Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus that plasticizes a material includes: a drive motor; a screw rotated by the drive motor and having a groove forming surface in which a groove is formed; and a barrel having a facing surface that faces the groove forming surface and provided with a heater and a communication hole. The barrel includes a first member, and a second member having thermal conductivity different from that of the first member, and the second member is provided closer to the communication hole than the first member.

Abstract: A candelabrum includes a frame assembly, a pair of anchor beams, and at least one candle support. The frame assembly includes a first frame member, a second frame member, and at least one cross member. The first frame member is rigidly coupled to the second frame member via the at least one cross member. The pair of anchor beams is coupled to the frame assembly. The at least one candle support is pivotally coupled to the pair of anchor beams. The at least one candle support is configured to receive a candle therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hard shell capsule components, wherein the capsule components are formed from a material which undergoes gelation upon heating, such as HPMC. A heat station is provided to heat a plurality of molds prior to dipping into a solution of the thermogeling material. The drying conditions following dipping are carefully controlled to control the rate of drying.

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses for making carbon nanotube (CNT) papers are provided. In one embodiment, a method for making a CNT paper may include disposing a structure having an edge portion including a relatively sharp edge into a CNT colloidal solution and withdrawing the structure from the CNT colloidal solution.

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: A sheet wafer growth system includes a crucible for containing molten material and an afterheater positioned above the crucible. The afterheater has an inner surface disposed toward the crucible. The system further includes one or more shields adjacent to the inner surface of the afterheater. The afterheater and the shield(s) are configured to allow a sheet wafer to pass adjacent to the shield(s). Each shield has two or more substantially different thermally conductive regions such that the two or more regions are configured to control the temperature profile of the growing sheet wafer.

Abstract: Techniques for forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) structure are disclosed.

Abstract: A molding head is especially adapted for vacuum molding or forming of structures and, in particular fibrous composite structures using recycled carbon fiber, in an adjustable, controllable three dimensional orientation before, during and after molding. Such a molding head includes a mold plate with narrow slots in the mold surface thereof and wider channels in the back surface thereof, with such slots and channels intersecting one another. A control system of servomotors or other actuators permits movement and orientation of the mold head during forming, thereby creating the ability to vary the material properties based on gravity and particle or suspension grain, thickness and other now controllable properties.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of flexible moulds is described, in particular for the obtainment of lipsticks or the like, which comprises a female mould including at least one moulding cavity fillable with a plastic fluid, a male mould including at least a male stem and means to insert said male stem into said cavity of the female mould after the same has been filled with said plastic fluid and to extract it from the same after a prefixed cooling period suitable to transform said fluid plastic into a flexible mould.

Abstract: A multi-layer rotational-molded plastic article has an area, such as a sight line for viewing content levels, where an inside layer protrudes through the outside layer and may be bonded to it. A first flowable material such as plastic resin is introduced into a mold having an insulating member extending through an aperture or slot into the mold. The mold is rotated and heated to less than full cure. The insulating member is removed, a second, transparent flowable material is introduced into the mold, and a cover member replaces the insulating member. The mold is rotated and heated to cure both resins, and only then cooled and opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a silicone cover for a breast implant, comprising a dipping station for repeatedly immersing at least one mould of said cover in a plastic solution, wherein the mould at its lower side is placed on an adjustable arm such that during operation at least prior to a complete immersion of the mould, an upper end of the mould comes in contact with the plastic solution.

Abstract: The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.

Abstract: A rotomolded plastic wall and ladder structure (10, 50, or 58)), which may be an article such as a window well (10) or a manhole (50 or 58), includes a thermoplastic wall (12), a ladder (16) whose rungs (18) each include an elongated metallic core (20) and a thermoplastic sleeve (22). Mold apparatus (70) includes a thermoplastic rotomold (72), an elongated hollow metallic core (20) having a heating passage (74) therein, and means for flowing hot air through the heating passage (74). The method includes disposing the hollow metallic core in a mold, placing a quantity of a thermoplastic inside a mold, heating the mold, rotating the heated mold, flowing heated air through the hollow metallic core, and bonding a layer of the thermoplastic onto the hollow metallic core.

Abstract: A gel coating method comprising making a mold (27), which has both a gelatinizer impermeability or a slight gelatinizer impermeability and a hardening agent permeability, retain a hardening agent (26) thereon beforehand by immersing the mold (27) in the hardening agent (26) and taking out the mold (27) therefrom, placing a gelatinizer (30) and an object to be sealed (9) in the resultant mold (27), allowing the hardening agent (26) to permeate through the mold (27) as a whole by immersing the mold in the hardening agent (26) again, and uniformly hardening the gelatinizer (30), which is around the object to be sealed (9), from the portion thereof which contacts the mold (27), whereby the object to be sealed (9) is rendered easily removable as gel-coated object (9a) from the mold (27).

Abstract: embodiments of the invention include purification of DNA, preferably plasmid DNA, by use of selective precipitation, preferably by addition of compaction agents Also included is a scaleable method for the liquid-phase separation of DNA from RNA. RNA may also be recovered by fractional precipitation according to the invention. RNA, commonly the major contaminant in DNA preparations, can be left in solution while valuable purified plasmid DNA is directly precipitated. Endotoxin can also be kept to very low levels. The invention includes mini-preps, preferably of plasmid and chromosomal DNA to obtain sequenceable and restriction digestible DNA in high yields in multiple simultaneous procedures. As a method of assay, a labeled probe is precipitated by hybridizing it to a target, (erg. chromosomal DNA, oligonucleotides, Ribosomal RNA, tRNA), and thereafter precipitating the probe/target complex with compaction agents and leaving in solution any unhybridized probe.

Abstract: Prophylactic devices are made in an inert atmosphere by cooling mandrels on which the devices are to be deposited, dipping the mandrels into a polymeric material in a solvent/carrier and a mold release agent, rotating the mandrels during and after the dipping, and evaporating the solvent after dipping. The apparatus includes an air lock between a section in which these functions are performed and a section located in an air atmosphere for removing the devices from the mandrels, followed by cleaning the mandrels for use in a subsequent production run for making devices.

Abstract: An extruder for plasticizing and extruding a material. The extruder is formed from two interfitted orbital scroll members. Material, usually in a solid state, can be fed between the scroll members. As the scroll members are rotated eccentrically with respect to one another, the material is conveyed toward the center of the scroll members within a pocket of ever decreasing volume. This applies shear energy to the material which causes melting. Heaters can be provided in the scroll members to further aid and control the melting. By the time the material reaches the central output, it is in a molten state and can be extruded through an output. A method for extruding, and an injection molding machine using such an extruder to plasticize plastic resin, such as PET, is also described.

Abstract: A capsule making machine includes a pin bar having a set of passageways disposed so as to allow free passage of fluid through a base. In another aspect of the present invention, a hood having a substantially triangular side view shape is disposed within the capsule hardening station for dispersing fluid upon the pin bars to promote hardening of the capsules. Another aspect of the present invention provides specific heating temperature ranges within predetermined section of the capsule hardening station. Methods of constructing a pin bar and for operating a capsule making machine are also provided within the present invention.

Abstract: A pin mold and pin bar assembly for use in a methylcellulose capsule-making machine includes a pin bar, an insulating strip, and a pin mold mounted to the pin bar and insulating strip. The pin mold has a shell composed of stainless steel and a copper core. The subject invention also includes a deck plate assembly for use with the pin mold and pin bar assembly. The deck plate assembly includes a deck plate, at least one heating element, a sensor, and a power supply. The deck plate assemblies may be arranged in a kiln section of a methylcellulose capsule-making machine and may be heated to desired temperatures independent of adjacent deck plate assemblies.

Abstract: A capsule-making system for the manufacture of capsules for pharmaceutical use includes an elevator for manipulating and uniformly heating a plurality of vertically stacked pin bars prior to dipping. The heated elevator station is positioned before the dipping station as part of the capsule-making machine. The elevator comprises a series of vertically stacked pin bars. A series of oil lines carrying hot oil is provided is within the elevator such that each of the pin bars is evenly heated. More than one elevator (i.e., more than one pin bar stack) may be situated in a side-by-side manner. Each elevator stack is selectively moved up or down by means of one or more hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pharmaceutical capsules use an aqueous solution of a thermogelling cellulose ether composition and use capsule body pins and capsule cap pins as molds. The method involves heating the pins, dipping the pins into the solution to cause the solution to gelatinize on the surface of the pins, removing the pins and drying the gelatinized solution on the surface of the pins to form capsule bodies and capsule caps. Pins are heated pre-dip and post-dip to facilitate gelating. Counterflow air is applied to provide drying from the inside. Capsule parts are removed by gripping. Capsule parts may have a thick wall and a stiffening ring.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing pharmaceutical capsules uses an aqueous solution of a thermogelling cellulose ether composition, and uses capsule body pins and capsule cap pins as molds. The apparatus heats the pins, dips the pins into the solution to cause the solution to gelatinize on the surface of the pins, and dries the gelatinized solution on the surface of the pins to form capsule bodies and caps. The apparatus provides differential heating and supplemental heating of the pins before dipping, and directed radiant heating after dipping. The apparatus provides counterflow air for drying. The apparatus removes parts from pins by gripping. The pins are smaller than pins used to make gelatin capsules of the same size number.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for drying and curing a liquid film applied to a former which is reactive to radio frequency energy so as to generate heat. A liquid film, such as latex, is applied to a metallic former which is then disposed in the proximity of an applicator which propagates radio frequency energy. In response, by a process of induction the former generates heat and thereby advantageously dries said film in an inside-to-outside manner. A superior product is produced which is substantially free of defects and blemishes.

Abstract: A mechanism for producing the bead on a rubber article made by a dipping process first loosens the rubber film on the form using a pair of looseners in the form of roller brushes which contact the lower portion of each form as the forms are moving along on the form carriage. As the forms move along on the form carriage, the looseners move in the same direction as the form carriage but at a different speed, so that the roller brushes roll around the entire circumference of the lower portion of each form to thoroughly loosen the edge of the rubber film from the form. Following the loosening operation, the beads are formed by a separate bead roller mechanism which provides a bead of predetermined dimensions by rolling up the edge of the film a predetermined amount. The bead rolling operation is accomplished by a pair of roller brushes which are mounted diagonally with respect to the direction of travel of the form carriage.

Abstract: An improved carrier assembly for the dip coating of latex or rubber-like articles comprises a pair of horizontal members and a vertical member that connect a carriage arm to a form frame. The first horizontal member is attached at one end to the carriage arm and is attached at the second end, which is split to form a clevis into which the first end of the second horizontal member is affixed rotatably. The rotation of the second horizontal member is limited by a pair of adjustment screws. The straight vertical member, having a cam engagement bushing disposed removably thereon, is non-rotatably attached to the second horizontal member at its first end and integrally attached to the form frame at its second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously transporting and dipping patterns in a process wherein patterns of a desired shape are dipped in and coated with a liquid that subsequently forms a thin membrane thereon. The apparatus includes an endless roller chain assembly that carries a number of pattern carrier assemblies through a linear dipping span. Each pattern carrier assembly includes a vertical track attached to the roller chain assembly and a carrier arm slidably connected to the track for vertical movement therein between a raised position and a lowered position. A pattern support bar is connected to the carrier arm and extends perpendicular to the dipping span of the roller chain assembly. Two or more parallel rows of patterns are suspended from the pattern support bar with their maximum width dimension extending perpendicular to the bar and with the patterns of each row being closely spaced to the patterns of the adjacent row so that at least two rows are transported simultaneously by the same carrier arm.

Abstract: A dip mold for forming a part from plastisol which part has an integral internal member. The dip mold has an internal cavity in its free end to form said internal member and the cavity is vented by a lateral passage to the outside face of the mold to allow air in the cavity to escape and the internal molded part to be formed.

Abstract: An in situ fiberization apparatus for continuously fiberizing belt shaped substrates by impregnation with fibrous material formed from fiber forming polymer solutions. The apparatus includes a belt substrate which is continually passed through a fiber forming solution at a constant rate. During passage of the substrate belt through the fiber forming solution, the apparatus provides continual oscillation of the belt. The oscillating or reciprocating motion of the belt substrate produces the conditions for flow-induced crystallization of fibers around and throughout the substrate material to thereby produce a fiber reinforced substrate.

Abstract: A hard capsule making apparatus consisting of cleft dipping pins, encircling stripping rings, and rotation discs having parallel grooved retainer bars, to provide a means for making and stripping novel integrally formed multiple chamber hard capsules, and a means for making and stripping novel multiple chamber hard capsules made by combining separate hard capsules of different sizes to form a single unit, fixed capsule within a capsule vehicle. The multiple chamber capsules are made of methylcellulose, gel, or other appropriate material, providing a clear, transparent, or translucent exterior wall of the body part of the multiple chamber capsule, thus providing an externally visible means for the consumer or user to detect, before use, whether the capsule has been opened after original filling and closure, by means of contrasting visible evidence of reopening, in the form of changed physical appearance of an original substance, or a substituted substance contained in at least one chamber thereof.

Abstract: A device and a method for the manufacture and processing of biscuit mixture shapes, including pressing pick up devices by means of a drive with their forming chambers against the floor of a trough filled with biscuit mixture, and while there, rotating them by means of a drive by 360.degree., while a drive turns the trough somewhat further. Subsequently the pick up devices are raised and placed by a drive in a position above a band conveyor with baking sheets. By means of a drive the ejectors are then moved into the forming chambers and the formed biscuits are deposited by stripping device onto the baking sheet. The baking sheet is fitted with recesses of specific design. The band conveyor transports the formed biscuits into a plant comprising an oven, a cooling device, a second heating device, a removal device and stacking chambers for baking sheets. The removal device is largely identical with the mixture pick up device. The trough receives a supply of mixture which is controlled by a level indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for manufacturing elastomer gloves having percentage elongation of at least 300%. In order to prevent excess deposits of the polymer latex in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers when the hand-shaped molds are coated, by dipping, with the polymer, the surfaces of the mold in these areas are formed as non-rounded, non-horizontal inclined surfaces which join at an apex and define an included angle therebetween. This arrangement prevents the pooling of the polymer latex in the areas in question, this pooling being the cause of the excess deposits and being characteristic of prior molds of this general type. In order to provide sufficient coagulant around the sharp corners formed in the areas of the tips of the fingers and the webs between the fingers so as to provide sufficient coating in those areas, it is necessary to use a heated mold and to provide sufficient dwell time and withdrawal time for the mold from the coating baths during the process.

Abstract: A production line for the manufacture of (unreinforced, reinforced or prestressed) concrete comprising concrete casting means, a circuit for hardening it and means for removing the hardened elements. It includes a chain of floats adapted to be moved in a moat of liquid and means for placing the concrete elements which have just been cast, on said floats, which by moving in the moat, transport the concrete elements through the hardening circuit, means being provided to bring back the floats to the concrete casting means. The installation is applied in the manufacture of piles, posts for electric cables, slabs, beams, panels and curbs.

Abstract: A system for the production of dipped taper candles, including an overhead conveyor system supporting mobile carrier racks for formation of the candles in suspended relation from the rack, and including a wicking station for providing rows of candle wicks in generally tensioned suspended relation from a carrier rack, a dipping station for automatically dipping said wicks on the rack through a predetermined number of dipping cycles, a cutoff station for cutting off the bases including the wick tensioning weights of the candles suspended from the carrier rack, a butt forming station for heat forming the cut butt ends of candles suspended from the carrier rack, and a cut down station for expeditiously cutting down the carrier rack rows of the candles formed on the candle wicks and for collecting the same for further processing. The invention also provides a novel method of producing physically uniform candles in mass production batches.