Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article by means of an in-mold decoration process, is described. The method includes, providing a laminate (4) of a plurality of separate releasable thermoplastic labels (14) superposed over a carrier film (26). A decoration (86) is applied in-line to the exposed second surface (68) of the labels (14), thereby forming a decorated laminate (5). The decorated laminate (5) is forwarded and indexed into a mold (20) such that the exposed first surface (77) of the carrier film (26) abuts at least a portion of the interior surface of the mold, and the decorated second surface (68) of the label (14) faces the interior space of the mold. Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is injected into the mold against the decorated surface of the label, thus forming a molded article. The carrier film (26) is then separated from the molded article.

Abstract: A molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. A portion of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment means, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the flexible hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow molding formation of hollow member (b).

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. During the blow molding step a portion of the thermoplastic parison precursor of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment means, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a).

Abstract: A molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. A portion of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment element, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the flexible hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow molding formation of hollow member (b).

Abstract: A molded cross vehicle beam which includes a hollow blow molded thermoplastic rigid member that is integrally attached to a rigid support, e.g., a U-shaped metal plate, and at least one attachment element, is described. The rigid support (12) has a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element(s) (81, 84) have a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element provides a manner of attaching the molded cross vehicle beam to a separate structure (e.g., the A-pillars of an automobile). A thermoplastic parison precursor of the hollow rigid thermoplastic member (15) is blow molded against the first surfaces of the rigid support (12) and the attachment element (81, 84).

Abstract: A molded article, e.g., a cross car beam (3), which includes a rigid support (a) having a plurality of perforations, e.g., rigid support (12), and a rigid hollow thermoplastic member (b), e.g., an air duct (15), attached thereto is described. A portion of the thermoplastic material of rigid hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The thermoplastic material extending through the perforations forms an attachment element, e.g., an attachment head (24), that serves to fixedly attach rigid hollow member (b) to rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the rigid hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow mold fabrication of rigid hollow member (b).

Abstract: A molded article comprising (a) a rigid support, e.g., a rigid seat support (10), having a plurality of perforations, and (b) a molded flexible hollow thermoplastic member (20), e.g., a flexible thermoplastic seat cushion, fixedly attached thereto is described. A portion of the flexible hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of the rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The flexible material extending through the perforations forms an attachment means, e.g., an attachment head, that serves to fixedly attach the flexible hollow member (b) to the rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the flexible hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow molding formation of hollow member (b).

Abstract: A molded article, e.g., a cross car beam (3), which includes a rigid support (a) having a plurality of perforations, e.g., rigid support (12), and a rigid hollow thermoplastic member (b), e.g., an air duct (15), attached thereto is described. A portion of the thermoplastic material of rigid hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The thermoplastic material extending through the perforations forms an attachment means, e.g., an attachment head (24), that serves to fixedly attach rigid hollow member (b) to rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the rigid hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow mold fabrication of rigid hollow member (b).

Abstract: A hand held-type apparatus for fracturing a gate or riser from a casting subsequent to a foundry pouring process. The apparatus operates off of a driven piston assembly, which upon a stroke of such causes a hammer end of the piston assembly to extend from the apparatus and contact the casting, thereby causing the fracturing of the gate or riser from the casting. The apparatus also includes an assembly for decelerating the driven piston assembly upon a stroke of such, as well as an apparatus for isolating the linear motion of the apparatus from the operator thereof.

Abstract: A voice activated faucet is provided with a valve coupled between the faucet and a water line for allowing water to flow to the faucet upon the actuation thereof. Further provided is a voice recognition mechanism including a microphone for receiving and recognizing at least one audio signal. Also included is a control mechanism connected to the valve and voice recognition mechanism for actuating the valve upon the recognition of the audio signal by the valve.

Abstract: A real-time snow load measuring system, for determining when an unsafe condition exists upon a roof top surface of a dwelling, having a sensor unit and a control unit. The sensor unit is mounted on the roof top surface, and includes a frame having a base plate and a sensor plate. A fluid substance is located between the base plate and sensor plate, such that the fluid substance is compressed, creating a fluid pressure, upon the presence of a snow load upon the sensor plate. A transducer is in communication with the fluid substance, and is capable of measuring the fluid pressure and producing a transducer output which is proportional to actual snow loading upon the sensor plate. The control unit receives the transducer output, provides a calibrated output on its display unit reflecting average snow loading on the roof top surface, and can also produce a warning when a predetermined maximum permissible roof loading level has been exceeded.

Abstract: A waste bag made of a synthetic plastics material. It has an internal lining of a liquid-absorbent material which terminates inwardly of the mouth of the bag, so that the latter is free of lining in the region of its mouth to enable that region to be gathered and tied.

Abstract: A capping system for a roof ridge comprised capping members, e.g., ridge tiles, connected to a reentrant portion arranged to overly ends of tiles adjacent the ridge. Filler members are disposed between the tiles and reentrant portion. Ridge interior is ventilated by circulation of air passing over the filler member and through the reentrant portion.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a weathering member (1) which underlies a ventilating tile (10) having a venilation opening (11). The member (1) includes an aperture (4) which permits air flowing through the tile opening (11) to reach the roof space, the aperture (4) being spaced from the opening (11) and being shielded therefrom by an upstanding ledge (6) of the member. A filler member (20) secured to the underside of the tile (10) engages over the top of the ledge (6) and forms an approximate seal therewith. In an alternative embodiment, the filler member (20) is omitted, and the ledge (6) includes a resilient upper portion which engages directly the underside of the tile.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching rigid, conventional ridge tiles to a roofing structure is disclosed wherein elongated members extend along either side of the roof ridge so as to support the lateral edges of the conventional ridge tiles. The ridge tiles are supported on both elongated members such that the tiles extend over the ridge of the roof. Since the tiles merely rest against the elongated members, a plurality of locating and retaining straps are utilized to retain the ridge tiles on the elongated members. Each locating and retaining strap passes over a portion of the conventional ridge tile and engages a portion of the elongated members to form the sole means for retaining the ridge tiles in position. The elongated members have upwardly extending retaining portions so as to retain the nibs of conventional roofing tiles adjacent the roof ridge. Also, end pieces are provided which may be fastened to the elongated members to cap the ends at the roof ridge.

Abstract: A strip accumulator characterized by a plurality of circumferentially arranged guide assemblies which positively define a spiral strip path for strip material with adjacent turns thereof being maintained in radially spaced relation, and a common drive for uniformly moving the strip guide assemblies to radially expand and contract the spiral path for the strip material for increasing and decreasing the length of accumulated strip material. In one embodiment, the guide assemblies each include a radially movable guide roll basket which contains and guides multiple turns of the strip material along the spiral path with adjacent turns being maintained in radially spaced relation, and uniform radial movement of the guide roll baskets is obtained by a common drive and drag brake assembly or alternatively by a radially extending drive worm in mesh with a rack in the guide roll basket.

Abstract: A strip accumulator and method characterized by a plurality of circumferentially arranged strip guide basket assemblies which positively define a spiral path for the strip material with adjacent turns thereof being maintained in spaced relation, and means for uniformly moving the strip guide basket assemblies radially to expand and contract the helical path for the strip material so that a reserve capacity of strip material may be stored in the accumulator and withdrawn as needed to provide for continuous feed of the strip material to a continuous processing line and the like despite interruptions in the in-feed to the accumulator as when the end of the coil is reached and a new coil is required to be welded thereon.

Abstract: An elongate roof ridge capping member for a tiled roof includes a pair of longitudinally extending flanges interconnected by a capping section. The capping section is connected to at least one of the flanges by a re-entrant portion, being so connected to both flanges in the case of a member for a duo-pitch roof. The re-entrant portion defines a longitudinally extending recess which can receive the end of a roof tile. The flange in the recess is provided with a longitudinal ridge or the like which inter-engages with the nib of the tile to hold it in position. Filler units may be used to provide weathering of tiles with profiled upper surfaces.