Abstract: An injection apparatus comprises a recessed injection gate allowing cooling ducts to be run proximate thereto and an extended nozzle configured to extend to the recessed injection gate. The apparatus also comprises an insulating and sealing insert positioned adjacent to the injection gate locating it between the nozzle and the injection cavity during injection to thermally insulate the injection gate from the nozzle and to prevent melt material from leaking between the nozzle and the gate. The insert also accommodates variations in the nozzle sizes to assure a tight seal at each nozzle.

Abstract: An injection apparatus comprises a recessed injection gate allowing cooling ducts to be run proximate thereto and an extended nozzle configured to extend to the recessed injection gate. The apparatus also comprises an insulating and sealing insert positioned adjacent to the injection gate locating it between the nozzle and the injection cavity during injection to thermally insulate the injection gate from the nozzle and to prevent melt material from leaking between the nozzle and the gate. The insert also accommodates variations in the nozzle sizes to assure a tight seal at each nozzle.

Abstract: An injection apparatus comprises a recessed injection gate allowing cooling ducts to be run proximate thereto and an extended nozzle configured to extend to the recessed injection gate. The apparatus also comprises an insulating and sealing insert positioned adjacent to the injection gate locating it between the nozzle and the injection cavity during injection to thermally insulate the injection gate from the nozzle and to prevent melt material from leaking between the nozzle and the gate. The insert also accommodates variations in the nozzle sizes to assure a tight seal at each nozzle.

Abstract: Camera based inspection equipment is used in conjunction with a multiple-station forming device such as a blow molder for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or PEN bottle manufacturing. The inspection system relies on handling devices that present successive bottles for imaging, and due to their operation with the forming device it is possible to correlate inspection data with individual forming elements and/or transfer elements. A seal surface inspection module, a base/neck fold inspection module and a finish gauge inspection module are integrated into the route of preforms and containers through the container manufacturing equipment such that the inspection system is directed to view the passing bottles as they are carried on the transfer devices needed to load and unload the molder.

Abstract: An improved articulate chain (10) including pivotally interconnected sections (12,14,16) of spaced, coacting links (18,20,22) having the chain driving members (54) intermediate the pivot connections (58,60) to reduce the chain loads thereon. The links (18,20,22) are locked together in a common plane (56) by integral externally splined projections (82) extending therefrom into the internally splined drive bushing (96) to resist torque loads and increase the structural integrity of the chain (10). The links (18,20,22) are releasably coupled together to permit expeditious disassembly and reassembly thereof for servicing.

Abstract: A keeper assembly (10) includes an arcuate keeper member (46) having a pair of planar side surfaces (56,58) and a preselected U-shaped configuration in cross section adapted to be seated in a correspondingly profiled annular groove (64) in a first member (16) having a central axis (18). A second member (32) having a force transmitting surface (76) transverse to the axis (18) loads the keeper member (46) and the force is transferred into the first member (16). The keeper assembly (10) can be used in an endless chain joint (14).

Abstract: A tube expander (10) for extrudably deforming tubes (12) into conformity with a flange (16) has a plurality of first and second forming members (28,30) circumferentially arranged on a mandrel (20). In an initial position, the forming members (28,30) are axially offset and radially retracted for ease of insertion into the bore (13) of the tube (12). After insertion, the mandrel (20) is partially withdrawn by an actuator (64) and by such action, the forming members (28,30) are brought together in an abutting, axially aligned, and radially expanded relationship such that workpiece-contacting surfaces (40,42) of the forming members (28,30) are brought into substantially continuous circumferential contact with the tube bore 13. The workpiece-contacting surfaces (40,42) are maintained in continuous circumferential contact with the tube bore 13 as the forming members (28,30) and the mandrel (20) are withdrawn from the tube end, thereby uniformly extruding the tube.

Abstract: A keeper assembly (10) includes a keeper (46) having central axis (18), a pair of end surfaces (48), a planar side surface (60) for receiving force from a first member (32), and a convex side surface (64) facing away from the planar side surface (60) for transferring the force obliquely into a second member (16). The keeper assembly (10) can be used in a track joint (14).

Abstract: An endless track assembly for a track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of track shoes secured to an articulated chain. The links of the chain are pivotally interconnected together by pin and bushing assemblies adapted to engage a drive sprocket of the vehicle. A cushioning lug is secured to each track shoe, intermediate each pair of adjacent pin and bushing assemblies, for attenuating the noise level of the track assembly upon its engagement with the drive sprocket and for aiding in cleaning the sprocket. Each cushioning lug assembly comprises a resilient cushioning block composed of an elastomeric material, a cap mounted on the cushioning block and offset arcuate bearing flanges and a cleaning flange formed integrally on the cap.

Abstract: An endless track assembly for a track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of track shoes secured to an articulated chain. The links of the chain are pivotally interconnected together by pin and bushing assemblies adapted to engage a drive sprocket of the vehicle. A cushioning lug is secured to each track shoe, intermediate each pair of adjacent pin and bushing assemblies, for attenuating the noise level of the track assembly upon engagement therewith with the drive sprocket. Each cushioning lug assembly comprises a resilient cushioning block composed of an elastomeric material, a cap mounted on the cushioning block and a tensioned cable secured between the cap and a respective one of the track shoes. A ball secured to the upper end of the cable may be connected to the cap by an annular retainer formed integrally with the cap, or by a separate member secured to the cap and covered by a plug.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating system in which the workpiece to be coated is charged to a high DC potential. A conveyor moves the workpiece through the coating zone past a charged conductor. A suspended workpiece support includes a swivel joint to accommodate tilt and sway of the workpiece. A charge collector on the support has a spherically contoured surface which swings from the swivel joint so that the spacing of the collector from the conductor is substantially constant, stabilizing the voltage induced on the workpiece and minimizing the danger of sparking.

Abstract: A rotatable resilient contacting element attachable to track shoes of a crawler type vehicle.

Abstract: A resilient contacting assembly attachable to track shoes of a crawler type vehicle. The contacting element is formed of a plurality of discs for improving the wear life of the contacting element.

Abstract: A wheel for carrying continuous track of crawler type vehicles has a set of spaced pairs of inner and outer panel members that are connected together through vibration barriers. One of the inner or outer panels is formed of a laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring angles of displacement between human femur and tibia leg bones to determine the stability (stiffness and laxity) of a knee joint has structure and instruments for checking upper and lower leg bone alignment, angulation and degree of relative lateral displacement. A platform is provided to support and secure a human torso about its hips while auxiliary inner and outer coacting frame support structure adjustably secures the leg bones. Sensing and indicating instruments associated with the coacting frame structure and an auxiliary detachable support frame contact the leg and foot to give a reading on leg and knee stability as the lower leg bone (tibia) and the foot are selectively placed at various angles while predetermined side loads on the tibia are simultaneously applied.