Abstract: A surface replicating and contour measuring device substantially comprises a mechanical pin array having calibration pins mounted on a frame, an imaging system for recording contour and a data processor for storing and manipulating the recorded information.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning voids in a medium. A chamber contains e medium, such as a solidifying liquid material, while a source of bubbles disposed at one side of the chamber introduces the bubbles into the chamber. Two or more acoustic wave transmitting devices disposed at respective ones of the sides of the chamber generate and transmit acoustic energy waves at respective frequencies which interact and cooperate to produce a standing wave field in an acoustically active region within the chamber. The standing wave field manipulates the bubbles into a matrix of bubbles having a predetermined spacing. By reducing the temperature of the chamber during the positioning and sizing of the bubbles in a desired pattern within the medium, the medium will be solidified so as to form a solid article with imbedded ordered voids. After solidifying the medium, by increasing the temperature of the sides of the chamber so as to melt the boundary of the solid article, the article will be separated from the chamber.

Abstract: An installation for producing a three-dimensional shaped plastic foam part, comprises a plurality of tanks respectively receiving plastic foam granules and a liquid primary material, a device for reducing the plastic foam granules to a predetermined size, conduits connecting the reducing device to respective tanks receiving the plastic foam granules, a weighing tank having an inlet arranged to receive the plastic foam granules from the reducing device and an outlet, a device for mixing the plastic foam granules with the liquid primary material, further conduits connecting the mixing device to respective tanks receiving the liquid primary material and to the outlet of the reducing device, an intermediate storage tank comprising a weighing device and arranged to receive the plastic foam granules mixed with the liquid primary material, a mold having a mold cavity, and a supply line connecting the intermediate storage tank to the mold cavity, the supply line comprising a conveying device having an inlet and a con

Abstract: A molding die for efficiently molding a material for a synthetic resin molded foam at a high expansion ratio, a low density, and a high yield with the least occurrence of burrs or flashes. In this molding die, the upper die is mounted on the lower die to form an enclosed cavity therebetween. An opening portion is formed in the upper die, and a cylindrical chamber member with its head closed is air-tightly mounted on the upper die to cover the opening portion. A piston is provided in a chamber in the chamber member such that when a leading end portion of the piston is inserted in the opening portion, a micro-spacing for communicating the cavity to the chamber is formed between the leading end portion of the piston and the opening portion. A piston drive means for vertically moving the piston and for usually setting a leading end surface of the piston at a lower surface of the upper die is provided in the chamber.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of polyurethane foam comprising the steps of (i) mixing at a reaction index of 40 to 400: (a) a polyisocyanate blend comprising at least one polyisocyanate and optionally, additives and fillers; (b) a polyol blend comprising isocyanate reactive components and optionally, water, additional blowing agents, catalysts, surfactants, fillers and other additives; wherein either or both said polyisocyanate blend or said polyol blend contain between 0.3 to about 20 wt. % CO.sub.2 based on the total weight of said polyisocyanate blend and said polyol blend; (ii) introducing and uniformly mixing in liquid form of CO.sub.2 as a blowing agent into either or both said polyisocyanate blend or said polyol blend and maintaining said CO.sub.2 in said liquid form. The present invention also relates to an apparatus, which performs the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an integrally molded structure in a multiaxis rotational molding operation includes the steps of rotating a multisection mold assembly (33) about at least three axes. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity (36) within the multisection mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin (74) therefrom is monitored. A freshly formed rapidly gelling second polymerizable mixture (75) is flowed into the mold cavity to deposit a preselected quantity thereof into contact with a first preselected area of the first resin. A portion of the deposited second mixture is drawn as it is gelling toward another preselected area remote from the first preselected area to form therefrom a continuous support member (92) with structural integrity extending between the preselected areas of the first resin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improvement in microcellular or supermicrocellular polymer extrusion systems. Both conventional and microcellular systems employ an extruder which plasticates polymer pellets into a polymer melt; a gas metering system, whereby a gas is injected directly in the polymer melt flow in the extruder; a mixing and homogenizing section of the extruder, which creates a single-phase solution of the polymer and the gas; and a nucleation device at the outlet end of the extruder. In this invention, the improvement to the conventional system comprises the nucleation means attached to said extruder which is a gear pump acting as a throttle rather than a pump. With this improvement, the discharge pressure is dictated by die resistance and flow rate as delivered by the gear throttle, and the pressure drop of the polymer/gas single-phase solution is nearly instantaneous.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing polymeric foam, wherein reactive foam components and a low-boiling point frothing agent are brought together, sufficient pressure is applied to maintain the frothing agent in a liquid state and the mixture is passed through a permeable discharge head through which the mixture is discharged and wherein the pressure is reduced and froth is formed. The discharge head comprises one or more diffuser elements (80) having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within the axial thickness of the diffuser element, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element (80) is made of bonded, or sintered or sintered composite material, such as sintered wire.

Abstract: A formed laminate (20) is made by a method and apparatus (38) by compressing a flexible sheet (28) and a foamable liquid mixture (50) that has substantially completed expansion but not yet substantially cured so as to form the flexible sheet and provide a collapsed foam layer (30) bonded to the sheet. The flexible sheet (28) is preferably porous cloth, vinyl or leather. A film (56) which is preferably a nonadherent plastic such as polyethylene is preferably positioned in a vertically spaced relationship with the flexible sheet (28) either above or below the flexible sheet with the foamable liquid mixture received therebetween for the expansion prior to the compression that provides the formed laminate. The formed laminate (20) has particular utility as an article of apparel (22) and is preferably made by a quick reacting type foamable liquid mixture (50) which expands in about 8 to 25 seconds and most preferably in about 10 to 15 seconds.

Abstract: A mold for foam molding a material for a synthetic resin molded foam, includes a mold main body having: a lower mold half; an upper mold half removably disposed on the lower mold half in such a manner as to cover an opening portion of the lower mold half for forming an enclosed space therebetween; and a middle mold part removably disposed in the enclosed space. In the mold main body, a plurality of spacers, spaced from each other in the circumferential direction, are provided between the middle mold part and the upper mold half; chambers, partitioned from each other by the spacers, are formed between the upper surface of the middle mold part and the lower surface of the lower mold half; and a cavity communicated to the chambers through gaps between the spacers and through a micro-gap formed between the middle mold part and the lower mold half, is formed between the middle mold part and the lower mold half, wherein a synthetic resin foam molding material is supplied into the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for readily and continuously producing foamed resin containers with labels by following a process sequence including the steps of supplying a sheet which bears label bodies printed in predetermined positions thereon, positioning a label body, punching the label body, and molding a foamed resin container with the label properly positioned. The invention further provides a process which allows for precise positioning of a label. Therefore, a thin and less stiff synthetic resin sheet can be employed for the label instead of a paper base. In addition, the label can be applied in a predetermined position on the foamed resin container without preliminarily rolling the label into a predetermined tubular shape.

Abstract: Foam forming techniques are capable of permitting foaming of biodegradable resin to be positively and uniformly accomplished to provide a biodegradable resin foam with satisfactory quality. The biodegradable resin including foam is made of biodegradable resin a main biodegradable resin ingredient of 100.degree. C. or more in melting point and a low-melting biodegradable resin ingredient of 100.degree. C. or less in melting point. The biodegradable resin foam is produced by placing a starting material of at least biodegradable resin and a substantial amount of moisture in a heated and pressurized environment, releasing the starting material from the environment to foam the biodegradable resin, and subjecting the foamed resin to forming by a forming mold. An apparatus for producing the foamed biodegradable resin foam includes a pressure adjusting chamber, an air-permeable forming mold, a pressure reducing tank and an injection machine.

Abstract: A method of integrally bonding a foam seat pad or other article to a cover material includes steps of positioning a two ply cover material in a set stand of a lower mold. The set stand positions a main surface portion of the cover material in a desired alignment while a retaining member is used for provisionally maintaining the alignment. Side mold portions are moved in position to firmly surround the set stand and and the retaining member is removed. Then, foam resin is introduced into the space defined by the set stand and side mold portions and an upper mold is used to sealingly cover the molding apparatus. After the upper mold is closed pressurization of the internal space of the molding apparatus is effected for a desired time during setting of the foam resin.

Abstract: A quick die change device for use in foaming of insulation for refrigerator cabinets comprising a bottom die suitable for working together with an upper die plate bearing a plurality of dies for obtaining the insulation. The size of the insulation changes as the dimensions of the refrigerator cabinets change. The dies are placed in such a way as to work together with the bottom die by rotating the die plate around a minor axis. The rotation is obtained by a gear motor, a number of belts and a shaft coinciding with the minor axis of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically molding defined three-dimensional foam cushions. The apparatus comprises means for preparing a bag from plastic film material and for enclosing a foamable composition in the plastic bag, means for concurrently aligning a mold with the plastic bag and the bag preparing means, means for placing the bag containing the foamable composition into the aligned mold as the foamable composition begins to form foam, and means for maintaining the bag in the mold until the foamable composition has substantially finished forming foam in a shape conforming to the mold.

Abstract: A method of injection molding for use with an injection molding machine includes: a) generating pressurized gas and pressurized moisture within molten plastic as plastic pellets are plasticized in the injection molding machine, the pressurized gas and the pressurized moisture having a total pressure defining an internal counterpressure within the molten plastic; (b) pressuring air within a cavity of a mold in the injection molding machine to an air pressure level which is substantially equal to the internal counterpressure in order to counterbalance the internal counterpressure as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity, thus providing a substantially pressure balanced molding environment for the plastic; and (c) maintaining the air pressure level in the cavity substantially constant as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a synthetic resin foam part has a mold assembly (1) including a lower mold (2), an upper mold (3) removably attached to the lower mold to define a closed space, and an insert (4) removably disposed in the closed space. The insert has a partition (6) which is faced to the upper mold through a gap (11). The partition defines a chamber (7) between the insert and the upper mold. The closed space excluding the chamber constitutes a cavity (8) into which a molding compound is introduced. A pressure regulator means (21) is provided for exhausting air from the chamber (7) to keep the chamber in a subatmospheric pressure whereby air in the cavity (8) is also exhausted through the gap.

Abstract: A method of injection molding for use with an injection molding machine (10) includes: (a) generating pressurized gas and pressurized moisture within molten plastic as plastic pellets are plasticized in the injection molding machine (10), the pressurized gas and the pressurized moisture having a total pressure defining an internal counterpressure within the molten plastic; (b) pressuring air within a cavity (30) of a mold (22) in the injection molding machine (10) to an air pressure level which is substantially equal to the internal counterpressure in order to counterbalance the internal counterpressure as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity (30), thus providing a substantially pressure balanced molding environment for the plastic; and (c) maintaining the air pressure level in the cavity (30) substantially constant as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity (30).

Abstract: A process for producing a molded part made of expanded foam is configured so that the molded part can be produced with low vacuum and vapor requirements and has a very low residual moisture. This is achieved by using a mold whose walls forming the mold cavity themselves consist of material that conducts heat poorly or are suitably coated, by first evacuating the mold cavity, filling the evacuated mold with the expandable molding compound at excess pressure and, after the filling operation, introducing vapor into the evacuated mold. After turning off the vapor pressure, the mold cavity is again evacuated and the vacuum is maintained during the stabilization phase. After the stabilization phase, the mold is opened and the molded part is ejected by excess pressure (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer includes a base line comprising a first mixing device operable in a first mode and a second mode and having an active hydrogen-containing compound input and an isocyanate input. A complementary line is provided and includes a second mixing device having a filler material input. In the first mode, the first mixing device receives a feed from the active hydrogen-containing compound input and the isocyanate input, mixes the feed to produce a first foamable polymeric composition, and dispenses the first foamable polymeric composition into a first mold. In the second mold, the first mixing device returns the feed, without mixing, from the active hydrogen-containing compound input and the isocyanate input to the second mixing device which mixes the feed with feed from the filler material input to produce a second foamable polymeric composition, and dispenses the second foamable polymeric composition in a second mold.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an integrally molded structure in a multiaxis rotational molding operation includes the steps of rotating a multisection mold assembly about at least three axes. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity within the multisection mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin therefrom is monitored. A second freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed under pressure through an orifice into the mold cavity. A liquid stream of the second mixture is formed. The liquid stream is gelled as it advances through the mold cavity to form a continuous filament with structural integrity. The filament is contacted with the first resin formed within the mold cavity. The filament is distributed over the first resin in a preselected pattern. A third freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over the filament pattern formed within the mold cavity with the second mixture.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing foamed plastics parts, a closed mold (1) is filled with polymer molding compound and, after the elapse of a reaction time, the finished part is removed. A plurality of identical molds (1) run on mold carriers (5) through a production installation. For the purpose of reducing the production outlay, a demolding device (11) shared by all the molds (1) is brought into operative connection successively with the molds (1) and in each case one mold (1) is opened. The movements required in this operation are executed by the demolding device (11). An unlocking unit (19) and a swiveling unit (20) of the demolding device (11) are brought into engagement with the mold (1) by a positioning unit (21), after which the mold (1) is unlocked and one mold half (1a) of the mold (1) is swung open. For unlocking the mold (1), the latter is raised against spring force and a positive locking is brought out of engagement.

Abstract: A valve for use in introducing a foamable reactive mixture into a cavity, with the valve being of such size that it can be positioned within the cavity and when so-positioned is in contact with at least one of the walls of the cavity, with the valve including:a) two essentially rotationally symmetrical coaxial cages, with said coaxial cages being spaced from each other, with the inner cage;i) having an axial opening for the introduction of the reactive mixture and at least two radial openings for the passage of the reactive mixture into the annular space formed between the inner and the outer cage; ii) having a ball, capable of moving freely within said inner cage and capable of closing the inlet opening following completion of the introduction of the reactive mixture; iii) having a convex surface opposite said inlet opening, with said convex surface being directed inward, so that during the introduction of the reactive mixture the ball assumes a position outside the inner cage axis; andb) with said outer cag

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a rigid polyurethane foam molding for energy absorption, including the steps of introducing a rigid polyurethane foam raw material composed primarily of a polyhydroxy compound and a polyisocyanate compound into a cavity in a mold, and blowing and reacting the rigid polyurethane foam raw material in the cavity, wherein a pack ratio of a core portion of the molding ranges from 0.5 to less than 1.2. Accordingly, the rigid polyurethane foam molding can obtain a plateau value comparable to that of a rigid polyurethane foam slab stock foam suitable for an energy absorbent pad.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing cushion and mattress elements made of supple, open-cell cellular matter, by casting into a mould, from a head ensuring mixture of at least two basic components, of the product thus formed; said mould is transferred from a preparation station where a demoulding agent is projected, to be presented beneath said head; the latter is displaced along a continuous path covering at least all the surface of the mould and at a speed ensuring, on the one hand, a uniform distribution of the product and, on the other hand, a total time of passage less than the maximum expansion time of the product projected at the beginning of this path; a cover is closed on said mould, and the latter is transferred towards standby stations where it remains thus for a time longer than that of maturing of the cellular matter obtained; the cushion element thus constituted is removed and the mould is transferred back towards the preparation station.

Abstract: A support structure including a foamable material located in a cavity of a hollow structural member for blocking the cavity of the hollow structural member when it is foamed by external heating, and a support member for supporting the foamable material. The foamable material has a plate-like shape and has an external dimension smaller than the dimension of the cross section of the cavity. The support member is disposed in the cavity and mounted on the hollow structural member by a mounting device. The support member is constituted of a pair of support plates for supporting both side surfaces of the foamable material and a desired number of connecting pieces located along a lower periphery of the support plates for integrally connecting the support plates. The support plates are adapted to be elastically spread and narrowed about the connecting pieces and being directed to an exterior surface of the hollow structural member at an upper periphery thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a multi-property polyurethane part by RIM having a surface layer and an interior layer. The surface layer and the interior layer have different properties. The pressure in the cavity of the mold is reduced and a surface forming RIM polyurethane material is injected into the evacuated cavity, whereby the surface layer of the molded part is formed by RIM. An interior forming RIM polyurethane material is injected into the evacuated cavity, whereby the interior of the molded part is also formed by RIM.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for the moulding of a product formed from the mixing of a plurality of different feedstocks where different ratios of the feedstock materials are required in different areas or sections of a mould to produce a product with different properties in the different areas or sections of the final moulded product. A plurality of streams of the different feedstocks, each from separate feedstock supply vessels, are combined to form a mixed feedstock in a delivery head or heads prior to delivery to the mould. Separate pumps are provided to deliver, at constant speed of operation, a predetermined volume of each feedstock at a predetermined flow rate to the mould during a moulding cycle, driven by an electric motor operating at constant speed under constant load.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing form-fitting insoles, including two trays on the bottom of each of which a piece of load-deformable fibrous spongy material is placed; the material is impregnated with a foaming reagent preparation and is covered in its upper region with a piece of double-stretch fabric treated so as to be impermeable, on which the user places his feet until the reaction is completed. The trays extend from separate box-like structures which are mutually associable by virtue of a retention pivot that allows mutual rotations about a vertical axis from a side-by-side position so as to move apart, and vice versa, and allows translatory motions along the same axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a molded polyurethane foam without using low-boiling solvents such as Freon and methylene chloride which present problems when used as a blowing agent. The polyurethane foam has the same good appearance and soft feeling as that produced with low-boiling solvents. A polyurethane foam is produced by injecting a polyurethane material into an evacuated cavity and permitting it to expand so that it flows and fills the cavity, said polyurethane material being composed of 100 parts by weight of polyol component and 0.1-0.6 part by weight of water as a blowing agent. The cavity pressure may be maintained high spontaneously or low while the polyurethane material is flowing in the cavity. When the polyurethane material has reached the final fill position in the cavity, the fore-end of the polyurethane material is discharged from the cavity.

Abstract: A mold for producing foamed articles includes an upper mold and a lower mold which define a mold cavity. A vent is provided in communication with the mold cavity and has a vent passageway with an entrance and an exit. Structure is also provided for sealingly engaging the upper mold with the lower mold to cause, in cooperation with the predetermined size and shape of the vent passageway, liquid foam polymeric composition expanding inside the mold cavity to enter the vent entrance but to not exit from the vent exit to cause at least partial curing of the foam composition within the vent passageway. Preferably, the vent may be ribbon-shaped so that a ribbon of foamed composition adheres to the foamed article and may be folded flat against the article thus avoiding the labor step of trimming the flash from the product.

Abstract: The recycling of used polyurethane foam is made possible by a process in which the starting material is first dried to a moisture content of 2 to 4% and is then filled into a multi-part mold (16, 17, 18) that defines the molded part (32). The parts of the mold (16, 17, 18) are then, with generation of the necessary compression pressure of below 20 N/mm.sup.2, pressed together and locked. These molds (16, 17, 18) that are subject to the compression pressure are heated in a tunnel furnace (20) so that the molding material reaches a temperature of approximately 130.degree. C. After a predefined holding time, the molds (16, 17, 18) can be opened under pressure and the molded parts (32) can be removed. Molded parts (32) with a thickness of 42 mm and of corresponding size have been produced successfully with this process. Instead of the molds (16, 17, 18), it is also possible that a two-part tool is used.

Abstract: Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus includes a support portion, a molding portion, a mixing portion and a control portion. The support portion includes an arm member disposed in a generally horizontal orientation and having one end extending from an upstanding supporting section. The molding portion includes a mold supporting assembly pivotally connected to a free end of the arm member and an independently rotatable mold connector section. The mold supporting assembly includes a central passage therethrough from a pivotal connection with the arm member and through the mold connector section. A mold assembly includes at least two separable mold sections forming a substantially enclosed cavity. The mixing portion includes an elongated section extending axially within the central passage through the mold supporting assembly adjacent the mold connector section. The mixing section includes a plurality of deflector sections disposed along the length thereof.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming an integrally molded structure in a multiaxis rotational molding operation includes the steps of rotating a multisection mold assembly about at least three axes. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over surfaces of an enclosed mold cavity within the multisection mold assembly. The flowing of the first mixture over the mold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin therefrom is monitored. A second freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed under pressure through an orifice into the mold cavity. A liquid stream of the second mixture is formed. The liquid stream is gelled as it advances through the mold cavity to form a continuous filament with structural integrity. The filament is contacted with the first resin formed within the mold cavity. The filament is distributed over the first resin in a preselected pattern. A third freshly formed polymerizable mixture is flowed over the filament pattern formed within the mold cavity with the second mixture.

Abstract: A mixing head for a molding machine includes a mixing chamber into which reaction materials are injected from nozzles communicating therewith, toward a closed end of the chamber and at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the angles' apexes lying toward the closed end. The streams of injected material impact and mix, before entering an area of turbulence between the closed end of the specifically dimensioned chamber, and the points of communication where they are preliminarily reacted. Subsequently the material leaves the chamber by passing back through the point of impact, effecting further mixing. The doubly mixed material thereafter proceeds to a discharge passageway prior to entering a mold.

Abstract: A mold for producing foamed articles includes an upper mold and a lower mold which define a mold cavity. A vent is provided in communication with the mold cavity and has a vent passageway with an entrance and an exit. Structure is also provided for sealingly engaging the upper mold with the lower mold to cause, in cooperation with the predetermined size and shape of the vent passageway, liquid foam polymeric composition expanding inside the mold cavity to enter the vent entrance but to not exit from the vent exit to cause at least partial curing of the foam composition within the vent passageway. Preferably, the vent may be ribbon-shaped so that a ribbon of foamed composition adheres to the foamed article and may be folded flat against the article thus avoiding the labor step of trimming the flash from the product.

Abstract: A method and mold apparatus are provided for forming and trimming a vehicle inner door panel. The panel is a shaped laminate including a vinyl cover layer and a structural foam backing layer having a glass fiber reinforcing substrate. Upper and lower mold members have peripheral seals which define a mold cavity when the mold is closed. A plurality of movable trim blades are carried by the lower mold member adjacent the seal. The trim blades move among retracted, intermediate and extended positions. Hydraulic rams open and close the mold and move the trim blades. Sheets of vinyl and substrate are placed across the lower mold member and the mold is closed to seal the substrate and vinyl layer about their periphery. As the mold closes, abutment surfaces on both mold members advance the trim blades to an intermediate position to pinch the cover layer against the substrate inwardly of the peripheral seals. A two-part polyurethane liquid foam system is injected into the cavity.

Abstract: In a machine for moulding of composite plastic material, in particular of foamed polystyrene coupled with rigid polystyrene sheet, the rigid material (2) is preformed at a performing station, with the preformed portion being simultaneously separated from the starting material, and the preformed shaped portion is transferred from the preforming station to a moulding station, in which the foamed material is moulded by sintering and pulsed steam action on the preformed rigid material. The resulting piece is brought back to the preforming station (1) and a further portion of rigid material (2) is preformed on the foamed material, and this portion is then thermoset inside the moulding mould (3) on the foamed material, thus generating an article with two opposite surfaces made of a rigid material, between which the foamed material is sandwiched.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing articles made of polyurethane that includes a mold assembly in communication with a mix chamber. The mix chamber is positioned below the mold assembly. The mix chamber includes a propeller for mixing the liquid polyurethane chemicals. The mix chamber further includes a pneumatically actuated bladder that causes the mixed chemicals to move from the mix chamber to the mold assembly. The chemicals expand to take on the shape of the mold. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) selecting polyurethane chemicals having certain specific weights; (b) placing said chemicals in a mix chamber wherein chemicals stratify according to their specific weights to prevent detrimental reaction among the chemicals until final mixing; and (c) allowing the chemicals to expand to form an article.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding expanded polymer beads by the steam-fusion technique including mold segments having perforate walls, steam chests confronting the mold segments, and thermal insulation located at the junction between the mold segments and the steam chests to reduce conductive heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A foam molding apparatus with improved seal for sealing the mold lid to the bowl. The bowl and lid include inclined sealing surfaces surrounding the mold cavity with the bowl sealing surfaces being concave and the lid sealing surface being convex. Both the bowl and lid are resiliently supported on frames so that the lid can self align upon the bowl as the convex lid sealing surface engages the concave bowl sealing surface. Adjusting screws are carried by the lid carrier frame and engage the lid to apply pressure to the lid forcing the lid against the bowl sealing surface with the bowl being resiliently carried on a supporting frame allowing the bowl to float relative to the frame to achieve an even pressure distribution about the mold cavity at the sealing surfaces. The lid and bowl are both formed with fluid passages to enable hot water to be circulated through the mold maintaining the mold at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: In a fine comminution apparatus arranged downstream of a coarse comminution apparatus, polyurethane foam wastes can be comminuted to the desired particle size for recycling as an additive in the production of polyurethane, in a low-dust and energy-saving manner, by carrying out the fine comminution preferably by repeatedly forcing a mixture of the coarsely comminuted material and one of the reaction components through a nozzle or through a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A method of injection molding for use with an injection molding machine includes: (a) generating pressurized gas and pressurized moisture within molten plastic as plastic pellets are plasticized in the injection molding machine, the pressurized gas and the pressurized moisture having a total pressure defining an internal counterpressure within the molten plastic; (b) pressuring air within a cavity of a mold in the injection molding machine to an air pressure level which is substantially equal to the internal counterpressure in order to counterbalance the internal counterpressure as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity, thus providing a substantially pressure balanced molding environment for the plastic; and (c) maintaining the air pressure level in the cavity substantially constant as the molten plastic is injected into the cavity.

Abstract: Latex foam molded articles are prepared using a plastic mold heated by means of microwave energy. The molded article can be readily released from the mold. The mold has good dimensional accuracy and a long serviceable lifetime. The walls of the mold are composed of a molding composition which has the following constituents:a) 20 to 100 parts by weight of polyphenylene ether,b) 0 to 30 parts by weight of styrene polymers,c) 0 to 30 parts by weight of impact-modifying additives,d) 0 to 40 parts by weight of reinforcing agents and/or fillers ande) 0 to 15 parts by weight of additives.The mold surface is passivated. Compared with conventional processes for the production of latex foam molded articles, the cycle time and the energy consumption are considerably reduced when this mold is used.

Abstract: In a device for manufacturing composite plastic mouldings, at least two different reaction mixtures are injected simultaneously through different sprues (24,26) into the cavity (28,28',28") of a mould (20,22). During the injection time of at least one of the reaction mixture, the cavity is subdivided into two or more mutually isolated regions. Following the injection of one reaction mixture, the separation between the regions of the cavity is removed and the at least partially liquid reaction mixtures converge in the separation plane. This device makes possible to join at least two materials having different properties in a single operation. It is useful for manufacturing bumper bars, spoilers, coach-work, and internal linings of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing polystyrene foam products, whereby a mold comprising a first half and a second half mold defining a molding chamber when closed, is loaded, with the two half molds locked in the closed position, onto the machine and into an operating position wherein the mold is connected automatically to granular polystyrene and utility fluid supply lines. In this operating position, the two half molds are rendered mutually mobile with the first half mold, connected to the utility supply lines, remaining locked to a fixed frame on the machine, and the second half mold remaining locked to a mobile frame on the machine.

Abstract: an apparatus for producing bodies of polymeric material having an outer shell and a core of foamed material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an extruder and accumulation chamber for extruding a tubular element, i.e., a parison, and a second extruder and accumulation chamber for injecting a foamable polymeric material for forming the core of the body inside the parison. The injection occurs inside the walls of a mold, which causes the tubular parison to undergo swelling due to the expansion of the foamable material until the parison conforms to the shape of the mold.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a mold for use in manufacturing a product from expanded polystyrene. The frame includes angled corner locking members having longitudinally projecting guide portions located at each end, and longitudinal side members having longitudinally projecting complementary guide portions located at each end. The guide portions and the complementary guide portions are adapted to slidably interfit with one another to form an interlocked engagement. The angled corner locking members and the longitudinal side portions further include recessed portions located on interior facing walls for supporting the mold on the frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a molded article of a foamed thermoplastic resin and articles produced thereby. A molten mass of an expandable thermoplastic resin is accumulated in an accumulator while it is prevented from foaming. A quantity of the accumulated formable melt is extruded through a die orifice having a shape adapted to reflect the shape of the desire finished product. The extruded foamable melt commences foaming as it comes in contact with the atmosphere. As the extruded thermoplastic resin foams, it is pulled vertically downward from the die orifice by gravity. The downward-hanging, foamed, thermoplastic material is captured between the halves of a vertically-oriented mold before the foaming expansion of the foamable melt has been completed. The foamed thermoplastic material is compressed by the vertically-oriented mold into the desired shape.

Abstract: A mold for producing foamed articles includes an upper mold and a lower mold which define a mold cavity. A vent is provided in communication with the mold cavity and has a vent passageway with an entrance and an exit. Structure is also provided for sealingly engaging the upper mold with the lower mold to cause, in cooperation with the predetermined size and shape of the vent passageway, liquid foam polymeric composition expanding inside the mold cavity to enter the vent entrance but to not exit from the vent exit to cause at least partial curing of the foam composition within the vent passageway. Preferably, the vent may be ribbon-shaped so that a ribbon of foamed composition adheres to the foamed article and may be folded flat against the article thus avoiding the labor step of trimming the flash from the product. Additionally, .[.or alternatively,.].