Abstract: A solar panel comprising first and second generally parallel, spaced sheets of plastic material and a corrugated sheet of plastic material sandwiched between and bonded to the first and second sheets, the spacing between adjacent corrugations in the corrugated sheet being considerably less than 50% of the distance between the first and second sheets and no greater than about 1/2 inch, the plastic material being light transmitting and characterized by resistance to ultraviolet deterioration.

Abstract: To produce a laminated container consisting mainly of thermoplastic materials, an outer container element consisting of material having desired barrier properties is first vacuum moulded from thin foil or film material in a vacuum mould, and thereafter an inner container element is blow moulded in the same mould with the outer container element present therein. To carry out this method, a mould is provided which consists mainly of two vacuum mould halves which are closable upon an intermediary plate in the vacuum moulding step and directly closable upon one another in the blow moulding step.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a protective pad or the like, and which includes a convex mold surface having a plurality of perforations therethrough, and a cooperating concave mold surface also having a plurality of perforations therethrough. The two mold surfaces are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other and such that the concave mold surface initially faces upwardly to receive the molding material therein, and then is inverted and translated downwardly into face to face relationship with the convex mold surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum system for drawing a partial vacuum beneath the concave mold surface to maintain a predetermined distribution of molding material on the concave mold surface during the movement thereof, and means is provided for introducing steam into the mold cavity to cure the molding material.

Abstract: In the formation of an elastomeric tube or the like on a toroidal core, elastomeric material is applied to the core generally along one side of the core, and force-applying means are utilized to press annular portions of the so-deposited elastomeric material onto the core. Cutting means are also included for cutting away elastomeric material not deposited on the core. The core and elastomeric material deposited thereon are then turned over and the operation is repeated, whereby elastomeric tube means or the like are provided on the toroidal core.

Abstract: A moulding apparatus including a pair of mould cavities with locking spue grooves, means to form moulded rubber article parts in the cavities, means to prework the rubber without substantial curing before it is formed, means to pressurize the mould with gas and means to bring the mould cavities together to join the article parts. The arrangement for pressurizing the mould includes a retractable casing which is movable between a position in which the mould cavities are enclosed to permit their pressurization and a position in which the cavities are accessible outside the casing.

Abstract: A method for producing a container of large capacity formed of an outer shell of structurally strong material and an inner plastic container joined at its upper end portion about the rim of the shell and resting at its bottom end on the bottom wall of the shell with an air cushion between the outer side walls of the plastic container and the inner walls of the shell. A sheet of the plastic is vacuum formed within the outer shell and then allowed to shrink in order to form the air cushion.

Abstract: Means for vacuum forming a plastic film to form a continuous liner about the interior of a drum, using the drum shell as a mold member.

Abstract: A composite bearing member is made from a sheet of a thermoplastic having good impact resistance having an insert of a low friction polymeric material such as filled PTFE. The sheet with the insert therein is heated, vacuum formed and subsequently cooled such that the insert is gripped within the sheet and the sheet-insert assembly is form stable.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a hollow, rib-reinforced, laminated article by:A. placing two sheets between opposing mold platens, the sheets being aligned such that the sheet surfaces oppose each other, at least one of the sheets being a thermoplastic material heated to its thermoforming temperature and at least one of the sheets being provided with grooves or integral projections which form fluid passageways, and at least one of the mold platens being provided with a mold caivty to form a shaped article having ribs;B. closing the mold platens to contact the sheets; andC. introducing a fluid into the fluid passageways to distend the thermoplastic sheet into its mold cavity forming a shaped article having ribs, while the sheets maintain contact in the nondistended areas.

Abstract: Equipment and process for lining an assembled carton tray made from foldable paperboard or similar material with a thermo-plastic film by use of a vacuum applied in a recessed mold containing the tray. The tray and mold are moved beneath a sheet of film which is heated or a hot sheet of film extruded over the top of the tray. The film must be severed around the edges of the tray after the lining is drawn. A tray may be used with the lid laid back so that the inner facing surface of the lid is also coated with the film. In so doing, a later seal may be formed between the lid and the tray or use of the two films contacting around the edges of the tray.

Abstract: Equipment and process for lining an assembled carton tray made from foldable paperboard or similar material with a .?.thermo-plastic.!. .Iadd.thermoplastic .Iaddend.film by use of a vacuum applied in a recessed mold containing the tray. The tray and mold are moved beneath a sheet of film which is heated or a hot sheet of film extruded over the top of the tray. The film must be severed around the edges of the tray after the lining is drawn. A tray may be used with the lid laid back so that the inner facing surface of the lid is also coated with the film. In so doing, a later seal may be formed between the lid and the tray or use of the two films contacting around the edges of the tray.