Abstract: An extruded, one-piece metal slat unit for attachment to a frame member of a trailer. The slat unit includes an elongated body portion having at least one leg member connected to and longitudinally extending along the interior surface of the body portion between the ends thereof. The leg member includes a foot portion suitable for welding to the frame member. The foot portion is spaced from the interior surface of the body portion such that an open space is provided therebetween. The open space dissipates heat generated during the welding process thereby preventing nonaesthetic weld and heat track marks from appearing on the exterior surface of the slat unit and hence the trailer. A livestock trailer including the slat unit is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of plastic flakes to be recycled. Water is added to the plastic flakes and high shear agitator is provided so that dirt, paper and other contamination are removed from the surface of the plastic flakes. The contaminant containing water is then separated from the cleaned plastic flakes. Batch and continuous embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing resin-impregnated fiber tow or strand in the form of prepreg tape. The apparatus includes unique coating wheels for sunface-coating the strand with molten, flowable resin and a kneading section to work the strand and disperse the molten resin uniformly among and between the individual fibers of the strand. The strand, after chilling, has good dimensional stability and is useful as prepreg in forming composite structures.

Abstract: Process for producing resin-impregnated fiber tow or strand in the form of prepreg tape which includes unique coating wheels for surface-coating the strand with molten, flowable resin and a kneading section to work the strand and disperse the molten resin uniformly among and between the individual fibers of the strand. The strand, after chilling, has good dimensional stability and is useful as prepreg in forming composite structures.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a structural foam article having a surface that reproducibly and faithfully replicates the surface of the mold within which the article was made. The process is an improvement in the "low pressure" process for producing structural foam, wherein the improvement resides in introducing the molten mixture of foamable thermoplastic material and blowing agent into the mold under such conditions that a no-slip boundary condition is maintained at an interface between the flowing thermoplastic and a predetermined portion of the interior surface of the mold, and by maintaining the temperature at said interface at or above a certain temperature (termed "replication temperature"), while the thermoplastic is flowing in the mold.