Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting at least a portion of an article while the article is being formed. A source of self-adhering particles is directed by a particle jetting device, or the like, to a predetermined position in a controlled environment to form the article. A support structure is carried in the controlled environment for substantially rigidly supporting at least a portion of the article during the formation of the article (by build-up of the self-adhering particles). The support structure is a fluid which changes state to a solid responsive to an electrical charge and reverts back to a fluid responsive to removal of the electrical charge.

Abstract: A batch mixer includes a mixing chamber in which polymeric material such as plastics and rubber is heated and mixed. The material is fed to the mixing chamber through a hopper. The hopper has a door which is swung open and closed by a fluid-actuated cylinder. A locking mechanism is provided to enable the door to be swung only slightly open by excessive pressure build-ups in order to vent the pressure without permitting an appreciable amount of molten material to escape through the door.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving desired surface roughness characteristics on an electrode material that is coated on a substrate such that the electrode material has desired surface roughness characteristics includes a roller. The roller has surface roughness characteristics corresponding to those desired in the electrode material. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the roller. The apparatus presses electrode material coated on a substrate against the surface of the roller so that the electrode material assumes substantially the same roughness characteristics as the surface of the roller. A nip roller is used to press the electrode material against the surface of the roller, the position of the nip roller being movable to adjust the thickness of the electrode material. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to cool the roller to a casting temperature for casting electrode material that has been pressed against the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out the filling of a mold (42) with a mixture of stony material to produce a slab formed of the stony material. A volumetric distributor having rotating blades (92) for supplying the mixture is moved forward from one end to the other of the mold (42) and is then returned to the one end with the blades (92) in a swinging motion. The distributor is stopped for a prefixed period of time at each end, during which the blades (92) are given a limited rotation in the direction of the interested end. A series of fixed rods (54) is provided above the mold (42) extending transversely in the sense of forward motion of the distributor.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the outer surface of an elongated body (10), such as a rod or tube, with a layer of concrete (30) includes a frame structure (21). Pipe or tube sections (10) may be supplied to a tilting device (27) in a horizontal position on a carriage (12) and tilted to a vertical position within the tower-like frame structure (21). The apparatus comprises means (24, 27) for retaining the elongated body (10) in the upright position within the frame structure and an annular mould (26) for surrounding the upright elongated body so as to define an annular space between the elongated body and the annular mould, and concrete may be fed to the annular mould space by feeding means (28, 29). The mould may include an upper funnel-like part, which is rotatable about the axis of the annular mould relative to the remaining part of the mould so as to distribute the concrete mixture peripherally in the annular mould space.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing multiple thin walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, arm rests, and instrument panels from thermoplastic plastisol includes a pair of plastisol charge boxes each forming a separate compartment and members for joining the charge boxes with an open ended mold. The mold has a divider rib thereon that is inaccessible by straight vertical engagement of a seal assembly on the divider. An indexable divider wall is operatively connected between the charge boxes so that the divider wall can be selectively extended and retracted at an angle with respect to the vertical and against the mold at the divider rib thereon for allowing separation of the casting surfaces having different colors fixed thereon and the subsequent fusing of the casting surfaces to one another at the divider.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for molding a thin-wall plastic shell includes a powder box (12) and a mold box (14). The powder box (12) is positioned to an operative position wherein an opening (18) in the powder box (12) is brought in proximity to the mold surface (20) of the mold. A contoured selective charge application panel (36) has a gasket (30) about the end thereof and the selective charge application panel (36) is extended vertically from the opening (18) at variable heights to perfect a sealed surface at the opening (18) and the periphery (22) of the mold surface (20) to mask vertically extending waste surfaces (14a, 14b).

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a press jacket from pourable elastomeric material with reinforcement threads. A cylindrical pouring body. A longitudinal thread tensioning device at the pouring body. A feed device for feeding circumferential threads to the pouring body. A pouring nozzle for pouring the elastomeric material to the pouring body. A spacing device maintains a constant distance between the longitudinal threads and the jacket surface of the pouring body as well as a constant circumferential distance between adjacent longitudinal threads. The spacing device includes a plurality of segments. Each segment has an L-shaped cross section. The radial arm has slots for the passage of longitudinal threads and furthermore teeth present between the slots. A slide is rigidly fastened to the support and includes rollers which engage the segments and move the spacing device along the pouring body.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling foamed particles of a thermoplastic resin into a mold. The apparatus includes a weigh hopper equipped with a weighing means, a foamed particle feeder adapted to control the amount of the foamed particles of the thermoplastic resin to be fed to the weigh hopper according to the weight of the foamed particles contained in the weigh hopper, a particle feed hopper adapted to temporarily keep a fixed weight of the foamed particles, which have been weighed in the weigh hopper, a holding hopper which acts as a pressurized tank, and a filling machine for filling the foamed particles into a mold. The filling apparatus allows for the successive weighing and pressurized containment of the foamed particles prior to being fed into the mold cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing parts by fusing selected portions of a layer of powder at a target area, including the systems for delivering the powder to the target area, is disclosed. Multiple powder pistons are included in the apparatus, each of which lift a volume of powder above a surface in an alternating manner relative to one another. Powder delivery begins by the lifting of a volume of powder at a first location on one side of the target area. A counter-rotating roller moves across the lifted powder, distributes it over the target area, and rests beyond a second powder lifting location on the other side of the target area. Portions of the powder layer are then fused at the target area according to a cross-section of the part to be produced, and is followed by lowering a part cylinder at the target area in order to accept the next layer of powder.

Abstract: A dough-stretching roller apparatus is provided to produce a continuous web of dough in a process to manufacture confectionery and bread. The apparatus includes a pair of upper rollers and a pair of lower rollers, a sensor that measures the width of the dough that contacts the lower rollers, and a controller that controls a motor driving the upper rollers in response to a signal from the sensor. The controller increases the rotational speed of the upper rollers when the sensors detect that the width of dough is less than a preset width while the controller decreases the rotational speed of the upper rollers when the sensors detect that the width of the dough is greater than the preset width. Thus, even if the quantity of dough supplied from a hopper is unstable, the stable production of a stretched web of dough having a constant volume over its length can be continued.

Abstract: A method for the facile filling of remotely located forms with cementitious materials. The method uses a transportable bin which is captively coupled to the arms of a skid loader. The bin includes a generally rectangular container having four vertical sides and an accessible interior truncated at a base and having a covered dispensing aperture at the bottom. The covered aperture is adapted to be actuable in situ by the skid loader operator using controls located within reach of the operator when the aperture is vertically disposed over a form to be filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a single silicon wafer. A quartz drum having a slotted opening pours measured amounts of granulated or powdered silicon into a crucible. Heaters then melt the solid silicon to provide a molten silicon in the crucible. Utilizing controlled gas pressure, the molten silicon is poured from the crucible onto a wafer chuck in order to cast a single silicon wafer.

Abstract: A device for filling molds with a casting resin or the like. An elastic casting container, with at least one fill and discharge opening, is arranged in the pressure box, which casting container selectively receives the casting resin therein from a feed pipe and delivers the casting resin to the mold through a fill pipe. The casting container is emptied by a pressure buildup inside of the pressure box, either by means of a gaseous or a liquid pressure medium. In this manner, the casting container can be loaded with the casting resin such that a renewed gas loading of the already degassed casting resin prior to the filling of the mold no longer occurs, while simultaneously limiting cleaning operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing a filler of conductive material into through-holes in a printed circuit board comprises a packing nozzle, an mask and a covering plate. The packing nozzle delivers a filler of conductive material through a delivery opening, and a delivery valve is mounted at the delivery opening. A manipulator is provided on the upper part of the nozzle for manipulating the delivery valve, and a nozzle tip is attachable to and detachable from the delivery opening. The mask has packing holes disposed in positions corresponding to those of the through-holes in the printed circuit board, and the mask is mountable on the upper side of the printed circuit board. The covering plate has escape holes in positions corresponding to those of through-holes in the printed circuit board, and the covering plate is disposable on the lower side of the printed circuit board. A squeegee may be provided on the lower part of the nozzle.

Abstract: A frame is swingably mounted to a stationary support above an indexing mold tray conveyor. Mounted to the frame is a clay supply device comprising an extruder and a pair of mutually facing belts having vertical runs. Lumps of clay are extruded and deposited by the facing belts in the tray cavities on the tray conveyor.

Abstract: A method for producing a blank of a slab-like product, in which method a fibrous material such as chips or the like is mixed with a binder material such glue, cement or the like, and the mixture is fed into a blank-forming apparatus. The method is implemented by feeding the mixture of fibrous and binder materials from the blank-forming apparatus to a conveyor or similar platform in order to form a blank, after which one or more layers of blank-separating material is dispersed layer by layer onto the blank, and finally a second blank is laid onto the layers of blank-separating material.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a friction material includes a friction material-charging device for charging an appropriate amount of a friction material into a cavity in an intermediate die member receiving a lower die member therein; a leveling device including a base having a plurality of narrow bars depending from the base, a first elevator mechanism for vertically moving the base, so that when the base is moved downward, the narrow bars are inserted into the cavity, and a device for imparting a horizontal reciprocal movement to the base when the base is moved downward, so as to level the friction material by the narrow bars; a recess-pressing device including a push rod, and a second elevator mechanism for vertically moving the push rod, so that when the push rod is moved downward, the push rod is inserted into the cavity in the intermediate die member so as to press the friction material into the recess; and a pressing device including a third elevator mechanism for vertically moving an upper die member, so t

Abstract: A pressurized slurry casting machine is provided which includes a feed tank with an agitator, a vertical conduit extending from the feed tank to a mold. The machine operates by creating pressure in the feed tank with the agitator propeller whereby the ceramic slurry will be forced to move up the straight conduit into the mold so as to be formed into the desired article. The respective connections of the conduit to the mold and the feed tank are each air-tight connections such that no air bubble-like contamination will result in the finished ceramic product. There is also provided a vacuum system capable of producing a negative pressure in the feed tank.

Abstract: A mold for skin covered foamed plastic molding which utilizes a middle mold to be placed between an upper mold and a lower mold capable of preventing penetration of the liquid foam resin to be poured onto the skin cover, and also capable of improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process. The mold includes a middle mold configured for reducing pressure exerted by the liquid foam resin falling on the skin cover.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for printing that includes the formation of a hologram, or other type of diffraction pattern, directly on a desired end product of paper, or other sheet material. The hologram, or other diffraction pattern, is formed by casting a surface relief pattern directly onto the sheet material in a limited area.

Abstract: A separator manufacturing apparatus includes a transfer roller (2) with a plurality of annular shaping grooves (1) having a predetermined shape in cross section which are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller (2) in its circumferential direction, a resin feeding device (4) with nozzles (3) to feed a hot-melt type resin to the annular shaping grooves (1) of the transfer roller (2), a base paper feeding device (5) to feed a continuous paper (w) at a predetermined speed to the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller (2) supplied with the resin to thereby form by transfer a plurality of ribs (9) on a surface of the continuous paper (w), and a fault detecting device (6,36,46) to detect the shape and/or a dimension of the rib (9) formed by transfer. A resin drop receiving device (53) or an annular shaping groove cleaning device (63) may be provided so that maintenance of the transfer roller (2) can be easy.

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 process is disclosed for forming a thermoplastic structure on the exterior surface of the heated mold form. A mold is heated to approximately two times the melting temperature of a thermoplastic material and particulate thermoplastic material then sprinkled onto the exterior surface of the heated mold. An adhesively bondable material may then be added to the semi-molten thermoplastic material structure. The mold is then cooled and the resulting thermoplastic structure removed.An apparatus for practicing the above process comprising a mold form, heating system, and particulate thermoplastic material dispensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making brake pads (60) having the step of heat preforming a plurality of dosages (39) of a friction material for brake pads (60) to obtain a plurality of blanks (61) on which respective metal holders (53) are then placed, and the step of hot molding, individually and simultaneously, such blanks (61) to form a plurality of brake pads (60).

Abstract: A plant for manufacturing aerated concrete products includes a casting station where a quick-stiffening mixture is prepared and poured into a mold. To form the mold, a movable wall arrangement disposed at the casting station is temporarily united with a transportable mold bottom. After the poured mixture hardens to a semiplastic body, the semiplastic body is removed along with the mold bottom and another mold bottom is assembled with the wall arrangement to receive the next pouring of mixture. As a result, the capital investment required for the plant is minimized. Wires on the wall arrangement may be used to automatically cut the semiplastic body into blocks. The stiffening time for forming the semiplastic body is kept short so that the pacing time between consecutive pourings can also be kept short. The semiplastic bodies on the mold bottoms are stacked on trucks which are guided by tracks to autoclaves at a steam curing station.

Abstract: A separator manufacturing apparatus includes a transfer roller (2) with a plurality of annular shaping grooves (1) having a predetermined shape in cross section which are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller (2) in its circumferential direction, a resin feeding device (4) with nozzles (3) to feed a hot-melt type resin to the annular shaping grooves (1) of the transfer roller (2), a base paper feeding device (5) to feed a continuous paper (w) at a predetermined speed to the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller (2) supplied with the resin to thereby form by transfer a plurality of ribs (9) on a surface of the continuous paper (w), and a fault detecting device (6, 36, 46) to detect the shape and/or a dimension of the rib (9) formed by transfer. A resin drop receiving device (53) or an annular shaping groove cleaning device (63) may be provided so that maintenance of the transfer roller (2) can be easy.

Abstract: The process has a first phase of temporary subdivision of a container in a plurality of sectors, each assigned to contain a powder of different characteristics, through means of temporary subdivision, a second phase of filling such sectors, a third phase of partial pressing operation of such powders, a fourth phase for removing said means of temporary subdivision and a fifth phase of final pressing. The above process is executed with an apparatus including a frame which, by means of tubular cells, defines said subdivision sectors of the container. Said cells are connected to means for the feed and the controlled delivery of said powders and pressing pistons translate in them.

Abstract: Segmented cosmetic articles are made by positioning an empty pan at the bottom of a sleeve having interior partitions forming separate compartments or chambers extending longitudinally the full extent of the sleeve, with each compartment being adapted to receive a corresponding charge of loose powder (each preferably of different color) through the end of the sleeve distal with respect to the pan. A ram or piston assembly havin solid segments conforming in shape to each separate chamber then is slidably received within the sleeve through the opening through which loose powder is admitted, and telescopically advanced relative to the sleeve toward the pan at other end thereof sufficient to pre-press or partially compress the powder charge into the pan. By this action, all segments of powder corresponding to the charge in each chamber of each sleeve, respectively, are partially compressed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of producing a layer of plastics material between two glass panes and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the plastics material is filled in liquid form between the two glass panes which are in an inclined or vertical position and maintained parallel and sealed at their outer edges, are characterized in that the two glass panes are pressed against each other at their outer surfaces by one or a plurality of rotatable devices to achieve pressure guided in parallel and extending preferably over the total width of the glass panes, which pressure devices are movable along the total length of the glass panes, and that the pressure devices are moved at the curing rate of the plastics material from one end of the glass panes to the other end of the glass panes relative thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted feeding apparatus for delivering finely pulverized particulate materials, such as powdered metal, is disclosed in which a material holding hopper has a feeder tube extending into a lower disposed filling chamber subject to sub-atmospheric pressures to effect vacuum assisted gravity flow of the powder material into the filling chamber. Powder in the filling chamber is vacuum/gravity fed to a mold cavity until the cavity is filled, whereafter powder is accumulated in the filling chamber until the discharge end of the feeder tube is occluded by the powder to disrupt the feeding operation.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a unitary glass fibre reinforced body shell includes a carriage which is movable along the mold and a turntable which is mounted on a carriage for rotation about a first axis extending in the direction of longitudinal movement of the carriage. An arm is slidably mounted on the turntable for radial movement and a dispenser is located on the arm for dispensing glass fibre reinforced resin onto the surface of the mold. A guidance system is provided which interconnects the turret and the slidable arm and is operable to cause the arm to reciprocate with respect to the turret in a radial direction to maintain a substantially constant length of trajectory extending between the dispenser and the wall of the mold. A drive system is provided for rotatably driving the turret about the axis. The carriage is normally stored on a mobile end cap which may be moved from one mold to another and serves to close one end of the mold.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for producing a thermoplastic lens having a minimum of stress including a male mold and a female mold defining therebetween a molding space, one of the molds being mounted for movement towards and away from the other mold, and a gate mounted adjacent to the other mold for the passage of thermoplastic resin. The other mold defines a window width for admitting thermoplastic resin to the molding space. A compression pressure applying member such as a wedge-shaped slide member is further provided for moving the other mold toward and away from the one mold so as to compress thermoplastic resin within the molding space as well as to automatically withdraw the other mold from the one mold prior to the injection of thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A device for filling in a single operation of several mould spaces in a mould tray with a thick fluid substance such a chocolate, creme, fondant, and similar. The device consists primarily of a tank; a distribution vessel with filler openings; a transport pipe between the tank and the distribution vessel; a constant-flow pump connected to the tranport pipe and intended for pumping the substance from the tank to the distribution vessel and for pumping the substance out of the filler openings; at least one mould tray located under the distribution vessel with filler openings; a means which switches on and off the pump for pumping the substance; and a means which switches on and off the pump for withdrawing and retaining the substance in the filler openings once the mould tray is filled.

Abstract: A plant for molding articles in polyurethane material; the plant comprises a plurality of motorized mold supporting carriages independently movable along a suspended monorail running along a production line. Each carriage comprises a mold supporting press for opening and closing a mold provided with independent pneumatic control means supported by the same carriage; the control means are connectable to a source of fluid under pressure in pre-established working positions along the production line; each carriage also comprises a drive unit connected to electrical power supply bus bar along the monorail and a peripheral control unit operatively connected to a central logic unit by dialogue conductors provided on the monorail.

Abstract: A screw extruder of the elastomeric material type includes a feed section with a power driven feed roll in a feed box running adjacent and counter the rotation of the screw. The roll is journaled for rotation on a frame which may easily be moved to and from an operative and an open position to facilitate service or cleaning. A quick release mechanism secures and releases the feed roll in the operative position. The roll frame is mounted for easy movement on horizontally extending guide rods which may extend and be journaled for sliding movement over or under the feed section. The feed box includes an insert which is adjustable and incorporates roll end lip seals and also a separately adjustable roll face scraper or seal thereby to reduce clearances as wear occurs without disturbing the proper relationship of such seals.

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: A machine for making concrete pipe in which multiple-form sets can be coupled into one module so as to increase production output of the machine without an increase in machine manpower. The multiple-form modules are provided with adapters that make them compatible with conventional single-mode form sets and all cycles of production so that multiple-form modules can be used simultaneously with single-mode form sets. The multiple-form sets also utilize core vibration throughout the fill cycle, but unlike conventional core vibration systems, the amplitude and direction of vibration are continuously varied to distribute the vibration uniformly throughout the length of the pipe being formed.

Abstract: The proposed apparatus is intended for use in industrial and civil engineering for molding high-strength thin-wall fibrous concrete articles.The apparatus comprises a stationary tray, and a movable gantry carrying a concrete mixer with a concrete levelling member, and a concrete compacting roller arranged in succession above the tray. The working member has the form of a plurality of rotating rod-like spirals of equal pitch and diameter arranged in the vertical plane to extend through the length of the compacting roller above the tray. The distance between the vertical axes of the adjacent spirals is equal, and is smaller than the diameter of the spirals.

Abstract: This machine is in particular suitable for forming ice creams and/or popsicles or ice lollies with and without a holding stick, and comprises a freezing station and product metering and withdrawing units. The machine further comprises an intermittently advancing mechanism formed by at least one pair of frames movable with respect to each other and to a plurality of molds containing the product to be frozen to impress on the molds an intermittent forward movement. Preferably this mechanism comprises two pairs of movable frames arranged side-by-side and a transport member shifting the molds from one pair to the other. The metering and the withdrawing units are arranged side-by-side at two different pairs and the molds rest on the frames through support butts so as to ease substitution for other molds of different dimensions.

Abstract: A packerhead concrete pipe making machine having a rotatable packerhead operable to form a concrete pipe in an upright cylindrical mold about a wire cage. The packerhead has a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on a circular plate operable to pack concrete into a cylindrical shape in the mold. Each roller has an outer sleeve of elastic rubber material. A cylindrical wall secured to the plate supports an annular troweling member operable to finish the inside surface of the concrete pipe.

Abstract: A body manufacturing system for manufacturing bodies for vans, trailers, trucks and the like comprises; a molding station, a glass fibre applicator, a longitudinal guide associated with each mold for guiding the glass fibre applicator along the length of each mold, a transfer device adapted to support the applicator and transport it along said guide path from one mold to another, an insert locating device for inserting side wall, end wall and roof inserts into the molds, an extraction device for extracting the molded body from the mold in which it is formed, a trimming station, a transporter for transporting the molded bodies from the mold in which they are formed to said trimming station, trimming devices in said trimming station for trimming said body to the required proportions and contour, a floor locating system for locating a floor in the upwardly open end of the body located in the trimming station to form a finished body and a righting mechanism for supporting the molded body and operable to turn it r

Abstract: An extruder for the fabrication of concrete slabs, especially hollow-cored slabs, movable on a casting bed and incorporating a feed hopper or similar, at least one feeder, especially an auger, for generating internal pressure in the cast concrete, and at least one coring member or similar, for generating the desired slab cross-section.The extruder in accordance with the invention comprises an assembly of at least two wedged surfaces, of which at least one is fitted in conjunction with the coring member, and the space between the surfaces is continuously changing due to a cyclic longitudinal movement, generating inside the space a compacting shear action in the concrete mix.

Abstract: A ram casting machine for the fabrication of concrete slabs which is movable on a casting bed. The machine incorporates a feed hopper and a concrete flow channel with ram numbers cyclically reciprocated therein in opposite directions for generating internal pressure in the cast concrete. Each ram member including at least one wedge-shaped surface assembly having first and second inclined annular surfaces, with the entrance to the concrete flow channel and having a steeper inclination than the second inclined annular surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously manufacturing polyurethane foam slabs in a batch, which comprises a cylindrical tank for developing polyurethane foam, having an inlet at the side wall thereof for introducing therein polyurethane feed solution; a stirring tank for forming polyurethane foam feed solution, which is mounted on a carriage movably placed in proximity to the cylindrical tank; stirring blades mounted within the stirring tank; a discharge pipe extending from a lower side of the stirring tank to discharge the feed solution through the inlet into the cylindrical tank; pipes for introducing raw materials into the stirring tank; and a pipe for introducing a washing solvent for removing the raw materials. The cylindrical tank is interchangeably connected with the stirring tank through the discharge pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding a plurality of lenses of thermoplastic resin of different optical power and/or mass that comprises a plurality of molding stations, each including a rigidly supported male mold and a female mold allowed to float freely within defined limits. At each molding station, a wedge-shaped slide member whose position is controlled by a hydraulic piston is movable an independent distance over the female mold between a home position allowing maximum free floating and an operative position independent for each slide member to transfer a compression force onto an injected body of molten resin at said station. The hydraulic pistons are actuated from a common manifold to allow equal compression pressure at each molding station after the slide members move their independent distances.

Abstract: The machine, which is adapted to be continuously fed with pasta filata, comprises:(a) a horizontal, circular table, having a first radial aperture adapted to be supplied with pasta filata and a second radial aperture for delivery of the product;(b) a shaft protruding vertically from the table center and driven by stepping motor means located beneath the table, and having an integral wheel provided with a peripheral rim;(c) a set of sector-shaped plates adapted to abut against said rim to form a full ring, each sector-shaped plate being slidably supported on the table and being provided with a plurality of radially aligned rows of vertical molding tubes opening at their bottoms through the plate and housing respective slidable pistons, so that each row of molding tubes will straddle a desired aperture of said first or second radial apertures for predetermined angular positions of said wheel;(d) fastening means for clamping said sector-shaped plates to said wheel rim;(e) water spraying means located above the s

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous samples for materials evaluation with an inert material which fills the pores of the samples. A plurality of samples are placed in mold cups on a rotatable table within a vacuum chamber, and a supply of impregnant or encapsulant material such as an epoxy resin is provided in a container mounted on a tiltable platform located above the rotatable table. A plurality of samples are thus mounted in respective molding cups spaced in a circle on the rotatable table, a supply of encapsulant material is provided in a cup placed in a cup holder on the tiltable platform, a vacuum is created within the chamber, and the table is intermittently rotated to position each molding cup with its sample in line with the tilt axis of the tiltable platform to permit tilting of the encapsulant cup to pour a supply of resin into the molding cup.

Abstract: A thread of a fluid material for gasket manufacture is deposited onto a non-planar, non-adhesive support sheet (12) from a nozzle (22) that is displaced above the support along a path corresponding to the outline of the gasket, with subsequent curing of the fluid material. The support sheet is prepared by pressing sheet material into a tridimensional shape whereby its surface contains the non-planar outline of the gasket to be manufactured; the shaped support is positioned with respect to a nozzle carried by a manipulator (20) capable of being controlled to move the nozzle with respect to the support along three independent spatial coordinates; and the nozzle is fed with said fluid material while being displaced along said non-planar outline. Preferably, the support sheet is kept flattened by vacuum against an underlying, matching surface.

Abstract: The process provides for depositing, on a non-adhesive support, a thread of a fluid material for gasket manufacture from a nozzle that is displaced above the support along a path coinciding with the gasket layout, with subsequent curing of the fluid material. According to the invention, a stiff, wirelike reinforcement is placed on the support before deposition, the reinforcement corresponding in shape to the outline of the gasket that is to be manufactured, and having an adhesive surface with respect to the fluid material of the gasket, so that the subsequently deposited thread of fluid material incorporates the reinforcement and becomes bonded to it. The invention also relates to the product obtained by the process.