Abstract: A lightweight handle for lifting and transporting a heavy-duty container. The handle of the present invention includes a spring return mechanism for automatically storing the shank of the handle when not in use. A further feature of the present invention includes a stop mechanism for limiting the pivotal movement of the handle shank to approximately 90 degrees.

Abstract: An electronic rack and mounting frame for protecting sensitive electronic equipment against damage caused by impacts and excessive vibration during shipping and handling. The frame has a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame members interconnected by internal splice members engaged within hollow interiors of the frame members at their distal ends to form front and rear frame panels. External splice members connect a plurality of side frame members between the front and rear frame panels to form a rectangular parallelpiped frame structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming integrated truss structures wherein the molding apparatus includes a plurality of alternating male mold members (17) and female mold members (29) arranged in two opposed layers or mold halves. The male mold members each have a plurality of open grooves (19, 19') formed therein which are disposed orthogonally therein and slope away from a top or plateau surface (21) thereof. Each of the female mold members (29) has a centrally located, generally circular recessed cavity (31) with a plurality of open grooves (33, 33') which are orthogonally disposed with regard to one another and which slop away from the plane of the recessed cavity (31).

Abstract: A molded container insert for providing a secure attaching point for hardware such as latches, hinges and handles. The insert includes a central portion having a rounded streamlined rear surface, a relatively large flat face and a pair of side wings spaced laterally from the central portion of the insert and which extend above the below the horizontal plane respectively defined by the top and bottom edges of the central portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery jar having a modified interior side and end wall structure that both increases the electrical rating of the battery and reduces the quantity of material required to produce the battery jar itself. The interior of the jar is divided into upper, middle and lower sections and the wall thickness in each is different. The side wall thickness in the middle section is reduced by about 36-40% of the side wall to 60-64% of the thickness in the upper section and the side wall thickness in the bottom section is reduced by about 16 to about 20% of the upper to 80-84% section sidewall thickness. A plurality of ribs are also used on the end walls to maintain the length dimension within the jar between opposing end walls.

Abstract: A battery terminal post sealing system comprised of a bushing assembly designed to be mounted onto terminal posts subsequent to the battery cover installation. The bushings are designed to permit larger terminal post receiving holes in battery covers and also to provide a secure lead-to-lead seal with the terminal post and a sliding seal with the battery cover to easily accommodate growth of the positive plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for bonding two pieces of thermoplastic material to one another. The method includes the steps of heating the edges of the plastic materials to be joined to at least their fusing temperatures and then forcing the heated edge portions against one another to thereby form a bonded junction. A bead is formed along at least one edge of the junction of the plastic materials as a result of the pressure of the two plastic materials bearing against one another. The welded junction is heated, optionally at elevated pressure, to at least its fusion temperature and is then rapidly cooled. The resulting weld has a high impact and dielectric strength and has a smooth overall appearance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an integrated truss structure by means of a mold structure wherein the mold includes a plurality of male mold members each having a plurality of open grooves formed therein which slope away from the top surface thereof. A plurality of female mold members each have a generally circular recessed cavity with a plurality of open grooves which are orthogonally disposed with regard to one another and which slope away from the plane of the recessed cavity. The male and female members are positioned opposite one another with the grooves in the male and female members being aligned to define strut beam chambers and wherein the top of the male member is aligned with the recessed cavity of the female member to define a junction chamber. Thus, the strut beam chambers slope away from the junction chamber.

Abstract: A battery jar cover having a guide device depending from the bottom thereof and positioned so as to extend about at least predetermined portions of the periphery of the cover and inwardly from the sides thereof. The guide device is shaped so that it extends downwardly from the bottom of the cover a greater degree adjacent the corners and to a lesser degree adjacent the central portion of each side. Thus, the shape of the depending guide varies in length from the corners to the center thereof along each side.

Abstract: A device and method for welding battery jar covers onto battery jars with the battery elements and terminal post in position within the jar and with a cover placed in position. The invention includes an exemplary welding apparatus that employs separate heating and clamping mechanisms on each side of the jar so that the cover does not have to be lifted completely off the jar during welding and this structure greatly reduces the time required to change over from one size to another thereby increasing the per unit processing capacity of the device. Further, in order that a variety of jar sizes be rapidly handled, two of the heating and clamping mechanisms are relatively long while the other two or relatively short and equal to the constant width dimension of batteries. The invention accomplishes the loading operation automatically and by not removing the cover fully from the jar better and more accurate welds are produced.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a battery cover that provides a sliding seal about the terminal posts of battery elements within a battery jar so that axial movement between the cover and such posts can occur when welding battery covers in place onto battery jars or during use of the battery to absorb any axial motion of the terminal posts due to plate growth.Each opening is provided with upper and lower seals which together define a chamber between them and the outer surface of the terminal post. This chamber is connected by means of a passageway to an inlet port so that following insertion of the terminal post through the openings and through the upper and lower seals, sealant material can be inserted into that annular chamber. A complete seal will be provided about the periphery of the terminal post lying between the two seals that will allow relative movement between the cover and the terminal post.

Abstract: A battery jar cover designed to be welded onto a battery jar. The cover is provided with an alignment device spaced inwardly away from the outer edges of the cover around the periphery with predetermined portions contacting and engaging the interior wall surface of the battery jar forming a gap or space.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming an integrated truss structure wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of male mold members each having a plurality of open grooves formed therein which slope away from the top surface thereof. A plurality of female mold members each have a generally circular recessed cavity with a plurality of open grooves which are orthogonally disposed with regard to one another and which slope away from the plane of the recessed cavity. The male and female members are positioned opposite one another with the grooves in the male and female members being aligned to define strut beam chambers and wherein the top of the male member is aligned with the recessed cavity of the female member to define a junction chamber. Thus, the strut beam chambers slope away from the junction chamber. One of the male members is positioned adjacent each female member, and vice versa, to thereby define alternate symmetrical upper and lower junction chambers interconnected by the strut chambers.

Abstract: An elongated battery jar is made in sections by a process of injection molding with the sections being joined together by a heat-welding or friction-welding process. By forming the battery jar in sections variations in thickness of the walls of the battery jar are substantially reduced since molding drafts normally present in elongated battery jars formed by an injection molding process are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A battery jar is disclosed for supporting a plurality of elongated battery plates together with an electrolyte therein. The battery jar comprises an elongated casing formed of a plastic material such as polycarbonate plastic or ABS plastic wherein the plastic material provides both an acid barrier and a means for supporting the weight of the electrolyte and the battery plates. The casing includes a plurality of transversely disposed pressure-supporting ribs or hoops which are positioned about the periphery of the casing for providing support against the radial pressure exerted against the casing. In one example the transverse ribs are formed integral with the casing and permit longitudinal expansion of the casing when the casing is lifted.