Abstract: A flexible structure is provided that includes multiple members and a hinge set providing a connection between adjacent members. The hinge set includes at least one living hinge where multiple living hinges are separated by segment portions that collapse on each other when the hinge set is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow parison includes forming a parison having a wall of multiple layers of polymer including a barrier layer, and open ends, each end having an end surface extending around the periphery of the respective end. A mold is formed having a first section and a second section facing the first section, the mold forming a cavity between the two mold sections when the mold is closed, and defining surfaces to which the parison conforms when the mold is closed. The mold sections are closed on the parison such that in the mold at each end of the parison a first portion of each end surface is compressed against a second portion of the respective end surface. The mold sections are further closed on the parison such the barrier layer of the first portion and second portion of the end surface at each parison end are joined and welded mutually along a seal line. Then the mold is opened and a hollow, formed tank is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow parison includes forming a parison having a wail of multiple layers of polymer including a barrier layer, and open ends, each end having an end surface extending around the periphery of the respective end. A mold is formed having a first section and a second section facing the first section, the mold forming a cavity between the two mold sections when the mold is closed, and defining surfaces to which the parison conforms when the mold is closed. The mold sections are closed on the parison such that in the mold at each end of the parison a first portion of each end surface is compressed against a second portion of the respective end surface. The mold sections are further closed on the parison such the barrier layer of the first portion and second portion of the end surface at each parison end are joined and welded mutually along a seal line. Then the mold is opened and a hollow, formed tank is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a component to a fuel tank having a wall defining a tank cavity, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an access opening extending through the wall. The component is placed in contact with the inner surface of the fuel tank. The component is inductively welded to the inner surface of the fuel tank by an emitter coil disposed exterior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a component to a fuel tank having a wall defining a tank cavity, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an access opening extending through the wall. The component is placed in contact with the inner surface of the fuel tank. The component is inductively welded to the inner surface of the fuel tank by an emitter coil disposed exterior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A blow molding machine having a tool head that is quickly and efficiently interchanged to minimize the time required to switch between products being blow molded. The tool head is changed without the need for removing the heater bands and with minimal need for alignment during installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly and method of securing a component in a fuel tank using induction welding. The method generally includes the steps of placing a component in contact with an inner surface of a fuel tank and inductively welding the component to the inner surface of the fuel tank. The fuel tank assembly generally includes a fuel tank having a wall having a cavity, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an access opening extending through the wall and communicating with the cavity and a component inductively welded to said inner surface.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for internal placement of a component within a vehicle fuel tank. The assembly generally includes a two housing elements biased apart to retain the component within the fuel tank. The component may be non-destructively and selectively attached to the tank. Additional features prevent unwanted movement of the component relative to the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention involves a venting system for venting a gaseous fluid from a tank having an aperture and a fuel delivery module cover. The tank is made of a predetermined material. The venting system comprises a venting valve for venting gaseous hydrocarbon fluid at a predetermined pressure from the tank. The valve is disposed through the aperture to define a circumferential space between the inner side of the outer lip and the venting valve. The system further includes a cover comprising the predetermined material and attached to the outer layer to seal the valve between the cover and the outer layer. The system further includes a retention member disposed about the venting valve and attached to the outer layer about the outer side of the outer lip defining an expansion boundary so that the outer lip only expands toward the venting valve to seal the circumferential space when the tank absorbs hydrocarbons.