Abstract: Elastoplastic compositions are described comprising blends of cross-linked butyl rubber and thermoplastic polyolefin resin.

Abstract: Thermoplastic vulcanizates, comprising blends of olefin rubber and thermoplastic olefin resin in which the rubber is completely cured, exhibit superior physical properties including improved tensile strength.

Abstract: Fluid links are interposed between manual levers which control the motions of a machine such as a construction crane and associated spool valves which regulate the machine motions. In normal operation within predetermined safe limits of machine motions, pressurized fluid delivery valve means connected with the fluid links is conditioned by a normal signal from a safe machine motion sensing means and delivers pressurized fluid to the fluid links rendering the links "hard" so that the manual levers are enabled to effect safe machine motions. When an unsafe machine motion is sensed by the sensing means, the valve means responds to the interruption of the normal signal from the sensing means and is conditioned to interrupt delivery of pressurized fluid to the fluid links thus rendering the links "soft" and thus disabling the manual levers from causing machine motions beyond safe limits.

Abstract: Elastoplastic compositions are described comprising blends of cross-linked ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) rubber and thermoplastic polyolefin resin.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric compositions, comprising blends of high unsaturation diene rubber and thermoplastic olefin resin in which the rubber is cured, exhibit superior physical properties including improved toughness.

Abstract: A simplified heavy-duty press having a bed and a support head mounted from the press bed for limited vertical movement under predetermined spring preload. The entire drive (less motor) and rams are carried from the press head and these components are movable away from the bed when the tools between the ram and bed encounter an obstruction beyond the preload. The preload limits maximum operative force that will be transmitted in the mechanisms where precise control of the components/dimensions may be difficult to maintain because of manufacturing limitations or because of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A pre-loading and energy absorbing mechanism in a press having a ram and a primary overload release comprising a preloaded spring assembly interposed between connecting rod pin and the ram and the connecting means to the tooling to take up excessive loads which develop due to thermal expansion or improper positioning of the tooling or kiss-block or an article to be formed or because of malfunction in the tooling, and a secondary higher overload release comprising a pre-loaded spring assembly interposed between the ram supporting head or the base of a press and the connecting structure therebetween, the head/base being movable away from and back to a fixed position in a connecting structure.