Abstract: Thermoplastic panels are formed and laminated together simultaneously by using a roller to provide vertical pressure to two heated thermoplastic sheets, one a composite thermoplastic sheet, the other a monolithic thermoplastic sheet. The monolithic thermoplastic sheet allows laminating protective layers to structural panels for improving scratch resistance, improving appearance or reducing chemical permeability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously folding the edges of a sheet of material, particularly the rigid plastic sheets of material having concave sections therein which are used as covers in "blister" packages. It utilizes a die having walls on the sides and a shelf inside the walls, a compressible layer which rests on top of the shelf over which the sheet of material is placed, and a heating plate which presses down on the sheet of material causing the edges of the sheet to become pliable and to bend upward against the walls of the die, and then folding the upright edges over a plate.

Abstract: A lid for a liquid pack is formed from a plastic material and includes a substantially flat end wall. A pouring spout is disposed within the outside contour of an outer first plane of the lid. An opening flap portion closes a pouring opening, and a handle is secured to the opening flap portion by a hinge. The opening flap portion is connected by way of an endless weakening line to the wall of the lid, and a collar is disposed at the periphery of the lid at an inwardly displaced position for mounteing to a side wall of the pack. The weakening line extends in a second inner plane and at a spacing below and parallel to the first outer plane, with the spacing between the two planes being greater than or equal to the height of a collar portion projecting outwardly from the weakening line at the opening flap portion.

Abstract: A device for closing a lid of a cap while the cap is still in the mold where it was formed. The device includes a plate forming the moveable side of a parallelogram that rocks between the mold plates during mold opening to press the lid closed and then rocks back out of the way to allow part ejection. The motion is activated by mold opening so the molding cycle is not lengthened by its action.

Abstract: Method and apparatus adapted for use on a conveyor line to form a rolled tab in the tail end portion of a roll of plastic film wound on a core. The tail end portion initially extends around the surface of the roll to which the tail end portion adheres and terminates at a tail edge. The apparatus includes a bucket which is connected to the conveyor line for movement thereon and has a floor and wall extending therefrom. The floor of the bucket has a tractional surface supporting the roll and the wall has a substantially frictionless surface pushing the roll in the direction of the conveyor line. The apparatus further includes a drive, extending in stationary position substantially parallel to the conveyor line and having a resilient tractional surface being compressed into rotational contact with the roll, for rotating the roll.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a flange or bellows in a plastic tube. The tube is preheated at a precise area and gripping dies are used to compress the heated area. Upon compression, the heated area is forced to bulge out and fold to form the flange or bellows. A mandrel inserted into the tube prior to compression ensures that the tube bulges outwardly. The invention may be used to form a variety of flanges, rims or bellows on plastic tubing. It is particularly useful in forming retaining rims on polyethylene tubing used for gas tank vents. Exposure to gasoline may cause such tubes to swell or bend. With a retaining rim formed in accordance with the present invention such swelling or bending can readily be accommodated.

Abstract: A process of forming an end closure of one end of a stick of shirred sausage casing. The casing 10 is twisted and then the twisted neck (16) is compressed and heated to seal it. The twisted portion is severed so as to form an end seal with about four to eight twists in it. This end seal resists rupture during stuffing.

Abstract: A method for making light, thin, thermoplastic slats for use in decorative window blinds of the Venetian or vertical rotatable slat types. Strips are prepared of flexible and resilient planar thermoplastic material of not more than 1/16 inch thickness with selected light transmitting qualities. The strips are then deformed into a permanent V-shaped cross-sectional configuration which is stiff and will not sag when supported by spaced blind slat supporting means. The deformation step is accomplished by bending the strips without the application of heat over a forming surface of not more than 1/4 inch radius to exceed the elastic limit of the strip material over the radius.

Abstract: A method of producing a pneumatic vehicle tire, the beads of which can be mounted on the radially inner periphery of a rim, and are pivotably relative to the bead cores. A carcass along with the adjacent rubber layers, and the tire beads, with their pull and compression resistant cores, are combined on a drum to form an essentially cylindrical blank. What will later be the insides of the tire initially face radially outwardly, and the interfaces of the initially radially outwardly extending beads form an essentially right angle with the cylindrical surface of the blank. At least the bead regions of the tire blank are preliminarily vulcanized, whereupon the blank is turned in and has imparted thereto a toroidal shape. The blank is then provided with a tread strip, and is final-vulcanized.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a launching tube with an internal guide surface for effecting controlled spin missiles, such as rockets, wherein the launching tube is provided on the inside with helically extending grooves and/or ridges contacting guide cams or the like of the missiles for guiding therealong; this launching tube is extruded, and sized, from a molding composition containing fiber-reinforced thermoplastic synthetic resin, to have integrally formed, slightly helically extending grooves and/or ridges.

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

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

Abstract: During blow molding of curved plastic hollow bodies, the parison is first extruded as a whole in a substantially straight line and vertically from top to bottom. The parison is then severed from the extrusion die and the severed parison precurved. Finally, the precurved parison is inserted as a whole into the blow mold and blown. An apparatus for carrying out this method comprises releasable support means for accommodating and holding the parison, curving means for preliminary curving of the parison, tilting means for tilting the support means into the horizontal position and a blow mold, the precurved parison being placed as a whole in one mold half of this blow mold.

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

Abstract: A conveyor-transfer apparatus for transferring artificial Christmas tree piquets (branches) from a first conveyor on which the piquets are parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor to a second conveyor where they are arranged transverse to the direction of conveyor travel whereby their ends can be tapered. This is accomplished automatically without the use of manual labor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending flat thermoplastic laminates into structural shapes such as angles, channels, Z sections, J sections and I sections. In order to bend the laminate into the desired shape by appropriate tooling, heat is applied in a localized manner only to the area that is to be bent. The application of heat is sufficient to heat the laminate to its softening temperature in the bend area, and the plies of the laminate can thus slip in the bend area only as bending force is applied so that the bend can be made without the need to heat the entire laminate to the softening temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for hot-forming a laminated sheet of synthetic resin. The sheet, in at least its region that is to be deformed, is heated to the forming temperature which is equal to or higher than the melting temperature of a thermoplastic bonding agent which is disposed between the laminate layers containing a duromer plastic material and planar carrier materials. The sheet is bent around a cylindrical surface with the aid of a movably guided bending plate, and is cooled. During a large part of the bending operation, the bending plate will be in planar contact with the border region of the sheet. The individual laminate layers will be mutually displaced in the bending region and in the border region in the direction of the sheet's surface, and after the bending operation, the bending plate holds the border region in its bent position at least until the resolidification of the thermoplastic bonding agent.

Abstract: A method of producing a continuous fiber reinforced bent resin pipe, including winding a continuous reinforcing fiber on the outer surface of a tube-like flexible core mold while such core mold is straight in shape, the flexible core mold which is straight when unloaded being capable of keeping a cross section defined in radial direction when the core mold is bent. The core mold on which the continuous fiber has been wound is then bent and placed into a cavity defined by an outer mold formed of split molds each having an inner surface forming the predetermined outer configuration of a bent pipe. A liquefied synthetic resin is caused to be cured between the outer and the core molds to integrate both the fiber and resin. Thereafter the molded product is removed from the outer mold and the core mold is removed from the molded product.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for forming floppy disk envelopes. Envelope blanks are manipulated while attached to a continuous web of envelope material to facilitate handling and alignment of the blanks. Initially, fold lines are impressed into the envelope blanks to define the precise dimensions of the envelope. Envelope flaps are then partially folded to define a receptacle into which the disk media is then inserted. The remaining flaps are then folded and sealed, and lastly the folded envelope is detached from the continuous web. A particular apparatus for impressing the envelope blanks includes a male die, female die cavity, and mechanism for reciprocating the dies. The preferred score profile includes a pair of radii joined by a hinge section.

Abstract: A method and manufacturing blank for the production of high performance substantially symmetrical open volumed packing bodies is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a blank from sheet material, the blank comprising a plurality of generally identical plates interconnected in linear series by ribbon members coupling adjacent plates and defining a median strip, shaping the plates into troughs having longitudinal axes oriented perpendicularly to the median strip, and bending the median strip to bring the longitudinal axes into close proximity with one another to form an open volumed packing body having a central core defined by the aligned bores.

Abstract: A method for producing a string-shaped bacteria bed having many loops of fiber on the whole surface thereof, which is used for sewage or wastewater treatment, characterized by preparing a narrow strip of cloth made from a thermoplastic material, having many loops of fiber on the obverse thereof, and heating the reverse thereof having no loops of fiber by contacting it with a heating rod while tensing and drawing it diagonally, thereby the strip of cloth is diagonally curled and stranded by heat to form a string having many loops of fiber on the whole surface thereof. In such a method, the string, having high holding capacity of bacteria colony, is obtained by simplified installation.

Abstract: A novel and improved method of deforming elongated hollow members so as to maintain uniform cross-sectional profile, uniform section thickness reduction, and minimal springback characteristics which includes superimposing in the forming process an internal fluid pressure support for the hollow member which imposes a circumferential tension thereon, a longitudinal tension which plastically elongates the member, and a transverse bending load which plastically bends the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming accordion pleats in and about the sidewall of a thin-walled plastic container. Said apparatus comprising a forming station, a gripping and transporting means for introducing unpleated containers to the forming station and for removing the same from the forming station. Hot air means renders the containers malleable at the forming station. A plurality of circumaxially arranged forming plates move radially inwardly to engage the container sidewall and to form accordion pleats therein. Thereafter the plates are retracted radially for the introduction of the next succeeding container. A ring cam is intermittently rotated to operate the forming plates with the forming "dwell" regulated by a small cam.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a square tile with a domed configuration. The tile passes over a bowed roller which presses upon the center region of the tile while restraining belts hold the four corners of the tile in a depressed condition and the apparatus imparts a domed configuration to the tile.

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

Abstract: A segmented geometric structure that when rotated serves as a functional mood-setting device or simply as a static or rotatable object d'art. The structure is comprised of a plurality of spirally formed curvilinear segments that are joined at their respective top and bottom to form a single rigid structure. The structure may take the form of a spheroid, ellipsoid or any other three-dimensional geometric form amenable to a segmented construction. The structure is suspended by means of a suspension line that is attached to an elevated support or a shaft may be attached to either the top or bottom end of the structure. The other end of the shaft is attached to a reversible electrical motor that is housed within a mounting base. When the structure is rotated, either manually or by the motor, in a clockwise direction the segments appear to move spirally upwards conversely when rotated in a counter clockwise direction the segments appear to move spirally downward.

Abstract: A voided polypropylene film tampon wrap having end seals which are formed by mechanical crimping and a process for sealing the ends of the voided polypropylene film tampon wrap by mechanical crimping. A notch is formed adjacent to each end seal but remote from the enclosed tampon. Each end seal is formed by a pair of horizontal teeth wheels each having a pitch of 50 teeth per inch. One of the pair of wheels is heated to a temperature of 125.degree..+-.15.degree., and force is applied to at least one wheel to seal that end of the wrap by the pair of wheels.

Abstract: A front end portion of a flat plate-like transparent thermoplastic material is grasped as bent so that the middle section thereof is convex. The thermoplastic material is heated and softened, and the rear end portion of the thermoplastic material is rounded cylindrically in the same direction as the bending direction of the front end portion. The thermoplastic material is then allowed to cool gradually, so that the front end portion has a flat plate-like shape after the gradual cooling. The cylindrical rear end portion is cut and the cut face is planished.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a corrugated sheet from a flat pre-laminated thermoplastic sheet. The flat sheet received between a pair of heated corrugated metal tool sheets with the tool sheets pulled between a pair of stationary tool press plates for forming and cooling the flat sheet into a corrugated sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding envelope blanks comprises a plurality of platform assemblies which are rotatably mounted on a base. The platform assemblies are incrementally advanced around the base, and separate mechanisms located around the periphery of the base perform the individual folding operations. Particular advantages are achieved by including the side flap folding mechanism on the platform assemblies so that the folded flaps are held firmly in place until the envelope is removed from the machine.

Abstract: An improved method of warm folding polymeric sheet material and apparatus for accomplishing the method. The method involves applying conductive heat to both sides of the material prior to folding and is accomplished in steps including: (a) positioning the sheet material; (b) positioning a mandrel plate so as to define a fold line for the sheet material; (c) positioning an exterior heater against the material along the fold line; (d) positioning an interior heater element against the material opposite the exterior heater; (e) and (f) applying preselected amounts of heat to the fold line area through the heaters; (g) retracting the interior heater; (h) mechanically folding the sheet material along a fold line; and (i) annealing the fold by applying additional heat through the exterior heater. The process may also be augmented by adding additional steps.The primary use of the invention is in folding polyvinyl chloride jackets for use in enclosing floppy disks.

Abstract: A multi-lumen fluid-tight catheter having optimum resistance to bending and method of manufacture. The catheter is notched about its periphery and along its length to create voids which are filled with a vulcanized polymeric material.

Abstract: The machine comprises a transport chain wherealong a plurality of brackets are distributed for supporting the razor square central areas, horizontal fixed upper and lower abutment profiles wherealong the razors are caused to slide, a magazine for the razor blades packed in stacked relationship, below which a chest is mounted slidably which can be driven horizontally into a discharge position overlying the chain, a slider carried for vertical movement at the chest discharge position and adapted to be lowered onto the chest to pick up a blade therefrom by suction, and then to be further lowered, with the chest in its retracted position, and deposit the blade onto the blade holder strip of a razor, fixed contoured detents adapted to cause, as the brackets are being advanced, the blade covering strip to be bent around the tabs onto the blade holder strip, and a heater headpiece for securing the blade between the blade holder strip and blade covering strip.

Abstract: A method of producing a unitary curved structure having a honeycomb core by coating a mold with gel, applying a layer of reinforced fiberglass plastic to the gel to receive, after partial curing, a light layer of chopped glass fibers (about 3/4 ounces/sq. ft.) and a mixture of catalyzed resin and chopped fiber strand. The resulting surface may be rolled to remove bubbles and oversprayed with catalyzed resin. A Raw Kraft paper honeycomb is placed into the wet laminate and completely covered with wax paper weighted with sand bags to approximately 10 pounds per square foot to press the honeycomb into place and seal same. The resin is absorbed in and climbs the honeycomb walls, and heat and styrene gas are liberated into the cells. The bags and wax paper are removed after partial cure, excess styrene fumes are blown away, and the honeycomb is lightly oversprayed with a catalyzed resin.

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

Abstract: A bender for plastic printing plates locates the line of fold from the leading edge of the plate by providing positioning means adjacent the die surface. The printing plate is placed on a flat base and adjusted to engage the positioning means, the latter in alignment relative to the die. Next, a guide means lifts an edge segment of the plate into a position for engagement by a channel carried by the die. As the die swingably moves through an arc, the edge segment is reversely folded back and into contact with an adjacent area of the sheet while forming a crease sufficient to overcome a substantial part of the memory of the sheet along the line of fold. Consequently, plate image will be precisely parallel to the line of fold, thereby minimizing setup time. Also, plates of various lengths may be bent without adjusting the bender.

Abstract: The method of forming a tamper-evident closure having a threaded cap and a tamper-evident ring removably connected to each other by break-away tabs. The method includes the steps of molding the threaded cap and tamper-evident ring as an integral unit in a side-by-side relationship to each other and with the break-away tabs integrally connecting them. A retaining lug is also molded on the ring and has a substantially inwardly directed surface. An outwardly directed shelf and cam means are also molded on the cap. After the molding operation, the integrally molded part is removed from its mold and the tamper-evident ring and the threaded cap are moved relative to each other with the break-away tabs acting as a hinge to enable the cap and tamper-evident ring to be brought into substantial vertical alignment with each other while the inwardly directed surface of the retaining lug is snapped over the shelf to hold the cap and ring in alignment.

Abstract: A method of treating polypropylene hose to increase its strength and durability is provided by flexing the hose through a plurality of 360 degree rotations while in a bent form to alternately axially compress and extend portions of the hose to increase the molecular alignment of the polypropylene.

Abstract: Vaulted intraocular lens including a method and apparatus for vaulting universally an intraocular lens incorporating any geometrical configuration of closed or open loops attached to a lens such as a plano-convex or the like. The vaulted intraocular lens includes a base for each loop with either flat feet or flipped feet. The method of vaulting includes a fixture assembly including a base, a retainer, and a cap, the base and retainer screwing together and encompassing the lens including the plurality of loops, and the cap fitting down through a hole in the retainer providing gravity pressure against the lens and creating the vault. The vaulted lens, as well as the fixture and method of vaulting the lens, lends itself universally to any type of lens using any predetermined geometrically shaped loops, whether the loops be closed loops or open loops.

Abstract: A method for making curved hose using a curved mandrel by applying a melted material to an inside surface of an uncured hose and solidifying the material. The material is remeltable and forms a lubricant when the hose is pushed onto and removed from a hot curved mandrel.

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

Abstract: Thermoplastic multiple channel tubing, which includes at least a pair of channels separated by a partition, is bent into a desired shape or configuration by softening the tubing and then bending it into the desired shape or configuration. The tubing is pegged and clamped so as to maintain the shape of the clamped portion of the tubing, as well as the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing, during the bending operation.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for folding a flat sheet so that an exact interior height is provided between the two folded portions is disclosed. The flat sheet is folded about a shim having a folding edge which is rounded and which has a thickness corresponding to the desired interior height. The flat shim is positioned on the flat sheet with the edge of the shim located along the line where the fold in the sheet is to be made. Initially, the portion of the sheet away from the shim is folded approximately 90.degree. by tangential bending on the folding edge of the shim. Next, a die having a facing edge mating with the folding edge of the shim is pushed onto the folding edge of the shim. The portion of the sheet which was folded 90.degree. is thus folded onto the top of the shim to approximately 180.degree.. With this two step folding, an exact interior height adjacent the fold is provided.

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

Abstract: A single-piece plastic shotshell casing and method of making same comprising softening one end portion only of a tube of uniformly biaxially oriented high density polyethylene sufficiently for forming and until a dollup is formed, then telescoping only a portion of the dollup into the rigid sidewalls of the tube, and then forming the dollup into a substantially thickened integral transverse base section constituting a head with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and the rigid sidewalls terminating a substantial distance inwardly from the outer end of the base section.

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

Abstract: A method for the production of a hose of a shape-cured elastomeric material, such as vulcanized rubber, especially an automotive radiator coolant hose, which method comprises the bringing of the hose onto a flexible straight mandrel, sliding the flexible mandrel onto an inner mandrel portion having the finally desired configuration of the hose, curing the hose in this configuration, sliding the flexible mandrel together with the hose off said inner mandrel portion and bringing the flexible mandrel onto a straight auxiliary mandrel and sliding the hose off the mandrel.

Abstract: A tubular container molding method includes the steps of inserting a core block having an upwardly projected annular flange at the top end into a preformed tubular member, closing the mold and thereby pressing an upper marginal portion of the tubular member against a cavity mold and bending inwardly such upper marginal portion to form a shoulder portion of the container, urging the inwardly bent marginal portion against an interior surface of the cavity mold by the annular flange to hold the shoulder portion between the core block and the cavity mold, and injecting molten resin into an air gap defined between the core block and the cavity mold, thereby molding conical and neck portions of the container integrally with the shoulder portion.

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