Abstract: A system is provided for simulating an operating environment of a power plant control room (e.g., a nuclear power plant control room). The system may include a simulator configured to simulate the operating environment of the control room, and a simulation computer in communication with the simulator, wherein the simulation computer may he configured to perform a plurality of real-time calculations associated with modeling the operating environment of the control room. The simulator and the simulation computer may include only standard off-the-shelf components.

Abstract: A system is provided for simulating an operating environment of a power plant control room (e.g., a nuclear power plant control room). The system may include a simulator configured to simulate the operating environment of the control room, and a simulation computer in communication with the simulator, wherein the simulation computer may be configured to perform a plurality of real-time calculations associated with modeling the operating environment of the control room. The simulator and the simulation computer may include only standard off-the-shelf components.

Abstract: A method for forming a molecularly oriented thermoplastic container, wherein a thermoplastic blowable shape such as a parison or a blown pre-form is blown to the configuration of the container within a blow mold cavity. The temperature of the blowable shape is within a range conducive to molecular orientation during the blowing step, which is rapidly performed by hot blow air at a temperature between about 100.degree. to 400.degree. F. Typically, a blowable shape formed of polyethylene terephthalate is blown while the shape is at a temperature within the range of 165.degree. to 200.degree. F. by the introduction into the shape of hot blow air at a temperature within the range of about 165.degree. to 200.degree. F. If desired, the blowable plastic shape may be axially stretched mechanically in addition to being blown in order to improve the biaxial orientation of the thermoplastic material in the final article.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for heating thermoplastic parisons to a substantially uniform temperature across their wall thickness prior to a blow molding operation. The parisons are rotated about their longitudinal axes while being conveyed adjacent a thermal conditioning means, which includes vertically spaced radiant heating elements and a gaseous cooling source. The heating elements radiate infra-red rays having a wave length to penetrate and heat the full thickness of the parison wall; whereas the gaseous cooling source directs a stream of air onto the surface of the parison facing the heating elements to prevent the parison surface from being overheated. Additionally, each of the heating elements may be individually regulated so that the parisons can be differentially heated along their axes to control the wall thickness of the final blown articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding an end portion of a tubular thermoplastic parison prior to a blow molding operation to form a parision finish and an annular support flange. The method includes closing a laterally movable, sectional mold onto a circumferential section of a parison so that at least one end portion of the parison extends out of the mold. The extending end portion of the parison is then thermally conditioned to a deformable temperature and thereafter the parison is axially displaced to telescopically insert the thermally conditioned end portion within the mold into general radial alignment with annular, longitudinally spaced finish and support flange cavities.

Abstract: A method for molding an end portion of a tubular thermoplastic parison prior to a blow molding operation to form a parison finish and an annular support flange. The method includes closing a laterally movable, sectional mold onto a circumferential section of a parison so that at least one end portion of the parison extends out of the mold. The extending end portion of the parison is then thermally conditioned to a deformable temperature and thereafter the parison is axially displaced to telescopically insert the thermally conditioned end portion within the mold into general radial alignment with annular, longitudinally spaced finish and support flange cavities. Next, an internal support is telescopically inserted within the thermally conditioned parison portion in preparation for the compression molding steps; which include axially displacing the opposed ends of the parison to force thermally conditioned, deformable plastic parison material radially outwardly into the flange and finish cavities.

Abstract: A method are disclosed for heating thermoplastic parisons to a substantially uniform temperature across their wall thickness prior to a blow molding operation. In the method, the parisons are rotated about their longitudinal axes while being conveyed adjacent a thermal conditioning means, which includes vertically spaced radiant heating elements and a gaseous cooling source. The heating elements radiate infra-red rays having a wave length to penetrate and heat the full thickness of the parison wall; whereas the gaseous cooling source directs a stream of air onto the surface of the parison facing the heating elements to prevent the parison surface from being overheated. Additionally, each of the heating elements may be individually regulated so that the parisons can be differentially heated along their axes to control the wall thickness of the final blown articles.