Abstract: A buffer stop assembly for engagement within cargo aircraft to resist cargo movement. The buffer stop assembly comprises a horizontal member selectively engageable to the aircraft and a substantially vertical member resistant to movement by aircraft cargo. The members are mounted to each other. Preferably the panel mounting allows the vertical member to be moved between an extended position and a transport position overlying the horizontal member.

Abstract: Foamed and solid, flax-filled composites. The flax filler may be used as a substitute for wood fiber, wood flour, and other cellulosic fillers in synthetic wood composites. The flax filler may be present in an amount up to about 55% by weight of an exemplary solid composite. In an exemplary foamed composite, the flax filler may be present in an amount up to about 40% by weight.

Abstract: An extrudable wood composite which includes cellulosic material and a powdered thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for cooling extruded and molded materials. The present invention is especially useful to thoroughly cool an extrudate by releasing a cooling fluid in a hollow portion of the extrudate. Hollows may be created in order to reduce material, weight, and/or processing time. A fluid below about 80 degrees Fahrenheit is released into the hollow so as to cool the material and to assist in solidification. Increases in production line throughput may result by rapidly cooling the molded material. Other uses for the present invention include injection molding, compression molding, gas assist molding, and co-extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous in-line compounding and extrusion system that does not require pre-dried wood flour or pelletized feed stock of cellulosic/polymer composite materials in order to produce net shapes from cellulosic/polymer composite materials. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes automated loss-in-weight feeders to dispense wood flour and all of the other cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a compounder. The compounder blends the cellulosic/polymer composite materials into a composite melt. The composite melt is continuously devolitalized as it travels through the compounder, a transition chute, and a finish extruder. The composite melt is then forced through a profile die which is fitted to the finish extruder in order to achieve a net shape.

Abstract: A static line snap comprising an elongated body including a handle portion and an opposing C shaped portion for attachment to an anchor. The attachment portion includes a cavity with a load end and a lock end, and opposing arms defining a slot. A keeper with two gates is movably mounted adjacent the slot. The keeper has a lock position and a load position, with a first gate partitioning the load end from the lock end in the keeper load position and a second gate partitioning the load end from the lock end in the keeper lock position.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and process for drying and extruding a cellulosic compound. The compound materials are provided to a mixer in a desired ratio. The compound materials are then mixed together. Thereafter, the compound materials can be stored in a non-controlled environment until needed. When it is time to extrude the compound materials, the compound materials are transferred to a dryer at a location remote from the mixer. The dryer has a surface area enabling the compound materials to be sufficiently spread out for drying. The compound materials are substantially uniformly dried to a desired level in the dryer. The compound materials are then transferred to an extruder to be formed into a final net shape.

Abstract: A panel for use in siding is disclosed. The panel has a cement core in a shape defining the panel of the siding, and a plastic film layer attached to the cement core. The plastic film layer is either a polymer or a copolymer of vinyl chloride. The panel may also have an adhesive layer which adheres the plastic film layer to the cement core. The cement core may contain fiber reinforcement.

Abstract: An extruded wood simulative material is described which includes a high degree of cellulosic material content and begins with powdered thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present invention is a cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite. The composite includes about 30% to about 70% by weight of the composite of cellulosic material, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composite of talc, and about 25% to about 40% by weight of the composite of polyethylene. An extruded article and a method of making the cellulosic, inorganic-filled plastic composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method of use for opening a container during descent so that objects within the container may be dispersed over a controlled ground area. The device includes a housing with a parachute canopy contained within. A sling is attached to the canopy within the housing and extends external to the housing. A cap is selectively engageable with the housing to close the housing. A spring within the housing exerts outward force on the cap. An actuation device is mounted to the cap to selectively disengage the cap from the housing. When the cap is disengaged from the housing the cap is ejected by the force of the spring. A lanyard connecting the cap to the canopy draws the canopy out of the housing for deployment. Deployment of the canopy transfers tension force through the slings to the container. The tension force imposed on the container by the slings opens the container, releasing objects held therein. The objects are released at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A mechanical dereefer comprises a frame having a housing end with a joining wall and spaced plates extending from the joining wall to define a L shaped bifurcated end. A latch is mounted between the plates for pivotal movement between a capture position, wherein a reefing line end is held, and a release position, wherein the reefing line end is released. The latch is maintained in the capture position by engagement with a latch lock slidable through an aperture in the joining wall to a projected position. The latch lock is maintained against a bias in the projected position by the engagement of an elbow link and a trigger link each pivotally mounted within the frame housing end. The trigger link may be actuated out of engagement with the elbow link either manually or by a trigger device.

Abstract: A low profile latch mechanism for use in existing and new parachute quick release couplings of the type having two nested members. The mechanism uses a U shaped latch connected to a lever. In an overlying position of the lever, the members are retained in the nested condition, preventing release of the coupling. A W-shaped spring biases tabs into engagement with apertures in one of the members. The lever is retained in the overlying position by connection with the W-shaped spring. Disengaging the W-shaped spring allows the lever to be pivoted, moving the U shaped latch to a position whereby the members are free to separate.

Abstract: A cellulosic composite comprising: (a) at least one cellulosic material present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the composite, (b) at least one polyvinyl chloride material present in an amount in the range of from about 25% to about 50% by weight of the composite, and (c) at least one polar thermosetting material present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 4% by weight of the composite is disclosed. An extruded article made form the cellulose composite and a method of making the cellulose composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system of compression molding a synthetic wood formulation into a commercially useable synthetic wood component is described. Surprising results are achieved when the dry formulation is placed under heat and pressure. Many different components may be made using the present invention, such as by example, wood-like trim components for the housing construction industry.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface downward from the top, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: An extrusion process is described for the extrusion of a synthetic wood material. The process includes a significantly higher compression ratio through which the extruded product must pass. The higher compression ratio results in significantly improved product qualities.

Abstract: A cellulosic composite comprising: (a) at least one cellulosic material present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the composite, (b) at least one polyvinyl chloride material present in an amount in the range of from about 25% to about 50% by weight of the composite, and (c) at least one polar thermosetting material present in an amount in the range of from about 0% to about 4% by weight of the composite is disclosed. An extruded article made form the cellulose composite and a method of making the cellulose composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing a thermoplastic panel or piece having a resilient injection molded portion. The panel or piece of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications such as to provide sealing ends on thermoplastic panels or to create resiliently closeable passages in thermoplastic panels through which wires and other objects may be passed while maintaining an even surface appearance of the baseboard panel. Other uses include attaching one or more thermoplastic pieces together.