Abstract: A method and tool for making tapered, layered plastic toothpicks from a solid plastic slab wherein a rapidly rotating tool having a single cutting edge configured to simultaneously cut and roll a thin film of plastic into a toothpick of the desired shape with each complete revolution is brought into contact with the plastic slab at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A blend of high and low density polyethylene and azodicarbonamid added as blowing agent is heated in an extruder to a temperature above the melting point of the high density component and fed to a shear head having a hollow rotating mandrel through which tubing is fed for depositing thereon a hose at the nozzle exit of the head. A peroxide is fed to the shear head for mixing with the polymer blend and immediately initiating crosslinking; blowing begins just prior to the depositing, the material being already crosslinked to a considerable extent.

Abstract: The top surface of an electrode type vaporizer water container has a water inlet covered by a safety cover having an apertured concave portion through which the terminal pins of the electrodes are exposed. A detachable electric power source connector is insertable into the concave portion for engagement with the terminal pins for supplying power to the electrodes. A stopper pin on the connector cooperates with a stopper projection on the container adjacent the terminal pins to prevent the engagement between the connector and pins unless the cover, which as provided with a stopper pin release means, is properly positioned on the container. The engagement of the connector with the terminal pins locks the safety cover in position on the container making it impossible to remove the cover while the connector is so engaged. The safety cover arrangement prevents the supply of water into the container through the inlet with the electrodes electrically energized.

Abstract: Method for forming blow molded containers with integral handles for carrying and/or pouring. A preform with an integral handle having a ring and projection is formed, supported by the ring, and expanded below the ring to form a container. The projection can be maintained spaced from the expanded container portion or can be joined thereto during or after expansion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pellets from wood particulate material: The apparatus comprises one or more parallel aligned, elongated dies formed by first and second aligned and mating continuous belts comprising a plurality of pads linked together. At least one of the belts has pads that contains a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves in their free surface and the pads of the other belt are confrontingly aligned with the free surface of the pads of the first-mentioned continuous belt, to form the elongated dies. The wood particulate material, containing from 12 to 20% water, is cut, compacted, extruded and autogenously heated in the elongated dies by simultaneously rotating one of the belts counterclockwise and the other belt clockwise at respectively rotational speeds such that the linear speed of one of the belts is greater than the linear speed of the other.

Abstract: A method of forming holes laterally in the wall of plastics tubing, such as, for example, in medical cannulae, uses a smooth-surfaced, pointed needle. The needle is first forced along its length through the wall of the tubing by a gas-driven motor to form a pierced aperture in the wall. The needle is withdrawn from the aperture and drive is then applied from a gas-driven turbine to rotate the needle at high speed about its longitudinal axis. The needle is then inserted into the pierced aperture, drive to rotate the needle only being applied up to the time of insertion of the needle. Contact of the rotating needle with the rim of the aperture causes the rim contour to be smoothed out. When the needle has ceased to rotate it is withdrawn from the aperture.

Abstract: A machine for assembling a polystyrene spool by friction welding polystyrene end flanges (in the form of discs) to the polystyrene cylindrical sleeve or barrel of a spool, used for holding wire or cable wound thereon. The machine comprises a pair of coaxially spaced rotary mandrels, driven by respective motors, on which the end flange discs are first manually mounted, and a pair of cradle members for supporting a cylindrical sleeve in coaxial relation between the two mandrels. A control system is provided for initiating rotation of the mandrels with the end flanges, then causing inward movement of the mandrels toward the opposite ends of the sleeve with a predetermined air pressure to cause softening of a stepped shoulder on the end of the central polystyrene hub of the end flanges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the extrusion of a thermoplastic material in modified form in which the thermoplastic material is introduced into the barrel of a screw extruder, and is heated and forced through the barrel: the material is passed through valve means which together with the temperature of the material is effective to produce a melt transition in the material at a predetermined point and to thoroughly mix the material; subsequently, the material is forced into a low pressure zone in the barrel where a modifying agent is introduced into the material; the resultant mass is forced out of the low pressure zone, and is passed through a mixing means effective to intensify the dispersion of the modifying agent in the mass, the mass is extruded and the extruded material collected.

Abstract: The moldings are manufactured from synthetic thermoplastics, from non-thermoplastic fibrous flakes, which are available in an uncoated or incompletely coated state, and from optionally admixed fillers. The fibrous flakes and the thermoplastic material are mixed under the action of pressure and heat to produce a precompacted composite material, in which the fibrous flake material constitutes about 65% or more by volume of the composite material, and the latter is then extruded and is subsequently finally shaped and finally compacted at the same time.

Abstract: The force applied to a ram is controlled so that the ram moves at a controlled speed while propelling material to be extruded through a die.

Abstract: A process for pelletizing tree bark and other botanical material for use as an industrial fuel. A dryer burning fines from the final product is used to heat bark or other botanical material which is typically a waste product from lumbering or agricultural production. Once dried, the material is finely ground, preheated and forced through a pelletizing mill to create a pelletized product having a diameter of approximately 0.635 cm. The pellets are then cooled and leave the process. Several pelletizing mills are disclosed which are situated to trap the dried material against at least one die such that there will be a continuous, positive feed of material into the die. The resulting product may be substituted for coal as a heating source.

Abstract: Thermoplastic granules mixed with a blowing agent are processed in a barrel unit which encloses a rotating screw which mixes, works and plasticizes the mixture so that at the leading end of the barrel it is in a molten condition suitable for extrusion or injection molding. The screw has two compression stages with an intermediate decompression stage therebetween. At a location corresponding to the decompression stage of the screw the barrel has a vent therein which permits the escape of moisture vapors and other unwanted volatiles in the mixture. At the vent zone the forward faces of the screw flights are undercut to minimize the discharge of mixture through the vent.

Abstract: A method for reclaiming scrap produced in the manufacture of fabric reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet material so that the scrap may be worked, banded and calendered or extruded to form a finished product. The reclaiming or reworking of the material is made possible by first tearing the fabric fibers embedded in the thermoplastic resin into discrete finite lengths, mixing the resulting fibers and resin and forming the mixture into a new sheet of thermoplastic resin material suitable for many commercial uses. The tearing of the textile fibers embedded in the scrap into minute lengths is accomplished by applying shearing force to the opposite surfaces of the segments of scrap, in directions parallel to the surfaces. This is accomplished, for example, in a Banbury mixer or in a tight cold mill. The shearing force causes stretching and ultimate rupturing and tearing of the fibers progressively throughout the entire surface area of the scrap segment.

Abstract: Unitary molded plastic hinged article and method of making in which a fluid molten mixture of heat softenable resin and a blowing agent in substantially unfoamed condition is introduced into an expandable mold cavity to fill the cavity and the mold is expanded to allow foaming of the resin to form at least one foam cored article section while the resin adjacent the mold surface is still fluid and in which the hinge structure is formed by a member adapted to form a thin, flex portion and portions transitional from the thickness of the flex portion to the thickness of a cored article section, the shaping member being slidably disposed in an aperture in the mold with portions of the walls of the aperture exposed within the mold cavity at the time the molten mixture is introduced and the exposed portions of the walls being wiped by the shaping member when the mold is expanded.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for forming rigid friction material structures from dry friction material having as major constituent elements substantial quantities of both asbestos fiber and thermosetting resin, whereby release of asbestos fibers to the atmosphere is substantially eliminated. The improved method builds upon known molding and charge preforming techniques which have been practiced using apparatus available heretofore.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin injection molding machine and method wherein a shearing and kneading barrier is formed at one end portion closer to the injection nozzle of a screw device in a heating cylinder for imparting the shearing forces to and kneading the molding compound so that the molding compound may be sufficiently kneaded before injection and may be uniformly raised in temperature immediately before injection.

Abstract: The temperature of the molten mixture within a multi-screw extruder is maintained in the range of from the melting point of the macromolecular material up to 20.degree. C above said melting point, by an extruder having at least 2 screws, said extruder being constructed such that the ratio (H/D) of the diameter (D) of the screws to the interlocking depth (H) of the screws is equal to or less than 0.1 and the flow of the mixture of inorganic additive and macromolecular material within the screws can be so controlled that the difference in residence time of more than 90% of said mixture is no more than .+-.10% relative to the prescribed residence time, whereby the dispersion of said inorganic additive is extremely improved.

Abstract: A porous pipe primarily of rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through a pipe extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, along with vinyl, ABS binder, and a trace of attaclay. The resulting product is useful as a subsurface irrigation buried pipe, having high structural integrity effectively resisting soil-loading pipe collapse, and it even resists collapse from moderately large rocks in the soil, and yet has a high degree of flexibility along its length. A pipe is provided with cross sectional area of pipe wall more than twice the cross sectional area of the pipe opening.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for forming rigid friction material structures from dry friction material having as major constituent elements substantial quantities of both asbestos fiber and thermosetting resin, whereby release of asbestos fibers to the atmosphere is substantially eliminated. The improved method builds upon known molding and charge preforming techniques which have been practiced using apparatus available heretofore.

Abstract: An annular groove is formed in the periphery of thermoplastic pipe near an end thereof by combining the forces of a fluid under pressure and a rigid expandable core mold. A pipe is heated, softened and placed over a core mold having an extensible portion. The extensible portion is in the retracted state initially and presents no obstacle to the placement of the pipe on the core mold. A space is provided internally of the pipe and is sealed by parts of the core mold whereby the application of a fluid pressure pushes outwardly on the inner periphery of the pipe. At the same time or subsequently the extensible portion of the core mold is extended to provide additional pressure to and to shape the latter internal periphery of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of connecting the ends of a strap of thermoplastic material wrapped about a package comprising, winding a strip from a supply about a package, separating the strap from the supply to define two ends and a free end connected to the supply, positioning the ends in overlapping relation, interposing the said free end between the overlapping ends, applying a pressure force to the two ends and a relative tractive force longitudinally to the free end to create heat until the free end is removed and the two ends are fused to one another.

Abstract: A pair of thermoplastic workpieces are spin welded by placing one element in a non-rotatable, reciprocable clamp. Another workpiece is press-fit onto the first workpiece and the clamp is shifted toward a continuously rotatable collet having radially inwardly closable jaws. A mandrel extends from the collet and projects beyond the jaws to guide the workpieces between the jaws. The mandrel is axially inwardly displaceable by the workpieces, with inward movement thereof being yieldably resisted by a spring to insure that radial shoulders on the workpieces are in abutment. When the other workpiece is positioned between the jaws, the jaws are closed radially into driving contact with such workpiece to substantially instantly rotate the latter at the speed of the collet relative to the one workpiece. Frictional heat thus generated melts the interface between the workpieces. When the other workpiece is released from the jaws, it adheres to the one workpiece.

Abstract: A cartridge such as a caulking cartridge is formed of extruded and injection molded resin parts assembled and welded together. A resin tube is extruded and cut off in lengths to form cartridge barrels, and single-piece resin end caps and nozzles are injection molded. The barrel cylinders are fed to an assembly station where the end caps and nozzles are fitted over one of the severed ends of the barrel cylinders in concentric registry with the barrel cylinders and are successively welded to the barrel cylinders to form cartridges.

Abstract: A selected region of a conductive elastomer is made relatively nonconductive by subjecting said region to ultrasonic vibration and pressure.

Abstract: A process for admixing additives to plastics and simultaneously removing volatile constituents in a horizontal devolatilizing extruder. Taken in sequence in the direction of flow, the additives are first introduced into the devolatilizing extruder from above, and the plastic melt, solution or dispersion is then introduced from below, while the bulk of the volatile constituents are withdrawn from the devolatilizing extruder at an orifice located vertically above the point at which the plastic is fed in. The process permits the removal of volatile constituents with simultaneous admixture of additives during aftertreatment of plastics, in a single step and at very high throughputs.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing soft polyvinyl chloride foam by agitating a foamable plastisol at high speed and under pressure.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of joining two non-fusible workpieces using frictional energy. A first workpiece having a higher melting temperature is provided with a recess extending from the mating surface of the workpiece into the interior thereof. The recess is shaped for trapping material. A static force applied in a direction normal to the mating surfaces of the workpieces to be joined urges the first workpiece into intimate contact with a second workpiece having a lower melting temperature. The workpieces are subjected to relative motion in the plane of the mating surface for causing frictional energy and a softening of the second workpiece. The softened material flows into the recess and solidifies upon cessation of the relative motion. The workpieces are thus joined by virtue of the solidified material trapped in the recess.

Abstract: A manual strapping tool for joining overlapping portions of a thermoplastic strap includes a cantilevered spring having fixed and vibratory ends. The fixed end is rigidly anchored to a base member and the vibratory end supports one of a pair of jaws having opposing strap gripping surfaces. The other jaw is fixedly positioned on the base so that the strap gripping surfaces are normally in confronting engagement. An operating handle is pivotally mounted on the base member and swingable from a start position through a strap compressing position and a strap sealing position. In the start position, a lifter cam on the operating handle engages a lift arm causing the arm to raise the vibratory end of the cantilevered spring and to separate the strap gripping surfaces so that overlapping strap portions can be inserted therebetween.

Abstract: Spin welding head is rotated at a predetermined rate by a shaft through a clutch biased into engagement by springs carried by a clutch member which surrounds the shaft. After the rotating head is engaged against the workpiece, the shaft is advanced axially into the head at a predetermined rate through a predetermined distance whereupon shoulders on the head and clutch member interengage to halt the spring induced axial movement of the clutch member with the shaft. Axial movement of the shaft is continued to disengage the clutch and free the head for continued rotation independently of the shaft through its rotational inertia. The mass of the head and its rate of rotation are coordinated to keep the head spinning for long enough to complete the spin welding which was initiated while the head was being driven by the shaft. The shaft also forms a plunger which in each cycle of operation injects lubricant from a reservoir into a passageway system for lubricating the moving parts in the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a thermoplastic pipe with an inner groove, by subjecting a heat plasticized pipe to the action of some rotatably supported deforming rollers which are expanded and rotated by means of a mandril. A relative rotating motion between said deforming rollers and the pipe is maintained until the pipe is no longer permanently deformable and the relatieve rotating motion is maintained to strengthen the walls of said groove.

Abstract: A method of providing a fibrous thermoplastic resin for depolymerization thereof wherein the fibrous thermoplastic resin is formed into a shaped article having a specific gravity of at least 1/2 of the true specific gravity of the fibrous thermoplastic resin, said shaped article consisting of the fibrous thermoplastic resin mass having on its surface a crusty thin resin layer which may be press-bonded or melt-bonded to the mass. The thus provided shaped article of the fibrous thermoplastic resin can be advantageously employed as a starting material for the depolymerization reaction. In accordance with this invention, the time required for completion of the depolymerization can be greatly shortened as compared with that of the conventional technique and the rate and efficiency of the depolymerization can be greatly improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing component thermoplastic sections and for joining them into bobbins for spinning and twisting machines. A frictional surface is formed by injection molding at the outer end surface of a male section and the inner end surface of a female section of a bobbin. By joining the sections and subjecting them to a high-speed rotation relative to each other the frictional surfaces melt and the sections are fused into an integral break resistant bobbin. The specific shapes of the male and female contacting surfaces and the manner of fusing them together are described as being critical.

Abstract: Polyesters of para-oxybenzoyl are infusible and very resistant to acids and solvents, thus limiting the means by which such polymers can be fabricated. Such a polyester is made more amorphous, thus improving compression moldability, by subjecting it to a high temperature treatment, followed by a rapid quench. The resulting polymer has reduced crystalline orientation, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction patterns, and molded articles thereof have improved flexural strength, without adversely affecting the modulus. The thermal treatment is carried out on the polymer by heating at a temperature of at least 300.degree.C, and up to just below the decomposition temperature of the polymer, followed by quenching of the hot polymer.

Abstract: Two thermoplastic strips are weld together frictionally by positioning the ends of the strips together in overlapping relation. A third strip of thermoplastic is interposed between the overlapping strips. Gripping the ends of the two overlapping strips so as to maintain them stationary while moving the third strip rapidly in a direction longitudinally of said two strips until the third strip is removed from between the two overlapping strips.

Abstract: .Iadd.Method and apparatus for spin-welding thermoplastic articles in which two axially mating sections are driven in rotation relative to each other and then axially abutted in mating relationship. One of the two mating sections is chucked to an inertia member which is brought up to speed by a rotary drive. The rotary drive is uncoupled as the sections are moved into axial abuttment and the braking of the inertia member by the axial abuttment of the sections is transformed into frictional heat which welds the sections to each other. Apparatus for spin welding sections on a production line basis is disclosed. .Iaddend.