Abstract: A method of molding soft sheet material having a foam layer and a skin layer. In the method, a skin powder is sprinkled on a predetermined area of the foam layer for forming the skin layer. The predetermined area is such that when the molded product is produced, the only waste material needing to be removed is foam layer. Therefore, the method enables recycling of the waste material and provides an increased yield.

Abstract: A method for making fiberglass articles includes steps for forming fiberglass sections each having a smooth and an unfinished surface and a raised portion, placing unfinished surfaces wet with bonding agent in contact, thus defining a hollow interior channel adjacent to the raised portion, and evacuating the hollow interior channel to compressively hold the sections together while the fiberglass cures to form a single, integral fiberglass part having a smooth finish on all surfaces.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor element is prepared using a capillary having first and second ends with a channel therebetween. One of the ends is closed while the other is open. Near the closed end, the capillary material which softens when heated, is heated and gas is supplied to the open end. This expands a chamber near the closed end which can be shaped and sized by moving the point of heating and varying the gas supply into the channel. The initially closed end is then opened and the channel inverted. The initially open end is then closed and again the capillary is heated and gas is supplied to form and shape a second chamber in the channel. After this, the closed end of the channel is again opened and both now open ends are smoothed to complete the capillary for use as part of a miniaturized sensor element.

Abstract: Automobile panels and body parts are manufactured using a core element (10, 10'). The core element (10, 10') may be blow molded into a hollow core member for use in liquid resin molding. The core element (10') may include molded channels (26) extending longitudinally therealong to facilitate the flow of liquid about the core element (10') during the molding process. The core element (10') may also or alternatively include a corrugated portion (32) to allow bending of the rigid core (10') during placement within the mold (34). After placement in a mold (34), a liquid molding process is initiated to form the automobile panels and body parts.

Abstract: A multilayer container with a flange for sealing with a lid, wherein the thickness of the inner surface layer at the inner edge of the flange is thinner than that in the sealing area, is produced by a method wherein a circular portion of a multilayer sheet to be the flange is held at a certain pressure while the multilayer sheet is being thermoformed under specified molding conditions, with the other portion than the circular portion being stretched. Even a seal ring having an even surface serves as a means for sealing the resulting multilayer container with a lid while ensuring easy openability.

Abstract: A customized shock-absorbing wrapper band comprising at least two rows of gas-filled cushions of arbitrary shape and size formed by joining two flexible webs, at least one of which is thermoformable, and pressurizing the thermoformed recesses when sealing such by the other web in a sealing station of a thermoforming, roller operated machine.

Abstract: A process which includes providing a preform including a polymeric material formed to permit the introduction of a fluid under pressure into the preform, heating the preform to a temperature at or above the glass transition temperature of the polymeric material and below the melting temperature of the polymeric material, placing the heated preform into a substantially cylinderical mold with a polished seamless inside surface, introducing a fluid under pressure into the heated preform while maintaining the preform axially centered in the mold, thereby causing the preform to expand without contacting the mold surface, subsequently causing the preform to expand until it contacts the mold surface, heating the expanded preform to an appropriate heat setting temperature above the stretching temperature and below the melting temperature of the polymeric material while maintaining fluid pressure, and subsequently cooling the set preform, resulting in formation of a biaxially oriented seamless belt.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating resin-filled components, which comprise a multi-element arrangement of a thermoformed plastic sheet with a "second-surface" screen-printed graphic, which formed sheet can receive a light-directing apparatus, and the molded-resin is applied so as to secure the apparatus and provide stability to the overall structure or component. The method is particularly adapted with respect to the fabrication of graphic-display illuminated buttons for use within automotive vehicles.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for making a multi-layer plastic container with an integral handle for holding liquids and the like by enclosing a hollow parison of molten plastic which is at a blow molding temperature, pinching a portion of the hollow parison as the mold clses to form a hollow moil portion and neck portion, simultaneously pinching a portion of the hollow parison to form a hollow handle portion while leaving a portion of the parison to provide a passage from the moil poriton to the handle portion and the expanding the parison by supplying gaseous pressure to the moil portion and from the moil portion to form the container from the moil portion through the passage to form the handle.

Abstract: A high density, blow molded container for maple syrup having a thin, oxygen-barrier coating layer of polyvinylidene chloride copolymer bonded to the exterior surface. A method of providing an extended shelf life maple syrup jug which comprises applying, such as by dipping, a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer coating layer onto the treated exterior surface of a high density polyethylene maple syrup jug.

Abstract: Injection-blow molding apparatus in which maximum mold density is obtained by alternate arrangement of circumferentially continuous blow molds and injection molds, with closure of the blow mold being obtained by a shoulder forming sleeve or shoudler forming portion of this blow mold which is moved into abutment with a body forming portion of the blow mold.

Abstract: A hot drawn multilayered structure including a layer of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer composition containing 70 to 95 wt % of EVOH having an ethylene content of 25 to 60 mol % and a saponification degree of at least 90%; and 5 to 30 wt % of an aliphatic copolymer polyamide containing capramide as a main structural unit, having a ratio of the number of methylene gorups to the number of amide groups satisfying the equation:6.6.ltoreq.CH.sub.2 /NHCO.ltoreq.10having a melting point of 110.degree. to 180.degree. C. and exhibiting a melt index of 0.1 to 10 g/10 mins.; having a thermoplastic resin layer on at least one surface of said layer. The multilayered structure has excellent gas barrier properties and minimized variability in gas barrier properties measured in different areas and minimal gel, hard spots, etc.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the uniformity of wall thickness of an article having a high aspect ratio horizontal cross section and produced from a parison in a blow molding process whereby a barrier layer is applied to a selected area of the outer surface of each parison prior to its introduction into the blow molding apparatus, the barrier layer being effective to prevent premature freezing of the blown parison upon contact with a wall of the blow molding apparatus. The barrier layer application apparatus includes a generally contoured pad coupled to a supply of the barrier material, the pad being situated to contact a selected portion of each parison prior to its introduction into the blow molding apparatus.

Abstract: Injection-blow molding apparatus in which maximum mold density is obtained by alternate arrangement of circumferentially continuous blow molds and injection molds, with axial mold closure being obtained by neck forming and shoulder forming sleeves concentrically located around the cores which are reciprocated into and out of the molds.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bundle-like pipe unit using a blow molding machine having a plurality of heads feeding parisons into a molding die includes the steps of forming a plurality of hollows independent from each other in the molding die, forming one or more channels connecting the hollows to each other laterally, feeding the parisons into the hollows from the respective heads of the blow molding machine, and blowing air into the parisons in a manner such that a plurality of independent pipes are molded in the respective hollows and the pipes are joined with each other at the lateral walls by the parisons which are forced into the channels upon air blowing. Suction forces are preferably applied on the parisons when the parisons are fed into the hollows of the molding die. The pipe unit thusly fabricated is light in weight and possesses flexibility as well as anti-corrosion properties due to the characteristics of the parisons.

Abstract: A heat deformable tube having a melt liner of noncross-linked, cross-linkable thermoplastic material, such that upon heating to a temperature high enough to cause the tube to return to its original shape; the melt liner melts and encapsulates the substrate.

Abstract: The process makes use of a lost core of polystyrene, on which are wrapped and compacted, in successive stages, various sheets or mats of carbon fibre, of known type; a first compaction is effected in an autoclave after having sealingly wrapped the core, before lamination of the carbon fibre layers, in a first polythene envelope, and after having sealingly wrapped the partly finished product constituted by the core wrapped in the first polythene envelope and some of the carbon fibre sheet or mat in a second polythene envelope, by creation of a vacuum within the interior of the second envelope, while maintaining the interior of the first envelope in communication with the outside of the second envelope; a second compaction, after removal of the second envelope, following lamination of further sheets or mats and possible mounting of metal inserts on the core and insertion of the partly finished product thus obtained between a pair of mould halves, is effected in an autoclave by wrapping the two mould halves, pre

Abstract: A method of producing a badminton racket frame includes the following steps. Prepare a mold cavity. Wrap a number of layers of graphite fibers so as to form a shell shaped in the form of the racket frame. Insert solvent material into the shell. Arrange the shell within the mold cavity. Heat the solvent material to cause expansion and to generate pressure within the mold cavity so as to press against the layers of graphite fibers and thereby provide intimate bonding of the layers. Remove the shell as an integral composite badminton racket frame.

Abstract: A method for moulding an article wherein mould parts are adapted to be moved together under vacuum to cause moulding material to be evenly distributed around a reinforcement structure. A finish coating of paint or the like is applied to the article during the moulding process by coating the mould interior and partially curing the coated material before introduction of the moulding material. Coating of the interior of one or both mould parts may be effected to produce articles coated on one or both surfaces. If desired, a plurality of coating and partial curing steps may be employed.

Abstract: A hollow fiber reinforced part, especially body closures for vehicles, is made by applying preforms to a hollow, thin-walled support which has been preshaped to the general configuration of the body closure. The support is then depressurized and the support/preform subassembly placed into a mold. The mold is closed and the support again pressurized. Then, resin is injected into the mold to impregnate the fibrous pieces of the preforms. Once the resin cures, the mold is opened and the part removed.

Abstract: A method of shaping a body of thermoformable material containing continuous filaments by selecting a thermoplastic polymeric material having a minimum forming temperature which is no less than, and is preferably greater than the minimum temperature at which the thermoformable material of the reinforced body can be formed, contacting at least one surface of the reinforced body with the thermoplastic material, heating the reinforced body and a body of the thermoplastic material to a temperature at which the thermoplastic can be formed and applying a differential pressure preferably of not greater than 10 atmospheres, between opposite sides of the assembly of thermoplastic body and thermoformable body to induce a desired shaping of the reinforced thermoformable body and cause rearrangement of the filaments relative to each other, and adhering the thermoplastic body to the thermoformable body.

Abstract: A coextruded, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic multilayer film for packaging fresh red meat cuts and processed meats. The film is produced by coextruding a multilayer structure which includes a first layer comprising very low density polyethylene, a first core layer of vinylidene chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer, and a second layer comprising very low density polyethylene. In another embodiment the first layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a first outer layer comprising a heat sealable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. In a further embodiment the second layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a second outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a cross-linked laminated film by:(a) forming a laminate by disposing at least one polyolefin resin layer (II) on one side of an oxygen barrier core layer (I); and then disposing an adhesive shrinkable resin layer (III) and sealing resin layer (IV) in this order on the other side of said core layer (I),(b) irradiating an electron beam to laminate from the surface side of the layer (II) so as to cause the layer (II) to have a gel fraction x at the outside portion of 25-70% by weight, a gel fraction y at the inner portion contacting the side of the layer (I) of 40% by weight or less, and a gradient of gel fraction represented by y/x of 0.6 or less, without cross-linking the layer (IV), and(c) stretching the thus cross-linked laminate.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic containers where at least the body of such containers is of a laminated construction including, for example, a barrier layer which in the case of the container receiving carbonated products would be a gas barrier layer. It has been found that delamination does occur and this is now solved by selectively providing the container body with minute vent openings which do not extend entirely through the container body, but into that area where delamination occurs and there is an accumulation of a permeant, such as CO.sub.2. The minute vents may be formed in the exterior wall of the container either by way of piercing pins or by utilizing a laser. In the case of the piercing pins, there are incorporated in the blow mold for blow molding the container from a preform and are generally placed along the parting lines of the blow mold and also in central parts of the wall. The construction and operation of the piercing pins may be provided in several forms.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a heat shrinkable biaxially oriented thermoplastic film by extruding a primary tube including very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), heating the primary tube and biaxially stretching the heated primary tube using a double bubble method to form a tube which is heat shrinkable from about 30% to about 50% in at least one of the transverse and machine directions.

Abstract: A method for converting a thin-walled container to a jar with a rigid threaded neck which will accept a conventional threaded screw cap which comprises separately forming a thin-walled container and a rigid threaded neck ring and then attaching the ring to the outside of the container and the jar so made.

Abstract: An inflatable medical balloon is formed by fabricating a tubular preform having a tapered region at the end of the portion where the main body of the balloon will form to enable the corresponding transition section of the blown balloon to have a separately controllable thickness profile. The preferred method includes providing a tube of a selected resin of wall thickness and diameter suitable for being formed into a balloon, and selectively heating to drawing temperature a defined region of the tube at one or both ends of the portion of the tube from which the balloon is to be formed. Tension is applied in opposite directions to respective ends of the heated region to draw the region to a smaller diameter, thereby providing a preform having, at the end of the portion of the tube, a tapered, relatively small diameter region of material that has substantially no crystallization or molecular orientation.

Abstract: A process for producing plastic parts, in particular molded plastic articles that are deep-drawn in a shaping contrivance into molded articles from at least one heated plastic foil, with the molded articles then being separated from the molded article assemblage in the separating contrivance and conveyed with the aid of a transport contrivance to successive processing stations such as a printing unit, or a stacking contrivance or the like. The shaping and detaching of the individual molded articles made of the still warm foil are executed directly after one another at one station, with forming taking place first and detaching then following by means of strip steel cutting, while the form still remains in the closed condition. It is also possible, with the aid of this process, to produce molded articles consisting of two superimposed foils with layers of an absorbent material disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A high temperature low friction dynamic seal includes a wire mesh base portion and a compressed shell portion on the base portion. The shell portion includes between approximately 2% and 30% of high aspect ratio vermiculite having a mean particle size of less than approximately 50 microns, between approximately 10% and 88% of high temperature resistant fibers and between approximately 10% and 88% of one or more a solid lubricants selected from a group consisting of barium fluoride, calcium fluoride, cerium fluoride and a eutectic of barium fluoride and calcium fluoride. The method of forming the seal includes the steps of forming a compressed wire mesh base portion, applying an aqueous paste-like mixture of the shell portion components to the base portion, evaporating the water from the shell portion and compressing the shell portion and the base portion.

Abstract: Thermoplastic layers are vacuum thermoformed to produce laminated structures by perforating all layers to be formed except the layer outermost from the mold. Thus, the non-perforated layer is attracted to the mold, serving as a diaphragm for the other layers or consolidating therewith to form the desired article.

Abstract: A method for making a prestressed concrete article including a cylindrical body surrounded by a cylindrical jacket by joining end walls to the jacket overlying the ends of the article and placing gasket rings between the article and the end walls. A hardenable medium is injected between the jacket and the concrete article and generates a sufficient pressure so as to outwardly bulge the jacket, drawing the end walls together thereby compressing the gaskets.

Abstract: A method of scheduling the building sequence of a plurality of objects on an assembly line in order to minimze the cost of building the objects is disclosed. Each object has a plurality of attributes, which together with the position of the object in the sequence, affects the overall cost of the build sequence. A computer is provided with a representation of the object, its attributes, and a procedure for calculating the cost associated with any arrangement of the attributes. An initial build sequence is generated using the representation which has a minimal cost associated with the arrangement of at least one of the attributes. A final build sequence is generated in accordance with a simulated annealing algorithm which utilizes a scoring function that includes the costs defined by the procedure, those costs associated with the attributes being independently weighted in accordance with a temperature varying function.

Abstract: A laminate having at least one non-dielectrically heatable first material, (processable at an optimum starting temperature), and at least one dielectrically-heatable second material, (processable at a higher optimum finish temperature), is initially brought to its starting temperature. The dielectrically heatable second material is then heated to its finish temperature, by being subjected to radio frequency (RF) or microwave radiation at selected frequency(s). The laminate is then stretched so as to shape the laminate while the first material and second material are at or near to their optimum processing temperatures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing an embossed article of synthetic resin by heating a synthetic resin sheet to a softening temperature; overlaying the heated synthetic resin sheet on an embossing die made by an electro-chemical molding process and having an embossing surface with an embossing pattern thereon and a multitude of fine vacuum pores distributed uniformly over the entire embossing surface; and forcing the synthetic resin sheet against the embossing surface by applying suction through the fine vacuum pores to imprint the embossing pattern onto the synthetic resin sheet.

Abstract: A method for shaping thermoplastic fabrics such as those made of polyester or polyamide fibers into desired three dimensional configurations through a simple procedure. Thermoplastic fabrics are immersed into hot liquid metallic bath made of eutectic metals such as lead, tin, cadmium, zinc and bismuth and formulated to have the eutectic point at least equal to or higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic fibers and lower than the melting point of the fibers. This metallic bath may be called "fluidic lower mold." The thermoplastic fabrics are immersed into the fluidic lower mold by means of an upper mold or core member having desired outer configurations substantially corresponding to those of final products, for example, headrest or seat cushion. The upper mold pushes down the fabric preferably along with a protective sheet laid beneath the fabric into the metallic bath.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced shaped article of plastics material for pipeline systems. The article includes an inner casing of a thermoplastic material and an outer casing of a fiber winding impregnated with resin. The tape is wound onto the inner casing so that at least the entire surface thereof is covered. The article is then immersed in a resin bath while a negative pressure is maintained outside of and in the interior of the article. The resin bath is subsequently subjected to atmospheric pressure. The impregnated article is removed from the resin bath and the resin is hardened by ultraviolet light while the article is simultaneously rotated.

Abstract: A cuppable composite thermoplastic foil with a PVDC layer is subjected to a cupping process at a definite temperature and the container is formed by the cupping process, especially a vacuum cupping process. To provide a stronger and more stable container for food packaging the composite foil is heated to a temperature above the crystallization temperature of PVDC and because of that the crystal structure of the PVDC is broken up. The crystallization degree of the composite foil is reduced at least 50%, after which the composite foil is quenched at a temperature of less than 75.degree. C., advantageously below 50.degree. C. The cupping process is performed immediately after the quenching.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped article from a stock of preformed, thermoplastic, syntactic foam material of hollow microspheres in a thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprising heating the preformed syntactic foam to a temperature above the softening point of thermoplastic polymer matrix and applying differential pressure over at least one surface of the foam material through the medium of a plastically deformable diaphragm member to cause the foamed material to conform to a desired shape. Shaped articles of syntactic foam material, optionally having a surface coating of unfoamed, preferably fibre reinforced thermoplastics materials are provided in a more versatile and convenient manner than curing or sintering syntactic foam material in a mould.

Abstract: A deep drawing process, comprising melt-softening a resin sheet obtained from a resin composition comprising:(a) from 15 to 82% by weight of a propylene-series resin,(b) from 15 to 82% by weight of an ethylene-series resin, and(c) from 3 to 50% by weight of carbon black, each based on the total amount of the components (a), (b), and (c), and(d) from 1 to 50 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the total amount of the components (a), (b), and (c), of an inorganic filler,at a temperature not lower than the melting point of the propylene-series resin and molding the softened resin sheet by differential pressure molding or press molding, wherein the resin sheet is molded at a draw ratio of from 2.0 to 3.5.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable, multilayer film suitable for use in fabricating bags for packaging primal and sub-primal meat cuts and processed meats. The multilayer film has a first outer layer of a first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a core layer of a barrier film including a polyvinylidene chloride vinylchloride copolymer containing between about 70 weight percent and about 90 weight percent vinylidene chloride, and a second outer layer of a second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The multilayer film is preferably made by co-extrusion of the layers, and then it is biaxially stretched. After biaxial stretching, the multilayer film is irradiated to a dosage level of between 2 megarads and 3 megarads and heat-sealed in the form of a bag. The bag has improved toughness properties and heat-sealing characteristics and is not significantly discolored by the irradiation.

Abstract: A method of forming material including alternating layers of fibrin and collagen, formed into tubes, is disclosed for use in repairing transected nerve fibers either by tubulization of the approximated nerve ends, or as an artificial graft which are placed in the severed ends of the nerve, for promotion of nerve growth and regeneration. The new material is treated to reduce antigenicity and is resorbed into the body following regeneration of the nerve fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved container for citrus juice and other liquids. The container utilizes a paperboard barrier laminate for the containment of essential oils and the prevention of losses of Vitamin C. Also disclosed is a process of making the laminate. The laminate makes use of a layer of a heat-sealable ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer to enhance the barrier properties of the laminate.

Abstract: A method for producing and vulcanizing an inflatable hollow body from a double cloth having upper and lower plies with edges and pile yarns spacing the plies apart includes applying a respective gas-tight unvulcanized layer of rubber to each of the upper and lower piles of the double cloth. The edges of the upper and lower plies are joined with angle braces forming a hollow body. The hollow body is evacuated over a predetermined period of time and the hollow body is vulcanized in the evacuated state.

Abstract: Molecularly oriented films are produced which comprise a layer containing a blend of EVOH and nylon. The films exhibit a desirable balance of oxygen barrier and strength properties, and are ideally suited for many packaging applications.

Abstract: A method for forming non-equilibrium and/or metastable metallic or non-metallic powder, foil or fine wire material into a solid body comprises charging the material into a metal container, subjecting the metal container containing the material to rolling at a temperature at which the inherent properties of the material are maintained, and thereafter removing the metal container.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant vessel which contains a liquid is provided with a non-adherent multi-walled construction having, in one embodiment, at least two adjacent non-adherent layers for providing a void in between to enable tamper indication by discoloration indicative of gross spoilage. In one embodiment, the container or vessel has an opaque inner wall and a closely spaced transparent outer wall, with a void in between. Puncture from the outside through the two walls provides seepage of the interiorly-carried liquid between the multiple walls to provide the look of spoilage.

Abstract: The tube of the present invention has no or very small local minute nonuniformity in thickness of EVOH layer, and therefore drawn-formed articles such as blow bottle obtained by draw molding the tube have no streaks and are superior in appearance.

Abstract: A generally rectangular, double-walled box 10 is blow molded in a pair of separately formed diagonal halves 10a and 10b, each including adjoining side walls 11 and 12 subtending a diagonal half of the bottom 15 of box 10. Walls 11 and 12 of each diagonal half are oriented obliquely to the parting plane 43 of a mold 40 that has a cavity 42 and core 41 for forming the inner and outer walls of each box half 10a and 10b. The halves are assembled together along a junction region 13 and 14, preferably so as to trap a hinged cover 20. By filling the interwall cavities of the box with a suitable insulation material, the box can be used for fire resistant storage or cold storage.

Abstract: A method of producing a container of plastic material capable of being oriented and/or crystallized, in which a substantially tubular blank is, in at least two mutually consecutive and mutually separate shaping phases or shaping stages, reshaped into the container. The blank is reshaped into the container by mechanical forming elements (34,42) which stretch the material in the axial direction of the blank, and in the circumferential direction of the blank. By stretching the material in each separate shaping stage to a regulated degree, there will be accumulated in the material a total stretching corresponding to the requisite stretching in order to impart to the material the desired and predetermined orientation and thereby the requisite strength properties.

Abstract: An improved packaging method for producing trays for packaging of food.