Abstract: A thermoforming system and related methods for manufacturing thermoplastic parts, such as interior panels for aircraft, may include a roll-to-roll operation and a forming press having at least one selectively rotatable tool. The rotatable tool, which may include a mold and/or a die, may be multifaceted, such that different faces of the tool have different mold arrangements for different forming characteristics.

Abstract: A trailing end (14?) of a web in a web roll (14, 14.1) is secured to a surface of the web roll in a slitter-winder (10) by attachment articles (30) which extend over a trailing end of the web on the roll surface. Each attachment article has an adhesive surface positioned on a path of movement of the web roll, facing toward the roll, and, while the roll is moved, it is attached on the surface of the web roll. An arrangement (11) for securing a trailing end of a web to the roll in a slitter-winder (10) has a roll handling system (24) to move the rolls (14) via a path, and an adhesive article distribution system (28) positioned to attachment the article, in which the two systems co-operate so that, as the rolls are moved, the attachment article is attached on the surface of the web roll.

Abstract: An auger assembly for transporting bulk material includes an auger rotatably mounted in a tube. A toothed belt drive pulley is secured to a drive shaft and is rotatably driven about a drive pulley rotational axis. The drive shaft is generally parallel to the auger. A toothed belt driven pulley is secured to the auger for rotation therewith about a driven pulley rotational axis. A toothed belt extends around the driven pulley and the drive pulley and the auger is thereby rotatably driven for transporting bulk material through the tube. The drive shaft is selectively adjustable for tensioning the belt and for placing the drive pulley rotational axis generally parallel with the driven pulley rotational axis.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle includes extruding a mixture into an opening in a screen within an application zone and translating the screen and belt to a release zone and separating the screen and belt to form a precursor shaped abrasive particle on the belt, wherein the screen and belt are separated at a release angle of at least about 15° and not greater than about 45°, wherein the release angle is defined as an angle between a surface of the screen and a surface of the belt.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system is provided that includes an upper chamber assembly lower chamber assembly, layup and demolding station, transfer assembly, automatic or permanent coupling system, and controller. The upper and lower chamber assemblies are coupled to form an enclosed plenum operable to maintain a pressurized environment about a tool. The layup and demolding station receives the tool and facilitates the layup, bagging and sealing of unprocessed components at the tool. A transfer assembly accurately positions the tool on the lower chamber assembly in alignment with the upper chamber assembly. An automatic or permanent coupling system provides services to the tool and the enclosed plenum. A controller directs services to be supplied to the enclosed plenum and tool in accordance with a set of process parameters. This set of process parameters allows an individual set of unprocessed components to be thermally processed and consolidated.

Abstract: Thermoplastic laminates are fabricated in a continuous compression molding production line. A lay-up of laminate plies is placed in a recess on a carrying tool, and the tool is moved through successive forming operations on the line, including preforming and consolidation operations. The tool is separated from the fully formed part at the end of the line and may be reused. Use of the carrying tool reduces material scrap.

Abstract: This invention provides a mold for a gasket, which can render the planar shape of a mold for integral molding of a large-diameter gasket as small as possible to reduce the size of the manufacturing equipment and, at the same time, by virtue of integral molding, does not require labor and time in the manufacture thereof and does not cause a lack of strength in the connecting part. To this end, a mold (1) for molding an endless-type gasket comprises a plurality of molding parts (11,21), formed by disposing two molding grooves (12, 22), in a spiral wound form, in parallel so as to be adjacent to each other. The spiral wound molding grooves (12, 22) have reversing parts (14, 24) in their respective inner ends (13, 23), and, at the same time, their outer ends (15, 25) are connected to each other in a rope form.

Abstract: A fabrication method of forming curved thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks.

Abstract: A container box includes an outer box for receiving an inner box therein. Ribs are formed on an inner surface of the outer box, and extend in a fitting direction, and are gradually changing in height so that molds can be easily removed after the molding. The ribs includes the normally-inclined ribs gradually increasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box, and the reversely-inclined ribs gradually decreasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box.

Abstract: Each of supply means 30 arranged around an extrusion port 22 of an extruder 20 supplies, while cutting a molten resin which has been extruded from the extrusion port 22 of the extruder 20 alternately in a predetermined length, the molten resin D which has been cut to a supply position which is provided at each of the supply means, and then sequentially supplies the molten resin D to each of a compression molding dies 40 which are provided in a pair with each of the supply means. As a result, in producing a synthetic resin molded article with a predetermined shape by compression molding by cutting a molten resin which has been extruded from an extruder and supplying the resin which has been cut to a compression molding die, the above-mentioned constitution can be preferably utilized for the production of a synthetic resin molded product which requires a further high load.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed relates to a method of applying a thin thermoset or thermoplastic cover over a golf ball subassembly by simultaneously dispensing polyurethane into multiple molds while using multiple mixers from multiple polyurethane sources. The method employs a continuous conveyor system wherein pre-heated first (top) and second (bottom) mold halves are pre-heated and pre-sorted prior to a polyurethane material being deposited in each mold half, preferably, each mold half comprises four cavities. A rotary table maneuvers the mold halves into position to receive a shot of polyurethane in each cavity. The polyurethane is dispensed from two separate mixers, each mixer having a pair of dispensing nozzles capable of shuttling back and forth between the cavities. To maintain process integrity, it is imperative that polyurethane dispensed into a particular top mold half and the polyurethane dispensed into the corresponding mated bottom mold half be from the same polyurethane mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a water barrier in unsolidified roof tile preforms. The inventive device comprises a molded piece with a recess as well as a die. The molded piece is disposed above the end of a roof tile perform, whereupon all or part of the rear edge of the roof tile perform is pressed upward by means of the die. The roof tile perform is then dried.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A container box includes an outer box for receiving an inner box therein. Ribs are formed on an inner surface of the outer box, and extend in a fitting direction, and are gradually changing in height so that molds can be easily removed after the molding. The ribs includes the normally-inclined ribs gradually increasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box, and the reversely-inclined ribs gradually decreasing in height in the fitting direction of the inner box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sealing and/or retaining elements on a wide variety of fastening devices is provided. The fasteners are conveyed on fastener nests each having a chamber, a fastener lock and a fastener release that are moveable relative to each other. The fasteners then have material applied to them which is cured while the fasteners are in the nests on the conveyor. The fasteners with the sealing and/or retaining element formed thereon are then removed therefrom. A novel fixture for holding fasteners to be processed and an element sealing device having a fastener with a resilient sealing element adhered to a portion thereof with a depression formed therein in close proximity to a portion of the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A dental device including an integrally connected artificial tooth and denture base. The artificial tooth is made by continuously conveying polymerizable material into tooth forming molds.

Abstract: An open mold system provides various unique molds which are released from a plurality of staging queues and loaded onto a mold transportation circuit in relation to a particular customer order and transportation vehicle. A batch of molds are sequenced in an order in which a particular transportation vehicle is to be loaded. After each part is demolded, the molds are returned to their appropriate staging queues or storage areas. The parts are inspected and are sent to either a minor repair area, a major repair area, or directly to a trimming and packaging area. From the packaging area, the parts are moved to a relatively small shipping area where the batch of parts are already ordered to be effectively loaded directly onto the transportation vehicle. As the finished parts come off line in the batch particular to the transportation vehicle, a large shipping area and inventory area is avoided.

Abstract: A press has a frame including guides extending in a predetermined direction and a pair of tool-halves mounted on the frame and are movable on the guides in the direction toward and away from each other. Two knee-lever linkages symmetrically spacedly flanking each tool half with respect to a center plane substantially parallel to the direction, each coupled to the respective tool half and to the frame, and operable to shift the tool halves in the direction. Respective reversible, rotary drives each carry an eccentric output connected to respective drive links extending to the linkages. A controller connected to the drives rotates the eccentrics oppositely in respective first senses to press the one half in the direction against the other half and thereafter to pull the one half in the direction away from the other half with the two linkages never extending into a central region of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding multi-material parts. The mold has a plurality of first mold cavities interspersed alternately among a plurality of second mold cavities. A first molten material is injected into the first mold cavities and solidified. Cores with the first material are moved only one mold pitch to the second mold cavities where a second molten material is injected and solidified with the first material to form the multi-material parts which are ejected from the mold when it is opened. In one embodiment, cavities and cores are arranged in a column, and dummy cores on each end of a column of cores close off the injection nozzle in an end cavity from which a core has been removed for a molding cycle. In another embodiment, cavities and cores are arranged radially, and cores are rotationally moved one mold pitch with each molding cycle.

Abstract: A mold manufacturing system includes confining environmentally controlled applying operations to but a few area or a single area. The process airflow generated therefrom includes a substantially constant low flow with a high concentration of HAPs which maintains an auto-fired oxidizer system to provide more efficient and less expensive operation thereof.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: Mold filling and feeding device (400) and process including using refractory filter cloth (202) to seal a mold line (100), in continuous conveyance, to a multi-stage pressurized filling and feeding device. The mold line (100) consists of vertically parted or horizontally parted green sand molds (101), or an extruded bed of media carrying various types of molds, including green sand, nobake, lost foam, investment casting shells, etc. These molds are bottom or side filled while moving for increased production rates. Feeding under pressure, while moving, is a second operation that improves casting integrity. The process includes a new and more efficient method of treating iron with magnesium for compacted graphite or ductile iron. A stitch (242) of filter cloth (202) holds modifying alloy (630) to the molds (101). A vacuum and pressure controlled column (550) provides consistent flow to thin walled castings, and pressurized feeding for heavy castings. Radiant energy losses are contained in the automatic system.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: Biodegradable, recessed molded receptacles (18) are produced by baking a baking composition between upper and lower baking molds (22, 24) in one baking operation to form a plurality of molded receptacles (18) in a coherent sheet structure (12) having an unbroken surface and containing the molded receptacles (18) which are subsequently separated from the sheet structure (12).

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly forming a cementitious panel. A cementitious mixture is introduced into a mold configured to provide the desired surface appearance and profile of the cementitious panel. The cementitious mixture is then subject to an accelerated curing process by applying microwave energy to the cementitious mixture for a predetermined time period. After a relatively short resting or cooling period, the resulting cementitious panel is ready to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: For molding a synthetic resin-made hollow member with an intermediate element incorporated therein, the invention provides method and apparatus improved in assemblability, assembly precision and productivity. The molding apparatus for slide type injection molding includes: a stationary molding die having first and second hollow-member use stationary die portions and a stationary-side intermediate-element use die portion; a movable molding die having first and second hollow-member use slidable die portions and a movable-side intermediate-element use die portion; and intermediate-element moving mechanism for moving an intermediate element Wf longitudinally, wherein the stationary and movable molding dies are openable and closable to each other and the first and second hollow-member use slidable die portions are slidable longitudinally relative to the first and second hollow-member use stationary die portions, respectively, while the movable-side intermediate-element use die portion is non-slidable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a golf ball core, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of centers; providing a top mold plate defining a first plurality of cavities, a bottom mold plate defining a second plurality of cavities corresponding to the first cavities, and a center mold plate disposed between the top and bottom mold plates and comprising a plurality of corresponding protrusions; forming a plurality of shells from a layer material by placing the layer material into the top and bottom mold plate cavities; and molding the layer material around the protrusions of the center plate by applying at least one of heat and pressure to the top and bottom mold plates such that the layer material has a different temperature than the mold plates; opening at least one mold plate from the center plate and placing the centers in the shells; and joining the top and bottom mold plates to join the shells around the centers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated molding machine and method for forming hemispherical components for a golf ball. The machine includes an L-shaped frame and three separate plates. The plates move between longitudinally spaced positions and vertically spaced positions. The machine also includes a rotating frame for inverting several of the plates during manufacture.