Abstract: A two-part mould for moulding an article has the mould parts adapted to be moved together under vacuum to cause moulding material to be evenly distributed around a reinforcement structure. Sealing means for sealing the mold cavity against ambient atmosphere, comprises a primary seal operative during the movement of the mould parts, the action of the primary seal being assisted by a secondary seal which becomes effective when the mould parts reach the final closed position. A collection chamber is formed in one of the mould parts for collection of surplus resin through pinch-off means, including a flexible part, which closes off flow of resin into the collection chamber in the closed position, of the mould parts. The collection chamber is preferably located to permit drainage of resin back to the mould cavity until the pinch-off means becomes effective.

Abstract: The molding apparatus for molding compact discs defines an openable mold cavity and the information bearing disc which forms the impression on the compact disc in held in place by vacuum in the mold cavity in order to allow ready and easy removal and replacement of the insert when necessary.

Abstract: A non-metallic vacuum probe for elevated temperature service having a probe body portion for coupling to a vacuum line. The probe body portion is coupled through a washer shaped low friction bearing surface and gasket for sealing to a probe flange portion. Interconnection of probe body portion and probe flange portion is provided through lug and ramp means. The probe flange portion includes vacuum channels on the bottom major surface region for vacuum bag and blanket curing of plastic components or panels in autoclaves or ovens.

Abstract: A dough delivery or divider assembly having a plurality of ports integrally formed in a cylindrical dispensing structure and incorporating an external pressurizing structure wherein a negative pressure or vacuum is applied to the interior of each of the ports from an exterior location relative to the cylindrical surface in which the ports are formed. The vacuum is maintained within the ports until they are exposed to the supply dough within a supply hopper wherein the negative pressure aids forcing of the dough into the ports for transportation to a delivery site at which location the dough portions are removed from the ports.

Abstract: A laminate consisting of a number of air-permeable sheets of a material is placed on the supporting surface of a table, and a major portion of the periphery of the laminate, inclusive of a lower surface thereof, is covered with a sheet impermeable to air. A suction pipe is arranged on the supporting surface along at least one side surface of the laminate and has a suction port faced toward the one side surface. A periheral portion of the suction port is covered with the air-impermeable sheet, and the laminate is compressed in the direction of its thickness by evacuating air from within a space defined by the air-impermeable sheet by vacuum producing means connected to the suction pipe. The air-impermeable sheet and laminate can be moved together with the suction pipe in parallel relation to the supporting surface, and they can be stopped at a desired position, during the evacuation process.

Abstract: A flexible rubber boot that transmits molding pressure to the inner surface of the structure to be molded is placed on a support fixture. The boot is held in place by a vacuum applied between the fixture and the boot. Prepregs are laid up on the boot to the desired depth and in a desired configuration. A female mold assembly, consisting of two sections, is then placed over the prepreg material and sealed to the boot. A vacuum is applied to the sealed region between the mold and boot, compressing the material against the interior of the mold that defines the outer surface of the structure. The assembly of boot, mold, and material is then placed in an autoclave. After the material has cured, the finished structure is separated from the mold and boot. The tooling is reusable and the process completed easily, allowing the efficient fabrication of structure having smooth inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: Bulk production of carbon fibers by a spinning process incorporating the exposure of the fibers to a level of electron plasma to achieve the curing to carbonization stage as desired. Fibers are also broken into shorter lengths for particular uses.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a composite ski, particularly a laminated ski. The constituent parts of the ski are placed into an evacuable mold, which during or after its evacuation is supplied with a binder, which is preferably liquid and fills the pores of the constituent parts and the cavities between the constituent parts.

Abstract: The formation head comprises a casing of substantially rectangular configuration in plan view provided with a perforated flat bottom-screen or sieve, and with a top wall having a number of openings communicating with the atmosphere. Opening into said casing is a conduit for feeding a flow of air-fluidized disintegrated fibers. A plurality of spaced parallel, horizontal rollers are rotatably mounted close to the perforated bottom of the said head structure. The said rollers are supported so as to be translated parallely to the bottom of the said structure. The said rollers are each provided with a plurality of peripheral radial needles. At a short distance from the bottom of the casing, parallely thereto, a moving web is mounted, cooperating with an underlying vacuum chamber onto which the screened fibers are deposited in a thin layer (S).

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a ski, particularly a laminated ski, which is composed of a plurality of components, and a ski manufactured by that process. In the process, the components of the ski are placed into a mold, which is adapted to be evacuated, and the mold is subsequently evacuated. A liquid binder, such as a liquid resin, is supplied to the mold during or after its evacuation. Air is sucked from the mold at one end of the longitudinal extent of the ski. The liquid binder is supplied to the mold at the other end of the longitudinal extent of the ski. In the finished ski a strip of solidified binder extends in at least one vertical or horizontal longitudinal plane of the ski, preferably in a central longitudinal plane of the ski, over at least part of the length and preferably over at least one half of the length of the ski.

Abstract: A thin-walled work piece of plastics material is cast in a mold by pouring or flowing the plastics material in the form of a plastisol or a flowable powder into a preheated casting mold which is locked to a casting container in a sealed manner to form a closed casting cavity. The mold and the container are then lifted or rotated through at least 180.degree.. A reduced pressure is maintained in the cavity at least prior and during the tilting. After a predetermined time the reduced pressure is removed and the mold and container are tilted back into the starting position. The mold and container are then separated again and the mold is then heated for completion of the jelling or curing whereupon the mold is cooled for removing the work piece from the mold.

Abstract: In the production of polymeric foam in particular polyurethane foam slabstock, a mixture of foam reactants is allowed to expand in a closed mould while substantially atmospheric pressure is maintained above the upper surface of the foam. After expansion is completed, air is supplied to the foam upper surface and noxious gases in the foam are removed through one or more apertures in the lower region of the mould. Preferably, the air supplied is dry. Removed gases may be collected for re-cycling. Air may be supplied during foam expansion. Various mould aperture arrangements and means for progressively covering the mould are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: This invention discloses a forming roller used in the production of air packaging or dunnage. This forming roller receives heated thermoplastic film brought to the peripheral surface and with vacuum draws this softened film into formed cavities to provide bubbles or blisters in said film. The roller is made of a rapid heat-conducting metal such as aluminum. A shaft providing stiffness is inserted in the roller and fluid conduits in the shaft ends communicate with a counterbore formed in both ends of the roller. Fluid-conducting passageways are drilled in this roller and carry controlled-temperature fluid from one end of the roller to the other. In this same roller is formed vacuum-conducting drilled holes that communicate with the multiplicity of formed pockets in the peripheral surface of the roller. A collector shoe having an arc-shaped cavity is disposed to engage at one time about one-half of the vacuum conductors and is disposed to carry vacuum to these conductors as the roller is turned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for compresseion molding a part from a charge having a curable resin therein. Provision is made for defining a vacuum chamber surrounding the mold cavity when the upper and lower dies are brought to a partially closed position. The vacuum chamber includes a vertically movable ring surrounding the upper die which is urged into sealing engagement with a surface surrounding the lower die. The ring has a wiper blade mounted in a position to contact the side wall of the upper die thereby permitting relative vertical movement between the ring and die. The mold cavity is rapidly evacuated and then the upper die is brought into a fully closed position while the resin cures.

Abstract: A multiply adjustable frame includes coupled seat and back pans each provided with a flexible, sealed, bead-filled bag connected to a respective vacuum pump. With a person positioned on the frame, the seat and back bags assume the contour of respective portions of that person's torso and are maintained in this configuration upon evacuation by a vacuum pump. Cushions individually contoured to the person thus fitted may then be formed either directly from the evactuated bag or from a negative plaster cast of the evacuated bag. The adjustable molding frame, the configuration of which may be varied over a wide range of angles and dimensions, is particularly adapted to provide a custom bucket seat including custom contoured seat and back cushions for the severely handicapped and deformed. Seat pan length, or depth, and seat-to-back angle may be continuously varied over a wide range of values.

Abstract: A two-stage, screw-fed vertical mechanical separator for separating a low viscosity material from a high viscosity material, wherein the bulk of the low viscosity material is removed in the first stage and the high viscosity material is heated as a result of mechanical working through a restriction into a second stage and subjected to a vacuum to flash off residual low viscosity material.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for compression molding a part from a charge having a curable resin therein. Provision is made for defining a vacuum chamber surrounding the mold cavity when the upper and lower dies are brought to a partially closed position. The vacuum chamber includes a vertically movable ring surrounding the upper die which is urged into sealing engagement with a surface surrounding the lower die. The space between the ring and the upper die is sealed with a flexible diaphragm having an inner edge rigidly attached to the upper die and an outer periphery rigidly attached to the ring member thereby permitting relative vertical movement between the ring and die. The mold cavity is rapidly evacuated and then the upper die is brought into a fully closed position while the resin cures.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed synthetic resin body comprising continuously extruding a foamable thermoplastic resin extrudate composition from an extruder die into a reduced pressure zone, subjecting the extrudate to an expansion molding step, a cooling-hardening step and a cutting step while transporting the extrudate through the reduced pressure zone to obtain a foamed piece of predetermined length, shutting off a portion of the reduced pressure zone surrounding the foamed piece from the other portion thereof when the foamed piece has reached a specified position to restore the foamed piece surrounding portion to a normal pressure, subsequently discharging the foamed piece into the atmosphere, and thereafter bringing the surrounding portion into communication with the reduced pressure zone again upon reducing the pressure. Foamed resin bodies of desired expansion ratio and shape can be prepared continuously with high cooling efficiency. An apparatus for practicing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Foam extrusion apparatus and methods employing a vacuum chamber at reduced pressure into which foamable material is continuously extruded, hardened and cut to length, means for inventorying a plurality of successively cut lengths in a second chamber then at such reduced pressure, and means for discharging the inventory from the second chamber to the outside after the second chamber has been brought to atmospheric pressure without affecting the reduced pressure in the vacuum chamber. Stacking devices are employed to inventory the cut lengths in either a vertical or horizontal stack for transfer as a stack into and/or out of the second chamber. Provision also is made for accumulating the boards in close but spaced facial relationship with substantially the entire surface areas of the cut lengths exposed to the reduced pressure prior to stacking and discharge to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the filling level of the degassing space in an extruder used for processing thermoplastic materials comprises a level detection orifice located in the degassing dome or jacket of the extruder which opening is connected to a conduit. The conduit leads through a regulator device to a gas source. Connected to the conduit, between the regulator device and the orifice, is a pressure sensor such as a pressure difference switch. If the level of molten material in the dome rises above a preselected level, it blocks the opening and produces a back-pressure in the conduit. The switch is automatically actuated by this back-pressure and produces a signal. Appropriate action can then be taken to prevent the further rise of the molten material in the dome and to prevent blockage of the degassing device.

Abstract: In the production of molded articles from a pourable compound, such as an oxide ceramic compound, for example, a porcelain compound, an injection chamber is formed between an isostatic compression molding tool and a superposed injection head, negative pressure conditions are established within the injection chamber. The pourable compound is fluidized and is drawn into the injection chamber by the negative pressure. Subsequently, the compound is isostatically compressed while the negative pressure conditions are maintained during at least the initial phase of the compressing operation. A closing member is positioned at the opening into the injection chamber through which the pourable compound flows. The closing member is displaceable between an open position admitting flow and a closed position blocking flow into the injection chamber. In the closed position, the surface of the closing member facing into the injection chamber forms a continuation of the adjacent surface of the injection chamber.

Abstract: An ornament plate supplied into a mold is punched out from a continuous sheet by a peripheral knife edge at an end of a press core member and advanced to a place which defines a part of a molding cavity. The press core member has a concave space in the end face thereof surrounded by the knife edge, the area of the concaved space being equal, in developed view, to the plane area of the punched ornament plate. The press core member has applied therethrough vacuum by which the punched ornament plate is attracted to the concave end face of the press core member during injection of molten thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous thermoforming of sheet material including an extruder, stretching means, a rotary wheel having female mold means thereon and plural plug-assist means interlinked so as to form an orbiting device having the plug-assist members engaging the sheet material about a substantial arc of wheel surface and means to reciprocate the plug assist members into and out of engagement with the female mold means.

Abstract: A windshield repair device comprising a vacuum cup with a built-in piston and cylinder assembly is characterized by a transverse opening in the cylinder so that when the piston is partly withdrawn, gas bubbles can be drawn out of the repair liquid by the vacuum holding the cup in place against the glass. In operation, after the bubbles are removed from the liquid, the piston is moved toward the glass. The piston closes off fluid communication through the transverse opening in the cylinder and as it moves further toward the glass, it forces repair liquid into the damaged area. One end of the cylinder is provided with a sealing ring which bears against the face of the windshield to provide a seal. The cylinder is used as a reservoir for repair liquid, and allows gas bubbles to be removed from the liquid by the vacuum holding the cup in place.

Abstract: To make quartz glass crucibles suitable for drawing of single crystal silicon for electronic semiconductor applications, granular crystalline quartz or amorphous quartz glass is introduced into a rotating hollow mold which has gas-pervious wall regions at the side walls and bottom thereof, for example by having bores extending through a metal mold or being made of porous, sintered material. After introducing the raw material, a heat source, such as an electric arc, is introduced into the hollow mold, causing first sintering and then melting of an inner layer; upon introduction of the hollow mold, a vacuum is applied to the outside of the hollow mold, for example between the housing and the mold body, and, during continued rotation, to draw out any included gases and cause melting-together of vacuoles which, otherwise, might form due to included spaces and gases within the granular filling material.

Abstract: Apparatus for making metallic glass powder is disclosed, which involves atomizing a jet of molten glass forming metal alloy by impinging with a moving body to form a stream of discrete molten droplets of the metal alloy, followed by impinging that stream on a travelling chill surface to effect rapid solidification of the molten droplets. The powder can be fabricated into solid articles.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a continuously molded thermoplastic sheet from heat expandable granules in a heated zone within a molding channel. The disclosed invention includes introducing a predetermined amount of water into the molding channel to wet the granules either prior to or contemporaneously with the introduction of a hot gas into the granules to expand the granules into a continuous thermoplastic sheet. The water is drained from the channel subsequent to the expansion of the granules.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-walled article of synthetic resin, in particular a large-sized article, while using an inner and an outer template, the synthetic resin being supplied via one or more apertures in one of the two template portions and whereby a partial vacuum is maintained via one or more air discharge apertures downstream of the synthetic resin front.

Abstract: A reusable plugging dam for bowling balls is provided for retaining suitable filling compound until set or hard in and somewhat above a finger hole of the ball to be filled such that sufficient filling compound is present to allow for shrinkage during curing or hardening, and be ground and polished to conform to the spherical shape of the ball. The dam includes a body and a suction structure for securing the body to the ball and prevent seepage of the filling compound between the ball and the dam. The body has a port therethrough so as to allow filling of the finger hole with filling compound. Dams are provided for single or multiple finger holes. In addition a dam is provided for use in conjunction with another dam and in particular for filling horizontally aligned holes, this dam having a cover to retain the filling compound in the dam.

Abstract: A press mold having upper and lower jaws for pressing and molding articles of ceramic material. Each jaw supports a die, at least one of which has a molding matrix. A press ring mounted around the die having the matrix. Upper and lower contoured parts made of synthetic material or rubber are respectively mounted on the upper and lower die by adhesive. Each contoured part has a matrix. One of these matrices has an inner contoured edge which corresponds to the outer edge contour of the molding made by the press mold and having an outer contoured edge at least in the areas of the smaller diameters of the molding with respect to the areas of the largest diameter of the moldings in the direction of the surface of the molding which protrudes beyond this inner contoured edge and which has an even contour, such as a circle.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming thin pieces of dough material are disclosed. Dough, e.g. masa, used in preparing chip-type food products, can be formed into a sheet, the sheet cut into the desired shaped pieces and the pieces removed from the sheeting and cutting operations and delivered for further processing and frying prior to packaging. The dough is delivered in bulk to a nip between two rolls where it is formed into a sheet as the dough passes between the rolls. Downstream of the nip the sheet is removed from one roll and adheres to the second roll which is engaged by a cutter. The removal is insured by the application of gas pressure from within the first roll. The resulting cut pieces of dough are removed from the second roll by the application of gas pressure from within the roll, and the cut pieces are thereby delivered to a take-away conveyor for passage to further processing and frying operations.

Abstract: In venting means for a screw extruder, particularly for thermo-plastics material, which venting means comprises a substantially vertical venting shaft communicating with the bore of a cylinder of the extruder and coupled to a low pressure source by a pipe, a pivotable flap which is moved from its normal position shown, when acted upon by plastics melt being extruded and rising in the shaft due to malfunction of the extruder, to cover the end of the pipe and prevent the melt passing into the pipe.

Abstract: In the course of this method, an amount of expansible mixture is poured into a mould, after which the mould is obturated by means of a plug. A vacuum is created in the chamber of the mould by way of the plug so as to cause the foaming of the mixture. The vacuum is maintained for a period after the foamable mixture has filled the whole of the volume of the mould. At the end of the polymerization of the foamable mixture, the vacuum may be re-applied in the mould, preferably for several cycles, so as to cause the cells of the foam obtained to burst.

Abstract: An extrusion system for the production of foam boards, billets and the like products includes an extruder (20) at a first higher elevation (22) extruding foamable resin through a die in the upper end of an elongated vacuum chamber in the form of an inclined barometric leg (26) which extends at its lower end into a shallow but large surface area pool (39) of liquid such as water. An elongated shroud or hood (44) on the lower end of the leg reduces the pressure head of water above the foam product as it exits the leg and moves out of the pool for processing at a lower second elevation. The large area of the pool reduces its depth for a given volume and minimizes fluctuations in the level of the pool and the pressure head above the product when the vacuum changes. In one embodiment the pool extends beneath substantially the entire floor of the building (30) enclosing the second lower elevation (31) in which the subsequent processing occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for embossing preformed particle board retains the board in a desired position after insertion between a first and a second press plate (4;3) in a press and releases after pressing the board from the press plates. The product (7) is sucked tight against the first press plate (4) after being placed in a desired position in the press. The suction process takes place either directly or via an intermediate permeable means (12; 14) and is so adjusted that it will be sufficient to stip off the board from the second press plate (3). Subsequently, the suction force may be replaced by a pressure force, for releasing the board (7) from the first press plate (4) or the intermediate means (12; 14).

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus employs one or more extruders mounted on horizontal rails for movement toward and away from the end of a vacuum chamber which is in the form of an elongated inclined barometric leg. The upper end of the chamber is closed by two, substantially concentric in the closed position, substantial bulkheads, each also supported on rails and held in an inclined position to close the upper end of the chamber when moved; one against the chamber and the other against the one. A die is positioned on the inside of the other or smaller bulkhead and aligned with the leg when closed. The extruders are connected to the die through a length of pipe extending through the smaller bulkhead and sealed by a bellows. A shaping mechanism is supported on the interior of the one or larger bulkhead surrounding the die when both bulkheads close the upper end of the inclined barometric leg or vacuum chamber. The die is adjustable externally of the bulkhead.

Abstract: A holding device for surface sheets or surface plates in a press intended, for example for pressing wood fiber products, include a press plate, a vacuum source for supplying vacuum to the side of a surface sheet or surface plate which faces toward the press plate, a vacuum distributing body placed between the press plate and the surface sheet, and a seal which is arranged to provide sealing between the present plate and the surface sheet. A substantially air-impervious sheet is disposed between the press plate and the surface sheet to form two essentially closed spaces coupled in air communication with the vacuum. This arrangement permits independent removal of the surface sheets from the press plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for making stress free plastic articles from plastic particles such as powder utilizing heat and pressure in which a quantity of plastic particles is supplied to a first member, a flexible diaphragm is disposed in opposed relationship to said first member with said plastic particles therebetween, a microporous air release means is positioned between said plastic particles and said flexible diaphragm, a fluid-like pressure is applied to said diaphragm to cause said diaphragm to apply an even fluid-like pressure through said air release means to said plastic particles, heat is applied to said plastic particles while under said fluid-like pressure and any entrapped gases between the particles is vented by means of the air release means. The pressure and heat are controlled to effect a consolidation of the plastic particles into the article.

Abstract: Apparatus for pelletizing liquid and viscous products. A body of the liquid or viscous material is enclosed within a chamber having discharge orifices or nozzles at the bottom of the body of liquid. There is a body of gas above the liquid which is subjected alternately to increased and decreased gas pressures so that the pressure on the body of liquid is first above and then below atmospheric pressure. That causes the product to be discharged from the orifices in droplets. The droplets are then solidified to form pellets. A predetermined liquid level is maintained within the chamber. The changes in gas pressure are produced by operating a valve which connects the body of gas in the chamber alternately to a suction line and supply line for gas under pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of molded bodies which are shaped by means of a filtration-dehydration process wherein such bodies after shaping are subjected to a rolling movement preferably by means of a roller conveyor to strengthen and homogenize the same before being further processed.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus and method employs tandem extruders mounted on horizontal rails for movement toward and away from the end of a vacuum chamber which is in the form of an elongated inclined barometric leg. The upper end of the chamber is closed by a substantial bulkhead also supported on rails and held in inclined position to close the end of the chamber when moved thereagainst. A die is positioned on the inside of the bulkhead and aligned with the leg when closed. The extruders are connected to the die through a length of pipe supported through the bulkhead by a stainless steel bellows. The pipe externally of the bulkhead is provided with a circulating jacket for temperature control. The die is adjustable externally of the bulkhead. The extruders, die and bulkhead are movable as a unit or separately toward and away from the chamber to provide access to the die and the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling an injection molded plastic article by forming a portion of a mold cavity of fluid permeable porous material that communicates with a cooling liquid passageway and subjecting the cooling liquid to different pressures to vary the flow of fluid through the porous plug.

Abstract: A compression moulding press has fixed and moving tool portions, a shroud mounted for sliding movement around and in sealing relation to one of said tool portions towards and into sealing engagement with the other tool portion so as to define with said tool portions a substantially closed chamber enclosing a moulding tool associated with said tool portions, together with actuating means operable to slide said shroud into said sealing engagement and means operable to at least partially evacuate said closed chamber when so defined.

Abstract: A foam extrusion apparatus and method employs an extruder on an upper level extruding foamable extrudate into the upper end of a large elongated barometric leg which extends at a relatively shallow angle into a pool of water at a lower level. A conveyor in the barometric leg extends through a large radius in the pool to guide the extrudate from the pool for further processing. The leg is in the form of an elongated pipeline fabricated from sections and supported on an inclined ramp. Some of the sections are securely anchored to the ramp to resist axial forces when the leg is evacuated. The sections may be reinforced concrete or fabricated reinforced steel of a variety of sectional shapes. Each section is sealed end-to-end so that a vacuum within the leg will draw water from the pool into the leg leaving a vacuum chamber at the upper end of the leg in which the extrudate expands.

Abstract: An injection molding machine has a fixed and a tool portion, a shroud mounted for sliding movement around and in sealing relation to one of said portions towards and into sealing engagement with the other portion so as to define with the portions a substantially closed chamber around a molding tool associated with said portions together with means operable to urge said shroud into said sealing engagement and means for at least partially evacuating the closed chamber.

Abstract: Forming tool comprising a shaped structure that is porous and air-permeable and that is made from a reactive resin and at least one inert filler.

Abstract: A forming mold of double wall structure is provided which while having a reduced wall thickness, undergoes little or no deformation upon forming. A vacuum forming method employing the novel mold is also disclosed.