Abstract: A friction welding method and apparatus for holding and joining thermo-plastic resin elements together by rotational torque friction. The method includes precise orientation of the joined surfaces together, applying pressure to the elements and precisely controlling a pre-determined rotation of the rotatable element against the fixed element within a fraction of a second achieving welding of the thermo-plastic part. Precise starting and stopping of the rotatable element achieves a rapid superior weld joint between the elements. Control parameter inputs are defined by selective feedback of positioning and rotation motors to achieve repeatable control in the welding sequence.

Abstract: Infrared wire element configurations allow for expansion during use in a thermoplastic welding environment. A mounting apparatus for the infrared wire expansion configuration provides support.

Abstract: A friction welding method and apparatus for holding and joining thermo-plastic resin elements together by rotational torque friction. The method includes precise orientation of the joined surfaces together, applying pressure to the elements and precisely controlling a pre-determined rotation of the rotatable element against the fixed element within a fraction of a second achieving welding of the thermo-plastic part. Precise starting and stopping of the rotatable element achieves a rapid superior weld joint between the elements.

Abstract: A method of selectively directing concentrated infrared energy onto thermoplastic articles to be welded to one another includes providing contoured elongated openings formed on energy reflecting shields. These shields directly conform to specific opposing surface areas on the thermoplastic articles to be joined by thermal welding to one another.

Abstract: A hot air cold form pin welding device for use in assembly of work pieces using thermoformable and pressure deformable synthetic resin studs. A hot air heater is positioned in a support structure that isolates heat transfer along with multiple power and air cycling to reduce heat build-up. The cold forming pin assembly with internal heat dissipation and airflow structure forms and presses a replasticized pin significantly reducing the cold pin press cycle time.

Abstract: A sports protection garment for use by athletes to provide adjustable upper body protection. Separate configured air inflatable multiple chambered pads are positioned in multiple fabric compartments strategically located on a lightweight fabric garment covering the athlete's upper body. Each of the multiple chambered pads is independent and can be removed from its matching compartment for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A slide fastener including fastener elements formed from continuous filaments of plastic material and carried by cords along inner edges of a pair of tapes, a slider having channels extending therethrough with diverging throats adjacent a diamond post in the slider, and a pair of stop members secured to the pair of tapes at the inner edges, each of the stop members engaging end abutments of the slider to limit movement of the slider and having legs extending obliquely to the inner edges of the tapes such that the legs are received in the throats of the slider when the slider is moved to close the slide fastener to prevent splay of the tapes. The cords have portions of reduced cross section between the stop members and terminal elements of the fastener elements and the slider can be assembled to receive the fastener elements after forming of the stop members by disposing the slider to receive the cord portions of reduced cross section and moving the slider along the cords away from the stop members.