Abstract: A flexible terminator used as a terminal connector between the ends of a tether line and the ballast or a float for the construction of a tethered breakwater unit. One end of the terminator has a unique configuration which receives the end of the tether line in such a manner that the tether line is locked into attachment to the terminator without the use of a conventional knot arrangement. The terminator has a flexible central neck portion which receives the flexion between the floats and the ballast due to the wave motion in the water, eliminating the significant fatigue and normal fiber abrasion experienced by the tether line when tied to the ballast by a typical knot. The tether line is in axial alignment with the central neck portion of the terminator, so that the pendulum action at the attachment points between the tether line and the float and the ballast are transferred to the central portion of the terminator.

Abstract: A method of making a completely closed, thin-walled, hollow article of fusible, or thermoplastic resin (such as polyethylene) without seams or a vent hole, comprising the steps of: rotationally molding the article in a mold heated to a temperature above the fusion point of the resin; and rapidly chilling the molded part from a temperature above the heat distortion point of the resin to a temperature well below the heat distortion point; causing the plastic to stiffen and become rigid before it is collapsed by the partial vacuum inside the part due to contraction of the trapped air as it cools. In one embodiment of the invention, the mold itself is rapidly chilled by cold air or water sprays, causing the molded part to chill rapidly before the air can cool. In another embodiment, the part is removed from the mold and allowed to cool and partially collapse; after which the part is reheated slowly up to a temperature slightly above the heat distortion point.

Abstract: A method of making a seamless, hollow, spherical fishing buoy of thermoset resin, preferably cross-linkable polyolefin, by rotationally molding the same without vent holes or openings in the buoy. A 3-plane, rigid, corner cube radar reflector is mounted inside the spherical buoy, and is oriented to provide maximum return of a radar signal from anywhere on or above the horizon. The reflector is centered within the mold cavity by six spring-loaded standoffs, which are attached to the corners of the reflector. The standoffs are molded of the same resin as the buoy, but are only partially cross-linked. During molding cycle, the cross-linkable resin molding powder melts and spreads uniformly over the inside surface of the mold, at the same time cross-linking. The ends of the partially cross-linked standoffs in contact with the hot mold melt and become part of the plastic shell, and also continue cross-linking with the latter.