Abstract: A process for forming a container blank with flexible fold lines from polylactic acid sheet material. In the process, a sheet of polylactic acid material suitable for use as a container blank is placed between a forming tool and a substantially flat surface. The temperature of the forming tool is maintained at a point between the softening temperature and the melting temperature of the polylactic acid sheet. Then, a high frequency electric field is created between the forming tool and the flat surface so as to heat a portion of the polylactic acid sheet sandwiched therebetween, while pressing the forming tool into the sheet to a depth of at least 25% of the thickness of the sheet and forming bulges in the sheet adjacent to opposite sides of the tool. Next, the polylactic acid sheet is allowed to cool while maintaining the same in a substantially flat condition. Thereafter, a container is formed using the creased polylactic acid sheet.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a connector body and a wire shroud secured to the connector body. A mating assist lever is pivotally mounted on the body to be pivotable between an inoperative position and a latched position. A connector position assurance (CPA) member is slidably mounted on the mating assist lever to be slidable between an inoperative position and a locked position. Complementary interengaging locks are provided between the CPA member and the wire shroud to lock the mating assist lever in its latched position when the CPA member is moved to its locked position.

Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a first housing mounting a plurality of first terminals. A mating assist lever is pivotally movably mounted on the first connector for movement in a pivotal operating stroke between a pre-mated position at one end of the stroke and a fully mated position at an opposite end of the stroke. A second connector includes a second housing mateable with the first housing of the first connector. A coupling is provided between the mating assist lever and the second connector, whereby the connectors are mated and unmated in response to pivotal movement of the lever between its pre-mated and mated positions. Interengaging interference surfaces are provided at spaced locations between the first and second housings of the first and second connectors, respectively. The interference surfaces are engageable when the mating assist lever is at an intermediate point between the opposite ends of its operating stroke.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a first housing part having first walls, and a second housing part is engageable with the first housing part and has second walls. The first and second walls of the two housing parts combine to define different sides of a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities for mounting a plurality of conductive terminals. The first walls define at least one side of each cavity, and the second walls define at least an opposite side of the cavity.

Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a mating assist lever pivotally movably mounted on the first connector. A slide member is linearly movably mounted on the first connector. A coupling joint is provided between the mating assist lever and the slide member, whereby pivotal movement of the lever relative to the first connector effects linear movement of the slide member relative to the first connector. The coupling joint includes an open-sided cam groove in one of the lever or slide member receiving a cam follower post on the other of the lever or slide member. The cam groove and cam follower post are configured to prevent the post from pulling out of the open side of the groove. A second connector is provided, with a coupling between the slide member and the second connector for mating and unmating the connectors in response to rotation of the mating assist lever and resulting translation of the slide member.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing having a front mating end, a rear terminating end and at least one terminal-receiving passage extending in a direction defining an insertion axis extending between the ends. The passage has a rear open end communicating with the rear terminating end of the housing. A TPA device is engageable with the housing at the front mating end thereof in a pre-load position. The TPA device includes a through passage communicating with the terminal-receiving passage in the housing. The TPA device is movable rearwardly from the pre-load position to a locking position. A terminal is insertable through the rear terminating end of the housing into the rear open end of the terminal-receiving passage along the insertion axis and into the through passage in the TPA device. The terminal moves conjointly with the TPA device from the pre-load position to the locking position.

Abstract: A device for forcing railroad car deck planks downward against a support and sidewards against a stop to aid in tying the plank to the support with a clip-like tie member. The device includes an anchor member for being fixedly attached to the support, a body member attached to and extending upward from the anchor member, an engagement member for engaging a portion of the plank, and a jack member for selectively causing the engagement member to force the plank downwards and sidewards relative to the body member.