Abstract: A feeding device is provided for forwarding a pliable thermoplastic rod into a heated pressure chamber for extrusion through an outlet nozzle to effect thermoplastic welding. The device includes a block with a machined channel through the block including an arcuate inlet portion for receiving the pliable rod and a tubular outlet portion dimensioned to closely surround the rod to prevent buckling of the rod for ejecting the pliable rod under longitudinal force into the chamber. A rotatable drive disk has an outer serrated cylindrical surface engaging one side of the rod in the arcuate inlet portion so that the rod is pinched by a counteracting surface portion in the channel in opposition to the contacting portion of the disk whereby angular movement of the disk around the disk axis acts to forward the rod along its length along the channel. The disk sits in a slot cut in the block with the channel at the bottom of the slot with the same width as the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a thermoplastic rod to a heated chamber. A housing, having a first end for communication with the chamber and a second end, receives the rod. A feeding mechanism applies an advancement force to the rod at a first location in a first direction towards the chamber. A retaining mechanism applies a retaining force to the rod at a second location in response to a force applied to the rod in a second direction opposite the first location. The rod is substantially supported within the housing from at least the first location to the first end. The retaining force is applied to the rod substantially about the entire circumference of the rod. The advancement force is applied to the rod at the first location between the first and second ends and the retaining force is applied to the rod at a second location between the first location and the second end.

Abstract: A device is provided for forming a plastic weld, to repair a crack in a plastic article or join two plastic parts. The device comprises a barrel having an internal chamber. A nozzle is part of the barrel and forms a restrictive orifice outlet. Plastic filler rod can be forced by drive rolls into the chamber through an inlet. A heater coil is provided to heat the barrel. In use, the drive rolls are actuated to fill the chamber with filler plastic and generate a high pressure (e.g. 2500 psi). Concurrently, the heater coil heats the plastic in the chamber to a molten state. The molten plastic is forcefully ejected through the orifice outlet. To effect the weld, the hot tip of the nozzle is buried in the workpiece and drawn along the crack; it plasticizes the weld area plastic as it moves along. At the same time, the molten filler plastic is jetted into the molten weld area plastic and forcefully intermixed therewith to generate a competent bead.

Abstract: The bread carrier comprises a plastic rectangular tray and a pair of generally U-shaped metal carrying bails pivotally connected across opposite ends of the tray. To accommodate a load, the pivotal connection between the bail and the tray is spaced inwardly from the ends of the tray. The bails have L-shaped leg members, the heel of which protrudes above the side and end walls of the tray when the bails are folded down. Slot means are provided in the floor of the tray to receive the protruding heels of a second carrier stacked therebelow in a folded position.

Abstract: A container having side walls mounted on a bottom panel for swinging movement between an upright position and an inclined position. Latch members movably mounted near the upper end of each side wall co-operate with the latch members of the adjoining walls normally to retain the latter walls in the upright position. Latch means in each side wall releasably interconnect the latch members of each side wall and is operable to release these latch members to allow the adjoining walls to move towards the inclined positions. Spring means to swing the side walls to the inclined positions when said walls are released.

Abstract: The carrier comprises a tray having a floor and rails extending around its perimeter. A pair of end walls are provided at the ends of the tray. Each end wall is pivotally connected to the tray so that it can be rotated from a horizontal position overlying the floor to a vertical position above the end rails. The pivot connection also permits limited vertical movement so that the walls can be pushed down to engage the rails. The lower portion of each end wall is formed of inner and outer spaced-apart legs which define a first groove extending the length of the wall. The rail penetrates into this groove when the wall is lowered onto the rail so that the wall and rail are secured together. There is also a row of abutments extending along the base of each end rail and spaced inwardly therefrom to form a second groove which is part of the tray. The inner leg of each end wall seats in one of these grooves when the wall is lowered.