Abstract: The method comprises of placing the palm side of a glove mold facing up, and raising the fingers portion of glove mold up, in such a way that the glove mold is tilting up at 15°-45° in relative to horizontal position. The first pouring process is carried out by pouring silica gel liquid on the fingers portion of glove mold. Then adjust the glove mold to horizontal position, and rotate the glove mold by using its length as axis. Continue pouring silica gel liquid on the glove mold surface to carry out second pouring process. Let the silica gel liquid to be coated on the whole glove mold surface forming a semi-finished glove. Upon completion, let the glove mold to go through a dripping procedure for dripping treatment. After the dripping treatment, carry out vulcanization and cooling to obtain the corresponding silica gel glove.

Abstract: Shaping mold apparatuses and housings for manufacturing a garment apparatus are provided. The garment apparatus can be, for example, a device, a panty, a boyshort, a short, a lingerie item, a barrier, a garment, an undergarment, a membrane, a prophylactic, and/or a system.

Abstract: Provided is a glove picking, organizing, and stacking apparatus, belonging to the field of equipment for producing PVC, nitrile, and latex gloves, and comprising a glove-picking apparatus (2), a correcting conveying apparatus, a conveying and placing apparatus, and a front/back stacking, conveying, and taking apparatus; the glove-picking apparatus (2) is connected to the front/back stacking, conveying, and taking apparatus by means of the correcting conveying apparatus or the conveying and placing apparatus; a system control apparatus is connected to the described apparatuses and controls their switching and operation, thereby automatically carrying out the entire process of picking, transporting, stacking, and counting the gloves, and the quality of and efficiency in the completion of the tasks is very high.

Abstract: A method of making garment material, the method having the steps: applying coagulant (34) to a substrate (32); applying a foam (38) of the polymeric material to the substrate (32); allowing the coagulant (34) to coagulate some of the foam (38); and removing uncoagulated foam (38) from the substrate (32) to leave a layer of coagulated polymeric material on the substrate (32).

Abstract: Systems and methods for molding shells for fluid-filled prosthetic implants, including spinning and rotating dip- or spray-mandrels during a devolatilization step to ensure an even covering. The mandrels may be spun during the dipping or spraying step, and/or afterward while a solvent evaporates until a gum state is formed. The techniques are particularly useful for forming hollow shells from silicone dispersions for soft implants, such as breast implants.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: Extra coagulant is added to the cuff portion of the former by a spray nozzle located between the coagulant and latex dipping tanks. A former is placed into a coagulant. After removal from the coagulant, additional coagulant to the cuff portion of the former by any conventional means, such as a spray nozzle. The higher concentration of coagulant at the cuff portion results in a thicker latex thickness at the cuff portion and counteracts the reduced dwell time of the cuff in the latex dipping tank as compared to the fingertip portion of the former. The thickness of the cuff portion can be controlled by altering the concentration of the coagulant applied by the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Improved dip coating methods and mandrels for forming polymer leaflets and valve prostheses generally involve one or more features on the mandrel that facilitate the processing. The mandrel has a top surface and an outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges and contoured surfaces extending to the ridges. An edge on the mandrel separates the top surface and the contoured surfaces, with the mandrel edge corresponding to the free edge of the leaflet. In preferred embodiments, the edge separating the top surface from the contoured surfaces is sharp. The polymer formed on the top surface can be efficiently separated from the remaining portions of the polymer structure to form the free edges of the leaflets.

Abstract: A method of making a cannula includes providing a plurality of polymer reservoirs with each reservoir containing a polymer material and providing a nozzle mounted within each reservoir of the plurality of reservoirs. The method further includes one or more of preheating the mandrel, generating a polymer material wave from each nozzle, rotating the mandrel over the nozzles to form an initial coat on the mandrel, curing the initial coat, depositing a reinforcing material around a selected section of the mandrel and ensuring that the reinforcing material is held in place at the selected section of the mandrel. The method further includes rotating each section of the mandrel over a selected nozzle to form an additional coat, curing the additional coat, and removing the tubular structure from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of making a cannula utilizing dispense molding includes providing at least one dispense nozzle that dispenses a polymer material, providing a mandrel, moving at least one of the mandrel and at least one dispense nozzle relative to one another to produce an alternating pattern of polymer material along a longitudinal axis of the mandrel to form a tubular structure, and removing the tubular structure from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for molding a thick part without significant surface distortion is disclosed. A cavity mold having a first core mold portion with strakes is used to create a first molded form having ribs proportioned and spaced apart to prevent distortions on one surface of the part due to shrinkage. A second core mold portion replaces the first core mold portion for creation of a second molded form having complementary ribs which are similarly proportioned to prevent distortions in an opposite surface of the part. The first form acts as a mold for the second form, the complementary ribs fuse together and form a homogeneous mass between the opposite surfaces of the part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a sheet of brake lining material utilizes a mold which has a mold base and a mold frame. The mold frame is slidingly received on the mold base. The sliding relationship between the mold frame and the mold base results in a mold cavity which has a variable volume. The variable volume of the mold cavity allows the cavity to adjust to the size of material initially placed in the mold cavity thereby eliminating any mold flash and/or scrap material.

Abstract: An elastomeric composition includes a single S-EB-S block copolymer having at least about 15 weight percent of styrene end blocks, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the styrene end blocks is at least about 7,000 Daltons and the weight average molecular weight of ethylene-butylene midblocks is at least about 60,000 Daltons, and a plasticizer in an amount sufficient to provide tactility in products made from the composition. To prepare articles such as medical film protective devices, the elastomeric composition is dissolved in a sufficient amount of a solvent to permit dip forming. A form having the shape of the desired product is dipped into the solution to build up a film of the elastomeric composition on the form. The dip-formed elastomeric films are free of pinholes and resistant to oxidative and ozone attack. The films are particularly suitable for use in products such as examination, surgical, and industrial gloves and condoms.

Abstract: A molding arrangement and method, such as slush or rotational molding, for forming a thermoplastic shell or skin product. The mold arrangement includes a hollow mold housing provided with a mold shell thereon, which together define an air chamber located within the mold housing. A plurality of air flow control devices, such as centrifugal fans, are mounted within the mold housing and direct heated air into the air chamber through discharge channels defined within the mold housing. The mold arrangement also includes an elongate air supply and heating arrangement which generates heated air within the mold housing and along substantially the entire longitudinal extent thereof to effect uniform heating of the mold shell.

Abstract: A method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

Abstract: High performance microlens arrays are fabricated by (i) depositing liquid on the hydrophilic domains of substrates of patterned wettability by either (a) condensing liquid on the domains or (b) withdrawing the substrate from a liquid solution and (ii) optionally curing the liquid to form solid microlenses. The f-number (f#) of formed microlenses is controlled by adjusting liquid viscosity, surface tension, density, and index of refraction, as well as the surface free energies of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas. The f-number of formed microlenses is also adjustable by controlling substrate dipping angle and withdrawal speed, the array fill factor and the number of dip coats used. At an optimum withdrawal speed f# is minimized and array uniformity is maximized. At this optimum, arrays of f/3.48 microlenses were fabricated using one dip-coat with uniformity better than &Dgr;f/f˜±3.8% while multiple dip-coats permit production of f/1.

Abstract: A method of producing dashboards, door or side trim panels for motor vehicles with a predetermined breaking line for an airbag flap is described. To accomplish this, slush material is introduced into a mold which can be heated to a molding temperature and determines the shape of the slush membrane, where the slush material is distributed and deposited on the heated mold surface by rotating the mold and is then sintered and gelled. After cooling the mold, the slush membrane is removed from the mold by unmolding. To create a predetermined breaking line, a mold having a divider on its mold surface at the location of the predetermined breaking line to be created is used. By controlled rotation and/or positioning of the mold while applying the powder and/or gelling the slush material, a reduction in the layer thickness of the slush material to an extent that establishes a predetermined breaking line is achieved.

Abstract: A method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

Abstract: Prophylactic devices are made in an inert atmosphere by cooling mandrels on which the devices are to be deposited, dipping the mandrels into a polymeric material in a solvent/carrier and a mold release agent, rotating the mandrels during and after the dipping, and evaporating the solvent after dipping. The apparatus includes an air lock between a section in which these functions are performed and a section located in an air atmosphere for removing the devices from the mandrels, followed by cleaning the mandrels for use in a subsequent production run for making devices.

Abstract: A plunger tool for producing a special prophylactic is disclosed. The special features of the plunger tool reside in the special curvatures in its shaped section. The shaped section of the plunger tool exhibits an extreme narrowing, at the deepest point of which there may be at least one annular groove. Unlike prior art transitions, the transition from the large diameter to the reservoir section is not steep and straight but takes the form of an S-shaped curve. An exact contour of the annular grooves on the surface of the plunger tool is essential for their production and can be done only by the use of a precision diamond abrasive point.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a thin-walled prophylactic, which is manufactured in a plurality of immersion stages, is disclosed. The device includes an endless conveyer belt on which an elongated cylindrical immersion tool is mounted. The process substantially consists of three immersion stages and three different immersion tubs, whereby the depths of immersion of the immersion tools substantially deviate from each other. After each immersion stage, a predetermined heat treatment of the elastic material applied to the immersion tool is carried out.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method, such as slush or rotational molding, for forming a thermoplastic shell product. The mold assembly includes a hollow mold box provided with a metal mold shell thereon, which box and shell cooperate to define a hollow chamber which extends longitudinally of the box and is defined adjacent the back surface of the mold shell. Heated air is supplied into one end and discharged from the other end of the chamber to effect heating of the metal shell. The chamber contains a plurality of flow control devices disposed at spaced intervals within and along the chamber. The flow control devices are individually adjustable and programmable so as to divert the heated air from conventional longitudinal flow into transverse flow either toward or away from the back surface of the mold shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and a vacuum is applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to draw lipstick wax material therefrom and into the interior of the spindle. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: A modified bitumen sheet material and method for a protective moisture barrier, particularly for masonry surfaces. The sheet material has a bitumen layer modified by the addition of a minor amount of a long-chain polybutadiene-isocyanate urethane polymer and optionally, a modifying amount of a hydrocarbon oil to provide a stable, non-flow and selected tackified surface properties to the bitumen layer. The sheet material includes a releasable casting paper film on one surface of the bitumen layer, to be removed prior to use, and a cross-linked polyethylene film bonded to the other outer surface of the bitumen layer as a handling or moisture barrier sheet. The sheet material is prepared by casting the hot, melted bitumen as a layer onto a casting paper sheet and applying the outer film to the exposed bitumen surface to bond to the top surface.

Abstract: Glove of rubber or the like provided with an essentially tubular sleeve portion (15) and a cuff portion (14) which extends conically outwardly in extension of the sleeve portion (15) and can be folded back such that the free end of the conically outwardly extending cuff portion (14) has a radial distance from the outer circumference of the sleeve portion (15), wherein at least one inwardly directed undulation (12) of the glove material is provided between the sleeve portion (15) and the cuff portion (14), when the cuff portion (14) extends in extension of the sleeve portion (15), and a thickened wall portion (9) is provided adjacent the undulation (12), wherein the cuff portion (14) is foldable back around the undulation (12).Further, a mold for producing such a glove is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming enclosed loops in plastic parts using a mandrel-dip method. A mandrel is formed with a loop attached to the mandrel at one end, but separated from the mandrel at the other end by a gap. The process for forming the plastic part with an enclosed loop includes heating and dipping the mandrel into a vat containing a plastic or other resin and allowing the resin to bridge the gap in the loop. Once the resin cures, the mandrel is removed from the resin by injecting air into the plastic part between the mandrel and the plastic part. By doing so, the mandrel easily separates from the plastic part without needing to cut the mandrel or the plastic part.

Abstract: A method for forming a glove in an elastomer deposition process employs a folded glove form. The form has a hand forming portion having palm and finger forming portions. The finger forming portions terminate in distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminates in a terminal end for forming the cuff opening. The form is folded so that finger forming portion distal tips and the cuff forming portion terminal end lie in separate planes and in facing relationship to one another. To form the glove, the form is vertically oriented and dipped into a bath of elastomer with both the cuff forming portion terminal end and the finger portion distal tips facing upwards.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and gas pressure applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to blow off excess lipstick wax material therefrom. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: A method of shaping polymeric structures by coating a support structure with a bond-preventing agent to attain a particular shape and subsequently coating the shaped structure of the bond-preventing agent with a polymeric bonding composition is provided. Such shaped polymeric structures can have one or more cavities which can be fluid-filled or gel-filled. Also provided is a hand-actuating retention female urinary catheter having an inner tube and an outer overcoat layer encircling the tube with an elastomeric collar with a shroud. A cavity containing a fluid is interposed between the tube and the overcoat layer. The cavity includes a balloon portion and a reservoir portion. The shroud encircles the reservoir section to inhibit the ballooning of the reservoir section when the reservoir section is squeezed to force fluid from the reservoir portion to the balloon portion through the sleeve portion of the cavity. The overcoat layer and the collar with a shroud are made of soft resilient material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hand covering with a pad attached thereto wherein a pad is placed in a recess on a former, and a precursor material such as liquid latex is thereafter applied to the former and pad. The precursor material is then cured to form the hand covering, which is stripped from the former and everted for use with the pad bonded thereto.

Abstract: A primary outer shell includes, in its most preferred embodiment, a base and a wall which includes at least one embedded foreign object and defines openings into an inner cavity containing a burnable candle member which causes the outer shell to glow and cast shadows without melting. The outer shell is constructed according to a unique molding method which includes at least partially immersing a swollen distensible mold, such as a water-filled balloon, into a reservoir of molding material, such as wax, to allow the molding material to form a molded shell around the distensible mold. After the distensible mold with the attached molded shell is removed from the reservoir of molding material, it is placed upon a flat surface to form a flat bottom into the molded shell.

Abstract: A glove configuration and method for making same of a thin flexible film is shown. The glove and form having an ambidextrous shape useful for either the left or right hand use and a cuff configuration which resists rolldown. The configuration of the cuff includes a corrugated portion and a broadly fluted portion. The former giving increased strength and thickness and the latter providing a place to improve the ease with which the glove may be stripped from its dipping form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a coreless paper roll having a specifically shaped central aperture. A probe is inserted into the central aperture of the roll after the winding mandrel has been removed from the roll to change the configuration of the central aperture over at least a portion of the length thereof.

Abstract: A mold for use in producing a hollow tube component for a dispensing applicator. The mold has a main body portion that defines a forward end from which extends a sloped shoulder portion, a neck portion, and a stem element. Between the stem element and the neck portion, there is a provided a re-entrant surface which forms a sharp edge and an angle with respect to the outer, main surface of the neck portion. The mold is used in a dip-molding process for producing a dispensing container that has a frangible portion that is broken away during first use, which frangible portion is formed by the re-entrant surface.

Abstract: A latex container, and associated former and method for producing, for use as a leg bag by urinary incontinent males. The latex leg bag is provided with strap holders that are integrally formed simultaneously with the leg bag structure to provide a more structurally reliable strap holder. The strap holder includes a nodal growth of latex, simultaneously grown during the a latex coagulation process, that bridges an interstice on the former to close the strap holder loop. The leg bag container is provided having a skewed entry neck for facilitating better dressing of the delivery tube during use, and a concave shape to better conform to the user's leg. The former is machined with corresponding structure to form the leg bag in a latex coagulation process.

Abstract: A felted paper loudspeaker diaphragm in which the felted paper of the annular supporting flange is thinner, and of lesser density and higher compliance then the cone body. The supporting flange is permeated with a high compliance elastomer which provides most of the tensile strength of the supporting flange.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing capsules causes the solution of thermo-gelling material to gelatinize once, and then drys the gel. Therefore the process of manufacturing capsules is less affected by drying conditions, thus providing capsules of uniform wall thickness without wrinkle. In the apparatus, circulating capsule pins are dipped in the solution of thermo-gelling material, thus the solution adheres to the pins. The pins are rotated upside down, thus thickness of the solution adhering to the pins becoming uniform. Then the pins are retained in the vessel maintained at a higher temperature than the gelling temperature of the solution, and the solution adhering to the pins is gelatinized. The thus-formed gel is dried through a drying device, and the dried gel, i.e. capsules, is removed from capsule pins.

Abstract: A mold used to form a latex lid for covering a beverage cup includes a body having a top forming face and a side forming face extending around and turning downward from the top forming face, a stubby projection which has a rounded surface, provided on the top forming face, a shallow recessed fink provided in the top forming face around the stubbing projection. In forming the latex lid, the stubby projection creates a thinned area in the latex lid which facilitates the insertion of a straw, and the shallow recessed sink provides a thickened reinforcing ring around the thinned area. A blind hole may be provided in the stubby projection to create an internal bursting force which can produce a hole in the thinned area.

Abstract: A process for insulating a rotational casting mold for use in a casting process for making a substantially even thickness fascia. The fascia is prepared by placement of a plastic powdered material into an enclosed mold, heating and agitating the mold for distributing the plastic powder on the mold surfaces to provide a substantially even thickness fascia part on the molding surface. The mold includes first mold surfaces for defining critical portions of the mold which correspond to the desired portions of the mold for forming the finished shape of the part by melting of the plastic powder to a uniform film along the surface. The mold also includes second mold surfaces defining non-critical portions of the mold where it is undesirable for plastic filming to occur.

Abstract: In a slush molding method of making a blood pump for an artificial heart, a heat insulating material is applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a mold in which the blood chamber formed so that at least a part of the blood chamber is thinned in a tapered form.

Abstract: A glove formed of rubber or plastics material, especially an examination or surgical glove devoid of a roll-down preventing beaded edge and containing a structured surface at the cuff region. The structured surface is formed at the outer side or surface of the glove by non-connected raised portions, whereas the structured surface is formed at the inside or inner surface of the glove by mirror-image, non-connected recesses or depressions. The mold for fabricating the glove contains non-connected recesses at the cuff region.

Abstract: A powder coating process for producing soft, flexible polyurethane films particularly in the form of a surgical glove, wherein low melting crystalline prepolymer particles are powder coated and cured to an essentially non-crystalline film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for manufacturing elastomer gloves having percentage elongation of at least 300%. In order to prevent excess deposits of the polymer latex in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers when the hand-shaped molds are coated, by dipping, with the polymer, the surfaces of the mold in these areas are formed as non-rounded, non-horizontal inclined surfaces which join at an apex and define an included angle therebetween. This arrangement prevents the pooling of the polymer latex in the areas in question, this pooling being the cause of the excess deposits and being characteristic of prior molds of this general type. In order to provide sufficient coagulant around the sharp corners formed in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers so as to provide sufficient coating in those areas, it is necessary to use a heated mold and to provide sufficient dwell time and withdrawal time for the mold from the coating baths during the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for manufacturing elastomer gloves having percentage elongation of at least 300%. In order to prevent excess deposits of the polymer latex in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers when the hand-shaped molds are coated, by dipping, with the polymer, the surfaces of the mold in these areas are formed as non-rounded, non-horizontal inclined surfaces which join at an apex and define an included angle therebetween. This arrangement prevents the pooling of the polymer latex in the areas in question, this pooling being the cause of the excess deposits and being characteristic of prior molds of this general type. In order to provide sufficient coagulant around the sharp corners formed in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers so as to provide sufficient coating in those areas, it is necessary to use a heated mold and to provide sufficient dwell time and withdrawal time for the mold from the coating baths during the process.

Abstract: A method wherein an article is molded of a heat-fusing material or plastisol in a mold having first and second groups of liquid passages disposed adjacent the mold surface for controlling the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. The mold is supported for rotation about an axis by a stationary pedestal. A movable module supports plastisol storage tanks, heat exchangers, valves, conduits, etc., for supplying the plastisol to the mold. The movable module also supports a dump tank which is disposed beneath the mold for receiving and retrieving the liquid plastisol which is emptied or dumped from the mold when it is rotated to an inverted position. There is included first and second liquid circuits including a pump and heat exchanger for supplying liquid at different temperatures to the passages associated with the mold.

Abstract: The method of coating a form such as a core or mold to make a thin walled thermoplastic container shell wherein excess plastic is provided in the wall of the shell where required in a predetermined material increasing configuration. The excess plastic is then molded under heat and pressure to provide a localized thickened wall portion of the container.

Abstract: Closed hollow toroidal articles such as hollow tires, which may be caused to be thickest at the tread, are molded on the inner surface of a closed toroidal mold slowly rotating on a horizontal axis by charging a fluid elastomer material in such quantity as to fill the bottom of the mold to a level above the wheel-supporting part of the tire and continuing rotation while causing the material to set to a solid elastomer progressively inwards from the liquid contacting surface of the mold. The relative thickness of different parts can be adjusted by changes in rotation, or by inducing different rates of setting in different parts of the mold.