Abstract: A mold assembly for molding thermoplastic particles into a solid thin shell includes a metal shell having a cavity and including an outer surface exposed to a heat source and further including an inner surface on which thermoplastic material is cast and fused to form a thin layer thermoplastic shell. The heat transfer area of the metal shell is increased by providing a plurality of heat transfer pins connected to the outer surface; each of the heat transfer pins has an extended outside surface area exposed to the heat source for heating the metal shell and each of the heat transfer pins further includes a large diameter head portion which is joined to the metal shell by a capacitive weld nugget formed solely between the large diameter head portion and the outer surface of the metal shell without disrupting the metal shell at surface portions thereof formed between the heat transfer pins.

Abstract: Multi-axis rotational polymeric mixture distributing apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a supporting portion, a raw material mixing portion, a polymeric mixture distributing portion, a polymeric mixture accepting portion and a control portion. The raw material supplying portion includes a plurality of reservoirs, each connected independently with the mixing portion. The supporting portion includes a plurality of driven frame members each with a large open central area being disposed between parallel spaced upstanding end sections and rotatably supported thereon, each being progressively smaller in size than the next larger frame member and disposed within the open central area thereof. Alternate frame members are rotatable about aligned axes with frame members therebetween rotatable about axes generally perpendicular thereto. The smallest frame member includes rotatable holding sections.

Abstract: An integrally molded plastic structural unit includes spaced support members joined by a web section disposed therebetween, each of the support members including spaced face sections and an intermediate section therebetween. Each face section includes a stressed hard outer skin. The intermediate section includes a peripheral frame section of high density. The web section includes high density connector members extending between adjoining face sections of the spaced support members. Each of the support members includes mateable sections along at least two edges thereof, with each of the mateable sections including at least five alternating raised and recessed areas forming an asymmetrical pattern along the length of each mateable section. The pattern is the same or a reverse pattern thereof along each mateable section of the same unit and of adjacent units with which it will be assembled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching an insert in an opening in a molded thermoplastic body. The insert includes a thermoplastic mounting portion which is fused with the thermoplastic material of the body. The insert is maintained in a spaed position from the opening during the heating portion of the molding cycle and positioned within the opening while the thermoplastic material is still sufficiently hot to fuse with the thermoplastic mounting portion of the insert.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for casting polymeric gels from volatile mixtures of monomers in open molds. The principle of the invention resides in the fact that the same concentrations of volatile components present in the polymerization mixture are also present in the gaseous state within a protective gas maintained above the free surface of the polymerization mixture, the gaseous volatile components being in the equilibrium state with those in the polymerization mixture at polymerization temperature. The apparatus includes a main pipe branch which introduces a pure protective gas into a polymerization apparatus and at least one auxiliary pipe branch for saturating the protective gas with a volatile component.

Abstract: An apparatus for reflow smoothing a molded article made by first heating a face of a mold at a first station, then applying a fusible synthetic resin to the heated face and thereby melting the resin into a continuous coating covering the heated mold face at a second station spaced angularly from the first station, and cooling the coating and mold at the second station until the coating hardens. To reflow smooth the article, the surface of the cooled coating is then smoothed by confining the mold and hardened coating in a substantially closed chamber at the second station and reheating the confined coating until its surface flows. Thereafter the coating is cooled again at a third station angularly spaced from and downstream of the second station until it hardens and the hardened covering is stripped from the mold at a fourth station angularly spaced downstream of the third station and upstream of the first station.

Abstract: A cooling device of the kind used in transportation vehicles, designed to maintain the transportation space of such vehicles cool over prolonged periods, includes an elongate housing of generally rectangular cross-section, having side walls and first and second end walls. The cooling device further includes a cooling pipe of elongate "U"-shape, having a curved portion and parallel arms. The ends of the cooling pipe are secured within one end wall, and the central portion of the pipe is supported in relation to the opposed wall by a supporting means.

Abstract: A flat-bottomed quartz glass crucible for the manufacture of monocrystalline silicon is made by disposing granular quartz particles on a flat base in a cylindrical mold. A vacuum is drawn on the particles through vacuum holes in the base to retain the particles on the base while the base and mold are rotated, and while the particles are heated to fuse them into a quartz glass crucible shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing one phase of a silica crucible including controlling the filling of a hollow mold of cylindrical shape, which rotates about its vertical axis, with grains of crystallized quartz. The grains of material are continuously introduced into the mold and are deposited on or near the lateral wall face of the mold in the form of a cylindrical layer, E, of internal radius R. A beam of light is directed to form a luminous spot on the summit of the layer from the commencement of its formation and the radial displacement of the spot on the layer is observed. The height at which the grains are introduced and the height of the trajectory of the luminous beam are modified as a function of the position of the luminous spot relative to determined reference points.

Abstract: Continuous molding apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a molding portion, a mixture delivery portion, a supporting portion and a control portion. Each reservoir of the raw material supplying portion is independently connected to an inlet of the mixing portion. The molding portion includes a plurality of spaced rotatable mold assemblies, each with at least two retractable mold sections. The mixture delivery portion is selectively alignable with each mold assembly sequentially in a preselected repeating cycle through an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: Continuous molding apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a molding portion, a supporting portion, a mixing portion and a control portion. Each reservoir of the raw material supplying portion is connected independently with the mixing portion. The molding portion includes a plurality of spaced mold assemblies each with at least two separable mold sections. The supporting portion includes a plurality of the spaced mold assemblies each supported for independent rotation about more than one axis. The mixing portion includes an elongated mixing chamber disposed adjacent each mold assembly each with a plurality of deflector sections. A continuous method of molding a foamed product includes providing a plurality of raw material reservoirs and continuously moving raw material from each reservoir independently to a plurality of spaced mixing chambers each of which is located adjacent to an individual mold assembly including separable mold sections.

Abstract: An automated casting apparatus for use in slip casting is described. A rotatable table assembly is provided for retention of a plurality of plaster molds therein. The table assembly is provided with a clamp member to secure the molds in their relative positions within the table assembly to prevent slippage during rotation. The clamp is controlled by a rotational motor and will apply a predetermined amount of pressure on each of the molds by use of a load detector which will shut down the motor once the predetermined pressure has been attained. Once the molds are securely positioned within the table assembly, the assembly is rotated 90.degree. to its "fill" position where the automatic filler can sequentially fill each of the molds with liquid slurry or slip to a predetermined level whereupon the filled molds are allowed to sit in position for a predetermined setup time which establishes the wall thickness of the castings. The table assembly is then rotated 180.degree.; pouring the excess slip from the molds.

Abstract: A slush molding method including the steps of preparing a mold with a groove provided on the entire periphery of the opening portion thereof, engaging a heating medium guard frame with the groove, charging a resin material into the mold, heating the mold into the heating medium which is contained in a fluidized-bed oven and fluidized by air so as to melt the resin and cause it to adhere to the molding surface and removing the heating medium guard frame to discharge the surplus resin. An apparatus used for the slush molding method is also included.

Abstract: A clam shell rotational moulding machine of a type including a housing having a base portion with a flat base and four upstanding sides and a cover portion with a top and four depending sides can be moved from a fully closed position in which the top and base co-operate to form an enclosed housing to an open position in which the cover portion is lifted and a front one of the side walls of the base is opened to a horizontal position above a pivot axis across the bottom of the front wall. A spindle arm assembly normally mounted during the moulding process within the housing and extending into the housing through the side walls can be moved from the normal position to an unloading position. The spindle arm assembly is mounted upon a cantilever arrangement carried by a rigid frame mounted on the front door. Opening of the front door thus moves the spindle arm assembly and attached moulds to the unload position substantially vertically above the horizontal surface of the front door.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing articles of polyurethane or the like material including a mold of the article shape and apparatus for centrifugally discharging the polyurethane material used into the mold such that polyurethane molecules will strike the wall of the mold and break so that the article produced has a smooth, non-porous outer skin and the interior of the article has a foamed interior.

Abstract: A device for forming an orthodontic retainer by rotational molding. The device facilitates the production of orthodontic bite retainer appliances by providing uniform mixing of the retainer liquid/powder precursors during the period of initial setting-up to assure a smooth, uniform product. Also described is a modification for providing more than one retainer at a time, as well as a modification to provide formation of the retainer under evacuated exhaust.

Abstract: A top air nozzle for blowing water off a washed moving vehicle in a car wash includes a unit nozzle housing of molded plastic material having an arcuate top wall, laterally diverging side walls, a pair of laterally spaced mount blocks, an upright rear wall, an upper front wall portion inclined downwardly and outwardly of the rear wall and terminating in a lower front wall portion inclined downwardly and inwardly toward the rear wall. The walls and wall portions define an air chamber of laterally increasing width from its top with the rear wall, lower front wall portion and side walls defining a laterally elongated throated air outlet. A plurality of spaced threaded insert fasteners arranged in a circle are molded, interlocked and enclosed within one of the upper front wall portion and rear wall. A plurality of spaced fasteners are arranged in a row, are molded, interlocked and enclosed within each mount block.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, control and instrument panels and the like includes a charge box or powder box for supplying dry thermoplastic material to separate casting surfaces on a heated mold selectively connected to the charge box during a casting process. A selectively pressurizable inflatable seal gasket is connected to the charge box for sealing a division surface on the heated mold which surface separates the casting surfaces of the mold. The inflatable seal gasket includes a base portion fixed to the charge box; an inflatable core with expandable walls to bridge the distance between the charge box and the division surface and a seal bead that sealingly engages the division surface when the seal gasket is inflated to keep the division surface clean for a subsequent application of material to form a connector bond between previously cast two tone colored segments.

Abstract: An insulated molded plastic structural unit includes spaced face portions, an intermediate portion and interlocking portions. The face portions each include an integrally formed stressed hard outer skin section and the intermediate portion includes an insulating core section. The interlocking portions include mateable sections along at least two edges of each unit, each mateable section including at least five alternating raised and recessed areas forming an asymmetrical pattern along the length thereof. The pattern is the same or a reverse thereof along each mateable section of the same unit and of adjacent units to which it will be joined. Particular mateable sections either extend beyond the face portions or are recessed below the face portions a substantially equal distance. Continuous molding apparatus includes a raw material supplying portion, a mixing portion, a molding portion and a control portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a multi-colored integral vinyl skin shell including a heated mold and dual powder box arrangement wherein the mold is formed to include alternately positioned tear surfaces and recessed surfaces. The powder box has a plurality of spaced dams or dividers formed therein such that the dams cooperate with the respective recessed surfaces of the mold to provide clearance therewith that permit different colored powders in the compartments between the dams to cover the previously cleared tear surfaces and to flow past the selectively formed free ends of the dams to become integrally secured to the adjacent edge portions of the shell segments remaining in the areas of the recessed surfaces of the mold, forming the multi-colored, integral plastic shell.

Abstract: A blower comprises a unit blower housing of molded plastic material having a circular outer wall and laterally spaced front and rear walls, defining an impeller chamber and a tangential outlet upon a first axis adapted to receive a flexible hose. The outlet defines with an end portion of the outer wall a reverse curved cut off edge extending between the side walls. An opening in the front wall is arranged upon a second axis at right angles to the first axis and receives an air inlet secured to the housing by a plurality of threaded inserts molded into the housing. An electric motor upon a support has a drive shaft extending through the rear wall. The rear wall is mounted upon and secured to the motor and an impeller is positioned within the housing and axially mounted upon the motor shaft and has an air intake receiving the air inlet cone.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing plastic shells having decorative features thereon includes a combination mask and container unit that is joined to a known heated mold to deposit a first semi-cured deposit on the mold from supplies of material in the combination mask and container; the mask is configured to have a plurality of wire reinforced foot portions with seal edges configured to be aligned with the sharp edges of recesses in the mold surface defining the decorative feature; when the combination unit is inverted it casts material only on the recesses to form a semi-fused deposit.

Abstract: The foam slush molding apparatus of this invention comprises a mold and a hot air jacket, and an optional heat retaining hood. The hot air jacket and the optional heat retaining hood are provided along and a certain distance apart from the molding surface on which a resin is heated and fused. The molding surface and the jacket form a first hot air chamber for heating, and the jacket and the optional heat retaining hood form an optional second hot air chamber for heat retention. The apparatus permits uniform heating and foaming at an efficient molding cycle.

Abstract: A system is provided for molding a slurry containing particles in a solution of solvent and binder, which enables the close control of the production of a tape with particles of a high density. A rotor forms a chamber with a cylindrical molding surface, and a conduit carries the slurry from the outside to the surface while the molding surface rotates to use centrifugal force to force particles against the molding surface. The chamber is substantially closed to avoid the uncontrolled loss of solvent, and a means is provided for venting the chamber to remove solvent therefrom after the slurry has been molded into a tape. A container lies within the chamber and holds solvent prior to casting the slurry, to create a solvent-containing environment within the chamber.

Abstract: A process for forming a hollow cast structure of cementitious material using a hollow mold having a predetermined surface geometry corresponding to the surface geometry of the structure to be cast. The cementitious material is an admixture of hydraulic cement, water and particles of aggregate containing presized, inorganic filler particles having a maximum size of about 50 microns in a predetermined proportion to the hydraulic cements such that the admixture is substantially nondilatent and thixotropic. The admixture is fed into the hollow mold against the predetermined surface geometry from a feeding device separated a predetermined distance from the mold surface while simultaneously rotating the mold relative to the admixture.

Abstract: An improved rotational molding method for making a laminated plastic structure of the type in which successive charges of particulate plastics are released in a mold cavity rotating in an oven to coalesce successively along the mold cavity wall after which the mold is removed from the oven for cooling. By removing the rotating mold from the oven prior to completion of the formation of the inside layer, cooling of the outside of the mold will be concurrent with coalescence of the inside layer. This shortens the time of the molding cycle and reduces warping problems.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon wafer having the step of flowing in a predetermined atmosphere molten liquid of silicon base material on a rotating fabrication tray toward a radial direction by means of a centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the tray, thereby forming a thin molten material layer of desired diameter with the molten liquid and solidifying the molten material, comprising a cover, at which a through hole is perforated at the ceiling wall thereof, detachably covered on the tray, a wafer-molding space formed to be surrounded by the cover and the tray, the molten material being filled in the wafer-molding space via the through hole to form a thin molten material layer. Thus, the wafers can be simultaneously formed without production of small projections of the surface of the wafers.

Abstract: A mould for the casting of thin, cross-linked, polymerized resin films is subjected, when being filled with the liquid to be polymerized, to a centrifugal force field exceeding that of the earth gravitation field, the whole being for equalizing the intimate structure of the polymer and to expel therefrom the bubbles of gas possibly present therein. After curing the gel, a mixture of compounds to be separated by the application of an electric field is introduced into the gel and the latter is subjected to electrophoresis within the mould itself.

Abstract: A casting installation for casting slip into ceramic product by use of at least one unique casting mold. The casting mold is formed of a plurality of separate mold parts each having a plurality of channels therein and having its respective outer face treated to be fluid-tight and inner molding surface. The casting installation includes a pressure-resisting container having a surrounding wall formed along the inner surface thereof so as to define an opening through the container, the mold parts, when assembled, being dimensioned to define a molding cavity of the casting mold; the space being in communication with the molding cavity of the mold. The casting installation further includes a clamp for clamping the casting mold firmly; the channels are operatively connected for depressurizing the channels; a source of slip operatively connected to the molding cavity of the casting mold; and a source of fluid operatively connected to the space surrounding the casting mold.

Abstract: A slush mold for molding film moldings such as surface coverings of interior finishing parts of automotive vehicles. The slush mold comprises a mold body having a molding surface of a predetermined shape formed in the inner surface thereof, a skirt capable of being detachably joined to the mold body so as to cover the marginal portion of the inner surface of the mold body other than the molding surface so that a resin film molding is formed only over the molding surface, and guide members for guiding the skirt so that the skirt is joined correctly to the mold body. Thus, the molding material is distributed only over the molding surface, and thereby the yield rate of film moldings is improved and the work in the subsequent process is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a synthetic resin skin uses a mold for forming at least two separate skin sections which are then joined prior or after a final heat treatment. The synthetic resin skin sections are produced in at least two separate mold members, and the skin sections are then caused to contact each other along determined faces or margins which are joined under light pressure. Any so-called selvage is easily removed after the joining which intimately bonds the skin sections to each other due to the curing of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: A casting frame structure of a centrifugal casting machine which comprises a hollow rotary drum in a concrete-slurry charging space is formed, a rear-end plate replaceably attached to the rear end of the rotary drum, a front-end plate replaceably attached to the front end of the rotary drum and having a feeder opening through which a concrete feeder is inserted into the concrete-slurry charging space of the rotary drum, a plurality of outer frames and/or a plurality of cores mounted on the inner surface of the rotary drum defining a plurality of concrete-slurry casting spaces therebetween each of which is open to the concrete-slurry charging space.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for manufacturing thin walled hollow plastic shells for parts such as automobile door panels, controls and instrument panels from dry thermoplastic powders includes a plurality of powder boxes and an open-ended heated mold. Each charge box is carried by an indexable carousel which has a drive motor controlled by a programmable controller to position the carousel to off-load a given color to a powder casting mold carrier which is associated with means for sequentially and continuously (1) preheating a mold; (2) dumping powder from an off-loaded color box into a heated mold; (3) curing the cast powder in the mold; (4) cooling the mold; and (5) stripping the part from the mold.

Abstract: A casting frame structure of a centrifugal casting machine. Comprising (a) a hollow rotary drum defining a concrete-slurry charging space therein and being integrally provided with a bottom plate on the rear end thereof, the rotary drum replaceably connected with a rotary plate driven by replaceably mounting the back plate to the rotary plate, the rotary drum having a feeder opening at the front end thereof through which a concrete slurry is supplied into the concrete-slurry charging space of the rotary drum, (b) a plurality of casting frames replaceably mounted on and along an inner wall of the rotary drum, (c) a plurality of casting frame positioning-and-fixing members arranged between the inner surface of said back plate of the rotary drum and axially outer surfaces of the casting frames for replaceably positioning and fixing the casting frames in place on the inner surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: A molded structural panel with substantially parallel major surfaces includes integrally formed thin thermosetting resin high density outer sections. Less dense thermosetting resin foam intermediate sections extend inwardly from the outer sections with the density of the intermediate sections decreasing substantially uniformly with increased spacing from the outer sections. A thin thermosetting resin high density central section is located between the intermediate sections. The high density outer sections are in a stressed state from the pressure of the foam intermediate sections thereon. Also, a method for molding the panel.Rotational molding apparatus includes a chemical supplying portion, a chemical mixing portion, a mold portion, a mold supporting portion, a mixture delivery portion and a control portion. The chemical mixing portion includes a tubular member disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation with a plurality of spaced angled deflector sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing thin walled hollow parts such as automobile crash pads from dry thermoplastic powder includes a louver type valve system in the open end of a powder charge box and means for joining the charge box end-to-end with an open-ended heated mold for rotation so that the charge box will be inverted above the mold at the end of an upward swing movement during which the valve is closed to prevent flow of powder to the mold. Once the charge box is fully inverted the valve is opened to evenly distribute the powder into the mold by gravity flow to prevent excessive build-up of wall thickness on the mold surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the waste neck area in a mold of vinyl cast articles such as automotive arm rests, head rests and parts of similar construction includes a powder box of gellable material having a supply spout with its exposed outer surface area covered by a liner of heat insulating material; a waste inlet neck on a heated, machined nickel mold is sealed by the liner when the powder box is joined to the mold. The powder box spout is at room temperature and shields the inlet neck to prevent gel build-up on the inlet neck to effect considerable cost by both a reduction in waste deposits of gel and a reduction in labor required to trim a waste area on the mold. To obtain the coating, the mold is coated with powdered vinyl (hereinafter gellable material) by casting from the powder box to the mold and the excess material is removed from the mold by dumping it from the mold into the powder box.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt construction or the like formed of material that is mainly polymeric material and a method and appartus for forming the same are provided, the belt construction comprising a tension section, a compression section, and a load-carrying section disposed intermediate the tension section and the compression section with at least part of the material of at least one of the sections having been oriented by the force of field line means imposed thereon.

Abstract: To produce a pipe in a centrifugal molding process in a rotating mold, axially parallel oriented fibers are fed in parallel to the axis of the mold, decelerated in the mold, and accelerated, without a change in their orientation, transversely to their feeding direction. A device for performing this process comprises a chamber (3) which can be introduced into a rotating mold (14) and has an outlet opening (10) for cut fibers. In the chamber (3), a rotatable vane (5) is provided which is connected a disk (9) oriented transversely to the axis of rotation (8) of the vane, this disk lying in opposition to the feed conduit (1) for fiber material (2) terminating in the chamber (3). The surfaces of the vane are parallel to its axis of rotation, and so the orientation of the fibers parallel to that axis is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a spindle arm for use in batch-type rotational plastic molding machines. The invention herein includes two cylindrical arms, one end of each arm attached to a gear housing and extending therefrom in a common axis. The gear housing contains gears for providing connection between and transmission of rotation from, a driving shaft, extending from the gear housing, to a driven shaft, extending through the gear housing in an axis perpendicular to the driving shaft. The end of the driving shaft extending from the gear housing is attached to a drive sprocket, the sprocket providing for releasable connection to a drive motor of the molding machine. The driving shaft is contained within one of the cylindrical arms and is rotatably supported therein. The other cylindrical arm is attached, on the end extending from the gear housing, to a second drive sprocket for providing releasable connection to a further drive motor of the molding machine.

Abstract: Thin-walled structures of substantially uniform wall thickness are made by rotating a heated mold surface about a horizontal axis and depositing powdered thermoplastic material onto the mold surface at a rate such that the deposited powder melts on contact with the mold surface and adheres thereto. A high degree of uniformity of the wall thickness is ensured by depositing the powder onto a relatively small portion of the overall mold surface and reciprocating the powder deposition means in the direction of the axis of rotation of the mold surface to thereby uniformly cover the entire mold surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the waste area in a mold for an article molded from a heat-fusing material by a powdered vinyl process, has a mold box disposed adjacent the backside of a mold surface for controlling the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. The waste area elimination is accomplished by isolating and insulating the section of the mold defining the waste area. A kerf is cut into the mold around the waste area to isolate the area. The kerf is filled with castable silicone to insulate the waste area from the heated segments of the mold. To obtain the coating, the mold is filled with powdered vinyl and the excess material is removed from the mold by dumping the plastisol from the mold into a return tank.

Abstract: Rotational molding apparatus includes a chemical supplying portion, a chemical mixing portion, a mold portion, a mold supporting portion, a mixture delivery portion and a control portion. The chemical mixing portion includes a tubular member disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation with a plurality of spaced angled deflector sections. The mold portion includes a pair of spacially connected substantially parallel frame sections. The mold supporting portion includes spaced upstanding sections with rotating clamping members selectively engageable with opposite edges of the mold portion. The mixture delivery portion includes a translatable elongated hollow probe member that is selectively connected with the tubular member.

Abstract: A mold holding apparatus is disclosed for securely holding plaster molds used in the production of ceramic, porcelain and plastic items permitting molds to be oriented so as to permit filling of pour holes present in molds, and to facilitate the uniform pouring off of excess slip. The apparatus includes adjustable retainers for removeable attachment of a mold to a rotatable platform, and center of mass adjustments and frictional contact surfaces for uniform rate of pouring off of excess slip.

Abstract: Means for accurately controlling the transfer of heat to or from a device includes a heat pipe having a condenser end and an evaporator end. A helical screw thread is provided on the exterior surface of the heat pipe so that a portion of the heat pipe may be removably insertable via the threading into a threaded aperture in a desired section of the device. Alternatively, a connecting member, in which a portion of the heat pipe is fixed, may be selectively secured to the desired section of the device. At least one heat sink fin which is selectively securable on the heat pipe via the threading may also be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing multiple color thin-walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, consoles and instrument panels from dry thermoplastic plastisol includes a supply box with a divider to form two or more compartments in the box. The box divider cooperates with selectively positioned split mold parts defining a separation in an open-ended heated mold for separating the mold into two or more sections. Complementary open ends of the charge box and mold are joined. Then the apparatus is rotated so that the powder is distributed into each mold section by gravity flow with the powder from each section flowing to the divider which separates the colors so as to form two or more tones on a resultant shell of cured material; thereafter the powder box is removed and the split mold parts are joined to clamp cast shell segments for fusion at a joint line.

Abstract: Rotational molding apparatus and methods for rotationally molding castable material such as polymers and other materials. In one form, a shuttle or wheeled carriage containing a mold fixture for holding one or more molds, which fixture is both pivotable and rotatable on the carriage, is operable to move along a fixed path into and out of an oven and a cooling chamber. Two of such mold fixture containing carriages may be automatically moved between the oven and one or more cooling chambers, alternately to permit the oven and cooling chamber or chambers to be operated substantially all of the time during an operating shift.

Abstract: A molding machine has a valve assembly that includes means for selectively heating or cooling a mold by controlling flow of gas through an array of gas impingement jets disposed adjacent the backside of a mold surface to regulate the temperature over respective first and second areas of the mold surface. Gas heating and cooling circuits include two drive cylinder regulated plate valves for supplying gas at the gas impingement jet nozzles associated with the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber reinforced thermosetting resin cylindrical shaped product manufacturing apparatus and method using a cylindrical forming die body having open axial ends and rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A cantilever beam body is positionable within the die body so as to extend along the die body longitudinal axis. The cantilever beam supports a suspension stand which is either movable or fixed. The suspension stand includes a reinforcing fiber feeding apparatus, a liquid thermosetting resin feeding apparatus and freely rotatable pressing rollers. A resin hardening agent feeding apparatus can also be included. While the die body is slowly rotating about its longitudinal axis, fiber reinforcing material is fed onto the die body and resin, possibly including a hardening agent, is fed thereto. This mixture is then pressed by the freely rotating rollers as either the suspension stand or the die body itself is axially moved.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating sulfur concrete pipe includes a centrifuge for centrifuging a mixture of the constituents of the sulfur concrete. The centrifuge includes a port for the direction of heat therethrough for heating the mixture. The centrifuge also includes a flexible cylindrical wall which may be directed radially inwards for compacting the mixture in response to a fluid pressure exerted on a side of said flexible cylinder opposite from said mixture. Thermometers are provided for measuring the temperature of applied heat at different points within said centrifuge, and a computer is responsive to the measured temperatures for computing future values of temperature to be applied to said mixture in accordance with a predetermined relationship based on past temperature and time of centrifuging.