Abstract: A process for creating a seal having a first linear portion and a second curved portion joined thereto is provided. The process includes providing a retaining section including a threaded metal wire with warp fiber disposed therein, forming the carrier section into a predetermined cross-sectional shape using forming rolls, extruding a polymeric material around the carrier section and generating a contacting member onto said carrier section to form a seal, heating the seal within an oven to cure the polymeric material and to break down the warp fiber so that the seal is readily bendable, and heating then cooling the second portion of the seal in a forming device for predetermined times at predetermined temperatures to cause the second portion of the seal to be formed in a curved manner.

Abstract: A window module has a fixed-pane window which is encapsulated by a molded trim piece having an integral portion which extends around an adjacent movable window opening. The integral trim is formed of EPDM. The window module is constructed by placing a window pane, a division post and the end of an extruded EPDM trim strip into a mold into which EPDM is injected to integrate and encapsulate the inserts.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for moving a window between a cavity defined by a structure having an outer surface, and a space located above the cavity comprises a first motor for selectively moving the window between the cavity and the space and a second motor for selectively moving the window between a first position substantially aligned with the cavity and a second position substantially aligned with the outer surface. First sensors indicate when the window is substantially entirely within the cavity and when the window is substantially entirely within the space. Second sensors indicate when the window is in the first position and when the window is in the second position. In one embodiment of the invention, third sensors indicate when the window is positioned for the second motor to move the window between the first and second positions. A programmable logic controller is connected to the sensors for appropriately controlling the motors.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses are disclosed for testing various characteristics of an elastomeric weatherstrip such as seal load, stress relaxation, and the recovery rate. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus including a member defining a surface for exerting a force to deflect a portion of the weatherstrip a selected distance. The surface is oriented to be parallel to an edge defined by the portion along the weatherstrip's longitudinal axis in order to ensure that the exerted force is evenly distributed. The apparatus further includes an adjustable support for positioning the weatherstrip with respect to the surface and for bringing the edge into contact with the surface sufficiently to cause the portion to deflect the selected distance. The apparatus also includes a device for measuring the force exerted during deflection on the surface by the portion of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: An especially sturdy storage rack system employs series of moment-resisting eccentric braced vertical frames maintained in spaced relation by horizontal frame members in the form of pallet bars or sway braces releasably coupled to the frames by special connector assemblies. Each connector assembly includes a connector and connector lock which clampingly engage about a specially configured vertical frame column and to each other to produce a connection or joint having a high degree of fixity without imparting excessive localized stresses to the column. An improved mode of adjustably suspending the rack shelving from the vertical frames is also disclosed.

Abstract: Rack or platform apparatus for receiving loaded pallets from the rear, forwarding them on one conveyor or trackway for order picking from the front, and then returning empty pallets on another conveyor or trackway for pickup from the rear.