Abstract: A method of producing stiff polymeric plastic slats incorporates the steps of (a) feeding a reel of planar polymeric plastic film into a roller system which includes at least one pair of rotatable entrance guide rollers; (b) guiding the polymeric plastic film through at least one pair of rotatable line marker rollers; (c) passing the film through at least one pair of truncated rollers to produce a bend in said film of 100 degrees or more; (d) passing the film through a pair of nipping rollers to convert said bend to a fold of between 120 and 180 degrees to thereby produce tension and compression in a ridge region; and, (e) flattening said film out to its final, fixed shape by drawing through a pair of soft, rotatable wheels.

Abstract: A mold for synthetic resin products which are to be shaped while soft, includes a pair of elongated mold parts each having opposed complementary faces with contours at least partially conforming to at least parts of the product to be shaped. A support means on which the mold parts are mounted provide for moving at least one of the mold parts relative to the other mold part to effect removal therefrom of a finished product. The mold parts are constructed and arranged so as to be bendable along their longitudinal axes to effect a change in arcuate configuration, the mold parts being made of a material which facilitates sliding of the synthetic resin product through the mold, the support means supporting the mold parts in fixed spaced apart disposition as the product is moved longitudinally between the mold parts to thereby impart to the product an arcuate configuration corresponding to the arcuate configuration of the mold parts.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for providing an extruded polyvinyl chloride exterior siding with a weatherable layer of polyvinyl fluoride is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the process facilitates the production of dimensionally stable dark colored siding.

Abstract: A flat stock strip of thermoplastic material is passed through a heating station in contact with the edges of longitudinally oriented heated knife blades to heat soften the stock strip along narrow longitudinal lines to define localized fold lines for the stock strip. The strip is fed sequentially through prebending device and a chilled forming die to set the reformed strip at the fold lines. Preferably the knife blades and any strip contact surfaces of the prebending device and the chilled forming die are TEFLON covered to eliminate scratching of the thermoplastic stock strip material during heating, reforming and cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously and progressively forming components from fiber-containing composite material workpieces having a deformable matrix, wherein bending of the composite material is accomplished by pairs of roller elements between which the composite passes as it moves through the apparatus, and wherein the workpiece may be locally heated within the extent of the roller elements. Rotation of each roller is individually and independently controllable to drive the workpiece forward, retard motion of the workpiece, or freewheel. Retarding motion of selected rollers induces tensile stresses in the workpiece, which counteract the compressive stresses induced during bending so as to maintain the alignment of the fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding of plastic products in which a softened plastic material is extruded from an extruder in the shape of belts or rods, the extruded material is introduced onto a main molding roll having an outer surface with a contour of the piece to be molded and the plastic material is formed into a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the main molding roll by utilizing the fluidity of the plastic material, followed by rapid cooling, to produce a plastic product having a curved shape.

Abstract: In a method for continuously manufacturing slide fastener coupling elements, a molded strip of coupling element blanks is folded by a first folder unit about its longitudinal axis while still hot into a U-shaped cross-section to provide a folded strip of coupling element blanks each having a width larger than a predetermined width of each of the coupling elements as ultimately shaped. After having been heated by a hot-air blower, the hot folded strip of blanks is shaped by a second folder unit into slide fastener coupling elements of a finalized shape and dimensions through a plurality of bending stages in which the widths of the coupling element blanks are constricted stepwise by the second folder unit as the folded strip of blanks is fed therethrough.

Abstract: A flexible cable assembly for actuation of an automobile speedometer or the like, comprising an inner core member and a tubular casing that includes an outer housing and a spiral-cut tubular liner with multiple internal ribs. The liner is constructed by extruding a cylindrial tube with at least one internal longitudinally extending rib. The tube is then cut helically so as to offset circumferentially the rib segments on adjacent turns of the strip, providing multiple internal supports for the core member.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol of molecular weight over 500,000 (i.e. 1,500,000 to 2,500,000) is spun as a dilute solution (2-15%) in a relatively non-volatile solvent such as glycerin. The resultant gel fiber is extracted with a volatile solvent such as methanol and dried. Upon stretching at one or more stages during the process, fibers of tenacity above 10 g/denier and modulus above 200 g/denier (e.g. 18 and 450, respectively) are produced.

Abstract: A visible file pocket (100) having a laminar central web (101) and front and back, lower and upper pocket tips (102-105) for receiving the lower and upper edges of documents to be supported thereon and wherein the upper edge (108) of the file pocket (100) is provided with a transversely extending hinge pin receiving bore (109) adapted to receive a hinge pin (110) and laterally projecting hinge elements (112).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and a device for producing bundles of hollow fibers such as used for dialysis. The device includes a guiding device for a continuous fiber which rotates in a plane. At least two groups of take-up elements are mounted on a conveyor. The conveyor is intermittently activated so that a group of take-up elements is placed in a working position in the range of movement of the guiding device, and a strand of a desired thickness is wound around the take-up elements. Thereafter, the conveyor is activated to discharge the first group together with the completed strand from the working position and place the subsequent empty group of take-up elements in the working position, without interruption of movement of the guiding device. During the winding-up of the subsequent strand, the completed strand is cut and wrapped into bundles.

Abstract: The roofing module of the present invention is comprised of a sheet of thermoplastic material which has opposed side margins that are bent upwardly at 90.degree. with respect to the body of the sheet to provide joinder tabs. The module is formed by transporting a flat sheet of the material between a pair of inwardly-facing radiant heaters which are focused on a line which the sheet will be bent about in order to soften the sheet along that line. After the sheet is softened along the fold line it is transported through a bending section comprised of a series of die rollers which cause the margin to progressively be bent upwardly to the desired orientation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing high performance cable having a low profile configuration is disclosed. The method includes the steps of drawing, through an extrusion press, conductor subassemblies each including spaced, parallel, insulated wire pairs surrounded by an intermediate insulator. Prior to extrusion, conductive EMI shields are formed in-line around the subassemblies. The method also includes the step of extruding an insulating body around spaced, parallel pairs of shielded subassemblies with the wires in a common plane.

Abstract: In an apparatus for forming a row of zigzag coupling elements, a winding unit includes a guide plate having a guide hole through which a monofilament is supplied onto a periphery of a continuously rotating die wheel. The guide plate is driven by two separate drive mechanisms, for lateral reciprocating movement and tangential reciprocating movement, respectively, with respect to the die wheel periphery so that the guide hole traces a horizontal figure-eight curve to thereby wind the monofilament alternately around a pair of rows of circumferentially staggered pins, on the die wheel periphery.

Abstract: Interlocking vinyl siding panels are formed from vinyl sheets. A sheet of vinyl is extruded with a V-shaped bend along one of its edges, and a Z-shaped bend intermediate its edges. The extruded sheet of vinyl is then formed, while in a hot, semi-viscous state into the final siding profile. As the siding profile is formed, the V-shaped bend is formed into a first locking profile and the Z-shaped bend is formed into a second locking profile. The first locking profile is dimensioned for a snap-type engagement with the second locking profile of another similarly formed siding member.

Abstract: A mold for synthetic resin products which are to be shaped while soft, includes a pair of elongated mold parts each having opposed complementary faces with contours at least partially conforming to at least parts of the product to be shaped. A support means on which the mold parts are mounted provide for moving at least one of the mold parts relative to the other mold part to effect removal therefrom of a finished product. The mold parts are constructed and arranged so as to be bendable along their longitudinal axes to effect a change in arcuate configuration, the mold parts being made of a material which facilitates sliding of the synthetic resin product through the mold, the support means supporting the mold parts in fixed spaced apart disposition as the product is moved longitudinally between the mold parts to thereby impart to the product an arcuate configuration corresponding to the arcuate configuration of the mold parts.

Abstract: In the production of an optical fibre cable a core (3) of thermoplastics material is extruded with a plurality of longitudinally-extending grooves (15) in its outer surface around an electrical conductor (1) and is initially cooled: then following the introduction of one or more fibres (11) in at least one of the grooves the core assembly is passed through an induction heating unit (17) in which the conductor is heated to an extent sufficient to soften at least the adjoining region of the core, and the core is twisted to cause the grooves to take up a helical or periodically reversing helical path, and is again cooled to leave the grooves in that condition.

Abstract: A racket frame is formed from an elongate element produced by extrusion of a mixture of a thermoplastic material and carbon fibres. The element is bent while hot to form the racket head and has arms which are joined together by throat pieces, thereby forming the racket shaft. The throat pieces are formed by injection moulding. The elongate element preferably has at least one cavity extending along its length, the cavity being filled with foamed material of a density different from that of the elongate element so that the racket can have the desired weight. Preferably ropes of carbon fibres are included in the elongate element extending along its length. The aligned fibres give strength to the frame. In production of the frame the thermoplastic material may be extruded, cooled, have holes for strings formed in it, and then bent to shape or may be bent to shape immediately upon extrusion.

Abstract: A tennis racquet frame is fabricated of graphite and has tubing member for receiving the strings internally molded in the frame so that the strings do not penetrate the outside rim of the frame. This end result is achieved by preforming pieces of plastic tubing in an elongated mold, the mold shaping these tubing pieces into optimum radii for receiving the stringing. The mold is filled with plastic and the elongated strip thus formed removed from the mold and placed into a second mold which has a pair of wires installed there in and running along the longitudinal extent thereof. Plastic foam is then placed in the second mold to form a foam core which retains the wires along the back thereof with the ends of the wires protruding from the foam. The foam core strip is then removed from the mold and while being held at its ends by means of the wires is rotated to wind graphite fibers therearound, along the entire length of the core. The graphite wound core is then molded in conventional fashion to form the frame.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol of molecular weight over 500,000 (i.e. 1,500,000 to 2,500,000) is spun as a dilute solution (2-15%) in a relatively non-volatile solvent such as glycerin. The resultant gel fiber is extracted with a volatile solvent such as methanol and dried. Upon stretching at one or more stages during the process, fibers of tenacity above 10 g/denier and modulus above 200 g/denier (e.g. 18 and 450, respectively) are produced.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a novel bowed shim for a cassette which includes impacting one surface of a sheet of polymeric material with particles until layer-like portions adjacent its surfaces are differentially expanded and the material is bowed, and then cutting the shim from the material.

Abstract: A glass fiber-reinforced cement non-plate article which is composed of an inside mortar layer comprising a mixture of normal Portland cement and glass fiber chopped strand, an outside mortar layer comprising a mixture of normal Portland cement and glass fiber chopped strand, and a regulated set cement mortar layer interposed between said both layers and between a pair of continuous glass fiber layers, is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a cup formed of a thermoplastic resin foamed sheet material and having a lip, the side wall and bottom of the cup being integrally formed, the lip extending outwardly from the mouth portion of the cup and being bent at its end radially inwardly towards the side wall. The method includes forming a rim extending outward from the mouth portion of the cup and having a downwardly extending end, providing a bending furrow on the outer periphery of the side wall at a level below the rim, and bending the rim, as it is heated, at the bending furrow. The apparatus comprises a mandrel block adapted to hold cups and rotatable and axially slidable, a hot blade or cutting blade movable toward the mandrel block and adapted to form a bending furrow for bending the rim, and a lip forming tool having a lip forming groove adapted to be heated.

Abstract: There is described a process and apparatus for flaring the end of a thermoplastic tube to form a flange thereon to provide a flanged adapter for joining sections of plastic pipes. An end portion of a tube of suitable thermoplastic resin is heated to soften it and is then placed in a flanged sleeve with the heated tube end projecting from the sleeve. A flanged male plug is inserted into the heated end of the tube and the plug is pushed by means of a press into the tube to cause the flanged plug to flare the heated end of the tube outwardly through an obtuse angle against the flange of the sleeve so that a flange is formed on the tube. A cylindrical member embraces the flanges of plug and sleeve and limits outer flow of the formed tube flange. The tube is then cooled in situ in the press, is removed from the press after cooling and placed in a cold water tank for further cooling. After cooling, the flanged tube is constrained between top and bottom clamping disks and is reheated to about 160.degree. F.

Abstract: A mould portion and/or protective element of the type consisting of a material subjected to deformation is disclosed. A method and a device for manufacturing such a mould portion and/or protective element are also disclosed.The mould portion and/or protective element is preferably intended to be used as a mould portion in moulding an article and/or as a protective element to prevent access of soil and water to a surface portion of the article during transportation and storage thereof.Such materials subjected to dimensional changes as can be used as mould portions and/or protective elements present the advantages of being inexpensive and permitting removal of the article without difficulty. One such material is for example cellular plastics. The dimensional changes, however, have entailed so great difficulties in using mould portions and/or protective elements of such materials that they have made the use of the material impossible.

Abstract: Arrow fletchings (42,102) disclosed have curved vanes (50,114) inclined inwardly in a rearward direction to provide pockets (54,118) for restricting air flow while allowing vane flexing in a manner that moderates drag in response to wind changes. One fletching embodiment (42) is preferably made by plastic extrusion and a subsequent heat forming process and includes a vane (50) whose inner portion projects radially from its foot (44) and whose outer portion define its curved pocket (54). Another fletching embodiment (102) made from sheet plastic includes a vane (114) that projects tangentially from the arrow shaft on which its foot (104) is mounted and is curved to define the pocket (118) that restricts air flow. A fixture (68) for heat forming the pocket of the one fletching embodiment (42) and a method for making the other fletching embodiment (102) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The packing can be used for mixing or for exchange processes in exchange columns. The packing comprises at least one group of layers perpendicular to the column axis which has deflecting surfaces connected to a central connecting bridge and which are bent outwardly of the bridge in alternating fashion to define a X-shape. The adjacent layers can be provided with outer bridges which are bent around to form hook-shape portions for engaging about an adjacent layer.The packing can be produced by simple stamping and bending steps.

Abstract: The packing is made up of layers each of which is deformed into a zig-zag shape. Each layer has contiguous rows of deflecting surfaces which are interconnected by bridges and with every other deflecting surface being stamped out so as to be bent out of the plane of the layer. The stamped out deflecting surfaces of adjacent rows are offset from one another by the width of one deflecting surface and are bent out of so far as to be parallel to the next flank.

Abstract: The invention comprises an oriented multi-layer film having a different orientation distribution between at least two layers and a novel process for forming oriented multi-layer films having a different orientation distribution between the layers. An important feature is the formation of a first tubular layer which is folded and fed into the interior of a second tubular layer of smaller diameter. Upon inflation of the inner tubular layer of larger diameter to its maximum unstretched diameter the smaller diameter outer tubular layer will be stretched and will also be oriented if the stretching occurs while the temperature of the smaller diameter outer tubular layer is maintained within the orientation temperature range of that material.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and forming a continuous train of slide fastener coupling element bodies into a train of coupling elements includes a rotating forming disc against which the coupling element bodies are fed. The train is held on the forming disc for a portion of the disc rotation by a pair of flexible discs which clamp the leg portions of the bodies against the sides of the forming disc. After rotation through a portion of the forming disc circumference, the flexible discs are cammed outwardly and the train of coupling elements is pulled from the discs.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for fabricating honeycomb expandable insulation panels disclosed herein includes a method and apparatus for folding a continuous thin film of flexible plastic material into a uniform, open faced tubular configuration and for heat setting the folds in permanent sharp creases. It also includes a rotatable rack apparatus for continuously stacking successive lengths of the tubular formed plastic film one on top of another on flat surfaces and adhering them together in the form of a neat, uniform expandable panel of interior honeycomb cell configuration.

Abstract: A method for cold-forming light gauge polymer sheet material by application of localized heat to the area of the fold. In the manufacture of Lexan polycarbonate flexible magnetic disk jackets, heat is applied to the folded edge by a heating element generally maintained uniformly at 375.degree. F. The heating element contacts the folded Lexan polycarbonate edge in a U-shaped trough having planar sidewalls generally perpendicular to a planar bottom wall.

Abstract: Shaped articles, particularly tubular shaped articles, are formed by a process comprising molding a crosslinkable synthetic plastic material into a first molded shape, crosslinking the plastic material at a temperature in excess of the crystalline melting point of the material, subjecting the crosslinked first shape to a working operation to form a second configuration shape and subjecting specific areas of the second shape to a heat treatment thereby forming a deformation in the specific area. Extruded tubular materials subjected to a stretching operation tend to seek their original shape upon heat treatment thereby making the degree of deformation possible nearly equal to the degree of stretching.

Abstract: Tubular thermoformed articles are manufactured from tubular blanks which are heated to the annealing temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the articles by flowing hot liquid therethrough whilst constrained in the desire shape or form followed by flowing cold liquid therethrough to cool to set before being released from the constraint.

Abstract: Slide fastener coupling elements are continuously manufactured from a molded strip of coupling element blanks at a speed which is substantially the same as the speed at which the molded strip is produced on a die wheel. The strip of coupling element blanks, as it is withdrawn from the die wheel, is folded about its longitudinal axis into a U-shape while the strip is being heated, and then is heated by hot air before it is shaped into slide fastener coupling elements of a finalized shape as they are heat-set. Then, the coupling elements thus formed are cooled and discharged at a speed equal to the peripheral speed of the die wheel.

Abstract: A system for curling turned-in lips about the open mouths of thin walled, stacked, thermoplastic containers, having brims which extend in a return direction axially, utilizes a plurality of externally helically grooved, tubular, thermally conductive, synchronously rotated rollers equiradially spaced from a common central axis to define an annular passageway between them through which a stack of the containers pass with the brim of the containers simultaneously engaged in the grooves of the rollers. While the brims are being heated radiantly and via conduction substantially to the critical forming temperature, the brims are engaged in the transport portions of the grooves, but the peripheral side wall portions of the container are not contacted.

Abstract: The edge of an interior lamina or laminae of a laminated sheet or film having three or more laminae is positively encapsulated to protect material enclosed by the laminated sheet or film from contacting and interacting with the edge of the interior lamina or laminae. To encapsulate the interior lamina or laminae, the edge of the laminated sheet or film is heated and the molten outer laminae are mechanically forced out and over the interior lamina or laminae to be covered, thereby positively encapsulating the edge of the interior lamina or laminae.

Abstract: A plurality of reinforced plastic parts are simultaneously molded from separate bundles of resin impregnated strands wound about individual frame sections of a substantially planar frame assembly. A loading station includes a dual-acting elongated carrier engaging the multi-sectioned frame assembly and initially rotatable to wind the bundle of strands thereon. Subsequent reciprocation of the carrier delivers the wound frame assembly to a molding station provided with a plurality of mating pairs of mold sections and having displaceable frame supporting and bundle clamping assemblies for engaging the wound frame assembly and severing opposite ends of the bundles as the mold sections close within the individual frame sections. Upon opening of the mold sections, molded parts and the empty frame assembly are subsequently shuttled from the molding station by a removal station provided with a reciprocating elongated carrier axially aligned with the center line of the molding station and the loading station carrier.

Abstract: A casing of stretched plastic material, whether or not filled with a fluid such as gas or air, is wound with some tension about a smooth heated mandrel. During its curved path of travel said casing is on the one hand subjected to a contact or a radiation heat and on the other hand to a convection heat, said contact radiation heat prevailing during a period of time which is greater than that of the convection heat, thus causing the inner curved portion of the said casing to set during the time that the outer portions of the casing windings have already cooled down, so that smooth curved surfaces are obtained.

Abstract: An elastomeric strip has a support frame having selected regions of longitudinally displaceable frame portions such as wire loops reinforced by degraded and non-degraded materials that are non-degradable during the frame coating operation for inhibiting longitudinal displacement of the frame portions during the frame coating operation. The degraded material breaks down when the strip is flexed to allow increased flexibility of the strip, and the non-degraded material prevents undue elongation or stretching of the strip. A method of manufacturing the strip comprises reinforcing regions of the frame portions with degradable materials, arranging the reinforced support frame in position to be coated, coating the reinforced support frame with an elastomeric material, and then degrading selective regions of the degradable reinforcing materials.

Abstract: A method is described for the production of porous bodies from vitreous silica without the use of tools. Vitreous silica wool and/or threads are wound in layers on a form. After the coil has attained a certain minimum thickness, the threads of each succeeding layer are permanently bonded by heating the threads of the preceding layer at the points where the threads cross. The form is removed, and then the threads on the inside of the body are bonded together.The bodies are used for the production of high-purity blocks of silicon for solar cells.

Abstract: A stretched plastic casing is tensioned by means of a fluid medium after having been introduced into two clamping rollers, and conveyed to a bending member in front of or at the location of which it is subjected to a thermal treatment such, that it is bent out of its original path, while being thermally deformed, and is subsequently conveyed in the same direction of curvature, in a bent form, so as to be cooled down.

Abstract: A row of continuous slide fastener coupling elements is in the form of a filamentary coil or zigzag made of thermoplastic synthetic resin. Each coupling element includes a coupling head, a pair of legs extending from the coupling head, and a connector located remotely from the coupling head and extending between one of the legs and a leg of an adjacent coupling head. The connector is heat-set intensely by being heated concentratedly for increased dimensional stability. A method of manufacturing a row of such continuous slide fastener coupling elements includes the step of heating the connectors at a temperature close to the melting point of the monofilament.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for and a method of making building products from a coiled sheet of thermoplastic polymer such as polyvinyl chloride. In the practice of this invention, portions of the polymeric sheet are selectively and sequentially heated and progressively bent to the desired shape by passing the sheet through a series of heating, forming and cooling stations.The simplified design of the machine enables the user to custom fabricate building products at a construction site with a resulting savings in cost. Typical products adapted to be made in accordance with the invention are exterior building siding, siding accessories and other building products.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding and forming a continuous train of slide fastener coupling element bodies into a train of coupling elements includes a rotating forming disc against which the coupling element bodies are fed. The train is held on the forming disc for a portion of the disc rotation by a pair of flexible discs which clamp the leg portions of the bodies against the sides of the forming disc. After rotation through a portion of the forming disc circumference, the flexible discs are cammed outwardly and the train of coupling elements is pulled from the discs.

Abstract: A dispensing container has a spout formed of opposing walls of supple, imperforate material joined along their side edges with at least a portion thereof being formed over a curved surface. The aforementioned portion of the spout is thus set in a curled condition in the direction of discharge with the walls in face-to-face contact to effect a valving action. The spout can include a metering chamber to permit a desired quantity of fluid contents to be separated and milked through the curled portion to the discharge end of the spout. If desired, the entire dispensing container can be similarly formed over a curved surface so that the empty end of the container opposite the spout will also assume a curled conformation as the container's contents are discharged through the spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing compressible insulation material of mineral fibers in which a folding shoe guides the insulation material from a strip condition into a cylindrical condition and further including initially compressing the portion of the strip material along the centerline thereof, subsequently compressing the portions of the strip material intermediate the center line and the side edges of the strip material, and, finally, compressing the side edge portions of the strip material.

Abstract: A method for continously covering by extrusion, with a cross-linkable or vulcanizable material, a wire conductor around which a separating tape is longitudinally folded with overlapped lips. In the method, upstream of the extrusion step, a force of such a magnitude and orientation as to permit a controlled relative displacement of the overlapped lips, not greater than a pre-determined value, is applied to the separating tape. The extrusion head used in the method of the invention comprises, in the feed cavity for the taped conductor in advance of the male mold, a tubular element having an inner diameter close to that of the taped conductor but not mechanically secured in position within said cavity.

Abstract: A pattern table for forming of heated glass tubing such as neon light tubing according to a prescribed flat pattern. The table includes three support surfaces: a first for holding the pattern; a second light transmitting plate held directly over the pattern; and a third light transmitting screen supported on a top surface of the plate. Heated glass tubing can rest against the screen and be formed according to a pattern viewed through the screen and glass plate. The pattern is insulated from the heated glass tubing being formed. The heated glass tubing in turn is isolated from the heat absorbing glass plate by an interposed air space within the screen structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing compressible insulation material of mineral fibers in which a folding shoe guides the insulation material from a strip condition into a cylindrical condition and further including initially compressing the portion of the strip material along the centerline thereof, subsequently compressing the portions of the strip material intermediate the center line and the side edges of the strip material, and, finally, compressing the side edge portions of the strip material.