Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a drum handling ring having an inverted frustoconical geometry to facilitate engagement of a conventional parrot beak gripper with the ring. The end of an advancing, straight strip of heated thermoplastic material, continuously provided by an extrusion head, is fed at a first location to the circular periphery of a continuously rotating, large diameter turntable where the strip is clamped thereto and then cooled so that the clamped portion of the strip thermally sets into an arcuate shape corresponding to the periphery of the turntable. At a second location diametrically opposed to the first, the now arcuate end portion of the strip is unclamped and guided away from the turntable periphery to a cutting station where the continuously advancing strip is cut into arcuate pieces each having an arc length generally corresponding to the desired circumference of a drum handling ring.

Abstract: An improved process suitable for continuously producing tiles which have the sharp and vivid coloring characteristics of ceramic tiles. In accordance with this process, a release paper is coated with a clear liquid plastisol layer. The clear liquid plastisol layer is given a completely smooth upper surface. A decorative design is then applied to the smooth upper surface by transfer printing. The printed plastisol is then covered with an opaque plastisol backing layer to form a cast wear layer comprising the clear plastisol layer, the printed pattern, and the opaque plastisol backing layer. The cast wear layer is then transferred to a continuous plastic base web that has been made previously so that the backing layer is in contact with the base web. The cast wear layer is laminated onto the base web, and this laminate is embossed using an engraved roll having raised sections which are images of the printed design.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing integral interlocking closure film stock useful in making reclosable containers by extruding a film of molten thermoplastic material onto a casting roll, extruding closure elements to contact and join said film at a point between about one inch and about five inches prior to the tangency line of the film on the periphery of the casting roll, partially cooling the closure elements with liquid coolant starting anywhere within the region between the closure element extrusion exits, and the tangency line of a film of molten thermoplastic material and the periphery of the casting roll, and further cooling the closure elements by directing them past additional cooling assemblies. Stripping means are employed to remove liquid coolant from the cooled integral interlocking closure film stock material produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transverse sealing mechanism for use in producing bag-packed products by packing products in tubular film. The transverse sealing mechanism comprises compression-and-heat sealing means and compression-cooling and compression-cutting means disposed immediately below said sealing means, each of these means having a mechanism which can increase its compressive force infinitely. The packed bag transverse sealing mechanism provides for storing and perfect seals.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described wherein a honeycombed sheet of plastic is extruded from an extruder and at least one protective film of plastic is joined onto at least one of its surface layers, the protective film having a softening temperature lower than that for extruding the sheet. The protective film, combined with the auxiliary film or support film, is laid onto the surface of the sheet leaving the extruder; then the sheet, protective film and support film are subjected to the calibrating and cooling stage; and lastly the support film is separated from the sheet. The protective film has now been made an integral part of the sheet, thereby to produce, for example, a protected honeycombed sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a sheet having many hollow bodies from thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, used for cushioning and insulation, is disclosed. Film extruded from a T die, after being cooled, is heated by an induction heating roller with a jacket and inner cooling means.The induction heating roller with a jacket and inner cooling means has, along with the jacket within a rollershell, an induction coil for heating, and a hermetically sealed heat transfer medium between the jacket and the induction coil. The characteristic feature of the present invention is a cooling means provided to cool the heat transfer medium, with advantages of rapid temperature rise and fall, and uniform temperature distribution on the circumference and longitudinal axis of the roller.Using this apparatus, a sheet having many hollow bodies, with high transparency and high product yield without defects such as partial inferior fusing, can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cooling chamber for the manufacture of high-pressure reinforced hose. Hose to be treated is passed through a tubular passageway in the cooling chamber where it is contacted with a cryogenic fluid. A portion of the cryogenic fluid is passively recycled via a recycle loop to provide further cooling within the tubular passageway. An end seal is attached to one end of the cooling chamber to prevent moisture build-up and freezing inside the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heat sealing a selected segment of a web of at least two layers of biaxially oriented plastic film. The web layers are pressed together and a selected segment of the pressed web is heated above the bonding temperature of the plastic while adjacent web segments are maintained below that temperature. The surfaces pressing thus the heated web segment has a relatively lower surface friction than the surfaces pressing the adjacent web segment, whereby the layers of the heated segment of the web are physically unrestrained against shrinking during heating and are allowed to shrink back to their pre-oriented molecular configuration while the adjacent segment is restrained against movement. A hermetic bead seal is thus formed between the web layers. A product heat sealed according to the novel method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making reclosable bag material and wherein a continuous length of preformed, flat bag wall web of multibag width is continuously run along flat stationary supporting surface. A plurality of continuous length fastener profile strips are joined into corunning assembled relation with the web on the surface. The strips are guided to retain their longitudinal running positions on the web. Bonding fusion energy is applied by way of openings in the surface and through the web toward the base surface of each of the fastener strips.

Abstract: A portable hot-press for thermowelding marked and/or printed foils of thermoplastic synthetic material, particularly PVC, to produce single-sheet identification cards. There are provided a press drive, two heating plates, one fixed and one sliding cross bar on the press and a fan for cooling the heating plates and thermowelded foils. Two screw elevating gears, driven by a gearmotor are provided to guide and move the cross bar of the press. The gearmotor may have a retaining brake.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implement for removing plastic sealing strips from joints between reinforced concrete elements. The cutting implement provided for that purpose can easily be operated and can be used to provide a clean joint so that such operations can be performed more efficiently. The cutting implement comprises two parallel spaced apart cutting blades, which are transversely adjustable and adapted to extend into the joint containing the plastic sealing strip. The cutting blades are adapted to be longitudinally reciprocated in phase opposition by means of an eccentric or crank drive and are succeeded by conveying means for withdrawing the plastic sealing strip which has been severed on both sides.

Abstract: This invention discloses a forming roller used in the production of air packaging or dunnage. This forming roller receives heated thermoplastic film brought to the peripheral surface and with vacuum draws this softened film into formed cavities to provide bubbles or blisters in said film. The roller is made of a rapid heat-conducting metal such as aluminum. A shaft providing stiffness is inserted in the roller and fluid conduits in the shaft ends communicate with a counterbore formed in both ends of the roller. Fluid-conducting passageways are drilled in this roller and carry controlled-temperature fluid from one end of the roller to the other. In this same roller is formed vacuum-conducting drilled holes that communicate with the multiplicity of formed pockets in the peripheral surface of the roller. A collector shoe having an arc-shaped cavity is disposed to engage at one time about one-half of the vacuum conductors and is disposed to carry vacuum to these conductors as the roller is turned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a corrugated tube having a smooth inner wall surface and a corrugated outer wall are provided. A first strip of resin material is wrapped around first portions of rollers arranged in a circular array and is helically wrapped around the first portions of the rollers each having equally spaced ridges therearound to form the corrugated outer wall. A second strip of resin material is fed from the interior of second portions of rollers arranged in a circular array onto the inner surface of the outer wall being manufactured and bonded thereto. The second strip bonded to the outer wall is wrapped around the second portions of the rollers each having a smooth surface to form the smooth inner wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a high speed production line in which a container is wrapped with a plastic label comprising a foam polystyrene layer, there being means to move a leading edge of the label to the periphery of a rotating vacuum drum, means to apply methylene chloride to the underside of the foam layer to form finite areas on the leading label edge and a finite area on the trailing edge. The finite areas have therein a rapidly solidifying tacky solution of the foam polymer in methylene chloride, the tacky viscous solutions rapidly solidifying to form an adhesive bond. The solvent-applied label is quickly moved to a label wrapping station where it is wrapped around a container, the finite areas on the leading edge tacking the label to the container, and the finite area on the trailing edge forming a cohesive bond on the seam formed by the overlapped label ends.

Abstract: A welding tip configuration for ultrasonically welding thermoplastic material includes a plate with conical projections extending from a planar surface thereof and reservoirs recessed below the planar surface and spaced from the projections. The reservoirs facilitate the displacement of molten material away from the conical projections.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fusion bonding a continuous synthetic thermoplastic resin fastener strip having a fastener profile portion and a base portion opposite the profile, to a continuous film substrate. The substrate is advanced continuously through a bonding zone. Continuous direct transit of the fastener strip is effected from thermoplastic extruder downwardly through a short distance to the bonding zone, so that in the short transit distance the fastener strip will retain substantial residual thermoplastic fusion temperature. The fastener profile portion is chilled while the strip is in transit to the bonding zone, solidified and stabilized, but the base portion is left at sufficient residual fusion temperature to remain thermoplastic to the bonding zone where assembly of the strip and substrate is effected by fusion bonding of the base portion to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for debossing and perforating a substantially continuous web of substantially planar thermoplastic film, using a forming structure having a patterned forming surface with holes and an opposed surface. The forming structure is open from the holes in the forming surface to the opposed surface. The forming structure moves in a direction of the length of the web of film and carries the web of film in that direction. The web of film is substantially entirely molten. A fluid differential pressure is substantially continuously applied across the thickness of the web of film from a first position along the direction of movement of the forming structure to a second position. The first and second positions are fixed relative to the moving forming structure. The fluid differential pressure is sufficiently great to cause the first surface of the web of film to be urged against the forming surface and to cause perforations to be created in the web of film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pressure tank comprises forming the tank with an inner thin wall of light metal and applying a backup wrapping of resin impregnated fibers having a large breaking strength and a small coefficient of thermal expansion to the tank and the tank is cooled in order to compensate for the accumulating filament tension during the winding operation.

Abstract: An automatic form-and-fill packaging machine especially adapted for the ultrasonic sealing of food products in flexible bags from ultrasonically sealable flexible packaging material, and a method to utilize said machine. A packaging machine is provided with a first ultrasonic back seal forming unit for producing a continuous longitudinal back seal on the bag, and a second ultrasonic sealing unit provided in a pair of jaw members which are adapted to form the end seals of the bag perpendicular to the direction of travel of the packaging material. The second ultrasonic sealing unit is provided with a horn and an anvil in opposing jaw members, such that when the jaws are shut, the flexible packaging material is tensioned against sealing land areas to provide the end seals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heat sealing a selected segment of a web of at least two layers of biaxially oriented plastic film. The web layers are pressed together and a selected segment of the pressed web is heated above the bonding temperature of the plastic while adjacent web segments are maintained below that temperature. The surfaces pressing thus the heated web segment has a relatively lower surface friction than the surfaces pressing the adjacent web segment, whereby the layers of the heated segment of the web are physically unrestrained against shrinking during heating and are allowed to shrink back to their pre-oriented molecular configuration while the adjacent segment is restrained against movement. A hermetic bead seal is thus formed between the web layers. A product heat sealed according to the novel method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for impulse sealing thermoplastic materials in automatic form fill seal machines with separate applications of sealing, cutting and cooling.

Abstract: An adhesive bonding press having a "C" frame which mounts upper and lower platens, one of which supports an induction coil mounted in a non-metallic tube. Adhesive is applied to coat the top surface of a lower metallic plate supported on the lower platen, after which a second metallic plate is laid thereon. Thereafter, the plates are clamped together by an air cylinder through upper and lower platens and tooling holders of the press, one of which includes an induction coil. High frequency current is then applied to the induction coil which rapidly heats the adhesive for 2 to 3 seconds. An air blast is then induced in the upper and lower tooling to rapidly cool the parts to room temperature. Spot curing takes place in the area axially of the induction coil which very firmly bonds the two plates together so that further operations in a production or automation line will take place immediately.

Abstract: The apparatus forms fiberboard hollow ducts from fiberboard and comprises means for collapsing or partially collapsing the fiberboard into a flat collapsed fiberboard or partially collapsed fiberboard for advancing the collapsed or partially collapsed fiberboard through a preheating and heating stage while heat sensitive tape is applied to the linear seam of the advancing fiberboard. After tape is applied, means for applying pressure and cooling operate to permanently set the tape.

Abstract: A flyleaf heat sealer for adhering a flyleaf having its inner surface pre-coated with hot melt or heat sensitive adhesive to the exposed outer surfaces of the end sheets of a book block insert, includes means for engaging and transporting a book block insert and the flyleaf folded therearound, means for directing a flow of air heated to a temperature adequate to melt the adhesive against and impinging upon the outer surfaces of the flyleaf, and means for pressing and cooling the flyleaf and book insert between them and removing heat from the flyleaf and book block, and thus curing and hardening the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cushion material by welding under heat a first layer to an adjoining second layer at necessary portions of the latter by use of a welding member having a plurality of pressure applying projections. The material of the second layer is deformed and molten and flows at temperatures higher than those of the material of the first layer. In the method, the surface portions of the first layer not engaged by the welding member and lying closer to the welding member and/or the welding member itself are cooled by cooling gas thereby welding the first layer to the second layer without giving rise to any appreciable thermal change on the surface of the first layer except the portions engaged by the welding member.

Abstract: A method for joining together laminated material including layers of orientation-stretched polyester and glycol-modified polyester. A strand of molten glycol-modified polyester is applied to the laminated material along the joining area and the laminated material is pressed together while the strand is cooled. The laminated material is joined together by transferring heat from the molten strand to the pressed-on layers of the laminate. The surface portions of the layers are melted at the same time as the strand is cooled.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing multi-walled thermoplastic tubing in which the inner and outer tubing walls are continuously formed by extrusion one within the other, the inner tube being urged outwardly into pressing engagement with the outer tube, the mechanism for urging the inner tube outwardly into securement with the outer tube comprises a mandrel mounted coaxially with the die for extruding the inner tube and on the downstream side of it. The mandrel has an outer surface providing a tapered end portion positioned to receive the inner tube as it is extruded, and a generally cylindrical portion positioned to urge the inner tube into securement with the outer tube. To prevent sticking of the thermoplastic material to the mandrel, the outer surface of the mandrel is maintained at a temperature lower than the molding temperature and is transversely ribbed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous shaping and lamination of lightweight laminated transparencies, particularly those that are suitable for use in aircraft. The plies of an assembly to be shaped and laminated are assembled with additional elements to form a flexible cell of air impervious material. The cell includes an air impervious flexible wall defining a peripheral space around the assembly and porous material in the space. The cell containing the assembly is mounted over a vacuum mold and heated to sag the cell and its assembly to the contour of the mold while evacuating the cell while the cell and said assembly are exposed to atmospheric pressure.The cell is cooled while still under evacuation until the shape of the assembly is set, then is separated from the vacuum mold. The resulting assembly thus shaped and laminated is separated from the cell.

Abstract: The several embodiments illustrated in the FIGS. show welding apparatus for joining a plurality of plies of laminar thermoplastic materials held in and by gripping apparatus such as clamp jaws or belts. The weld is made by locally melting said plies by heating their protruding edges to a determined degree and for a determined period of time. Heat is brought into close proximity to the melt area and the gripping means provides a cooling means for the gripped plies of film. The completed welds are then cooled. The welding apparatus may be applied to material plies to seal their edges, or to seal the plies intermediate their edges. The welding is also shown as produced by continuous means and a heated ribbon may provide the severing means.

Abstract: An extrusion system is provided for covering a conductor (14) with a crystalline thermoplastic elastomer insulating material. The plastic material is tubed onto the conductor by apparatus which includes a core tube (61) that is mounted in an extruder crosshead (41) such that its free end is positioned within the interior of a die (81, 101) and is spaced from an orifice of the die a predetermined percentage of the land length of the die. A flow passage between the core tube (61) and a wall which defines the die cavity is controlled in accordance with the relative value of the thermal energy which is released by the insulating material at the onset of crystallization. In one arrangement, which has been found to be suitable for a crystalline thermoplastic elastomer having a relatively high value of released thermal energy, the die cavity and the core tube are arranged to provide a gradually converging path toward the die opening.

Abstract: Access to a pipe section which is surrounded by a protective coating is achieved by enclosing the pipe section in a sleeve and then flowing a refrigerant fluid through the sleeve to render the protective coating brittle. The brittle coating can then be easily broken by means of an impacting hammer, or the like, to provide access to the pipe section.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tubular-pouch packages with heat-sealed transverse seams. In order that the bottom seam will harden rapidly following the securing process, a cooling medium is blown onto it by a nozzle. The nozzle is disposed in the tubular body from which tubular-pouch packages are made and is directed at the pressing plane of the transverse-seam welding apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a film suitable for use in lamination under heat and pressure. A plurality of resins is co-extruded into concentric annuli, the inner annulus being a polyester type resin, and at least one of the outer annuli consisting of a polyolefin based resin. The co-extrusion is carried out as the extruding die is rotated about its axis. After quenching to form a multi-layer seamless tube, the tube is collapsed and heated to a temperature suitable for biaxial orientation. An air bubble is introduced into the heated tube to expand the diameter thereof and simultaneously orient the tube biaxially by molecular orientation. The biaxially oriented tube is cooled sufficiently to retain its molecular orientation, and is then collapsed. The tube is then heated to a shrinking temperature while under controlled restraint to achieve a predetermined dimension in amount of shrinkage in the film. Finally, the edges of the shrunk tube are slit to form a pair of flat films.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing apparatus with multi-platen or tiered presses which has a charging basket 1 capable of receiving more tools with material to be pressed than there are tiers in the presses H, K. The capacity of the discharging basket 2 exceeds that of the charging basket 1 by the number of tiers in the tiered presses H, K. The charging basket 1 and the discharging basket 2 are vertically adjustable. The invention makes it possible to stock several tools in the charging basket 1. The tools can then pass through the presses to the discharging basket 2 automatically.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing flat multi-conductor cable having two cable members and peelable internal lamina utilizes a pair of dies which simultaneously align conductors, laminate internal lamina, and extrude external lamina thereon. Each die has a conductor aligning surface with parallel linear conductor-receiving recesses therein an adjacent extrusion surface. Conductors and internal lamina are drawn between aligning surfaces of mated dies and then between extrusion surfaces where vinyl is extruded through an aperture in each die to form external lamina. A knife-edged die insert adjacent one side of the aligning and extrusion surfaces provides a V-notch in one edge of the cable to facilitate peeling apart cable members for termination to a two-sided connector.

Abstract: The apparatus forms fiberboard hollow ducts from fiberboard and comprises means for collapsing the fiberboard into a flat collapsed fiberboard means for advancing the collapsed fiberboard through a preheating and heating stage while heat sensitive tape is applied to the linear seam of the collapsed fiberboard. After tape is applied, means for applying pressure and cooling operate to permanently set the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding two pieces of thermoplastic material to one another. The method includes the steps of heating the edges of the plastic materials to be joined to at least their fusing temperatures and then forcing the heated edge portions against one another to thereby form a bonded junction. A bead is formed along at least one edge of the junction of the plastic materials as a result of the pressure of the two plastic materials bearing against one another. The welded junction is heated, optionally at elevated pressure, to at least its fusion temperature and is then rapidly cooled. The resulting weld has a high impact and dielectric strength and has a smooth overall appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for manufacturing section multi-ply cardboard of narrow, less than 30 cm wide, thermoplastic-coated cardboard webs. The means comprises a heating means for heating cardboard webs which are conducted into the means with the aid of guides, substantially one above the other and mutually spaced, nozzles being disposed in the interstices of the webs to direct flames against the surfaces of the webs; a profilator with rolling members, into which the cardboard webs, heated of their surfaces, are conducted for pressing them together between the rolling members and for rolling to desired section or profile shape; and a cooling means for cooling the section or profile.

Abstract: A device for improved cooling of ultrasonic horns preferably includes a pair of manifold units which direct a stream of cooling fluid (e.g. air) so as to impinge upon both sides of ultrasonic bonding horns disposed substantially across the width of a moveable web of textile material, the stream impinging at or above the nodal area of the horns.

Abstract: Paste-consistency photopolymer is imaged onto printed wiring boards by coating the board overall and positioning the photographic film over the board in register and off-contact. A resilient blade is pressed against the phototool at one end of the board and drawn across the surface, thus facing the photographic film into intimate contact with the photopolymer and purging all air therebetween. Mounted on the resilient blade aft of leading edge is a shuttered tubular lamp which hardens the photopolymer where the photographic film is clear, so that in a single pass the photographic film is sequentially mated and photopolymer exposed, to produce line widths unmatched by competing dry film systems and at speeds of 0.5 feet per second.

Abstract: A laminator for laminating and/or encapsulating a multilayer laminate assembly is disclosed. The laminator includes a processing chamber designed to receive the laminate assembly. The processing chamber is provided with independently controllable temperature, vacuum and pneumatic pressure capabilities for effecting optimum processing conditions for particular materials and configurations. The laminator features a double-vacuum system and a choice between two automatic cycles: a lamination cycle and a lamination-and-cure cycle. Preferably, the laminator is microprocessor controlled and is provided with a control panel where the processing parameters are set and monitored.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus for the industrial production of electrical conducting wires treated by flocking and coated with adhesive.

Abstract: A system for producing a relatively thin bitumen laminate comprised of an bitumen mastic core to which is adhered a fabric web on each side thereof, adherence being established simply by contacting the fabric web with the bitumen mastic while it is hot. The method includes continuous deposit at a fixed location of hot bitumen mastic to form the core on a moving lower fabric web, the laminated lower fabric web being in direct contact with a fluid cooled endless belt to prevent degradation of the fabric. The bitumen mastic is deposited on the lower web as it traverses the endless belt's upstream end roll, thereby insuring a firm, non-flexible surface upon which the mastic core can be sized by a doctor roll on the lower web. A moving top fabric web is laminated to the sized bitumen mastic core on the lower web at a location that is variable relative to the fixed location at which the mastic is deposited on the lower web.

Abstract: A method of diaper manufacture whereby adhesive is applied directly to the moisture impervious web for attachment thereto of elastic ribbons to make a shirred diaper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of air cell cushioning dunnage material, for protective cushioning purposes in packaging or other purposes, with the air cell product possessing substantial strength, and the ability to retain its original thickness under load. The method and apparatus are such that the apparatus can be halted in its operation without injurious effects to the dunnage product being produced, and can be restarted to again commence production of the cushioning dunnage product. The apparatus and method utilize flexible thermoplastic sheets or film of material, to produce the air cell product, with the plastic sheets being preferably formed of a composite of an intermediate stratum of relatively high density high melting point plastic, and exterior stratums of relatively low density, low melting point thermoplastic bonded to the intermediate stratum. Various other embodiments of flexible air cell sheeting are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hermetically heat sealing flexible containers, and particularly pouch-like containers, is disclosed. A filled pouch is positioned between a pair of heated bars, with the bars being constructed and arranged to maintain a gap therebetween, such that pressure is not applied to the pouch. Thereafter, the pouch is positioned between a pair of chilled sealing bars and the chilled bars are constructed and arranged to apply sealing pressure to the edge of the pouch, where the edge region of the pouch is sealed and cooled. If desired, a plurality of gapped heated bar stations may be provided prior to the chill bar position.

Abstract: A method and device for producing multilayer printed circuit boards, under the application of heat and pressure to a stack of printed circuit boards and interposed layers of thermosetting plastic, the multilayer stack being heated in a first press to a curing temperature above the flux point of the bonding layers, then precooled under continued pressure to a transfer temperature below the flux point and transferred to a second press, where it is aftercooled under pressure to ambient temperature. The press installation of the invention includes two independently operating multi-stage presses in a common press frame. The plates of the press stages are horizontally aligned in the open position of the two presses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding two pieces of thermoplastic material to one another. The method includes the steps of heating the edges of the plastic materials to be joined to at least their fusing temperatures and then forcing the heated edge portions against one another to thereby form a bonded junction. A bead is formed along at least one edge of the junction of the plastic materials as a result of the pressure of the two plastic materials bearing against one another. The welded junction is heated, optionally at elevated pressure, to at least its fusion temperature and is then rapidly cooled. The resulting weld has a high impact and dielectric strength and has a smooth overall appearance.

Abstract: A plastic heating tool unit is provided for cutting, sealing and like working of a relatively thin or film-like plastic element. The tool unit may function to sever a plastic element from a web and create firm thermal attachment thereof to another member. The tool unit includes an appropriately shaped annular or circular tool element formed of appropriate material which is responsive to an inductive field for self-generation of heat within the material. An annular radio frequency induction coil unit is coupled to the tool element. A heat transfer member is secured to the tool element and to a forced cooled heat sink which cools the transfer member and thereby the tool element. The transfer member creates a selected retarded cooling rate of the tool element to provide an improved interaction of the tool member and the plastic element and for more effective heating and cooling thereof.

Abstract: In the dual extrusion manufacture of an insulated coaxial cable having one or more spiral spacing ribs 2a wrapped around an inner conductor 1 and surrounded by a tubular sheath 2b, the longitudinal contraction of the sheath during cooling and the attendant warp curvature of the rib is avoided by providing a sizing device 7 having a central die portion 12 with vacuum exhaust holes 14 therein. Water from a cooling pool 8 is drawn in through the clearance space between the sheath and the die portion as the cable passes therethrough to pre-cool and lubricate it, and one or more dies 15 are provided in the cooling pool to prevent the longitudinal contraction of the sheath and thereby avoid any appreciable rib inclination or curvature.