Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for the curing of a continuous length of curable material, the length of material is passed through a curing chamber defined by a tubular body 47. This body 47 is disposed in the upper part of another heated tubular body 2 which contains a heat exchange liquid. This liquid is fed to one or more injectors disposed at one or both ends of the body 47, injected along the chamber and then allowed to drain back therefrom into the body 2. The body 2 contains a further tubular body 58 downstream of and partitioned from the tubular body 47. Body 58 also has an injector 60 through which water is injected to cool the length of material. With this relatively compact arrangement curing may be achieved while thermal stresses in the apparatus are reduced.

Abstract: A stretch-staging method is disclosed for straightening continuous fiber columns impregnated within a resin-based tape material to increase the strength and reliability of the material. The tape material is supported about the circumference of a half-cylindrical fixture and separated therefrom by a thin lubricating film to reduce surface friction. Loads of substantially equal weight are longitudinally applied at opposite ends of the tape material about the fixture, and the combination is heated in an oven to an elevated temperature for a predetermined period of time thereby stretching and staging the tape material so that distorted fiber columns are straightened and retained in a straightened condition as the resin is advanced.

Abstract: A material web impregnated with a settable synthetic resin travels in vertical direction, from the bottom towards the top, through a first heat treatment zone where the solvent of the synthetic resin or plastic is evaporated and there occurs a chemical reaction. The tacky material web departing from the first heat or thermal treatment zone then passes through a cooling zone where it is cooled by means of a cooling medium to such a degree that it does not stick to the deflection or diverting rolls over which the material web subsequently is guided. After deflection of the material web the latter is moved in vertical direction downwardly through a second heat treatment zone where the chemical reaction proceeds. Prior to winding-up of the material web the latter is further cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for making biaxially stretched tubular films of thermoplastic synthetic resin which permits operation in a stabilized manner and economically by using the hot air used in stretching a bubble again in heating a raw film. In said apparatus, a suction ring is provided in the section where a heated raw film is inflated by the gas filled therein under pressure, and the diameter of the resulting stretched bubble reaches its maximum diameter. The suction ring sucks the air used for heating the stretching part simultaneously with the air used for cooling it after stretching to attain a thermal interception effect between the stretching part and the cooling part after stretching. Air flow around the stretching bubble is made uniform.

Abstract: A stretched plastic casing is tensioned by means of a fluid medium after having been introduced into two clamping rollers, and conveyed to a bending member in front of or at the location of which it is subjected to a thermal treatment such, that it is bent out of its original path, while being thermally deformed, and is subsequently conveyed in the same direction of curvature, in a bent form, so as to be cooled down.

Abstract: A motor powered rotary trowel employs a plurality of radially arranged trowel blades which can be adjustably tilted on their support arms in either direction and are mounted on a drive shaft which can be driven in either direction thereby enabling the weight of the trowel to be selectively supported on the edges on one side or the other of the trowel blades. In an alternative embodiment, selected parts of the trowel are arranged to fold to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A process for producing a clear surface on expanded thermoformable material is disclosed. A film layer of non bondable plastic material is disposed adjacent the clear plastic material to be expanded. After the expansion process the film layer is removed leaving a clear smooth surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for surface fusion treatment of artificial stone products. The device comprises anode and cathode assemblies of a plasma generator forming an arc discharge along the plane of the surface to be treated, the anode and cathode assemblies being mounted separately. In the device, the anode and the cathode are made as round rods disposed to each other and rotating about their axes in opposite directions as viewed from the working zone. Arranged between the anode and the cathode is a screen having a gas-permeable bottom to feed a plasma gas therethrough to the working zone, thereby forcing the arc discharge against the surface being treated. The screen is mounted at right angles to the axes of the anode and the cathode and is movable along the axes by a reciprocating-motion drive, the arc discharge moving together with the screen.

Abstract: The yield of good-quality bodies consisting of vitreous carbon is increased to substantially 100% when the pyrolysis is performed in a reaction vessel in which a collecting container or a collecting disc for the condensable volatile decomposition products which is open at its upper side is arranged above the polymeric substances to be pyrolized. The collecting disc divides the interior of the reaction vessel into two parts, a passage for gases remaining between the upper part and the lower part. During the pyrolysis, a spatial temperature distribution is adjusted in the reaction vessel which results in a pulsating evaporation and condensation of the decomposition products, so that the decomposition products are completely removed.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon fiber by making infusible and carbonizing pitch fiber which is obtained by melt-spinning petroleum-tar pitch or coal-tar pitch, and a method of making pitch fiber infusible in an air atmosphere containing NO.sub.2, at an elevated temperature by introducing a cross-sectionally U-shaped tray with pitch fiber suspended from bars placed across an upper portion thereof into an infusible material producing furnace having gas exchanging chambers in the inlet portion and outlet portion thereof as well as at least two gas circulating means each of which comprises a combination of a blower or a fan and a heat exchanger, and retaining said tray in said furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing biaxially stretched tubular films which enables heating air for stretching to pass uniformly around the circumference of a stretching bubble thereby to effect stabilized operation. Said apparatus comprises 1 a circular hood fitted to the section where a loaded raw film starts stretching and a formed stretching bubble expands to its maximum diameter, 2 holders for a plurality of rolls, which holders are mounted on the lower part of said hood, said rolls being held each on the end of said holders which an elasticity allowing swinging of said rolls only in the direction radial to the central axis of said bubble but resistant to being distorted in the direction of circumference of said stretching bubble, and 3 a flexible and shrinkable cylindrical sheet attached to and along the inside lower surface of said hood, the lower end of said sheet being situated immediately above the roll part of said holders.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inverting a torroidal article such as a tractor tire, comprising: a base assembly; a first frame assembly pivotably rearwardly attached to the base assembly; a second frame assembly pivotably attached to a forward portion of the first frame assembly; a tire holder attached to the second frame assembly; and grappling means for holding an edge portion of a tire to be inverted relative to the base assembly. The tire holder is rotatable to permit the removal of a rim portion of the tire on the tire holder by a cutting blade fixed on a boom attached to the apparatus. Rotation of the tire holder is actuated by a hydraulic motor, and hydraulic cylinders are used to pivot the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly. The apparatus is made portable, with a minimum of necessary external support systems, such as a hydraulic fluid pump. The article thus produced has a generally cylindrical shape, smoothed by clamping means, making it useful as a feed bunk for livestock.

Abstract: Air ring for cooling a hot extruding tube of plastic film in which a lubricating air bleed port communicates with air from the air ring plenum independent of the cooling air flow path. The bleed port communicates with a bleeded air passage that extends to an annular lubricating air outlet positioned in advance of a guide surface that precedes the cooling air outlet. In an exterior air ring a valve arrangement limits the bleeded flow to the minimum desired.

Abstract: A platen capable of being heated is disclosed wherein fluid flow zones containing heat exchange channels are individually sealed. The heat exchange channels in the platen are connected by a connecting channel sized so that the distance from the connecting channel to a vent passage or a vented opening in the platen is not less than the distance from the vent passage or vented opening to the heat exchange channel. The sealing of the fluid flow zones is accomplished with plugs and end plates which are welded to the platen and then welded together with a fillet weld.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for effecting the uniform pre-heating of thermoplastic parisons of the type that are introduced into a blow molding machine for fabrication into a blow molded article. The invention provides a hopper which is intermittently supplied with batches of parisons and through which the parisons move by gravity. A convection heating zone is provided in the hopper to uniformly heat each parison passing therethrough, and a temperature equalization zone is provided adjacent to the heating zone. The parisons are removed from the temperature equalization zone by a continuously moving parison conveyor which forms part of the temperature equalization zone.

Abstract: A vented platen capable of being heated or cooled is disclosed wherein a plurality of heat exchange channels bored through the width of a plate member are arranged in a plane. The plate member has a plurality of openings on a surface that are vented by vent passages disposed on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the heat exchange channels.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for heat setting side walls of biaxially oriented thermoplastic resin containers to reduce shrinkage of the container and container treated by the process. Heating is by infrared radiation while shielding portions of the container. The apparatus comprises container handling systems to provide a fully automated system capable of being incorporated in present container production lines.

Abstract: A process for reducing micro-voids in cross-linked cable insulation without reducing the voltage breakdown strength thereof in which process the insulation, after cross-linking, is heated at a temperature in the range from about 120.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and under a pressure less than 10 mm. Hg for a period from about 8 hours to 48 hours. Also, a cable having such insulation which has micro-voids less than about 10.sup.2 per mm.sup.3 and a perforation gradient greater than the perforation gradient of a cable which has not been so treated.

Abstract: The invention provides a new air ring for use with a die in a blown film process line to apply cooling air to the exterior surface of an extruded tube of film-forming material passing through the air ring. Air is discharged from a first downstream gap in the air ring radially outward from the path of movement of a tube in unexpanded state so as to create a vacuum force that urges the tube outward and causes the cooling air to flow along the surface, permitting the use of much higher velocities than hitherto, the increased cooling permitting increased output for a given size of die. A second upstream gap delivers a tubular stream that precools the tube and prevents it from sticking to the structure between the upstream and downstream gaps.

Abstract: A machine for treatment of board material with gaseous substances under the influence of negative pressure in which the upper zone of treatment applying the treating gas has a greater surface area applied to the board than the surface area of the lower negative pressure zone applied to the board opposite to the upper zone.

Abstract: A powered jointer having a scoring undersurface for forming a stress joint in a wet concrete slab, followed by a reciprocating tamper foot which forms a stress joint while moving rock out of the joint and a smoothing tip following the formation of the stress joint for smoothing out the same, all in a single pass.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous cross-linking or vulcanizing of material on a conductor comprising a tube with a vulcanizing section in the shape of a catenary arc with the convex portion facing downwardly and with its ends at substantially the same level and a rectilinear cooling section extending upwardly and with its axis tangent to the axis of the catenary arc at the end of the vulcanizing section which adjoins the cooling section. Hot, non-aqueous liquid is circulated in the vulcanizing section and an inert cooling gas under pressure is circulated in the cooling section, the liquid being exposed to the gas where the sections meet. Inert gas also contacts the liquid at the end of the vulcanizing section remote from the cooling section, and a tank containing the liquid is disposed so that the level of the liquid in the tank is the same as the level of the liquid in the vulcanizing section. In the absence of liquid in the tube, inert gas may be circulated in both sections.

Abstract: A horizontal type vulcanizer for continuous production of an elongated member made of a natural or synthetic polymer. The elongated member passes through a pressurized liquid heat medium to achieve vulcanization. Leakage from the liquid bath seal is prevented by having an intermediate separation portion and balancing the pressure in the bath with that in the intermediate portion. Thermal deterioration of the seal is prevented by cooling the liquid bath in the region adjacent the seals to increase the viscosity of the bath in that region. A water jacket positioned in contact with the front face of the extruder head prevents scorching of the elongated member prior to vulcanization.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the high-speed stabilization of molded parts. Stabilization is achieved for parts ejected from a molding machine by bringing about a rapid change in the surface temperature of the parts during the course of their conveyance from the molding site. The result is skin-effect hardening which gives dimensional stability to the parts, allowing them to be conveyed away rapidly for further processing. This permits early ejection of parts from the molding machine and enhances production capacity.

Abstract: A quench bath for cooling an axially moving tubular form comprises an axially compressible jacket with a liquid-retaining annular seal assembly engageable with the tubular form, inlet and discharge means for cooling liquid, and means to releasably support the jacket in an extended configuration.The bath is suitable for cooling tubular extrudates in the production of oriented tubular film.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of molded bodies which are shaped by means of a filtration-dehydration process wherein such bodies after shaping are subjected to a rolling movement preferably by means of a roller conveyor to strengthen and homogenize the same before being further processed.

Abstract: An inplace gasket belling machine wherein a plastic pipe is received in a tilt clamp fixture and tilted thereon for receiving a heating bell on one end portion of the pipe. Heated fluid is directed over the inserted pipe end portion. The heating bell may be withdrawn from the pipe in intermittent steps to afford a temperature gradient along the pipe end portion. The pipe is then tilted to a horizontal disposition for the insertion of a gasket belling mandrel into the heated end portion of the pipe. A gasket magazine is supported adjacent the mandrel for automatically placing an annular gasket on the mandrel for insertion into the pipe end portion. The mandrel includes an outer housing and a mandrel body portion telescopically received within the outer housing. The outer housing has a stop shoulder and a gasket positioning sleeve extended forwardly therefrom. The mandrel body portion has a flared pipe expanding portion and a gasket carrying portion rearwardly thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for vacuum processing concrete for removing surplus water from the concrete by exposing the concrete to vacuum. According to the invention solid particles are prevented from being sucked away from the concrete by applying the vacuum to the concrete surface through a sheet perforated with a great number of holes. The holes are sized to substantially exceed the smallest particles to be prevented from being sucked away by filtering within the concrete.

Abstract: A vulcanization apparatus for a continuous length of article comprises a curved vulcanizing pipe devised to ensure, with the aid of a heating liquid medium recirculation system assembled thereto, a stable and even vulcanization of such a continuous length of article without damaging the same, a tubular cleaner for removing the heating liquid medium deposited on said continuous length of article and a cooling pipe, said vulcanizing pipe, tubular cleaner and cooling pipe being connected together in the cited sequence, without a provision of any spacious separating means or sealing means therebetween, in an arrangement in which a mutual ingression between the heating liquid and cleaning and/or cooling medium can be prevented from and in which the economy can be improved in cost as well as in space while ensuring safety.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a plastic tube having a cup-shaped bulb at one end and which is oval in cross section. The walls of the bulb are thicker than the remainder of the tube and a hub is molded about the bulb both interiorly and exteriorly thereof. The bulb is formed by placing the tube on a mandrel, which extends from a mandrel carrier, and thereafter placing the carrier on a base so that the upper end of the tube and mandrel extend through a slot and into a heating cavity defined by a housing. The upper end of the tube is subjected to radiant heat on opposite sides thereof to heat the circumference of the tube unevenly to form and define the cup-shaped bulb. The upper end of the tube is heated to a temperature close to its melting point.

Abstract: A clamping frame for use in plastic forming apparatus which includes a plurality of tubular elements joined together to define an opening over which a sheet of plastic material is mounted with the edges of the plastic sheet being held against supporting surfaces of the tubular elements by clamps. Each tubular element is formed of a thermally conductive material and includes an interiorly disposed heating element located adjacent the supporting surfaces of the tubular element. The tubular elements include a plurality of interconnections to permit selective positioning of the tubular elements with respect to one another for varying the size of the opening defined thereby, and these interconnections also electrically connect the heating elements within the tubular elements at all adjusted positions thereof to form a closed electrical circuit which may be connected to an electrical source whereby the edges of the plastic sheet between the clamps and the tubular element supporting surfaces may be heated.

Abstract: A method of reshaping magnetically relatively weak ferrite particles of substantially arbitrary shape into substantially spherically-shaped globules including the steps of transporting the particles by a carrier gas stream within a conduit into the vicinity of a stream of warm gases, separating the particles from the carrier gas stream prior to contact with said warm gas stream, feeding the separated particles into the stream of warm gases, melting the particles therein, and subsequently allowing the particles to solidify into substantially spherically-shaped globules.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of continuous plastics foam webs from extruded polyolefin webs containing peroxide and blowing agent by cross-linking on a perforated conveyor belt with subsequent foaming, suspended freely in space into a continuous heating furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus is connected directly on-line with an extruder to inject fluid into or to remove fluid from a fresh extrusion on a continuous basis as the latter is extruded. In one case the fluid injected is a catalyst that causes curing of a mixing of particulate matter and resin binder. In the method one part of a two part binder mechanism is mixed with a particulate material, and the mixture is extruded on a continuous basis. The second part of the binder then is injected into the fresh extrusion on a continuous basis downstream of the extruder output to cure the extrusion. The extruder die also may include fluid injecting paths, on the one hand, for injecting lubricant or, on the other hand, for injecting of the second binder part, e.g. catalyst, into the relatively less dense material near the upstream end of the die.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous curing (vulcanization) of elongated products, such as cables comprising a conductor surrounded by a mantle of a crosslinkable material. The cable is passed longitudinally through a curing tube in which the cable is first subjected to heating in a heating zone for heating the cable to curing temperature and subsequently subjected to cooling. The heating of the cable in the heating zone is carried out by means of heat radiation in a pressurized gas atmosphere and the cooling of the cable in the cooling zone is carried out in the presence of a gas under pressure so that heat is transferred from the heated cable in the cooling zone partially by radiation to the cooled wall of the tube and partly by convection to said cooled gas.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for heating thermoplastic parisons to a substantially uniform temperature across their wall thickness prior to a blow molding operation. The parisons are rotated about their longitudinal axes while being conveyed adjacent a thermal conditioning means, which includes vertically spaced radiant heating elements and a gaseous cooling source. The heating elements radiate infra-red rays having a wave length to penetrate and heat the full thickness of the parison wall; whereas the gaseous cooling source directs a stream of air onto the surface of the parison facing the heating elements to prevent the parison surface from being overheated. Additionally, each of the heating elements may be individually regulated so that the parisons can be differentially heated along their axes to control the wall thickness of the final blown articles.

Abstract: Air ring for cooling a hot extruding tube of plastic film in which a lubricating air bleed port communicates with air from the air ring plenum independent of the cooling air flow path. The bleed port communicates with a bleeded air passage that extends to an annular lubricating air outlet positioned in advance of a guide surface that precedes the cooling air outlet. In an exterior air ring a valve arrangement limits the bleeded flow to the minimum desired.

Abstract: A stretching machine for plastically straightening an extruded product from an extruding press is disclosed, in which a fixable tail stock and a cylinder operated slidable head stock provide the extruded product with a plastically straightened effect in an automatic operation. Means for variably adjusting the speed of the sliding movement of the head stock and means for automatically changing the sliding direction of the head stock are provided in the stretching machine. The method of operation of the stretching machine includes moving the head stock back toward the tail stock by a small amount after the extruded product has been plastically straightened so that the head stock can be easily disengaged from the extruded product.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple and advantageous method for producing plastic moldings with good surface gloss, very excellent transparency and high stiffness from crystalline polypropylene sheets manufactured by a generally employed industrial method without adversely affecting mechanical strength, shape retention at high temperatures and other properties according to a thermoforming process. This invention, more specifically, concerns a method for producing transparent polypropylene molded articles, characterized by heating a polypropylene sheet at a temperature higher than the melting point thereof, stretching it by more than 5%, rapidly cooling it to a temperature of not more than 120.degree. C., and then subjecting the thus treated sheet to thermoforming at a temperature below the melting point of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming lenses from a polymerizable monomeric liquid. In accordance with the method of the invention, the activated monomer is encapsulated within lens molds of unique design and is exposed to a precisely controlled atmosphere within the apparatus of the invention. More particularly, during the entire curing cycle of the monomer the molds are uniformly exposed to collimated streams of air maintained at closely controlled temperatures. The streams of air serve to precisely control the temperature of the monomer within the molds and to continuously remove the heat of exotherm from each individual mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously vulcanizing elastomeric hose employing a tubular, helically extending vulcanizing chamber with an entrance for unvulcanized hose at one end and an exit for vulcanized hose at the other end terminating in a fluid bath which collects the vulcanizing fluid for re-circulation. Means are provided to circulate a vulcanizing fluid at elevated temperatures and pressures through the chamber to transport the hose therethrough while providing the heat and pressure required for satisfactory vulcanization. The fluid bath provides means for effectively preventing escape of pressurized fluid contained in the system.

Abstract: Equipment for producing a high voltage rectifying unit wherein there is a resin ingredient tank and a curing agent tank for storing separately the resin ingredient and the curing agent, a closed mixer for mixing the resin ingredient and the curing agent, a vacuum chamber for injecting a mixed thermo-setting resin composition into the high voltage rectifying unit, a chamber for defoaming the injected resin composition, a furnace for curing the injected resin composition by heating, and a carrier apparatus covered to isolate the external atmosphere which may carry the resin composition-injected high voltage rectifying unit from the defoaming chamber to the curing furnace, whereby the procedures from vacuum injection to curing can be carried out continuously and automatically.

Abstract: A machine for transversely stretching tubular materials comprises a hollow diverging mandrel and an endless sleeve of a flexible knitted fabric which toroidally embraces the mandrel. In use tubular material to be stretched is driven over the mandrel surface along with the flexible sleeve by friction drive means in the form of endless belts.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the accumulation of static charges on fibers resulting from the dry-fiberization of pulp lap sheets includes the steps of: (1) directing a plurality of the pulp lap sheets into a stacked condition; (2) directing the stack of sheets in a downstream direction to a fiberizing device for separating the fibers from the stack; and (3) applying an antistatic chemical to less than all of the sheets in the stack upstream of the fiberizing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid cooling of blown tubular polymer films including a cryogenic flash chamber having a spray manifold from which a cryogenic fluid is sprayed toward molten polymer exiting from an annular die of an extruder. The sprayed cryogenic fluid quickly vaporizes and impacts the molten polymer to cool and solidify the polymer into a tube or bubble. A gas recirculating system driven by a blower is also utilized with an "air" ring at the base of the cryogenic flash chamber to initiate the cooling process. The cryogenic flash chamber is divided into two zones with independent temperature controls to produce films of different clarity and strength characteristics.

Abstract: In order to make large panels of expanded thermoformable material in a process in which a blank of the material is placed between two heated mold plates, the blank adhered to the plates by hot tack adhesion; the plates separated and the expanded material cooled, while maintaining commercial tolerances, the mold plates are supported on elongated mounting studs.

Abstract: A process for perforating plastic tubes, in particular thin-walled corrugated tubes, by a punching or cutting operation wherein the plastic tubes are subjected to a direct or indirect treatment by a cooling fluid prior to the punching and cutting operation. The process is performed by an apparatus comprising a guide structure and conveying device for conveying the plastic tubes, and further comprising punching or cutting members, while spraying devices are provided for effecting the above-mentioned cooling treatment.

Abstract: Quenching molten polymeric films, especially polyester films, on casting surfaces by means of a combination of electrostatic and suction pinning.

Abstract: Apparatus for vulcanizing a continuous length of flexible material comprising a closed chamber having material receiving input and exit ports while maintaining vulcanization pressure and temperature within the chamber, and a pair of rolls mounted on parallel spaced-apart horizontal axes within the chamber such that a portion of the material passing into the chamber and carried by the rolls is self-supporting and free of any contact with either roll surface, the surface of at least one of the rolls being contoured such as to position helical convolutions of the material thereon and cause the material to move in a substantially helical path from the entry port to the exit port while it is being vulcanized within the chamber. A drive motor is connected to one of the rolls to effect rotation of the roll and movement of the material through the chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing extruded thermoplastic material for use in siding by advancing the extrudate from the die member through a series of baths which size and shape the extrudate. The process sizes and cools the extrudate, and, thence, heat treats the extrudate followed by a final quenching of the extrudate in its final shape and size.