Abstract: An improved plastic spool for serving electrical insulation, such as glass fiber yarn, about a continuous wire is provided having a better combination of strength and breakability properties than prior spools. The spool is made by joining two identical molded halves, and comprises a hollow tubular core and radially extending flanges at each end of the core. The flanges are tapered in thickness and are reinforced by integrally molded stiffening ribs. The flanges are provided with grooves along which the plastic will fracture, which grooves are aligned with slots in the core. The slots extending axially along the core but terminate a distance from each flange such that the core is not weakened, yet the fractures along the groove lines will propagate across the remaining solid plastic continuum and connect with the slots to fragment the spool into pieces. The spool also includes a paper insert which lines the core of the spool for snug engagement with a mandrel.

Abstract: An acoustical panel assembly having improved structural, decorative and acoustical properties is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a perimeter frame. A thin septum member is supported in the center of the frame. A fibrous glass layer is positioned adjacent each side of the septum member. A molded, semi-rigid, fibrous glass diffuser member is positioned adjacent each of the fibrous glass layers. The assembly includes means for joining adjacent panel assemblies and, in one embodiment, an outer decorative fabric layer is positioned adjacent each of the outer surfaces of the diffuser members.

Abstract: A preformed manhole suitable for use underground is made of reinforced plastic. The manhole comprises a dome section integrally joined at one end of a tubular body by an endless band of reinforced plastic. The dome is arcuately shaped to provide resistance to buckling, and in one specific embodiment is generally hemispherical. The dome includes a manway and a load bearing shoulder for supporting the manhole cover and frame. An upwardly extending rib or collar is provided around the manway to provide additional stiffness and stability.The method for making the preformed manhole is also disclosed. The tubular body is made by applying resin, glass fiber reinforcement, and particulate filler on an endlessly advancing mandrel. The dome is made by applying resin and glass fibers on the surface of a rotating mold. The dome and body are joined by laying-up resin and glass over their mated ends.

Abstract: In a molding process wherein a press delivers molded parts alternately to two or more stations, an apparatus is provided for moving a part from any one of the alternate press unloading stations to a common receiving station. The apparatus moves the part along a curvilinear path while maintaining the orientation of the part constant with respect to the receiving station. The apparatus includes a carriage which is supported on an overhead track, and which itself supports a rotatable holder. The apparatus further includes mechanical means capable of rotating the holder in response to the change in angular orientation of the carriage as it moves along the curved track, to effect the controlled orientation of the part as desired.