Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for providing a flexible shape low volume autoclave are disclosed. In one embodiment, an autoclave includes an elongated pressure vessel that is sealed on both ends and has a circumferential joint between a first portion and a second portion. The autoclave further includes the portions defining an interior configured for accepting an elongated part, the joint being configured to create an angle between the portions and further creating an opening with a seal, the opening facilitating an insertion of the part into the interior, and the seal enabling pressurization of the interior.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of plastic containers, in particular, plastic tanks, for example, fuel tanks for motor vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for manufacturing fiber stringers for aerospace structures formed by at least one swivel-mounted cylindrical carousel, peripherally incorporating a distribution of male configured tools and in relation to said carousel a bed capable of lateral movement, incorporating a distribution of female configured tools, a fiber strip applicator head for making fiber laminates on the male configured tools also being arranged in relation to the carousel, which allows making omega-shaped or T-shaped stringers by means of the interaction of each male configured tool of the carousel with a respective female configured tool of the bed.

Abstract: Strips containers are formed using two continuous webs in thermoformable and heat-sealable material facing each other. The webs are indexed along a feed line through different operating stations that transform the webs into a continuous strip of containers, each one of which is provided with a mouth. The containers are arranged according to two parallel rows that are opposed to a longitudinal median zone. The mouths of the containers of the upper row are arranged on the upper longitudinal edge of the strip and face upwards, whilst the mouths of the containers of the lower row are arranged on the lower longitudinal edge and face downwards. The method enables productivity to be increased and waste to be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion blow molding machine (1) with at least one extrusion head (2) and with at least two sheet dies (3), arranged next to one another, for the extrusion of sheet-like plastic preforms (4), with a multipart molding die (5) for processing two preforms into an essentially closed hollow body, having a device for handling the preforms (4). The device for handling the preforms comprises at least two grippers (10), arranged next to one another on a common carrier (8), for receiving the preforms (4), the distance between the grippers (10) being variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material in which web- or strip-type preforms of plasticized plastics material are shaped in a multi-part tool which forms a mold nest, with two outer molds and a central mold which perform opening and closing movements with respect to one another. The central mold is provided with at least one device for receiving and manipulating components to be fastened in the interior of the hollow body by means of a material and/or form-fitting joint. Prior to the fastening of the components to the inner wall of the hollow body to be produced, the components are heated by means of a radiant heating device. The radiant heating device is advantageously integrated in the central mold of the tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated mould part, preferably of a mould part for the inner trim of a vehicle, consisting of a shape-stable carrier part and a visible-side lamination connected to this, of film, fabrics or similar decorative lamination materials, with which a heated blank of a mat-like or plate-like semifinished product of fibre materials containing binding agent, is moulded into a mould part in a moulding tool, and thereby simultaneously is connected to the lamination (one-shot method). The lamination is regionally connected with the help of “rams” before the moulding procedure or lamination procedure with the semifinished product, in order to achieve an exact positioning of a seam or likewise.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label assembly and an apparatus for applying heat-transfer labels. In a preferred embodiment, the heat-transfer label assembly includes a support. A plurality of labels are positioned over the support for transfer from the support to an article, each of the labels including an ink design. A plurality of spacers are positioned over the support but not over the label, the spacers not being transferable with the labels from the support to an article. The distance from the top of the spacers to the support exceeds the distance from the top of the labels to the support so that, when the assembly is wound into a roll, the labels do not come into contact with the bottom surface of an underlying portion of the support. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for applying heat-transfer labels includes a pad, a die-mark reduction device on the pad, a heated die positioned over the pad, and a motor for moving the heated die into and out of engagement with the die-mark reduction device.

Abstract: This invention provides single-step pultrusion processes for producing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) articles that may have variable cross sections and/or non-linear shapes. This unique capability results from the use of two sets of dies to form the article. The first is a set of moving dies connected together to form mating continuous loops of moving die links to: a) draw the FRP material into the apparatus; b) shape the cross section of the FRP material; c) cut the FRP material to the appropriate length; and d) hold the uncut FRP material in position for the next production cycle. The second set of dies forms a guide path mounted on opposing conveyers. The guide path includes heated die segments to define a curing section that may be non-linear. Cycling the moving die links through the curing section and/or cycling the conveyers provides a straightforward method for automated production of finished pultruded articles with unique shapes.

Abstract: A mold apparatus includes a first mold die, a second mold die and an interjacent mold die. The first mold die has a first molding surface. The second mold die has a second molding surface. The interjacent mold die is arranged between the first and second mold dies, and has a third molding surface and an opposite fourth molding surface. The third molding surface and the first molding surface cooperatively form a first molding chamber. The fourth molding surface and the second molding surface cooperatively forms a second molding chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus which does not hamper the miniaturization of products and can simplify the manufacturing process without the optical performance deteriorating is described. Furthermore, a mold assembly for use in molding a semiconductor apparatus can be provided. A substrate can be set within a lower mold, wherein a plurality of optical semiconductor elements are mounted on the substrate at predetermined intervals. Primary transfer molding using the lower mold and a primary upper mold can be carried out to form a plurality of frame bodies so as to surround the respective optical semiconductor elements. While the substrate is set on the lower mold, secondary transfer molding using the lower mold and the secondary upper mold can be carried out to form the light-transmitting portions so as to cover the optical semiconductor elements and the frame bodies on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of pre-applying a bolster assembly to an interior trim part includes the steps of applying a base skin layer to a groove of a first nest, applying a bolster skin layer to a second nest, positioning the first nest in an open position, and inserting a leading edge of a bolster skin layer in the groove of the first nest when the first nest is in the open position until the bolster skin layer engages the base skin layer. The bolster assembly can be attached to the interior trim part by a Foam-In-Place (FIP) or Low-Pressure Molding (LPM) operation. The interior trim part may comprise a dashboard garnish, an instrument panel (IP), a door panel, and the like. A boss locating portion can be integrally formed within the base skin layer and is used for locating the bolster assembly on the interior trim piece during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A twin-sheet thermoforming process and associated apparatus which enables placement of an insert between upper and lower sheets before the sheets are actually heated and formed is described herein. Since the insert is positioned before molding takes place, the insert does not cause the formed panels to rest and cool down before fusing is finally carried out to capture the insert and seal the panels to each other. Panel fusing may therefore be performed at an optimal temperature.

Abstract: Various reaction injection molding (“RIM”) processes and molding equipment are disclosed. In particular, a multi-stage molding process and molding assembly is disclosed for the production of layers or cores on golf balls. The process utilizes a collection of molds, including shuttle molds and/or molding assist members, that readily enables reaction injection molding of layer(s) on golf ball cores or intermediate golf ball assemblies.

Abstract: A burger press includes a base having upward extending sidewalls, a lifter sized and shaped to fit within the base, and a plunger having a handle attached to a first side of a generally planar plate that is sized and shaped to fit within the base. At least one of a second side of the plunger plate and the lifter are shaped to include a surface feature selected from a plurality of ribs and a raised portion, the plurality of ribs and the raised portion being structured to press into a burger as the burger is formed in the burger press by compressing the burger between the plunger and the lifter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.

Abstract: A molding apparatus of a wet friction material has a pair of guide posts vertically extending on a molding apparatus main body. The pair of the guide posts passes through fifteen stages (sixteen pieces) of molding dies. A pair of pantograph-type open-close mechanisms is attached to opposite side surfaces of the molding dies. Thus, the molding dies are piled up on each other so as to come near to each other (mold clamping) and move apart from each other (mold opening). With the pantograph-type open-close link mechanism, all the molding dies are opened and closed at the same time. If the molding dies are slid at a speed of 200 mm/sec, it takes only 3.75 seconds (50 mm*15/200 mm=3.75 sec). It takes a double of that time or 7.5 seconds, that is a half of the time of a related art.

Abstract: A sheet material pressing machine for pressing a sheet material into a formed article may include a first die unit that can be opened and closed and a second die unit that can be opened and closed. The first and second die units are arranged and constructed such that closing operation of the first die unit and opening operation of the second die unit, or vice versa, can alternately occur.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes an upper mold tool having an upper-most mold half, a lower mold tool having a lowermost mold half, and an intermediate mold tool having a first auxiliary mold half cooperating with the uppermost mold half and a second auxiliary mold half cooperating with the lowermost mold half. In a first molding step, the intermediate mold tool is positioned between the upper and lower mold tools to form a first mold cavity between the upper and intermediate mold tools and a second mold cavity between the intermediate and lower mold tools. In this molding step upper and lower material layers are individually pre-molded in the two cavities. In a second molding step, the intermediate mold tool is moved laterally away, and the upper and lower mold tools are moved directly into molding cooperation with each other. Thereby, the separately pre-molded upper and lower material layers are brought together, laminated, bonded, and molded to produce a finished, two-layered molded component.

Abstract: A forming station for a thermoformer in which the lower platen is lowered and moved laterally on linear bearings on the machine frame after two sheets are formed in side by side mold-plug assist tool sets so as to align the respective molds and formed sheets. The formed sheets are squeezed together with flanges on the formed sheets thereby fused together by a draw mechanism including a series of hydraulic cylinders which are connected to coupled elements carried by the upper and lower platens so as create the squeezing movement when the cylinders are pressurized. A precision control is exercised over the operation of each of the cylinders using a position sensing device associated with each cylinder to insure equal movement of the output member of each cylinder. The lower platen vertical drive is activated in correspondence with the travel produced by the hydraulic cylinders to reduce the load on a brake holding the upper platen stationary.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a reinforced plastics material part from a drapable sheet (6) by means of a mold (1) comprising a first portion (2) and a second portion (3) that are movable relative to each other. The method comprises the following steps: placing the sheet on the first portion (2) of the open mold; pressing the sheet (6) against said first portion (2) at one or more locations by means of one or more pushers (8) mounted on the second portion (3) of the mold and movable relative to said second portion; closing the mold (1) and compacting the sheet (6); and trimming the portion of the sheet that projects from the join plane (15) after the mold (1) has been closed, and unmolding the part.

Abstract: There is provided a mold component which makes it possible to mold a substrate for an optical recording medium which enables a functional layer having a uniform thickness to be formed thereon without using a resin-coating assisting member. A stamper holder holds a stamper thereon, and has a generally hollow cylindrical shape. An insertion hole formed through a central portion of the stamper has a diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of a cavity-side end of the stamper holder at a higher temperature of the holder than a normal temperature, and is slightly smaller than the outer diameter at the normal temperature of the holder. The cavity-side end inserted into the insertion hole at the higher temperature of the stamper is grasped by a rim of the insertion hole which is reduced in diameter at the normal temperature of the stamper.

Abstract: There is provided an intermediate for an optical recording medium, which can be uniformly coated with resin by the spin coating method without using a resin coating-assisting member, and allows formation of a central mounting hole without burrs. The intermediate comprises a hollow cylindrical protruding portion protruding from one surface on which functional layers are formed and a circular recess formed in a central portion of the other surface and having a diameter equal to that of the central mounting hole, and a temporary central hole formed to extend through a central portion of the recess and having a diameter smaller than that of the recess. The protruding portion has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole and an inner diameter not smaller than the diameter of the temporary central hole, and has a central axis thereof substantially aligned with a center of the temporary central hole.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic resin hollow molded article is disclosed. The process takes place in a molding machine including first and second mold halves having respective mold surfaces defining a mold cavity. At least one of the mold halves is movable relative to the other mold half to permit the mold surfaces to be moved both towards and away from each other between closed state and unclosed states. At least the first mold half has incorporated therein at least one slidable block defining a portion of the mold surface of the first mold half. According to the process, thermoplastic resin is supplied in a molten state between the mold surfaces while the mold halves are in the unclosed state, and at least one of the mold halves is moved relative to the other mold half to press and spread the thermoplastic resin so that the cavity is filled with the thermoplastic resin. During the process, compressed gas is supplied into the thermoplastic resin located in the cavity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for making bladders filled with a high viscosity fluid or gel. An elastic film is placed over a cavity formed in a first mold half and vacuum drawn into the shape of the cavity. A quantity of fluid is then deposited on the first film in the cavity and the first film and fluid are overlaid with a second film. The second mold half is placed in register with the first mold half to mate opposed sealing surfaces along an outer perimeter of the cavity. The vacuum is released to expel air from the cavity between the first and second films through channels corresponding to transverse grooves formed in the sealing surface of the first mold half. The first and second films are then welded at the sealing surfaces to form a sealed bladder filled with the fluid, and the fluid-filled bladder is removed from the mold halves.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a multilayer ceramic board having uniform density over the total area of the green sheets after a thermal compression bonding comprises a lower mold in which a plurality of green sheets, having conductive wiring patterns printed thereon, are to be set in a stacked state, an upper mold which comes into contact with a top surface of the uppermost sheet of the plurality of green sheets and applies a pressing load on the stacked green sheets toward the lower mold, and a restraining mold which restraining the plurality of green sheets in the stacked state therein and having an inner wall surface in contact with peripheral wall portions of the upper and lower molds, the confining mold being movably supported in a direction of the pressing load of the upper mold.

Abstract: A ceramic laminate, which is obtained by stacking ceramic green sheets provided with conductor films distributed on central portions along surface directions thereof, is charged in a die assembly. The die assembly includes an upper punch for pressing a first major surface of the ceramic laminate, a frame which encloses peripheries of the upper punch and the ceramic laminate, and a base plate for pressing a second major surface of the ceramic laminate in a manner opposite to the upper punch. In order to prevent the conductor films from undergoing misregistration toward peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate due to flowing of ceramic caused by a pressure difference between the portions provided with the conductor films and those not provided with conductor films, the upper punch is divided into an outer peripheral portion which comes into contact with the peripheral edge portions of the ceramic laminate and a body portion which comes into contact with its central portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for deep drawing a bowl from a blank of deep-drawable plastic material is provided comprising deep drawing tools, and cooperating jaws including an outside heating jaw and a forward feed heating jaw. The deep drawing tools and cooperating jaws are movable relative to each other to advance a blank of deep-drawable material for preheating, forming, and deep drawing a bowl open at one end therefrom. The outside heating jaw includes at least one outside suction plate to retain the blank, and intermittently moves in a first direction into and out of cooperating relationship with the forward feed heating jaw. The deep drawing tool also intermittently moves parallel to the first direction into and out of cooperating relationship with the forward feed heating jaw. The forward feed heating jaw includes a plurality of main suction plates secured to a heatable carrier to retain and heat the blank as it advances thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved gripper bushing assemblies for use with injection molds, molding machines and other devices. In a first embodiment, the gripper bushing assemblies include an elongated flexible gripping sleeve positioned about a column member such as a tiebar. The sleeve is secured to a member such as a moving platen and is used to clamp the platen to the tiebar in a desired location. The gripper bushing assemblies further include one or more spacers intermediate the sleeve and the platen. The spacers engage the sleeve via a mechanical interlock. The sleeve and spacer(s) are capable of accommodating tiebar stretching which may occur as a result of clamping forces being applied to the mold via the platen. In a second embodiment, the spacer(s) are omitted and the gripping sleeve has a male thread which engages a female thread on the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a label into a mold cavity of a bottom tool which can move up and down in a apparatus for thermoforming plastic containers from a film includes a feeder for the intermittent advancement of a strip of labels by a predetermined amount, a cutting means for cutting off a single label each time from the leading edge of the label strip, and transport means for transferring the single label to a final position in the mold cavity in which it lies against a side wall of the mold cavity and is held in place. The transport means is a transfer arm which grips the label strip and before the label is out off and, after it is cut off, carries it over the top edge of the mold cavity of the bottom tool while the latter is in its bottom, starting position, and lays it against one side wall of the mold cavity.

Abstract: In compacting straw and other fibrous material into blocks or briquettes the material is precompressed into a length L of compressed material before feeding to compacting apparatus for compacting the length into the blocks or briquettes.The compacting apparatus includes a pair of rotary members 10, 11 rotatable about relatively inclined axes 12, 13. A row of pockets 19, 20 extends around each rotary member and the pockets define spaces in which the material is received. The rotary members converge during rotation so that the material is compacted in the spaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for regulating the heating of a thermoplastic band used in a station for thermoforming upwardly open containers, the apparatus being characterized in that, in a zone of the softened thermoplastic band, zone surrounded by a mesh of rigidified matter, the degree of deformation of this zone under the action of a predetermined mass is measured, the measured value of the degree of deformation is compared with a predetermined reference value corresponding to a good aptitude to thermoforming, and the heating of the band is regulated as a function of the value of deformation measured so that the deformation corresponds to the reference value.

Abstract: A machine and method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent continence pad. The machine has a series of stations including a shell-forming station for forming a shell from thermoplastic material, a slitting station for forming slits in a facing material to be sealed to a shell in order to permit the facing material to adapt to the shape of the shell and a sealing station where the facing material and the shell are heat sealed together. The shell-forming station, slitting station and sealing station have special components to assure accurate molding of the shell and prevent wrinkles in the facing material. The manufacturing method embodies a series of processing steps as carried out at the aforesaid stations.

Abstract: In the forming of an article by blow molding a parison into conformity with a cavity defined by a partible a method and apparatus which comprises positioning a label of flexible material on each section of the mold, each label having a width in a circumferential direction such that a portion of one axial edge of each label extends beyond the side edge of the cavity forming portions of the section of the mold and the other axial edge, moving the mold sections toward one another so that they close and define the mold cavity, deflecting the edge of each label radially inwardly before the molds close such that as the molds close the deflected edge will overlap with an adjacent edge of the adjacent label, and blowing the parison into conformity with the cavity such that the edges of the two labels overlap and register to define a continuous label about the article.

Abstract: A process and a device for forming a tennis ball by the formation of two semispherical bowls in crude elastomeric material each having on its border a structural shape that is deformed by compression when the two semispherical bowls are pressed one against the other while a depressurization is effected in the joining zone of the two semispherical bowls on the outside of them.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a specially designed apparatus for bonding a ceramic body to an interior annular surface of a ring shaped body formed of ceramic material. Various specially designed elements are described which permit one to assemble the apparatus and use the same under elevated temperature conditions to bond the ceramic body to the mentioned interior annular surface of the ring shaped body. The apparatus is so designed that all of the elements thereof remain in a centered position during the bonding operation. The apparatus reduces the drag load on the various elements during the bonding operation.

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: An apparatus is provided whereby the three components (sidewalls and tread) of a pneumatic tire are moulded in a single press operation using two transfer units charged with uncured rubber which are located in the press so as to discharge to the mould cavities when the press is closed, after which the press is opened to allow removal of the transfer units, (the moulded components remaining in the press) and then reclosed to assemble the components together. Each transfer unit comprises at least one reservoir for uncured rubber defined between parts of the unit which are relatively movable under the action of the press to transfer the rubber from the reservoir(s) to associated mould cavities.

Abstract: Seamless hollow molding rubber articles are produced by concurrently molding two article halves with mateable edges which extend toward each other. Portions of the mold plates and core are maintained continuously at the full vulcanizing heat until the halves of the articles have been vulcanized to about 60 percent of the optimum vulcanization of the material, except for thin strata defining the mateable edges. By cooling at the portions which form these strata, these portions are maintained at a lesser temperature to cause the reaction in these strata to progress slightly beyond the scorching or blowing stage to dimensional and volumetric stability. At this stage, the mateable faces of the edges are substantially free from the usual "skin" effect which effect would render them non-fusible. The mold is then opened, the core is removed, and the mold is reclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a composite article including an inflatable center adapted to retain a predetermined shape covered with a covering of molded material and preferably an inflatable composite article such as a game ball with a covering of more uniform thickness. Surfaces of complementary elements of a mold are adapted to define, when the mold is closed, a molding cavity corresponding to the outer surface of a desired composite article. Said surfaces are electrostatically sprayed with a molding material to form a layer of molding material over said surfaces. Preferably, electrostatic spraying is performed while heating the mold preferably to a temperature above 135.degree.C. and most desirably between 150.degree. and 190.degree.C. An inflatable center is then inserted into the mold and the mold is closed to define the molding cavity with the inflatable center therein.