Abstract: A mechanism for forming thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks. The apparatus includes a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations. The stations are stepped farther away from an axis along which blanks being processed are positioned at a plurality of die stations. Grippers spaced from each other along the axis and away from the axis at distances substantially the same as die stations are carried by the transfer assembly. A pneumatic actuator can be used to move the transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to the axis between first and second axial positions. In the first position the grippers are registered with corresponding die stations. In a second position the grippers are registered with die stations adjacent the ones with which they are registered when the transfer assembly is in its first position. A ram is provided to move the transfer assembly between first and second stepped positions relative to the axis.

Abstract: A combination wet kit includes a single mounting bracket supporting an end dump/return manifold and a walking floor/side dump/low boy manifold, as well as a support bracket for the hydraulic fluid filter. A three-way valve is positioned between the end dump/return manifold and a walking floor/side dump/low boy manifold. The manifold unit attached to the tractor without requiring holes in the tractor frame. The manifolds and the preassembled nature of the manifold assembly greatly simplify and reduce costs for installation of the combination wet kit.

Abstract: A laminate-clad molding includes an elongated molding body having a base and a surfacing body substantially parallel to and connected to the base via a stem in a manner defining a first recess along a first side of the stem, the first recess being shaped and dimensioned for receiving an edge of a first plank in a manner permitting planar movement of the first plank relative to the molding. A strip of decorative laminate is secured to the surfacing body to form a surfacing structure. A method for manufacturing the laminate-clad molding is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: Sealant is statically applied to the edges of panels by placing a sealant on the inner surfaces of the walls of a container holding the panels. A shrink wrap sleeve is preferably applied to the panel filled containers, causing contact between the inner surface of the container and panel edges, such that the sealant is transferred to the edges of the panels. Further transfer occurs during handling of the container, due to movement of the panels in the container and contact between the sealant and panel edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: A method for forming the edge profile of a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative surfacing layer, a backing layer and a substrate positioned between the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer. The method is achieved by creating a recess defined by the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer, forming an edge member shaped and dimensioned for placement within the recess, the edge member including an interlocking profile, and positioning the edge member within the recess with the interlocking profile exposed for selective attachment to adjacent laminate panels. The invention further relates to a laminate panel manufactured by the method described above. In addition, the invention relates to a connecting system for coupling adjacent panels. The connecting system employs a track locking strip in securely coupling the panels in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A rotary torsion cutting apparatus is provided for cutting an article. The cutting apparatus includes a first plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The first plate member further includes a central axis and a first opening extending from the front face to the back face of the first plate member. The first opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus also includes a second plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The second plate member further includes a central axis aligned with the central axis of the first plate member and a second opening extending from the front face to the back face of the second plate member. The second opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A disengageable connector for interconnecting panels includes a longitudinally extending connector body. The connector body including a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one footing member extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the base. The footing member is shaped and dimensioned to compress the upper surface of a resilient pad positioned beneath the connector and the panels. The connector is used in conjunction with an interlocking flooring system. The interlocking flooring system includes a plurality of flooring panels, each flooring panel including a plurality of edges. A first connecting member is provided for connecting adjacent flooring panels and a second connecting member is provided for connecting adjacent flooring panels. The first connecting member is the same as the connector described above and is different from the second connecting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: Sealant is statically applied to the edges of panels by placing a sealant on the inner surfaces of the walls of a container holding the panels. A shrink wrap sleeve is preferably applied to the panel filled containers, causing contact between the inner surface of the container and panel edges, such that the sealant is transferred to the edges of the panels. Further transfer occurs during handling of the container, due to movement of the panels in the container and contact between the sealant and panel edges.

Abstract: An injection molded work surface for use in conjunction with a portable clothes washer includes a decorative laminate top surface and an underlying injection molded substrate. The substrate is provided with a connecting structure facilitating convenient attachment to the upper surface of the clothes washer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: A rotary torsion cutting apparatus is provided for cutting an article. The cutting apparatus includes a first plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The first plate member further includes a central axis and a first opening extending from the front face to the back face of the first plate member. The first opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus also includes a second plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The second plate member further includes a central axis aligned with the central axis of the first plate member and a second opening extending from the front face to the back face of the second plate member. The second opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus.

Abstract: An article includes a first member shaped and dimensioned for application to a rigid substrate. The first member is a decorative sheet which is adhesively bound to the substrate. The article further includes a polymeric adhesive tape securing the first member to the substrate, wherein the polymeric adhesive tape includes a heat activated, first polymeric adhesive layer which is activated at a first temperature and a heat activated, second polymeric adhesive layer which is opposite the first polymeric adhesive layer and is activated at a second temperature different from the first temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unique torsional cutting apparatus. Two plates, referred to as a stationary and rotating plate member, are positioned and held in place next to each other using any convention means such as spring tensioned bolts. There is a zero gap between the two plate members. A hole in the general shape of the object to be cut is fashioned through the two plate members so that the object to be cut can be placed into and through the hole. The hole is tapered towards the center of the rotary torsion cutting apparatus thereby allowing ease of insertion, a more precise cut, and the elimination of burring.

Abstract: A method for forming the edge profile of a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative surfacing layer, a backing layer and a substrate positioned between the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer. The method is achieved by creating a recess defined by the decorative surfacing layer and the backing layer, forming an edge member shaped and dimensioned for placement within the recess, the edge member including an interlocking profile, and positioning the edge member within the recess with the interlocking profile exposed for selective attachment to adjacent laminate panels. The invention further relates to a laminate panel manufactured by the method described above. In addition, the invention relates to a connecting system for coupling adjacent panels. The connecting system employs a track locking strip in securely coupling the panels in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unique torsional cutting apparatus. Two plates, referred to as a stationary and rotating plate member, are positioned and held in place next to each other using any convention means such as spring tensioned bolts. There is a zero gap between the two plate members. A hole in the general shape of the object to be cut is fashioned through the two plate members so that the object to be cut can be placed into and through the hole. The hole is tapered towards the center of the rotary torsion cutting apparatus thereby allowing ease of insertion, a more precise cut, and the elimination of burring.

Abstract: A disengageable interconnecting floor system comprises two or more flooring panels, a connector and a sealant. Each flooring panel comprises a top wear surface and a bottom surface for contact with a support structure and at least two edges having identical recesses formed therein for receipt of an extension from a connector. The connector comprises a base and an extension extending vertically from the base. The extension is shaped to be received in a disengageable connected fashion into at least one recess of at least one panel. Sealant is disposed on the flooring panel, the connector, or both. The invention also includes flooring panels and sealants for use in a disengageable interconnecting floor system, and methods for sealing laminate flooring panels joined by connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.