Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow parison includes forming a parison having a wall of multiple layers of polymer including a barrier layer, and open ends, each end having an end surface extending around the periphery of the respective end. A mold is formed having a first section and a second section facing the first section, the mold forming a cavity between the two mold sections when the mold is closed, and defining surfaces to which the parison conforms when the mold is closed. The mold sections are closed on the parison such that in the mold at each end of the parison a first portion of each end surface is compressed against a second portion of the respective end surface. The mold sections are further closed on the parison such the barrier layer of the first portion and second portion of the end surface at each parison end are joined and welded mutually along a seal line. Then the mold is opened and a hollow, formed tank is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method for securing a component to a tank includes forming the tank having a wall of multiple layers of polymer material with an opening in the wall, outer layers of polymer, and an inner layer of polymer having an inner surface whose color is dark relative to a natural color of the outer layers. The component is formed with a mounting surface of polymer. The tube wall opening is used to install the component in the tank such that the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. Energy is transmitted onto an area of a surface of the tank wall where the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. The transmitted energy is use to produce a weld between the mounting surface and the tank wall.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow parison includes forming a parison having a wail of multiple layers of polymer including a barrier layer, and open ends, each end having an end surface extending around the periphery of the respective end. A mold is formed having a first section and a second section facing the first section, the mold forming a cavity between the two mold sections when the mold is closed, and defining surfaces to which the parison conforms when the mold is closed. The mold sections are closed on the parison such that in the mold at each end of the parison a first portion of each end surface is compressed against a second portion of the respective end surface. The mold sections are further closed on the parison such the barrier layer of the first portion and second portion of the end surface at each parison end are joined and welded mutually along a seal line. Then the mold is opened and a hollow, formed tank is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method for securing a component to a tank includes forming the tank having a wall of multiple layers of polymer material with an opening in the wall, outer layers of polymer, and an inner layer of polymer having an inner surface whose color is dark relative to a natural color of the outer layers. The component is formed with a mounting surface of polymer. The tube wall opening is used to install the component in the tank such that the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. Energy is transmitted onto an area of a surface of the tank wall where the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. The transmitted energy is use to produce a weld between the mounting surface and the tank wall.

Abstract: A simulator for a trailer incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.