Abstract: A method of forming a component having a metallic shell (12) and a plastics insert (34). The component is formed by placing the shell (12) inside the mould cavity of a mould assembly (10) which forms part of an injection moulding machine. Prior to injection of plastics material, part of the external surface of the shell (12) is spaced from the opposed surface of the mould cavity. The open end of the shell abuts the adjacent mould cavity and wall so as to form a seal. This end wall is frusto-conical in shape so that, during injection of plastics material, as the shell (12) is reformed by polymer pressure into complete engagement with the surface of the mould cavity, longitudinal contraction of the shell in response to this direct lateral strain is compensated for by the frusto-conical shape so that the seal is maintained.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting micro-organisms comprises a sample container releasably received in a container-mounting member which comprises a spillage containment vessel. The sample container has secured to its base a socket member which nests with the inner surface of the spillage containment vessel. Spillage detection means comprises a pair of electrical probes in the base of the vessel.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus (10) includes similar co-injection modules (12) each provided with common supplies (238-242) and supplied with different polymer materials at intermediate pressure by common plasticisers (14-18). Each module has a co-injection nozzle assembly (70) in wich each nozzle (148-154) is supplied with polymer at injection pressure by an injector (208) which receives polymer through a non-return valve (220). The injector is mounted alongside the nozzle on a polymer transfer plate (138-146), and has the position of its piston (212) controlled by a hydraulic actuator (214) under the control of a dedicated micro-processor (164) in accordance with a stored injection control program. Each polymer is injected by an injector (208) directly into the associated nozzle (148-154) and is controlled solely by injector operation, and without the use of any control valve between the injector and the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection moulding plastics closure elements into apertures in the central panels of a plurality of can ends comprises a first mould tool, a second mould tool, and a mechanism for bringing the mould tools together to clamp on opposed surfaces of each central panel and thereby define a mould cavity enclosing a margin of panel material around the aperture and spanning both sides of the aperture. A passageway in at least one of the moulded tools permits injection of plastics material into the mould cavity. The first mould tool includes a plurality of cavity defining mould portions each slidably guided in a respective bore in the first mould tool and a resilient support in each bore to urge each mould portion towards the second mould tool. A stripper plate surrounds the mould inserts and is formed with an annular recess situated laterally outside of and around each insert to receive the outer circumference of a can end to properly locate the can end.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting micro-organisms comprises a rack having an array of stations at which a plurality of microbiological sample containers can be received. Each container is provided with an electrode or electrodes at its base for connection with electrical contacts on the base of the rack, and container retention means in the form of a cap with a bayonet joint or screw-threaded connection for releasably retaining the containers in the rack are adapted to be operable from above the upper support plate of the rack.

Abstract: For use in detecting micro-organisms in a sample of a substance, a container for holding the sample consists of a glass bottle and closure in the form of an elastomeric bung, the bung being provided with a pair of chambers each housing a respective electrode until the container is required for use, when the electrodes are urged upwardly, breaking through a membrane of the bung to bring the electrodes into contact with the test sample in the bottle.