Abstract: Bendable foam-covered rod-like articles and a method and apparatus for their production are described. The method involves feeding an adhesive coated flexible core to an extruder, which in turn extrudes a low density, closed cell foam sheath about the core. The core and sheath composite is then cut into rod-like elements of predetermined length. Each of the rod-like elements is then restrained at a position spaced inwardly from one its ends, and an orificed plate and an element end are axially pressed together such that the core extends through the orifice in the plate and the foam sheath is compressed. The excess core extending through the plate orifice is then cut, and the pressure between the plate and the element is released, such that the foam sheath returns to its original condition, thereby producing a composite in which the core end is recessed into the foam sheath end. The end of the element is finished by sealing, preferably through the application of a hot brand.

Abstract: Organic contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process that includes steam-stripping the contaminants out from the matrix of the RPET flakes. In an alternative embodiment, the RPET flakes are first comminuted to prepare RPET particles, and the RPET particles are thereafter steam-stripped.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper section including a neck portion, a closed base section, and a central section interconnecting the upper and base sections. The central section comprises an elastically deformable, substantially cylindrical sidewall, including indicia embossed therein. The embossed indicia substantially assumes the configuration of the sidewall when the container is pressurized, and extends away from the sidewall when the container is depressurized.

Abstract: A tubular preform for a blow molded container. The preform has a closed end and an opposite open end, the relative dimensions of the ends being such that the closed end would be receivable in the open end of a similar preform to nest there were it not for the provision of an antinesting feature in the form of at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion on the outer surface of the closed end of the preform to prevent the entry of the closed end into the open end of the adjacent preform.

Abstract: An improved plastic container of the type suitable for containing carbonated beverages. The container is provided with a central section, an upper section including a typically threaded neck portion, and a lower end or base section typically including radially arrayed concave foot portions to support the container in an upright position. The horizontal cross-section of the central section manifests the configuration thereof to include a plurality of juxtaposed generally flat panels which upon pressurization of the container tend to blend together to form a circular cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: Multi-chamber containers are disclosed having at least a central web dividing the container into discrete chambers. A base for the container is provided which is generally outwardly convex having an inwardly arched lineal impression in the region of the juncture between the central web and the base. Outwardly extending foot portions in the base on either side of the lineal impression providing impact support for the container.

Abstract: An improved process for production and delivery of a plastisol foam is provided. By the process, plastisol foam is maintained under controlled pressures and conditioned to enhance homogeneity and percent foam. Also provided is a process for intermittently dispensing a fluid such as a plastisol foam, by which drip may be prevented. Additionally provided is novel apparatus for preventing drip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas assisted injection molding which will first inject a shot of molten plastic into a suitable mold, shut off the plastic flow into the mold, and either immediately, or after a delayed time, inject a suitable pressurized gas into the mold at a desired injection pressure. The pressure of the gas in the mold is then controlled by stepping up or stepping down the pressure in the mold in a series of steps to arrive at a second predetermined and precisely controlled pressure. The predetermined pressure is held for a desired time. The setting and holding of pressure is repeated as many times as desired, and is then stepped down to a final pressure. The mold is then opened, and the article is removed.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for gas-assisted injection molding and a method of gas-assisted injection molding using the improved nozzle are provided. This improved nozzle employs a very simple design to vent the gas from the mold cavity once the plastic article has cooled sufficiently to be self supporting. In one especially preferred embodiment of this invention, the improved nozzle contains a separate plastic shut-off valve, a separate gas inlet passage with a check valve, and a separate gas venting passage containing a movable pin. Venting of the pressurized gas occurs by movement of the movable pin so that the pressurized gas can burst through the thin layer of plastic material covering the gas venting passage. The improved nozzle design and method allow for almost continuous operation with minimal operator attention to the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for gas assisted injection molding wherein a quantity of fluid molding material is injected through a first injection flow path in a gas assisted injection molding nozzle into a mold cavity. The injection is then stopped by interrupting the flow of fluid through the first mold cavity, and introducing a time delay if desired. After any time delay, a quantity of pressurized gas or fluid at a first desired pressure is injected into the mold cavity through a second injection flow path which is isolated from the first injection flow path. The pressure is then reduced to a desired holding pressure, and the pressure is held in the mold while the part cools enough to be self supporting, at which time the pressure is vented from the mold cavity, and the part removed. The apparatus used, by isolating the molding material from the gas passages, is able to be of a simpler construction, avoid clogging of the passages, and use larger gas passages, all without the use of any check valves.

Abstract: A check valve is provided that is especially useful in gas-assisted injection molding wherein pressurized gas is injected into molten plastic material. A tapered or cone-shaped valve member which seats into a correspondingly tapered or cone-shaped valve chamber provides the mechanism by which the valve seals against reverse flow. Any plastic material entering the gas passageway would contact the base end of the tapered or cone-shaped valve member and not any sealing surfaces. By minimizing contact with the sealing surfaces, the useful lifetime of the check valve is significantly increased.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods suitable for controlling and metering thermoplastic material or resin to multiple cavities in a multi-cavity injection molding tool are described, whereby the amount of resin injected into each cavity can be individually controlled. This system minimize overfilling or underfilling of individual article cavities in such a multiple cavity tool and, therefore, allows for the production of more uniform plastic articles from a multiple cavity mold or tool. In practice, a spindle, which is designed to rotate in a reproducible manner as resin flows past it, is inserted into the resin stream feeding each cavity. The amount of resin fed to a particular cavity is determined by measuring the rotation of the spindle. When the amount of resin fed to a particular cavity is equal to the amount appropriate for that cavity (the target amount), the shut-off valve associated with that cavity is activated, thereby terminating the resin flow to that cavity without affecting resin flow to the other cavities.

Abstract: A closure including a container having a side wall with an attached closed end and an open end and a closure for closing the open end. The side wall of the container includes an inner wall and an outer wall at the open end and the closure includes a depending skirt which extends into the area between the inner wall and the outer wall. Three static seals are provided with a first radially extending seal defined by an end of the inner wall and an inner surface of the closure. A second static seal is defined by abutting surfaces of a pair of ridges, an outwardly extending annular ridge formed on the inner wall and an inwardly extending annular ridge formed on an inner surface of the skirt. A third static seal is formed by an inwardly facing annular surface formed on the outer wall and an outwardly facing annular surface formed on an outer surface of the skirt. A fourth static seal in the form of a labyrinth seal is provided as protection against leakage from the channel.

Abstract: A closure including a container having a side wall with an attached closed end and an open end and a closure for closing the open end. The side wall of the container includes an inner wall and an outer wall at the open end and the closure includes a depending skirt which extends into the area between the inner wall and the outer wall. Three static seals are provided with a first radially extending seal defined by an end of the inner wall and an inner surface of the closure. A second static seal is defined by abutting surfaces of a pair of ridges, an outwardly extending annular ridge formed on the inner wall and an inwardly extending annular ridge formed on an inner surface of the skirt. A third static seal is formed by an inwardly facing annular surface formed on the outer wall and an outwardly facing annular surface formed on an outer surface of the skirt. A dynamic seal is provided as additional protection against pressure changes which could tend to break the first static seal.

Abstract: A blood collection device wherein a double-ended cannula is retracted within the barrel of the device for storage and disposal. The cannula is mounted on a first disc which is connected to a second axially aligned disc by a pair of string-like flexible members which are operable, when the second disc is moved away from the first disc, to retract the cannula completely within the barrel to a position in which the cannula is permanently locked by stopping the first disc against further retractive movement and the second disc against movement toward the first disc.

Abstract: A shelf system utilizes a hingedly mounted shelf, and an assembly including a brace piece having a back portion contoured to provide elements disposed progressively inwardly with respect to a vertical axis. Securing the brace piece at any of several transverse positions on the shelf, relative to the vertical reference, will vary the angular attitude of the shelf; normally, the vertical reference will be the wall to which the shelf is attached and against which the contacting element of the brace piece will rest for supporting the shelf.