Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the flow characteristics of molding compounds includes upper and lower mold portions movable relative to one another. The lower mold portion has formed therein a central cavity and a channel extending therefrom with scribe marks formed on a bottom wall of the channel. The upper mold portion has a complimentary raised area for cooperation with the cavity and the channel to force molding compound placed in the cavity to flow down the channel providing an indication of the flow characteristics of the molding compound. Ejector pins positioned in the bottom of the cavity and the channel are actuated by an ejector pin plate which is coupled to the upper mold portion to eject the sample when the mold portions are separated.

Abstract: A multi-chambered conduit insert includes at least two spaced-apart longitudinally extending substantially parallel first and second chambers. The cross-sectional configuration of each of the chambers is defined by generally parallel inner and outer side walls joined at one edge thereof by a base wall and joined in an opposite edge thereof by a top wall. A hinge portion connects adjacent edges of the inner walls and the base walls of the chambers together. Opposite ends of the inner walls are spaced farther apart than the adjacent ends of the inner walls in order to expose the exterior surfaces of the inner walls to a cooling medium during the manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the hinge portion can function as a living hinge.

Abstract: A composite channel-shaped trim strip for application to a flange such as around the doors and windows of automotive vehicles, and a method for fabricating the trim strip. A perforated stiffener is incorporated in the trim strip to impart shape retention while facilitating bending and distortion thereof to the desired configuration. A rigid barrier member is interposed between the perforated stiffener and the corresponding external surface of the trim strip as the trim strip is fabricated to prevent carryover of the perforated pattern of the stiffener to the external surface. An aesthetically pleasing pattern may then be embossed upon the surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and process for producing an improved extruded plastic material product which consists of an inner foamed thermoplastic cellular core and an outer non-porous thermoplastic skin extending along at least one side of the core. In the process, a foamable thermoplastic material is extruded through a first die outlet to produce a foamed thermoplastic material. After exiting the die outlet, a film of non-porous thermoplastic material is applied along at least one side of extruded foamed material. Next, the extruded foamed material and the non-porous film is fed through a forming die which shapes and seals the materials into the desired cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A control device adapted to be installed in a conduit for an automotive air conditioning system includes a generally rectangular housing mounted, for example, in the dash board of a vehicle to define an opening. A louver assembly is rotatably mounted in the housing on a pair of shafts which extend from end walls of the louver assembly into bearing apertures formed in the ends walls of the housing. An O-ring is installed on one of the shafts and frictionally engages the inner wall of one of the bearing apertures to enable the louver assembly to be selectively and rotationally positioned in the housing for controlling the amount and directional flow of the air out of the opening. A pair of slots formed in the end wall of the housing on either side of at least one of the bearing apertures define a resilient tab which allows the louver assembly to be snapped into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A heat and pressure consolidated laminate made with a plurality of core sheets impregnated with an unsaturated polyester treating solution, the polyester providing the laminate with improved flexibility and enabling a core color that matches the color of the decor or face sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for utilizing a unique multi-chambered conduit insert for converting a single chambered conduit into a multi-chambered conduit. In particular, the conduit insert includes a plurality of cooperating longitudinally extending walls defining a plurality of parallel spaced apart coextensive chambers. The outer wall of each chamber which is adjacent the inner supporting surface of the single chambered conduit has a configuration wherein, if the outer wall contacts the inner conduit surface when the conduit insert is inserted within the conduit, such contact is line-to-line contact. This construction results in minimal contact of the insert with the interior wall of the existing conduit and enables the multi-chambered conduit insert to be fed into the existing conduit with the expenditure of minimal energy.