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: 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 method of forming a water vapor barrier layer to a core of a golf ball is provided. The method includes placing the core of the golf ball into a vapor barrier composition, withdrawing the lifting device, and spinning and optionally oscillating the core within the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to form a layer on the core. The present invention also provides an apparatus that can be used to form a water vapor barrier layer.

Abstract: A molding head is especially adapted for vacuum molding or forming of structures and, in particular, fibrous composite structures 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: An apparatus is provided including an endless conveyor and a plurality of elongated mold elements are mounted from the conveyor and project laterally outwardly of the latter. The apparatus defines coating, heating, and cooling stations through which the mold elements are successively moved and the coating station includes structure whereby the outer end portions of the mold elements may be coated with plastisol. The heating station includes structure by which the mold elements, with the plastisol coating thereon, may be exteriorly and interiorly heated to the cure temperature of the plastisol, the cooling station includes structure for externally and internally cooling the mold elements.

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: 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: 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: 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: An apparatus for manufacturing capsules which causes a solution of thermo-gelling material to gelatinize, and then drys the gel, whereby the process of manufacturing capsules is less affected by drying conditions, thus providing capsules of uniform wall thickness without wrinkles. In the apparatus of this invention, circulating capsule pins are dipped in the solution of thermo-gelling material, thus the solution adheres to the pins, and, the pins are rotated upside down, thus thickness of the solution adhering to the pins becomes uniform. Then, the pins are retained in the vessel maintained at a higher temperature than the gelling temperature of the solution, and the solution adhering to the pins is accelerated to gelatinization. The formed gel is dried in a drying device, and the dried gel bodies, i.e. capsules, are removed from the capsule pins.

Abstract: A mold used to form a latex lid for covering a beverage cup includes a body having a top forming face and a side forming face extending around and turning downward from the top forming face, a stubby projection which has a rounded surface, provided on the top forming face, a shallow recessed fink provided in the top forming face around the stubbing projection. In forming the latex lid, the stubby projection creates a thinned area in the latex lid which facilitates the insertion of a straw, and the shallow recessed sink provides a thickened reinforcing ring around the thinned area. A blind hole may be provided in the stubby projection to create an internal bursting force which can produce a hole in the thinned area.

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: 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: The invention relates to a process for the production of a contact lens, which comprises coating a tool made of an inert material, having a curvature corresponding to that of one of the optical surfaces of the lens to be produced, with a layer of solid polymer, and machining the outer surface of said polymer to the desired curvature of the second surface of said lens while supported by said tool, and to a tool for carrying out such 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.