Abstract: A device for finishing the ends of concrete posts, piers or columns has a form for imparting a smooth transitional shape to the periphery of the concrete post, piers or columns. The form may be shaped and sized to fit into a conventional prefabricated tubular form for concrete posts, piers, columns and the like. The device may also have a central finishing plate for producing a smooth end surface to the concrete posts, piers or columns. The central finishing plate may be connected to a driver, such as a drill motor and the like, to impart a smooth finish to the end surface of concrete posts, piers or columns. The central finishing plate may also be used to center an anchor bolt.

Abstract: Device articles such as medical devices and parts thereof are thermoformed of a thermoplastic condensable polymer composition. After thermoforming the article is subjected to a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: A stay-in-place method of manufacturing a composite form that is used to provide a strong and durable concrete structure. The form includes a composite shell having an inner wall surface defining an enclosure into which concrete may be poured and allowed to harden. The composite shell may be made of one or several layers of fabric having a resin matrix impregnated therein. The concrete hardens to form a concrete core within the enclosure and a liner is affixed to the inner wall surface of the composite shell to protect the composite shell from alkalinity in the concrete core. The liner includes at least one sheet of a water-impermeable material to protect the concrete core from water and other corrosive elements. The fabric layers are selected such that the fibers elongate as the concrete is poured into the enclosure due to a weight of the concrete and partially shrink back to compensate for shrinkage of the concrete as the concrete dries to form the concrete core.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a post having a hollow body. The hollow body includes a continuous wall having a substantially uniform thickness, and a cavity having at least one undercut that would prevent a core from being pulled from the cavity. The decorative post can be manufactured by providing a mold, introducing a liquid thermosetting resin within the mold, rotating the mold about first and second axes, curing the liquid thermosetting resin as the mold is rotated to form a body with a substantially uniform wall thickness, and removing the cured liquid thermosetting resin from the mold.

Abstract: A method for roughing surfaces and edges of concrete casted blocks, comprising a block support surface having a plurality of surface sections. A first of the surface sections has a rear end thereof above an adjacent front end of a second of the surface sections to create a ledge for projecting a leading edge portion of concrete blocks conveyed over the first surface section. A first roughing device has a plurality of impacting elements thereon for roughing concrete blocks. The first roughing device is disposed generally above the rear end of the first surface section for abrading a projecting leading edge portion of each concrete block as they are conveyed over the rear end. A conveyor displaces concrete blocks over the first and second surface sections, the blocks being tilted when reaching a predetermined position over the ledge to avoid being abraded by the roughing device.

Abstract: A method for forming a top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: Solid state shear pulverization is utilized to form a compatibilized homogenous polymeric blend which has improved melt processing properties including a higher melt flow rate than the moldable base polymer without sacrificing, and often increasing the other physical properties including tensile strength, impact strength and elongation. The compatibilized, homogenous polymeric blend improves melt processing of the moldable polymer in injection molding, extrusion molding and blow molding, including the ability to down gauge blow molded films without sacrificing melt strength and the physical properties of the film.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc plate. has the following operations of: molding a mold disc plate through an injection molding; and spinning the mold disc plate at a high spin speed. The spinning operation has at least one of the following two sub-operations of: reducing a warp of the mold disc plate with a centrifugal force caused during the spinning operation, and reducing a temperature of the mold disc plate during the spinning operation. Moreover, an apparatus of treating a disc plate has: a conveyer for conveying a mold disc plate obtained through an injection molding; a disc bench for receiving the mold disc plate conveyed with the conveyer; and a spin driver for spinning the disc bench when a temperature of the mold disc plate is higher than 90° C., to thereby spin the mold disc plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming flexible mat structure in the form of spaced, interconnected concrete panels. The mat structure can serve as an erosion control mat along the banks of waterways and within drainage ditches and channels, and can also be utilized to provide temporary or permanent walkways and roadways. A rotatable drum includes peripherally-positioned mold cavities that receive concrete mix from a trough supplied from a source of concrete mix. A grid is fed against the drum periphery and over the mold cavities before the concrete mix is introduced, and after the mix is introduced a web of fibrous material is brought into contact with the concrete-mix-containing mold cavities to overlie the concrete-containing surface of the drum. As the drum rotates the fibrous material with overlying, interconnected concrete panels is deposited on the ground to provide the a finished mat structure.

Abstract: A device, for forming a vessel body, which has an open top negative mold, a ring-like lid member for the negative mold with an inside diameter which is smaller than an open top diameter of the mold, a cylindrical rotary trowel which is mechanically fixed to move against an inner surface of the mold within a predetermined range and is at least longer in length than a height of an inner wall surface of the vessel body to be formed, and a trowel drive for rotating the rotary trowel.

Abstract: Hollow polymeric structures with unique morphologies are manufactured with a rotational spinning technique wherein phase separation of soluble solutions is induced within a filled mold as it is rotated. As phase-separation occurs, an increase in density of one phase results in sediment at a periphery under centrifugal forces and after or during sedimentation, gelation of phase-separated particles fixes a tube morphology. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. The method requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and results in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A rotational molding method for forming two separate molded parts each including an undercut portion includes providing a mold formed from two mold parts connected at a mold junction, introducing a particulate plastics material and rotating the mold about two axes while applying heat to the mold so as to cause the plastics material to melt within the hollow interior and adhere to the inside surface. An annular heat conduction member extends from an outer edge outside the mold through the junction between the two mold parts to an inner edge inside the hollow interior and carries two undercut mold portions for molding respective undercut portions of the two separate molded parts. A band of a heat insulating material such as Teflon is located around the junction between the parts on the inside of the heat conducting member which prevents the adherence of the plastics material at the band so that the mold molds the separate molded parts each separately from the other.

Abstract: A slush-moulding method combined with cross-linking, including the filling of a tank with a suitable quantity of ground polymer blend and the coupling of said tank with a heated mold is provided. The closed system thus obtained is moved in order to transfer the powder onto the mold, so as to carry out on the latter a layer of completely or partially melted powder. Before and after a stage of stripping of the leather off the mold, said leather is cross-linked by means of radiations.

Abstract: The present invention provides composites prepared from melt blending compositions that generally include cellulosic pulp fibers having an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than 80% by weight, at least one water soluble binder, at least one lubricant, at least one compatibilizer, and at least one matrix polymer. The present invention further provides advantageous temperature profiles and feeding arrangements to be used in conjunction with the melt blending of such composites. The composites of the present invention exhibit reduced discoloration and improved fiber dispersion.

Abstract: A method and method to ensure the uniform collapse and diminished loading forces of a prosthesis, the prosthesis having at least one layer of biocompatible material. The device includes a way to stabilize the prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis can be incrementally axially rotated, and a way to manipulate the layer of biocompatible material simultaneously at several distinct points along an axis of the prosthesis so that a set of alterations is formed in the biocompatible layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing dimensionally stable rotationally molded parts from semi-crystalline materials. A test mold is constructed having dimensions closely approximating the desired dimensions of the final part. A test part is then molded in the test mold using conventional rotational molding techniques. After the test part has partially cooled, it is removed from the mold, allowed to cool to ambient temperature, measured and annealed in an oven. During annealing, the part is heated to the crystallization temperature, midway between the glass transition temperature and the crystalline melting temperature. After annealing, the part is allowed to cool to ambient temperature and measured again. The post annealing dimensions are then compared with the dimensions determined before annealing to determine the amount of shrinkage. A production mold is then constructed to take into account the amount of shrinkage calculated.

Abstract: A process for producing solid dosage forms by a) producing a plastic mixture which comprises at least one active ingredient and at least one polymeric binder, and b) shaping the plastic mixture to the solid dosage forms in a molding calender with two counterrotating molding rolls, wherein one molding roll has at least one annular groove running along its periphery and the other molding roll has at least one ring, running along its periphery, of teeth extending radially outward and able to engage in the annular groove is described.

Abstract: Simulated stone texture products are obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via rotational molding. These products are manufactured from suitable molds according to a prescribed process methodology using synthetic polymeric materials instead of stone materials. Prerequisite surface textures are produced that effectively simulate the corresponding actual stone products.

Abstract: A particulate polymeric blend for use in the formation of molded products formed in the absence of a compounding and/or extruding step prior to molding. A quantity of reactor flake is blended with at least one additive at a temperature below the melting temperature of the reactor flake to form a particulate polymeric blend. A wide variety of polymeric reactor flake can be used to produce molded products. Molded products produced using these particulate polymeric blends exhibit superior physical properties. Molding processes utilizing such particulate polymeric blends can avoid the use of expensive compounding and pelletizing steps which degrade the quality of the molded polymer.

Abstract: A particulate polymeric blend for use in the formation of molded products formed in the absence of a compounding and/or extruding step prior to molding. A quantity of reactor flake is blended with an effective amount of foaming agent and optional additives to form a particulate foamable polymeric blend at a temperature below the melting temperature of the reactor flake. A wide variety of polymeric reactor flake can be used to produce foamed products. Additionally, a plurality of particulate blends can be blended to provide multiple layer molded products such as foamed-skin products. Molded products produced using these particulate polymeric blends exhibit superior physical properties. Molding processes utilizing such particulate polymeric blends can avoid the use of expensive compounding and pelletizing steps which degrade the quality of the molded polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a double-walled vessel comprises: a) providing an inner hollow body (5); b) mounting the inner hollow body (5) in a rotational mould (1) with the external surface of the inner body spaced from the internal surface of the mould; and c) rotationally moulding a hollow plastics outer body around, and spaced from the inner body in such a manner as to join the inner and outer bodies together at at least one predetermined location.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a moulded polymer item, said process comprising obtaining a polymer moulding powder having a mean particle size of 1 to 2000 &mgr;m comprising an admixture of UV-stabilizer-loaded polymer particles and non-UV-stabilizer-loaded polyolefin polymer particles, loading said powder into a mould, heating and rotating said mould to melt said powder, cooling said mould, and releasing said moulded polymer item from said mould.

Abstract: A rotomolded plastic wall and ladder structure (10, 50, or 58)), which may be an article such as a window well (10) or a manhole (50 or 58), includes a thermoplastic wall (12), a ladder (16) whose rungs (18) each include an elongated metallic core (20) and a thermoplastic sleeve (22). Mold apparatus (70) includes a thermoplastic rotomold (72), an elongated hollow metallic core (20) having a heating passage (74) therein, and means for flowing hot air through the heating passage (74). The method includes disposing the hollow metallic core in a mold, placing a quantity of a thermoplastic inside a mold, heating the mold, rotating the heated mold, flowing heated air through the hollow metallic core, and bonding a layer of the thermoplastic onto the hollow metallic core.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inventive process for the manufacture of polymeric seamless belts, e.g. drive, fuser or toner belts for reprographics applications. The novel seamless belts can have a smooth outer surface the dimensions and quality of which are effectively determined by the inner surface of a hollow mandrel employed as a mold during manufacture. The mandrel inner surface can be highly polished to enhance the smoothness of the belt outer surface, and can be formed of a material with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the belt polymer to facilitate removal of the belt from the mandrel after curing. The molded belt can be used “as is”, be sliced into smaller belts or be employed as a substrate for deposition of additional belt layers and then, optionally, sliced. The polymer, e.g.

Abstract: Method for compression molding plastic closures having a peripheral skirt with an internal thread includes a first mold assembly having a male mold core and a second mold assembly having a female mold cavity. At least one of the first and second mold assemblies is moved relative to the other to bring the male mold core into the female mold cavity for compression molding a closure, and then is moved to open the cavity such that the closure is retained on the male mold core. The male mold core is rotated relative to the first mold assembly to unthread the core from within the closure, and thereby strip the closure from the core, without stretching the closure skirt over the core or wiping the internal thread over the external surface of the mold core.

Abstract: According to the invention a body may be produced in plastic, in particular by means of rotational casting method, by using a suspension or paste with plastic particles, comprising at least partly a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular SEBS, SBS or TPU. Said invention presents the advantage of no danger to health.

Abstract: Device articles such as medical devices and parts thereof are thermoformed of a thermoplastic condensable polymer composition. After thermoforming the article is subjected to a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: A method for making rotationally molded objects using resin blends. The resin blend comprises resin pellets and an amount of ground resin powder sufficient to yield rotomolded objects having desirable impact strength and other strength characteristics. Preferably, the resin blend comprises of from about 20% to about 40% by weight of ground resin powder. The resin pellets may optionally contain a reinforcing agent. In addition, resin blends can be used to produce colored objects by rotational molding techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for molding the shell of a medical device or other molded article is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis rotational molding machine in which a mold is mounted. The mold has a cavity in the shape of the article to be molded. The mold seals to hold a vacuum. In operation, silicone or other molding material is inserted into the mold, vacuum is applied to the mold, the mold is rotated about at least two axes and a molding material coats the inside walls of the mold to form the shell or other desired article. A rotationally molded medical article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variety of hollow structures with unique morphologies were manufactured with a rotational spinning technique. Phase separation of soluble solutions or emulsions was induced within a filled mold as it was being rotated about one of its axis. The density difference between phases results in sediment at the inner lumen of the mold under centrifugal forces. After or during sedimentation, gelation of the phase-separated particles fixes the hollow structure morphology and the solvent remains in the center of the mold. The solvent is removed from the mold resulting in a coating or tube. By controlling the rotational speed and the formulation chemistry, the tube dimensions and wall morphology can be manipulated. This technique offers a new approach to the manufacture of polymeric tubes. It requires small quantities of starting material, permits multi-layering of tubes, is applicable to diverse polymers and can result in highly diffusive hollow structures while maintaining good mechanical strength.

Abstract: A multi element moving vacuum chamber (MEMVC) for rotational casting includes a mold having a predefined shape and an axis of rotation, and a box containing casting material. The MEMVC further includes a first vacuum element mounted to an outer mold surface and a second vacuum element mounted to an outer box surface. The mold and the box are detachably engageable with each other to define an engaged configuration in which air present in an enclosed area defined by the outer mold surface and an inner surface of the first vacuum element, by an inner mold surface and an inner box surface, and by the outer box surface and an inner surface of the second vacuum element, is removed to create a vacuum. Alternatively, the mold and/or the box may be constructed with vacuum loading capability, thereby eliminating the need for the first and/or the second vacuum elements.

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: Dendrimer additives incorporated in thermoplastic resins (such as polycarbonate resins) are effective to alter the surface characteristics of the thermoplastic resin. Such compositions can be injection molded to produce articles in which the dendrimer additive is concentrated at the surface of the article to alter the properties of the resin. By selection of the type of dendrimer additive, the resulting characteristics of the molded article may be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a polymeric multiform skin membrane is provided. The molding apparatus includes a rotatable heated mold envelope having an opening. Additionally the mold envelope has channel members which generally extend lateral of the opening. A feed-stock bucket is provided for holding polymeric work stock. The bucket is moved by a carriage in a direction generally parallel with the channel members of the mold envelope with a first lateral position for loading and a second position closing the opening of the mold envelope. Selectively actuatable clamps are provided for securing the bucket with the mold envelope.

Abstract: A multi element moving vacuum chamber (MEMVC) for rotational casting includes a mold having a predefined shape and an axis of rotation, and a box containing casting material. The MEMVC further includes a first vacuum element mounted to an outer mold surface and a second vacuum element mounted to an outer box surface. The mold and the box are detachably engageable with each other to define an engaged configuration in which air present in an enclosed area defined by the outer mold surface and an inner surface of the first vacuum element, by an inner mold surface and an inner box surface, and by the outer box surface and an inner surface of the second vacuum element, is removed to create a vacuum. Alternatively, the mold and/or the box may be constructed with vacuum loading capability, thereby eliminating the need for the first and/or the second vacuum elements.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a post having a hollow body. The hollow body includes a continuous wall having a substantially uniform thickness, and a cavity having at least one undercut that would prevent a core from being pulled from the cavity. The decorative post can be manufactured by providing a mold, introducing a liquid thermosetting resin within the mold, rotating the mold about first and second axes, curing the liquid thermosetting resin as the mold is rotated to form a body with a substantially uniform wall thickness, and removing the cured liquid thermosetting resin from the mold.

Abstract: A method of molding a container by rotational molding in which molding material is introduced into a mold cavity, and the mold is rotated about at least one axis of rotation. Prior to introducing the molding material, a dividing member is located in the mold cavity to divide the mold cavity into at least two cavities. When the molding material is subsequently introduced and the mold rotated, molding material coats the member so that the member becomes an integral part of the container and provides first and second separated volumes within the container. In use, fluid contained in the first volume is maintained separate from fluid in the second volume.

Abstract: A liquid colorant system for plastics comprising from about 10 percent to about 80 percent by weight colorant; from about 0.5 percent to about 30 percent dispersant; and, from about 25 percent to about 90 percent water.

Abstract: An economical, three-dimensional reusable plastic article that is resistant to damage and stress caused by a variety of factors is disclosed. The plastic article comprises a polycarbonate/polyester plastic blend, and optionally further comprises a plastic insert. The polycarbonate/polyester blend may be fused directly to the optional plastic insert. Alternatively, the polycarbonate/polyester blend may be tied to the optional plastic insert through the use of an adhesive layer and/or a tie layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably molding a formed millwork product includes lower and upper mold parts for defining a mold cavity therebetween, a support arrangement for rotatably supporting the lower mold part about a longitudinal axis, a clamping arrangement for releasably clamping the mold parts together, a feeding unit for supplying molding material in a liquid form into the mold cavity, a drive unit for rotating the mold parts about the longitudinal axis, and a cooling arrangement for circulating a coolant medium to and from the rotating mold parts so as to control the temperature of the mold parts in view of the exothermic reaction of the molding material in the mold cavity.

Abstract: Process for recycling of powder coating waste, wherein powder coating waste is moved in a vessel rotating about a rotational axis inclined at an angle of 20 to 70 degrees to the horizontal and is thereby exposed to heat, until powder coating agglomerates with a size of 1 mm to 3 cm or 1 to 10 mm or powder coating pearls with a size of 1 to 10 mm are formed.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of manufacturing centrifuged, glass fiber-reinforced synthetic material pipes wherein liquid, curable resin, which contains a filler, together with glass fibers, additives for the curing process, possibly also with sand, is introduced into a rotating mould and the temperature of the mould is between 40° C. and 75° C. as the raw materials are introduced. The resin used in the layers in the outer region of the pipe has a gel time which is equal to or greater than the gel time of the resin used for the inner region of the pipe and the resin comprising a filler content of at least 40% is used. Furthermore, once the exothermal reaction has commenced, warm water is sprayed onto the mould in order to maintain the temperature of the mould at least at 60° C. until the pipe is removed.

Abstract: A process for rotomolding using novel melt-extruded melt-fabricable TFE copolymer minicubes, wherein at least 80% of the minicubes are in the size range of 200 to 1200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A plastic particle is formed of a plastic material having at least one integral protruding ring disposed on its outer surface. The ring may be continuous or intermittent around a perimeter of the plastic particle. Preferably, the particles have an outer diameter in the range of 0.007 inches to 0.040 inches.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a screen device for permanent placement of a screen within a plastic structure. The method of manufacturing a screen device includes providing a mold comprised of an upper mold and a lower mold defining a mold cavity, positioning plastic within the mold cavity, positioning a screen upon a lower mold, securing the upper mold to the lower mold with the screen positioned within, performing rotational molding upon the mold, and removing the finished product from the mold. The finished product is comprised of a perimeter structure having an opening within with the screen completely enclosing the opening. The outer perimeter of the screen is molded directly into the inner wall of the finished product to prevent objects from passing about the outside portion of the screen.

Abstract: A method for making a liquid storage tank for holding chemicals and heating oil and water and liquids compatible with high-density polyethylene. The tank is lap welded with a perforation in the lap weld and contains a molded polyethylene lining inside the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a hose (2) with a continuous grip enhancing texture is disclosed. The texturing device (C, C′) is comprised of a circular guide tube (8) through which the hose (2) to be textured is driven. The guide tube (8) is rotated, by a drive (4). Texturing means mounted at the exit end of the guide tube (8) are also rotated about the hose (2) as the texture is applied to the hose (2). The texturing of the hose is accomplished by at least one roller (6) mounted on a chuck (5) or by at least one scribing pen (28) mounted on a bracket (24).

Abstract: A process is proposed for the fabrication of parts with large dimensions formed of a skin (10) and stiffeners (12, 16) such as aircraft fuselage segments made of a composite material with a thermoplastic matrix. After stiffeners have been made separately by lay-up, consolidation and shaping, these stiffeners are placed on a tooling (23) and the skin (10) is simultaneously fabricated and assembled to the stiffeners (12, 16) by diffusion welding. More precisely, the skin (10) is laid up and continuously consolidated by the lay-up head (36) such that the required part is obtained directly.

Abstract: A polyolefin polymer powder for use in rotational moulding requires the presence of stabilizers, including UV-stabilizers, to prevent degradation during processing and use. Described is a new process for preparing rotomoulding polymer particles comprising (i) obtaining a plurality of polyolefin polymer particles having a mean particle size of 1 to 2000 &mgr;m; (ii) heating a mixture of: A) at least one phenolic antioxidant; B) at least one organic phosphite or phosphonite antioxidant; C) at least one UV-stabiliser selected from Chimassorb 2020, Cyasorb UV 3346, Chimassorb 944, Cyasorb 4042 or Cyasorb 4611; D) a diluent; and optionally E) a metal stearate; to a temperature of between 20 and 200 ° C.; (iii) depositing the mixture onto said polyolefin polymer particles; and optionally (iv) blending a metal stearate to the resulting polyolefin polymer particles if component E was not present in said mixture.