Abstract: Method and apparatus for the economic and controlled application of grout at each of a series of joints in a pipeline. A short cylindrical tube is positioned in said pipeline opposite one joint at a time. The tube has an outer wall somewhat smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the pipeline. The tube has an inner rigid portion and an outer flexible portion bonded to the rigid portion only at each end. There is a through opening at about the axial center of the tube, and the flexible portion only also has a cavity therein at the same place spaced from the through opening and filled with liquid by a flexible conduit sealed to it and extending into the tube's interior to a pressure gauge. Air is sent in between the flexible and rigid portions to swell the flexible portion and urge its outer wall into contact with the inner wall of the pipeline on each side of a joint, thereby sealing off that space.

Abstract: A concrete mould employs resilient side shuttering, made of rubber for example, which is prevented from deflecting, when concrete is poured, by tensioning wires extending along the length of the shuttering. Pieces of the shuttering, forming the sides of a casting box, extend between fixed end plates having a series of holes to receive the tensioning wires for adjusting the modular width of panels cast in the box. A series of apertures is provided in each piece of side shuttering so that pneumatic core formers can be inserted through aligned apertures so as to extend across the casting box. Different types of joint formers, either fully or partly resilient, can be located about the core formers, each joint former having a series of grooves to receive reinforcement or tensioning wires or rods. When inflated the pneumatic core former locks the joint formers in place. Opening formers can be made from the shuttering and the joint formers.

Abstract: A smooth, plastic-lined corrugated pipe having an intermediate layer of plastic foam. The pipe is made by internally coating a corrugated pipe with a foaming mixture and pressing an expandable cylinder of plastic sheet liner against the foaming mixture until the foam solidifies. An expandable mandrel apparatus presses the plastic sheet liner into position. The apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder, an elastomeric cylinder fitted on the outside of the hollow cylinder defining an annular space therebetween and a fluid conducting means communicating with the annular space.

Abstract: A tire press bag well is insulated with at least one envelope. The envelope extends substantially around the bag well within the bag well housing and can be inflated. The envelope, in addition to its insulating properties, can have insulation thereon and the ends of the envelope can be fastened to itself. The configuration of the envelope, once installed, desirably conforms to the shape of the bag well housing. Since heat is applied to a tire press via the bag well, insulation thereof considerably reduces heat loss as well as reduces cure time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a core for use in casting a long concrete slab for forming a continuous hole extending alnog its length. The core comprises a relatively rigid, resilient elongated hollow body having closed opposite ends, and a contractible filling member made of an open-cell foamed material and filled in said hollow body. Also disclosed is a method of casting a long hollow concrete slab, using a core having the construction as aforesaid.

Abstract: A mold comprising an elongated hollow cylinder having at least two parts that can be locked to form said cylinder, a core having an inflatable cover, said inflatable cover having means to fix the cover on said core, an upper and lower seal for said core capable of forming a tight seal with the core when the cover is inflated on the parts of the cylinder.

Abstract: An inflatable core for use in forming a thermal break in a metal frame for a door and/or window by moulding and curing thermal barrier material, such as resin, in two parallel, laterally spaced, elongate gaps defined between respective pairs of confronting elongate surfaces of the inner and outer frame elements which when assembled form a box-section member. The gaps are converted into respective mould cavities for the resin by the pressure of shoes against the elements adjacent the respective gaps to close one side thereof, the shoes being removed only after the resin has cured to leave the finished thermal break. The shoes are carried on opposite walls of a laterally expansible tube which is inserted into the box-section and is expanded to press "non-stick" surfaces of the shoes against the respective gaps ready for the moulding and curing of resin therein, while maintaining the gap dimensions.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for constructing manhole assemblies in an excavation or elsewhere, by the utilization of an outer form, a preformed manhole barrel which is positioned and propped within the outer form pipe stub inserted partially into the inside of the preformed manhole and resting under notches cut into the preformed manhole barrel, inflatable or rigid forms (or both) are used to form simple or complex channels in the concrete which is to be poured. The form ends are adapted to fit into the pipe stub ends or may abut other forms, where complex channels are desired. The forms are carefully positioned to allow for the proper height and grade of the channel in the completed manhole assembly. Concrete is poured and when it is set, the forms are deflated where applicable and removed to be reused.

Abstract: A mold for molding a boot or similar footwear from an elastomeric composition and simultaneously lining the footwear with a fabric, has first and second shells each having a cavity which complements the cavity of the other to form a large cavity which corresponds to the upstanding sides of the footwear and a third shell which has a cavity corresponding to the sole thereof. The three shells are assembled together with a rigid core member enclosed therein which defines the inside of the boot. The core member has an elastically expandable casing. Conduits are arranged in the core member for conveying a fluid under pressure to expand the casing.

Abstract: A cylindrical expandable sleeve for use in a curing process wherein a pair of annular end portions and a cylindrical expandable body have a longitudinally extending splice with interlocking ribs and surfaces to firmly interconnect such body into a unitary whole for use in successive expansions and contractions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball for use in volleyball or soccer includes the steps of manufacturing a spherical hollow body of a brittle material, sticking cloth strips in an overlapping manner on the spherical hollow body to provide a bag body, cutting a predetermined portion of the bag body to make an opening thereon, collapsing the spherical hollow body in the bag body into pieces, taking the collapsed pieces out of the bag body through the opening, putting a tube having a valve through the opening into the bag body, sticking rubber ribbons on places corresponding to the overlapping portions of the cloth strips, and sticking leather sheets on the rubber ribboned bag body to provide an outer layer for the ball.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of hollow plastic articles wherein a more rapid operating cycle is obtained with less effect upon the temperature of the parison. The apparatus includes a first core, means for providing a parison thereon, a temperature controlled first mold engageable with said first core and parison, means for separating the first core from the first mold and parison contained therein, a second core in spaced relationship to the first core, means for transferring the parison to the second core, a blow mold in spaced relationship to said first mold for fully expanding the parison and means for transferring the second core and parison to the blow mold, wherein the blow mold is stationary and the second core with parison thereon is brought into alignment with the blow mold and is inserted therein.

Abstract: A molding system for large-scale containers using closely-spaced bladders, one inside the other, to contain a resinous material that will harden to form a rigid container. The bladders float in a liquid of the same specific gravity as that of the resinous material, and the inner bladder is filled with a liquid of the same specific gravity. The inner bladder may be filled first to establish the size or volume of the container, and then the resinous material may be filled between the inner and outer bladder layers whereat it will harden to form the container.

Abstract: The apparatus utilizes a mandrel in a substantially ring or cylindrical shape about which is disposed inwardly pressure supplying means, an annular cavity disposed between the mandrel and pressure means, and means for supplying heat to the mandrel to initiate its thermal growth during curing of the belting. The metal of the mandrel has a high coefficient of thermal expansion which during use applies radial outward pressure against the belt body being cured.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a so-called drag trowel which is drawn through a pipe or the like to trowel a layer of mortar or other plastic lining material therein. The trowel is frustoconical, having a small leading end of relatively fixed diameter and a larger trailing end which is adapted to expand and contract in the direction of its diameter. The present disclosure provides a novel means within the trowel for exerting a resilient expansive force thereagainst in a circumferential direction fairly close to the large end of the trowel. The expansion means comprises resilient means extending lengthwise along the inner surfaces of the trowel with means for translating the force of the resilient means to a circumferential expansive force and with means for adjusting the effective force of the resilient means.

Abstract: Moulding apparatus for moulding an open-top bowl-like shell, such as a boat hull, comprising:(a) a flexible form layer adapted to form a moulding face for the shell,(b) template means defining an edge around a curved part of the shell, and(c) containment means adapted to form together with the form layer a fluid tight container,the arrangement being characterized by the provision within the container of further template means corresponding in shape to a contour or surface portion of the curved part of the shell, the form layer being drawn down to overlie and be supported by the further template means when the container is evacuated.

Abstract: A flexible pattern for forming casting molds can be withdrawn from the mold, without need of partitioning and reassembling, and includes a pattern member made by coupling a plurality of outer plates, having a configuration corresponding to a desired predesigned casting, by means of joint members, which are freely removable, and an airtight bag installed in the inner periphery of the pattern member. The pattern member and the airtight bag are united in a single body.

Abstract: A press is disclosed for forming and shaping from ceramic powder articles ving a perimetrical leg-like portion. The press has an upper die and a lower mold, the latter having a central cavity closed at the top by a flexible membrane for receiving ceramic powder thereon. When the upper die closes on the mold, the membrane flexes to fit against the inside of the mold chamber. The mold chamber has flexible membrane walls which are forced inwardly by fluid pressure to shape and compress the perimetrical portions of the blank and upon release of the fluid pressure withdraw to permit removal of the finished blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for making hollow, resin-impregnated fibrous fabric articles. Specifically, it relates to a method wherein a reusable mandrel is made sufficiently rigid to receive a lay-up of the article to be manufactured. The rigidized assembly is placed within a female mold, derigidized and expanded to apply pressure from within, thereby forcing the lay-up against the interior of the mold. Heat is applied to cure the resin, producing an article having a very high degree of dimensional accuracy.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical pipes of reinforced concrete wherein the pipe is formed in a vertical position and the principle components for forming the pipe comprise a bottom pallet and saddle, an outer jacket, a core positioned concentrically in spaced relationship within the outer jacket and a reinforcing cage positioned between the center core and the jacket and sealing means are provided for sealing the relationship between the bottom pallet, the outer jacket and the inner core. Use is made of movable elastic seals on the lower ends of the outer jacket and the core. The seals can be expanded inwardly toward the pallet by means of a positive pressure until the concrete has been poured into the form and compacted by vibration. Negative pressure is then utilized to withdraw the elastic seals from the formed pipe and the inner core and outer jacket are subsequently removed from the green pipe.

Abstract: A method and a device to cast elongate concrete structural members formed internally with channel means in horizontal moulds. The channel means is formed by a double-wall inflatable hose of an elastic and flexible material which is introduced into the mould and is provided with support walls extending between the inner and outer hose walls so as to divide the space therebetween into longitudinal chambers. After inflation of these chambers, concrete is poured about the hose while at the same time weights displaceable in the interior of and in the longitudinal direction of said hose, exert a load on the hose, thus preventing it from being lifted from its predetermined position inside the mould by the concrete.

Abstract: A building method of the kind wherein an inflatable former, made of a flexible, substantially inextensible material is sealingly anchored to a base and is inflated to a predetermined pressure and, while maintaining said pressure substantially constant, a cementitious material is applied to the outer surface of the former to a required thickness and, after the material has set, the former is deflated, released from the base and removed for reuse, including the steps of:(a) inflating the former to a predetermined initial inflation pressure,(b) applying successive layers of cementitious material to said former, and(c) continuously or intermittently raising said inflation pressure in correspondence with the increasing thickness of said layers.

Abstract: An inflatable support structure for the construction of houses or similar buildings has an envelope formed by an upper membrane and a lower membrane connected hermetically to each other to form a first pressure chamber constituting this envelope, and a second pressure chamber fixed to the basis of the first pressure chamber. Both pressure chambers are inflated to different pressures wherein the first pressure chamber is always inflated to a lower pressure than the second pressure chamber.

Abstract: A form assembly which may be used to provide a core portion in a concrete or other cast structure. A pair of former elements having interfitting hooks and flanges which are normally urged apart by a resilient sleeve which fits over the former elements. The sleeve biases the former elements to a collapsed position in which they may be inserted and removed. An inflatable tube is interposed between the former elements and may be inflated to move the elements to an expanded position wherein forming surfaces of the elements cooperate to provide a core about which concrete or the like may be poured.

Abstract: Inflatable envelope systems for use with slurry products in back filling and other operations involving subterranean works. An envelope is inflated to partially crush deformable means disposed between the envelope and the wall of an excavation chamber so as to conform to the wall profile and oppose the flow of solidifiable material between the envelope and the wall.

Abstract: A method for forming casting molds, comprising forming a flexible pattern composed of rigid plates and a flexible cloth, the rigid plates being adhered to the flexible cloth with intervals between plates, and the flexible pattern being made an air-tight construction, pouring a fluid into the flexible pattern or supplying the fluid under pressure to form any desired shape thereof, discharging the fluid from the flexible pattern after a sand mold has been cured, and then withdrawing the flexible pattern from the sand mold.

Abstract: A method of constructing concrete shells of various design employing a plurality of inflatable water filled bladders which are aggregated to produce a mold having the configuration of the final structure. After a conventional concrete shell, which is formed by depositing concrete over the desired mold, has set, the bladders are drained, removed from the shell, and ready for reuse.

Abstract: An inflatable, cone shaped plug for an ice fishing hole composed of flexible material and made in two concentric, elongated compartments, the inner compartment having a cylindrical shape is inflated first to give rigidity for inserting in the hole, the outer compartment having a flared top and a cone shaped main body extending beyond the bottom of the hole to provide a wide view when the ice increases in thickness, is deflated before the plug is removed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making a self-supporting dome-like skeletal structure including the steps of preparing a substantially flat surface, assembling an array of multi-sided first members which is criss-crossed by paths comprising adjacent flanges of adjacent first members, placing a strip of pliable material along each path and interweaving the strips at intersections thereof, securing the ends of the strips, mounting over each first member a second member of configuration similar to said first member, said second members peripherally sealingly resting on the strips on the flanges of the first members, placing concrete in troughs having as sides the sides of adjacent second members and as bottoms the strips on the flanges of the first members and introducing pressurized gas below said array of first members to cause it to assume a dome-like configuration, allowing the concrete in the troughs to set and exhausting the gas from below the first members so as to strip at least said first members from the

Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforced concrete walls in a trench including a reinforcing cage, protruding reinforcing and sealing means for positioning the protruding reinforcing adjacent to the ends of the reinforcing cage and sealing the ends of a unit wall while allowing the protruding reinforcing to extend beyond a unit wall.

Abstract: A disposable inner mould or form for the construction of a boat hull, such mould comprising a hollow hull-shaped form made of flexible non-stretch plastic sheet material tailored in the shape of the inner surface of the boat hull. There may also be provided means for securing such form in an inverted position on a base member, means for inflating said form to adopt its predetermined non-stretch tailored hull-shape as aforesaid, and contour control means for supporting portions of the form to retain it in its tailored hull-shape. The form may have an opening at the stern end for reception of a rigid panel therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reusable hollow formwork elements of elastic material which may be used for the concreting of pipelines, and which by filling with a gaseous or liquid medium, can be given compressive resistance. The invention also relates to a method of operating such formwork elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for making transmission belts by assembling a belt sleeve or belt body in the conventional manner and placing them in a vulcanizing chamber. The belt body or sleeve is sandwiched between radially expansible and radially contractable members of the vulanizing chamber. Outward radial pressure is first applied to the belt body or sleeve and then a radial inward pressure is applied. Heat is simultaneously added to cure the body or sleeve.

Abstract: A form assembly for wall-like, large area concrete structures includes a generally planar, rigid panel arranged to abut similar adjacent panels providing a form for the wall-like sructure: a soft, resilient, stretchable plastic liner, mounted on and coextensive with the panel, with at least a complete peripheral seal between edge portions of the panel and the liner, with the liner being secured to the panel in the sealing areas so as to provide a generally airtight, inflatable pouch center-wise of the panel, and gas insertion means for inserting low pressure gas into the inflatable pouch portions for breaking the combined panel and liner from a set concrete structure.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in the production of containers wherein a filament or strip shaped material is wound on to the mandrel, the mandrel consisting of a bladder core wholly or partially enclosed within a flexible jacket and having stiffening members inserted between the bladder core and the jacket. Said members are detachably or pivotally connected to a coupling member for mounting the mandrel on a shaft.

Abstract: Pneumatic means comprising a hollow mandrel or hollow tube having secured around its outer surface along the length thereof according to one embodiment, a flexible open-cell polyurethane foam sleeve and an outer skin formed of a flexible non-permeable plastic such as a vinyl plastic skin adhesively secured to the outer surface of the flexible open-cell foam sleeve, and air passages for communication between the interior of the mandrel and the open-cell foam sleeve, the resulting assembly being positioned in a mold for production of cored structural panels. In operation the tool assembly is placed under pressure and expanded to force the plastic skin of the assembly outwardly during pouring and setting of the construction material, e.g., a cement or cement-polymer composition in a mold, and after setting thereof the tool assembly is subjected to reduced pressure or a vacuum to withdraw the plastic skin from the set composition, e.g.

Abstract: A flexible annular core for the production of hollow toroidal rubber shells, particularly pneumatic tires, composed of a pair of bead portions, each of which is composed of beads, a reinforcing layer folded back so as to enclose the beads, and elastomer layers covering the reinforcing layer, and a flexible shell portion composed of the reinforcing layer covered with the elastomer layers and extending across the bead portions. The bead portion of said flexible annular core is composed of the reinforcing layer and the elastomer layer adhered with each other. The flexible shell portion of said core is composed of the reinforcing layer and the elastomer layer not adhered with each other.