Abstract: A pressurized fluid reservoir having a variable working volume includes a cylinder body having a fixed storage volume an a first inlet and exhaust structure for allowing a compressible fluid to enter and leave the cylinder. A second inlet and exhaust structure is also provided or allowing a substantially incompressible fluid to enter and leave the cylinder. A first charge mechanism pumps the compressible fluid into the cylinder. A second charge mechanism pumps the substantially incompressible fluid into the cylinder to reduce the cylinder fixed storage volume to a desired working volume into which the compressible fluid cna be pumped by the first charge mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injection molding plastic articles with gas-assistance wherein the injected molten plastic is depressurized by a controlled amount prior to gas injection to facilitate the penetration of the gas into the molten plastic within the article-defining cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A method of gas-assisted injection molding in which a charge of pressurized gas is injected into the mold, but not into the article-defining cavity. The gas charge is of a predetermined quantity and pressure sufficient to assist in filling out the article-defining cavity with resin and promoting surface quality. In another feature, the gas pressure within the resulting molding may be relieved by separating the mold halves and permitting the gas-containing portion of the molding to self-rupture, or by means well known in the art.

Abstract: A process for molding a thermoplastic material includes the aspect of venting fluid through a bore in a valve member of a nozzle body through which thermoplastic material flows. The nozzle body is communicated with a mold space into which the thermoplastic material flows. The mold space is defined by mold surfaces. Then the valve member is actuated to allow thermoplastic material to flow through the nozzle body into the mold space. Subsequently, pressurized fluid is allowed to flow through the valve member bore into the thermoplastic material in the mold space to form a cavity in the thermoplastic material. Then the valve member is actuated to terminate the flow of thermoplastic material through the nozzle body. The pressurized fluid is allowed to flow through the valve member bore into the fluid cavity. Finally, the pressurized fluid is vented from the fluid cavity to the valve member bore.

Abstract: A method, system and device utilized therein for the injection molding of plastic articles of enhanced surface quality using pressurized fluid. The fluid is prevented from contaminating the molten resin in the nozzle from which it was injected to thereby eliminate splay. The method involves the initial step of injecting molten resin at a nominal injection pressure from the nozzle of an injection molding machine through a resin injection aperture at an upstream position in a mold. The resin travels along a resin flow path in the mold to a mold cavity defining the shape of the molded article at a downstream position. The device at least partially defines the resin flow path in the mold. A charge of fluid pressurized at a predetermined level is communicated to the resin flow path through an orifice in the device which opens to the resin flow path.

Abstract: An impact energy managing bumper structure having a configuration and component members that cooperatively provide, as a function of position along its length, predetermined levels of resilient opposition to deformation and displacement. A semirigid resilient fascia is spaced forwardly of the bumper structure, and the volume defined therebetween is filled with an integral skin urethane foam that is resiliently deformable and integrally bonded to both members.

Abstract: An injection molding method and nozzle for use therein wherein first and second variable pressures are applied to a piston of a valve mechanism of the nozzle so that a differential fluid pressure on the piston causes a tip portion of the valve mechanism to alternately open and close. In this way, the tip portion communicates the flow of resin from a nozzle body of the nozzle to an injection aperture of a mold. Differential pressure on the piston prevents a fluid which distributes the molten resin over the interior surfaces of the mold from entering the flow path of the molten resin in the nozzle body. The fluid preferably is a gas, such as nitrogen. Preferably, the piston is mounted for reciprocating movement within the nozzle body and the first pressure is provided by the resin during resin injection and the second pressure is partially applied by the nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for making a hollow-shaped body from molten resin wherein the method includes the step of cutting a hole through the resin after it is cooled and into a fluid aperture formed during a fluid injection step which distributes the molten resin over the interior surfaces of a mold of the system. The fluid aperture is in communication with the interior of the resulting hollow-shaped body and is preferably located in the runner or sprue of the mold. The fluid is preferably a gas, such as nitrogen. In each of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, a cutting member is located in the mold and has a surface which at least partially defines a resin flow path in the mold. Cutting is accomplished by moving the cutting member in a controlled fashion between a molding position and a relieving position so that the cutting member applies a cutting force to cut the hole. The cutting member includes a fluid-relieving aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for the injection molding of plastic articles of enhanced surface quality using fluid pressure. The method involves the initial step of injecting molten plastic at a nominal injection pressure from an injection molding machine through a flow path to a mold cavity defining the shape of the molded article. A charge of fluid pressurized at a predetermined level no greater than the nominal plastic injection pressure is communicated to the plastic flow path through an orifice of sufficiently small dimension to resist entry of the molten plastic against the pressure of the fluid charge. The pressurized charge of fluid responds to a reduction of the pressure in the plastic flow path below the predetermined level upon substantial completion of plastic injection and enters the flow path and passes into the mold cavity. The fluid is contained within the mold cavity under pressure until the article has set up, and is thereafter vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle spoiler includes a first rigid body part having an external surface contour, a second resiliently deformable foam body part having an external surface contour complementary to the first surface contour, and means for integrally securing the first and second body parts together. Preferably, the deformable foam body part is molded in situ on the rigid body part. A finishing groove extending between adjacent edges of the first external surface contour and the second external surface contour prevents recognition of differences between the materials and processes used to form the first and second body parts and prevents inconsistent transition between the body parts. A method for forming the spoiler includes fabrication of injection molded body shell parts bonded together by a foam material to form a rigid first body section. The rigid body section is then positioned within a molding cavity while foam material is introduced into the cavity and against engagement surfaces on the rigid body part.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for making a hollow-shaped body from molten resin wherein the method includes the step of cutting a hole through the resin after it is cooled and into a fluid aperture formed during a fluid injection step which distributes the molten resin over the interior surfaces of a mold of the system. The fluid aperture is in communication with the interior of the resulting hollow-shaped body and is preferably located in the runner or sprue of the mold. The fluid is preferably a gas, such as nitrogen. In each of the disclosed embodiments of the invention, a cutting member is located in the mold and has a surface which at least partially defines a resin flow path in the mold. Cutting is accomplished by moving the cutting member in a controlled fashion between a molding position and a relieving position so that the cutting member applies a cutting force to cut the hole. The cutting member includes a fluid-relieving aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A nozzle for the injection molding of thermoplastic materials includes a nozzle body having a first bore for establishing a flow path for a molten thermoplastic. A first end of the nozzle body is adapted for fluid connection with a sprue of an associated mold body, and a second end thereof is adapted for fluid connection with an end of an associated injection molding machine. The nozzle body also includes a second bore. A first valve assembly, which is adapted for reciprocating movement in the nozzle body second bore, is provided to control the flow of plastic through the nozzle body. The first valve member includes a body having a tip portion and a fluid passage formed in the body and open at one end through the tip portion. A connection member is provided for communicating the valve body fluid passage with an associated source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a gas includes a preferably substantially vertically oriented cylinder body, having a longitudinally extending bore with a wall, and a preferably substantially vertically oriented piston adapted for reciprocating movement in the cylinder bore. The piston includes a piston head preferably having a substantially horizontally oriented top face and a seal groove extending around the periphery of the piston head and spaced from the piston head top face. At least one fluid passage extends in the piston head from the top face thereof to the seal groove. A seal member is positioned in the groove and has an outer face adapted to contact the cylinder inner wall. A layer of a lubricant is provided on the piston head top face. An inlet aperture is provided for allowing a gas to enter the cylinder above the piston head. A movement member is provided to urge the piston upwardly and compress the gas.

Abstract: A vehicle spoiler comprises a first rigid body part having an external surface contour, a second resiliently deformable foam body part having an external surface contour complementary to the first surface contour, and means for integrally securing the first and second body parts together. Preferably, the deformable foam body part is molded in situ on the rigid body part. A finishing groove extending between adjacent edges of the first external surface contour and the second external surface contour prevents recognition of differences between the materials and processes used to form the first and second body parts and prevents inconsistent transition between the body parts. A method for forming the spoiler includes fabrication of injection molded body shell parts bonded together by a foam material to form a rigid first body section. The rigid body section is then positioned within a molding cavity while foam material is introduced into the cavity and against engagement surfaces on the rigid body part.

Abstract: A wire play out control apparatus for an intermittent wire strand feeder comprises an elongated, deflectable member including a strand guide for controlling displacement of a strand along the length of the deflectable member. The deflectable member is mounted at one end of a lever pivotally secured intermediate its ends so that the opposite end of the lever is aligned for pivotal displacement between a first position engaging a brake against the spool and a second position disengaging the brake from the spool. The outlet of the strand guide is positioned in axial alignment with the feed axis of the feeder. The pivot mounting also permits lateral adjustment of the strand guide inlet with the play out position of the strand on the spool.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bumper comprises a semi-rigid resilient fascia and a bumper bar spaced rearwardly from the fascia, the space therebetween being filled with an integral skin urethane foam which is resiliently compressible and integrally bonded to the fascia and bumper bar.

Abstract: A wheel cover installation and retention system for a wheel including a circumferential retention groove. The wheel cover includes pilot ribs for first engaging the inner surface of the wheel at a plurality of preselected positions on the wheel and preventing radial movement of the wheel cover relative to the wheel during installation, retention fingers for engaging the circumferential retention groove at a plurality of preselected locations on the wheel, and a spring member contacting the retention fingers and exerting a radially outward force on the retention fingers, thereby urging the retention fingers into the circumferential retention groove on the wheel.

Abstract: A secondary spindle or device is utilized with an overhead conveyor and a primary spindle to prevent solidified paint particles that may have built up on the conveyor from falling onto newly painted parts supported on the primary spindle. The primary spindle is suspended from the conveyor at attachment points. The secondary spindle includes a non-conductive plastic shield which is also suspended from the conveyor by a conductive support bracket so that both the primary spindle and the secondary spindle move together with the overhead conveyor. The shield includes a plurality of relatively small holes extending completely therethrough to allow cleaning solution to flow therethrough while preventing solidified paint particles from falling therethrough.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bumper comprises a semi-rigid resilient fascia and a back-up member spaced rearwardly from the fascia, the space therebetween being filled with an integral skin urethane foam which is resiliently compressible and integrally bonded to the bumper members.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering assembly employs an elongate tubular adapter sleeve, including breakaway bolts and a bracket for mounting the sleeve on the underside of an instrument panel and at least one annular, radial sleeve flange extending inward from the side walls of the adapter sleeve, forming a reduction of the inner diameter of the adapter sleeve to a first preselected size, an elongate steering column slidably retained coaxially within the adapter sleeve, the steering column, including an annular, radial column flange extending outward from the side walls of the column, the flange being slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the adapter sleeve, a steering shaft mounted for rotation within the steering column, and elastically deformable plastic foam molded in situ to fill the cavities between the sleeve and the steering column.