Abstract: In an apparatus for producing molded articles from a pourable compound, such as an oxide-ceramic compound, for example a porcelain compound, an injection chamber is formed between an isostatic compression molding tool and an injection chamber. A suction opening is connected to the injection chamber. The pourable compound is supplied through an inlet opening. A fluidizing air inlet line is positioned in the compound inlet opening and it is movable relative to the inlet opening so that it can be placed in an open or closed position for admitting or blocking flow of the compound into the injection chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling foamable insulating material into a cavity or cavities within the interior of a hollow building panel, by first positioning the panel within a chamber in a press, inflating a flexible bladder within the press at the outside of the panel, filling the foamable insulating material into the cavity or cavities in the panel, and restraining at least one wall of the panel by the force of said bladder against deflection by the foamable insulating material.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a molded article from a ceramic material, such as a porcelain substance, in which a design or decorative substance is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the article, a certain amount of the ceramic material is introduced into a mold cavity formed between mold parts. The material is distributed in the cavity and then is pressed. The decorative substance is applied to the surface of at least one of the mold parts before the parts are closed to form the mold cavity. The decorative substance is then transferred to the molded article during the pressing operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming composite material components that have relatively complex surfaces. Currently such components are very expensive to manufacture because forming them requires a good deal of time and hand working of the material. In the system of the invention, a flexible membrane (38) is heated to a forming temperature. Composite material (70) is laid on membrane (38) and heated evenly by contact with membrane (38). Fluid pressure is applied to membrane (38) to force membrane (38) and material (70) upwardly against a mold surface. While it is urged against the mold surface, material (70) flow forms to the shape of the mold surface. Preferably, the mold surface and membrane (38) are rotated about a horizontal axis approximately 180.degree. to position the mold surface below membrane (38) before the fluid pressure is removed to allow membrane (38) to move out of contact with material (70).

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming a composite structure which begins with the formation of a syntactic foam core having internal communication passages that terminate with a plurality of openings in the outer surface of said core. After being wrapped with a plurality of layers of porous material, the wrapped core is positioned in a cavity of a mold having an inlet communicating with one of the openings. A source of uncured resin mix then is connected to the inlet and the mold is evacuated. After being forced through the inlet and the passages to fill the mold and impregnate said fibrous material, the resin mix is cured to provide with the core and the fibrous material a rigid composite structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture by means of shrink-forming of a packing container of orientation-stretched laminate comprising polyester and aluminium foil, the laminate being formed to a tube (14) and subsequently being made to shrink over a mandrel (10,28) to the intended shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing bent pipes of a composite material composed of resin and filling materials such as reinforcing materials and aggregates by employing a cylindrical molding tool which is deformable between straight-axis form and bent-axis form. Materials are supplied into the molding tool held in horizontally straight condition while the tool is rotated about a horizontal axis, and are molded into a pipe by centrifugal molding. Rotation of the tool is stopped when the pipe molded therein is in uncured state, then the tool is subjected to bending. The resulting bent pipe is removed after it is cured. Before the tool is bent, a bag made of a flexible sheet material is inserted into the pipe and inflated to straighten out the inner periphery of the pipe so as to protect the pipe from any possibility of deformation during bending operation.

Abstract: In the production of molded articles from a pourable compound, such as an oxide ceramic compound, for example, a porcelain compound, an injection chamber is formed between an isostatic compression molding tool and a superposed injection head, negative pressure conditions are established within the injection chamber. The pourable compound is fluidized and is drawn into the injection chamber by the negative pressure. Subsequently, the compound is isostatically compressed while the negative pressure conditions are maintained during at least the initial phase of the compressing operation. A closing member is positioned at the opening into the injection chamber through which the pourable compound flows. The closing member is displaceable between an open position admitting flow and a closed position blocking flow into the injection chamber. In the closed position, the surface of the closing member facing into the injection chamber forms a continuation of the adjacent surface of the injection chamber.

Abstract: A ply (100) of fiber reinforced composite material is laid onto a mandrel (30) having a vacuum ported upper surface with a generally U-shaped cross section. Ply (100) is laid onto the top web (32) of mandrel (30), with its side edges being laid in a cantilevered fashion. A flexible bag (20) is inflated into a stretched condition and lowered over mandrel (30). Bag (20) rolls over mandrel (30) to form play (100) down over mandrel (30). As bag (20) rolls over mandrel (30), it folds ply (100) along two contoured bend lines between the web (32) and flanges (34, 36) of mandrel (30) and simultaneously restrains ply (100) from folding along a straight line. Bag (20) engages a seal (38) carried by mandrel (30). A vacuum is applied through mandrel (30) to evacuate the area between bag (20) and mandrel (30) within seal (38), to compact ply ( 100). Each ply of composite material is formed and compacted before laying another ply.

Abstract: A vulcanizing press for vulcanizing flat articles having locking pawls for locking the pressing plates of the press at a certain distance from each other in the closed vulcanizing position of the press. By letting one of the pressing plates being without heating elements and carrying an inflatable member such as a membrane driven by a pressure fluid which membrane in the closed position of the press is positioned and adapted to supply a uniform pressure substantially over the whole flat side of the vulcanizing article positioned between the pressing plates is obtained an even surface pressure all over the textile side of the vulcanizing article substantially independent of the thickness of the article and without use of toggle mechanisms or high power hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: This relates to the thermoforming of can bodies for use in packaging beverages under pressure from polyester sheet material, preferably PET. In accordance with the invention, a forming gas is applied to the periphery of the clamped sheet portion in radially outwardly spaced relation with respect to an associated mold cavity and the sheet material is billowed up into a large cavity formed in the clamp so as to provide for high stretching and orientation of the peripheral portion of the sheet before the sheet is directed into an associated mold cavity. Further, a plunger which normally forces the billowed or initially stretched sheet into the mold cavity may be constructed so as to be radially expandible to thus positively radially expand the sheet material within the mold.

Abstract: A method of orienting the neck of a bottle of a saturated polyester resin so as to enhance the physical properties and durability of the neck. The neck orienting method includes the step of inserting an orienting rod having a taper head into the neck which is being heated. The neck orienting method may include the step of orienting only the mouth edge of the neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for moulding cylindrical pieces, comprising, on the one hand, a tube made of a rigid, elastic material, split longitudinally and tending to expand transversely under the action of its inherent elasticity and, on the other hand, holding members capable, when they cooperate with said tube, of obliging the internal cavity thereof to take a reduced section corresponding to that of said pieces to be moulded and, when they do not cooperate with said tube, of allowing said internal cavity to take an expanded section. The invention is more particularly applicable to the moulding of tubular pieces, particularly from a laminate of supple fabric impregnated with polymerizable resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for making stress free plastic articles from plastic particles such as powder utilizing heat and pressure in which a quantity of plastic particles is supplied to a first member, a flexible diaphragm is disposed in opposed relationship to said first member with said plastic particles therebetween, a microporous air release means is positioned between said plastic particles and said flexible diaphragm, a fluid-like pressure is applied to said diaphragm to cause said diaphragm to apply an even fluid-like pressure through said air release means to said plastic particles, heat is applied to said plastic particles while under said fluid-like pressure and any entrapped gases between the particles is vented by means of the air release means. The pressure and heat are controlled to effect a consolidation of the plastic particles into the article.

Abstract: A press diaphragm for pressing china plates etc. has an edge part designed to be forced inwards on pressing and then to be moved back outwards on letting off the pressure clear of the plate edge. To this end the diaphragm has an edge part, acted upon by a downwardly moving keeper, and has a groove in its upper face. Under the groove the diaphragm is acted upon by hydraulic pressure more than at other positions.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming moulded articles such as removable insoles for shoes. A blank is placed between a rigid plate corresponding to the peripheral base contour of the finished article on one side thereof and a mould bed corresponding to the shape of the article on the other side thereof. Peripheral areas of the blank are exposed by the plate and a flexible diaphragm is applied over the plate under pressure or with the aid of a vacuum after heating the blank to the softening point, to define said peripheral base contour, and to conform the other side and the exposed areas of the blank to the shape of the mould bed. In the case of shoe insoles, a range of sizes can be made with the same mould bed, using only different sizes of plate.

Abstract: A polymer-impregnated concrete product is obtained by placing a concrete mix in a frame capable of withstanding high temperature and high pressure in such a manner as to form therein a hollow portion, molding the concrete mix to obtain a concrete article containing a hollow portion therein, causing the concrete article as held in a tightly closed state in the frame to be cured by application of heat, subjecting the concrete article, as retained in the frame, to treatments for drying and deaeration, then supplying a monomer preparation to the hollow portion of the concrete article, applying pressure to bear upon the concrete article thereby causing the monomer preparation to be diffused into the fine voids in the concrete article, and heating the concrete article in situ thereby allowing the diffused monomer to be polymerized.

Abstract: A method of molding a plastic part comprising supporting first and second mold sections so as to define a mold cavity, placing a flexible sheet over the second mold section, and forming a vacuum chamber utilizing the flexible sheet with at least the second mold section being in the vacuum chamber. Air passages are provided between the flexible sheet and the second mold section. The air pressure within the vacuum chamber is reduced to less than ambient to create differential pressure across the flexible sheet to hold the second mold section in position. Plastic material is pumped into the mold cavity. After the plastic sets, the second mold section is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a plastic record carrier, in particular a video disc, in which a mold is provided with a fluid molding resin. A substrate is then deformed into a convex shape and pressed against the resin disposed on the center of the mold. The molding resin is rolled over the surface of the mold with a circular fluid front while the shape of the substrate is simultaneously changed from convex to planar form. After the molding resin has been spread over the entire mold and the planar substrate bears against the resin layer, the molding resin is then cured. The substrate is preferably deformed by flexibly supporting a planar substrate about its edge and then applying a different gas pressure on both sides of the substrate. The molding resin is preferably radiation-curable and is cured by exposure to, for example, ultra-violet light through the substrate.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for a vacuum bagging curing operation comprising a base on which is placed a one piece vacuum bag comprising a top sheet with a peripheral sealing means attached thereto which cooperate to seal the bag in a zipper-like fashion, thus enclosing workpiece therein for the vacuum curing operation. A vacuum manifold is attached to the base to connect the tool to a vacuum pump to create a vacuum between the base and bag.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing laminant veneers for application to the teeth of a dental patient. The method involves heat and fluid pressure induced forming of a dental laminant veneer to cause the veneer to assume the configuration of a standard mold or a model mold of a dental patient's teeth. The apparatus includes a heat chamber and means to move the dental veneers and mold and the heat chamber into interrelation to cause heat softening of the veneers. A flexible membrane is pressure induced by vacuum or positive pressure and causes the softened veneers to assume the configuration of the mold.

Abstract: A surfboard having a central core of relatively soft and/or light material such as balsa wood or foamed plastic and a laminated outer skin construction is disclosed herein along with a method and apparatus for making the surfboard or a similar article. Both the method and apparatus utilize particular vacuum molding techniques which form the laminated outer skin constructions while at the same time accurately conforming this skin construction to the complex curvatures of the core.

Abstract: Method of and a device for manufacturing information carriers form a thermoplastic material, where a thin information carrying die is heated by bringing it into contact with a relatively thick, heated surface and is subsequently separated from the heated surface and pneumatically pressed against the thermoplastic material by a layer of air that thermally isolates the die from the heated surface so that the die may rapidly cool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a double-thickness bead in a flexible sheet stock article, such as a container or lid constructed from paper stock. The method includes holding a central region of the paper stock blank near its perimetral edge between cooperating dies, forming an axially extending flange in the blank between the held region and the edge, capturing the edge against radial movement in a groove provided in a ring movable relative to the dies, and moving the ring relative to the dies to form the double-thickness region in the blank between the held portion and edge. The apparatus includes the cooperating relatively movable dies, the movable ring and cooperating draw pads adjacent the ring. The draw pads are movable relative to the dies and ring and cooperate with the dies and ring to form a void into which the double-thickness region is formed. The configuration of the void controls the formation and configuration of the bead.

Abstract: A method of applying a tread band to a tire carcass includes the steps of placing a pre-vulcanized tread band on the inner surface of a resiliently flexible tread band holder and deforming the band holder inwardly to contact the tread band with a tire carcass. The deformation is carried out using inflatable air bags on the outer surface of the tread band holder. The deformation shortens the periphery of the tread band and produces a compressive stress in the band, which is retained in the band after bonding to the tire carcass.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reversing and flattening a driver's restraint cushion composed of a pair of overlapping sheets. The apparatus includes a loading platform having an aperture therein of a size generally corresponding to the size of a circular opening centrally formed in one of the sheets of the restraint cushion. A retainer ring surrounds the aperture and extends into the circular opening of the restraint cushion when the latter is positioned on the loading platform. Subsequently, a vertically movable ram engages and forces the other of the sheets of the restraint cushion through the aperture so as to cause the inside and outside surfaces of the two sheets to reverse after which pressurized air flows through the ram to inflate the cushion and a flat plate presses the inflated cushion into a pancake form.

Abstract: An equalizing plate for use in a vulcanizing press or the like comprises a base plate, a top plate and a low-melting point metal alloy hermetically sealed therebetween. The two plates are flexibly joined at their periphery and at least one of the plates has a membrane-like transition in the outer periphery thereof having at least one single U-shaped profile whose axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the surface of the equalizing plate.

Abstract: A device for separating the platens of a press so that wooden blanks in an unpressed form can be readily loaded therebetween. The device includes outwardly extending arms carried on the corners of each of the platens. Pneumatically operated bellows are provided between cooperating pairs of outwardly extending arms which are carried on diagonally opposite corners of each of the platens for separating the platens when pressurized. Alternate pairs of platens have pairs of bellows interposed between the outwardly extending arms carried on different diagonals. A switch is carried below the press for disengaging the pneumatic system when the press is being closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for making foam plastic insulating panels. The apparatus has a lower conveyor band forming a support surface and a first continuous form belt on the support surface and an upper conveyor band forming a limiting surface and a second continuous form belt on the limiting surface. The conveyor bands are supported for rotation between conventional tires, the inflation of at least one of the tires controls the pressure on the form belts adjacent their initial point of contact. Resilient metal clips are provided which lock the support and limiting surfaces together during curing of the foam plastic panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding structural parts from fiber reinforced plastic composite. The apparatus is comprised of a rigid container, one or more pads of silicone rubber housed inside the container to exert pressure on the part, and one or more expandable diaphragms housed inside the container to control the pressure exerted on the part by the pads. The method used to mold a complex-shaped part from fiber reinforced plastic composite material is to lay up the part on the pads and place the pads, together with the part, between the diaphragms which are housed in the container. The container is then closed and placed in a temperature control chamber and the diaphragms connected to an external pressure control system, after which the part is cured by increasing the temperature of the chamber to the curing temperature of the part, while at the same time controlling the pressure exerted on the part by controlling the pressure in the diaphragms.

Abstract: A technique for the manufacture of a resin-impregnated, reinforced article while resin fumes are prevented from escaping into the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: The rigid top pressing punch of a press for producing plates or the like is haped in accordance with the inner shape of the plate or the like to be produced. An elastic membrane, which establishes the top boundary, i.e., closes the cavity of a mold, is held at its edge shaped to the dimensions of the eventual plate, and is provided with an annular groove corresponding to the foot of the plate. Pulverulent porcelain composition is distributed on the membrane in the area determined by the edge having the holding action structure. The cavity defined by the membrane is filled with a pressure medium. After lowering the pressing punch, pressure can be applied through the pressure medium to the pulverulent porcelain composition distributed on the membrane in a pressing position. The elastic membrane in its relaxed position corresponds to the shape of the lower surface of the plate or the like, is made with an even, minimum thickness over substantially its whole area and has sufficient inherent strength.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an end finish on a hollow article having a plastically deformable tubular end portion terminating in an open end of the article. A mold surface surrounds the end portion in juxtaposition with its outer surface, and an expandable tubular membrane is received within the end portion in juxtaposition with the inner surface thereof. The interior of the membrane is sealed from the ambient, elongation of the membrane is restricted, and expansion of the membrane is limited to a lateral zone thereof coextensive with the end portion. The outer surface of the end portion is conformed to the mold surface by subjecting the interior of the membrane to a fluid under pressure to expand the membrane laterally in engagement with the inner surface of the end portion.

Abstract: A press for molding large sheets around a forming surface which includes an elastic press pad, a first frame member on the side of the press pad away from the working surface thereof, the first frame member having a top wall and side walls forming a pressure cell area therebetween, an elastic diaphragm in the pressure cell area in contact with the press pad, a second frame member formed in a generally L-shaped configuration to encompass and hold an annular bead of the elastic diaphragm, a trough-shaped supporting member positioned adjacent the end walls of the first frame member and the press pad such that a gap is formed between the end walls and the supporting member, a movable seal strip positioned in the gap to prevent the press pad from being pressed out of the pressure cell area when the elastic diaphragm is expanded, and a supporting strip attached to the end walls of the first frame member at a point within the pressure cell area to secure the press pad within the pressure cell area.

Abstract: A press for molding large sheets around a forming surface which includes an elastic press pad, a first frame member on the side of the press pad away from the working surface thereof, a pressure cell formed between the press pad and the first frame member, the pressure cell containing an elastic diaphragm in contact with the press pad, a second frame member formed in a generally L-shaped configuration to encompass and hold an annular bead of the elastic diaphragm, mounting bolts for adjusting the positioning of the second frame member with respect to the first frame member, and channels in the first frame member for supplying a pressure medium to a pressure zone between the first and second frame members and the elastic diaphragm.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic structural components having curved surface areas are produced in molds utilizing a bleeder cloth comprising a textile-like non-woven polyester fabric characterized by a fiber interlock value of at least 7 and a fiber entanglement completeness of at least 0.5. The utilization of this bleeder cloth allows quicker assembly of the mold components since cutting and forming are not necessary, proper pressure transmittal is ensured, and the air permeability, drape, stretchability, and resin holding capacity of the cloth are ideal. For producing the desired structural components with curved surface areas, at least one layer of resin pre-impregnated partially cured fabric is disposed in cooperation with a first mold section, a release liner is placed on the fabric, and a bleeder cloth according to the invention is placed on the release liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacturing of suspension insulators of the type comprising essentially a body made of a dielectric material, a metallic cap and rod sealed to said body. The method according to the invention is characterized in that during sealing of the rod in the inner cavity of the body and of the cap on the body head, said body rests on a supporting table and undergoes by vibropercussion a vertical vibrating motion superimposed on a tilting motion with a rotating axis of tilt, said supporting table remaining isolated from the vibrations during the whole sealing operation. Application in particular to the manufacturing of heavy insulators for electric power lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating molded articles includes a turntable rotatable about an axis and having an edge. A number of independent diaphragm presses are supported for rotation with the turntable and are spaced from its axis of rotation. A fixed high-frequency heating station is positioned above and in the vicinity of the edge of the turntable, the station including a hood which defines a cavity into which the presses are sequentially positioned. A cooling device is positioned either to the side of the turntable or mounted on the turntable coaxially with its axis of rotation. Conduits connect or couple the cooling device to the presses to effect cooling of the presses subsequent to removal from the heating station as they advance to a parting station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making flexible rubber tubing with axially spaced annular or helical corrugations. A sleeve of uncured vulcanizable rubber is slipped over a forming mandrel and an external form comprising a length of flexible, corrugated, axially compressible rubber tubing is positioned over the sleeve. The interior wall of the external form defines a shaping surface for use in forming embryonic corrugations in the sleeve. The sleeve is radially expanded into the shaping surface and the form and sleeve are axially compressed concertina-fashion to increase the radial dimensions of bulged portions of the sleeve between the corrugations of the external form to make embryonic corrugations in the sleeve. The sleeve and external form are then removed from the forming mandrel and the sleeve is placed on a curing mandrel with the corrugations at desired spacings, after which the sleeve is cured.

Abstract: A molding press for forming articles from thermoplastic sheet materials comprises a generally hollow, fluid-tight housing, the lower surface of which comprises a flexible gas-tight diaphragm. The housing is movably positioned above a flat base, on which there is placed a mold covered with a softened sheet of thermoplastic material. During a molding cycle, the housing is lowered and interlocked with the base bringing the diaphragm adjacent the mold, and a fluid under pressure is introduced into the housing, causing the diaphragm to exert a uniform force on the thermoplastic sheet and forcing it to assume the contours of the mold. The base is equipped with mechanical and electrical interlock means which cooperate with the housing to insure that the fluid pressure cannot be applied until the housing and the base are safely interlocked and that the housing cannot be separated from the base while fluid pressure is supplied to the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to blow molding apparatus for making plastic articles. It circulates cooling fluid through core rods for cooling blown articles from the inside, preferably with the blown article on the outside of a balloon that is permanently connected with the core rod. The connection of the balloon to the core rod is constructed so that there is no axial pull on the balloon during stripping of the blown article from the core rod and balloon. The invention provides constructions for admitting air between the balloon and a blown parison to break the vacuum when the balloon is to be collapsed. Fluid is also circulated over the outside of the blown parison to cool it, and this can be done in a perforated shroud that serves as a blowing mold, particularly for flexible wall containers.

Abstract: A mold for forming lens blanks to meniscus shapes under applied heat and a force created by partial vacuum. A cupped lens shaping surface in the mold is cushioned and covered with a synthetic fabric for effecting exceptional accuracy in lens blank conformance to shaping surface curvature, optimum surface smoothness and quick release upon completion of a forming cycle.

Abstract: An attachment for a plastic pipe bending machine for automatically and precisely enlarging the end portions of formed plastic pipe for interconnection with other like plastic pipe of same outside diameter.

Abstract: This injection blow molding machine has special provision for maintaining the plastic of a parison on a core rod at the orientation temperature of the plastic; and stretching the plastic of the parison lengthwise of the core rod for orientation in the direction of one axis without any substantial increase in the diameter of the parison. After this orientation in one axis, the temperature is controlled to maintain an orientation temperature, and the plastic of the parison is then blown to a larger diameter so as to obtain orientation in another axis for "bi-axial orientation". The core rod is covered by an elastic balloon, and provision is made for obtaining flow of the plastic on the core rod lengthwise of the rod during the first orientation operation.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite tube is molded by applying an annular, liquid-resin-impregnated layer of reinforcing fibers to a cylindrical mold or mandrel; placing in contact with the exposed surface of the fiber-resin layer a compression sleeve which is split lengthwise to permit circumferential contraction or expansion of the sleeve into pressurizing relation with the layer; pressurizing the compression sleeve with fluid pressure to compress the fiber-resin layer and thereby compact the reinforcing fibers and expell entrapped air and excess resin from the layer; and curing the resin while the fiber-resin layer is so compressed.

Abstract: This injection blow molding machine has special provision for maintaining the plastic of a parison on a core rod at the orientation temperature of the plastic; and stretching the plastic of the parison lengthwise of the core rod for orientation in the direction of one axis without any substantial increase in the diameter of the parison. After this orientation in one axis, the temperature is controlled to maintain an orientation temperature, and the plastic of the parison is then blown to a larger diameter so as to obtain orientation in another axis for bi-axial orientation. The core rod is covered by an elastic balloon, and provision is made for obtaining flow of the plastic on the core rod lengthwise of the rod during the first orientation operation.