Abstract: A process for creating a jacket for the protection of an extended object and the article produced by the process. The process includes the steps of selecting a heat-shrinkable tube having a size corresponding to the object to be protected; providing a mold body having external dimensions substantially matching dimensions of the object to be protected; placing the heat-shrinkable tube over the mold body; applying heat to the heat-shrinkable tube to cause the heat shrinkable tube to conform to the shape of the mold body; cutting the heat-shrinkable tube longitudinally to create an open sleeve with first and second lateral sides; and removing the open sleeve from the mold body. Preferably, a fastening means is provided on the lateral sides of the open sleeve to allow the sleeve to be secured tightly about the object to be protected.

Abstract: PET foam is processed into flakes. The flakes are densified in a pellet mill at between about 300.degree. F. and about 350.degree. F. to produce pellets. The pellets are then dried in a desiccant dryer at about 350.degree. F. for about 6 hours, so that the dew point of the pellets reaches about -40.degree. F. The dried pellets have an intrinsic viscosity about equal to virgin PET and a crystallinity greater than 20%. This material can be reused as if it were virgin PET.

Abstract: A method for aperturing a laminate. The first step is to provide a laminate having at least one nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers and at least one elastic member. The laminate is forwarded through a pressure biased nip having a relief patterned nip defining member having a plurality of pattern elements and a nip defining anvil member. The nip defining members are biased towards each other with a predetermined pattern-element loading. Each nip defining member is heated to a temperature that is sufficiently above the melt temperature of the thermoplastic fibers of the nonwoven web and above the melt temperature of the elastic member to enable aperturing of the laminate.

Abstract: The method of making polystyrene foam for foam products which comprises utilizing atmospheric gases as the blowing agents or preferably mixing one or more of these gases and a blending agent which is non-volatile at the extrusion temperatures, introducing the mixture to a molten thermoplastic polystyrene resin containing nucleating agents such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and extruding the thermoplastic in the form of a foam. The resultant foam has substantially no residual blowing agent, is dimensionally stable at ambient temperatures and when used with a non-volatile blending agent can be made with small amounts of blowing agent permitting cooling of the melt without high loading on the extruder. The foam may be coextruded with one or more layers of thermoplastic film so that the resultant product is adapted for use for plates, cups, food containers or packaging and for labels for containers such as glass and plastic containers and for labels that are shrunk in place on a container.

Abstract: A propane fuel storage tank having a fuel-containing tank body with an outer printed sleeve made of linear heat-shrink plastic material heat-shrunk in tight fitting encircling relation about the tank for preventing viewing of surface imperfections in the tank beneath the sleeve. A method of making and reconditioning propane fuel tanks is disclosed which includes loosely positioning a sleeve of such linear heat-shrinkable plastic material about the tank body and exposing the plastic sleeve to a temperature above its heat-shrink temperature to cause it to contract and tightly conform about the outer perimeter of the tank. The sleeve preferably encompasses a central cylindrical side wall of the tank, portions of the upper and lower semi-spherical end walls of the tank, and the lower foot ring, which results in a like-new reconditioned tank without the necessity for complete removal of surface imperfections and prior adhesively applied labels, or the need for complete repainting of the tank.

Abstract: An actuator for an aerosol container, comprising a body forming an inlet, a top surface (16) defining a multitude of discharge slits (20), and a multitude of body passageways (22) to conduct fluid from the inlet to the discharge slits. Each of the body passageways has a pouch shape, including narrower upper (22a) and lower portions (22b) and a wider mid portion (22c). When the actuator is used to dispense foam from an aerosol container, the shape of the body passageways has several advantages. First, that shape helps the foam to expand as it passes outward through the dispenser, and second, after the container has ben used to dispense a quantity of foam, the shape of the body passageways helps to draw back into the actuator any excess foam remaining on the outside of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is formed in a plastic injection molding process, and the body passageways of the actuator are formed into the desired shape as the plastic cools during the molding process.

Abstract: Beads capable of stably executing bead embroidery having high quality by using a continuous form of beads which can accomplish automatic bead embroidery. The beads comprise a laminate film 1a formed by laminating films 2 and 3 having different thermal shrinkage ratios in a predetermined direction. The laminate film 1a is heat-treated and curled into a cylindrical shape to form a cylinder 1b, and cuts 4 are formed into the cylinder 1b at predetermined intervals so as to form the continuous member 1c of the beads 6.

Abstract: A method of treating a preformed flexible imaging belt including providing a rigid cylindrical support drum having a precisely predetermined outer circumference, a first end and a second end, providing a preformed flexible electrostatographic imaging belt, circumferentially expanding the belt with a flowing fluid under pressure until the circumference of the inner surface of the belt adjacent the first end of the drum is stretched to a new dimension of at least about 0.1 percent greater than the outer circumference of the rigid support drum while maintaining the belt below the elastic limit of the belt to smooth out physical defects, sliding the belt onto the drum from the first end toward the second end until substantially all of the belt encircles the outer surface of the drum, terminating the flow of the flowing fluid to allow the belt to contract onto the outer surface of the support drum, heating the belt to a treatment temperature of between about the glass transition temperature and about 10.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention concerns an injection moulding process for soles in expansible and cross-linking "EVA" based compounds characterised in that during the cooling stage of the moulded sole the spontaneous shrinkage of the same is arrested by means of a template consisting of a rigid shaped plate placed on the sole so that its edge connects with a perimeter edge realised specifically on the upper surface of the sole, whose dimensions reduce no further either during the remaining cooling phase of after cooling.

Abstract: Properties of cellulosic membranes such as the length and the ultrafiltration rate are stabilized by warmth/humidity conditioning, whereby temperatures in a range of about 30.degree. to 60.degree. C. and relative humidities in a range of about 10 to 60% are suitable. The membranes may be enveloped at a relative humidity of about 40 to 60% and at about 20.degree. to 25.degree. C. in a packaging which is at least substantially impermeable to the passage of moisture before being subjected to the conditioning.

Abstract: A stretch label adapted to be fitted to a container is manufactured and includes a stretch film, having a self-shrinking property, and a printing layer. The stretch film, in turn, includes a substrate made from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or a mixture of a low density polyethylene and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and a surface layer made of a polyolefin resin. The surface layer is harder than the substrate and is provided on at least one surface of the substrate. The surface layer is the outer surface layer of the stretch label when the stretch label is fitted to the container.

Abstract: An injection molding process for soles using expansible and cross-linking EVA based compounds. During the cooling stage of the molded sole, the spontaneous shrinkage of the molded sole is arrested by means of a template placed on the sole. To accomplish this, a series of perimeter pin elements extend from the bottom surface of the template and are coupled with a corresponding series of perimeter holes defined on the upper surface of the sole. The dimensions of the sole therefore will reduce no further either during the remaining cooling phase or after cooling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bottle with an ear obtained by orientation blow molding, in which a mounting portion positioned at a predetermined height which has a large diameter and whose upper portion is composed of an outer wall in the form of an injection molded flange and an inner wall oriented internally thereof and placed in close contact therewith, said mounting portion having a predetermined width in an outer periphery thereof, is formed below a mouth portion of a bottle by injection orientation blow molding, an upper edge of said mounting groove is formed to have an edge having a plurality of notches at equal intervals, a mounting ring internally provided with a plurality of projecting surfaces positioned at the mounting groove through said notches is formed integral with a bended end of an ear, and the projecting surfaces of said mounting ring and the upper edge of said mounting groove are fitted with each other whereby the ear and the bottle are integrally connected.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.

Abstract: A saddle includes a body of thermoplastic material constituting a load-bearing structure on which a padding of expanded plastics material is fitted. The padding is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer which does not require the application of a covering layer. The padding is formed by injection moulding and allowed to expand to a size larger than the final size. The padding is then placed on the load-bearing structure and is firmly coupled to the load-bearing structure upon cooling and shrinking.

Abstract: A molded container top 140 has engravings 145 formed by an embossing 108. The core 120 withdrawn from the cavity 102 and a retaining ring 110 holds the hot molded part 140 in the cavity 102. The molded part 140 shrinks away from the cavity 102 and is pushed out of the cavity 102 by an ejector 105. The part 140 has no witness lines on its circumferential skirt 142.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an hydraulic hose having ends of different internal diameters. An uncured hose is produced by conventional extrusion. The uncured hose is placed upon a mandrel having a reduced diameter end. That end of the uncured hose proximate the reduced diameter of the mandrel is covered by a heat responsive shrink tube. The shrink tube is heated to mold the end of the hose about the mandrel. Thereafter, the hose is vulcanized.

Abstract: To improve the re-wrappability of the expander members used on balloon catheters subsequent to an initial inflation thereof, the balloon member is subjected to an annealing process in which the balloon member, in its wrapped configuration, is placed within a plastic sheath and it, together with the sheath, is then placed between the jaws of a clamping fixture where the jaws may be heated to a predetermined temperature. When the jaws are made to close on the sheath and the wrapped balloon contained within it, the wrapped balloon is subjected to a radial compressive pressure and a temperature approximately equal to or above the glass transition temperature for the balloon material utilized and then maintained at that temperature for a predetermined time interval. The annealing is found to introduce a memory component into the plastic of the balloon that causes it to assume a lower profile upon deflation than otherwise obtained.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for molding a peripheral frame around a sheet or grid of thermoplastic material to produce a framed panel. A peripheral frame, preferably of structural foam or the like, is injection molded about a thermoplastic sheet or grid of panel-forming material which has been previously drawn or stretched at a temperature which orients the molecules of the polymer, i.e., below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, T.sub.g. Either during the frame molding process, or subsequent thereto, the panel-forming material is heated sufficiently to cause the material to shrink or revert toward its prestretched condition so as to tension the panel-forming material within the frame. Elastomeric sealing means are disclosed for sealing the mold during injection of the frame-forming material and locator fingers are provided to position a grid-like panel-forming material prior to initiation of the molding process.

Abstract: The method of making polystyrene foam for foam products which includes utilizing atmospheric gases as the blowing agents or preferably mixing one or more of these gases and a blending agent which is non-volatile at the extrusion temperatures, introducing the mixture to a molten thermoplastic polystyrene resin containing nucleating agents such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and extruding the thermoplastic in the form of a foam. The resultant foam has substantially no residual blowing agent, is dimensionally stable at ambient temperatures and when used with a non-volatile blending agent can be made with small amounts of blowing agent permitting cooling of the melt without high loading on the extruder. The foam may be coextruded with one or more layers of thermoplastic film so that the resultant product is adapted for use for plates, cups, food containers or packaging and for labels for containers such as glass and plastic containers and for labels that are shrunk in place on a container.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for molding a peripheral frame around a sheet or grid of thermoplastic material to produce a framed panel. A peripheral frame, preferably of structural foam or the like, is injection molded about a thermoplastic sheet or grid of panel-forming material which has been previously drawn or stretched at a temperature which orients the molecules of the polymer, i.e., below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, T.sub.g. Either during the frame molding process, or subsequent thereto, the panel-forming material is heated sufficiently to cause the material to shrink or revert toward its prestretched condition so as to tension the panel-forming material within the frame. Elastomeric sealing means are disclosed for sealing the mold during injection of the frame-forming material and locator fingers are provided to position a grid-like panel-forming material prior to initiation of the molding process.

Abstract: An article (2) in which at least part of a surface (8) of a polymeric element has an embossed pattern (6). The article may be either heat-recoverable or non-heat-recoverable. If the article is heat-recoverable, when heated the article recovers and the embossed surface becomes substantially smooth. The change in surface texture can be used to indicate that sufficient heat has been applied to the article to achieve adequate recovery and/or to adequately melt an attached adhesive layer (10). In another embodiment, the article (2) is in the form of a patch (14) which can be used to secure the opposing longitudinal edges of heat-recoverable article which is in the form of a wraparound sheet.

Abstract: A method for improving the radial enlargeability and other properties of tape-reinforced tubular vascular graft formed of sintered fluoropolymer(s), such as expanded, sintered PTFE. Broadly, the method comprises the step of radially shrinking the reinforcement tape layer of the graft, or the entire tape-reinforced graft, after sintering thereof. Such radial shrinkage of the reinforcement tape layer, or of the entire graft, renders the graft subsequently radially enlargeable by more than 5%, without tearing or breaking of the reinforcement tape layer of the graft. Radially enlargeable grafts of the present invention may be combined with various types of stents or anchoring systems, to form endovascular graft devices which are transluminally insertable and implantable within the lumen of a host blood vessel.

Abstract: Method for making laminated glass, whereby a film (2) of polyvinyl butyral is applied between the glass layers (1) whose surface has obtained a roughness at a temperature above 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monolayer heat-shrinkable, puncture-resistant biaxially oriented film is disclosed. The method includes a double bubble orientation step and extruding a primary tube that includes at least one substantially linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer, wherein the substantially linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer has an uniform branching distribution, a melt flow ratio I.sub.10 /I.sub.2, .gtoreq.5.63, and a molecular weight distribution, M.sub.w /M.sub.n, defined by the equation M.sub.w /M.sub.n .ltoreq.(I.sub.10 /I.sub.2)-4.63, and is also characterized as having essentially no linear polymer fraction, a single DSC melting peak, a density greater than about 0.85 g/cc, and a favorable gas extrusion critical shear rate at the onset of surface melt fracture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer heat-shrinkable, puncture-resistant biaxially oriented film is disclosed. The method includes a double bubble orientation step and extruding a primary tube that includes at least one substantially linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer, wherein the substantially linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer has an uniform branching distribution, a melt flow ratio, I.sub.10 /I.sub.2,.gtoreq.5.63, and a molecular weight distribution, M.sub.w /M.sub.n, defined by the equation M.sub.w /M.sub.n .ltoreq.(I.sub.10 /I.sub.2)-4.63, and is also characterized as having essentially no linear polymer fraction, a single DSC melting peak, a density greater than about 0.85 g/cc, and a favorable gas extrusion critical shear rate at the onset of surface melt fracture.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an etched extrusion, the method comprising the steps of extruding a thermoplastic material to produce a hot extrusion, and contacting the extrusion, while the extrusion is still hot, with a mixture of at least two fluids having different thermal conductivities so that the extrusion develops an uneven outer surface due to different rates of shrinkage caused by the different thermal conductivities.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing shaped elements from synthetic thermoplastics, particularly polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, wherein the plastic material is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature and is shaped in that state to form the shaped element and is subsequently cooled to a temperature below its softening temperature, the shaped elements are shaped in a hot state to form intermediate products having a certain oversize over the desired final dimensions and after they have been cooled are caused by a material-compacting pressing operation to assume the desired final dimensions, in which they are dimensionally stable.

Abstract: A method of making tooth belts by formation thereof about the outer peripheral surface of a building drum having a generally cylindrical configuration and a surface defining a series of parallel, tooth-shaped grooves. The belts are formed by wrapping a fabric circumferentially around the building drum and winding a cord of tensile material helically about the fabric. A layer of thermoplastic material is formed about the cord of tensile material, and a cord of shrink material is wrapped helically about the layer of thermoplastic material. The shrink material has a higher softening temperature than the thermoplastic material and will shrink at a temperature below its softening temperature. Pressurized steam is applied to the shrink material at a temperature below its softening temperature and between the softening temperature and the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus for molding a peripheral frame around a sheet or grid of thermoplastic material to produce a framed panel. A peripheral frame, preferably of structural foam or the like, is injection molded about a thermoplastic sheet or grid of panel-forming material which has been previously drawn or stretched at a temperature which orients the molecules of the polymer, i.e., below the glass transition temperature of the polymer, T.sub.g. Either during the frame molding process, or subsequent thereto, the panel-forming material is heated sufficiently to cause the material to shrink or revert toward its prestretched condition so as to tension the panel-forming material within the frame. Elastomeric sealing means are disclosed for sealing the mold during injection of the frame-forming material and locator fingers are provided to position a grid-like panel-forming material prior to initiation of the molding process.

Abstract: Methods for forming a strip of thermoplastic material by punch clamping are described.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a phase retarder film or sheet comprising continuously supplying a stretched thermoplastic resin film or sheet to a heating zone in parallel with the stretching direction of the film or sheet and heating the film or sheet to a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the resin while applying pressure to the surface of the film or sheet passing through the heating zone, thereby continuously subjecting the film or sheet to thermal relaxation while suppressing the expansion of the film or sheet in a direction parallel to the surface of the film or sheet and perpendicular to the stretching axis. According to the present invention, a phase retarder film or sheet having a low angular dependence of retardation can be produced continuously. By using the phase retarder film(s) or sheet(s) thus obtained as optical compensator(s), the viewing angle characteristics of liquid crystal display devices can remarkably be improved.

Abstract: A method for producing a high strength multi-layered film excellent in heat resistance, shrinkability and stretchability and usable for wrapping of various articles which comprises at least five layers comprising a surface layer (S layer) mainly composed of at least one polymer selected from (A), (B), etc. and as inner layers at least one base layer (SBC layer) containing mainly a mixed composition comprising a combination such as (A)+(B)+(C), at least one core layer (H layer) containing mainly a polymer selected from (C), and at least one auxiliary layer (R layer) containing mainly at least one polymer selected from (A) and (B), with a proviso that when the R layer is placed-adjacent to the S layer, the R layer comprises the resin different from that of the S layer, said (A) being a low-density polyethylene or a copolymer of ethylene with a specific monomer, said (B) being a soft thermoplastic elastomer having a Vicat softening point of 80.degree. C.

Abstract: A temperature- and/or polar fluid-sensitive device which comprises a mechanically strained semi-crystalline hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of an automotive trim piece having a polymeric skin fastened to substrate. The polymer, for example, polyvinyl chloride has the property that upon cooling to a relatively rigid state the polymer shrinks. The process includes a step of molding the polymeric skin separately from the substrate such that the skin has a rear face for abutment with an obverse face of the substrate and a pair of lips extending from ends of the rear face. The lips are configured for engaging corresponding edges of the substrate. The skin is cooled to a relatively elastic state, and the skin and substrate are assembled while the skin is in the relatively elastic state. On further cooling, shrinkage forces of the skin and the skin lips in abutment with the corresponding edges of the substrate produce a snug fit from edge to edge of the skin to the substrate and the skin becomes relatively rigid.

Abstract: A wraparound heat shrinkable sheet for covering pipes or cables is positioned therearound so its longitudinal edges overlap. A first patch is then positioned over the lapped edges, and a second patch, which is wider than the first patch, positioned over the first patch and secured to the underlying wrapped sheet. Heat is then applied, preferably by hot mastic. The heat acts to shrink the sheet which tensions the second patch, thereby directing a radial force downward onto the first patch.

Abstract: Process crystallizes at least a portion of a molecularly oriented thermoplastic container by heat treating at least portions thereof at temperatures suitable to crystallize the portions, including the steps of heating at a first temperature for at least 5 seconds below a final crystallization temperature to heat set the container, followed by heating at a second temperature for at least 10 seconds at a final temperature to obtain crystallinity above 40%, wherein each of the heating steps is accompanied by shrinkage and distortion of the container; and sizing said crystallized container to a final shape.

Abstract: A method including using a device for sealing the end of a heat-shrunk sleeve enclosing a branch connection of electrical or optical cables which grips the outside surface of the sleeve between the branched cables and keeps the opposing surface areas of the sleeve between the cables in contact with each other during cooling of the heat-shrunk sleeve. The device has two identical preformed parts. Each part has a foot part and an arm extending in a semicircle from the foot part. The foot part has at least one peg and one bore, through which the preformed parts can be joined to form the device. The arms encircle one of the branched cables and the free ends of the arms grip the sleeve between the branched cables.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polyester tube, which is a tube having heat shrinkability imparted by subjecting an unstretched tube made of a thermoplastic polyester resin to tubular stretching, and which has a crystallinity of not higher than 20% and a shrinkage of more than 5% and not more than 26% in the longitudinal direction (MD) and a shrinkage of at least 25% in the radial direction (TD).

Abstract: A process for producing a phase retarder film or sheet, which comprises subjecting a stretched thermoplastic resin film or sheet to thermal relaxation at a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin to shrink the film or sheet in the stretching axis direction while suppressing the expansion of the film or sheet in a direction parallel to the film or sheet surface and perpendicular to the stretching axis.

Abstract: An improved two membered substantially crack-free water jet mixing tube of an abrasive water jet cutting device and a method of its preparation. The method comprises chemically vapor depositing diamond layer on a funnel shaped support member to form an inner member of the mixing tube, separating the inner member from the support member, depositing and then cooling an outer member on the outer side of the inner member to produce a compressive stress on the inner member that substantially prevents formation cracks on the inner member. The inner side of the inner member has a smooth bore having a microcrystalline structure and the outer member has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than diamond. The invention is also directed to a water jet cutting device that incorporates the aforementioned improved substantially crack-free water jet mixing tube.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-recoverable article including the steps of profile extruding polymeric material into a predetermined shape, irradiating the polymeric material and then deforming the polymeric material into a generally planar configuration. Also disclosed is a heat-recoverable article including a generally planar layer of polymeric material which is in the heat unstable condition. Opposed surfaces of the polymeric material have a latent recovery stress, however opposite in sense, so that the article upon recovering towards a predetermined shape, exhibits substantially no residual stress. Further disclosed is a heat-recoverable article made by the method.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted optical glass fiber bundle received within an internal lumen of the catheter. The lumen for receiving the optical glass fiber bundle is heated and expanded under internal fluid pressure. The catheter and lumen are then cooled with the lumen still under the internal fluid pressure. After cooling, the fluid pressure is released and the lumen retains its expanded condition. An optical glass fiber bundle is inserted into the expanded lumen to a predetermined position within the catheter. The catheter and lumen are reheated to contract the expanded diameter of the lumen about the optical glass fiber bundle to provide a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted fiber optic bundle within the catheter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat-shrinkable hose, wherein at least one shrinkable thread is wound around a basic hose element. A cover hose is provided that surrounds the basic hose element and overlies the heat-shrinkable thread. Longitudinal supporting threads can be provided for additional reinforcement.

Abstract: Blow molding processes for the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers are disclosed. The containers are capable of withstanding, without appreciable deformation, relatively severe thermal conditions encountered during processing by filling with a hot liquid or pasteurization of the contents of the container. A representative process includes the steps of blow molding the heated body of an amorphous PET preform comprising a body and a neck section having a body with dimensions greater than the dimensions of the final PET container to be formed; heating only the body of the intermediate container under specified conditions to rapidly shrink the body, thus forming a contracted body; heating the neck section to effect crystallization thereof; slowly cooling the neck section alone while heating of the contracted intermediate body continues; and blow molding the heated contracted body of the intermediate container in a second mold to its final shape and dimensions.

Abstract: A process of placing a sleeve on a cable comprising:A) wetting at least one ofa) the internal surfaces of the sleeve andb) the external surfaces of a substrate on which the sleeve is to be placed with an aqueous mixture comprising a lubricant;B) draining excess aqueous mixture from the wetted surfaces;C) placing the sleeve into close and conforming contact with the substrate;D) sliding the sleeve off of the substrate; andE) placing the sleeve over the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming clear shrinkable film material for use as labels on containers. A blend of general purpose polystryene and styrene-butadiene or styrene butyl acrylate is extruded from an annular extruder die orifice to form a frustoconical tube which is stretched before cooling air is applied to form a clear film that has machine direction orientation and cross direction orientation that can be used as a shrinkable label on containers. As the tube is extruded, it is shielded from cooling air which is applied downstream from the extruder die orifice. The apparatus shields the hot annular extruded material adjacent the die orifice. The air is supplied downstream from an annular air orifice which is designed with a taper that allows ambient air to be freely drawn in and eliminates what would be a negative pressure zone immediately downstream of the air orifice while eliminating air turbulence and improving cooling.

Abstract: A glove configuration and method for making same of a thin flexible film is shown. The glove and form having an ambidextrous shape useful for either the left or right hand use and a cuff configuration which resists rolldown. The configuration of the cuff includes a corrugated portion and a broadly fluted portion. The former giving increased strength and thickness and the latter providing a place to improve the ease with which the glove may be stripped from its dipping form.

Abstract: A gas-assisted injection molding article suitable for plating and a method for plating the article is disclosed. A sleeve is selectively mounted on an upstanding gas injection stud formed on the molded article. The sleeve seals an aperture which extends through the sidewall of the gas injection stud to the hollow interior of the molded article. The sleeve is preferably formed of a heat shrinkable thermoplastic. After the sleeve has been mounted to the article, the sleeve is subjected to a source of heat such that it retracts and is securely mounted to the gas injection stud. With the aperture sealed, the article can now be submerged in a suitable plating bath or other liquid medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat shrink clad core optical conduit and to an optical conduit having either a thermoplastic, thermoset or liquid, light transmitting core surrounded by, preferably a fluoropolymer cladding which is in turn surrounded by a tight-fitting, finish polymer jacket which may be either transparent or translucent, and is preferably made of a polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic or silicone material. Numerous fillers and inserts may be used in the finish jacket polymer and the finish jacket polymer may be formed into various shapes. Bondable jacket materials may be used. The preferred method of forming the manufacturing jacket around a heat shrinkable fluoropolymer cladding is by extruding a low extrusion temperature polymer over a heat shrink clad in its expanded form into which an increased interior pressure is maintained to prevent shrinkage during the extrusion process.