Abstract: Isothermal imprint embossing system. In one embodiment, the system includes a heater to pre-heat a disk substrate to an embossing temperature, a die assembly with an embossing foil to imprint the embossable film disposed on the disk substrate, and a heat tunnel disposed between the heater and the die assembly to maintain the embossing temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus and process for producing thermoplastic articles. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a process for manufacturing fiberglass products using a fiberglass material consisting of fiberglass strands commingled with heat-formable polypropylene strands. A molding apparatus comprising: (a) an air pressure chamber with an open side; (b) a flange plate fitted to the open side of the air pressure chamber, said flange plate having an opening therein for receiving a mold; (c) an upper bladder associated with the flange plate and covering the opening; (d) a base pressure plate; (e) a mold positioned on the base pressure plate; and (f) a locking mechanism for securing the air pressure chamber with the base pressure plate, and balanced air pressure in each chamber during molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cooling material during continuous vacuum forming. The apparatus includes one or more cooling regions positioned adjacent one or more vacuum regions. A rotatable support belt including perforations therein supports a flexible patterned belt. The flexible patterned belt includes apertures spaced along the length and width thereof. The one or more cooling regions provide a cooling fluid to be drawn through the apertures in the flexible patterned belt to form an area of cooling fluid on the flexible patterned belt which contacts a bottom surface of a hot material received on the flexible patterned belt in order to cool the bottom surface of the material and the flexible patterned belt. The vacuum regions are in fluid flow communication with the perforations of the support belt and the apertures of the flexible patterned belt for drawing the material onto the flexible patterned belt.

Abstract: A vacuum-forming system (10) for manufacture of a component includes a vacuum-forming mold (18, 20). The vacuum-forming mold (18, 20) may be heated. One or more wrapping arms (60, 62, 64) are in operative coupling with the vacuum-forming mold (18, 20). One or more cutting elements (196, 207, 262) are mechanically coupled to the vacuum-forming mold (18, 20), the wrapping arms (60, 62, 64), or a substrate (40). A controller (42) may be coupled to and adjust the temperature of the cutting elements (196, 207, 262). A controller (42) may also or as an alternative be coupled to and control the operation of the wrapping arms (60, 62, 64) to wrap a compliant cover stock object (22) on the substrate (40) and to simultaneously trim the object (22) via the cutting elements (196, 207, 262).

Abstract: Preheated plastic sheets are squared and flattened to be engageable by clamping fingers of clamps on a clamping frame by an array of paddles having vertical and horizontal portions moved to engage any upturned or skewed sheet edges to flatten and square the same as said paddles are simultaneously moved longitudinally and vertically by respective actuators.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously producing elongated siding panels is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a plurality of mold plates, and a die for extruding a sheet of material onto the mold plates. The mold plates are formed of a rigid material and positioned adjacent one another and supported by the conveyor for forming the elongated siding panels. Each of the mold plates has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion with an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion has an aesthetic pattern for imparting the pattern to the sheet of material with the adjacent mold plates having different aesthetic patterns. The lower edge portion has a lower leg extending substantially perpendicular from the intermediate portion defining a horizontal plane and a projection portion between the lower edge portion and the intermediate portion extends beyond the horizontal plane for imparting a jagged pattern to the intermediate portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick set-up system for calibration devices located downstream from an extruder, in particular one for synthetic profiles. With this quick set-up system, a dry gauge and the vacuum tank(s) are mounted on two horizontally positioned tubes that are positively connected to the calibration stage, such that they can be moved and adjusted horizontally and vertically, which enables an exact advance adjustment of the gliding device, and with it, of the vacuum tanks and calibration device, thus eliminating a subsequent alignment. In addition, by installing a central water disposal system, the required replacement of hoses with different lengths when moving the vacuum tanks is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for flattening sintered ceramic electronic packaging substrates having opposing faces with undesired camber interleaves the substrates with spacers. At least one heating zone includes a heat transfer medium movable toward and away from the stack of interleaved ceramic substrates and spacers to apply a desired rate of heat by direct contact with or close proximity to sides of the stack. A plunger applies pressure to the stack in a direction normal to the faces of the substrates. At least one cooling zone includes a heat transfer medium movable toward and away from the stack to remove heat introduced in the heating zone by direct contact with or close proximity to sides of the stack. A reducing gas supply is operatively connected to the at least one heating zone and at least one cooling zone to supply gas to maintain a controlled reducing atmosphere within the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of thermoforming shells so that their cut lips face inward toward the shells permits the production of a number of novel thermoformed products having superior nesting and de-nesting qualities and having the ability to fit together to produce a variety of closed shell forms.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus having a mold with an internal vacuum chamber and a quench for cooling a thermoplastic sheet while it remains on the mold. Because the quench cools the sheet, conventional cooling lines are eliminated from the mold. One method of using the thermoforming apparatus includes pushing a heated sheet towards the mold with a plug assist, drawing the heated sheet over the mold, creating a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the mold to maintain the sheet on the mold and quenching the sheet on the mold in a quenching tank by moving the quenching tank to the mold.

Abstract: A heating-type vacuum press device which has a small vacuum isolation chamber in which pressing is performed under vacuum without damage to seal packing, while heating. A lower fixed frame and an upper movement frame constitute a wall portion of the isolation chamber. A gas-tight sliding mechanism ensures gas-tightness between the lower fixed frame and the upper movement frame. Thereby, the isolation chamber is formed in a space defined by the lower fixed frame, the upper movement frame, a base and a fitting plate. The lower fixed frame surrounds a receiving table equipped with a heater for a workpiece, and is arranged on the base such that the lower fixed frame is spaced from the receiving table. The upper movement frame is hanged from the fitting plate such that the upper movement frame is spaced from a pressing plate equipped with a heater, and surrounds the pressing plate.

Abstract: A display unit for displaying various flat or flat-packaged articles, such as greeting cards, magazines, brochures, and the like is provided. The display unit includes a molded backboard having a plurality of walls joined to one another by a plurality of horizontal channels and a snap-in retainer for holding the displayed articles which is easily inserted into and removed from the channel of the backboard. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of making such a molded backboard and a mold insert tool for use in forming the channel of the backboard.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus having a mold with an internal vacuum chamber and a quench for cooling a thermoplastic sheet while it remains on the mold. Because the quench cools the sheet, conventional cooling lines are eliminated from the mold. A preferred process of using the thermoforming apparatus includes drawing a heated sheet over the mold, creating a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber of the mold to maintain the sheet on the mold and quenching the sheet on the mold in a quenching tank. A preferred process of manufacturing a mold with an interior vacuum chamber includes forming an impression of the mold in a casting media, suspending a vacuum line or vacuum cabinet within the impression and pouring molten material around the vacuum line or vacuum cabinet to form the mold at least partially surrounding the vacuum line or vacuum cabinet. Vacuum holes are drilled through the mold from the mold face to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A molding machine (1) may include first and second dies (13, 23) arranged and constructed to be closed and opened, and first and second trimming members (17, 27) arranged and constructed to engage with each other after the first and second dies are closed. When the first and second dies (13, 23) are closed, a resin based sheet material (S?) is pressed so as to form a molded material (S). When the first and second trimming members (17, 27) engage with each other, the molded material (S) is circumferentially trimmed so as to produce a molded article (Sa) and a waste strip (Sb).

Abstract: A method and a molding tool for producing containers from a thermoplastic plastic film. The method and tool permit the production of containers having a hollow floor and a double-walled standing base, with a seal between the two walls of the standing base. The method permits the production of such a container in large piece numbers, and with a high quality, and allows it to be transferred reliably into a stacking device. The components of the molding tool are subjected to low wear, and the molding tool is unsusceptible to contamination. These features are attained by a constant contact between the mold floor and the container floor between the shaping and stacking processes, and by the creation of a space between the inside wall of the standing base and the outside wall of the mold floor prior to the ejection of the container, the space also permitting the unmolding of a standing base that has a more pronounced undercut or a slightly conical shape.

Abstract: A molding die apparatus and a method thereof are provided, which ensures for air and gas (or fluid) present in a resin filling space to be exhausted so as to be able to fill molten resin into the cavity smoothly and uniformly thereby enabling production of a high quality molded resin product suitable as an optical disc substrate or the like having optimum optical properties required therefor. The molding die apparatus for obtaining the molded product by injecting the molten resin into a cavity that is formed between dies includes a vacuum apparatus which is disposed in proximity to the cavity, the vacuum apparatus including a vacuum tank, an exhaustion channel and a vacuum valve which controls open and close of a channel between the vacuum tank and the exhaustion channel, and the cavity is exhausted efficiently and rapidly by the vacuum apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine and a method of manufacturing a duplex twin-sheet element from two continuous webs of thermoplastic material conveyed in parallel by means of a twin-sheet frame provided therebetween, which is adapted to be loaded by means of a tensioning frame for creating closed machine chambers with the material web sections to be shaped, provides for the aspect that the twin-sheet frame is provided with a front frame section in the front along the conveying direction of said material webs, which frame section can be removed for de-moulding said twin-sheet element. The material webs are conveyed in a cycled operation when the twin-sheet frame is not loaded and open in the conveying direction, and for forming a twin-sheet element, the twin-sheet frame is closed and loaded by the tensioning frame.

Abstract: In the method, after the pattern-bearing film is fed to the female mold, the distal end of the film is fixed under a lower portion of the female mold, and at the same time the film is retreated by a force from the film supply portion. Thus, this tightens up the film so that the slacks or wrinkles cannot be formed on the film. Therefore, the film can be fortunately spread around the parting surface of the female mold. In the apparatus, the film suppressing frame is pressed to the female mold through the sliding rod arranged in the female mold, in such a manner that the female mold embraces the frame. Thus, the pressing of the frame is performed by a simple structure, and the film is accurately positioned to the internal surface of the female mold. Also, the film suppressing frame is constituted to advance from and retreat to the female mold. Thus, this causes a space between the both molds and an outside standby position to be useless. A space around the apparatus can be effectively utilized.

Abstract: A hot embossing auto-leveling apparatus which has an air-floating spherical bearing between a lower mold and a base, placed in a depression on the base, with the base housing an air inlet and an air outlet. A hot embossing auto-leveling method, comprising the steps of (1) performing an upward and downward coupling movement of the lower and upper molds; (2) adjusting the lower mold against the upper mold using the air-floating spherical bearing; (3) fixing the lower mold by under pressure in an orientation parallel to the upper mold; (4) placing a molded part on the lower mold; (5) evacuating, heating and pressurizing a working chamber; (6) cooling; and (7) opening.

Abstract: Infinitely adjustable calibration sleeve for extruded plastic pipes includes an inlet head and two strap layers that intersect like a lattice grate and that are linked with each other at the crossing points. In that manner, the inlet head and the strap layers are adjustable to the pipe diameter, and the inlet head has radially adjustable overlapping segments in a radial plane distributed over the perimeter of the plastic pipe to be calibrated, and the segments mesh and have slots in their overlapping areas. Further, the faces of the segments are configured to lie on the plastic pipe to be calibrated, and the strap layers are linked to the segments flush with the faces. Such a calibration sleeve effectively seals the vacuum tank from the environment and prevents deformations of the entering, extruded plastic pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming a number of thin-walled objects by means of a blow-moulding process from a layer of material which is deformable when heated, comprising: a lower mould with cavities (6) arranged therein, wherein the shape of each of the cavities (6) corresponds with the external shape of the objects to be formed; means for carrying the layer of material to be moulded onto the lower mould; supply means for supplying gas to the upper side of the lower mould; heating means for heating the lower mould; and mandrels movable into the cavities, wherein the lower mould is divided into a number of segments (5), wherein a number of segments (5) is placed around each cavity and the segments are movable in substantially radial direction between a first position, in which they form the wall of the cavity enclosed by the segments (5), and a second position in which an object (19) formed in the cavity can be moved out of the mould.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus for forming sheets of sheet plastic onto a substrate in which a retractable substrate heater is able to be positioned over a substrate loaded into the press and energized while a plastic sheet is being heated in an oven included in the thermoformer apparatus. The plastic sheets are cut from a strip pulled from a roll of sheet material, the roll supported for side to side movement and driven by a servomotor responsive to error signals generated by a strip edge sensor to compensate for wandering of a strip edge to thereby insure accurate location of plastic sheets cut from the unwound strip.

Abstract: A forming structure for use in an apparatus for making formed polymeric film. The forming structure comprises a first portion comprising a network of interconnecting members defining apertures, the apertures being spaced in a pattern defining a first percent open area, a second portion being solid and having no apertures and zero percent open area; and a third portion being a transition between and joining the first and second portions, the transition portion exhibiting a second percent open area, the second percent open area of the third portion being less than the first percent open area of first portion.

Abstract: A thin-walled polymeric component that may have a selected complex shape, and a method of forming the component. The method includes heating a portion of a polymeric film to a selected malleable temperature, and forming a protrusion in the heated portion while it is malleable. The protrusion defines a protrusion having a first shape. The method also includes positioning a forming tool in the protrusion's interior and drawing a partial vacuum from within the protrusion so as to exert a force on the protrusion and move the protrusion's sidewalls inwardly into engagement with the forming tool. As the partial vacuum is drawn, the protrusion moves to a second shape that may be different than the first shape and that closely conforms to the selected shape of the forming tool. The protrusion is cooled below the malleable temperature and the forming tool is then removed.

Abstract: A vacuum forming roll is assembled from a large plurality of radially extensive interlocking segments. Each segment forms a small angular part of a circumference about the roll, and has a relatively small thickness parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll. The segments are preferably stacked together in an interlocking fashion to form a continuous roll consisting of a plurality of angularly offset circumferential rings. In a preferred embodiment, the segments are formed by manufacturing a small mold designed to form a single segment. This mold may, for exemplary purposes, be an injection mold. The roll mold segments may then be produced quickly and easily using an injection molding process, which, as aforementioned, is efficient for the production of a large number of identical components. The roll mold segments are then assembled to form the roll mold, which is in turn used to shape and perforate a plastic film and thereby manufacture an improved landscape fabric economically.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of a cast, in particular a dental aid from a preheated workable substrate. The device comprises a hollow body having an essentially flat first side being provided with holes which first side is arranged to receive a model from which a cast is to be made. Said first side is adapted to cooperate with a holder-on, which seals the substrate against said first side. The body cooperated with a vacuum source that the cooperation is achieved through one to the body belonging connection being connectably arranged to an external vacuum source.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.

Abstract: A three-dimensional surface shape is produced from input numerical data. The shape of an elastic surface is determined by the positions of a first matrix of memory rods. The position of each of the memory rods is determined by a flexible sheet which is contoured by a second matrix of control rods and is computer-controlled. After control rods transfer the contour data to the memory rods, the control rods are reset to receive new contour data. Both the memory rod and control rod are fitted with two pneumatically controlled locking mechanisms, one for the X-coordinate and one for the Y-coordinate. When both locks on a particular rod are released the rod is free to move to a new position determined by an elevator. Once all of the rods have been adjusted, they are locked in position and the surface has been configured.

Abstract: An improvement to a process for making a reusable soft flexible bag for use in infusion processes for making plastic parts, wherein a reusable polymer bag is formed by spraying or swirl spraying one or multiple layers or coats of a polymer made from one or plural component polymer material, to create a desired configuration of the bag. Successive coats can be applied without waiting for the previous layer to be cured. The bag once completely cured can be removed from the original pattern from which it was configured and placed into the resin infusion process on the same opposing mold for multiple uses before exhausting the life of the bag. Resin ports and vacuum ports and where necessary molding in handles can be included or formed during the spray process to allow for easy removal from one part and transference to a new part to be molded.

Abstract: A sheet of plastics material is continuously extruded onto the upper run of an endless conveyor which carries aluminum vacuum mold plates each defining a cavity with a shingle pattern. The sheet is progressively vacuum-formed into the mold plate cavities, and opposite longitudinal upper and lower portions of the sheet are progressively vacuum-formed, with traveling plug assist in one embodiment, to define shingle panels with hook-shaped lower portions and upper portions defining grooves for receiving the lower portions. The upper portion of the sheet is punched with longitudinally spaced slots to form a nailing flange, and the sheet is then cut laterally at longitudinally spaced intervals to produce elongated siding panels each having integrally connected shingle panels. The shingle panels may have different bottom configurations or profiles and are interchangeable.

Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. The sheet is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform via vacuum forming or the like. The preform is placed into a cavity of an injection molding apparatus and heated semi-molten material is injected thereinto. The semi-molten material bonds to the preform in the cavity. After cycling, the molding apparatus ejects a final automotive trim part. Optionally, some processing (e.g. trimming) may be performed following ejection.

Abstract: A device for the formation of croissants made of puff pastry or the like, said croissants being initially shaped into pastry rolls (12) starting from flat puff pastry, wherein there are at least two gripping or clasping and folding elements (13, 14, 15), connected by an articulated joint (16, 17) and suitable for being transferred, aligned with each other, onto portions of a puff pastry roll (12), withholding the roll (12) and being moved to a folded position thus causing the firmly held pastry roll to take on the form of a U- or crescent shape, there also being driving systems (25, 26) for the reciprocal movement between the at least two gripping or clasping and folding elements (13, 14, 15).

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.

Abstract: This invention refers to a method and a device for use in connection with the fabrication of multilayer products (8) such as composites and bonded multilayer sheet products, ect. by means of the so-called “bagging technique,” to increase the compressive pressure (P) on the product being created beyond normal atmospheric pressure. In the bagging technique, which is used to join a plurality of different material layers with one another to form a unit via polymeric binder layers, atmospheric pressure is normally used to press the various objects together in that they are enclosed in a depressurized gas-impervious bag (9, 21) while the various layers are joined to form a unified product.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic extrusion sizing tube having a cylinder with a split along its length to allow for radial expansion and reduction of the sizing tube. The cylinder has holes to allow an extrusion within the cylinder to be drawn to the cylinder by a vacuum outside the cylinder. The cylinder also has extensions on opposite sides of the split with an adjustment screw connecting the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the adjustment screw is turned in respective directions. A set screw can be connected to one of the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the set screw is turned in respective directions. The diameter of the cylinder can be locked in a desired position when the adjustment screw and the set screw are turned in the same direction. The adjustment screw and the set screw can be located in a flange at one end of the cylinder. The holes in the cylinder can be slots.

Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus of molding composite parts by liquid resin infusion. The invention involves the creation of temporary resin distribution channels on the surface of a preform to aid in the distribution of resin during infusion. In general, these methods are improvements over the art because the molds are cheaper to make, the parts produced are of higher quality, minimal waste is produced and the time to infiltrate the preform is reduced. Hollow tubes with moveable portions provide Channels which Assist in Resin Transfer Molding of composites (CARTM).

Abstract: A molded floor covering for a vehicle floor includes a thermoplastic polymer layer with an integral, threaded drain tube extending therefrom. The drain tube is configured such that a distal end thereof can extend through a drain hole in a vehicle floor when the floor covering is installed within a vehicle. The drain tube includes a threaded bore that is configured to receive a correspondingly-threaded drain plug therein. A method of producing a molded floor covering having an integrally formed, threaded drain tube includes providing a mold having a contour of a vehicle floor with an outwardly projecting threaded member. A layer of thermoplastic polymer is vacuum formed over the mold and around the threaded member such that the layer follows the contours of the mold and threaded member to form an elongate tube extending therefrom.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine includes a loading station configured to load a thermoplastic billet onto a frame. The frame has an outer ring and a billet support blade defining a channel therebetween. The billet support blade engages the billet to maintain the billet on the frame during heating of the billet. A heating apparatus is configured to heat the billet and a forming station is configured to form the billet into a container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plate having highly detailed surface features from a thermosetting resin with a high concentration of a filler such as graphite. The method an apparatus provides for the formation of a preform of casting material and the placement of the material in a cavity mold which is precisely temperature controlled, has vacuum assist operating throughout the molding operation. The molding pressure is rapidly increased to flow the material through the molding cavity prior to the onset of curing and uniquely positioned ejector pins are provided for removal of the molded plate without damage to the detailed surface features.

Abstract: A pressure box for thermoforming a heated sleet of thermoforming material against a mold includes a top plate, side plates, a downstream and plate and an upstream end plate. Each end plate includes a pair of plate members that define a slot open to the bottom of the end plate. A sheet strip of elastomeric material is mechanically held in the slot and extends below the end wall to a seal surface. The seal surface is laser cut to closely conform with the three-dimensional shape of the mold.

Abstract: A method for weakening a portion of a web includes moving a web in a machine direction between at least a first location and a second location, wherein the second location is positioned downstream of the first location, forming a line of weakness in the web at the first location, wherein the web has a first tensile strength across the line of weakness, and weakening the line of weakness at a second location, wherein the web has a second tensile strength across the line of weakness after the line of weakness is weakened at the second location and wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.

Abstract: An injection-molding machine cooling tube, which cools molded plastic parts, includes a porous cooling tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. Preferably, the porous cooling tube has a porosity in the range of 3-20 microns. A cooling fluid passageway is preferably disposed adjacent the porous cooling tube outer surface and is configured to carry a cooling fluid to extract heat from the porous cooling tube. Fluid flow structure, preferably a vacuum, is configured to cause a molded plastic part inside the porous cooling tube to expand into contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the porous cooling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dry forming absorbent cores are disclosed. The apparatus has a rotatable drum having a substantially cylindrical surface. A vacuum surface having one or more holes is located substantially circumferentially around at least a portion of the substantially cylindrical surface. A vacuum chamber is located within the rotatable drum. The vacuum chamber has one or more vacuum passages forming a vacuum zone subadjacent at least a portion of the vacuum surface. A first casing sheet is supplied to overlie the vacuum surface at a first location, and a fibrous material is supplied to overlie the first casing sheet at a second location. A supply of particulate matter is deposited onto the fibrous material at a third location, and a second casing sheet is supplied to overlie the first casing sheet, fibrous material and particulate matter at a fourth location, thereby forming an absorbent core composite.

Abstract: A mold with integral screen comprising a body of material having a surface, the body has a grid-like pattern of vacuum holes extending through the body of material and opening through said surface and permitting a vacuum to be supplied to said surface, a screen overlying said surface, said screen and said body being formed of the same material as the body and being integral.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for longitudinal orientation of a tubular thermoplastic film as it leaves an annular extrusion die aims at a better control of this orientation. On its travel between the exit orifice (21) and the draw-down means, the at least partly molten film passes an annular frictional device (101), and the frictional force set-up hereby is variable in controlled manner. This device is cooled from its interior (105) in controlled manner by means of a fluid cooling medium. The friction may e be controlled by airlubrication with air pressed through holes (123) in the frictional device or through microporous metal, (102) or alternatively by sucidng the film against the frictional device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for simultaneously coating and forming a body (11), comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A half-mold for a corrugator for making pipes with transverse ribs. The half-mold comprises two sides located spaced apart from each other and a semi-cylindrical base surface linking the two sides. Directly mounted forming elements bent in the shape of a semicircle which define the outer surface of the pipe with transverse ribs are removably fixed on the base surface. The directly mounted forming elements bent in the shape of a semicircle are removably fixed with fixing elements on the half-mold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus and process for producing thermoplastic articles. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a process for manufacturing fiberglass products using a fiberglass material consisting of fiberglass strands commingled with heat-formable polypropylene strands. A molding apparatus comprising: (a) an air pressure chamber with an open side; (b) a flange plate fitted to the open side of the air pressure chamber, said flange plate having an opening therein for receiving a mold; (c) an upper bladder associated with the flange plate and covering the opening; (d) a base pressure plate; (e) a mold positioned on the base pressure plate; and (f) a locking mechanism for securing the air pressure chamber with the base pressure plate, and balanced air pressure in each chamber during molding.