Abstract: A mold for molding a skin covered foamed plastic article capable of dealing with those foamed plastic articles having large curving portions without complicating the manufacturing process relating to the attachment of the skin member on the mold, without a leakage of liquid formed plastic to be poured over the mold. The mold includes a lower mold, over which a skin cover is to be placed, and on which liquid foamed plastic is to be poured onto the skin cover, the lower mold having; a fixed part on top of which the upper mold is to be placed; a movable part which makes contact with the fixed part at a lowered position at which there is a closed space between the fixed part and the movable part; and means for controlling air pressure inside the closed space between the fixed part and the movable part. A method of manufacturing a skin covered foamed plastic article using this mold is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing press-molded articles having a plurality of cavities therein includes a mold cavity which can be filled with a particulate molding compound, which mold cavity contains rods sheathed with expandable tubes which can be expanded by means of a fluid under pressure conveyed into the space between the rods and the tubes: this causes compaction of the molding compound to form the pressed article, which can be removed from the mold after reduction of the fluid pressure to allow detumescence of the expandable tubes and withdrawal of these from the mold cavity so that the mold cavity can be opened to remove the shaped pressed article.

Abstract: A device for at least partially encapsulating a border of a substantially sheet shaped element, and including a mould having at least two parts for pressing therebetween the element. The mould has a shape such that, when the element is pressed between the parts of the mould, a cavity is formed around the border. The device has an injection opening for injecting a moulding substance into the cavity. The cavity is formed by an elastically deformable member having a profile which extends along an encapsulation borderline of the element and which is adapted to be elastically deformed while maintaining a tight contact along the encapsulation borderline when pressure is applied thereon in order to follow irregularities in the element along the borderline. Also, a method for at least partially encapsulating a border of a substantially sheet shaped element.

Abstract: A plunger (10) for supporting a wall (46) of e.g. a refrigerator door against deformation from an expanding, and hardening foamed plastic (52) on the other side of the wall. An evacuated bag-formed part (18) filled with a particulate material (20), has a surface (42) showing an impression of the form of the wall (46). The plunger (10) is reshapable, so that it can serve as a plunger for walls (46) of different forms.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for molding a two-tone, thin-walled plastic shell (12) for parts such as automobile door panels, control and instrument panels and the like includes a charge box (24) for supplying dry thermoplastic material to separate casting surfaces (30, 32) on a heated mold (22) selectively connected to the charge box (24) during the casting process. A pressurized inflatable seal gasket (60) is connected to the charge box (24) for sealing a division surface (36) on the heated mold (22) which surface (36) separates the casting surfaces (30, 32) of the mold (22). The seal gasket (60) is attached to the charge box (24) on a divider wall (42) via a sliding member (80) which positions the seal gasket (60) longitudinally along the divider wall (42). The sliding member (80) is secured to the divider wall (42) via threaded pins (86). The gasket seal (60) may be removed and reinserted in the slider member (80) providing automatic adjustment thereof.

Abstract: A pipe joint pressurizing unit for testing pipe joints and grouting pipe joints with grout, the pressurizing unit having a rigid cylindrical core member with an expandable rubber sleeve mounted on the outside of the core member with a telescoping component for delivering a fluid such as air or grout to the outside of the expandable sleeve, the telescoping conduit including an outlet pipe slidably installed in a guide tube, the outlet pipe having a distal end connected to the expandable sleeve and slidable in the guide tube on expansion of the sleeve, with an o-ring seal sealing between the guide tube and the outlet pipe while permitting the outlet pipe to slide in the guide tube on expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing press-molded articles having a plurality of cavities therein includes a mold cavity which can be filled with a particulate molding compound, which mold cavity contains rods sheathed with expandable tubes which can be expanded by means of a fluid under pressure conveyed into the space between the rods and the tubes: this causes compaction of the molding compound to form the pressed article, which can be removed from the mold after reduction of the fluid pressure to allow detumescence of the expandable tubes and withdrawal of these from the mold cavity so that the mold cavity can be opened to remove the shaped pressed article.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an otoplastic. An otoplastic is manufactured directly in the ear of a hearing-impaired person in that a deformable envelope is pulled over a die or over a shell or over an overlayed over-shell. This apparatus is then supplied with flowing otoplastic material between the die and the envelope, being supplied therewith in the ear. The envelope expands and assumes the shape of the auditory canal. After hardening or curing of the otoplastic material in the ear of the hearing-impaired person, the envelope and the die are removed and a module of either an in-the-ear or of a behind-the-ear hearing aid is integrated therewith.

Abstract: A method for molding powders comprises the steps of forming a mold support having at least an opening and a cavity, forming a film of latex on inner surfaces of the mold support by pouring the latex from the opening into the cavity of the mold support and discharging a substantial portion of the latex poured into the cavity, forming a thin-wall resilient mold inside the mold support by drying the film of latex formed, charging powders as materials for a compact from the opening into the thin-wall resilient mold, exhausting air out of the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders through the opening and sealing the opening of the thin-wall resilient mold, separating the thin-wall resilient mold filled up with the powders from the mold support, and subjecting the thin-wall resilient mold to a cold isostatic press method treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mass producing composite products comprising a novel autoclave having a cylindrical vacuum chamber; a cylindrical compression chamber surrounding the vacuum chamber; a reusable, flexible diaphragm defining the boundary between the chambers; and means for supplying heat and pressure between the diaphragm and the compression chamber. A core or mandrel is wrapped with a fiber-reinforced resin and is placed in the autoclave within the flexible diaphragm. Alternatively, a part layup can be sandwiched between an elastomeric caul and a hard tool by wrapping with expendable shrink tape to accommodate a variety of part shapes having constant or nearly constant cross sections throughout their length. The autoclave is then sealed and evacuated, causing the diaphragm to compress the resin layer against its core or mandrel due to atmospheric or higher pressure in the compression chamber. The autoclave is then heated to cure the resin.

Abstract: An inner mold construction and an outer mold construction are provided to define a mold cavity or shape into which wet or uncured concrete is introduced. The method includes the sequential steps of compressing the concrete by movement of the inner mold relatively toward the outer mold to remove surplus liquid from the inner surface of the concrete so that the concrete is at least partially cured. The compression applied on the inner surface of the concrete by the inner mold is maintained while inward pressure is applied over the outer surface of the concrete by the outer mold to remove surplus surface liquid from the outer surface of the concrete. The inner and outer surface pressures on the concrete are released to release the molded article from the mold so that it may be separated therefrom.

Abstract: A manufacturing device has an outer chamber in which a tool is mounted. The tool is shaped to receive a thermoplastic or staged prepreg. The tool has heaters embedded within it. The chamber region between the tool and the inside wall of the chamber is filled with polysilicone polymer and pressurized to a low pressure such as 50 pounds per square inch. To insure prepreg compaction the chamber is then pressurized in the range of 3,000 pounds per square inch. The chamber to insure prepreg compaction is then pressurized and as is the polysilicone polymer to a pressure in the range of 3,000 psi. At the completion of the temperature/pressure cycle, the cured product is removed from the tool.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for molding an article made of layed up materials having opposed principle surfaces, such as one that is hollow tubular shaped. In detail, the invention includes a first mold part for forming one surface of the article on which the layup is placed and a second mold part for forming the opposite surface. Additionally included are rubber layers placed on both surfaces of the layup which expand when heated compacting the layup. A containment structure is mounted about the first and second mold parts and is in moveable relationship to the first and second mold parts. First and second inflatable bags are mounted between the containment structure and the first and second mold parts for balancing the loads on the mold parts while the silicon rubber layers compact the layup.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the reduction of mold cycle time. A heat recoverable member in a compressed state is placed within a channel defined relative to the surface of a mold. A hardenable liquid used to form the article then flows in an accelerated manner through the channel. Thermal energy supplied to the heat recoverable material thereafter causes the heat recoverable material to expand within the channel, thereby displacing the hardenable liquid from the channel. The temperature of gelation of the hardenable liquid and the recovery temperature of the heat recoverable material may be selected such that the channels are substantially filled by the heat recoverable material prior to the hardening of the hardenable liquid. In this manner, the heat recoverable material becomes flush with the surface of the mold prior to hardening of the liquid so as to yield an article of manufacture having a relatively planar surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated casting of an item such as a plumbing fixture is disclosed. Female and male mold portions provide the spacing for molding the desired item between them. A fluid activated release mechanism is operatively positioned on one of the mold portions so as to assist in separating the formed item from a mold portion in a controlled and uniform manner so as to minimize damage to the cast item. In a preferred manner, there is also a fluid activated holding mechanism for temporarily holding all of the mold portions together as well as an additional fluid activated mechanism to separate the mold halves. The apparatus and method herein described is especially well suited to multiple or battery-type casting operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, control and instrument panels and the like includes a charge box or powder box for supplying dry thermoplastic material to separate casting surfaces on a heated mold selectively connected to the charge box during a casting process. A selectively pressurizable inflatable seal gasket is connected to the charge box for sealing a division surface on the heated mold which surface separates the casting surfaces of the mold. The inflatable seal gasket includes a base portion fixed to the charge box; an inflatable core with expandable walls to bridge the distance between the charge box and the division surface and a seal bead that sealingly engages the division surface when the seal gasket is inflated to keep the division surface clean for a subsequent application of material to form a connector bond between previously cast two tone colored segments.

Abstract: The invention provides containers useful for freezedrying of biological and other materials which can be advantageously subjected to a lyophilization process, such materials including proteinaceous materials from which moisture is removed in order to preserve the material in a dry, shelf-stable form. The present containers allow lyophilization of the contained material with a minimum of time and energy expenditure by forming the material into a frozen shell to increase the surface area of the material and to minimize the thickness of a given quantity of material which is to be lyophilized. In a typical embodiment of the invention, a container is provided with a congruent, flexible core which is inserted into the container to force the material into the space lying between the container and the core. Expansion of the material on freezing acts to deform the flexible core rather than to break the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the reduction of mold cycle time. A deflatable member is positioned flush with the surface of a mold in an opening defined downwardly therein. Prior to flow of a resin or other hardenable liquid within the mold, the deflatable member is deflated so as to define a resin flow channel across selected portions of the mold surface. Prior to hardening of the hardenable liquid within the mold, the deflatable member is inflated so as to become flush with the surface of the mold so as to yield an article of manufacture having a relatively planar surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for repairing pipes buried underground such as sewer pipes, comprising a cylindrical packing device which is capable of being inflated by compressed air and has pipes for the supply of sealing material, leading to the outside of the packing device between the inflatable end portions. The packing device has a hose extending over its whole length and made of elastic material such as rubber, which is of smaller wall thickness or greater ability to expand in the region of the two ends, which are closed by means of rigid end pieces, than in its central region.

Abstract: Elastomer structures having exposed controlled surface release characteristics can be made by coating at least a portion of their surface with a releasing composition comprising (a) a chlorosulphonated polymer; (b) a reinforcing filler and (c) a green tackifying agent. Optionally, these compositions can also contain a chemical curing system and one or more volatile solvent/diluent viscosity-reducing vehicle. In a specific example, the coating are applied to flexible structures used in machines for the manufacture of articles having natural tack due to their rubber or elastomer content.

Abstract: The cylindrical side wall of the mold cavity (8) has an inside diameter (D) which is greater than the largest existing ophthalmic lens diameter, and a generally cylindrical membrane (25) of elastomer material is disposed concentrically inside the mold cavity so that in conjunction with the cylindrical side wall of the cavity it defines a variable volume annular chamber (31), the membrane being expansible and retractable radially under the action of a fluid which is alternatively removed from and admitted to the annular chamber.

Abstract: A tire body reinforcing component is provided for underlying the tread and at least the sidewall regions of a pneumatic tire. The component comprises at least one continuous cord disposed across the width of said component from one edge to the other thereof. The component forms at least one tread section for underlying the tread region and extending along the circumferential direction of the tire wherein said continuous cord is disposed in a generally zig-zag pattern and is positioned across the width of said tread section at an angle to the edges of said component. The lengths of said cord in said tread section are interleaved with lengths disposed at an opposite angle to the edge of said component along at least one line substantially parallel to and intermediate the edges of said component. Also provided is a method for producing the tire body reinforcing component.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a modular, monolithic, integrated, multi-layered, mold building structure including the steps of constructing a dismantleable mold having an outer rigid matrix and an inner inflatable plug, wherein the inside dimensions of the matrix correspond to the outside dimensions of the structure and the outside dimensions of the plug correspond to the inside dimensions of the structure, placing high strength fibers between the plug and the matrix, injecting hardenable material between the matrix and the plug, curing the hardenable material into a hard shell, removing the matrix, deflating the plug, and installing walls, doors or windows. The structures may be joined together on-site in various combinations and configurations to create different types and styles of buildings.

Abstract: A viscoelastic fluid molding material (50) is injected into a tire tread cavity (32) between the mold (10) and an inflatable tread supporting body (30). The clearance distance (A) between the mold (10) and the inflatable tread supporting body (30) is varied to increase the flow of the initial amount of fluid molding material (50) into remote portions of the tire tread cavity (32) and provide for the flow of the final amount of fluid molding material (50) into gate portions (52) while the tread supporting body (30) is being deflected.Circumferentially spaced gates (76) may be spaced from the centerplane (20"--20") of the mold (10") and have runners (80) extending toward the shoulders of the tread supporting body (30") for increased flow of the initial amount of fluid molding material (50") into remote shoulder portions (52") of the tread cavity (32").

Abstract: A method for molding powders which comprises introducing a thin-wall resilient mold inside a ventilative mold support, reducing the outside pressure of the ventilative mold support to less than the atmospheric pressure (760 Torr), putting a thin-wall resilient mold exactly close to the inside wall of the ventilative mold support, supplying powder material into the thin-wall resilient mold, exhausting air existing in the voids formed in the powder material, and taking the ventilative mold support apart to apply cold isostatic press treatment to the thin-wall resilient mold. The shape of the thin-wall resilient mold is similar to the shape of the ventilative mold support.

Abstract: A method of constructing a reinforced concrete structure (e.g. a cement building or pipeline) wherein an inflatable form is placed on a precast foundation and confined thereto by wrapping the exterior of the inflatable form with a layer of chain link fencing fabric. For large structures, a plurality of adjacent inflatable forms (preferably pneumatically interconnected) is employed wherein either the exterior interstitial spaces between adjacent forms are occupied by lightweight spacer means or structural walls and support means are present to further anchor the chain link fencing fabric. The inflatable form can then be highly pressurized such as to prestress the chain link fence and a uniform layer of fiber reinforced cement is applied to the form. The resulting thin walled structure exhibits excellent structural properties virtually free of form deformation and cement sloughing.

Abstract: A unique dynamic seal assembly is used in a mold structure for encapsulating a glass window assembly with a gasket. The seal assembly resiliently supports the window assembly and cooperates with the mold structure for defining a gasket forming cavity. The mold structure typically includes two cooperating mold sections, each of which can be provided with a groove for receiving a separate dynamic seal assembly. Each seal assembly includes a sealing body having a sealing surface which faces and is adapted to sealingly contact the window assembly. The seal assembly also includes a first fluid filled bladder positioned between the sealing body and a bottom of the groove in the mold section. When increased pressure is applied to a local area of the seal as a result of a contour difference between the seal and the window assembly, the bladder deforms to automatically transfer at least a portion of the applied pressure to adjacent areas of the seal.

Abstract: The invention is a mold adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic resin about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate without leaking of the thermoplastic or thermoset material onto the portion of the substrate between the end and the starting point of the member being formed about the substrate, wherein the mold comprises(A) a mold casing adapted for forming a member from a thermoset or thermoplastic material about a substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate,(B) an inflatable seal adapted for forming a seal about the substrate when inflated at a distance from the end of the substrate such that the thermoset or thermoplastic material is contained to the area of the substrate about which the member is to be formed,(C) a means for inflating the seal such that the seal can form a seal about the substrate at a distance from the end of the substrate.

Abstract: A cylindrical inflatable bag when inflated is used as a form for a concrete structure. A large number of parallel anchor straps extend around a portion of the cylinder in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. Each strap is fixed to the inflatable form and has anchoring means on each end for securing to foundation anchors set in a foundation upon which the structure is to be constructed. The inflated bag is held in position by the straps. Reinforcing elements are supported on the outer surface of the bag. A cementitious material is then applied on an inflated bag to a thickness sufficient to cover the reinforcing elements. After the concrete is set, the bag is deflated removed with the straps for use at another site.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the manufacture, by winding of filamentary material, of a hollow envelope of elongate shape the profile of which evolves along its longitudinal direction. An apparatus for this purpose comprises a deformable mandrel over which the filamentary material is wound, a mould in which the mandrel carrying the winding is enclosed, and a device for flattening the envelope so produced against the walls of a cavity in a mould. The cavity wall is in the shape of the external surface of the requried envelope. The deformable mandrel comprises a rigid core and a flexible wall which is movable with respect to the core to press the winding against the wall of the mould cavity. A device may be provided for ensuring the relaxation of the tension of the threads of the winding produced when the flexible wall is in its position pressing the envelope against the wall of the cavity.

Abstract: A central mechanism in a tire vulcanizing press including a shaping bladder, a hot pressure supply source, an upper bladder clamp supporting center post, a lower bladder clamp supporting post through which is inserted the center post vertically movably, a mechanism for vertically independently moving both posts, and a latch mechanism for preventing the descent of the support post during vulcanizing press for a tire, the latch mechanism being driven selectively in opening and closing directions relative to the support post by means of a latch opening/closing device, the latch opening/closing device including a drive mechanism capable of moving vertically along a vertical axis, member for converting a vertical linear motion of the drive, a mechanism into a rotational motion around the vertical axis and means for transmitting the thus -obtained rotational motion to the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A method of constructing a collapsible mandrel for use in fabricating filament wound vessels or tanks includes the steps of preparing a rigid mandrel and supporting the mandrel on a rotatable axle, applying one or more layers of strips of rubber longitudinally on the mandrel to form an enclosure, applying coats of rubber solution over the layers, winding a layer of fibers over at least one of the layers, and curing the rubber layers. The layers are cut into two parts, removed from the rigid mandrel, and rejoined by using reinforcing straps along the seam of the joined parts. The collapsible mandrel may be used to fabricate either filament wound tanks or other collapsible mandrels, neither of which would have a seam or joint since, after constructing the tank or second mandrel on the first inflated collapsible mandrel, the first mandrel would be deflated, collapsed and removed from the interior of the tank or second mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the construction of a low-cost building structure through the synergistic composition of material, process, and structural design. In a first embodiment, a specially fashioned balloon, in the shape of a house, is used as a one-sided form, and is sprayed with a building material formulation. The building formulation may include: structural material, reinforcing material such as fibers to eliminate or minimize separate structural reinforcement, a gaseous bubble material (to provide thermal insulation), and other ingredients such as fillers, strengtheners, bulk-formers, accelerators, coloring agents and dryers. The structure can be created rapidly, and the balloon deflated and removed in minimum time, all by a few as 2 men. The low cost of the labor and materials and equipment used according to the present invention result in a more economical method of creating a building than any presently known method.

Abstract: A tube assembly for use in a process of vulcanizing a pre-cured tread onto a tire casing is disclosed. The tube assembly includes an elastomeric tubular wall having an inner periphery with a protective non-woven fabric layer covering a major portion thereof. The fabric layer includes a plurality of polyester cords extending in parallel relation in a single ply elastomeric matrix. Longitudinal edges of the fabric are covered by thin strips of elastomer bonded to the fabric layer and the tube wall. Superimposed fabric reinforcing swatches are bonded to the fabric layer around the valve stem. The tube assembly is resistant to being damaged prematurely by the rim which supports the tire casing in the tread vulcanization process.

Abstract: A cavity floor is formed by placing on a structural floor bottom a flexible floor mold which has leg forming portions arranged in an array with generally planar portions extending between and surrounding the leg forming portions. A flowable substance is applied over the mold, which subsequently hardens to form an upper floor having a plurality of legs defined by the leg forming portions, with a cavity region therebetween. The planar portions of the flexible floor mold permit adjacent leg forming portions each separately to contact the floor bottom under the weight of the applied flowable substance, even if the floor bottom is uneven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring an inflatable membrane form to the base wall of a building to be covered by a concrete shell incorporates a groove formation at the top inner face of the building base wall, the groove formation comprising a horizontal shelf of width W1, a recess of height H1 and width W2, and a vertical wall segment of height H2. The edge portion of an inflatable membrane form is wrapped in a multiplicity of elongated wood rail members of height H3 and width W3, with H3<H1 and W1>W3>W2, and the rails are inserted into the groove formation recess. A multiplicity of elongated steel retainer plates of flat, open, C-shaped cross-sectional configuration, mounted on bolts projecting from the shelf portion of the groove formation, aid in holding the wrapped rails and form edge in place when the form is inflated.

Abstract: A generally planar object 22 subject to dimensional variations is centrally held in a mold by a deformable suction ring 20, and inflatable seals 8, 9 are urged against its opposite peripheral surfaces to define a cavity 17 for the injection molding of a precisely dimensioned edge frame 23. The dimensions of the rigid mold halves 2, 3 and the elasticity of the ring and seals are such that a wide range of dimensional variations may be tolerated in the object, which may be a curved automobile glass panel, a printed circuit board, etc.

Abstract: The base (11) of a template forming device (10) has a planar, upper surface (12) onto which a plurality of orthogonal grooves (14 and 15) are recessed. A foam mixture is introduced into a container means (20) received on the base (11), and a plurality of restraining means in the form of slats (18) are insertably received within selected grooves (14 and 15) to confine the foaming action within the container means (20) and to direct it against a selected portion of the anatomy so that when the foam is fully risen and cured a template (40) is provided which can be repeatedly used accurately to reposition and support that portion of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A tool (10) for taking an impression of an area of the internal bore of a tubular member (16) or a joint between two such members comprising means for directing a casting compound between two flexible membranes (20, 22) which are then forced outwardly so that the outer membrane (22) engages the area to be inspected within a bore where the compound forms a resilient mold (cast). When the force against the membranes and mold is removed, the membranes and mold collapse allowing the mold and tool (10) to be retrieved out the bore.The tool (10) carries casting compound in two parts unmixed to the area to be inspected where a selected amount of working fluid (60) under preselected pressure from a fluid source (18) of a selected volume will open a valve (42) then force the two parts to be mixed and directed between two flexible membranes (20, 22).

Abstract: A method of compression molding powders of metals, ceramics and the like. A thin rubber bag is adhered to the inside of a cavity formed within a permeable mold support so as to define a mold therein and the bag is packed with a raw material powder. The powder in the bag is evacuated to a degree of vacuum to compactly compress it and the rubber bag is sealed. In this condition, the compressed powder is removed from the support and compression molded to a higher degree of denseness by the CIP process. The inflation adhesion of the rubber bag to the inside of the support cavity is effected by reducing the pressure outside the permeable support.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating an annular ring of uncured elastomeric material in a tread ring mould comprising a set of rigid segments in sliding end-to-end relationship to form a consolidation ring having a first small diameter for insertion of the segments into the elastomeric material in the tread mould and a second larger diameter at which the segments form a smooth, continuous consolidating surface, mechanical means for moving the segments from the first diameter substantially to the second diameter and a fluid pressure inflatable bag means which may be inflated behind the segments to apply consolidation force at the second diameter.

Abstract: A form on which a strand is wound according to a pattern desired for the reinforcement of a contoured plastic composite. The form has a similarly contoured, apertured surface and retractable pins projecting from the apertures. The pattern is fused at cross-over points and can then be used as a preform.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing an integral housing includes an inner and outer mold. A plurality of frames having plastic sheets are joined together to form the inner mold when pressurized inside of a rigid outer mold. The edges of the plastic sheets are sealed to prevent leakage of pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously forming pizza crusts, particularly deep dish pizza crusts having substantially vertical sidewalls, in pizza pans of corresponding shape. A ribbon of deep dish pizza dough is formed and superimposed on a conveyor comprising flights including upstanding cutting rings within which pizza pans to be filled are disposed. A roller passing over the cutting rings severs dough disks disposed within each cutting ring; the dough disks drop into each pizza pan. Each pan is then registered with a diaphragm which is inflated to urge each dough disk into intimate conformity with the pan, then the diaphragm is withdrawn from the pan, leaving a finished crust. A carriage periodically moves the diaphragm in the contra-machine direction to engage the following flight. The pans are then removed from the conveyor flights to recover pan and pizza crust assemblies.

Abstract: A method for insulating a water heater with foamed insulation comprises inflating a tube in the cavity between the shell and the tank to define a boundary for the cavity into which the insulating material is injected. The device is deflated after the foamed insulation has set in the cavity. Apparatus for carrying out such method is provided.

Abstract: A mold for molding textile layers and resin to make helmets having a cavity mold member and a cooperating core member. The core member having an expansible elastic membrane thereabout and having a peripheral groove for securing reinforcing layers to the core.

Abstract: An annular tire tread belt is assembled of uncured resilient material having reinforcing cords. An annular container of resilient material has reinforcing cords extending between annular bead rings at the edges. The container is shaped in a toroidal configuration and the tread belt stuck to the container by a layer of suitable tacky barrier material with sufficient tack to maintain the tread belt in a centered position on the container for engagement with a centered portion of the mold. The barrier material also is sufficiently incompatible with the materials of the container and tread belt to prevent appreciable chemical bonding across the interface during curing of the tread belt. After at least partial curing of the tread belt, the tread belt is detached from the container and is ready for use in a tire.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of constructing a building involving the assembly of a rigid skeletal framework of struts defining the contours of the desired building which is for example domed, or part-barrel shaped. A membrane or envelope of plastics material is inflated within the framework to lift the struts from a state of compression under their own weight into a state of tension. The membrane is then coated on at least one side with settable material such as concrete or other glass fibre reinforced material and the membrane deflated when the material has set. In an example of the invention, support zones at the junctions of the struts support the set material.

Abstract: A bracing unit to secure a formwork panel to falsework or to a previously poured concrete structure includes a pressurized fluid inflatable and expandable hose and a rigid abutment member for supporting the hose and holding it against the outside surface of the formwork panel.

Abstract: Two flanges form together with an outer tube a sealed-off casting mold for applying an envelope to a pipe at least part of which is lodged in the mold. The lower flange is equipped with a feed-in duct system and the upper flange with an air-escape and overflow duct. The flanges consist of a material of rubber-like elasticity.The duct system of the lower flange comprises a radially extending bore which opens in an annular distributory channel which merges with aerodynamic contours with a flow gap. The flow gap is of such configuration that it is closed when, and as long as, a higher pressure is exerted on the forward frontal face of the lower flange than prevails in the annular channel.The flanges are so shaped in the regions of their sealing faces that the contact pressure exerted on them increases proportionally with the pressure exerted on one of the frontal faces.