Abstract: The mandrel uses a single anchoring groove in order to fixedly mount the forming and sealing element thereon for subsequent passage of a heated thermoplastic pipe end thereover. The forward wall of the anchoring groove may be directed radially outwardly or may be inclined rearwardly in order to abut the sealing portion of the element. The sealing portion fills the anchoring groove while the trailing wedge-shaped end fits into a small recess to avoid "fish-mouthing.

Abstract: A method and a mould for manufacturing articles of compacted powder by isostatic compression of powder in a mould, which is made of flexible material of substantially constant thickness and is substantially barrel-shaped, the mould having at one end a bottom made integral with the rest of the mould and being adapted to be closed by a separate plug at its other end.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for a vacuum bagging curing operation comprising a base on which is placed a one piece vacuum bag comprising a top sheet with a peripheral sealing means attached thereto which cooperate to seal the bag in a zipper-like fashion, thus enclosing workpiece therein for the vacuum curing operation. A vacuum manifold is attached to the base to connect the tool to a vacuum pump to create a vacuum between the base and bag.

Abstract: A field transplant system including a machine for sequentially forming groups of polymerized soil plugs having seed receiving recesses in one end thereof and supported on a carrier, and in certain cases interconnected by strips, the carrier being used to transport the soil plugs through a seeding station and then to a germination station and then to a growing station either in the flat or on a plant turning machine in a greenhouse to grow the germinated seeds to transplant size, and then using the carrier to transport the soil plugs with the transplants growing therein to the field for transplanting by an automatic transplanter; several forms of soil plugs are disclosed, and several methods for supplying seeds to the soil plugs are disclosed, as well as an improved method of mounting a mat of soil plugs on the cylinder of a plant turning machine.

Abstract: A mold for molding a boot or similar footwear from an elastomeric composition and simultaneously lining the footwear with a fabric, has first and second shells each having a cavity which complements the cavity of the other to form a large cavity which corresponds to the upstanding sides of the footwear and a third shell which has a cavity corresponding to the sole thereof. The three shells are assembled together with a rigid core member enclosed therein which defines the inside of the boot. The core member has an elastically expandable casing. Conduits are arranged in the core member for conveying a fluid under pressure to expand the casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the manufacture of products of concrete or like construction, in which a mixture of calcareous cementitious binder substance, such as cement, an aggregate, a vinyl acetate-dibutyl maleate copolymer, and an amount of water sufficient to make a relatively dry mix is compressed into the desired configuration in a mold, and with the mixture being exposed to carbon dioxide gas in the mold, prior to the compression taking place, such that the carbon dioxide gas reacts with the ingredients to provide a hardened product in an accelerated state of cure having excellent physical properties.

Abstract: A stereo relief modelling apparatus based on photogrammetric method and apparatus comprising a flexible platen, used with standard stereo plotting instrumentation such as double-projection direct-viewing plotting instruments. The purpose of the flexible platen is to provide an absolute stereo image for photographic, modelling and other purposes. The flexible platen, which is of sufficient size to provide a meaningful mapping surface, is vertically adjustable at a multiplicity of points by mechanical, pneumatic, electro-mechanical, fully automated, or other means to provide an actual model-like three-dimensional photographic or modelling surface to enable relief distortion from aerial photographs to be effectively eliminated in planimetric photographs which are taken of the adjusted flexible platen, or models molded on the adjusted flexible platen, upon which the aerial images are projected. Modelling is facilitated by situating the platen inside a sealable vacuum box from which the air is removable.

Abstract: A flexible insert arrangement for an electrical connector mold for supporting leads extending therefrom and closing the mold end is disclosed and includes a flat resilient body having one or more lead-accepting depressions normal to the body across one edge thereof and an arrangement actuable as the mold halves are closed on one another for deforming the body to temporarily displace the body resilient material about each electrical lead extending from the mold to complete the formation of an insulating material-accepting connector forming cavity.

Abstract: A gasket for a lens casting cell designed to accommodate for casting material shrinkage during curing in the cell.

Abstract: A molding system for large-scale containers using closely-spaced bladders, one inside the other, to contain a resinous material that will harden to form a rigid container. The bladders float in a liquid of the same specific gravity as that of the resinous material, and the inner bladder is filled with a liquid of the same specific gravity. The inner bladder may be filled first to establish the size or volume of the container, and then the resinous material may be filled between the inner and outer bladder layers whereat it will harden to form the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming molded ice sculptures includes a selection of molds fabricated of form retaining, flexible, resilient plastic material. Each mold includes holes in the base thereof through which supporting wires are placed. The mold is inverted, base up, within a box slightly larger than the mold, with the wires impinging on the box and supporting the mold. The mold is filled with water and frozen. Thereafter the mold is removed from the box, the wires removed from the mold and the mold stripped from the frozen sculpture.

Abstract: An apparatus for the bellowless or bagless vulcanization of tire blanks comprising a tire vulcanization mold and a clamping mechanism for the tire bead provided for the mold. The clamping mechanism comprises the associated bead section of the vulcanization mold and a contact mechanism which can be moved towards such section in the axial direction and against the center of the mold. The contact mechanism comprises a ring formed of a number of segments, and such ring is provided at least at the region of the tire bead with a continuous layer of elastomeric material. According to a further improvement, the continuous layer possesses a lip member directed towards the tire bead.

Abstract: A method of applying a tread band to a tire carcass includes the steps of placing a pre-vulcanized tread band on the inner surface of a resiliently flexible tread band holder and deforming the band holder inwardly to contact the tread band with a tire carcass. The deformation is carried out using inflatable air bags on the outer surface of the tread band holder. The deformation shortens the periphery of the tread band and produces a compressive stress in the band, which is retained in the band after bonding to the tire carcass.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method of molding or casting liquid resins and the like, are provided which includes flexible molding means. In one form, the mold is composed of two endless flexible belts, each of which is driven in an endless path with a portion of each belt driven parallel to a portion of the other belt and in contact therewith such that cavities formed in each belt come into alignment with each other when the belts make contact. Fast setting plastic liquid resin molding material is injected either at the side of or from the ends of the belts as they come together and flows into the cavities formed in the belts to continuously form a molded material or individual molded articles between the belts. After the molding material has solidified in the cavities between the belts, the belts are automatically driven apart and the molded articles removed from the cavities therebetween.

Abstract: Manufacturing process and straightening jig for a hollow tapered rod characterized in that in mid-process of curing the resin in a fiber-reinforced resin-impregnated sheet wound around a mandrel, the mandrel is pulled out of the wound sheet in a semi-cured state or the mandrel is pulled out and again thrust into the wound sheet; then the wound sheet with the mandrel pulled out or the wound sheet with the mandrel reinserted is placed on a straightening jig and left there until the curing is completed.

Abstract: A pipe section is mounted in a horizontal position and upper and lower halves of a spigot ring mold are clamped to the spigot end. The lower mold half is provided with a port for receiving a nozzle of a hardenable liquid resin supply hose and the upper mold half is provided with vents. Resin is forced into the mold under pressure until some comes out of the vents. After the resin is hardened, the mold is removed.

Abstract: Continuous apparatus for impression molding products containing thermoplastic material and having three-dimensional patterns on one or both surfaces, similar or dissimilar, with or without continuously changing profile or shaped edges. The thermoplastic material to be formed may or not contain foamants, fillers, strata or plys of differing composition to reinforce, decorate or protect, and is heated above its glass transition temperature before introduction between revolving flexible belt molds, which revolve in opposed relationship, being cooled, forming a travelling mold channel, at least one having a flexible three-dimensional pattern form on its front face. Opposed nip rolls press the revolving belt molds against the entering thermoplastic material. At least one belt mold travels partially around the nip roll impressing its three-dimensional pattern form in the heated material in a progressive localized rolling squeezing action in the nip region.

Abstract: There is provided a mold comprising a male and a female mold member fabricated from thermoplastic polymeric materials which, in very thin sections are flexible under polymerization conditions, but, under said conditions are sufficiently inflexible in thick sections to retain their shape and surface characteristics. Said mold is provided, on either the male or the female member with a thin rim which, during the polymerization process, flexes and permits the old members to approach each other and compensate for the shrinkage that occurs during polymerization. Said thin rim further forms the edge of the finished lens.

Abstract: To permit simple manufacture and reliable attachment of the center electrode into a ceramic body, an elastic tubular press mold is located in a press body, the press mold being closed off by a movable plug having a needle-like extension with a gripping end formed thereon to receive the center electrode before the plug is inserted into the tubular mold. Ceramic material is then filled into the mold, the plug closing off one end thereof, the mold is closed with a second plug, and pressure in the order of from 250 to 400 bar applied to the outside of the elastic mold to compress the ceramic material and embed the center electrode tip therein. Upon release of pressure, the compressed ceramic, with the center electrode therein can be removed from the holding tip of the needle-like extension of the plug, for subsequent grinding to size, sintering, firing, and glazing, if desired.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding articles without a seam or parting line even though the articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a flexible mold of relatively thick and self-supporting wall construction which is deformable by the application of fluid pressure differential to thereby release the finished article from the mold. One modification of the mold also has a thick radially extending flange which forms a seal with a vacuum pot when the mold is simply set in the pot. One modification is directed to a male and female type mold in which the outer female mold is expanded to be withdrawn from the article and the inner mold portion collapses inwardly so as to be withdrawn from the article.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for vacuum or gauge pressure shaping of extensible sheet material in a mold, more particularly pre-shaping of a textile or plastic sheet or film used as an integral skin for a foam cushion, to effect uniform stretch of the sheet throughout its area notwithstanding substantial depth variation in surface contour of the final shaped sheet material.

Abstract: A food mold is disclosed which has a flexible sanitary liner and a rigid holder for the liner, the liner has a rim for securement to the holder and a cup shaped portion for forming food to a predetermined shape, the cup is flexibly and resiliently movable for discharge of food from the mold when the mold is turned upside down; the holder may include a finger actuatable valve for control of flow of air into a space between the liner and holder, for control of movement of the cup and release of the molded food product, and the liner may have a weight attached to the cup for automatically retracting the cup when the mold is turned from an inverted emptying to a normal upright filling position.

Abstract: Protection against fluid port blockage in a mold is provided by a novel, easily mountable fluid port protective ring and combination frustoconical mold having fluid ports in an annular groove of a side wall adjacent an edge defining a circumferential flange. The ring may comprise a non-elastomeric relatively rigid material such as inert plastic, stainless steel or the like. Structurally, the ring includes an internal circumferential shoulder which accommodates the roof or the flange edge of the groove, an inner wall adapted to slip over the roof and fit into the groove to define an annular cavity confronting the fluid ports, and to provide at least one relatively narrow fluid release orifice in fluid communication with the fluid ports for protection of the fluid ports. Typically, the orifice internal diameter is less than about 0.01 inch.

Abstract: A casting or injection mold for vehicle tires comprises two separable half-shells together defining an annular cavity into which a segmented core is introduced, radially inwardly converging core segments alternating with parallel-sided or radially inwardly diverging core segments to facilitate extraction of the core from the molded tire. In operation, one or more of the non-converging segments are immobilized within the mold, with the aid of mating formations on these segments and on the two half-shells, while the converging segments are urged radially inwardly by resilient or fluidic forces. In a specific embodiment these forces are supplied by a contractile annular spring with projections received in axially extending undercuts of all the segments.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic structural components having curved surface areas are produced in molds utilizing a bleeder cloth comprising a textile-like non-woven polyester fabric characterized by a fiber interlock value of at least 7 and a fiber entanglement completeness of at least 0.5. The utilization of this bleeder cloth allows quicker assembly of the mold components since cutting and forming are not necessary, proper pressure transmittal is ensured, and the air permeability, drape, stretchability, and resin holding capacity of the cloth are ideal. For producing the desired structural components with curved surface areas, at least one layer of resin pre-impregnated partially cured fabric is disposed in cooperation with a first mold section, a release liner is placed on the fabric, and a bleeder cloth according to the invention is placed on the release liner.

Abstract: The combined mold element and sealing ring is formed of an elastically yieldable body and a rigid reinforcing non-elastic member within the body on a side spaced away from the leading edge of the body. The unit may be generally drop-shape, or otherwise, and is formed with minimal bulk.Positioning of the reinforcing member close to the outer radial portion of the elastic body reduces the manufacturing costs of the combined element as the bulk of the element may be reduced and the positioning of the rigid member in the rubber molds is facilitated. The reduced bulk also facilitates the molding of a thermoplastic pipe end over the unit to form a socket by reduced stretching of the pipe.The positioning of the rigid ring member also facilitates the anchoring effect of the combined element when used in a pipeline with internal pressure.

Abstract: A method of applying an integral sealing member to a shaped surface which in its operative environment is to be disposed in sealed relationship with another surface and the resulting products. The method comprises dispensing a composition adapted to be cured to form said sealing member onto a work surface adapted to be adjusted to a desired configuration, partially curing said composition such that it does not flow, adjusting the disposition of said work surface bearing the partially cured composition such that said shaped surface to which the sealing member is to be integrally bonded may be disposed along said work surface, positioning said shaped surface along said work surface such that said shaped surface is at least in contact with said partially cured composition, completing the curing of said composition and removing said shaped surface with said sealing member integrally bonded thereto from said work surface.

Abstract: A flexible mold and process is provided for making pots, and the like, the mold comprising a cylindrical-shaped rubber-like resilient member having an annular-shaped cavity contained therein, and an open top. The construction of the mold is such the pressurized air may be introduced into the cavity to move the outer peripheral portion of the mold radially outwardly to release the part being molded. A nail, or similar article may be inserted into the central part of the mold to protrude through the open top of the mold along the central axis thereof. The nail causes a hole to be formed in the bottom of the article being molded which serves as a water hole when flower pots, for example, are being molded, and which also provides a convenient hole through which the releasing pressurized air may be introduced into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A resilient mold and a method for retreading tires using such mold which has an inner face of a normal, unstretched diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of a tire tread. The mold is in the shape of a ring and has, on its inner side or face, an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously applied to a tire body. The ring mold is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body and the so-applied vulcanizable band and, thereafter, the ring mold is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The ring mold, thus fitted over the tread band, is centered on the body while the tire is rotated. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the ring mold onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is moulded using a mould core of cured rubber the radial sectional shape of which is the same as the internal radial sectional configuration of the finished tire. The opposite sides of the core are supported by fitting plates while a tread portion of tire is moulded onto the exposed outer periphery of the core. Thereafter the side plates are removed in turn and replaced by sidewall mould halves enabling sidewalls to be moulded against the core in contact with the tread portion.

Abstract: Three-dimensional articles are molded from materials capable of flow utilizingA. a molding zone having a plurality of advancing contiguous molds with adjacent molds forming mold cavities at contiguous interfaces transverse to the direction of motion.B. a discharge zone following the molding zone wherein said molds travel in an arcuate path, become separated from each other and the mold cavities are opened;C. feeding a material capable of flow to the molding zone, forcing same into said mold cavities and solidifying same therein; andWithdrawing said molded articles from the discharge zone.

Abstract: A method for avoiding cracking of the molded body during the decompression step in an isostatic pressing method of molding. The powders to be molded are housed in a shaping rubber mold, are molded under pressure, and the improvement is characterized by supplying forcibly gas between the outer peripheral surface of a molded body or a shaping thin rubber bag where the molded body is housed and the inner peripheral surface of the shaping rubber mold, the gas having a pressure higher than the isostatic pressure applied to the shaping rubber mold at the time when the shaping rubber mold begins to restore to its original state during the decompression step of the method. An apparatus for the said compression molding which is equipped with a specially designed pressure gas inletting device.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding articles without a seam or parting line even though the molded articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a one-piece flexible mold which is deformable subject to the application of fluid pressure, a vacuum pot large enough to accommodate the flexible mold therein and means for applying vacuum to the pot such that the mold may be expanded by the vacuum thereby releasing the molded article. The vacuum pot is provided with upwardly extending projections positioned in the bottom of the pot and the mold is provided with a restraining ring member for supporting the mold wall and for acting in conjunction with the upwardly extending projection to control the mode of expansion of the mold.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for moulding ribs, ridges, studs or other upstanding projections on a mouldable material and although not so restricted it will hereafter be described with reference to its use on apparatus for moulding dry formed fibrous material.

Abstract: Combined mould element and sealing ring suitable for sealing off a joint between a socket end and an insert end of two cooperating pipes formed from thermoplastic material and for being used as a portion of a body of a mould for both fabricating the socket end of the one pipe and simultaneously inserting the ring in an internal groove in the socket end produced thereby. The main bulk of the sealing ring is composed of elastically yielding material having within its contour at least one zone composed of relatively non-elastic material capable of rendering the zone stable as regards its shape compared with the remainder of the ring. Conveniently, such zones are formed by stiffening rings permanently connected to the main bulk of the sealing ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding articles free of seams and parting lines including a one-piece flexible mold which is deformable and which includes a rigid core member, and a vacuum pot which is used to cause the mold to expand radially outwardly to allow the molded article to be released. The core member may comprise a rigid central mandrel which is rigidly embedded in the bottom wall of the mold and which is hollow and includes ports such that a pressurized catalytic gas may be injected into the mold material to cause a bonding agent to set.

Abstract: A device for applying a piping bead to a sheet of plastic material includes a two piece sealing die comprising a mold section and a platen. The mold section has an open cavity of predetermined configuration formed therein surrounding a flat sheet support surface on which a plastic sheet is supported to extend over the cavity. The mold section includes means for supplying a liquified plastic to the cavity to contact the support plastic sheet, and the mandrel is adapted to engage the side of the sheet opposite the cavity to chill and solidify the liquid plastic and to bond it to the plastic sheet.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding articles which are free of seams and parting lines even though the articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a one-piece distensible flexible mold of relatively thick and self-supporting wall construction which is deformable by fluid pressure in order to release the molded article. The flexible walls of the mold include internal slits extending from the mold cavity and partially through the walls for facilitating increased expansion of the mold. The ends of the slits include transversely extending slits in order to prevent tearing of the mold wall at the end of the slit and to further facilitate expansion of the mold.

Abstract: A method for retreading tires using a resilient mold or matrix ring which is normally smaller than a tire body. On its inner side, this ring has an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously attached to a tire body. The matrix ring is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body with its vulcanizable band in place. Thereafter, the matrix ring is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The matrix ring thus attached over the tread band is centered on the body while the tire rotates. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the matrix ring onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding articles without a seam or parting line even though articles may have severe backdraft portions. The apparatus includes a one-piece flexible mold which is deformable by the application of a fluid pressure differential to thereby release the finished article from the mold. The mold has a self-supporting, radially extending annular flange which forms a seal with a vacuum pot when the mold is set in the pot and the flange has a downwardly extending annular projection or lip which fits freely over the outside diameter of the side wall of the pot. The downwardly extending projection is of sufficient inside diameter to allow the flange to be easily set upon or removed from the vacuum pot and the flange also has sufficiently close tolerances with respect to the outside diameter of the pot as to accurately align and center the mold in the pot.

Abstract: Molding apparatus for molding hollow articles without a seam or parting line even though the articles may have backdraft or undercut portions on both the inside and outside surfaces. The apparatus includes a generally one-piece flexible mold having a generally thick self-supporting wall construction which is deformable by the application of a fluid pressure differential. The mold includes a generally hollow outer portion and a generally hollow inner portion integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the outer portion, said mold portions defining an upwardly opening generally annular cavity into which hardenable material is placed.

Abstract: A flexible, distensible mold suitable for use in conjunction with a vacuum pot to shape art forms and utilitarian articles, such as foundry sand articles, is disclosed. The composite mold provides an integral, internal, flexible, stretchable shaping element thereof having shaping surfaces therein to confine and shape and hardenable or otherwise curable material being molded, and an outer second element which is a flexible, stretchable element distinct and separate from the first, the outer element being in direct and closely confining contact with the inner element, the outer element being in a condition of stress due to stretching.

Abstract: A method for avoiding cracking of the molded body during the decompression step in an isostatic pressing method of molding. The powders to be molded are housed in a shaping rubber mold, are molded under pressure, and the improvement is characterized by supplying forcibly gas between the outer peripheral surface of a molded body or a shaping thin rubber bag where the molded body is housed and the inner peripheral surface of the shaping rubber mold, the gas having a pressure higher than the isostatic pressure applied to the shaping rubber mold at the time when the shaping rubber mold begins to restore to its original state during the decompression step of the method. An apparatus for the said compression molding which is equipped with a specially designed pressure gas inletting device.

Abstract: An elastic candle mold has a plurality of circumferentially spaced metal plates embedded in the side walls of the mold and which are pulled radially outward simultaneously by individual pull cables, each cable having one end attached to the plate and the opposite end attached to the movable element of an air powered piston-cylinder or other actuator device. A spring mounted on each cable attachment at the mold serves to return the mold and cables to a contracted position for the mold when the piston-cylinder device is reversed.

Abstract: A flexible, distensible mold for use in fabricating art forms and utilitarian articles, and for use with the aid of air pressure differential enlargement of the shaping cavity, is provided with closeable slits extending from at least a portion of the shaping cavity partly into the mold wall, and cooperating slits extending from the outer wall of the mold into a position which is adjacent to and overlapping the internal slits. With these improved molds a withdrawal bore of the shaping cavity can be greatly enlarged and the side walls can be greatly extended with lower air pressure differentials than would be otherwise necessary. This invention provides a hinging action in the expansion of the side wall which utilizes the flexibility of the mold material to expand the withdrawal bore.

Abstract: A flexible distensible mold for use in fabricating art forms and utilitarian articles, and for use with the aid of air pressure differential enlargement of the shaping cavity is provided with closeable slits extending from at least portions of the outside surface of the mold partly into the mold. With these improved molds, the withdrawal bore of the shaping cavity can be greatly enlarged and the side walls can be greatly extended with lower air pressure differentials than would be otherwise necessary. In addition, the closed slits permits the use of thicker walls and thus provide additional support for the weight of the shaped article particularly when formed in elongated molds.

Abstract: A flexible distensible mold for use in fabricating art forms and utilitarian articles, and for use with the aid of air pressure differential enlargment of the shaping cavity, is provided with closeable slits extending from at least portions of the shaping cavity partly into the mold wall. With these improved molds the withdrawalbore of the shaping cavity can be greatly enlarged, and the side walls can be greatly extended with lower air pressure differentials than would be otherwise necessary.