Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.

Abstract: An adapter provides for mounting an object on plastic. The adapter comprises a body coupled with at least two feet. The feet are weldable to the surface of the plastic while the plastic is in a molten state. The adapter also includes a coupling mechanism coupled with the body. The coupling mechanism is operable to couple the object with the adapter.

Abstract: The present invention involves a low permeation pinchoff connection at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between first and second formed sheets of a fluid tank. The low permeation pinchoff connection comprises a continuous inner polymeric layer at a pinchoff region having a pinchoff end between the first and second formed sheets. The connection further comprises an outer polymeric layer in side-by-side relationship with the continuous inner polymeric layer. The outer polymeric layer tapers at the pinchoff region to first and second outer polymeric ends at the pinchoff end separating the first and second outer polymeric ends. The connection further comprises a low permeation barrier layer disposed between the continuous inner polymeric layer and the outer polymeric layer. The low permeation barrier layer tapers with the outer polymeric layer at the pinchoff region to first and second barrier ends separated at the pinchoff end to determine a pinchoff gap.

Abstract: A low permeation fuel tank formed with a first half and a second half includes a hydrocarbon barrier and a fuel system module. The hydrocarbon barrier reduces the emission of hydrocarbons from the fuel tank. Minimization of discontinuities in the hydrocarbon barrier is achieved by positioning the fuel system module within the fuel tank. The fuel system module includes a preformed sheet to provide flexible and rigid support to the fuel tank. In addition, the fuel system module may include fuel system components, structural enhancements of the fuel tank and/or functional features of the fuel tank to minimize production of holes or other discontinuities in the hydrocarbon barrier.

Abstract: An adapter provides for mounting an object on plastic. The adapter comprises a body coupled with at least two feet. The feet are weldable to the surface of the plastic while the plastic is in a molten state. The adapter also includes a coupling mechanism coupled with the body. The coupling mechanism is operable to couple the object with the adapter.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.