Abstract: A method for extruding foam of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is a blend of olefin rubber and polyolefin resin, includes the steps of mixing the thermoplastic with water, introducing the mix to an extruder, melting and compressing the thermoplastic elastomer and water and extruding the resultant mix as foam. In more detail, a first quantity of thermoplastic elastomer in pellet form is mixed with a second quantity of water. The mixed water and thermoplastic elastomer is introduced to an extruder. The thermoplastic elastomer is allowed to soak for a predetermined period of time after mixing. The thermoplastic elastomer is melted and mixed with the water to a uniform mix of thermoplastic elastomer and water. The mix is extruded through a die, wherein the water expands in a vapor form to create foam cells with the cells having walls of the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A one-way valve includes a plate and a flexible vane. The plate has a vent opening of a first size and shape. The plate has a first curvature. The flexible vane has a second curvature distinct from the first curvature. The vane is fixed to the plate in a manner facilitating the deflection of the vane between an open position and a closed position. The vane is in a bent condition in the closed position. The vane conforms to the first curvature of the plate over the vent opening, and covers the vent opening in the closed position. The vane is elastic throughout a range of deflection associated with the vane moving between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A method for extruding foam of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is a blend of olefin rubber and polyolefin resin, includes the steps of mixing the thermoplastic with water, introducing the mix to an extruder, melting and compressing the thermoplastic elastomer and water and extruding the resultant mix as foam. In more detail, a first quantity of thermoplastic elastomer in pellet form is mixed with a second quantity of water. The mixed water and thermoplastic is introduced to an extruder. The thermoplastic elastomer is melted and mixed with the water to a uniform mix of thermoplastic elastomer and water. The mix is extruded through a die, wherein the water expands in a vapor form to create foam cells with the cells having walls of the thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: Lever actuator assembly includes the use of at least one clutch member for providing selective adjustment of the length or tension of a cable. The clutch member provides for a stationary position of a item such as a cable relative to the assembly housing absent any rotational force. Applying a rotational force in a selected manner results in an adjustment through movement of the clutch member relative to the housing. A disclosed embodiment is particularly useful for applications that require adjusting a relative length of a cable.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a flexible support member, a device for longitudinally subtending the support member, an apex shift linkage, and a loading device engaging the apex shift linkage. The flexible support member has oppositely disposed first and second longitudinal ends. The device for longitudinally subtending the support member is disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end and causes the support member to arch outwardly to define an apex engaging a users back. The apex shift linkage includes a first shift link and a second shift link. The first shift link has a first end pivotably connected to the flexible support member proximate to the first longitudinal end. The second shift link is pivotably connected on a first end thereof to the flexible support at a point between the second longitudinal end and the first end of the apex shift link.

Abstract: A single-piece strong, flexible back support for use in seats such as automobile seats or office chairs, includes a central body portion with outwardly extending support fingers such that an arch having a variable apex is formed when the back support is subtended longitudinally. The longitudinal location of an apex and the shape of the arch formed on the back support changes responsively to a load imposed by a person's back. The inventive back support is capable of taking a variety of shapes thereby providing maximum comfort and support regardless of the user's spinal curvature or posture and position relative to the back support.

Abstract: A barrier for closing and sealing a tubular passage while permitting ingress and egress of coating material into and out of the passage and with a mat of expandable adherent material secured to a barrier plate, the expansion and sealing actuated by exposure to curing heat.

Abstract: A sandwich-like fixture of expandable foam material as a core between two registering flanking plates of relatively rigid material and means through the plates securing the expandable material and plates in assembled contact relation. One or more of the plates include stabilizing and orienting feet or tab means for securing the fixture in selected position in relation to elements forming a passageway. The fixture is sized in respect to the passageway so as to provide clearance in order to achieve ingress and egress to the passageway. Then, by actuating the expandable foam material by application of heat the expanding foam closes and seals the passageway by filling the clearance between fixture and walls of the passageway with adhesive foamed material at selected points where the fixtures are positioned.