartment to retain the shape of the flexible bladder. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method of making injection molded footwear includes placing a last into the internal cavity of a mold with the last and cavity being configured such that there is a space between them which is greater than the desired thickness of the footwear skin. An elastically deformable scrim is placed over the last before the last is paced in the mold. The scrim has a first thickness when not compressed and a second thickness when compressed. The difference between the first and second thickness is approximately equal to the desired thickness of the footwear skin.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for forming a bladder system. A bladder with an open end is formed. The open end of the bladder is placed into an interior of a fitting. The open end of the bladder is connected to the interior of the fitting.

Abstract: A mandrel for composite fabrication includes an open cell foam carrier and at least one vacuum bag enclosing the open cell foam carrier.

Abstract: A mandrel used to cure a composite part layup has an elastic body and at least one internal open space therein. The internal open space is configured to allow substantially uniform thermal expansion of the body during curing.

Abstract: A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed.

Abstract: A device for molding by impregnation of at least one reinforcing layer constituting a piece to be molded or at least one reinforcing layer covering a piece, with a resin in liquid form. The device includes a mold extending around the reinforcing layer by defining a resin circulation space, an end piece for supplying resin in the circulation space, an end piece for evacuating the surplus resin as well as elements for generating a flow of resin in the circulation space. The mold includes a flexible conduit and elements for mechanically deforming the flexible conduit to shape the circulation space according to the impregnation parameters.

Abstract: An expandable molding insert apparatus and corresponding method are provided. The insert apparatus may be expandable between a first uncompressed position with a first diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger diameter due to axial decompression and compression, respectively, of the insert apparatus. For example, the insert apparatus may include an inner rod, an outer jacket, and a compression member. The compression member may be configured to provide axial compression to the outer jacket, such that the outer jacket may be adjusted between a first uncompressed position with a first outer diameter and a second compressed position with a second, larger outer diameter. The insert apparatus of the present disclosure facilitates withdrawal of the insert apparatus from a molded component, requires a minimal number of mechanical components, and provides for ease of actuation when the insert apparatus is utilized during a molding process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing tool (13, 14) and method for use in forming polymer matrix composite products such as carbon fiber composite products. The tool comprising a first and a second portion defining a cavity (15) therebetween in which the product is built before curing. The rigidity of the second portion (13) of the tool is selected based on the required deflection of the second portion of the tool under the curing conditions, in order to maintain pressure on the laminate during the entire cure. The second upper portion (13) is shown haring varying thicknesses (16A, 16B and 16C) which results in different rigidity of these regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expandable curing bladder for use in curing rubber products; the bladder comprising an inner layer and an outer layer bonded to the first layer; the inner layer comprising a rubber composition comprised of, based on parts weight per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr): an isobutylene copolymer rubber selected from butyl rubber and/or halobutyl rubber, wherein said butyl rubber comprises a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene which contains from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent units derived from isoprene; wherein said halobutyl rubber is a halogenated butyl rubber comprises a chlorinated or brominated copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene which contains from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent units derived from isoprene; and the outer layer comprising a rubber composition comprising a silicon rubber.

Abstract: An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A method for forming an expandable member is provided. The method including: expanding a covering to define a cavity; and expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foaming mold using hollow tubes, and more particularly, to an improved mold for use in manufacturing a foamed product through foaming (or expansion molding), in which gas generated from the foamed product during the foaming can be smoothly discharged to the outside. The foaming mold using the hollow tubes comprises a mold unit including separate first and second half molds having inner cavities engraved in conformity with a molded product; the plurality of hollow tubes that are isolated and sealed from one another in respective regions and located between the first and second half molds to enclose an outer periphery of the configuration of the molded product; and a plurality of vents that are formed within the second half mold to communicate with the hollow tubes so that air in the isolated hollow tubes can be independently vented. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the quality of the final molded product obtained through the foaming.

Abstract: A method of producing a pulp molded article comprising the steps of assembling splits (10, 11) each having a suction passageway and a papermaking screen (5) into a papermaking mold (1), filling the cavity of the papermaking mold (1) with a pulp slurry, discharging the liquid component of the pulp slurry through the suction passageway to deposit pulp fiber on the inner side of the papermaking screen (5) into an undried wet molded article, and dewatering the undried molded article deposited on the inner side of the papermaking screen (5), wherein the splits (10, 11) each have a large number of flow passageways (2) for feeding a purging fluid for cleaning the papermaking screen (5), and the purging fluid is ejected from the outer side of the papermaking screen (5) toward the cavity through the flow passageways (2) during the filling with the pulp slurry.

Abstract: A method for preparing a footing for a foundation of the type for emplacement of a prefabricated building over a pattern of footing excavations, including suspending a block of rigid, but dissolvable material within each footing excavation with a prescribed distance between the lower end of the block and the bottom of the footing excavation, and pouring an unhardened load-bearing material around the sides of and under the block. When the load-bearing material has hardened, the block is dissolved so that the footing is ready to receive a vertical support stanchion.

Abstract: Device for introducing a coating into pipes and pipe bends and, more generally, into rotationally symmetrical bodies open at only at least one end, with an elastic, elongate, inflatable core (12), the so-called “variocore”.

Abstract: The apparatus for shaping thermoplastic materials, in particular for producing moulded parts with a large height of the moulded part, comprises a suction-pressure bell and a lower part which can be locked to each other by a locking device. Resting on the lower part are a mould and a clamping frame, while the upper clamping frame can be securely clamped by working cylinders. In the locked state, the clamping frames are braced by a seal, which is arranged between the suction-pressure bell and the upper clamping frame. The seal extends over the entire circumference of the suction-pressure bell and is able to be pressed against the upper clamping frame by a pressure medium.

Abstract: A bladder for a vulcanizer includes, as a constituent member, a low elongation material with stable properties at vulcanization temperatures. During a vulcanization-molding process, the bladder is pressed against the inner surface of a green tire using a pressurized medium. The pressurized medium can be at vulcanization temperatures. The bladder has substantially the same shape as the inner wall surface of the tire that is formed using the bladder. As a result, irregularities in the shape of the inner wall surface of a tire rarely occur, and the frequency of exchange of bladders can be reduced. The vulcanizer bladder can include a conductive material or a magnetic material, both of which can be heated by using an induction heating coil. The use of both heat from the pressurized medium and heat generated in the bladder to vulcanize a green tire can shorten the period of time required for vulcanizing-molding.

Abstract: An inflatable seal system in a tool having opposed parts which are relatively movable together with the inflatable seal system therebetween. The inflatable seal system comprising a longitudinally extending seal cavity and a seal extending longitudinally along the seal cavity. The seal comprises an inflatable portion and an abutment portion for sealingly abutting against an opposing surface, wherein the inflatable portion remains in the seal cavity when the seal is deflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to expandable butyl rubber bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers such as pneumatic tires. The bladders are a crosslinked elastomer comprising isobutylene repeat units and the bladder composition contains lecithin, particularly a modified lecithin, preferably in liquid form, dispersed within the bladder composition. The bladder composition may also contain castor oil, corn oil and/or soya-bean oil. The bladder composition may also contain at least one of graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene powder. The invention also relates to a method of curing tires by utilizing such butyl rubber bladder.

Abstract: An insert device for forming voids in concrete for various types of purposes, such as anchoring heavy machinery to a concrete foundation, is disclosed. A method for the use of the insert device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing shafts from composite materials, particularly shafts for golf clubs. An elongate mandrel, having a passage therein and having a plurality of holes between the passage and an outer surface of the mandrel, includes a flexible bladder, preferably latex, dipped and cured directly on the outer surface of the mandrel. A set of plies of pre-preg composite sheet is wrapped around the mandrel in a predetermined manner. The wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold, the bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressurized wrapped mandrel is then heated for a predetermined period of time to cure the composite material to form a shaft, preferably for a golf club. While the shaft is cured in the mold, gas of a predetermined pressure is introduced through the passage in the mandrel to inflate the bladder and force the composite sheet against the walls of the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed are expandable bladders for use in curing presses for rubber compositions such as pneumatic tires. The bladders are a crosslinked elastomer comprising an isobutylene rubbery polymer. The bladder composition includes alkylphenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)-alkanol which improves the release characteristics of the cured bladder from a tire innerliner cured in contact with said bladder. The improved release characteristics allow rubber compositions such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused during release of the bladder from the tires or caused by abraded or deformed bladders. The use of alkylphenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)alkanol also increases the useful life time of the bladder allowing more tires to be cured without changing bladders.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers, such as pneumatic tires, are a crosslinked elastomer composition including isobutylene repeat units. When PTFE and/or graphite is present, they can be cured with brominated phenolic resins in shorter periods of time. The fluorinated ethylene polymer is added in particulate form and thereafter dispersed throughout the bladder. The fluorinated ethylene polymer may or may not form fibers. The bladders may further include graphite. The bladders generally have enhanced lubricity, reduced adhesion to cured tire innerliners, better resistance to cracking during flexing, and have lower tension set than similar compositions without fluorinated ethylene polymers. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: A method of injection molding includes the steps of providing a source of pressurized flowable material, a source of pressurized fluid, and a mold assembly actuatable from an open position to a closed position. The mold assembly includes first and second matable mold portions that define a substantially sealed cavity, an inflatable core member positioned within the substantially sealed cavity and secured to the first mold portion, a pressurized fluid path from the source of pressurized fluid through the first mold portion to the inflatable core member, and a flowable material path from the source of pressurized flowable material into the cavity. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the inflatable core member at a first pressure to provide an inflated core member that defines a core boundary and the pressurized flowable material is injected into a space defined by the cavity and the core boundary at a pressure less than the first pressure.

Abstract: In a method of sealing electronic parts with molded resin, a hollow sealing member is arranged on a mold surface of an upper mold section of a mold comprising the upper mold section and a lower mold section, so that the hollow sealing member is pressurized and expanded to convexly project from the mold surface of the upper mold section. In this state, the lower mold section is upwardly moved to be brought into contact with the expanded hollow sealing member. Further, an internal space portion, including pots, cull portions, resin passages and cavities, which is enclosed with the expanded hollow sealing member is set in a state isolated from the exterior when the upper mold section and the lower mold section are closed, so that the internal space portion is forcibly evacuated in this state. Thus, air, moisture and gases are efficiently and reliably suction-discharged from the internal space portion, whereby the internal space portion is set at a prescribed degree of vacuum.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention for the slip casting of ceramic parts has essentially a bell which is arranged on a holding device and is vertically displaceable and a plurality of mold parts. The latter together with a base part form a mold which stands on a rigid plate. During operation of the apparatus, the mold and the bell covering it form an intermediate space in which are arranged a plurality of inflatable inflatable bladders air pockets which can cooperate in order to clamp the mold and prevent it from moving during the entire casting process. For this purpose, the inflatable bladders are connected to a compressed air source. In addition, a slip supply pipe which communicates with the stated compressed air pipe leads into the mold cavity of the mold, so that pressure equilibration between the mold cavity and the inflatable bladders can be brought about by means of the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers, such as pneumatic tires, are a crosslinked elastomer composition comprising isobutylene repeat units and including a fluorinated ethylene polymer added in particulate form and thereafter dispersed throughout the bladder. These fluorinated ethylene polymer may or may not form fibers. The bladders may further comprise graphite. A preferred isobutylene elastomer is a brominated copolymer of from 80 to 99 weight percent isobutylene and from 1 to 20 weight percent paramethylstyrene. The bladders have enhanced lubricity, reduced adhesion to cured tire innerliners, better resistance to cracking during flexing, and have lower tension set than similar compositions without fluorinated ethylene polymers. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for molds used for casting sanitary fixtures including at least one female die which is capable of defining the molding cavity of the item as well as at least one male die which is designed to be introduced into and withdrawn from said molding cavity, and which is provided with a mating surface capable of interacting with an associated mating surface of at least one female die. The sealing assembly includes a tubular elastic body of annular shape which is placed within a peripheral groove recessed in the mating surface of at least one male die, and which is connected to an assembly capable of alternately deflating and inflating said elastic tubular body so that the latter assumes a first transverse shape which is completely accommodated within the corresponding transverse-shape of the groove, and a second transverse shape which projects beyond the mouth of the groove, where it comes to rest against the facing associated mating surface of at least one female die.

Abstract: A production system for automatically casting hollow bodies, in particular of concrete, in a casting mold, which comprises an inner mold (2), an outer mold (1), a bottom ring (3), and a top ring (4). Separate top rings (4) are used for the production, which remain on the top end of the pipe until the concrete has set sufficiently, to ensure that the shape and tolerances of the top end of the pipe are retained after casting. The system moreover includes a clamping chuck (15) for retaining the top ring during casting. The clamping chuck is equipped with a clamping device that includes a ring-shaped flexible hose and a slotted spring ring. When the hose is filled with compressed air from a compressed air source, it clamps the spring ring together around a gripping ring on the top ring.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing artificial reef modules which can be deposited on the ocean floor for permitting growth of coral and other marine growth thereon. The reef balls can be left permanently at a particular location to develop an artificial reef or can be harvested for use in aquariums.

Abstract: A bumper construction for vehicles constructed of a single strip of metal roll-formed into a completely enclosed tubular member in which a foamed-in-place material is located in and completely fills only a central section of the tubular member a relatively short distance on each side of the central axis of the vehicle. An apparatus is provided for manufacturing roll-formed bumpers partially filled with a foam-in-place material, the bumpers including material defining a continuous closed section defining an open interior and opposing open ends. The apparatus includes a turntable with a plurality of holders including arms shaped to extend partially into the bumpers, and a plug on the end of each arm configured to block off the open interior of the bumper. The holders are pivotally mounted on the turntable so that a bumper can be slipped onto a selected holder, pivoted to an upright position, and then rotated by the turntable under an injector for dispensing foamable reaction injectable urethane (RIM) material.

Abstract: Expandable bladders for use in curing presses for hydrocarbon rubbers such as pneumatic tires are a crosslink elastomer comprising isobutylene repeat units and include graphite. A preferred isobutylene elastomer is a brominated copolymer of isobutylene and p-methylstyrene. The bladders have enhanced lubricity, low adhesion to tire innerliners, and lower hot tension set. The above enhancements allow hydrocarbon rubbers such as tires to be molded with fewer defects caused by abraded or deformed bladders. They also enhance the useful life of the bladder reducing the cost of tire curing.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating igloo and like structures comprising an inflatable form of a flexible air-impervious plastic having a base component, a roof component, and cylindrically shaped side walls with associated valve to inflate and deflate the form. The form is utilized with a chimney to create an igloo structure. During transport the form can be stored in a tubular canister and, along with the chimney, carried within a backpack.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing a tapered airsleeve has a bladder curing chamber into which a rigid tapered sleeve cartridge is inserted to form the airsleeve thereon. The bladder curing chamber is formed by a rigid bladder support tube positioned between upper and lower plates and joined by strain rods. A straight cylindrical bladder is positioned within the bladder support tube and the ends are sealed by flipping them from the inside of the bladder support tube 180.degree. over each end of the tube for sealing the curing chamber. The hollow tapered sleeve mold or cartridge is inserted into the bladder curing chamber and will be dimensionally similar to the airsleeve to be molded therein. A preshaped uncured green sleeve is positioned over the tapered sleeve cartridge before inserting it into the curing chamber. The straight cylindrical bladder is inflated and expands radially outwardly causing the uncured sleeve to conform against the tapered sleeve cartridge.

Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for forming and deep-drawing the neck region at the edge of a plastics half shell, having a deep-drawing tool (3) and a counter-pressure plate (2) which are movable in two directions relative to each other, wherein the deep-drawing tool (3) embraces a deep-drawing cavity (29) in shell-like manner and has a recess (30) in the side wall (31) at the edge (32). So that deformation of the collar at the edge of the plastics half shell and also over-heating of the plastics plate for forming the half shell are avoided, according to the invention it is provided that the counter-pressure plate (2) has at least one opening (16) in the contact face (17) facing the deep-drawing tool.

Abstract: Inflatable formwork mould for supporting one or more applications of hardening building materials, applied while still in a plastic state. The formwork mould is characterized in that at least two of its sides (20) consist of elongate, cross-shaped, modular base element (10), each having a longitudinal axis parallel to the one adjacent thereto; each base element (10) is made to conform to the shape of a U-shaped groove (12), and is produced from an airtight, flexible material impermeable to water and assembled by welding, stitching, bonding and the like. A link system (26) joins a number of base elements constituting one side to a corresponding number of base elements opposite forming the opposite side (20). The links (26) of a predefined length, preserve the entire geometrical relationship between the two opposing sides (20) of the inflatable formwork mould. An external envelope optionally made from an extensible material produces a smooth, plane or curved moulding surface.

Abstract: A method of producing a silage removal channel. The method comprises the steps of disposing an inflatable tube within an empty silo, inflating the tube, filling the silo with feedstuff, deflating the tube and then withdrawing the same from the interior of the silo to create the silage removal channel within the feedstuff. The created channel is disposed from the uppermost surface of the feedstuff to a discharge port disposed in the exterior wall of the silo. When required feedstuff is introduced into the mouth of the channel, it gravitates through the channel to the discharge port where it may be removed from the silo.

Abstract: A casting mold for casting concrete elements includes a bottom surface, two edge surfaces and two end surfaces. At least one of the edge surfaces is movable for positioning at a desired distance from the other edge surface. The movable edge surface is equipped with a transfer mechanism including a driver and at least one transfer arm and a connecting rod connecting to each transfer arm. The movable edge surface is fixed in place to the bottom surface by magnetic bolts.

Abstract: A rigid mandrel has a plurality of elongated sector pieces arranged in an edge-to-edge relationship to provide a peripheral wall for forming a hollow shell. One or more bladders are inflated within the peripheral wall by a pressurized fluid and edge portions of the sector pieces are configured to interlockingly engage corresponding edge portions of adjacent sector pieces when the bladder is in its fully inflated condition to form connecting joints which retain the sector pieces in a substantially rigid predetermined configuration corresponding to the peripheral wall. The connecting joints permit the sector pieces to be separated when the bladder is in a deflated condition, and a mandrel member provides an opening for removing the separated sector pieces from an interior chamber of the shell after the forming thereof.

Abstract: A tire ply end turn-up device comprising an inflatable first rubbery polymer bladder body, a second non-stick rubbery polymer layer on at least a portion of the surface of the bladder body, and fabric between the bladder body and the non-stick surface. The ply turn-up bladder is made by forming an uncured rubbery polymer bladder body, forming a composite of fabric calendared on one side with an uncured non-stick rubbery polymer and on the other with a rubbery polymer that will bond with the bladder body upon curing, applying the composite to at least a portion of the bladder body, and curing the bladder body and composite to form an integral turn-up bladder with a non-stick rubber surface. A rubbery polymer that will bond with the uncured bladder body upon curing is used on the fabric side that contacts the bladder body.

Abstract: The invention relates to seals on equipment used to make concrete pipe. Such equipment includes two generally vertical cylindrical surfaces, a core and a mold, with upper and lower end forming rings. The lower end forming ring, a pallet, has inner and outer vertical surfaces. Seals of the present invention are formed by using two hollow tubes of soft rubber. The tubes are housed in lower portions of the core and the mold so that they are in alignment with the inner and outer surfaces of the pallet. The tubes are pressurized into tight engagement with the pallet to prevent the outward flow of slurry from the space between the core and the mold.

Abstract: A mold for a shaped laminate having a rigid member which includes a cavity through which plastic layers are drawn in forming the laminate, such cavity comprising a deformable wall portion having a shape-sustaining configuration matching the surface contour of a rigid member of the laminate, such deformable wall portion being reshapable to another shape-sustaining configuration matching the surface contour of an alternative shape of rigid member of a different shaped laminate.

Abstract: An isostatic pressurizing bag for consolidating a composite part has an outer flexible elastomer having a fixed resilient outside surface. The outer elastomer surrounds a closed chamber. A thermally expandable inner elastomer is located in the closed chamber. The inner elastomer is selected as an elastomer that can viscously flow or move in response to pressure. The outer elastomer is capable of flexure to relieve expansion of the inner elastomer. The bag is formed by curing plies of uncured silicone rubber around either a silicone gel or a particulated silicone rubber that is capable of phase change to a flowable gel in response to pressure. In use a composite prepreg is overlaid on a surface that defines the shape of a desired part. The isostatic pressurizing bag is located over the prepreg trapping the prepreg between the pressurizing bag and the surface.