Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes an endless belt comprised of links which are driven by spaced sprockets. The conveyor carries a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of clamping members. The clamping members in each pair are relatively laterally displaceable between a gripping position, at which at least one of the clamping members moves toward the other to cooperatively grip an article for securing it to the conveyor, and a release position at which the at least one clamping member moves apart from the other clamping member to release the gripped article. An operator mechanism associated with each laterally movable clamping member is operative to automatically move the associated clamping member to a clamping position or to a release position in accordance with the direction of displacing movement of the conveyor links with respect to a predetermined attitude.

Abstract: A self-venting cartridge plunger including openings defined therein and forming through air passages, each opening having an associated valve flap hinge-joined to the plunger and movable to close the opening upon the plunger encountering a greater resistance to movement than the flow of evacuating air.

Abstract: A system and method for imprinting an object including both irregularly shaped or non-round objects and regularly shaped round and/or rectangular objects and combinations thereof in which a plurality of positioning vectors are computed to control operation of the apparatus to effect imprinting of the object. The positioning vectors are generated by an electronic control unit and are used to control the position of at least one of a print screen of the printing apparatus, a squeegee of the printing apparatus, and an object to be imprinted. Servo-motors, or other suitable mechanical actuators, are connected to the electronic control unit and position the appropriate components of the printing apparatus to effect printing of the object in response to commands received therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding thermoplastic tubing of reduced eccentricity, in which tubing is extruded into a vacuum calibration box containing a cooling fluid and a sizing collar. An ultrasonic device for measuring wall thicknesses around the periphery of the tubing is located downstream of the sizing collar. The wall measurements are used to determine a critical parameter, and if this critical parameter is outside of a predetermined range, the vacuum calibration box is moved in the direction of greater wall thickness. After a delay which allows the product of the correction to reach the ultrasonic device, the box is again moved if necessary, until the critical parameter is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A cartridge tube and plunger wherein the skirt of the plunger includes a ridge pattern of a generally uniform compressibility with staggered areas of greater rigidity defined by intersecting ridges for intimate accommodation within interior surface irregularities on the cartridge tube.

Abstract: A caulk cartridge of recyclable material including an end panel with an integral nozzle. Interior projections integral with the end panel define a cylindrical extension about the open base end of the nozzle and, upon being subjected to the force of the piston-driven plunger thereagainst, inwardly deform and fracture the end panel, breaking away the nozzle, and residue therein, from the end panel.

Abstract: A caulk cartridge including an end closure having a centrally extending mounting stub with a reciprocating valve positioned therein. A nozzle is thread mounted to the stub with inward threading of the nozzle engaging and inwardly shifting the valve to an open position for discharge therethrough. Outward retraction of the nozzle releases the valve for a reseating of the valve.

Abstract: A self-regulating gate valve assembly, adapted for use in a plastic product injection molding apparatus having a mold cavity and a core therein for molding a hollow product of predetermined design, is characterized by a construction substantially eliminating core deflection during plastic molding compound flow in the injection molding apparatus and thus uneven wall thicknesses and weld lines in the hollow molded plastic product. The gate valve assembly includes a valve pin of unique construction for creating a sheath-like flow configuration of the plastic molding compound as it is injected into the mold cavity to produce balanced forces on the mold core to prevent deflection and for closing the gate in a self-regulating manner when the mold cavity is filled.

Abstract: A self-sealing spout for a caulking cartridge or the like wherein the discharge tube of the spout extends through a central aperture in an end panel of the cartridge. The spout includes an enlarged annular base integral with the inner end of the discharge tube and engageable with the inner surface of the end panel about the central tube-receiving aperture. The base includes a flexible sealing lip defined peripherally thereabout by an annular groove, said sealing lip being retained in flexed sealed engagement with an annular inclined wall defined in the end panel. The spout is secured to the end panel by a locking of the flanged periphery of the end panel aperture within a peripheral groove about the discharge tube immediately outward of the base.