Abstract: An electromagnetic coupler couples a first rotating element with a second element with a torque transfer between the first and second elements. The coupling is solely by a magnetic field which can be fully coupled, fully uncoupled or modulated to provide a variable transmission of power between the first and second elements. The electromagnetic coupler comprises a set radially disposed electromagnets and a concentric set of pole pieces separated by an air gap. The magnetic field between the electromagnets and the pole pieces is increased as the current through the electromagnets is increased. At low current, there is substantial slippage between the respective driving and driven elements. With full magnetic coupling, the electromagnets and pole pieces are fully coupled or without any slippage therebetween. When the magnetic field is eliminated, there is no torque transfer between the driving and driven elements.

Abstract: A hand-held cap opener fitting the palm of the hand is employed in removing a cap from the child resistant container. The container terminates in a cylindrical neck having threads thereon and a first indicia at a circumferential position providing unlocking of the cap with the cap rotated to a corresponding angular position. The cap includes a radially outward second indicia projection. With the cap radial projection and the first indicia in circumferential alignment, the cap may be pried off the threaded end of the container neck. The cap opener is preferably of molded plastic and unitary form including a palm-held flat plate having top and bottom surfaces. A ring integral with the plate projects from the bottom surface with the ring sized slightly larger than the diameter of the cap which is received therein. An opening in the ring at the longitudinal center line of the flat plate receives the second indicia projection on the cap.

Abstract: A method for cleaning thermoplastic material especially for reclaiming thermoplastic material from scrap material which includes in addition to the thermoplastic material, materials having a higher melting point than the thermoplastic, such as metal, thermosetting material, etc. The scrap material which has been treated to remove large particles of metal and/or other hard materials is heated and extruded to thereby provide a confined pressurized stream of melted thermoplastic material containing therein small metallic or other unmelted particles. A portion of the stream of melted material is filtered to provide a filtrate composed of melted thermoplastic material containing therein unmelted materials having a size less than a preselected size.

Abstract: In a system for comminuting materials containing thermoplastics, the temperature in the comminuting chamber is monitored and a spray of cooling liquid is charged into the cutting chamber when the cutting chamber is at a temperature greater than the boiling temperature of the cooling liquid and less than the melting temperature for the thermoplastic being comminuted. By using heat of vaporization to extract heat from the cutting chamber, the likelihood of the plastic softening and/or melting and clogging the comminuting screen is substantially reduced. A higher throughput of materials is obtained because of material remaining harder. By vaporizing the liquid, the discharged comminuted material may be maintained very dry for later classifying. Preferably, the cooling liquid is discharged intermittently to keep the temperature of the comminuting chamber within predetermined upper and lower temperature limits.

Abstract: A thermoplastic thread protector is provided for use in protecting internal threads of a pipe or coupling, the protector comprising a tapered shell having threads thereon and an outer flange which rest on the end of the pipe, and a tapered expansion ring designed to expand the shell into locking contact with the pipe, the shell and ring being interlocked through a rim around one end of the ring and a lip around the other end so that the protector must be unscrewed as a unit from the pipe.

Abstract: A thread protector for the external threads of a pipe comprises two parts, an outer sleeve and an inner casing having spaced arcuate sections. The arcuate sections have threads thereon conforming to the pipe threads, a flange at their outer end having raised bosses around its inner periphery, and a shoulder around its other end. The outer sleeve is axially matable with the casing, having a lip at its outer end and a channel about its other end. The two parts are axially secured to the threaded pipe and locked thereon by interaction of the casing and sleeve so that the unit is removable from the threaded pipe only by unscrewing the same as a unit.