Abstract: A die spool for the extrusion of thermoplastic materials includes an axially split elongate spool body so as to be separable into first and second spool segments. The spool segments collectively establish the spool body and also define an axially oriented extrusion cavity through which thermoplastic material is conveyed. An alignment system ensures that only a single orientation of the extrusion axis is possible when the die spool is coupled to another similar die spool (or to an extrusion die associated with an extruder). A die spool assembly may therefore be provided which is comprised of a number of individual die spools. Preferably, a decreasing temperature gradient is established within the extrusion cavity of the die spool assembly (as may be accomplished by controllably operating electrical resistive heater elements) so as to at least partially solidify the thermoplastic extrudate therewithin.

Abstract: A snap together fuel cap wherein a closure member is maintained between a cover portion and a skirt portion. The cover and skirt portions are secured together through cooperating axially facing surfaces formed on locking tab members. The tabs on the skirt have a predetermined width which is slightly less than the distance between adjacent protruding surfaces formed on the cover such that after assembly, the end walls on the skirt tabs will engage the edges of the protruding surfaces to limit relative rotation between the cover portion and the skirt portion.

Abstract: A loading groove ball bearing has a ball retainer of unitary mold plastic construction. The ball bearing retainer comprises an end ring having a plurality of axial fingers which cooperatively form a plurality of open ended ball pockets. Projections comprising oppositely oriented radially inner and outer sections extending from the free end face of each finger retain the bearing balls in the ball pockets.

Abstract: An antifriction bearing cage comprises two plastic pieces which are snap assembled. One cage piece comprises a ring portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial fingers having shank portions at the free ends. The shank portions have radial projections which are aligned with axial grooves extending through the finger portions and ring portion to facilitate molding of the first cage piece in an axial draw mold. The second cage piece merely consists of a ring portion having a plurality of spaced holes having radial enlargements at one end extending to the end surface of the ring portion to facilitate molding of the second cage piece in an axial draw mold. During assembly the radial projections of the one cage piece are snapped into the radial enlargements of the other cage piece to retain the cage pieces together.