Abstract: A method for in-line leak testing of blow moulded containers wherein a conveyor line is fed with a continuous stream of blow moulded containers from a blow moulding machine, at least one measuring head is temporarily connected to a first blow moulded container. The measuring head is moved in order to follow the movement of said first blow moulded container which is pressurized by a source of pressurized gas, the source of pressurized gas is disconnected, said at least one measuring head is used to measure the pressure decay therein. The pressure decay is compared with stored data for the pressure decay of acceptable containers and an accept or non-accept signal is generated which implies proceeding or disposal of said first blow moulded container. The measuring head is moved against the moving direction of the conveyor line to a subsequent blow moulded container, and the process is repeated.

Abstract: Tooling assemblies for interfacing with interchangeable molds are provided, each with a tooling body for mounting to a platen of a press of an injection molding machine and for receiving an interchangeable mold block. Interchangeable mold blocks are also provided for forming articles. A series of fasteners fasten each mold block to one of the tooling bodies. Alignment systems are oriented within a perimeter of the mold block to permit expansion of the mold block relative to the tooling body to accommodate varying rates of thermal expansion of the tooling body and the mold block. Methods for assembling a mold, molding an article and interchanging a mold with interchangeable mold blocks are also provided.

Abstract: A method of laminating a decorative layer to a molded part comprises molding a part formed of an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin and applying a segment of co-extruded an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin film to the part. The part is loaded into a vacuum forming nest and maintained in a heated state. The film is heated and then positioned over the part in a pressure box. A vacuum is applied through the vacuum forming nest to a first side of the film facing the part at the same time air pressure is applied through the pressure box to a second side of the film. The film is bonded directly to the part without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing an article having a surface, a skin, and a core includes closing a first mold portion on a compressible seal. The seal is disposed between the first and second mold portions. The portions define a pressurizable mold cavity having a spaced apart injection port and a vent. The mold cavity is pressurized at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Molten plastic and blowing agent are injected form gas cells within the mixture. The gas cells have an internal pressure exceeding the first pressure. After waiting for a first period, the pressurizing gas is vented for a second period at a rate sufficient to rupture the gas cells which form a skin adjacent to the mold cavity wall. The skin defines a core cavity filled with the foamed mixture, which is solidified. The mold portions are separated releasing the article.

Abstract: A cold plate assembly for cooling a heat source is disclosed. The cold plate assembly includes a rectangular base having an inner surface for thermally interfacing with the heat source. Machining or casting or molding a contour to interface with the heat source forms the base. A heat pipe thermal plane or individual heat pipes are selected to conform to the thermal cooling capacity of the cold plate assembly. One or two compact heat exchangers are selected to remove the heat conducted through the base to the cooling fluid used in the compact heat exchanger. The three modules are bonded together to form the cold plate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method and apparatus, associated with a self-piercing valve assembly for mounting the self-piercing valve on a pipe and for constraining movement of the valve on the pipe. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a self-piercing valve assembly comprises a clamping assembly and a crimping member associated with the clamping assembly, which crimping member "automatically" crimps a pipe and forms a recess therein when the self-piercing valve clamping assembly is tightened about the pipe, and simultaneously effects a crimping member/recess interface (much like a key-and-keyway interface) which inhibits relative angular rotation between the pipe and valve. The crimping member is, preferably, a rigid, projection or tab.

Abstract: An self-regulating quarter turn faucet valve is fabricated entirely of non-metal parts for use in purified and distilled water dispensing faucets. The valve has wall dimensions that are designed to withstand the torque and tensile forces generated when the valve is threaded into a faucet receptacle and has key operational components located in non-stressed areas of the valve to prevent destructive shear forces during operation. A stacked polished ceramic disc arrangement is used to shut the valve on and off through rotation of the discs relative to each other to align and misalign wing-shaped openings formed in the discs.

Abstract: A coupling comprising a first member defining a socket, a second number such as a tube defining a spigot inserted into an open end of the socket, and a locking device received within an annular gap defined between an inner wall of the socket and an outer wall of the spigot. The locking device comprises circumferentially spaced load-bearing members, each load-bearing member extending within the annular gap from a first end which is relatively close to the open end of the socket and a second end which is relatively remote from the open end of the socket. Each load-bearing member is resiliently biased such that the first end engages the socket and the second end engages the spigot, and each load-bearing member is dimensioned such that it acts substantially as a beam in compression to resist withdrawal of the spigot from the socket.

Abstract: An improved garbage disposal assembly with an apparatus and related method for selectively varying the sink-side appearance of the garbage disposal assembly. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a decorative flange mask for covering a sink flange of a garbage disposal. A sink flange includes an open cylindrical body portion for insertion through a drainage hole of a sink bottom and an annular lip portion extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical body portion for location above the sink bottom. The decorative flange mask, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes an open cylindrical mask body for insertion into the cylindrical body portion of the sink flange and an annular mask lip connected to and extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical mask body for covering the annular lip portion of the sink flange.

Abstract: An improved garbage disposal assembly with an apparatus and related method for selectively varying the sink-side appearance of the garbage disposal assembly. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a decorative flange mask for covering a sink flange of a garbage disposal. A sink flange includes an open cylindrical body portion for insertion through a drainage hole of a sink bottom and an annular lip portion extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical body portion for location above the sink bottom. The decorative flange mask, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, includes an open cylindrical mask body for insertion into the cylindrical body portion of the sink flange and an annular mask lip connected to and extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical mask body for covering the annular lip portion of the sink flange.

Abstract: A snow making, multiple nozzle assembly is provided comprising a tubular casing having an upstream end wall and an outwardly bulging downstream wall containing a plurality of snow making, supersonic, air expansion and liquid atomizing nozzle orifices circumferentially spaced therearound with radially inwardly extending air grooves therebetween in the outer, bulging surface. A tube plate partitions the casing interior into an upstream water compartment and downstream air compartment, and for each snow making nozzle orifice contains a water jet nozzle for directing a water jet into a central portion of that snow making nozzle orifice. Pressurized water fed into the water compartment causes water jets in each of the snow making nozzle orifices while pressurized air fed to the air compartment causes a jacket of air to surround the water jets entering the snow making nozzle orifice. The water exits from the snow making nozzle orifices as fine droplets which form into snow.

Abstract: There is provided an edge joint between two pieces of metal sheet material, in which a marginal portion of each piece is folded back to lie adjacently along the main portion of that piece. The two pieces are arranged so that the marginal portion of one piece is sandwiched between the main portions of the two pieces, and the main portion of the other piece is sandwiched between the marginal portions of the two pieces. Apertures in the pieces pass through the folded regions, and the apertures are aligned so that a fastener can be placed through the aligned apertures for joining the two pieces.

Abstract: A connector unit for connecting the struts of a geodesic dome framework is disclosed. The connector unit has the general shape of a frustum of a right circular cone. Five equally spaced rectangular depressions are formed in the upper surface of the frustum and a pair of flanges in mirror image relationship in planes perpendicular to the planes of the rectangular depressions are placed on opposite sides of each rectangular depression and each flange of the pair has an opening in its central area with the openings in register with each other.