Abstract: A top sheet and a bottom sheet are thermoformed about a foam core which has feet making spaces for the tines of a fork lift truck. The top and bottom sheets meet at a line on the pallet edge to fuse and bond together and may be applied simultaneously to the core while the core is confined in a mold cavity.

Abstract: A block of expanded polystyerene (EPS) foam is encapsulated with one or more plastic strips within a resilient shell of high molecular weight plastic such as polyethylene. The method and process utilizes heat and pressure (e.g., one hundred fifty tons) to seal and bond the foam in a protective cover with the seam fused together with all the strength and integrity of the original material. The units may be used as part of a dock flotation system.

Abstract: Split duct terminator apparatus is provided at the cable entrance of a subterranean manhole for receiving a plurality of cables extending between subterranean manholes along a cable path carrying electrical signal conductors for the transmission of telecommunication messages. A plurality of modules are provided at the cable entrance to the manhole to encircle and immobilize a plurality of conduits or ducts carrying the cables which laterally enter the vault while the cables are maintained in position and in service. The modules are positioned about the plurality of cables at a working distance from a splice case. Split duct sections encircle the cables where the cables appear at the manhole, but the duct sections are terminated at the manhole walls. Once positioned about the duct sections containing the cables, the modules are joined together in a composite structure. A coagulated mass which permeates the structure binds the modules together.

Abstract: Improvements in the method for transporting and positioning thermoplastic sheets in a vacuum-forming machine are disclosed. The vacuum-forming machine has a stationary, lower platen which supports the lower mold half and an upper reciprocating platen which carries the upper mold half. This construction provides for minimal overall height of the press used in the vacuum forming and also achieves a high precision of mating of the lands of the opposed die faces so that a minimal land area is provided, permitting the formation of molded hollow enclosures from the thermoplastic sheets which have tear trims about their outer periphery to facilitate the removal of excess sheet material therefrom. The method of transferring the thermoplastic sheets between the opposed die faces of the vacuum molding apparatus includes the steps of supporting the thermoplastic sheets in upper and lower vertically spaced apart, open frameworks which are moved between heating stations and the molding station.

Abstract: An improved mounting is provided for a residential transformer in which structural support for the load created by the weight of the transformer is provided by a wood and foam core enclosed within a plastic shell. Structural rigidity is provided by lateral and transverse cross braces connected to form a wooden framework. An aperture is formed through the structure and support blocks are provided at the interior boundary of the aperture and fasteners extend through the shell and through the support blocks of the framework to secure the shell to the framework. Reinforcing blocks are provided at the corners of the underside of the structure to prevent damage to the mounting whenever it is necessary to re-align or manipulate the mounting.