Abstract: A plastic bottle having at least an outer face formed of an olefin-base resin, wherein the olefin-base resin has a density and a melt tension satisfying the following formula (1):Y<-AX+B (1)wherein Y is the density (g/cm.sup.3) of the olefin-base resin, X is the melt tension (g) of the olefin-base resin, A is a constant having a value of 0.0116 and B is a constant having a value of 0.962,and the bottle outer face has a glossiness of 60% (60.degree. gloss) or more. Also disclosed is a process for making the above-described plastic bottle.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-layer blow-molded article wherein in a multi-layer marginal-wall region formed of a plurality of layers, a convexly crooked portion projecting generally convexly from inside to outside is so formed that the molding shrinkage factor of a resin for use in a more outer layer is larger than that of a resin for use in a more inner layer, and a concavely crooked portion denting generally concavely from outside to inside is so formed that the molding shrinkage factor of a resin for use in a more outer layer is smaller than that of a resin for use in a more inner layer; and all the layers of the molded article are fittingly secured to each other by means of a clamping force resulting from the difference in molding shrinkage factors of the resins constituting the layers and/or portions defined in a circumferential direction in the multi-layer marginal-wall region.

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: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: A method of processing plastic material, wherein the plastic material is pressure-lessly distributed over the lower mold half of a mold divided in a horizontal plane, then the mold is closed and the mold cavity is entirely filled with molten material whereupon a fluid is injected into the molten material and a portion of the molten material is displaced into a secondary cavity by the fluid.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: A compostable paperboard container and package for liquids which is coated with a material capable of degrading to carbon dioxide, water and biomass under composting conditions.

Abstract: A method of forming a multi-layer polyester preform and container, particularly suitable for refillable PET carbonated beverage bottles, having an interior layer of high copolymer polyester material which resists hazing in the preform injection stage, and at least one exterior layer of a polyester to achieve enhanced strain-induced crystallization iin the exterior layer during blow molding. The container can withstand higher caustic wash temperatures and exhibits reduced flavor carryover from one product to another.

Abstract: Provided is a blow-molded article which can be readily formed with good Gloss and with substantially no surface unevenness, even without application of surface coating, and which can be used as a finished product without further treatment. The blow-molded article has a base layer and a surface layer. The base layer is formed from a thermoplastic resin material having a melt index (MI) of about 0.05-2.0 and a flexural modulus of 1,470 MPa (15,000 kgf/cm.sup.2) or more. The surface layer is formed from a colored or transparent thermoplastic resin material having an MI of about 1-30 provided that it is higher than that of the base layer, and excellent weather resistance. The thermoplastic resins used to form the base and surface layers should be resins of the same family.

Abstract: A plastic container made from a fusion blend of a post consumer resin and a high density polyethylene copolymer resin. The post consumer resin is primarily a high density homopolymer and may contain small amounts of colored plastic containers and propylene resin. The physical properties of the container including stress crack resistance are maintained as contrasted to the loss of such physical properties that have been heretofore resulted from the use of post consumer resins.

Abstract: A container incorporating post-consumer recycled ("PCR") plastic and a method of making that type of container. The container utilizes a layer of polypropylene or EVOH or a film of fluorinated polyethylene toward the interior from the recycled plastic to prevent contaminants from the latter entering the container's contents. When utilizing EVOH, the container usually has an additional layer of polyethylene or polypropylene covering the EVOH to prevent its deterioration by moisture. Making the container involves first composing a resin including the recycled plastic. Forming the various layers listed above produces a container that includes recycled plastic and a barrier to limit the migration of contaminants from the recycled material to the container's contents. This permits the use of the resulting containers for food. For a fluorinated polyethylene film, fluorination can occur either during or after the container's formation.

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: A blow down hydroforming apparatus for sheet material incorporates an hydraulically inflatable seal disposed between a platen and a table in circumscribing relationship with a cavity formed in the platen to maintain the pressure of gas in the cavity during forming of the sheet material.

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

Abstract: An inventive orientation apparatus is provided in the present invention preferably for use with blow molding operations. The apparatus includes an object having a body portion and a neck portion. The neck portion has an outer peripheral surface and an alignment lug which extends outwardly from the peripheral surface and past the same. Additionally, a rotating support is included for supporting the object and causing the same to rotate, wherein the rotating support is movable with a moving carrier pallet. The apparatus also includes an orientating element located adjacent the carrier which engages the alignment lug on the object and stops the rotation of the object at a desired orientation. The invention may also include an orientation check device which is positioned upstream from the orientation element, adjacent the carrier, which is used for checking the orientation of the alignment lug for preventing a system jam.

Abstract: A process for producing bottle preforms from the melt of polyethylene terephthalate and/or its copolyesters, includes selectively introducing an inert gas into the continuous flow or partial flow of the polyester melt from a poly-condensation having an intrinsic viscosity between 0.5 and 0.75 dl/g, subsequently bringing the melt to an acetaldehyde content below 10 ppm in a melt after-condensation reactor and to an intrinsic viscosity of 0.75 to 0.95 dl/g and thereafter guiding the melt into an injection molding tool and processing same.

Abstract: The method of fabricating a tank connector assembly comprising the steps of first providing a metal spud member having an internally threaded portion and a cylindrical wall portion. Producing a sub-assembly comprised of an insert member having an internal groove therein and made from a polymer material and an expandable band member positioned in the groove. The next step is to assembly the sub-assembly of the insert member and expandable band member with the spud member. The sub-assembly is positioned inside the cylindrical wall portion of the spud member. The next step is to apply an expansion force to the expandable band causing the band to deform slightly and thereby force the insert member into tight sealing contact with the depending wall portion of the spud member. The metal spud member is welded in an opening in the wall of a steel tank.

Abstract: A process for selectively forming an antislip surface on a product thermoformed from a plastic sheet is applied to truck bed liners, for example. The surface of the plastic sheet of HDPE or other thermoplastic material is cleaned and masked, to prepare a good molecular bonding surface on selected surface areas. A sprayable or liquid polymer selected to achieve desired characteristics of hardness and toughness without brittleness, such as a thermosetting elastomeric polymer, is formed into droplets, which are sprayed or otherwise applied onto the selected surface area. The droplets form a stippled pattern of primarily separate bumps across the selected surface area to be treated, occupying substantially less than 50% of the exposed area. After partial hardening of the bumps, the plastic sheet is thermoformed at thermoforming temperatures to produce the thermoformed product.

Abstract: A preform for use in the production of a container in a blow-molding operation includes an inner parison molded in a first mold to include a finish portion including a mouth-defining opening, a threaded outer surface adapted to engage a container closure, and a lower margin including a support ring, a closed bottom portion including a gate vestige, and a barrel portion extending between the finish portion lower margin and the bottom portion, and an outer parison molded in a second mold and consisting essentially of a barrel portion having a length similar to the inner parison barrel portion and a bottom portion including an opening for receiving the inner parison gate vestige, the outer parison having an inner surface conformably matching the inner parison outer surface. The outer parison is mechanically telescopically assembled over the inner parison outside the first and second molds to form a layered preform, the preform optionally including an intermediate layer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided blow molded articles which are composed of specific copolyesters or specific polyester resin compositions and which are highly oriented so that the stretch index as defined by the following equations becomes not less than 130 cm. ##EQU1## The blow molded articles thus provided are excellent in transparency and also excellent in moldability and gas barrier properties and, moreover, excellent also in economical efficiency.

Abstract: A multilayer preform and container, and method of forming the same, having at least one layer including polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) to provide enhanced oxygen barrier performance and thermal stability. The PEN layer may be a homopolymer, copolymer, or blend of PEN. In a first high-PEN embodiment, the exterior layer contains on the order of 80-100% PEN and 0-20% PET by total weight of the layer, and a core layer of a non-strain hardenable polyester such as PETG. In a second low-PEN embodiment, the exterior layer includes a strain hardenable low-PEN copolymer or blend including on the order of 1-20% PEN and 80-99% PET, and the core layer is a strain-hardenable polyester such as a low-copolymer PET. In a third mid-range PEN embodiment, the exterior wall includes a substantially amorphous PEN copolymer or blend containing on the order of 20-80% PEN and 80-20% of another polyester such as PET, and a strain-hardened core layer of polyester such as a low-copolymer PET.

Abstract: A non-coextrusion process for making multi-layer angioplasty balloons involves pre-forming separate parisons and then concentrically disposing the plural parisons to form a composite parison which is then subjected to a blow-molding process. The resulting balloon can have its properties tailored by appropriate selection of the particular plastics to be used for the multiple parisons.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided blow molded articles which are composed of specific copolyesters or specific polyester resin compositions and which are highly oriented so that the stretch index as defined by the following equations becomes not less than 130 cm. ##EQU1## The blow molded articles thus provided are excellent in transparency and also excellent in moldability and gas barrier properties and, moreover, excellent also in economical efficiency.

Abstract: A process for producing a formed article by heating a thermoplastic resin sheet and then thermoforming a part to be formed involves heating the part to be formed by placing in contact with a heating plate while at least a part of a non-formed part of the thermoplastic resin sheet is not heated by placing in contact with the heating plate, and then heating the part to be formed and at least a part of the non-formed part by placing them in a non-contact state with a heating means is disclosed.

Abstract: The method involves providing a powdered or granulated plastics paint material which is heated to a plastic condition to form a plastics coating material and injected into a mould. A plastics substrate material is also injected to spread the plastics coating material over surfaces of the mould so as to envelope the plastics substrate material. A moulding is then produced comprising a substrate having a surface coated by the injected plastics paint material. The method enables a moulding to be produced having a painted surface produced in the mould thereby avoiding the need to apply a subsequent paint finish.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided blow molded articles which are composed of specific copolyesters or specific polyester resin compositions and which are highly oriented so that the stretch index as defined by the following equations becomes not less than 130 cm. ##EQU1## The blow molded articles thus provided are excellent in transparency and also excellent in moldability and gas barrier properties and, moreover, excellent also in economical efficiency.

Abstract: A blow molded multilayer plastic article having a large number of layers is formed. First and second diverse thermoplastic streams are extruded into a coextrusion feedblock. In the feedblock the streams are divided into multiple streams and arranged into a first composite stream having a substantially uniform distribution of the layers. The first stream is fed into an interfacial surface generator in which the stream is manipulated to form a second composite stream having even more layers of substantially uniform thickness. This second stream is then formed into a preform such as by injection molding and this preform is blow molded. The second composite stream and preform are formed so that the layers of first and second materials lie generally parallel to a critical surface and possess substantial uniformity when blow molded.

Abstract: A method for securing a boss to a thermoplastic liner of a pressure vessel are disclosed. A preferred method of forming the vessel includes inserting a thermoplastic projection of the liner into a mounting aperture located in the boss. The projection, which is rigidly attached to the liner, mechanically prevents rotation of the boss about a pressure chamber orifice relative to the liner. The method further includes melting and compressing the thermoplastic projection to conform it to a locking chamber in the mounting aperture. A composite case is then constructed over the thermoplastic projection, the liner, and the boss, using the liner as a mandrel. The thermoplastic liner and projection are integrally formed by blow-molding thermoplastic material into a die without any substantial use of injection-molding. A vessel constructed according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of forming a spa shell by selecting a coextruded polypropylene sheet, selectively heating the sheet, vacuum forming the heated sheet on a deep draw female mold to form a molded spa shell shape, flame treating one surface of the molded shell shape, heating the flame-treated surface, and applying a layer of polyurethane foam to the heated surface.

Abstract: A multi-station apparatus and method of manufacture allows the manufacture of an article having a fluid filled cavity fabricated from simultaneously fed twin thermoplastic webs. A web transport means simultaneously feeds twin thermoplastic webs into an apparatus, where a oven raises the temperature of the material of the webs for thermoforming and molding. The cavity then is partially fusing to provide an injection and outlet port and a fluid is injected into the cavity, which is then sealed to provide a finished article. The fluid can be formed from a super absorbent material as a thick, viscous gel-like colloidal substance.

Abstract: Packaging material for self-supporting packaging container walls includes two material layers that are fixed at a given spacing from one another. The two material layers define an interjacent chamber which is filled with gas under pressure. The material is produced by the material layers being sealed to one another over a portion of their surface such that a chamber is formed which is filled with, for example, air under pressure.

Abstract: A spa having structural integrity is manufactured from a formable sheet contoured by the steps of disposing the formable sheet over a male form adapted for vacuum-forming the formable sheet, heating the formable sheet to a temperature enabling forming thereof, forcing the male form into the formable sheet with some portions of the forced formable sheet having a greater thickness than other portions of the formable sheet, and vacuum-forming the forced heated formable sheet into intimate contact with the male form. Thereafter, a urethane coating is applied to a side of the spa not contacted by the mold. This results in a delamination resistant spa.

Abstract: A blow-molded multi-layer plastic container having excellent surface luster which is obtained by blow-molding, as an outer surface of the container, an olefin resin which has fluidity properties satisfying the following formulas (1) and (2),log .tau..ltoreq.n log .gamma.+5.15 (1)andlog.tau..gtoreq.n log .gamma.+4.95 (2)wherein,.tau. is a shearing stress (dynes/cm.sup.2) as measured using a capillary rheometer in accordance with a flow property testing method (JIS K 7199), .gamma. is a shearing rate (sec.sup.-1) as measured by the same method, n is a number of from 0.39 to 0.41, and .gamma. lies from 9.times.10.sup.1 to 1.2.times.10.sup.3 sec.sup.-1.The blow-molded multi-layer plastic container does not develop sharkskin or flow marks. Moreover, melt-treatment of the outer surface of the blow-molded article eliminates rugged pattern that stems from the sand-blasted surfaces of the metal mold.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic container for use with either a positive or negative pressure dispensing system, the container having an integral body with an inner layer which readily separates from an outer layer and collapses to dispense a product from the container. The container is formed by blow-molding a multilayer preform, and a bottom aperture is formed in the container for injecting air to separate the inner layer from the outer layer. Preferably, the inner layer is predelaminated during manufacture to facilitate its later separation during use. In the case of vacuum dispening, air inlet vent holes are preferably formed at the points of maximum deformation to prevent collapse of the outer layer.

Abstract: Introducing into a space delimited by the walls of a mould a sufficient quantity of a material required to obtain the final composite, placing in the material movable inserts corresponding to the hollow sections of the final piece, applying to the unit a uniformly distributed mechanical pressure under heat, extracting the material from the mould and mechanically removing the movable inserts from the material. Structural pieces formed of sandwich panels incorporating an internal stiffener.

Abstract: Antiabrasion curved section made of reinforced curved plastic material and comprising in at least one of a lower portion and an upper portion in antiabrasion material. A plurality of antiabrasion sections are produced inside a profiled mold having a plurality of grooves in which is arranged the antiabrasion material of the lower faces. Reinforced filaments impregnated with a stabilizable resin are supplied to the mold and, finally, the antiabrasion material of the upper faces is applied. The mold is wound on a mandrel and the plastic material is stabilized before removing the mold sections which form a unitary assembly dividable particulary during the stranding of arm rings.

Abstract: In the production of growth blocks of sphagnum there are considerable operational problems with the required compacting of the loose sphagnum, as both compaction worms and pistons may easily get stuck. Instead, the invention provides for the use of a suction technique, whereby the loose sphagnum (2) is sucked into a perforated pipe (34) in a suction chamber (28), whereby a marked compaction of the material is achievable without any use of mechanical devices. The compacted block material may be surrounded by a decomposable paper casing, which is laid in successively as a lining hose of air permeable paper. The compacted material can be delivered as a compact string (46) by successive projection movements of the suction chamber (28) for being cut into blocks (56), and the suction chamber can temporarily opened for free return movements into its initial position.

Abstract: A process for thermoforming a sheet, involving a static back-pressure which initially increases substantially continuously, then decreases substantially continuously, during the thermoforming operation. The back-pressure is preferably controlled by a pressure release valve.

Abstract: In a double chamber container, the inner chamber is formed by a tubular body of an elastic rubbery material stretched in order to expel a pressurized substance against its own elasticity. To obtain a precise stretching ratio of the tubular body and to empty it as well as possible, the tubular body converges uniformly and its walls have a uniform thickness, even in their bottom part. To attach the tubular body to the container, a collar which acts also as a seal is formed on the thereon. A process for producing the tubular formation includes bringing an elastomeric material into the flowable condition and coating it over a mandrel, and applying a cooling medium detachable from the mandrel over the mandrel initially and/or applying a treatment medium detachable from the mandrel over the latter subsequently, for the controlled alteration of the surface on the mandrel side of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A blowbag manufacturing method for manufacturing blowbags made of thermoplastic material and which are used for containing pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, cosmetics and the like. The blowbag manufacturing method of the present invention, blowmolds a blowbag having a body portion (1) with opposing walls which are flat in section and an opening portion (2) connected to the body portion (1), supports the flat surfaces of the blowmolded blowbag body portion (1) by a pressing surface (8) of a pressing jig (6) having an area smaller than the flat surfaces and so that those flat surfaces are in close contact, and prints required items to an upper surface of those opposing wall surfaces of the body portion (1) in close contact.

Abstract: A composite racket having at least one portion made of a thermoplastic resin and having the remaining portion made of a thermosetting resin is disclosed. The thermoplastic and thermosetting resins provide different dynamic stiffness, flexibility and toughness so that the racket possesses desired characteristics in the zones where they are necessary. The racket is fabricated by preforming a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin in a first mold to form one of the frame portions and placing this preformed portion in a second mold. A fiber reinforced thermosetting resin is then formed into the other frame portion in the second mold and joined to the frame portion formed using thermoplastic resin at the throat section of the racket.

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

Abstract: In the production of a hollow FRP article such as a wood type carbon black golf club head, a hollow resin shell is formed via blow molding, heat-resistant fine particles are filled as a filler into the interior of the resin shell, the interior of the resin shell is decompressed to form an inner mold, the inner mold is covered with FRP prepreg including thermoplastic resin to form a prepreg composite, the prepreg composite is heated in a metallic mold under pressure and the fine articles are removed after demolding. A golf club shaft is formed by heating a mandrel, applying thermoplastic resin powder to the mandrel and then winding a lamellar prepreg around the mandrel to thereby form a hollow shaft. A golf club is formed from a head and shaft formed as described above by enlarging the end of the shaft, placing the shaft and the head in a mold and heating the mold under pressure.

Abstract: A process for the production of a wall for a package including producing a preform of the wall and stretching the preform of the wall where the preform includes a layer containing a polymer and having oxygen-scavenging properties. The preform and the stretching ratios applied are chosen (i) so that the time (t.sub.I) which the permeance of the wall for oxygen would take to rise to 1/5 of the value it would have in the absence of oxygen scavenging would be at least 10 days and (ii) if the preform were stretched at that time (t.sub.I) after the preform were produced, the time (t.sub.D) which the permeance of the wall for oxygen would take to rise 1/5 of the value it would have in the absence of scavenging would be at least 1/4 of the time (t.sub.I). The time between completion of step (A) and the commencement of step (B) is at least 10 days.

Abstract: Blow molding and thermoforming processes in which a mold system having low thermal inertia mold-halves provided with heating and cooling systems is utilized for producing plastic articles coated with surface-upgrading films of high melting polymers or polymers exhibiting a high scratch resistance to improve mechanical characteristics of the molded article. The films may be positioned, before the mold is closed, close to the low thermal inertia mold-halves. Rapid heating and rapid cooling of the mold-halves in contact with the surface-upgraded films permit strength adhesion of the upgrading material to the surface of the molded article.

Abstract: A generally hollow bicycle frame of resin impregnated fibrous material having a main tubular beam and cross tubular portions as required by single seat and dual seat bicycle frames. At the rearmost end of the main tubular beam is a cross tubular portion providing an upstanding seat support post and a downstanding pedal support post, and having a rearwardly and downwardly extending V-shaped rear wheel support member affixed to the seat support upwardly of the main tubular beam. For the dual seat frame, an additional cross tubular portion is provided intermediate the ends of the main beam, providing an upstanding front seat support and a downstanding front pedal support post. The frame is constructed of an innermost shell of fibrous material impregnated in synthetic resin and an outer layer of similar material. The junctions of the seat and pedal support post with the main tubular beam portion are strengthened by the main beam innermost shell extending continously, unbrokenly, through the junction.

Abstract: A grease and oil resistant container useful for baking foods contained therein at elevated temperatures which includes a bottom wall and an upturned side wall extending the periphery of the bottom wall having an inner layer of parchment paper and an outer layer of ovenable paperboard. Preferably, the side wall includes a rim that extends outwardly from the side wall in an arcuate path. The rim may include a peripheral lip which extends downwardly from the rim. The container is formed by deep drawing a flat, circular blank. The blank includes an ovenable paperboard base layer and an inner, food compatible parchment layer. In addition, prior to press forming the blank, a plurality of radially extending pleats are formed circumferentially about the outer area of circular blank which will aid in the formation of a substantially rigid side wall.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic product including an axially extending portion, such as a duct or pipe, and a radially extending portion, such as a flange or bracket. A parison is placed in a first mold cavity defined in a mold and blow molded to form the axially extending portion, and then a movable mold segment is moved to a retracted position to define a second mold cavity adjacent to a part of an outer peripheral surface of the axially extending portion thus formed. Then, a second molted plastic material is supplied into the second mold cavity and the movable mold segment is again moved to another predetermined position to pressurize the second plastic material to thereby form a radially extending portion. The resulting hollow plastic product is extremely high in structural integrity between the axially and radially extending portions.

Abstract: In the deep-drawn molding of a plastic container, a molten plastic sheet is positioned between a plug and a mold. The molten sheet is supported on an upper mold surface portion having heat insulating property and slipperiness, and while a positive pressure is created between the mold and the molten sheet, the molten sheet is molded by moving the plug and the mold relative to each other in a closing direction. By drawing the molten sheet into the mold while allowing it to slide over the above upper mold surface portion, the amount of the molten plastic sheet drawn into the mold is increased, and a container can be produced which has a uniform height direction and a uniform thickness distribution in the container height direction and possesses good appearance characteristics without the occurrence of a drag line in its side wall.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of panel heat exchangers from thermoplastic polyamides. At least one sheet is coated with a coating that facilitates bonding of the polymer to itself under the influence of heat. Two sheets, at least one of which has been coated, are placed between moulds in a press. At least one of the moulds has grooves corresponding to the pattern of fluid flow passages to provided in the panel heat exchanger. The moulds are heated and an inert gas e.g. nitrogen, is applied and passed through the fluid flow passages, to assist in the formation of the passages and to remove any voltatile material from the coating. The preferred coating is benzyl alcohol, phenol and polyamide. The heat exchangers may be used in a variety of end-uses, especially in automotive end-uses.