Abstract: A method for achieving high definition graphics in the surface of a body molded from plastic powders. The method is specifically described for use in achieving high definition graphics in the surfaces of kayaks formed by rotational molding using plastic powders, with the kayak mold being heated to above the transition temperature of the plastic powders. The high definition graphics are achieved by preplacing a stencil containing cut-outs for the desired design against the surface of the kayak body mold. The openings of the stencil are filled with a plastic powder corresponding to the color(s) of the design. After removal of the stencil, an overlayer of plastic powder corresponding to the main kayak hull is applied. Local heating is achieved to form a skin on the combination of these pre-placed powders. Subsequent heating of the entire mold in a heated oven, with appropriate rotation of the mold, distributes the bulk powder for the hull, melts the powders, and forms the entire hull.

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

Abstract: Modular stone panels simulate assembled masonry, and are useful for decorative walls, retaining walls, facings for structures and the like. Precast stone-faced panels are made by setting stones such as field stone having at least one relatively flat face, substantially directly on the bottom of a rectangular mold. The stones are set in the mold individually while packing sand around and between the stones but not under them. This is done by sliding each stone laterally across the bottom of the mold, thereby packing the sand while substantially keeping the stones supported immovably against the bottom. The stones do not float on a sand bed and the sand between them is packed. Thus the stone and sand are less readily displaced by concrete poured over them to fill the mold. The concrete bonds part way into the packed sand, which can be facilitated by vibration, causing a liquid portion of the concrete to diffuse into the sand.

Abstract: Pre-stressed concrete railroad ties are manufactured by the slip form process in the absence of mold members, other than the slip form itself. Tie casting occurs on portable casting soffits between portable soffit anchored deadmen supporting the pre-stressed tie tensile members immediately overlying the casting soffit. Tie formation occurs with the slip form passing around and over the pre-stressed tension members. Track fastening hardware is vibrationally inserted through windows of the slip form to place the track fastening hardware to precise measured dimension along the route of slip form movement and to configure that portion of the tie adjacent the track fastening hardware. End of tie locations as well as tie batch identification are likewise marked during the slip form process. Upon cure, the ties are cut at their marked end location.

Abstract: A tunnel liner used for a shield tunneling method for a tunnel having a diameter of 1.5 to 7 m is fabricated by dividing a ring-shaped liner into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction. The tunnel liner is required to be excellent in the dimensional accuracy with respect to the outer peripheral surface, to be tight, to be high in strength, and to be high in water tightness at the abutment between the adjacent liners. The tunnel liner is fabricated by a method of filling each arcuate enclosed hollow form with concrete, vibro-compacting concrete, molding the end surfaces of the tunnel liner, mounting the forms within a centrifugal molding drum, and tightly molding the outer peripheral surface of the forms by applying of a centrifugal force. According to this fabrication method, it is possible to effectively fabricate an excellent tunnel liner at a low cost.

Abstract: A decorative sheet for construction is disclosed. The decorative sheet for construction comprises a thermoplastic polyester resin foam forming a surface layer, a large number of inorganic aggregates scattered over the surface of the foam in the presence of an adhesive, said inorganic aggregates forming a decorative face layer by the medium of the adhesive, and a backing layer formed on the decorative face layer. The decorative sheet of the present invention enablesits decorative face layer with a backing layer to be reliably and readily transferred to the surface of concrete construction or products, and yet which enables a foam layer as a protective layer for the decorative face layer with a backing layer to be readily removed after application. A decorative concrete product for construction using the same, and processes forpreparing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for strengthening weld lines in molded parts includes a mold body having a mold cavity formed within the mold body. A reciprocating pin extends along a longitudinal axis through the mold body. The reciprocating pin is adapted to reciprocate between a position flush with the inner surface of the mold cavity and a position slightly away from the mold cavity to displace material within the mold cavity and strengthen weld lines formed in the molded part.

Abstract: A local pressurizing type injection molding apparatus including a stationary die, a movable die disposed for movement into and out of contact with the stationary diet a first local pressurizing pin extending through the movable die and having a tip facing a gate, and a second local pressurizing pin extending through the movable die and having a tip facing the cavity. The apparatus is further provided with first advancing mechanism for advancing the first local pressurizing pin, second advancing mechanism for advancing the second local pressurizing pint and a device for individually setting the points in time at which advancing movements of the first local pressurizing pin and the second local pressurizing pin are started and for individually setting the pressurizing pressures given by the first local pressurizing pin and the second local pressurizing pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for shaping deformable materials during molding processes. Such an apparatus includes, among other things, a vibrating wall assembly. The vibrating wall assembly fits the contours of at least a portion of a mold's cavity. The vibrating wall assembly includes a pliable wall positioned within the mold. The pliable wall is positioned such that its outside wall surface is adjacent to a portion of the mold's inside wall surface; and its inside wall surface defines a portion of the geometric configuration of the material passing thereover. The pliable wall is designed to deform from its original shape when a positive or negative pressure is exerted on its inside or outside wall surface. This positive and/or negative pressure is generated, at least in part, by the displacement of a displaceable fluid. This fluid is contained within a chamber. The chamber is in communication with a portion of the pliable wall's outside wall surface.

Abstract: An automatic alignment vise capable of automatically precisely positioning a workpiece to be machined. The vise can provide precise three dimensional positioning in response to data signals provided by a robotic device, a vertical milling machine or other machining device. The vise allows precise machining of all faces of the workpiece.

Abstract: A locally pressurizing type injection molding machine includes a stationary die and a movable die. An ejector pin extends through the movable die, with its tip end facing a mold cavity and its trailing end fixed by an ejector plate. A vibrating/pressurizing pin extends through the movable die and the ejector plate, with its tip end facing a resin passage and with its trailing end fixed by the vibrating/pressurizing plate. A vibrating/pressurizing actuator is disposed in rear of the vibrating/pressurizing plate, so that the vibrating/pressurizing can be effected through the vibrating/pressurizing plate, and the ejector pin can be advanced through the vibrating/pressurizing plate and the ejector plate, both by operation of the vibrating/pressurizing actuator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a molding process that utilizes different kinds of recycled materials to create a nonhomogeneous article. The materials are first granulated or shredded and then loaded into specific volumes within a mold. An uncured liquid thermosetting resin is then injected into the mold to fill the voids between the particles and completely encapsulated to the particles within the resin. The resin is allowed to cure in an unheated and an unpressurized state to form finished articles.

Abstract: The molded bodies (22, 28) of a track crossing construction are coated with hard material particles (27) at least in a layer close to the traffic-carrying surface so as to improve the traction properties of vehicle tires and to enhance the nonskid properties.

Abstract: In a device for transporting in the plastic state substances with a high coefficient of friction via a pipe (10) in which the substances and the pipe (10) are caused to vibrate relative to one another by one or more vibration generators, the vibrations are transmitted to the above-mentioned pipe (10). Each of the generators (5) can transmit the vibrations to a fluid contained in chambers (7) that are arranged coaxially with and outside of the pipe (10), with the fluid being in contact with the pipe itself.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for molding a high density and homogeneous silicon nitride ceramics within a short time and an apparatus used for the method. A gel-like slurry mixture which is a mixture of ceramic powders consisting mainly of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 and a liquid and has a powder content of from 45 vol % to 60 vol % is fluidized by imparting thereto a strain by vibration, and the mixture under the fluidized state is filled into, and molded by, a mold. Preferably, the entire part or a part of the mold is made of a liquid permeable material. The vibration preferably has an acceleration of from 0.1 G to 150 G and an amplitude of 1 .mu.m to 1 cm. Furthermore, the viscosity of the slurry filled into the mold is preferably from 2,000 to 20,000 cps.

Abstract: A method of producing replicated paving stone including a base having a shaded and stratified layered upper surface with a plurality of simulated grout lines formed therein including the steps of preparing a cementitious mortar, applying a release agent to the interior of a forming mold, pouring the cementitious mortar into the forming mold, leveling the mortar, vibrating the forming mold and cementitious mortar therein, allowing the cementitious mortar to cure forming a base with an upper surface, releasing the base from the forming mold, applying an acid stain to the base, allowing the acid stain to etch the base to shade the upper surface, accenting the plurality of simulated grout lines with a pigment and sealing the replicated paving stone with an acrylic polymer sealer.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing at a prescribed position within a main form for molding the shaped article a cell form having a plurality of cells arranged in a contiguous manner, charging a prescribed amount of dry pattern-course material for forming the pattern course of the shaped article into prescribed cells of the cell form, charging a base-course material for forming the base course of the shaped article into the remaining space of the main form not filled with the pattern-course material, removing the cell form, causing the charged pattern-course material and base-course material to set into a shaped article, removing the shaped article from the main form and, optionally, sintering the shaped article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing concrete panels by continuously pressing and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The concrete panels are successively manufactured by continuously feeding pallets onto a conveyor, feeding a concrete material onto the pallets, continuously pressure frames against the concrete material from the upper side and both lateral sides of the concrete material while imparting vibrations to the pressure frames, forming hollows in the concrete material by thrusting a rotary screw-type core rod therethrough to provide a panel shape hollow molding, and cutting the molded concrete material into a length corresponding to the length of each pallet. In the manufacture process, an organic or inorganic fiber material may be incorporated into the concrete material for the purpose of reinforcement of the finished products.

Abstract: An improved combination counter rotating packerhead and vibrator assembly is provided. A counter rotating packerhead including counter rotating roller assemblies, longbottom assemblies or a combination thereof is disposed directly over an annular pneumatic vibrator. The coaxial drive shaft for the counter rotating packerhead passes through the vibrator thereby permitting the power transmission means to be located below, and isolated from, the vibrator. The vibrator is disposed below, but adjacent to, the counter rotating packerhead for faster pipe production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture. Hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture include materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is successfully removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement article is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: A powder molding is manufactured from various powdery materials including an inorganic material, an organic material, a metallic material, etc., according to a wet forming process. A powdery material and a solvent are mixed into a mixture so that the mixture exhibits a dilatant flow. The mixture is molded into a molding of desired shape, and then the molding is dried.

Abstract: A single wood concrete layer, sound absorption panel is formed as a single wood concrete layer, cast panel body of kaolin mineralized organic fiber chips encased in Portland cement with steel reinforcement. The panels have a noise reduction coefficient of at least about 0.85 for a panel thickness of about 10 cm and a panel density of 86.5 kg/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a symmetrical oval concrete pipe including an oval male joint member and an oval female joint member formed on opposite ends of an oval pipe body including an outer jacket and an inner core disposed in spaced relationship relative to each other to form the oval pipe body therebetween; an upper pallet and a lower pallet configured to form the oval male joint member and the oval female joint member respectively, and a pallet positioning structure configured to engage the upper pallet and the lower pallet to operatively position the upper pallet and lower pallet relative to the outer jacket and inner core such that corresponding points on the upper pallet and the lower pallet are aligned relative to each other whereby corresponding points of the oval male joint member and the female joint member are aligned relative to each other.

Abstract: Method for continuously forming concrete blocks or pavers includes a frame for defining a supporting structure with a mold box flexibly mounted thereon, the mold box having internal cavities contoured to define preselected block patterns, wherein a feed device for receiving concrete material is operable for selective positioning over an upper surface of the mold box for investing concrete material into the cavities. First and second sets of vibrators are mounted, respectively, generally at opposite ends of the mold box means and are operable for being selectively driven by associated first and second power drives. The first and second power drives are selectively operable for synchronizing or independently actuated the first and second sets of vibrators, respectively, so that concrete material invested into the cavities of the mold box may be vibrated so that the concrete material is evenly distributed in substantially equal masses throughout the cavities in the mold box.

Abstract: Plates of ceramic material are prepared starting from stone material, particularly feldspar, quartz, porphyry, granites, silica, syenites, nephelines, ceramic materials, clays, kaolins, bentonites, in granular and/or powder form, mixed with a small amount of ceramic binder to form a mixture. This mixture is distributed onto a plane delimited from a containing frame and then subjected to the simultaneous action of a vacuum and of a vibratory motion combined with a pressing action. After the moulding step, a drying step and then a firing step are carried out, the latter taking place at the standard temperatures for the manufacturing of ceramic products.The resulting plate has high mechanical properties, is highly resistant to atmospherical and chemical agents, and has a very valuable aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: The method of making refractory ceramic products in which a slurry is formed of water, powdered alumina, and amorphous fibers containing AL.sub.2 O.sub.3 and SiO.sub.2, the volume of water in the slurry being sufficient to permit the slurry to flow under vibration but insufficient to permit the slurry to flow without vibration, the fibers having a molecular ratio of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to SiO.sub.2 substantially less than 3 to 2 and the molecular ratio of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to SiO.sub.2 in the combined slurry being at least 3 to 2, thereater placing the slurry in a liquid absorbing mold and vibrating the slurry to fill the mold, then permitting the mold to absorb a portion of the water from the slurry to form a body, then removing the body from the mold and drying the body, and thereafter heating the body to combine silica and alumina from the fibers and powdered alumina to recrystalize the fibers in the from of mullite.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing molded plastic products wherein the process includes:(a) subjecting a mold to a mold preconditioning stage by heating it to a temperature which is conducive for molding a deformable plastic material therein,(b) introducing a deformable plastic material into or over a cavity defined within the preconditioned mold,(c) molding the deformable plastic material,(d) heat-treating the molded plastic material by subjecting it to a treating temperature (T.sub.O) which is at least equal to about 1.0 times the value of the material's glass transition temperature (T.sub.g), when T.sub.g is expressed in degrees Kelvin,(e) subjecting the mold and the heat-treated material to a rheological transformation process preconditioning stage by adjusting the temperature to one which is conducive for a rheological transformation process,(f) subjecting the preconditioned material to a rheological transformation process, and(f) removing the molded product from the mold.

Abstract: A process for producing a concrete post having a sleeve that functions as a pouring form during pouring of the posts, a protective shield during shipping and storage thereof, and a strengthening component upon installation. The post is produced in a process whereby multiple, replacable sleeves are provided in a rack which are simultaneously filled from a hopper. The sleeve cavities are substantially free of rebar to facilitate pouring and reduce cost, the sleeve replacing the rebar as the strengthening component.

Abstract: A reconstruction of a heating wall of a coking oven. The reconstruction includes utilization of a novel large size cast refractory repair module which may be utilized to replace existing silica bricks within a coke oven heating wall. The novel large size cast refractory module are monolithic structures formed from a castable refractory material having very high dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures. Each repair module is a rectangular parallelepiped having one or more vertically extending flues formed therein, one end of a module being adapted to conform to the end shape of the damaged heating wall, the other end of the module being adapted to interfit with existing brickwork. The modules are assembled by initially removing damaged brickwork from the heating wall and then placing in the new modules which are mortared in place.

Abstract: A process for preparing cast articles includes preparing a primary mold of a flexible resilient bag-shaped membrane, disposing casting material in a flowable state into the primary mold and allowing the casting material to harden. Optionally, a relatively fixed secondary mold or a combination of relatively fixed secondary molds can be used adjacent the outside of the primary mold to impart a predetermined shape to portions of the cast object. A continuous ultra-smooth surface is created on the cast objects duplicating the surface of smooth naturally weathered stone.

Abstract: A molded and cured concrete paving member for paving driveways, walkways, patios, plazas and the like, comprising portland cement, a coal slag aggregate, water and an acrylic additive. The blend is poured into a non-porous, high gloss polyvinylchloride (PVC) mold in a relative dry mix and is vibrated to drive the portland cement to the bottom of the mold and to suspend the aggregate into chemical suspension. This also drives the lighter weight water to the top of the molding configuration, which top, due to the configuration or orientation of the mold, ultimately becomes the bottom of the paving member. The molding is accomplished while hanging from a frame in a so-called bag mold so that when the concrete expands and contracts in the relatively flexible mold during the hydration curing process a bond of the concrete to the PVC mold is maintained. The non-porosity of the high gloss mold surface and induced vibration pull the portland cement to the bottom of the mold cavity and suspend the aggregate.

Abstract: A process for making a component by depositing a first layer of a fluent porous material, such as a powder, in a confined region and then depositing a binder material to selected regions of the layer of powder material to produce a layer of bonded powder material at the selected regions. Such steps are repeated a selected number of times to produce successive layers of selected regions of bonded powder material so as to form the desired component. The unbonded powder material is then removed. In some cases the component may be further processed as, for example, by heating it to further strengthen the bonding thereof.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a three-dimensional object from a light curable liquid resin includes irradiating a light to a surface of the light curable liquid resin so as to form successive cross-sectional layers of the cured resin at that surface and to superimpose the successive layers on each other. An improvement resides in that one or more of the successive layers is made to have different portions made through different curing conditions. By providing such cross-sectional layers having different curing conditions, the resulting three-dimensional object can be made into accurate outer configuration without leaving any critical residual stress therein.

Abstract: A pre-cast terrazzo panel having detailed, multicolor designs therein constituted by background and inlay designs of different colors includes inlay and background colors which are integral with no surface difference between the inlay and the background.

Abstract: A method for making concrete cored bricks and capping bricks includes providing a mold having a row of mold cavities separated by cross members having core-bar holes formed therein, inserting a core bar through each cavity and into and filling a core-bar hole associated with rear cavity. Next, a rear core-bar hole is plugged and the cavities are filled with a concrete to form plural uncured bricks. The bricks are then compacted and an elongate, interconnecting pattern is pressed into a first surface of each brick. Next, the core bar is removed from the cavities and the bricks are ejected from the mold. Finally, plural wet layers of colored coatings are applied to the first surface of each brick after which the bricks are cured. Antiqued concrete capping brick including a top surface, four side surfaces, and a bottom surface having formed therein at least one recess are also formed. Additionally, a first side surface of the brick includes elongate, interconnected indentations that extend to the edges thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming a poured slab, preferably of concrete, which has different colored portions. The process includes (a) pouring a wet concrete mixture of cement particles, sand particles and gravel particles into a horizontal mold cavity having a stepped mold bottom surface, (b) curing the mixture to produce a slab with a roughly horizontal rear surface and a stepped front surface corresponding to the mould bottom surface, and (c) mechanically removing the cured mixture between a cut plane generally parallel the rear surface through the slab and the front surface. The resultant slab has different portions with different coloration and appearance due to the cut plane passing through portions of the concrete having different proportions of cement, sand and gravel particles.

Abstract: Monolithic bodies of sinterable materials are formed by a sintering process in which little or no shrinkage of the body occurs during sintering. In the method, large particles are placed in particle-to-particle contact with finer size powder particles at the interstices to form a molded shape which is then fired. During firing, the large particles are substantially stable, but the fine powder particles sinter to bond the large particles together. The method is especially useful for producing large and/or intricately shaped bodies. The method is also especially useful for making monolithic bodies using large hollow spherical particles.

Abstract: A dual containment, free-standing, earthquake resistant, above-ground, flammable liquid storage vault is made by first pouring a reinforced concrete outer tank having a flat bottom, for stability, and side walls. The inner surface of the concrete outer tank is covered with an epoxy resin, the epoxy resin acting as an outer liquid barrier to provide secondary containment. A layer of gravel is placed on the epoxy resin covering the bottom of the outer tank. A primary containment steel inner tank is then placed in the outer tank with a space between the walls of the inner and outer tanks. That space is then filled with concrete when a concrete cap is poured covering the inner tank. Leaks from the inner tank are monitored at the gravel layer. The concrete outer tank has integrally formed skids extending from its lower surface for ease of movement and for visual inspection beneath the vault for leaks.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing a paving block comprising a block substrate and a solid top layer selected from a tile-like layer and a cured cement mortar layer firmly bonded onto the upper surface of the block substrate. The apparatus comprises a mortar applicator (21) consisting essentially of a mortar container and a masking bottom board (23) having an opening (24) to be located on the back of a top layer (1-2) or the upper surface of a block substrate (1-1) during application of cement mortar thereon, a clamping plate (25) to be located on the top layer (1-2) placed on the block substrate (1-1) during bonding them, and a scraping frame (26) for scraping excess mortar remaining on the side surfaces of the bonded block. When the apparatus is used to produce a novel paving block comprising a block substrate and a solid top layer having a plane dimension smaller than the substrate, squeeze-out deposits (6) of the cement mortar (7) are further formed around the bonded top layer (1-2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a curb section of a predetermined length sub-divided into modules by transverse grooves which give the appearance of shorter blocks and provide for fracturing the curb section at those locations. Each module of the curb section includes a rearward fastening projection having a vertical bore for passing a nail to engage the curb section to pavement or other base. Such linear mold sections are all that are required when a curve is dictated. The mold sections are sub-divided into the modules to form the curve. The apparatus includes an open frame moving vertically against a platform and mold shoes for pressing down on the concrete when poured in the mold frame, including plugs for forming the tops of the fastening projections. According to the method, the plugs are removed after the mold frame is lifted, and then the shoes are removed to leave the formed curb sections on the bottom wall.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a collar about an anode nipple (4). Collar composition is supplied to a compression mould (6) comprising two sections and is compressed by said compression mould, if desired, with supplied heat and/or vibration, whereupon both sections are released from each other and removed. Alternatively, collar composition may be supplied to two casting mould halves (9) with each of them corresponding to a collar half (33', 33"), and be preformed in them. Collar composition halves (30,31) are then transferred to a compression mould (26) consisting of two sections (26',26') and are, by the aid of the latter, provided about nipple (4) and joined, whereupon the composition is compressed, if desired, treated with heat and/or vibration to cause the composition in compression mould sections to be joined and shaped into one piece of desired collar shape, whereafter the compression mould sections are separated.

Abstract: A method for degating an injection molded plastic article includes the steps of filling a mold cavity with a molten plastic, dwelling and cooling the mold subsequent to filling to effect gate seal. A first degating punch and a second punch are provided slidably inserted in holes in the mold which cross a gate in an axial direction, being the direction in which a movable mold half is opened and closed. The punches are vibrated at a high frequency after gate seal is completed in order to soften the solidified plastic in the gate. The punches are then displaced with respect to the gate when the plastic is softened in order to effect degating. In another method, a step of cutting the gate in the molded article by sliding the punches occurs during both dwelling after filling the mold with the molten plastic, and cooling subsequent to the completion of dwelling, and before gate seal is effected.

Abstract: An injection method for making a hole in an injection molded plastic article comprising the steps of filling a mold cavity with a molten plastic and cooling the mold to effect gate seal. A first hole-making punch and a second punch, which are slidably inserted in a bore provided in the mold coinciding with the hole to be made in the article in an axial direction in which a movable mold half is opened and closed, are vibrated with high frequency after gate seal is completed to soften the solidified plastic between the two punches. The punches are then displaced with respect to the bore when the plastic is softened to make the hole. A second injection method comprises the step of making the hole in the molded article by sliding the punches during both dwelling and cooling subsequent to the completion of dwelling after filling the mold with the molten plastic and before gate seal is effected.

Abstract: An improved method for carrying out an extrusion is provided, wherein an extrusion material in a flowable state is passed through a die under a pressure to impart a desired shape thereto, and the extrusion is carried out while the die is resonated by an ultrasonic wave in such a manner that the resonance occurs at an n wavelength, wherein n is m/2 and m is a positive integer. Further, an apparatus suitable for carrying out this extrusion method is provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a building block is described. In the first step of the process, an integral, substantially serpentine insert with a density of from about 1 to about 2 pounds per cubic foot is disposed within a mold. Thereafter, a cementitious material is placed in the mold around the insert and then press until the material within the mold has a density of from 80 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. The block thus formed is then removed from the mold and heated at a temperature of from about 75 to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing a pre-cast terrazzo panel having detailed, multicolor designs therein constituted by background and inlay designs of different colors. The inlay and background colors are integral with no surface difference between the inlay and the background. The process involves the steps of (a) providing a pre-cast unpolished terrazzo panel with a first background color; (b) cutting out an inlay pattern or design in the terrazzo panel to create a silhouette cut-out panel; (c) placing the cut-out panel in a mold, pouring a blend of a second color comprising a binder and aggregate into the cut-out and curing the blend to create a cured inlay of a second color in the panel; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) as often as desired with blends having colors the same or different from the first and second colors; and (e) polishing the resulting panel to produce a terrazzo panel having a plurality of colors.

Abstract: Rotational molding apparatus for molding a kayak and the like in a mold (12). The apparatus includes an oven (A) having an oven chamber (40). A frame (B) pivotally supports oven (A) above a ground floor (10). Mold (12) rotates about a roll axis (123) on a carriage (C) while in oven chamber (40). Oven (A) pivots about a pivot axis (72) in counter-pivotal movement. Oven pivot axis (72) is spaced a distance "d" from roll axis (123) of mold (12). This causes a pendular motion to be imparted to the mold (12). Mold (12) thus swings to and fro in an arc as oven (A) pivots. Mold (12) rotates about its roll axis (123) at the same time. A well-controlled, even distribution of plastic material in the mold occurs by this combination of motions. A desired pattern of heat distribution is applied along the length of mold (12) by a series of hot air openings (50a-50d) and a like number of openings on an opposing side of a hot air plenum (49).

Abstract: A method for making concrete pipe. Vinyl liners are held by an expandable liner carrying device. The carrying device is expanded so as to hold the liner in engagement with the outer surface, forming a liner/carrier assembly. Concrete reinforcing bars are placed around the liner/carrier assembly. The liner/carrier assembly and reinforcing bars are surrounded by a dry-cast concrete form. Then, the form is placed on a forming module, and the module is actuated into engagement with the inside surface of the core forcing the liner/carrier assembly to assume a predetermined, usually cylindrical, shape. The form is filled and immediately taken off of the module. The form is immediately stripped, but the core, held immobile by the dry cast concrete, which sets quickly, continues to hold the liner in engagement with the concrete until a complete bond is established. Finally, the core is retracted from engagement with the liner and removed from the finished lined pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of hollow ceramic beams are described using a plurality of substantially parallel spaced mandrels mounted within a flexible mold bag which is filled with ceramic forming powder and compressed within an isostatic press to produce a compressed body of powder. A sliding spacer shoe slides along the mandrels during filling as the powder is vibrated for compaction to maintain the mandrels in a predetermined spaced relationship. The mandrels are removed from the compressed body and it is machined to the proper dimensions before firing in a kiln to sinter the body into a hollow ceramic beam. The ceramic beam includes internal support partitions formed integral with the outer walls of the beam by web portions of the body produced between the mandrels.