Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite pressure vessel comprising layering up of an uncured carbon fiber fabric/resin prepreg on a mold. Thereupon an uncured insulating rubber is layered up and combined with the uncured carbon fiber fabric/resin prepreg by autoclaving. This method produces an insulator for a composite pressure vessel which insulator is an aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of intravascular stents of bioresorbable material comprises the following steps:preparing a viscous solution of poly-.beta.-hydroxybutanoic acid as a bioresorbable polymeric material in a solvent,successively coating a male mold core with layers of the polymer solution in several steps by precipitation of the polymeric material by the solvent being evaporated and by the layer previously precipitated being dissolved at least partially for a homogeneous stent blank to build up,drawing the stent blank off the male mold core, andsubsequently treating the stent blank to finish the shaping of the stent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rigid circuit board has a circuit board with a reduced thickness in a bend region. The bend region may have several layers of laminate and conductive material. The circuit board is heated to the glass transition temperature which allows the circuit board to become flexible. The apparatus has a clamping member and a stationary member. The clamping member uses a shape memory alloy actuator with a transition temperature about the same as the glass transition temperature of the laminate. The actuator is used to form the bend region to a predetermined shape around the stationary member. When the circuit board is cooled, the circuit board again becomes rigid in its predetermined shape.

Abstract: The invention provides in improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: A method of producing artificial rock formations such as rocks and waterfalls by (a) forming a flexible mold of latex, silicone or urethane from a master model; (b) forming a sectional fiberglass cradle to support the flexible mold; and (c) coating the flexible mold with layers of lacquer, non-foaming polyurethanepolyisocyanate, and foaming polyurethane-polyisocyanate; and (d) demolding and coating the final rock formation product with paint or a stain.

Abstract: A method for facilitating removal of a mandrel in the manufacture of hollow composite structures. A mandrel of substantially constant diameter is selected having a composition and coefficient of thermal expansion sufficient to enable it to expand when subjected to an elevated temperature. The mandrel is preheated to at least a predetermined minimum elevated temperature to thereby expand the mandrel radially outwardly. Composite material is wound around the mandrel while the mandrel has a temperature of at least the predetermined minimum elevated temperature. The composite material is then cured using any suitable curing technique. When the composite material has been cured, the mandrel is cooled to contract the mandrel radially inwardly, and the mandrel is removed from the composite material. This method of manufacture and removal is so effective that mandrels of constant diameter have been removed by hand from composite tubes of thirty feet in length.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth both a method and apparatus for molding a unitary pig formed of two types of material, one being a light weight foam, and the other being a harder polymeric material thereby yielding a unitary harder material in the cast pig. The finished product involves N discs having parallel end faces and a central drilled core; the unitary cast harder material defines end located discs located adjacent to said foam core and a central core therein so that the end located discs adjacent to the foam donut are unitary with the core and bonded thereto.

Abstract: Catheter tube 2 has a multiple of small bead-like projections 21 formed on the inner surface. The inner surface of the tube 2 comprises projections 21 and flat areas 22. A guide wire inserted into the lumen 5 of the tube 2 contacts its inner surface only at the projections 21. The catheter tube 2 has the inner surface embossed in such a way that the guide wire can be manipulated with high efficiency even if the diameter of the tube is very small.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ultrasonic coupler to a specified configuration such that the ultrasonic coupler is fabricated by freezing and defrosting an aqueous solution containing a polymer. A surface of the fabricated ultrasonic coupler is made to be smooth. The ultrasonic coupler is fabricated using an ultrasonic coupler fabricating die including members each made of silicone rubber which varies in compliance with the expansion and the contraction of the aqueous solution. To fabricate the ultrasonic coupler, the aqueous solution containing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is poured into the die. Then, the die is subjected to the process of cooling to below the freezing point and the process of recovery to room temperature so as to progress a bridging of the PVA, thereby progressing a gelling of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A tube which is normally in a collapsed position and which has an inner layer, suitably of felt. The free end of the tube is pulled apart and a pool of resin is located within the tube. Opposed driven rollers then pull the free end of the tube to assist in the dispersion of the resin in the felt. To assist in the resin impregnating the felt a vacuum is applied to urge the felt on either side of the collapsed tube so that the sides are more towards each other in the region of the pool of resin. In order for the vacuum to be able to be applied in the region of the pool of resin the vacuum is applied to the trailing end of the tube and an insert comprising a strip of material that is less prone to collapse than the felt of the tube is located along the inside of the felt.

Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a snow shelter. A set of fabric panels is connected together to provide a short skirt into which snow is filled throughout and compacted on the periphery. Panels are then connected to a higher level and additional snow is filled in throughout and compacted on the periphery. When the panels have been completely connected and filled with snow, they encompass a snow dome packed around the surface. The panels may then be removed and the dome hollowed out to provide a snow shelter. The hollowing out process may be guided through the use of probes that are pressed into the dome from the outside to provide a depth gauge. A closeable door may also be installed against the dome opening after the dome is constructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating columns, wherein the apparatus includes a column fabricating assembly and a column extractor. The column fabricating assembly includes a unitary column mold and a mold support assembly. The unitary column mold is reusable and is fabricated specially for the task of fabricating a column therein. Uncured column materials are placed into the unitary column mold and the unitary column mold is enclosed in the mold support assembly. The uncured column materials cure, and thus the column is formed, while the unitary column mold is encased in and spun by the mold support assembly. The unitary column mold is removed from the mold support assembly with the column therein. The column extractor is used to extract the column from the unitary column mold; the unitary column mold is secured by the column extractor and the column extractor pulls the column out of the unitary column mold.

Abstract: A method for producing composite, structural plastic parts in traditional foundry molds, including sand, permanent, die-cast, wax and investment molds. Short fiber length fibers reinforcing low viscosity thermoset resins, and in particular resole phenolics, provides a pourable low bulk density polymer compound with minimal externally applied thermal requirements during molding and post cure when required. Foundries can consider metal parts replacement with this new method. It permits foundries to actually produce composite, structural plastic parts with superior mechanical and thermal properties. This permits them to provide plastic products on a competitive basis with the compression and injection molders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shaping mold for shaping heat softenable sheet material which includes a flexible rail having a sheet shaping surface to support a marginal edge portion of a sheet to be shaped and a plurality of controllable actuators secured to the rail and capable of deforming the rail to provide its surface with configurations each having a desired elevational contour. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the shaping rail is a shaping ring having a peripheral configuration which provides generally continuous support about the marginal edge portion of the sheet. A controller is used to control each actuator and deform the sheet shaping surface of the ring from a first configuration having a generally flat elevational contour to a second configuration having an elevational contour that generally corresponds to the final desired contour of the marginal edge portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A unique method of producing a reinforced moulded sheet having one continuously planar face and having a plurality of ribs or thickened areas which provide a corresponding plurality of prominences directed outwardly of the other face, said prominences having predetermined shapes, locations and dimensions to serve as reinforced areas for said sheet. And a series of new or improved composite hollow moulded panels, each comprised of at least two co-extensive elements, each of said panels being reinforced and improved by the provision of at least one of said reinforced moulded sheets as an external element of said at least two co-extensive elements, the ribs or thickened areas of said reinforced sheet being glued internally of said hollow panel to the adjacent co-extensive element thereof.

Abstract: A consolidation apparatus includes a female mold having a first portion and a second portion, a movable caul plate within the first portion of the female mold, and a pressure bladder disposed between the caul plate and the second portion of the female mold. A pressurization line communicates between the interior of the pressure bladder and a gas source exterior to the female mold, and an evacuation line communicating between the unfilled space between the caul plate and the second portion, and a vacuum source exterior to the female mold. In using the apparatus, a workpiece is loaded into the first portion of the female mold between the caul plate and the first portion. The consolidation apparatus and the workpiece contained therein are heated, a pressure is applied to the pressurization line, and a vacuum is simultaneously applied to the evacuation line.

Abstract: An method and tooling concept for fabricating complex composite parts is provided. The method and tooling concept use various tooling configurations in order to produce varying magnitudes of thermal expansion at different areas within the tooling concept. The varying magnitudes of thermal expansion allow the tool concept to account for varying magnitudes of tool movement needed to debulk and consolidate varying thickness areas of the composite workpiece being cured. The tooling concept is formed of different materials having different thicknesses that allow the tooling concept to produce varying magnitudes of thermal expansion. The exterior surface of the tooling concept is covered by a compliant covering. The compliant covering helps to equalize the consolidation pressures produced by the tooling concept during curing. A composite wing box structure fabricated using the method and tooling concept is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention improves upon a method for molding structural parts from preform material. Preform material to be used for the part is provided. A silicone rubber composition containing entrained air voids is prepared. The silicone rubber and preform material assembly is situated within a rigid mold cavity used to shape the preform material to the desired shape. The entire assembly is heated in a standard heating device so that the thermal expansion of the silicone rubber exerts the pressure necessary to force the preform material into contact with the mold container. The introduction of discrete air voids into the silicone rubber allows for accurately controlled pressure application on the preform material at the cure temperature.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes first and second housings having generally curved surfaces inside the mold cavity. The first housing has apertures extending therethrough. The second housing may have apertures, axially aligned with the apertures of the first housing, extending partially or completely therethrough. At least one guided, flexible, elongated rod member is configured for reception in the apertures of the first and second housings, the rod members being movable in a direction non-parallel to a direction of movement of the mold assembly with respect to the rod members. The mold-assembly is particularly useful for forming a molded body having a plurality of apertures, aligned in arbitrary non-parallel directions relative to one another, extending therethrough.

Abstract: Process for moulding a make-up composition in a mould comprising a concave moulding surface forming the base of the mould and a bottom forming the upper component of the mould and closing off the space bounded by the said moulding surface, the composition being cast in the said mould in fluid form and subsequently solidifying to form a demouldable solid product capable of being packaged, in which the said composition is cast in a mould (1) whose bottom consists at least partly of a sheet (2) of open-cell plastic foam, so as partly to impregnate the said foam sheet (2) with the said composition and in which, after solidifying of the said composition, a moulded product consisting of the solidified composition and of the foam sheet which is bonded to it and which forms its support, is demoulded by removing the moulding surface (1).

Abstract: Methods for making, methods for using and articles including cermets, preferably cemented carbides and more preferably tungsten carbide, having at least two regions exhibiting at least one property that differs are discussed. Preferably, the cermets further exhibit a portion that is binder rich and which gradually or smoothly transitions to at least a second region. The multiple-region cermets are particularly useful in compressively loaded application wherein a tensile stress or fatigue limit might otherwise be excessive for monolithic articles. The cermets are manufactured by juxtaposing and densifying at least two powder blends having different properties (e.g., differential carbide grain size, differential carbide chemistry, differential binder content, differential binder chemistry, or any combination of the preceding).

Abstract: For use in manufacturing concreted building products in polyurethane molds, a demolding apparatus provides a clamping bar which clamps on to a lip of a mold (22) and is then moved with pivotal arms (32,34) forward and upwardly to effectively strip the edge of the mold (22) form the front end of the respective product (24). The reciprocating mold (22) passes below a roller (66) which moves into engagement with the upper surface of the mold (22) to apply a downwardly directed pressure onto the mold and product, thereby to retain the product (24) on a conveyor (12) and rollers (68), and facilitate stripping of the mold (22) from the product (24). The stripped product (24) moves onto an offtake conveyor (70) and, in the uppermost position of the arm (32,34), the clamping jaws are released to allow the stripped mold (22) to thereafter fall onto the conveyor (70).

Abstract: A method for molding a plastic part comprises preforming a film laminate and insert molding a plastic substrate against the film laminate. According to one embodiment, the film laminate is preformed with re-entrant edge portions. The insert molding step involves positioning the film laminate in a mold cavity, closing the mold and injecting molten resin into the mold cavity against the film laminate. The force of the closing of the mold and the injection of the resin causes the re-entrant edge portions to curl up under the solidifying resin to ensure complete coverage of the longitudinal edges of the plastic substrate by the film laminate. According to another embodiment, a stencil of an image is made in the film laminate prior to the insert molding. The resin injected into the mold flows into the stencil so that the image is visible against the surrounding surface of the film laminate.

Abstract: Particularly large-size bell and spigot pipes of ceramic molding material are isostatically pressed within a hollow-cylindrical pressure pot with a molding cavity for the molding compound. An inner core is axially extractable and an elastomeric diaphragm is disposed concentrically around the inner core. The diaphragm is clamped in place at its end face and there is defined between the pressure pot and the diaphragm a chamber which communicates with a source of hydraulic pressure. The inner core is provided with a molding ring on which the bell region of the bell and spigot pipe is formed. The molding ring has a reduced-diameter end region and thus defines two end faces. The two end faces are concentric but axially spaced apart. At least the upper end face of the molding ring is provided with a surface coating of elastic plastic material.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel construction having an injection molded generally annular filler ring disposed in a radially inwardly facing circumferential cavity of the wheel to prevent material from accumulating in the circumferential cavity of the wheel and causing an out-of-balance wheel condition and method for producing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mandrel for manufacturing a part made from a composite material according to the filament winding technique.The mandrel includes a composite material layer whose threads are wound circumferentially round a metallic casing.The overall thermal expansion of the mandrel according to the invention is close to the expansion of the reinforcing fibers of the parts manufactured on the mandrel.The invention further relates to a use of the mandrel for manufacturing curved elongated profiles.

Abstract: A composite hot drape vacuum forming method and apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongate vacuum chamber (12) having a lid (14) and a housing (16). An inflatable seal (26) is disposed between the lid (14) and the housing (16). Inflation of the inflatable seal (26) creates on airtight vacuum chamber. A heating blanket (36) is located in the bottom of the vacuum chamber (12). An inflatable bladder (28) is located on top of the heating blanket and extends approximately over the length of the vacuum chamber. The interior of the inflatable bladder is in fluid connection with the exterior of the vacuum chamber. Composite charges (40) are placed within the vacuum chamber on top of the vacuum bladder (28). Lay-up mandrels (42) are placed on top of the unformed composite charges and the vacuum chamber is closed and sealed. The composite charges (40) are heated using the heating blanket (36). The interior of the vacuum chamber is then evacuated.

Abstract: A press-forming apparatus is disclosed in which a preform such as green sheets, for example, is charged into a cavity in a pressure container, the cavity is covered with a lid member, and the green sheets are pressed by a pressure medium while the green sheets are heated by heating means, whereby the green sheets are press-formed into an integral laminated product. The pressure force should preferably be fluctuated during the pressing operation.

Abstract: A method for consolidating powdered material to near net shape and full density is provided. The method includes the steps of: mixing a particulate material with an organic or inorganic binder to form a mold material; shaping the mold material into a mold having a shape and including an external surface and an interior cavity and being of sufficient solidity to maintain its shape yet being compressible under pressure; filling the interior cavity with a powdered material to be consolidated; heating the mold with the powdered material therein to form a heated filled mold; applying pressure to the external surface of the mold sufficient to compress the mold material and transfer a pressurizing force to the powdered material within the mold cavity so as to consolidate the powder and form an article; and removing the article from the mold. In an alternative method, the mold material is made of a particulate material which is held in the shape of the mold by a vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering concrete returned to the plant by delivery truck empties the delivery trucks into hoppers that dispense the so delivered left over concrete into molds designed to produce blocks of concrete suitable for regrinding into aggregate. The molded blocks are held in the molds for sufficient time to set the concrete for grinding before the blocks are separated from the molds. The molded blocks are then delivered to a grinding station where they are ground into aggregate of selected size for return to the concrete mixing operation. Any water that separates during the molding operation is subject to a settling operation to settle fine particles and the decanted water is then stored in a suitable reservoir for reuse, for example, in washing out the trucks.

Abstract: A process of molding a racket frame having an evacuation stage for shrinking a lamination of an inner bladder, a tubular prepreg and an outer protective tube before closing a mold, and the reinforcing fibers of the prepreg are not cut by inner edges of the mold, thereby preventing the racket frame from burr due to the reinforcing fibers cut by the inner edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new apparatus and method for forming cavities in semiconductor substrates without the necessity of using an insert. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and a method for fabricating cavities in semiconductor substrates wherein a cured thick compressible elastic pad is placed over the cavity prior to lamination and caused to conform to the contour of the cavity, thus preventing collapse of, or damage to, the cavity shelves or corners during the lamination process. After the lamination process, the cured thick compressible elastic pad is conveniently removed from the cavity area without causing any damage to the cavity shelves or corners or having any paste pull-outs. This pad can be reused multiple number of times to form these MLC cavity substrates.

Abstract: A blank consisting of a spirally wound fiber for use in the manufacture of a fiber reinforced article of composite material is made by winding the fiber onto a helical track on the surface of a frusto-conical spindle, covering the wound fiber with a thermoplastic binder which sets to form a frusto-conical shell encasing the fiber, removing the shell from the spindle and placing the shell with its base on a plate, and heating the shell starting from its base so as to soften it and cause it to progressively collapse onto the plate to form a disc comprising a spirally wound fiber. If necessary the collapse of the shell may be assisted by pressing on the shell in a direction towards the plate.

Abstract: A molded article of rigid polyurethane foam is manufactured by using a mold of separable upper and lower mold sections mated to define a cavity therebetween. A film of polypropylene which is previously vacuum formed in conformity to the mold cavity is closely set within the cavity and secured to the lower mold section outside the cavity. A rigid polyurethane foam-forming raw material is introduced into the cavity and on the film and caused to foam and expand in place to mold an article of rigid polyurethane foam. Thereafter, the molded article is lifted together with the film from the mold cavity by a pneumatic pressure or ejector pin. The molded article is stripped from the film to remove only the molded article from the mold without taking the entire film out of the mold. The once lifted film is returned to the original shape by vacuum suction for replacing the film in the cavity.

Abstract: A tooling concept having a compliant forming surface for forming composite parts. The tooling concept utilizes a rigid support substructure that has a thin compliant forming surface. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tooling concept is used to form a composite sine wave spar. A preferred embodiment of the tooling concept includes upper and lower tool inserts and side tool inserts. The upper tool insert has a compliant forming surface that is located in between a rigid support substructure and the composite material used to form the composite part. Composite prepreg is laid up over a sine wave contour on the upper and lower tool inserts to form upper and lower U-shaped composite workpieces. The upper and lower tool inserts and workpieces are then brought together to form a sine wave I-beam. Radius fillers are then applied to the intersections between the upper and lower composite workpieces and cap strips are placed over the flanges of the joined composite workpieces.

Abstract: A process for forming composite hollow crown stiffened skins and panels in which a first layer or skin is placed on a forming surface of a female mold and, after forming a plurality of U-shaped stiffener elements in the first skin, a second skin is placed over the first skin, whereupon the resulting assembly is prepared for autoclave curing. The stiffener elements are formed by pressing the first skin into U-shaped depressions in the female mold surface and inserting a hollow, expandable rubber mandrel into each of the depressions on top of the first skin. Valve stems in the mandrels enable maintaining the pressure inside at atmospheric pressure. The mandrels are maintained in their "pressurized" state during subsequent formation and autoclave curing steps.

Abstract: A press working machine includes base members having concave portions, slider members arranged in the concave portions, link arms attached to first ends of the slider members respectively, and cylinders attached to the arms, for bending and extending the same. Furthermore, press members having curved mold-facing surfaces are arranged on the slider members. Molds having deformable structures are arranged on the press members. A workpiece is inserted between the molds, to be press-worked. The slider members are actuatable to press the press members against the molds, so as to deform the molds into different mold shapes. Thus, it is possible to press-mold workpieces into a plurality of shapes with a single mold assembly, thereby reducing the cost for manufacturing the mold assembly, omitting an operation of exchanging the mold assembly, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: In charging a fluid molding material in an elastic molding die composed of a die body having an opening and a die support portion extending from the opening to the outside by pouring the molding material from the opening into time die body, the molding material in an amount of 1/5 to 3/5 of a volume of the die body is first charged, a molding material-charged portion of the die body is then crumpled or pinched, and then the entire die body is filled up with the molding material. The crumpling or pinching operation is achieved by such means as a blade shutter, pressing plates, air bags, or passing between two plates or conveyor belts, thereby charging the fluid molding material in the die body of the elastic-molding die without occurrence of air voids.

Abstract: A seat cushion mold with an elastic member and method provide the manufacture of an improved seat cushion for use in upholstered chairs or the like having a smooth, uniform shape without unsightly underlines. A thick, resilient foam block is positioned on a rigid planer base and is urged into the mold whereby a thin foam cover layer is adhered to the outer edges of the planar base to produce a precisely contoured cushion which can be upholstered and fitted to a chair frame.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite structure such as an aircraft radome includes preparing seamless female support mold/caul plate tooling, and seamless male support mold/vacuum bag tooling. An uncured composite structure is collated on the external surface of the male support mold/vacuum bag tooling, and then transferred to the female support mold/caul plate tooling for curing. The female support mold/caul plate tooling defines the outer surface of the final composite structure, permitting the outer surface of be smooth and of an aerodynamic shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a green compact includes a circuit that circulates die assemblies, each of which contains a rubber mold having rubber in at least its side portion. The apparatus also includes a high density filling device that has a feeder for feeding powder into the rubber molds; a pusher or a vibrator or both a vibrator and a pusher; a die press machine configured to impart a compaction force sufficient to produce the green compact to each of the circulating die assemblies in succession; and a device for removing the green compact from each rubber mold. The high-density filling device, the die-press machine and the removing device are successively arranged along the circuit. Each of the circulating die assemblies has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the compaction force because all structure necessary to withstand the compaction force is present in the circulating die assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating columns, wherein the apparatus includes a column fabricating assembly and a column extractor. The column fabricating assembly includes a unitary column mold and a mold support assembly. The unitary column mold is reusable and is fabricated specially for the task of fabricating a column therein. Uncured column materials are placed into the unitary column mold and the unitary column mold is enclosed in the mold support assembly. The uncured column materials cure, and thus the column is formed, while the unitary column mold is encased in and spun by the mold support assembly. The unitary column mold is removed from the mold support assembly with the column therein. The column extractor is used to extract the column from the unitary column mold; the unitary column mold is secured by the column extractor and the column extractor pulls the column out of the unitary column mold.

Abstract: In the process for preparing an intravaginal application system for the controlled release of substances, a milled sheet of silicone rubber containing the substances is inserted into one mold component of a split mold. The core of the system is arranged on this milled sheet and is covered with a second milled sheet of the same type. The mold is then closed and the milled sheets are vulcanized at a maximum temperature of 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of forming an object includes depositing a flowable material onto an area of forming surface and allowing the deposited material to at least partially harden on the forming surface to form a portion of the object, and then displacing the forming surface relative to the portion so as to expose at least a part of the area. Further material is then deposited onto the exposed area and above steps are repeated until the object has been formed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a wax casting of a golf club iron head including the steps of providing a wax injection tool having a rear cavity projection; providing a collapsible insert that is shaped to provide a desired undercut peripheral region in the rear cavity of the wax casting; installing the collapsible insert on the periphery of the rear cavity projection of the tool; injecting hot wax into the tool and allowing the wax to harden; then removing the hardened wax and insert from the injection tool; and finally removing the insert as a unitary member from the hardened wax, without requiring any form of breakage of the wax casting or the insert such as by distorting its shape.

Abstract: A system for curing composite structures. A hollow bladder having opposing open ends is secured within a metal pressure vessel so as to define an annular space within the vessel surrounding the bladder. The open ends of the bladder are sealably attached to opposing entrances formed in the pressure vessel so that the bladder is sealed from communication with the vessel and is accessible through the opposing openings. An uncured composite part can be inserted into the bladder. Preheated and pressurized fluid is circulated through the annular space and thus around the bladder in order to cure the composite part. The composite part may also be encapsulated within a forming bladder member which is then removably inserted into the pressure bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a resin transfer molding apparatus including a female mold member having a rigid surface including a main surface portion, and a recessed surface portion extending inwardly from and bordered by the main portion to define a recessed area, and a male mold member including a structure which is adapted to be drawn into close association with the rigid surface of the female mold member in response to the application of vacuum therebetween and which includes a member which is at least partially flexible and which includes an inner surface located, during the application of vacuum, in relatively adjacent opposing relation to the main surface portion of the female mold member and in relatively spaced relation to the recessed surface portion, and a segment which is relatively rigid, which has a shape conforming to the recessed area, which is fixedly bonded to the inside surface of the member, and which is located, during the application of vacuum, in relatively adjacent opposing relation to the rec

Abstract: A process for molding dimensionally accurate plastic articles using a low pressure injection molding technique. The process utilizes a two-piece silicone rubber mold having a cavity representative of the shape of the article to be molded. The mold is substantially encased on all sides in a rigid mold box to prevent deformation of the cavity during the molding process (10). The mold box and the encased mold are placed in a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum is drawn on the chamber to evacuate the cavity (20). A predetermined amount of a reactive mixture is simultaneously mixed and injected under pressure into the mold to form the plastic article (30). The amount of material injected is sufficient to fill the cavity but not sufficient to distort the cavity. The chamber is vented (40) and the mold is removed from the mold box (50). The mold is flexed in order to remove the plastic article from the mold (60).

Abstract: A method for producing a wall, roadway, sidewalk or floor of cementitious material having the appearance of natural stone and mortar including a base with an outer surface with a plurality of irregular shaped protrusions disposed in a random pattern to simulate natural stones and a plurality of simulated grout lines formed therebetween, the method including the steps of preparing a cementitious material, pouring the cementitious material into a form, vibrating the cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to cure forming the base with the outer surface, releasing the base with the plurality of irregular shaped protrusions disposed in the random pattern to simulate natural stones and the plurality of simulated grout lines formed therebetween from the form, coloring the outer surface and accenting the plurality of simulated grout lines.