Abstract: A vacuum forming apparatus is provided that forms an article having a covering bonded to the surface of a substrate in a molding space using a first mold and a second mold. The vacuum forming apparatus is provided with clamps for grasping the covering between the first and second molds arranged at the open positions. The clamps are movable between an interfering position, at which the clamps are located in the movement ranges of the first and second molds, and standby positions, at which the clamps are outside the movement ranges. After the covering is heated, the clamps grasping the covering move to the standby positions and stretch the covering. The first and second molds move to the closed positions and the article is molded between the first and second molds so that the stretched covering and the substrate are bonded to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, by determining a length of the pelt and adjusting the stretch force in accordance with the determined length. In particular, the length may be determined prior to stretching of the pelt, or the length may be determined after the primary stretching of the pelt stretching the pelt, where after the stretching force is reduced before securing the pelt to the pelt board.

Abstract: A support system for an acoustic instrument has connecting elements of flexible material extending between and attaching the instrument and a support frame to support and/or balance the weight of the instrument and isolate acoustic frequencies, thereby eliminating deleterious acoustical effects. Embodied exemplarily herein as a support system for a drum, flexible elements extend between and attach the drum head hoop to a circular frame or support that fully or partially encircles the drum. The flexible elements may be made integral with the drum head and/or its head skin.

Abstract: In connection with the various working operations in the production of furs, a not inconsiderable amount of manual labor is involved in the handling of the pelt boards or expansion pelt boards between the various work processes. To make the production of furs more profitable, manual labor is reduced to a minimum using a device for performing a complete or partial emptying/filling of a drying aggregate for upstanding expansion pelt boards, with or without tanned, or tanned and dried pelts, to one or more suitable receiving stations for further transport and/or handling. The device has a gripping element which can be activated for displacement, the movements of which are controlled by a control unit so that upstanding expansion pelt boards with or without tanned, dried pelts, are transferred automatically in upstanding position from the surface of the drying aggregate to a receiving point for further handling and transport.

Abstract: By a new method for the fastening of pelts stretched on pelt-boards, the belt is secured in a stretched position on the pelt-board by means of a sleeve/bag which is drawn over and around the pelt, so that the pelt is pressed in and locked against the pelt-board by means of the sleeve/bag. The method gives rise to the need for the pelts to be stretched out longer on the pelt-board than has hitherto been possible without damaging the pelts, inasmuch as the pelts will have a tendency to shrink slightly more when they are not fastened to the pelt-board by means of the staples traditionally used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of hides and skins (3). The hide or skin is placed on a support (1, 2) and sealed to the support around the edges of the skin or hide. A treatment liquor is then supplied under pressure between the skin or hide and the support to distend and stretch the skin or hide to permit the more rapid penetration of the treatment liquor into the skin or hide.