Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing compression molded articles from a thermoplastic material blank comprising heating the material, and compression molding the blank by means of a die. The material forming the blank is deposited on the surface of an intermediate support which forms a part of the compression molding mold and extends under and is separated from the die. The blank is separated from the die, which may be accomplished using a heated stream of gas surrounding the die and directed at the point of separation. The blank is introduced into the mold which is closed as the intermediate support is lowered, followed by compression molding the blank by the application of compression molding pressure, and cooling the molded article at least partly under pressure.

Abstract: In order to improve the introduction or uptake of force in a hollow section (1), in particular a tube, of long fibre reinforced plastic having an integrated force induction element (2) and to simplify its manufacture, a radial enlargement (4) is pressed into the hollow section (1) by means of a moulding body before the plastic matrix has hardened, which radial enlargement tapers into a narrow section (6) towards its free end (5), the jacket (3) which is formed in the process later enclosing an expansion element (9) with a clamping member (10) which merges into a tie rod (11), the expansion element (9) lying in a form-fitting manner against the interior of the enlargement (4,47) over the length of said enlargement.

Abstract: An object is produced from a tubular blank (10,15,17) of thermoplastic material of the type polyester or polyamide, preferably of polyethylene terephthalate by reducing the thickness of amorphous material in one or several areas of the blank by means of one single or several consecutive re-shaping operations. A mechanical shaping device (23,29,71,81) moves a transitional zone (13,14,113) situated between thicker and thinner materials along the blank and elongates simultaneously the blank in the moving direction of the transitional zone. After the last re-shaping operation the thinner material has preferably an oriented state. During the re-shaping operation the temperature of the material in the transitional zone (13,14,113) is controlled at a level which, immediately before the re-shaping operation, is within or close to the range of the glass transition temperature (TG).

Abstract: A hollow body (e.g. a container) as well as a method and an apparatus for its manufacture in which an axially directed wall of the body primarily is made of oriented and/or crystallized plastics material. A tubular preform (10d) is fixed in a circumferential region (13d) in the vicinity of the mouth edge (14d) of the preform between mechanical forming devices (30,40), after which the devices, during continued clamping of the circumferential region, are displaced in the axial direction of the preform relative to a mandrel (50). Thus, the mandrel is displaced into the preform during simultaneous expansion thereof and the material is oriented and/or crystallized. In a preferred embodiment there is made a certain compensation of the stretching forces, which arise in the material when inserting the mandrel, by applying a force to the bottom of the preform by a bottom support (75).

Abstract: An apparatus for flanging tubular articles of a thermoplastic polymer which has been drawn and heat-set to an elevated temperature comprises a heating die (20) shaped to receive an end of one of the tubular articles (10) and to restrain it from shrinkage, transfer means such as a star wheel (24) to transfer the article (10) from the heating die (20) to a forming die (22) shaped to form an outward flange (12) on said end. Heater coils (33,40) are provided to maintain the dies at the required temperatures; namely the heating die (20) at a softening temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer but below the elevated temperature to which it has been heat-set and the forming die (22) at a forming temperature below the softening temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a finned tube from synthetic plastics material has a moulding chamber which moves in the direction of production. Molten synthetic plastics charge enters this moulding chamber from which fins are moulded one after another, the fins being in each case formed individually one after another. In order to ensure this procedural measure, there are constructed in the surface of the molten plastics material present in the moulding chamber annular raised portions with conveying surfaces trailing in the direcetion of production. Corresponding conveying grooves are constructed in the half moulds which bound the molding chamber. These measures ensure an accurate contour of the tube which is to be produced, ensuring that a reverse flow of molten plastics charge and its combustion will be prevented.

Abstract: In a process for producing hollow bodies of oriented thermoplastic material, a hollow blank having a bottom portion and a substantially cylindrical wall portion with an opening at its end remote from its bottom portion is subjected to pre-expansion in the region of the opening and then thermofixing in a subsequent treatment step. The thermofixing operation may be preceded by a mechanical expansion operation for orienting the plastic material forming the wall portion of the blank.

Abstract: A tubular lining material and a method and apparatus for manufacturing same, the tubular lining material being suitable for reinforcing pipe lines and comprising a tubular textile jacket having on the external surface thereof a coating of plural synthetic resins in the form of laminated layers, characterized in that the outermost layer of the coating is composed exclusively or predominantly of a thermoplastic polyester elastic resin and the innermost layer of the coating is composed exclusively or predominantly of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastic resin, the coating having been bonded superificially onto the external surface of the tubular textile jacket. The tubular lining material is manufactured by simultaneously extruding plural synthetic resins in an annularly layered form superficially onto the external surface of the tubular textile jacket, using an apparatus provided with an annularly arranged multiple extruders.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the production of outwardly ribbed, plastic pipes. The apparatus includes a core around which a plasticized material is pressed from a nozzle. A kernel having an essentially constant diameter is positioned at the terminal end of the core for a smooth inner face of the pipe. The outer face of the pipe is ribbed by grooves of axially displaceable chill moulds. The end zone of the kernel is provided for the cooling of the inner face of the pipe. In known apparatuses the grooves of the chill moulds are often filled incompletely and the inner face of the pipe becomes uneven on account of air bubbles, for instance. These disadvantages are avoided by heating an initial zone of the kernel for heating the inner face of the pipe and by shaping the surface of the initial zone to slightly expand conicallly in the production direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the extrusion of plastic pipes. Today, plastic pipes are provided with a sleeve in such a manner that the end of the pipe is heated, whereafter the end is expanded by means of a mandrel or a pressure medium. This step requires a separate sleeve machine, and it also takes plenty of time and consumes thermal energy. According to the invention a sleeve (22) is formed in connection with the extrusion of a pipe in an apparatus in which a mandrel (8) is surrounded by chill moulds (1, 2) moving in the axial direction of the apparatus. The sleeve is formed by providing some of the chill moulds with a recess (16) the shape of which corresponds to that of the sleeve (22) and by pressing a plasticized plastic hose (11) extruded through a nozzle (10) against the walls of the recess in the area thereof by means of pressure air.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an end portion of a plastic pipe wherein the end portion is transferred to softened state and the end portion is provided with an internal groove by axially displacing the pipe end portion in relation to a mould ring which is thereby introduced into the pipe end portion. After the forming of the pipe end portion the mould ring is left in the pipe end portion for forming a sealing ring therein. During the forming operation the pipe end portion is supported on a mandrel. In accordance with the invention the mould ring is displaced into the pipe end portion by displacing the ring along the mandrel while the pipe end portion is in its softened condition supported by the mandrel substantially without being displaced along the mandrel.

Abstract: A tube container molding apparatus in which a cylindrical tube is inserted into a split mold in its closed state so that the end section of the tube comes into contact with a cavity face of the split mold. A core is then advanced to fit into the tube from its rear end, and finally a resin melt is introduced into the cavity formed by the cavity face of the split mold and the end face of the core.When the resin melt is injected into the cavity, a tube holding piece pushes the tube against the core to prevent the tube from being drawn out of the cavity.Midway during the advance of the core into the tube, the tube is held by the tube holding piece and the further advance of the tube is made together with the core. Thus, the forward end section of the tube is bent inward to a prescribed width.

Abstract: In the production of hollow bodies from oriented thermoplastic material, a cylindrical portion of a heated hollow preform is stretched, with a simultaneous reduction in the wall thickness thereof, at a starting temperature below the vitreous transition temperature of the material. A mandrel is positioned in the preform to support it during stretching, the outside diameter of the mandrel corresponding to the inside diameter of the preform. Directly before the mandrel is inserted into the preform the preform is subjected to re-alignment to adapt at least the cross-sectional shape of the mouth opening of the preform to the cross-section of the mandrel. The re-aligning operation is effected by inserting the preform into a sleeve adjoining a drawing ring for carrying out the stretching operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of reinforced tubes by helical winding of thermoplastic strips and reinforcing members on a rotating mandrel, comprises a dual orifice extrusion die means capable of extruding a plastic strip in several different widths while simultaneously feeding a reinforcing member to the rotating mandrel.

Abstract: A gasket seating ring is disclosed which includes a specially designed hard plastic ring. The hard plastic ring in molded as a shaped annulus having a rearward, radially outwardly inclined ramp and a joined, forward, radially inwardly inclined ramp wherein the junction between the rearward and forward ramps defines the outer periphery of the ring. The shaped annulus further includes a radially inwardly angular junction.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in a process for manufacturing an article of a composite material including a thermosetting resin reinforced by fibers. The mandrel is of a hollow cylindrical configuration and adapted to have resin impregnated fibers wound therearound. In the manufacturing process, a heating medium is introduced into the mandrel under an elevated temperature and pressure to heat the composite material to a curing temperature of the resin. The mandrel is made of an alloy having a rigidity under a room temperature but showing a super plasticity under a temperature at which the resin is cured.

Abstract: A mould and sealing ring constitutes a mould element in forming a socket end on a pipe consisting of thermoplastic material and seals the space in a pipe joint between the socket end and the spigot end of a pipe introduced into the socket end. The mould and sealing ring comprises an annular sealing portion consisting of elastically yieldable sealing material and a second substantially annular portion for reinforcing the mould and sealing ring consisting of a material which is rigid in relation to said elastically yieldable material and is connected with the elastically yieldable material at a connection surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a flange or bellows in a plastic tube. The tube is preheated at a precise area and gripping dies are used to compress the heated area. Upon compression, the heated area is forced to bulge out and fold to form the flange or bellows. A mandrel inserted into the tube prior to compression ensures that the tube bulges outwardly. The invention may be used to form a variety of flanges, rims or bellows on plastic tubing. It is particularly useful in forming retaining rims on polyethylene tubing used for gas tank vents. Exposure to gasoline may cause such tubes to swell or bend. With a retaining rim formed in accordance with the present invention such swelling or bending can readily be accommodated.

Abstract: A process for the deformation of a hollow workpiece comprising orientable, thermoplastic polymer by passage in the solid phase through a die having both an entry side and an exit side, which process comprises providing the hollow workpiece at the entry side of the die; applying to the hollow workpiece from the exit side of the die a tension insufficient to cause tensile failure of the workpiece but sufficient to deform the hollow workpiece by drawing it with reduction in its bulk cross-sectional area in the solid phase simultaneously through the die and over an internally positioned former having a cross-sectional area greater than the initial internal cross-sectional area of the hollow workpiece; and collecting the deformed hollow workpiece from the exit side of the die.

Abstract: Apparatus for expanding resilient tubing includes first and second pins, sized to be received into the tubing to be expanded. The second pin, extending from a carriage, is separated from the first pin by the movement of the carriage from a first position adjacent the first pin to a second position spaced apart from the first pin. The carriage is impelled by a foot-switch actuated air cylinder.

Abstract: In order to achieve defined fiber orientation angles in the fiber-reinforced plastic material of a hollow shaft, consisting of such material, the hollow shaft having regions of different diameters, a braided fiber tube constituting the starting material is pulled over a core, is impregnated with settable plastic, and is hardened.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for continuous shaping of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic tubes, a carbon fiber prepreg in tape form impregnated with a first thermosetting resin is laminated on and around a mandrel; the laminate provided on said mandrel is preheated; and the preheated laminate is pulled in and through a hot die together with the mandrel, during which it is gelled, cured, and shaped into a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic tube, wherein a second thermosetting resin is uniformly supplied onto the outer circumference of the laminate in a resin squeezing zone in the hot die.

Abstract: An extrusion die for two-ply seamless plastic tubing, includes an extrusion head with a first nozzle provided with a first centering means; a first hollow mandrel placed within said nozzle; an elongate carrier bearing a second mandrel, a second nozzle and a spider in turn supporting a distributor splitting an extrudate. The first nozzle and the distributor define a first annular extrusion orifice for an outer parison of the tubing while the second nozzle and the second mandrel define a second annular extrusion orifice for the inner parison of the tubing. A threaded member longitudinally adjusts said carrier to vary the size of the first extrusion orifice. A coupling means interconnects the carrier and the first mandrel and allows only the axial, without rotation, movement of the carrier. A second centering means mounts the distributor uniformly spaced around the spider.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is used to line flanged pipe elbows. The pipe elbow is clamped by the flanges to two pivotted platens, one of which has a curved mandrel to shape the inside of the elbow lining.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a sleeve on a corrugated pipe having an inner wall and fusion-bond ridges. Two clamps can close to engage several of the ridges. One to three of the ridges project into a molding space between the clamps. A core is inserted into the pipe and closes the molding space. Hot pressurized resin softens and collapses the projected ridges and fusion bonds the pipe to the sleeve portion of the molding space.

Abstract: A method of producing a continuous fiber reinforced bent resin pipe, including winding a continuous reinforcing fiber on the outer surface of a tube-like flexible core mold while such core mold is straight in shape, the flexible core mold which is straight when unloaded being capable of keeping a cross section defined in radial direction when the core mold is bent. The core mold on which the continuous fiber has been wound is then bent and placed into a cavity defined by an outer mold formed of split molds each having an inner surface forming the predetermined outer configuration of a bent pipe. A liquefied synthetic resin is caused to be cured between the outer and the core molds to integrate both the fiber and resin. Thereafter the molded product is removed from the outer mold and the core mold is removed from the molded product.

Abstract: Apparatus for stretching a parison or a preform which is formed by a blank and where the preform is preferably intended to be reshaped into a container. In accordance with the invention the wall of the blank is provided with two laterally displaced material regions. A mechanical moulding device reduces the material thickness in the material of the wall with commencement in the region thereof where the two material regions are laterally displaced relative to one another.Lateral displacement of the material regions and reduction by the moulding device of the material thickness are selected in order to allow, respectively achieve a reduction in thickness equivalent to that the thermoplastic material obtains when it is stretched so that material flow occurs. In one embodiment the lateral displacement is achieved by the moulding device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the production of ribbed pipes. The apparatus comprises a core which together with an extrusion sleeve forms a nozzle through which a plastic material is fed into a moulding space defined between a conically-enlarging mandrel and chill moulds moveable with respect to the mandrel. The volume of a moulding space defined between a plane at an end face of the extrusion sleeve, a surface of the mandrel, and a cylindrical plane projection from the surface of a kernel on the mandrel equals the combined volume of the grooves positioned at the mandrel at the mandrel at each particular moment. The method feeds a volume of the plastic material per unit time equal to volume of the pipe wall and ribs produced in that unit time.

Abstract: For making open-ended thermoplastic tubular articles, which are dimensionally stable up to elevated temperatures, an open-ended polymer tube is placed between a fixed, heated external mould and a cooled mandrel, which is vertically displaceable relative to the mould, both the ends of the polymer tube being clamped to restrain the tube axially. The polymer tube is radially expanded into contact with the hot mould and maintained in contact for a time sufficient to ensure dimensional stability, and then allowed to shrink back into contact with the cooled mandrel, which is maintained at a temperature below the glass transistion temperature of the polymer. The resulting article is then stripped from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping one end of an I.V. catheter includes the method steps for use of the apparatus including mounting a catheter to be tipped onto a mandrel supported on a carriage; a die having an interior molding surface, at least one portion of which is tapered according to the tip desired on the catheter, is heated; the carriage is moved along guide bars to the die such that the catheter carrying mandrel moves toward the interior molding surface to define a space, when the carriage is halted the catheter carrying mandrel is biased toward the die space with only sufficient force to cause the heated catheter to flow into the die space and as the catheter melts and flows, the mandrel engages the die thereby defining the edge of the catheter, after which the die and catheter therein are cooled; the carriage is then reversed along the guide bars such that the catheter and mandrel are withdrawn from the die, and the catheter is removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: A vaccuum mandrel for forming a plastic pipe and inserting a seal ring in a groove in the pipe. The mandrel has plural segments mounted on inclined dowels so as to be expandible.

Abstract: An object is produced from a tubular blank (10,15,17) of thermoplastic material of the type polyester or polyamide, preferably of polyethylene terephthalate by reducing the thickness of amorphous material in one or several areas of the blank by means of one single or several consecutive re-shaping operations. A mechanical shaping device (23,29,71,81) moves a transitional zone (13,14,113) situated between thicker and thinner material along the blank and elongates simultaneously the blank in the moving direction of the transitional zone. After the last re-shaping operation the thinner material has preferably an oriented state. During the re-shaping operation the temperature of the material in the transitional zone (13,14,113) is controlled at a level which, immediately before the re-shaping operation, is within or close to the range of the glass transition temperature (TG).

Abstract: A method for seating a gasket in a plastic pipe bell is disclosed which includes providing a peripheral groove in a belling mandrel and seating a specially designed hard plastic ring in the groove. The hard plastic ring is molded to provide exterior ramps for forming an annular pocket in the pipe bell and is inwardly configured to provide a secure seating surface to receive and retain a resilient gasket thereon. The mandrel is urged into a preheated end of the pipe and vacuum forces are employed to pull the end of the pipe about the periphery of the mandrel and tightly against the exterior ramps of the hard plastic ring for forming the bell shape. Upon sufficient cooling of the pipe end, the mandrel is withdrawn and the plastic ring remains encapsulated within the bell shape. Upon removal of the mandrel, a resilient gasket is then seated within the bell in intimate overall contact with the seating surface of the plastic ring.

Abstract: The ear plug (40) includes an elongate body with a rounded tip portion and of an elastic material enveloped by a deep-drawn sheath (41) of thin flexible plastics film material. Rearwardly the plug preferably has a neck portion from which the sheath projects in the form of a stiffer collar or flange. Production of the ear plug includes deep-drawing a thermoplastic film or foil into a sheath with desired thickness distribution, and filling the sheath with elastic material (53). Filling may take place simultaneously with deep-drawing, the body of elastic material constituting a die for deep-drawing in a forming hole (45), or after the deep-drawing. In the latter case, an elastic die body is used to advantage, the shape of which generally corresponds to that of the finished plug, for deep-drawing in a forming hole suited to the die body.

Abstract: An apparatus for fitting and centering a sheath such as a thermoplastic sleeve about an object comprises a vertically floating mandrel about which the sheath is fed downwardly toward the object which is to be sheathed. The mandrel is provided with a hollow passage in its lower portion to receive a normally vertically movable member, the vertically movable member carrying at its normally lower end a mold member adapted to engage the head of the object which is to be sheathed, so as to guide and center the transfer of the sheath to the object. The mandrel is provided with a recess opening inwardly from its exterior periphery and into communication with the hollow passage providing a first element lying in the recess and connected to the vertically movable member, so that movement imparted to the first element and causes movement of the vertically movable member, a second element, a drive means located exteriorly of the mandrel for driving the second element.

Abstract: For heat-setting tubular articles (such as can bodies) of an at least partly biaxially oriented crystallizable polymer, preferably a saturated linear polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, e.g. for thermally processable food containers, a tube of the polymer is fitted over a mandrel and clamped at its ends to the mandrel at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The tube is then heated, e.g. by inserting a heater 28 into the interior of the mandrel, above the temperature to which it is to be heat-set (at least 60.degree. C. above for PET) whereupon it shrinks into contact with the mandrel but is restrained from axial or further radial shrinkage. The tube and mandrel are cooled to below the heat-set temperature and the tube may then be cut into can body sections by knives engaging in circumferential grooves. Contact between the tube and mandrel is released, e.g.

Abstract: An object is produced from a tubular blank (10,15,17) of thermoplastic material of polyester or polyamide, preferably of polyethylene terephthalate by reducing the thickness of amorphous material in one or several areas of the blank by means of one or several consecutive re-shaping operations. A mechanical shaping device (23,29,71,81) moves a transitional zone (13,14,113) situated between thicker and thinner material along the blank and simultaneously elongates the blank in the moving direction of the transitional zone while reducing the thickness. After the last re-shaping operation the thinner material preferably has an oriented state. During the re-shaping operation the temperature of the material in the transitional zone (13,14,113) is controlled at a level which, immediately before the re-shaping operation, is within or close to the range of the glass transition temperature (TG).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of a shaped article from a thermoplastic resinous material, comprising the steps of heat plastifying the thermoplastic material; injecting the heat-plastified plastic material into a forming tool having a first shape configuration and at least one parting plane, to form a pre-form of the thermoplastic material; subjecting the thermoplastic material pre-form in the forming tool to a cooling phase; providing at least a partially new second shape configuration to the forming tool containing the pre-form; and during the cooling phase subjecting the pre-form in the forming tool having the second shape configuration to at least one pressure treatment under elevated pressure to produce a shaped article. Also disclosed are several embodiments of apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a process of manufacturing drawn tubing, in which steps of applying a lubricant to the surface of a bottomed blank fitted on a mandrel, pushing out the mandrel to draw the blank through a die, and pulling in the drawn blank together with the mandrel out of the die are repeated in the recited order. The drawn blank is turned a predetermined angle, e.g., 180 degrees on the axis thereof during each of the repeating steps i.e., during or after the pulling step. As a result, the lubricant can be applied to another portion of the blank surface at a second or subsequent applying step so that the working conditions which might otherwise become different to cause the drawn blank to have a locally irregular or offset thickness can be made uniform in the circumferential direction of the blank.

Abstract: A method of producing a container of polyethylene terephthalate or similar thermoplastic material from a tubular blank of amorphous material. A mechanical forming element moves a transitional zone between amorphous (thicker) material and thinner oriented material stretched to flow during simultaneous elongation of the blank in the direction of movement of the transitional zone. The stretched and oriented material is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the material immediately before stretching. As a result, the internal stresses produced in the material during earlier stretching are relieved. Heating causes the length of the material in the direction of stretching also to be reduced. Each subsequent forming stage for shaping the container takes place at a temperature lower than the temperature at the immediately preceding forming stage.

Abstract: A curing mold for curing glass fiber pipe insulation contains alternating positive and negative pressure zones and hot curing gases are introduced to the glass fibers during advancement through the positive pressure zones, and the curing gases are exhausted from elongated exhaust openings in the mold during advancement through the negative pressure zones, and the exhaust openings are cleaned without interrupting the advancement of the glass fibers through the curing mold.

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: In an apparatus such as a corrugator for manufacturing thermoplastic pipe with a corrugated outer wall and a smooth inner wall, a calibrator is employed to provide a smoother inner wall and a more rapid inner wall cooling. The calibrator includes a tube wound into a helical coil and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the coil diameter. A cooling fluid may be passed through the tube.

Abstract: An article is molded from a thermoplastic material matrix having a particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix. The article is then expanded to develop fissures between the thermoplastic matrix material and particles of the filler material and particles of the filler material, so as to render the article porous. Apparatus for expanding a pipe from the inside or expanding the sides of corrugations in a pipe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming a soft, deformable tip at the distal end of an elongated, flexible catheter made from a thermoplastic or elastomeric material in which the tip portion is first heated to soften the plastic and, subsequently, a specially prepared forming tool is inserted into the lumen of the catheter at the distal end and advanced to the point where an annular protuberance of a predetermined outside diameter is forced into the lumen so as to stretch and shape the plastic to conform to the forming tool. The distal end is then cooled and the forming tool removed, leaving a soft, collapsible segment integrally formed at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A method of forming a spark plug boot which utilizes an extrusion process. An elastomeric tube is extruded, then heated to a partially cured condition. The tube is then cut into individual pieces. The individual pieces are stretched over a pin which has at least one external shoulder. The pin and tube are then heated to a temperature and for a time to provide a final cure. The tube is stripped from the pin. The compression set and shrinkage results in an internal shoulder in the tube, allowing it to serve as a spark plug boot.

Abstract: A pipe belling method and apparatus are disclosed which includes an elongated frame to support all of the operating components. A pressure chamber is reciprocal upon frame supported rails between an initial position and a belling position for continuous plastic pipe belling operations. Within the pressure chamber is supported a shaped mandrel to impress a desired hub or bell shape in one previously heated end of a length of pipe. Transverse pipe clamps are carried upon the frame forwardly of the pressure chamber to secure one end of the length of pipe in concentric alignment with the mandrel. When the pressure chamber and the mandrel are urged along the rails to the belling position, the mandrel will be inserted into the heated end of the pipe and a resilient, planar gasket will seal the forward end of the pressure chamber against the pipe clamps and against the pipe itself.

Abstract: A wound coil of an elastic material is formed by feeding a monofilament of elastic material over a winding coil of a coiling head onto a mandrel to form a coil. A pair of conveyors are located on opposite sides of the coil on the mandrel and define therebetween a stabilizing zone for moving the coil along the mandrel through such zone while heating and thereby stabilizing the coil. The conveyors include respective heating elements located on opposite sides of the coil and respective planar members formed of a heat transmitting material and between which the coil is fed along the mandrel. Each planar member is in contact with the coil and a respective heating element.

Abstract: The quality and useful life of curing bladders used in standard "Bag-O-Matic" tire vulcanizing presses is greatly improved by replacing the standard split two-piece core of the bladder mold with a unitary core which forms a disc-like rubber diaphragm below the core and integral with the rubber curing bladder at the periphery of the core. A unique base plate fits in the lower mold half below the core and has a grooved upper surface to hold the diaphragm in place so that the core can be removed manually or automatically with the assistance of internal air pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing compressible insulation material of mineral fibers in which a folding shoe guides the insulation material from a strip condition into a cylindrical condition and further including initially compressing the portion of the strip material along the centerline thereof, subsequently compressing the portions of the strip material intermediate the center line and the side edges of the strip material, and, finally, compressing the side edge portions of the strip material.