Abstract: Method of for continuously manufacturing a plurality of kinds of elongate articles with basically same and slightly different cross-sections, such as upper and side segments of automobile molding members. The method employs a single die plate formed with a common orifice and at least one additional orifice, as well as a device for selecting and controlling operational modes of the apparatus. The device may comprise a movable guide member which is movable between different positions corresponding to respective operational modes of the apparatus, and serves to guide synthetic resin material extruded from the additional orifice. The guide member maintains in its one position a spaced relationship of synthetic resin materials extruded from the orifices to form one kind of elongate articles, and causes in another position the synthetic resin materials to adhere with each other to form another kind of elongate articles.

Abstract: Striped films of the invention can have two or more preferably polymeric layers, of which at least one continuous or discontinuous layer includes a pigmented resin. The striped film is produced by modifying conventional coextrusion dies to restrict the flow of a pigmented melt stream. The result is a striped film useful for identifying the contents of a package made from the film, tamper evidence, counterfeit protection and verification of properties. The stripes can be of one or more colors, and vary in width and spacing. The pigment can be a material visible in ordinary light, or a material invisible in ordinary light but visible in e.g. ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding single or multiple layers of plastic on an electrical conductor without having to adjust the concentricity of layers every time the tooling is changed to make different sizes.

Abstract: A method for producing concrete paving stones includes slidably mounting paving stone molds in a vertical row in a rack; sliding one mold to a different depth in the rack; filling the mold with concrete; sliding the mold to its original position; and filling the other molds in a similar manner.

Abstract: A method for molding a thin walled plastic shell utilizes the following apparatus. An apparatus (40) for molding a thin walled plastic shell includes a mold box (42) having an inner mold surface (48). A powder box (52) includes an internal chamber and first divider wall (54) for separating the internal chamber into at least two sections (56,58). A carrier framework (60) is removably mounted on the mold box (42) and includes a peripheral seal for perfecting a seal between the mold box (42) and the powder box (52) when the same are connected thereto. A second divider wall (64) is connectable to the first divider wall (54) separating the inner mold surface into two chambers continuous with the two sections of the powder box (52). The carrier framework (60) further includes a mold surface seal (66) for perfecting a seal between the second divider wall (64) and mold surface (48).

Abstract: A marbleized thermplastic-resin strand is made from a matrix resin and an inlay resin in an apparatus having a die forming a passage extending along an axis and havng an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and an extruder for injecting the matrix resin in hot liquefied condition into the passage at the upstream end thereof such that the resin emerges from the downstrea end. An inlay nozzle opens into the passage between its ends and extends through the die along a nozzle axis not parallel to the passage axis. The inlay resin is fed in hot liquefied condition through the nozzle into the passage such that the inlay resin mixes with the matrix resin. The inlay nozzle is rotated substantially continuously about its nozzle axis so long as the extruder is operating. Thus the patterning of the inlay resin in the matrix resin is a function of the rotation speed of the inlay nozzle.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of containers comprising two or more partial regions separated from each other of solid cast powder formulations having different colors employs containers into which separating bridges of a pasty composition have been injected, said composition being similar to the subsequently cast solid powder formulations. The bridges prevent the partial regions having different colors from coalescing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic trim strip and a method and apparatus for forming in which there is provided an extrusion body and an overlay layer of varying thickness and varying color intensity.

Abstract: A method of protecting glass fiber reinforced products from the effects of weathering by applying a polymeric resin overlay to the product in mold. Conventional waxing of molds is eliminated. The mold is prepared by applying a layer of a lecithin solution, and the overlay is applied thereafter. A layer of gel coat is then applied to the overlay, the gel coat is reinforced and the overlay-protected product is demolded. The invention also includes a method for making an overlay-protected synthetic marble product.

Abstract: A mold for forming a magnetic tape cassette and a method for multi-color molding a magnetic tape cassette or the like. Sprue-runners connected to submarine gates used in making at least portions of the cassette are formed with notches near the submarine gates to reduce the cross-sectional area of the sprue-runners. As result, the sprue-runners can be easily cut off from the body of the cassette by breaking the notched portions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing decorative features in situ in a base layer of cast plastic material includes the steps of providing a heated mold tool with a selectively heated surface in the form of a desired decorative feature; depositing a covering of thermoplastic material in the recessed surface and heating the recessed surface to partially fuse the thermoplastic material on the recessed surface to form segments of plastic corresponding to the desired decorative feature; dumping excess thermoplastic material from the heated mold tool; thereafter spray coating the mold at the recessed surface to stabilize the location of the partially fused material in the recessed surface; reheating the mold tool to partially remelt the retained stabilized segments and thereafter depositing a base layer of thermoplastic material across the full surface of the mold and reheating the mold to bond the retained stabilized segments to the base layer and cooling and stripping the mold to form a finished plastic shell having a deco

Abstract: A shaped article of solid ceramic-like material having indentations or fissures of irregular shape and depth, the indentations produced by chemical reaction; and process of manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a three-dimensional article with photosetting or thermosetting material on the basis of a three-dimensional information on the article by means of an ink jet method. The material is jetted from at least one ink jet head to a stage and laminated thereon. The laminated material is exposed to light by a light source to be cured. In this process, a jetting direction of the material from the ink jet head to the stage and/or a jetting amount of the material jetted from the ink jet head is changed in accordance with the information by a control unit, thereby forming a solid article having a desired three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) is provided for producing vinyl siding (76) having aesthetically pleasing, wood-like striations embedded therein. Apparatus (10) includes processing structure (12) for processing topcoat compound and substrate compound at extruders (18, 20) respectively. Acrylic colorant is discharged from feeders (64, 66) into barrel (34) via adapter (72) and thereby mixed with the topcoat compound. The interval of discharge is four seconds every twenty seconds. Adapter (72) utilizes a water jacket to keep colorant cool prior to its introduction into barrel (34) where it experiences a temperature sufficient for melting, usually about 380.degree. F. Due to the interval of discharge and the twenty second period thereof, striations (82) are uniform and continuous in nature so as to simulate wood grain.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) for molding a thin walled plastic shell includes a mold box (42) having an inner mold surface (48). A powder box (52) includes an internal chamber and first divider wall (54) for separating the internal chamber into at least two sections (56,58). A carrier framework (60) is removably mounted on the mold box (42) and includes a peripheral seal for perfecting a seal between the mold box (42) and the powder box (52) when the same are connected thereto. A second divider wall (64) is connectable to the first divider wall (54) separating the inner mold surface into two chambers continuous with the two sections of the powder box (52). The carrier framework (60) further includes a mold surface seal (66) for perfecting a seal between the second divider wall (64) and mold surface (48).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite film of a matrix material and of a second material in the form of one or more strips of the second material which are embedded in the matrix material at one or both surfaces of the composite film.

Abstract: A method of making a window pane that has a plurality of glass pieces arranged in a predetermined pattern and joined at adjacent edges by cames having flanges on both faces of the pane. The method includes the steps of making a mold of both faces of a master window to be duplicated, positioning pieces of glass which are copies of these used to make the original onto the molded surface of one mold with the edges of each piece of glass adjoining the open channel pattern of the mold, said pattern produced by the cames of the master window. The faces of the mold portions are joined, clamping the glass pieces between them. Moldable, colored resin is introduced to fill the spaces between the glass pieces and allowed to set. The finished article is then removed from the mold and has cames which faithfully duplicate in pattern, color and texture the leaded cames of the original.

Abstract: A tool for manufacturing the two tone plastic shell includes an electroformed mold (28) having a first surface (29) for forming a front of a shell; a second surface (32) for forming the side edge portion of a shell; and a third surface segment (34) for forming a return flange on a door shell and the third surface segment has a cut-out opening (36) therein and a runout surface (40) providing for entry and removal of a seal and divider wall assembly to seal against a sealing rib (38) in the mold which separates the first, second and third segments into first and second casting surfaces. The divider rib and runout surface are sprayed with thermoplastic material to form a joint between material cast on the first and second casting surfaces and a skin return flap for sealing the cut-out opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of marking the surface of articles, more particularly but not exclusively with a view to obtaining distinctive signs on non-plane surfaces such as the surface of balls.

Abstract: A method for moulding an article wherein mould parts are adapted to be moved together under vacuum to cause moulding material to be evenly distributed around a reinforcement structure. A finish coating of paint or the like is applied to the article during the moulding process by coating the mould interior and partially curing the coated material before introduction of the moulding material. Coating of the interior of one or both mould parts may be effected to produce articles coated on one or both surfaces. If desired, a plurality of coating and partial curing steps may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the extrusion-coating of a core, especially of an electrical conductor, with a sheathing having at least two layers or strips of different materials or differently colored materials, the apparatus having feed conduits for the plasticized materials and outflow passageways through which the core to be extrusion-coated can pass, the outflow passageways being selectively connectable to the feed conduits via a distributor device. In order to avoid the need for cleaning the conduits of the distributor device, the distributor device is formed by a sleeve (8) which is arranged rotatably between end positions in relation to an outer housing (1) having feed conduits (2, 3) for the plasticized materials. The sleeve also has a number of conduits corresponding to the number of materials to be extruded, to connect feed conduits (2, 3) alternately to the outflow cross-sections (15, 20) for the plasticized materials.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming multiple layer preforms wherein the various layers may be varied as to number, material, thickness and position in the preform by controlling the injection of the specific materials as to timing, quantity and rate of delivery. Most specifically, a featured aspect is the ability to simultaneously deliver to an injection nozzle and through such injection nozzle into a preform mold cavity two or more molten plastic materials simultaneously. This is possible by way of a multiple gate nozzle and a plurality of separately operable metering pots all controlled by way of a timing device. The timing device may also control the rate of the dispensing an individual material from each of the metering pots.

Abstract: In a method for the production of cylindrically symmetric bodies with given radial gradient of the material properties, for example of the refractive index, at least two rod-shaped molded bodies consisting of materials with different properties are joined in parallel and, following lowering of the viscosity of both materials, the bodies are twisted many times in a spiral around a longitudinal axis, such that a desired radial gradient of the material properties arises, where metallic, semiconducting, or insulating materials may be used, and the viscosity is varied through changing the temperature or adding or removing a solvent.

Abstract: A new process for producing a reproduction of a painting or the like wherein the reproduction has a relief surface which imitates the relief surface of the painting or the like. Heat and pressure are applied simultaneously to an assembly consisting of a mold of the painting, a colored sheet for coloring the reproduction and a substrate to retain the reproduction. Subsequent to this step, shock cooling is applied. The reproduction thus produced does not suffer from the rebound effect of the prior art and good color integrity is maintained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing molding members, for instance for automobiles, wherein an elongate shaped body is prepared from synthetic resin material either by an extrusion process, or by an injection process and is subjected to a controlled heating so as to soften the interior resin material while preserving the hardness of the outer surface portion. A cutter blade is advanced into the shaped body while it is subjected to the controlled heating, whereby the outer surface portion is urged and deformed inwardly to form a smooth end surface in continuous connection with remaining outer surface of the molding member.

Abstract: Method in extruding a double-walled plastic tube by using plastic materials of different colors for the inner layer and the outer layer, a portion of the material for the inner layer being diverted to form a longitudinal strip of the outer layer on the outside surface of the tube. The invention also relates to an extrusion tool for working the method, wherein an element (21) is provided inside the tool to divert material from a passage (19) for material for the inner layer to a passage (16) for material for the outer layer.

Abstract: A method for making multi-colored composite laminates comprises stacking a plurality of colored strips in a predetermined pattern and bonding the strips into a composite laminate by continuous bonding. The composite laminate is then rolled before being passed through a deep steel pattern roll which forms a raised pattern on its surface. Next, the laminate is passed through a skiving table where the raised pattern is skived off to expose the multi-colored pattern formed by the underlying layers. The laminate is than flat rolled to a finished dimension and may be reeled up into a cylindrical roll.

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: A process for molding plastic parts includes the steps of providing two or more colors of pigmented powder particles of thermoplastic material; casting the particles against a heated surface to form non-patterned layers of particles with voids therebetween; heating the layers to form color blended fused fringe zones between the particles which fill the voids to form a solid, multi-colored, three-dimensional article while each particle retains its discrete particle core which maintains each particle's central or original color concentration and which cores have discernible light transmissive properties.

Abstract: A process for the production of homogeneous flat articles of thermoplastic synthetic resins wherein a starting mixture based on thermoplastic synthetic resins is processed into agglomerate or granulated material by a thermal pretreatment above the softening temperature and subsequently, optionally after additional intermediate steps, is mechanically comminuted to a mixture of particles having a random grain size distribution. The mixture of particles is piled continuously onto a conveyor belt to form a uniform layer and is sintered, under the action of heat up to the plasticization of the thermoplastic synthetic resin, into a coherent flat articles and is then press-molded under the effect of pressure and heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of multicolor, multidensity and/or multithermoplastic foam and products composed thereof. Heat-plastified foamable gels of a thermoplastic resin or resins containing blowing agents are combined and extruded simultaneously through the same orifice of a die and expanded into a foam.The color, density and/or thermoplastic resin of the secondary foamed gel or gels can form a multitude of patterns or shapes that include waves, diagonals, stripes and/or continuous coverage over the entire surface of the primary foamed gel. These patterns or shapes can be on the surface and/or within the cross-section of the primary foamed gel.

Abstract: A method of making a concrete block having decorative stones embedded in a surface thereof includes the steps of placing on a face plate a layer of stones which includes a plurality of spaced decorative surface stones and includes filler stones substantially smaller than the surface stones and disposed in the spaces between the surface stones, applying a cement mortar on the surface stones and filler stones, introducing concrete into a separate mold, inverting the face plate and placing it on top of the concrete in the mold, consolidating the concrete and assembling the concrete and the sruface stones by applying pressure and vibration, removing the mold and the face plate, and curing the resulting block without the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a synthetic resin skin uses a mold for forming at least two separate skin sections which are then joined prior or after a final heat treatment. The synthetic resin skin sections are produced in at least two separate mold members, and the skin sections are then caused to contact each other along determined faces or margins which are joined under light pressure. Any so-called selvage is easily removed after the joining which intimately bonds the skin sections to each other due to the curing of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for manufacturing plastic shells having decorative features thereon includes a method for casting thermoplastic material against a heated mold by use of a combination mask and container unit (hereinafter referred to as the combination unit) that is joined to a known heated mold to deposit a first semi-cured deposit on the mold from supplies of material in the combination mask and container; the mask is configured to have a plurality of wire reinforced foot portions with sealing edges configured to be aligned with the sharp edges of recesses in the mold surface defining the decorative feature; when the combination unit is inverted it casts material only on the recesses to form a semi-fused deposit of a first color. The combination unit is separated from the mold which is then processed to a higher fusion temperature and a base layer of contrasting thermoplastic material is cast thereon to be bonded to the recess material prior to cooling and stripping the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multi-colored integral vinyl skin shell including a heated mold and dual powder box arrangement wherein the mold is formed to include alternately positioned tear surfaces and recessed surfaces. The powder box has a plurality of spaced dams or dividers formed therein such that the dams cooperate with the respective recessed surfaces of the mold to provide clearance therewith that permit different colored powders in the compartments between the dams to cover the previously cleared tear surfaces and to flow past the selectively formed free ends of the dams to become integrally secured to the adjacent edge portions of the shell segments remaining in the areas of the recessed surfaces of the mold, forming the multi-colored, integral plastic shell.

Abstract: A process for making a multilayered formable plastic composite laminate and a process for its manufacture which includes preparing an acrylic composition which includes the reaction product of a mixture of predominantly an acrylic monomer and a substantially lesser amount of a polymer thereof, at least one free radical reaction initiating reaction catalyst, and optionally, a chain length regulating agent or a cross-linking agent; deaerating the acrylic composition; casting the deaerated acrylic composition upon a sheet or laminate of a thermoplastic material; and curing the cast acrylic composition in several successive stages so as to substantially polymerize the acrylic monomer and to permit penetration of the acrylic composition preferably to a depth of between about 0.001-0.

Abstract: Artistic tile designs are mass produced with precut tile pieces from commercially available square tile units. An initial tile design is created with the tile pieces to serve as a pattern. Thereafter the tile designs are reproduced by placing a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent sheet-type substrate or backing over the initial design, and by securing matching tile pieces to the substrate, as viewed through the substrate. The substrate is of the type that is sufficiently rigid to substantially maintain its shape while handled. The tile design can be repeated on the reverse side of the substrate using the design on the front side as the pattern to provide a double-sided design. If the opaque substrate is to be used, the front faces of the tile pieces are temporarily secured to a readily removable substrate, and the adhesive is thereafter applied to the back of the tile pieces to be permanently mounted.

Abstract: Segmented cosmetic articles are made by positioning an empty pan at the bottom of a sleeve having interior partitions forming separate compartments or chambers extending longitudinally the full extent of the sleeve, with each compartment being adapted to receive a corresponding charge of loose powder (each preferably of different color) through the end of the sleeve distal with respect to the pan. A ram or piston assembly havin solid segments conforming in shape to each separate chamber then is slidably received within the sleeve through the opening through which loose powder is admitted, and telescopically advanced relative to the sleeve toward the pan at other end thereof sufficient to pre-press or partially compress the powder charge into the pan. By this action, all segments of powder corresponding to the charge in each chamber of each sleeve, respectively, are partially compressed simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing plastic shells having decorative features thereon includes a combination mask and container unit that is joined to a known heated mold to deposit a first semi-cured deposit on the mold from supplies of material in the combination mask and container; the mask is configured to have a plurality of wire reinforced foot portions with seal edges configured to be aligned with the sharp edges of recesses in the mold surface defining the decorative feature; when the combination unit is inverted it casts material only on the recesses to form a semi-fused deposit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing decorative features in situ in a base layer cast plastic material includes the steps of providing a mold tool having a surface thereon which is recessed in the form of a desired decorative feature and includes a sharp break line between the recess and the surrounding mold surface; depositing a covering of thermoplastic material in the recess surface and heating the tool to melt the thermoplastic material on the recess surface to form segments of plastic corresponding to the desired decorative feature; thereafter cooling the covering and stripping it from the mold by separating it at the sharp break line interface between the deposited material on the recessed surface and a thin film membrane formed on the remainder of the mold surface so as to retain segments of material deposited in the recesses of the mold tool; reheating the mold tool recess to partially remelt the retained segments and thereafter depositing a base layer of thermoplastic material across the surface of the mold an

Abstract: The invention is both a method and apparatus for cutting thermoplastic materials in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. A laser is used to cut a preselected pattern in a thermoplastic material, resulting in a removable cutting being created, which is extracted from the material. Using a contrasting color of thermoplastic material, an identical laser cutting is made. The cutting from the first laser cutting operation is mated to the cavity created by the second laser cutting operation, resulting in a mosaic-type thermoplastic material which is pleasing to the eye. To ensure that the by-products of combustion from the laser cutting do not contaminate the heat-sensitive surfaces of the thermoplastic material, a directed source of vacuum is applied to the cutting table to ensure by-products of combustion are directed away from the cutting field.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic tape cassette by using a molding die having a fixed part and a second part including a submarine gate and a plurality of movable cores. The method includes the steps of defining an initial opening in the molding die between the fixed part and the movable cores, filling a molten plastic for molding the body of the cassette into the initial opening in the molding die, selectively moving the plurality of cores to change the size of the initial opening to define a new opening connected to the submarine gate, and filling the new opening through the submarine gate with a molten plastic different from the plastic already filled into the initially formed opening in order to mold the body in a plurality of colors.

Abstract: In the extrusion process an inhomogeneous thermoplastic marbled product is made from a base plastic material and at least one marbling additive material mixed therein. The additive material is fed into the interior of an extrudate flow made from the base plastic material in an extruder device. The extruder has a mixing head at the end of its screw having a narrow throat surrounded by a ring. The ring is formed with angularly spaced slot-like passages for the base material. The additive veining plastic is fed through the mixing head downstream of this throat.

Abstract: A process for forming discrete, shaped interlayer blanks comprising extruding thermoplastic melt into an endless, distortable straight-sided sheet having a gradient color band along one side, the melt forming the region of the sheet laterally of the color band extruding at a greater thickness than that forming the portion containing the color band, stretching the side of the sheet containing the region formed from the greater thickness melt more than the other side while extrusion continues to shape the sheet into an arcuate form of substantially uniform thickness having different radii along each edge, the edge of greater radius being on the side formed from the greater thickness melt, quenching the sheet to set the polymer, advancing the shaped sheet to a cutting station and cutting shaped quadrilateral sections out of the sheet having the gradient color band along one longitudinal side to form the blanks.

Abstract: A method for producing powder cosmetics which utilizes some suitable solvents to convert the powder materials into slurry form, so as to facilitate transportation through pipelines. The slurry is filled into a plastic case through an opening provided at its lower face and the solvent is discharged from the slurry at a reduced pressure. Thus, convert the slurry to a powder cake.

Abstract: Material to be colored is fed from an extruder to a positive displacement means such as a gear pump. The output from which is split into at least two streams one of which is fed to a mixer which is preferably a cavity transfer mixer. Colorant is injected into one of the streams either before or at the mixer and the two streams are recombined downstream of the mixer preferably in a diehead. The arrangement provides for reliable coloration whilst premitting flexibility in production.

Abstract: Method in extruding a double-walled plastic tube by using plastic materials of different colors for the inner layer and the outer layer, a portion of the material for the inner layer being diverted to form a longitudinal strip of the outer layer on the outside surface of the tube. The invention also relates to an extrusion tool for working the method, wherein an element (21) is provided inside the tool to divert material from a passage (19) for material for the inner layer to a passage (16) for material for the outer layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming an edible product. The apparatus includes an inside tube, an outside tube extending along and around the inside tube, and a plurality of deflector plates extending across the passageway between the tubes. A first edible material is conducted through the inside tube, and a second edible material is conducted through the passageway between the inside and outside tubes. The deflector plates guide that second material into longitudinally extending spaced apart strands, and also form longitudinally extending spaced apart zones substantially free of the second edible material. The first edible material expands into those zones to form a product having alternating outside strands of the edible materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-color marking implements (i.e. crayons) having variegated color patterns, and a method and apparatus for their manufacture involving consecutively casting small amounts of molten crayon-like materials into suitably shaped molds at specific temperatures. The marking implements have a multiplicity of discretely-colored regions of random shape, randomly distributed in the implement. In addition, the marking implement may include a multiplicity of non-discretely colored regions resulting from a blending of colors from two discretely-colored regions. Optionally, the multi-color implement may be provided in a transparent lipstick type container that may serve as the mold in the casting process.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a molded outer covering, comprising the steps of mixing two or more powder resin materials having different colors at a desired mixing ratio to prepare a powder mixture, and then heating the powder mixture in a preheated molded die, so that the powder mixture melts, resulting in a formation of a molded product having a pepper and salt pattern on the outer surface thereof.