Abstract: The present invention provides foam molding equipment which has an advantage in performing exchange of a molding dies within a short time period and in improving productivity thereof, and which is most suitable, in particular, to the case of using upsized molding dies. The equipment is provided with a fixed die base 21, movable die base 8, a die opening/closing mechanism to move the movable die base 8 together with a movable die 12, and a base frame 1. The fixed die base 21 is detachable from the base frame 1. Molding dies comprising a stationary die 11 and a movable die 12 is preliminarily attached to the fixed die base 21 to form a unit 20. The base frame 1 is provided with a loading surface 4 to load the unit 20 and a unit connector 27 to fix the unit loaded on the loading surface 4 to the base frame 1. The unit 20 is loaded on the loading surface 4 in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

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 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 system for producing blocks of open-cell, flexible polyurethane foam material and for conditioning each freshly-manufactured block to impart thereto optimal flexible foam properties. The system includes means to pour the flowable constituents of the foam material to be manufactured into a production station at the inlet of a conveyor, the constituents interacting to create on the conveyor a block of open-cell flexible foam material which is then wrapped in a plastic film casing that exposes the leading and trailing end of the block so that the encased block is open ended. The conveyor transports the wrapped block toward the rear end of a gate in a conditioning station having a port therein whose front end is coupled by an air duct to a suction fan.

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: 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: A process and a device are described for the production of polyurethane foam by application of a froth onto the conveyor belt of a block-foam installation, whereby the froth is applied onto the lower conveyor belt in a free, substantially vertical fall and flowing of the froth contrary to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt is prevented by a stationary, substantially vertical barrier arranged transversely on the conveyor belt.

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: Apparatus for supporting a large oceanic type shipping container while applying fluid foam insulation to the container. The apparatus utilizes a stationary frame which supports a housing, the housing having an open ended foaming chamber in which a mandrel is cantileverly mounted. Heated platens are mounted to the mandrel and housing. At least some of the platens are movably mounted and capable of engaging the container when the container is within the chamber. The container is moveable into and out of the housing chamber by use of a carriage movably supported on a guide base. The housing is swingably mounted so that it may be pivoted relative to the frame and relative to a horizontal plane, allowing increased foaming efficiency of the container's cavities. After foaming, a void detection system having thermal sensors with scanning capability allows detection of inadequately insulated voids within the cavities of the container.

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: Methods and systems for forming hinged starch-bound matrices. Starch-based compositions are molded between heated molds in order to form a cellular matrix and also to remove the water from the starch-based compositions in order to form a binding matrix of solidified starch. The molding apparatus is configured to form one or more creases within the hinge area in order to define one or more lines upon which the hinge will bend. The molding apparatus is also configured such that the region of the mold corresponding to the inner surface of the hinge area will transfer heat more slowly to the inner hinge surface, resulting in reduced thickness of the skin of the inner hinge. This increases the collapsibility, or ability of the inner surface of the hinge to fold or buckle, during the bending action. This in mm reduces the bending radius of hinge such that the hinging action exerts less strain on the outer surface of the hinge.

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: There is provided an improved process for partially molding a pad onto an instrument panel by partially covering the surface of a panel main body with a surfacing material, and filling a urethane foam under foaming in the space defined between the panel main body and the surfacing material and a mold used for such purpose. In the process of the invention, a mold consisting of an upper die having a core and a lower die having a cavity wall is used, and possible outward falling down of the edge portion formed along the periphery of the surfacing material is designed to be prevented by supporting members which are arranged retractably in the cavity wall of the lower die at the positions along the line where the edge portion of the surfacing material lies. The supporting members retain the edge portion until the upper die is fully closed with respect to the lower die.

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: 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: A bumper construction for vehicles constructed of a single strip of metal roll-formed into a completely enclosed tubular member in which a foamed-in-place material is located in and completely fills only a central section of the tubular member a relatively short distance on each side of the central axis of the vehicle. An apparatus is provided for manufacturing roll-formed bumpers partially filled with a foam-in-place material, the bumpers including material defining a continuous closed section defining an open interior and opposing open ends. The apparatus includes a turntable with a plurality of holders including arms shaped to extend partially into the bumpers, and a plug on the end of each arm configured to block off the open interior of the bumper. The holders are pivotally mounted on the turntable so that a bumper can be slipped onto a selected holder, pivoted to an upright position, and then rotated by the turntable under an injector for dispensing foamable reaction injectable urethane (RIM) material.

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: A method for producing a plastic molding having a foam with a skin on an outer surface of a core wherein a foaming material is foamed in a space defined between a skin member and the core, disposed within a molding die assembly having an upper die and a lower die includes disposing the skin member which is provided with side portions and recessed grooves at the edge portions thereof, on the lower die of the molding die assembly; fitting edge holders projecting from the lower die into the recessed grooves of the skin member; disposing the core which is provided with a recess in which the skin member is received, in the molding die assembly; pouring the foaming material in a space between the skin member and the bottom surface of the core to foam the foaming material; and retracting the edge holders into the lower die during the foaming before the foaming operation is completed. The disclosure is also directed to a molding die apparatus for producing such a plastic molding.

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: 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: 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: Disclosed herein is a process for producing an integral skin polyurethane foam which comprises expanding a reacting mixture containing substantially no blowing agent in an evacuated mold cavity. Disclosed also herein is an apparatus for producing said an integral skin polyurethane foam which comprises a mold having a cavity and a vent hole, a vacuum chamber communicating with the cavity through the vent hole, a vacuum pump to evacuate the cavity through the vacuum chamber, and a sight glass attached to the vacuum chamber so as to make the vicinity of the vent hole visible from the outside of the vacuum chamber.

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: A machine for the production of seating components having a plurality of movable press centers which are moved about by a track to a plurality of workstations where different manufacturing operations are performed. The track is equipped with transfer capability to selectively bypass one or more of the workstations to enable different components to be made simultaneously using different methods. The track can further move a press center off line for repair without interrupting the operation of 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 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 is provided for moulding a polymeric foam into a bun in a longitudinally-extending, channel shaped mould by a mobile vessel and fall plate which are progressively transported from one end to the other of the mould to lay down partially-expanded foam over the bottom of the mould. The apparatus includes a mould for receiving a polymeric foam and including a longitudinally-extending, channel-shaped enclosed mould through which a mobile vessel and fall plate are progressively transported from one end to the other of the mould to lay down partially-expanded foam over the bottom of the mould while the mould is in a moulding position. Gas is vented from the interior of the mould and the mould is moved from the moulding position to a curing position remote from the moulding position where the bun cures in the mould.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a longitudinal multi-component frame element includes a longitudinal mold within which is positioning at least one longitudinal member to form a first component of the frame element. A second component of the frame element is formed by introducing into the mold a foamable and curable material such as polyurethane which cures to form a rigid plastic component connected to the longitudinal member. Before formation of the rigid plastic component, the longitudinal mold is bent in a direction opposite to a direction of anticipated warping of the frame element that would be caused by internal stresses therein. Thus, the frame element initially is formed within the mold to be of a bent configuration, and after removal of the frame element from the mold, the internal stresses transform such initial bent configuration into a straight or rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable sealing system for use in a molding apparatus is disclosed. The molding apparatus is used for applying a coating of polymeric material to the surface of a shell. The molding apparatus includes a molding surface and a seal groove adapted for retaining a seal. The molding apparatus is capable of receiving a shell and forming a molding cavity between a surface of a shell and the molding surface. The seal establishes sealed contact between the shell and the molding surface when the molding apparatus is closed. The adjustable sealing system includes a seal for insertion and retention in a seal groove of the molding apparatus, so that a portion of the seal extends from the seal groove to a selected height when the molding apparatus is open. A seal height adjustment means is disposed under the seal in the seal groove. The seal height adjustment means is capable of adjusting the height of the seal above the seal groove to correspond to a particular contour of a shell being molded.

Abstract: A mixing device exhibiting a mixing chamber, feed and recirculation lines for components and for the component mixture. A control piston reciprocates inside the mixing chamber between a recirculation position where the feed and recirculation lines are in fluid communication and a mixing position where the components impinge and mix in the mixing chamber. At least one component has a straight line recirculation path from its feed to return line through a radial slot in the control piston. A bypass line branches off from at least one feed line and opens into the mixing chamber at a mixing input duct in the same radial plane as a mixing input duct for a second component.

Abstract: This relates to a mold for rebonding polyurethane and like plastic foam to form selected shapes. A typical shape may be a back or a seat member for an article of furniture. The mold is improved in that the bottom mold member, which is particularly designed in accordance with the desired configuration of the shape, has been formed of epoxy which is readily moldable at a low cost. The mold is also improved by providing the base plate of the mold with a ramped floor which facilitates the drainage of condensate from a lower steam chamber. The configuration of the ramped floor allows for quick removal of the condensate and serves to reduce the volume in the steam chamber thereby minimizing pressure build-up in the steam chamber. This results in lower steam pressures being used during the curing process and for a shorter curing operation. The lower steam pressure also avoids leakage of steam and water from the epoxy mold.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for batch molding open-cell soft polyurethane foam within a mold (22a,22b,104) is provided by introducing into a mixing chamber (26) of a mixing pot (24) a highly activated polyol component and an isocyanate component which are mixed and permitted to foam to provide upward expansion in a viscous state through an upper outlet (28) by free rise that fills the mold (22,104). Such batch molding provides "one age of foam" that enables molding to be performed which was not previously possible. Both a rigid mold (22) and a flexible mold (104) can be utilized. The mixing pot (24) includes a mixer 38 preferably embodied by a rotatable screw (74) that is moved axially to purge the mixing chamber (26) of foam after each cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming finished cups of expanded resin comprising a transfer mold capable of transferring a preformed article obtained through a preforming process to a finish-forming mold, and simultaneously collecting from the finish-forming mold a finished article obtained through compression forming and discharging the finished article after inspection, the transfer mold for transferring having a core section for collecting the preformed article and transferring the preformed article to the finish-forming mold and a cavity section for collecting and discharging the finished article and apparatus for moving the transfer mold.

Abstract: Equipment includes a cavity former and a hot and cold water tank. The cavity former holds fiberglass strips part of which are inside the cavity and part outside. The cavity former also holds polystyrene beads which surround the fiber glass strips inside the cavity. The cavity former is placed inside of the tank and exposed to hot water. The beads expand against the cavity to form the handle and expand against the fiber glass strips to lock the same in the handle. The hot water is changed to cold and this lowers the temperature of the formed eraser which is then removed.

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 avoiding an excessive amount of pressure to be exerted on the upper portion of the lower mold so that the durability of the lower mold can be improved, and preventing gaseous leakage so that the penetration of the liquid foam resin to be poured on a skin cover becomes controllable. The mold includes an upper mold to be closed over the lower mold, having extended side portions which can reach the base of the lower mold when assembled such that the extended side portions can support the upper mold by themselves.

Abstract: A single-state apparatus for injection molding structural foam articles has a resin plasticating barrel in which a cylindrical plunger reciprocates and rotates. The plunger has a screw section for plasticating resin and advancing the plasticate into a metering section with grooves in which plasticate flows. The grooves are contiguous to a fluid foaming agent inlet in the side of the barrel so that they alternately open and close the inlet to introduce fluid foaming agent periodically into the plasticate. Downstream, the plunger has channels for mixing and advancing plasticate to the forward end of the plunger where it accumulates and is periodically rammed by the plunger into the mold.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a skin covered foamed plastic seat capable of structually preventing the leakage of the liquid foam resin from a space between the skin cover and the bossings provided on the mold for the holes to be made on it. The mold includes a lower mold over which a sink cover is to be placed, having a protruded portion to be inserted into a hole on the skin cover corresponding to a hole to be made on the skin covered foamed plastic seat, the protruded portion having a circumference smaller than that of the hole on the skin cover, and the upper mold to be assembled with the lower mold, having a bossing for making the hole to be made on the skin covered foamed plastic seat, the bossing having a concavity to be engaged with the protruded portion of the lower mold at a bottom, and a circumference larger than that of the hole on the skin cover.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a skin covered foamed plastic article, with which it is possible to place the skin cover at a desired position, without spoiling or damaging the skin cover, such that the skin covered foamed plastic article of a desired shape without any deficiencies such as wrinkles and dents can easily be manufactured. The mold includes an upper mold; and a lower mold, to be assembled with the upper mold in order to form a cavity in which a liquid foam resin undergoes foaming process to become the pad member, over which a skin cover is to be placed, the lower mold including at least one windows at which the skin cover can be pushed outward by pressure of the liquid foam resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a product such as an automotive instrument panel of synthetic resin has a first station including a mechanism for opening and closing a mold assembly, a second station including a mechanism for pouring a resin solution into the mold assembly which is closed, and a third station for hardening the poured resin solution in the mold assembly. A feed mechanism interconnects the first, second, and third stations in a looped configuration for circulating at least three mold assemblies through the first, second, and third stations. The mold assembly includes a first mold die for placing therein a covering sheet of a predetermined shape, a second mold die combinable with the first mold die to define a mold cavity therebetween, and a mechanism for pouring a resin foam solution into the mold cavity to form a molding integral with the covering sheet.

Abstract: Molding a foamed product is carried out by using a front and a rear mold for molding a front and a rear portion of the foamed product and a core interposed between the front and rear molds. The front and rear molds are closed at a moment when a lapse of time arrives at 30%-100% of a rise time of the foaming stock solution later applied. Thereafter the closed molds are maintained in a position where an angle of the closed molds relative to a horizontal plane is within a range between 90.degree. and an angle more than 0.degree.. The front and rear molds are pivotally connected to each other with their one ends by means of a pivot shaft. The core is pivotally supported with its one end by a shaft arranged in parallel to the pivot shaft. The core is formed with a through-hole and said rear mold is provided with a protrusion to be hermetically fitted in the through-hole of the core.

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,.].