Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fiber reinforced thermoplastics in sheet form in contact heating means, in which the thermoplastic is heated between bands in the space between two heating means which can be pressed against it and is at the same time held between an upper and a lower sheet-like or filament-shaped restraining means, which is respectively arranged between the thermoplastic and the band. After heating up, the thermoplastic is taken out of the heating zone together with the restraining means and bands, the bands firstly being detached from the thermoplastic, while the restraining means continue to bear against the thermoplastic, and subsequently the restraining means are detached from the thermoplastic.

Abstract: An annealing mold and fiber retaining device includes a fiber holding plate having fiber channels and an annealing insert. Retainers are provided for attachment to the plate to retain fibers in the channels. After annealing, the annealing insert is replaced by a packaging insert. The fiber holding plate is mounted between a support plate and a cover plate. The mounted plates include a coextensive current conductor port and the plates are mounted in a housing which includes vibration mounts for isolating the plates from vibration within the housing.

Abstract: A molding apparatus for a patterned shaped article includes a retainer having a plurality of retaining portions for retaining particles, a supply tank for charging particles into the retainer, a remover for removing the particles from some of the retaining portions of the retainer, and another supply tank for charging particles of a different kind into the retaining portions from which the particles were removed. The apparatus produces a patterned shaped article by conducting at least one cycle of operation in which particles are charged into the retainer, the charged particles are removed from some of the retaining portions of the retainer and particles of a different kind are charged into the retaining portions from which the particles were removed, and the particles retained are released by the retainer to form a course of prescribed thickness on a base surface.

Abstract: A plastic molding apparatus and method employs a pair of dies having at least one cavity with a mirror surface and wherein a plastic base material which is pre-molded is inserted into the cavity and clamped by the pair of dies. The plastic base material is then heated and melted at glass transition temperature or higher so that a resin internal pressure is generated, and then the plastic base material is annealed so that the mirror surface is transferred to the plastic base material. One of the dies has a separation die in which the cavity is formed. A cavity forming portion thereof has a cavity forming surface and a cavity side board portion which is adjacent to the cavity forming portion and surrounds the cavity forming surface. A separating die clamping structure clamps the separation die from both sides so as to compress an elastic member mounted between the cavity forming portion and the cavity side board.

Abstract: A contact lens production line pallet system transports contact lens mold materials throughout a facility for producing ophthalmic lenses. Specifically, the contact lens production line pallet system includes a pallet for carrying one or more contact lens mold assemblies throughout a contact lens production line, the pallet having one or more first recesses formed in a surface thereof for receiving either a first mold half or a complementary second mold half, the first and second mold halves when placed together constitute an individual contact lens mold assembly. A conveyor device for transporting the pallet from station to station throughout the production line facility is provided, as is a locating device formed in the pallet surface for enabling precise positioning of the pallet at one or more manufacturing stations in the production line facility.

Abstract: A system for curing composite structures. A hollow bladder having opposing open ends is secured within a metal pressure vessel so as to define an annular space within the vessel surrounding the bladder. The open ends of the bladder are sealably attached to opposing entrances formed in the pressure vessel so that the bladder is sealed from communication with the vessel and is accessible through the opposing openings. An uncured composite part can be inserted into the bladder. Preheated and pressurized fluid is circulated through the annular space and thus around the bladder in order to cure the composite part. The composite part may also be encapsulated within a forming bladder member which is then removably inserted into the pressure bladder.

Abstract: In color printing, and in the fine arts, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color inks are known to possess much higher color saturation and brightness than conventional pigment and dyed based inks. However, prior art CLC ink formulations are inconvenient because in the liquid phase they have to be confined in cells, and in the solid phase, they have to be applied at high temperature, and have to be aligned by some means to produce the optimum color. This invention solves the problem encountered in the CLC prior art, by making pre-aligned CLC platelets or flakes of appropriate thickness and size and mixing them in appropriate host fluids producing a novel CLC ink which can be applied at room temperature and without the need for alignment. The new pre-aligned room temperature CLC ink can be used as a substitute for conventional inks in almost all printing and plotting, and manual drawing and painting. Using the notch filter CLC platelets, the brightness is further enhanced.

Abstract: Substrates (D) for optical recording disks are supported substantially vertically while moving through a shroud (32) through which cooling gas is drawn or pumped. The substrates may be supported by spaced, toothed rings (18, 20, 24) on a carousel or by suitable conveyors (126-132; 136-142; 144-146).

Abstract: In order to improve the productivity of pressure-resisting bottles by reducing the blow time from 4-5 seconds in a conventional bottle molding method to not more than 3 seconds, and mold pressure resisting bottles free from the occurrence of crazing and bottom-breakage, a biaxially stretched blow molded bottle (1) of a synthetic resin having a big foot type petaloid bottom is produced in a blow time of not more than 3 seconds, and after the product has been released from the mold, the bottom portion (3) has become not higher than 70.degree. C., whereby the shortage of the capability of the metal mold of cooling the bottom portion (3) is supplemented. This allows both the prevention of the irregular deformation of the central part (6) of the bottom portion, and the molding of the bottom portion (3) of high pressure resisting strength and mechanical strength with a sufficient height H of the central part (6) of the bottom portion ensured.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus and a novel method for manufacturing an endless rubber track for large vehicles such as tractors or earth-moving machines. A plurality of sprocket-engaging core bar inserts are disposed in the inner portion or inner diameter of the endless rubber track to engage the power drive mechanism of the vehicle. Rubber tread is disposed on the outer portion or external diameter of the rubber track. Although the rubber track is made in segments, it is completely vulcanized, and does not have discontinuous, unvulcanized regions between vulcanized segments. Rubber track is formed using at least two different mold assemblies. In the first mold assembly, the interior and exterior portions of the rubber track are molded onto a green belt to form a first segment, and a central portion of the segment is vulcanized.

Abstract: Production of plasterboard includes spreading of a mixture formed of gyps fibers and water onto a continuously moving belt to form a spread layer subsequently precompressed to 110% to 180% of a final board thickness and successively wetted from both sides and thereafter compressing the wetted layer to the final board thickness.

Abstract: A throttle for the adjustment of the pressure of plastic material in screw extruders in which the throttle is a cylindrical plunger submerged in the melt flow in a melt channel. In order to eliminate dead spaces downstream of the throttle, the plunger is arranged in a symmetrical and displaceable manner in a rectangular melt channel and one or more through holes are provided in the plunger in the flow direction in the submerged region of the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing a sheet molding compound which comprises at least one pair of molds disposed along a path of transport of the sheet molding compound. The molds defines a cavity therebetween for passage of the sheet molding compound, which has been generally semi- cured and shaped by a shaping apparatus to a predetermined shape, to heat the generally semi-cured sheet molding compound. At least one of the molds is in the form of a movable mold effective to vary a cross-sectional shape of the cavity to follow a thermal expansion and shrinkage which take place in the sheet molding compound during a curing process.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical clip and fixture for use therein includes molding a polymeric clip body, the clip body having hinged legs, the polymer of the clip body being substantially amorphous. The clip body can then be moved to a desired configuration while being subjected to a temperature above the glass transition temperature. The molded clip body is then heated to a temperature within the crystallization range for a period of time sufficient to impart at least 20% crystallinity thereto to impart a spring back property. Also disclosed herein is a fixture for forming a surgical clip in accordance with this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an optical recording medium in a sheet form, having a resin melt-extruding device that forms a resin sheet, a first heated roller having a predetermined unevenness pattern, and a second heated roller disposed opposite thereto. Further, the apparatus has a conveying device that conveys the resin sheet, in a substantially melted state, between the first and second rollers, which transfer an unevenness pattern to a surface of the resin sheet. The apparatus also has a temperature control device to gradually cool the resin sheet.

Abstract: Glass fiber mats are made for subsequent use in preforming for an RTM or SRIM molding process, for example, such that the binder applied to the mat has two distinct curing stages. In the first stage, a partial cure is provided by visible light upon a free radical generation in response to a photoinitiator mixed in the binder in an exact ratio to give a predictable increase in viscosity to that of a semi-solid so that the fibers are sufficiently bound for subsequent handling, but not sufficient to complete a cure, while leaving a second stage ready for a final cure which is achieved by the use of a cationic-type second photoinitiator which is sensitive to ultraviolet light. During the second curing stage, the mat is formed into a three-dimensional shape of a desired end product and cured with ultraviolet radiation while still in the mold, to obtain a rigid three-dimensional preform structure.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the heat treatment of ophthalmic lenses, especially contact lenses, which comprises an approximately cylindrical housing of closed design having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, transport device for transporting the ophthalmic lenses located inside molds along an open transport path, which is arranged inside the housing and connects the inlet and the outlet opening, and heating device arranged inside the housing, the open transport path inside the housing is of an essentially spiral shape, and the heating device are arranged essentially above and below the transport path.

Abstract: A glove configuration and method for making same of a thin flexible film is shown. The glove and form having an ambidextrous shape useful for either the left or right hand use and a cuff configuration which resists rolldown. The configuration of the cuff includes a corrugated portion and a broadly fluted portion. The former giving increased strength and thickness and the latter providing a place to improve the ease with which the glove may be stripped from its dipping form.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for stabilizing a tire extracted at a relatively high temperature from a tire curing mold, whereby the tire (2) to be stabilized is inflated to a given pressure by a pressurized fluid, and cooled from the inside by circulating the pressurized fluid along a closed circuit (44) defined, at least partially, by the tire (2) and by a radiator (45) located outside thereof.

Abstract: A heat tipping method and apparatus for surgical sutures to facilitate inserting the sutures into the barrel ends of surgical needles. The method comprises tensioning the suture, heating a portion of the suture to be heat tipped by blowing a current of hot air across the portion of the suture, and releasing the tension and cutting the portion of the suture to create heat tipped ends. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum around which the suture is wound, a concave channel in the drum for delimiting a portion of the suture to be heated, and hot air blowers for heating the delimited portions of the suture to a heat tipping temperature.

Abstract: A PCI main body includes two sets of gripping mechanisms and is rotatable about a horizontal axis, and a loader for detachably gripping an outside rim of the PCI and which is swingable in a horizontal plane. A vulcanized tire is received on the outside rim of the loader externally of the PCI main body, the loader is rotated to a position underneath the PCI main body, the tire and the outside rim are locked to the main body, a tire is seated on and fixed between an inside rim and the outside rim, compressed fluid is fed to the inside of the tire, and the PCI main body is rotated. Accordingly, a degree of precision in the concentricity between the respective rims can be maintained, a remote operation is possible, and the rims can be exchanged in a short period of time. Also, in addition to the above-mentioned features, a slide mechanism causes a support member for the outside rim to retreat upon rotation of the loader. Thus, the stroke of a rim interval adjusting screw can be relatively short.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of generating three-dimensional objects from a medium capable of selective physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, whereby sheets of medium corresponding to cross-sectional layers of the three-dimensional object are dispensed from a source, the dispensed sheets then being selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation thereby forming a layer of the three-dimensional object, the areas not exposed to synergistic stimulation being removed, and whereby successive sheets corresponding to successive cross-sectional layers are dispensed and selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation and integrated together with preceding layers to provide substantially a layer by layer buildup of the three-dimensional object, thereby forming the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: Process for obtaining three-dimensional objects, according to which process a sheet (2A, 2B, 2C) is prepared, which sheet is composed of a material, the solubility of which varies when it is subjected to a specific radiation, and of fibers or of a screen for reinforcement, the sheet having a sufficient rigidity to be handled and being capable of adhering on a similar sheet. The sheet is subjected to said radiation (18) in a defined zone, and then a new sheet is fixed onto it and the passing of radiation is recommenced, and then the stack is subjected to a selective dissolving which causes the desired object (31) to appear.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for step-molding elongated work pieces, such as generator components. A heated press includes a cooling box attached thereto, separated by a thermal insulating gasket. As a first portion of the work piece is being heat cured, a second portion extending adjacent the heated press is placed within the cooling box to prevent its being cured from residual heat of the press. After the first portion has been cured, the second portion is sequentially placed within the heated press. In this manner, the entire elongated work piece is cured and inadvertent "bumps" in the cured work piece are prevented to form the component to its desired shape.

Abstract: A heat tipping method and apparatus for surgical sutures to facilitate inserting the sutures into the barrel ends of surgical needles. The method includes tensioning the suture, heating a portion of the suture to be heat tipped by blowing a current of hot air across the portion of the suture, and releasing the tension and cutting the portion of the suture to create heat tipped ends. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum around which the suture is wound, a concave channel in the drum for delimiting a portion of the suture to be heated, and hot air blowers for heating the delimited portions of the suture to a heat tipping temperature.

Abstract: A thermoformable mat, e.g., a mat of resinated fiberglass, is compressed and shaped into a contoured object, e.g., a shell for an automobile headliner, by this process. The mat is compressed between two dies that have been preheated. At least one of the dies is perforated. Superheated steam (e.g., at 80 psig and 600.degree. F.) is ejected from the perforations into the mat, thereby quickly raising the mat temperature to its thermoforming point. After the mat is set into the contoured shape, the dies are reopened and the formed mat is removed. If the mat that is used contains a thermoplastic adhesive, the mat is cooled to below the adhesive's melt print before the dies are opened. This can be done by applying a vacuum to the perforated die and pulling ambient air through the mat.

Abstract: A device for vulcanizing or cross-linking a cord particularly a cable provided with a plastic covering, the device comprising an elongated pipe housing at the upper end of the housing, the cord being inserted and the upper area thereof being defined as a heating area and the lower area thereof as a cooling area wherien at least the heating area is provided with an inlet and an outlet for a protective gas, and an inspection window fitting positioned laterally at the pipe housing adjacent to the upper end for inspecting or measuring, respectively, the diameter of the cord by means of a suitable optical-electrical measuring device through an inspection window, wherein a separate heating device is associated with the upper area of the heating area of the pipe housing associated with the inspection window fitting, the heating device heating the atmosphere in the upper area permanently to a temperature higher than in the remaining areas of the heating area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of vapor-phase synthesizing diamond comprising creating a reduction atmosphere by burning a combustible gas in a combustion-supporting gas, controlling the humidity by adding steam or liquid water drops to the combustion flame, and inserting a basic material into the synthesis flame. This method produces diamonds of the desired reproducibility and crystallinity, with an industrially-acceptable rate of film growth, while simultaneously ensuring the process stability necessary for long-duration synthesis.

Abstract: To automate the roughening of the peripheral surface of a shoe upper in the region to be soled, the application of adhesive along such surface and a final deburring operation, prior to injection molding the last supported shoe upper in the region of lateral side mold elements is measured at the peripheral curvature to determine a curved line of spacial coordinates and angles of curvature starting at a preselected null point, and the values are stored. Another last supported shoe upper is moved by a rotary turntable to be scanned at selected points along its periphery for comparing the selected points to the spacial coordinates and angles of curvature. Any deviation therefrom is adapted to a second preselected null point, after which the shoe upper is guided by a computer controlled robotic device along the curved line starting from the second null point.

Abstract: A mold used to form a latex lid for covering a beverage cup includes a body having a top forming face and a side forming face extending around and turning downward from the top forming face, a stubby projection which has a rounded surface, provided on the top forming face, a shallow recessed fink provided in the top forming face around the stubbing projection. In forming the latex lid, the stubby projection creates a thinned area in the latex lid which facilitates the insertion of a straw, and the shallow recessed sink provides a thickened reinforcing ring around the thinned area. A blind hole may be provided in the stubby projection to create an internal bursting force which can produce a hole in the thinned area.

Abstract: A method of making annular polymeric articles in which a workpiece is placed on a cylindrical shaping surface and is divided about the perimeter into alternating first and second portions. Moulding is done in two stages, the first stage including moulding the first portions, and the second stage including moulding the second portions interposed between the first portions at the same time maintaining the pressure exerted on the first portion, after which the workpiece is vulcanized. The mould includes a cylindrical core (1) having a shaped surface, mounted on a base and serving to accommodate the workpiece thereon, and elements (5, 6) for squeezing the workpiece arranged around the cylindrical core (1) alternately, the first elements (5) having each side surfaces (7) parallel with the axis of symmetry of this element (5), whereas the second elements (6) having each side surfaces (7) of the neighboring first elements (5) arranged at an angle (.alpha.

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 process and apparatus are provided for producing polymerized plugs in which the polymerization starting materials are passed through heated reaction tubes by gravity feed. The polymerized rods so produced are cut into plugs and packaged for use. In an alternative embodiment, the polymerization starting materials are first encased within flexible sleeves, and the flexible sleeves are then passed through the heated tubes by gravity feed to form polymerized rods. Apparatus for performing the process includes at least one tube having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being at a lower elevation than the inlet opening to provide for gravity feed through the tube, and structure to heat the tube. A cutting device cuts the polymerized rods into plugs as they exit the outlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of a collagen tube to be used as a vascular prostheses or nerve suture, including a cylindrical tubular spinneret having a feed end for an aqueous solution of collagen gel and a discharge end and a coagulant tube concentrically disposed in the spinneret with all around circumferential clearance and terminating upstream of the discharge wherein a tube of aqueous acid collagen gel is extruded through the clearance around the coagulant tube. The coagulant tube has its inner wall contacted with a coagulating solution emerging therefrom before the tube of aqueous collagen gel reaches the discharge end of the cylindrical tubular spinneret. The discharge end of the tubular spinneret terminates in a bath of coagulating solution and a bed is disposed in the bath to receive the extruded collagen tube from the end of the tubular spinneret. The tubular spinneret is capable of being displaced with respect to the bath.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for curing an uncured resin impregnated in a filter element (12) having a uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction, and for reinforcing the filter element (12). The apparatus includes a curing pot (38) formed of outer and inner tubes (40, 42) secured integrally and coaxially with each other to form an annular space (44) therebetween, having a cross-section similar to that of the filter element (12) to be treated, for accommodating the filter element (12) therein during the curing process. A hot air circulation mechanism for forcibly supplying hot air through the filter element (12) in the annular space (44) is provided so that the temperature of the filter element (12) is effectively elevated to a value at which the curing of the resin is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aseptic, particle-free production of articles. A shroud is placed around at least a portion of the device which produces the articles to substantially isolate that portion from the external environment. The device for producing the articles and the shroud are sterilized and the air inside the shroud is filtered and sterilized. A laminar or other type of flow of filtered, sterilized air is imparted through the shroud over the articles being produced. A secondary shroud encloses the corridor or work area adjacent the shroud and device which produces the articles. The corridor and secondary shroud are sterilized, and sterilized and filtered air is continually introduced therein. The articles therefore are particle-free and sterilized for further use. The apparatus and method can be used for any component production process employing high temperatures and/or pressures, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and production of semiconductor electronic components.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an hydration means for wetting the exposed surface of a core void formed on the withdrawal of a core former from a construction panel comprising compacted gypsum or like particulate materials, and proposes the free suspension of a reciprocable spray head by a flexible small-bore tube through which a setting liquid is applied to the spray head from a cross-head with which the tube is connected in fluid flow relationship. If necessary, the spray head may be weighted, while an apertured guide plate through which the tube passes may be provided above the upper limit of movement of the spray head.

Abstract: A device for executing a method of molding expandable thermoplastic polymer beads in a mold to form articles of foamed material comprising: pulsing steam through at least one of the cavities to contact and expand the beads in the cavity for a finite period of time and drawing the steam amongst the beads by providing reduced pressure to at least one of the cavities for the same period of time; and pulsing mist through the expanded beads by providing mist to at least one of the cavities and drawing the mist through the expanded beads by providing reduced pressure to at least one of the cavities for the finite period of time of predetermined duration to form articles of foamed material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a building block which imitates a pile of dry stones. According to the method, the stones (10) are placed side-by-side on the bottom of a mold whose inside shape corresponds to the desired block shape, said bottom being constituted by a grating. Cement is then cast inside the mold. The cement (11) is compressed in order to force it to spread out uniformly inside the mold and to creep between the stones (10). While the cement is kept under pressure, water is projected through the bottom grating against the outside face of the block (1), so as to remove any cement which may be found thereon. Pressure is then removed from the cement and it is allowed to set. Finally the block (1) is extracted from the mold.

Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus for fixing and shaping animal tissue into the shape of a cardiac valve prosthesis, including a tapered form, with elongated through apertures, suspended in a reservoir of fixative and vacuum means for producing a reduced pressure within the tapered form.

Abstract: Means for moving a mold train or a support to filling means and roll means to smooth the surface of the material in molds of the train. The roll has a cutter which cooperates with the edge of the mold to break the continuous mold material at the junction between abutting molds and means to separate end molds from the train.

Abstract: A straight length of tape (100) is confined in a cavity having a thickness and width essentially the same as the thickness and width of the tape (100). The cavity is defined by upper and lower opposing sets of thin flexible strips (24). In each set, strips (24) are positioned with their faces abutting each other and their inner side edges confronting the inner side edges of the strips (24) in the other set to define the thickness of the cavity therebetween. A series of longitudinally spaced clamps (28) press the strips (24) against the tape (100) to exert on the tape (100) pressure of sufficient magnitude and uniformity of prevent buckling and wrinkling of the tape (100). With the tape confined, a series of longitudinally spaced drive units (50) bend the strips (24) and tape (100) into a desired planform configuration. The tape (100) is held confined in this planform configuration until the tape (100) stabilizes in its new configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the surface characteristics of wax-based material such as a deodorant or anti-perspirant stick housed in a container is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow walled housing having an inlet and outlet portion. A plurality of rows of horizontally mounted endless conveyors each comprised of a plurality of interconnected conveyor feet are mounted in the housing for moving containers therethrough in reciprocating fashion. A plurality of spaced separators are mounted between the rows and containers move sequentially through these rows from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. A duct system is connected with the housing for circulating air through the housing and creating a reduced pressure therein. A plurality of heating units arranged in sequence are mounted over the rows which units are capable of melting the wax-based material.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressing and steam curing a wood-particle mat to produce a wood-particle board includes a pair of pressing belts which are arranged above each other at a distance to define a gap therebetween within which the wood-particle mat is conveyed and shaped. Along its passage through the pressing belts, the wood-particle mat is first moved along a compression zone in which the gap is gradually reduced and then passes along a sizing zone. Cooperating with the pressing is a steam injection unit which includes a steam supply channel system and a steam discharge channel system. Both channel systems border on the pressing gap and are provided with nozzle bores extending towards the gap. Via the supply channel system, steam is injected along the compression zone in direction of the wood-particle mat while the discharge channel system which extends at least along a downstream section of the sizing zone is provided to collect and eventually to discharge steam.

Abstract: A vulcanizer and method for vulcanizing sheets of unvulcanized elastomeric material is presented in which the sheets are formed from generally rectangular small sections of unvulcanized material where the edges of the sections are tapered and mated together along their maximum dimension to form longitudinally extending seams within large sheets. The sheets are wrapped onto a series of concentrically assembled mandrels having different diameters, which serve as individual supports for the multiple wraps of sheet material. Each mandrel is received within the mandrel of the next larger diameter and is supported within the vulcanizing chamber by self-supporting mounting devices or carriage.

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: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a contact lens, through molding within water-tight molds. The polymerization of lenses is insured by arranging a number of molds within one or several sealed metallic chambers (9) constituting a resonant cavity of a unique mode for an ultra high frequency wave; these molds are positioned in an area of the cavity where the electromagnetic field approximately of ultra high frequency waves is homogeneous, and are distributed so that the amounts of basic composition to be polymerized act as a load fitted to the inside of said cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of elastomers and polymers has an inner tube of rectangular section in an outer tubular shell. A treatment medium, for example, a liquid mixture of eutectic salts, is circulated by a pump from a reservoir to a manifold and then to the tube to fill the tube apart from its ends. The medium issues from the ends of the tube into the shell from which it drains to the reservoir. Conveyors are arranged to feed an elongate article through the tube. A hot, gaseous wipe is provided by a device. The interior of the shell is filled with gas under pressure through an inlet. A pressurized water cooling system is included.

Abstract: A method of heat setting spaced fastener elements on a fastener chain includes contracting a formed thermoplastic wire constituting the fastener elements, while heating the fastener chain to which the formed wire is affixed, until the pitch of the fastener elements attains a predetermined value smaller than the value of a desired pitch and subsequently cooling the formed wire while the wire is stretched to provide the desired element spacing.

Abstract: Graphite gaskets with an improved release characteristic are pressed (to reduce their void content) and then embossed with a pattern of relatively raised areas surrounded by interconnected depressions.