Abstract:
An apparatus and method for manufacturing articles made of polyurethane that includes a mold assembly (12) in communication with a mix chamber (50). The mix chamber (50) is positioned below the mold assembly (12). The mix chamber (50) includes a propeller (102) for mixing the liquid polyurethane chemicals. The mix chamber (50) further includes a pneumatically actuated bladder (110) that causes the mixed chemicals to move from the mix chamber (50) to the mold assembly (12). The chemicals expand to take on the shape of the mold (12). The method of the present invention includes 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.