Abstract: In the moulding of composite plastic material, in particular of foamed polystyrene coupled with rigid polystyrene sheet, the rigid material (2) is preformed, with the preformed portion being simultaneously separated from the starting material, and the preformed shaped portion is transferred to the preforming half-mould (33) at the moulding station, in which a formed material is moulded by means of sintering and pulsed steam action on the preformed rigid material. The resulting piece is brought back to the preforming station (1) and a further portion of rigid material (2) is preformed on the foamed material, and this portion is then thermoset inside the moulding mould (3) on the foamed material, thus generating an article with two opposite surfaces made of a rigid material, between which the foamed material is sandwiched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of thermoforming thermoplastic substrates. More particularly the method of the invention relates to a method of thermoforming thermoplastic substrates wherein an integral coating is formed on the thermoplastic substrate that is resistant to removal of the coating. The novel coating method of the invention produces coated thermoplastic substrates wherein the coating is intimately bonded to the substrate. The coated substrates are hard, abrasion resistant, mold resistant, chemically resistant, and solvent resistant. The coating composition employs in a solvent base a pigment and a thermoplastic material compatible with the to be coated thermoplastic substrate. The thermoplastic material in cooperation with the pigment, solvent and other components of the coating composition after coating on the thermoplastic substrate, are heated to a thermoforming temperature and the thermoplastic material is intimately fused to the thermoplastic substrate surface.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for use in the preheating and forming of a material object about at least one mold 12 or die thereon. The apparatus has a primary platform 4 for supporting a length or sheet of material 13 thereon, a heating station 2 having a mechanism 8 for heating the object 13 laid on the primary platform 4 a mechanism for isolating the heating mechanism 8 form the object 13. The apparatus 1 also converts the heating station 2 to a forming station 3 which has associated therewith the mold 12. The forming station may either have an envelope 11 for creation of a vacuum seal or a second mold 17 for the purpose of forming object 13.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing thermoplastic composites .e. laminates from a plurality of individual plies of thermoplastic resin prepregs. The prepregs are formed into composites under two substantially concentric vacuum chambers. High temperatures and low consolidating pressures are applied against the prepregs in an inner vacuum chamber while a lower vacuum is drawn from the rigid outer chamber to remove the volatiles and consolidate the prepregs.

Abstract: Apparatus for differential pressure forming an article in a sheet of thermoplastic material having a pair of opposed differential pressure molds at a forming and trimming station moveable between open positions and closed positions engaging opposite sides of the sheet of thermoplastic material for differentially pressure forming an article in the sheet. Mechanism is provided for severing the article from the sheet and includes a pair of opposed trim dies mounted on the molds for movement therewith between spaced apart positions and sheet engaging positions when the molds are moved between open and closed positions. After the part is formed, wedge mechanism is moved transversely of the relative path of travel of the dies for incrementally indexing one of the dies toward the other of the dies to sever the article at the forming and trimming stations.

Abstract: Cold-stretchable sheet material is isostatically formed at an operating temperature beneath the softening temperature of the sheet material by means of a fluid pressure medium at a pressure of more than 20 bars so as to produce a deep-drawn formed plastics piece. Forming may take place abruptly. The sheet to be formed may be provided with a coating such as an ink imprint. The resulting thin-walled deep-drawn piece may be backed and reinforced by injecting further plastics material.

Abstract: A transparent polyester container is produced by melt-molding a copolyester resin containing 75 to 98 molar % of repeating units of an ester of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol with the balance mainly containing repeating units of an ester of terephthalic acid with an alkylene oxide adduct of a bisphenol compound, rapidly cooling the molding to prepare a sheet having a low crystallinity, maturing the sheet at a temperature selected so as to meet a requirement represented by the following formula (1) to prepare a sheet satisfying a requirement represented by the following formula (2) and subjecting the sheet to thermoforming through the use of a cavity mold at a temperature falling within a range represented by the following formula (3):______________________________________ Ta .ltoreq. Tcc (.degree.C.) (1) (.DELTA.Hcc).sub.a .gtoreq. 5 (J/g) (2) Tcc + 2 .ltoreq. Tb .ltoreq. Tm - 2 (.degree.C.) (3) ______________________________________whereinTa is the maturing temperature (.degree.C.

Abstract: A method of and for forming blisters in which a web material including a thermoplastic resin that is supplied to a rotary forming drum is heated and deformed by heat in accordance with the configuration of cavities provided on the rotary forming drum. A predetermined tension is applied to the web material while feeding it. When the rotary forming drum consists of a polygonal drum, each peripheral surface of the drum is formed as a curved surface extending along an arc whose radius is larger than that of the circumscribed circle of the polygon. This invention can be used in a packing device for foods, drugs, etc.

Abstract: A process for producing a transparent and heat-resistant container includes forming a sheet from a melt of a polyester resin having at least 80 mole % ester units derived from 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof. The formed sheet is quenched and solidified so as to have relatively low crystallinity (i.e., less than 50%). The solidified low crystallinity film is then aged and shaped by thermoforming to obtain a container having relatively high crystallinity (i.e., greater than 50%, and preferably greater than 80%). The aging step is most preferably conducted at a temperature which satisfies the relationship represented by the following equation (1):Ta.ltoreq.Tccwherein Ta is the aging temperature (.degree.C.), and Tcc is the cold crystallization temperature (.degree.C.) as determined by differential thermal analysis at a rate of temperature increase of 10.degree. C./min.

Abstract: Polyester sheets are produced by melting a low-viscosity polyester such as a recovered polyester under reduced pressure, extruding the melt into a sheet, and stretching the sheet in the direction of width by 2.5 to 120%. The polyester resin of the oriented sheet thus obtained has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.40 to 0.63. Polyester sheets can be produced readily and continuously from recovered polyester resins or polyester resins below standards, which have a low intrinsic viscosity, and the cost of production of polyester sheets is reduced. These sheets can be formed into various shaped articles by vacuum forming, pressure forming or the like without occurrence of draw-down and without giving defective shaped articles.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for thermoforming a thermoformable sheet material into a predetermined thermoformed shape. A graphic display is provided upon one side of the thermoformable sheet material, and the apparatus includes first and second die members between which the thermoformable sheet material is secured. A forming cavity is defined within the first die member for accommodating a portion of the thermoformable sheet material when the thermoformable sheet material portion is forced into the forming cavity, and the second die member is provided with a heating plate for heating the thermoformable sheet material to a predetermined temperature in preparation for the thermoforming formation of the thermoformable sheet material into the thermoformed shape within the forming cavity of the first die member.

Abstract: A speaker vibration member is made by melting materials containing no less than 10% of a thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer and 3 to 40% of fiber or flake filler by weight, allowing the mixture to flow, cooling the mixture, and solidifying it.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an optical quality aspheric surface f a thin film metalized elastic membrane by treating the membrane with x-rays to cause the elasticity of the membrane to be increased in predetermined area so that when the membrane is subjected to a differential pressure across faces thereof the membrane will assume the desired aspheric surface.

Abstract: Process for producing an atmosphere for the manufacture of high performance composite parts, of the type wherein the atmosphere is used in an autoclave above a superposition of cutouts with fibrous structure impregnated with a thermosetting organic material disposed between a lower mold and an upper sealing covering member, the space between the covering member and the mold being under vacuum. The atmosphere is nitrogen gas prepared from raw nitrogen by separation from air through permeation or adsorption, incorporating a residual content of oxygen between 0.5% and 6%, with a low content of water vapor. Application for example to the manufacture of secondary and primary structures in aeronautical and space construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing thermo-composites is disclosed where individual lies of a prepreg, to be formed into a laminate, are processed under two, concentric vacuum chambers. Heat and consolidating pressure are applied under a first vacuum to the material and then a second vacuum is drawn under an outer, rigid shell.

Abstract: A method of molding polysilazane which includes heating a liquid sheet composed of liquid polysilazane alone or containing not more than 30 wt. % of a ceramic powder or a ceramic precursor to form a highly viscous sheet having a viscosity coefficient of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.6 poise, fitting the highly viscous sheet to a forming mold, and heating to set the sheet. According to the method of the invention, molded bodies are easily obtained which have relatively uniform thickness, and are excellent in transferability, homogeneous and show less defects.

Abstract: A method of handling a fragile, flexible card on a perforated plate. The method includes first locating the card on a tray having an open center, and disposing the tray and card on the plate. The plate is located on a hollow platen which is evacuated to draw the card to the plate. The hollow of the platen has a center compartment and peripheral compartments located about the center compartment. The evacuation process begins with the center compartment and gradually evacuates the peripheral compartments such that the center portion of the card is drawn first to the periphery plate while the peripheral portions of the card are drawn later to the periphery of the plate. In this manner, the drawing process begins with the center of the card and progresses outwardly from the center to the periphery of the card. After the card is drawn to the plate, the card is secured to the open tray by clamps.

Abstract: A method for curing fiber-reinforced resin matrix composite materials (22) includes the steps of providing a form (14) and positioning uncured composite material (22) on the form (14) substantially into a desired shape. The composite material (22) is then cured by providing a fluid bath (10) heated to a predetermined temperature, and heating the composite material (22) by immersing the positioned composite material (22) on the form (14) into the fluid bath (10) for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is sufficient to allow the composite material (22) to become cured and to heat the composite material (22) at a rate sufficient to provide resin flow prior to hardening. Compressive pressure is provided on the composite material (22) while it is immersed in the fluid bath (10).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing an embossed article of synthetic resin including heating a synthetic resin sheet to a softening temperature; pressing the heated synthetic resin sheet on an embossing die by a press die. The embossing die being 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. 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. The press die having an undercut shaping portion. Applying blowing pressure through the embossing dies and applying a vacuum through the undercut shaping portion. Thus, releasing the synthetic resin sheet from the embossing surface and forming an undercut in the synthetic resin sheet.

Abstract: For moulding self-stiffened panels (A) from a composite material with a thermosetting matrix, use is made of a tool having a block (10), a sealing bag (12), whose peripheral edge is connected to the block by a sealing bead (14), and solid, non-deformable calibration parts (22). Panel (A) is placed in a tight volume (16) defined between the block and the bag, while the parts (22) are placed outside said volume, above the bag and between the panel stiffeners (C). The calibration parts (22) are connected by a rigid structure (24). Thus, when the volume (16) is placed under a vacuum and when the tool is placed in an oven or autoclave, a uniform pressure is applied to the panel by the bag (12) and the parts (22) ensuring the maintenance of the geometry of the stiffeners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a lightweight article which involves the steps of: (1) feeding a thermoplastic resin composition into an extruder, wherein the thermoplastic resin composition contains (a) from about 94 to about 99 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate, and (b) from about 1 to about 6 weight percent of at least one polyolefin; (2) mixing an inert gas into the thermoplastic resin composition in the extruder while the thermoplastic resin composition is in the molten state; (3) extruding the thermoplastic resin composition containing the inert gas through a sheet forming die to produce a substantially amorphous cellular sheet which contains a sufficient amount of inert gas cells to provide the cellular sheet with a density which is within the range of about 0.4 to about 1.25; and (4) thermoforming the cellular sheet in a heated mold to produce the lightweight article. Dual-ovenable trays and other types of food containers can be made utilizing the process of this invention.

Abstract: A process in which a blowing agent dispersion is used for producing poly(vinyl chloride) that is particularly well suited for use in insulation covers and the insulation covers made from the resultant poly(vinyl chloride).

Abstract: Thermoformable laminate films with a decorative feature include a polymer carrier film, a paint layer and an optional protective clearcoat and the clearcoat and paint layer have a preconfiguration which produces uniform decorative color appearances following deformation of the laminate by a thermoforming process. To accomplish such results, the laminated film has a carrier film prestretched to orient pigment flakes in the paint layer prior to molding, thereby to reduce strain levels required to mold the laminate with an acceptable surface appearance. The process of manufacture includes the steps of painting a polymeric support or carrier film and prestretching the painted carrier film to control the color hue appearance of the laminate as applied to an underlying relatively rigid substrate or body part.

Abstract: A method of shaping a thermoplastic sheet. The sheet is mounted on an articulated frame and pre-shaped by swinging hinged sections of the frame toward each other. A vacuum mold is then placed with its molded surfaces adjacent the pre-shaped sheet. Vacuum applied to the mold finally shapes the sheet.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally shaped aromatic imide polymer sheet article is produced by a method comprising the steps of shaping an aromatic imide polymer sheet having a second order transition temperature of 250.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. and an ultimate elongation of 120% or more at 100.degree. C., by press-stretching at least a portion of the sheet at a temperature of 100.degree. C. or more, but not exceeding a temperature of 100.degree. C. higher than the second order transition temperature of the sheet, into a desired three-dimensional convex or concave form protruding from the sheet, heat-setting the resultant shaped sheet article in its shaped form at a temperature equal to or higher than the second order transition temperature of the sheet, and then cooling the heat-set sheet article to a desired low temperature.

Abstract: A method of making an inorganic slurry, forming the inorganic slurry into a useful article and method of removing the solvent medium from the formed article. The slurry contains an inorganic powder, water, dispersant, thermally gelable polymeric binder and optionally a plasticizer. The method comprises admixing the inorganic powder, water and dispersant to form a blend. The blend is a ball milled, heated, and admixed with a thermally gelable polymeric binder to form a slurry mixture, then the mixture is cooled. The slurry mixture can be extruded to form useful articles, such as metal or ceramic tapes. Additionally, the invention is also a method of final shaping and removing solvents from the formed article. A heated calendar roll stack assembly is used to rapidly remove the solvent from the article. When sintered, the resulting article is very dense and exhibits substantially no voids.

Abstract: A method of making a protective shield with an optically clear viewing portion by vacuum forming over a mandrel wherein the viewing portion of said protective shield is maintained out of contact with the mandrel to define the optically clear viewing portion.

Abstract: An improved temperature sensing and controlling arrangement for incorporation in thermoplastic heat forming systems includes an infrared thermometer operative to sense the temperature of a plastic sheet during its heating and to produce a direct current output in linear proportion to the intensity to the radiation emitted by the sheet, an electrical relay assembly operative to receive the direct current from the thermometer and to energize and de-energize a relay when the value of the direct current is below or at or above a predetermined value corresponding to a predetermined maximum temperature to which the sheet is to be heated, and a programmable microprocessing sequencer operatively associated with the relay assembly and the heating oven to de-energize and energize the oven when the relay is energized and de-energized, respectively.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously forming and applying a plastic liner to a truck bed is provided wherein a sheet of plastic material is brought into engagement with walls surrounding a truck bed, heated to a pliable state, and forced into close conformity with the contours of the bed by the application of a vacuum from beneath the sheet and/or the application of pressurized air above the sheet.

Abstract: Thermoplastic film, permeable to liquids, used particularly as a covering film for absorbent material, whose openings are formed as projections on one side only of the film, and having its narrowest cross-section in a plane different from that of the smooth side of the film. The cross-section of the opening widens on passing from its narrowest point towards the free edge of the projection on film. The free edge of the projection can be irregularly lobed or wrinkled.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoforming articles out of a sheet plastic material includes a female mold having one or more cavities and a male mold including one or more plug assists in one to one correspondence with the female mold cavities. Each cavity of the female mold communicates with a first passageway. A vacuum source communicates with each first passageway, and includes a vacuum switch. Each plug assist is provided with one or more inlets extending through the plug assist and one or more second passageways, the second passageways and inlets each communicating with the respective cavities when the mold is in a closed position. A first air source communicates with the inlet and includes a first heating means and a switch to selectively apply heated air through the inlet into the cavity under pressure.

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: An apparatus for obtaining a negative pressure in chambers formed by a flat extractor plate supporting frustoconical or truncated pyramidal objects thermoformed from a sheet of synthetic material, embodying a flat extractor plate for hollow frustoconical or trucated pyramidal objects which when resting their rims on the flat surface of the extractor plate form chambers, wherein a suction unit is connected with said chambers by means of a pipe and a connecting cavity and wherein are provided a shut-off valve and an air intake(20) adjustment valve between the unit and the said valve, wherein each chamber is provided with at least one intake for atmospheric air into the chambers (17), wherein the cross-section of the intakes (20) is variable.

Abstract: A method and the respective device for carrying out the method of applying a provisional protective covering to the exposed face that is not perfectly smooth (rough, furrowed, downy, fibrous, striated, or the like) of any products which have to be transported and/or stored and/or processed and/or installed by a subsequent assembly operation, particularly of profiled internal upholstery panels for vehicles, for example, for motor vehicles. A foil (2) of thermoplastic plastics material which is meant for forming the provisional protective covering, is laid out over the pandl product (1), is heated up to the thermoforming temperature, and is then sucked on the exposed face (101) of the product or panel (1) by a suction being peripherally applied to at least one point of the product or panel (1), and which spreads over the entire surface of the exposed face (101) thereof, thanks to the not perfectly smooth structure of said surface.

Abstract: A method for forming finished coverstocks includes automatically heating and indexing slightly overlapped rough seams of coverstock segments with respect to a single thermoforming tool that automatically opens and closes to vacuum fold the rough seams interiorly of the tool and thereafter the folds are pinched to form a finished styling line on the class A surface of the coverstock. An apparatus is provided in which a single thermoforming tool has relatively moveable mold parts that shape the coverstock and include an expandable joint line configured to fold the rough seams and further including slide members responsive to closure of the mold parts to provide space to accommodate the fold for pinching it off with respect to the class A surface. The product of the invention includes multiple coverstocks with finished styling lines formed by pinched off folds on the hidden side of the coverstock.

Abstract: The method for thermoforming articles out of a sheet of plastic material including initially applying a negative pressure to the cavity and a first forming gas to the second side of the sheet facing the male mold section, switching to a second pressurizing gas for a period of time to allow a level of crystallization of the conformed sheet, and flowing a cooling stream of gas against the sheet to arrest further crystallation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a thermoformed, form-retaining article comprising a form-retaining thermoformable substrate and a flexible web coverstock. The method comprises feeding a continuous strip of the flexible web coverstock through a thermoforming line comprising at least a lamination station, a thermoforming station and transport means. Sheets of the substrate are fed into the lamination station and there laminated to said continuous strip of coverstock material. The coverstock is wider than the substrate sheetstock laminated thereto, and thus, it extends laterally beyond the sheetstock, i.e., it has free longitudinal edges. The transport means engages the continuous strip of coverstock material along the free longitudinal edges thereof. The transport means is actuated to advance the continuous strip and, hence, each successive piece of substrate laminated thereto from the lamination station into the thermoforming station.

Abstract: Vacuum forming method and apparatus in which a thermoplastic sheet material is pushed, by at least one plug, into a recess formed in a female mold, and evacuation is applied to the recess to bring the sheet material into intimate contact with a wall surface of the recess. At least one of the female mold and the plug is moved in a first direction in which the plug and a bottom of the recess relatively move toward each other. At least one of the female mold and the plug is moved in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, in which second direction the plug and a peripheral edge of the recess relatively move toward each other.

Abstract: A method of molding oriented structural yarn/polymer matrix composite structural articles in which a preform of oriented yarn layers saturated with a resin is placed in a shape-defining mold, which is put in an enclosure, and subjected to heat and pressure to cure the resin, after which a cooling medium may be introduced. To enable the use of lightweight multi-part molds, and a mixture of pressure is distributed evenly, an internal liner is collapsed about the mold prior to curing. The process is extremely productive, and allows for accuracy and reproducibility through the use of real time temperature monitoring and closed loop feedback control.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing ballistic resistant composites of an isophthalic thermoset polyester and woven roving made of magnesia aluminosilicate glass fibers. An impregnating solution is provided whereby prepregs can be conveniently formed and then vacuum bag molded. The ingredients i the impregnating solution are critically selected to provide prescribed viscosities after the elapse of certain periods of time and thereby allow the final articles to be formed in an economical and expedient manner.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for thermoforming a sheet or billet comprised of at least one outer layer of polypropylene and at least one adjacent layer of a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene and, optionally, a barrier layer. The sheet or billet is thermoformed into rigid articles which do not significantly distort under retort conditions by forming the sheet or billet at a temperature below the sticky point of the polypropylene layer and above the sheet distortion temperature.

Abstract: In the production of shaped plastic elements using deep-drawable thermoplastic film, a tension frame is required to clamp the film. The tension frame is formed by lengthwise and transverse frame parts, on the outside edges of which is located one angle clamp on each. The angle clamps can be actuated by means of closure levers into a releasable clamping position, in which the clamp arms of the angle clamp press with force against bottom fixing members of the frame parts.

Abstract: A carbonizable body is formed by infusing a plurality of preoxidized, preferably stabilized by known processing to have about 9 to 14 weight percent oxygen, polyacrylonitrile fibers in a polar liquid plasticizer, preferably water, capable of extracting a tarry leachate from the fibers. The infusion of the fibers in the plasticizer is continued for a sufficient time for a substantial amount of leachate to form on the surface of the fibers, and are then consolidated or diffusion-bonded to one another or other fibers, as by orienting the treated fibers in a mold and subjecting them to isostatic pressing at relatively low temperatures and pressure. Further processing of the consolidated fibers with appropriate heat treatment in an inert atmosphere will produce a carbonized bulk product with higher values of Young's modulus for the carbonized material than have been previously achieved at such carbonization temperatures.

Abstract: A spill resistant lid having a rim structure adapted to engage a lip around the mouth of a drinking container in a substantially leak proof manner comprising a canopy suspended from the rim structure forming a shallow reservoir sized to fit into the mouth of the container and a vertical opening in the canopy which deflects fluid from splashing but which permits metered flow of beverage for convenient consumption.

Abstract: A flowable particulate polymer-metal mixture that is thermally conductive and is particularly adapted for use as a pressurizing medium in a high pressure elevated temperature molding process. The material comprises a substantially uniform mixture of about 20% to about 90% solid flowable, particulate silicone rubber having a nominal flow rate of at least 0.6 gram/second through a 1.1 cm diameter pipe 7.6 cm long under applied pressure of 10.34 MPa at room temperature. The material also comprises about 10% to about 80% thermally conductive particulate metal that has a melting point less than the molding temperature and is substantially chemically compatible with said silicone rubber. The pressurizing medium is used to mold article precursors into articles by placing an article precursor within a pressure vessel and substantially filling the vessel with a pressurizing mixture.

Abstract: A vacuum molding process for adhering a porous, foam-backed fabric 50 to a thermoplastic substrate 60 and for providing a nonplanar contour to the substrate 60 with fabric 50 adhered thereto. The porous, foam-backed fabric 50 is loosely positioned over a female mold 30. The substrate 60 is heated sufficiently for the substrate 60 to sag. The sagging substrate 60 is deposited over the female mold 30 in a manner whereby the substrate 60 contacts the fabric 50 around an effective mold perimeter 36. A vacuum applied through the female mold 30 is transmitted through the porous foam-backed fabric 50 and attracts the sagging substrate 60 into the mold 30. The attraction causes contact and adhesion of the heated substrate 60 and the foam-backed fabric 50.

Abstract: A method of operating a vacuum-forming machine and the machine which operates by this method, in which once the mold halves are closed on the foil webs for vacuum drawing and fusion of the vacuum drawn container halves come together to produce a hollow article, the mold halves move at the velocity of the web to a lower position spaced from the upper position by a distance sufficient to permit cooling of the molded articles. A spring or other force-storing element is stressed during this movement so that when the mold opens at the lower position, it is driven upwardly at a substantially higher velocity to return to the starting position.

Abstract: This invention provides a new molding method in which in molding a preform injection molded into a holding mold into a container having a wide opening by blow or vacuum molding, the preform may be held and locked by a holding mold and a core member or a container molding mold, and products may be easily removed merely by opening the holding mold in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A laminate consisting of a number of air-permeable sheets of a material is placed on the supporting surface of a table, and a major portion of the periphery of the laminate, inclusive of a lower surface thereof, is covered with a sheet impermeable to air. A suction pipe is arranged on the supporting surface along at least one side surface of the laminate and has a suction port faced toward the one side surface. A periheral portion of the suction port is covered with the air-impermeable sheet, and the laminate is compressed in the direction of its thickness by evacuating air from within a space defined by the air-impermeable sheet by vacuum producing means connected to the suction pipe. The air-impermeable sheet and laminate can be moved together with the suction pipe in parallel relation to the supporting surface, and they can be stopped at a desired position, during the evacuation process.

Abstract: A relatively thin thermoplastic sheet material, vacuum molded to form a sign letter base including hollow wall members and hollow light-fixture supports upstanding from a single-thickness horizontal bottom member. The base inverted forms a mold itself for receiving a flexible plastic foam inserted to a suitable height and disposed within the vertical walls and fixture supports for providing compressible elasticity to the thin molded sheet in predetermined locations for enabling cooperative interaction of the same with retainer members used to secure a display sign face and gas filled lighting tube structures in proper location onto the base. A rigid polyester resin is cast as a ring encircling the letter walls, located and supported by the flexible foam to stabilize and support the thin nature of the base.