Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. The apparatus includes a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element includes a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Interlock features configured for cold welding are also included. Methods for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Interlock features configured for cold welding are also included. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes first joining members that project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve. The lower deck includes second joining members that project upwardly from the lower deck, with second joining member including an inner sleeve. At least one of the upper and lower decks includes channels between top and bottom surfaces thereof, with each channel extending from a side edge to an opposing side edge of the corresponding deck. Sleeved reinforcing rods are in the channels. Each sleeved reinforcing rod includes a reinforcing rod having opposing ends and side surfaces therebetween, and a sleeve enclosing the side surfaces of the reinforcing rod, with there being relative movement between the sleeve and the reinforcing rod. The inner sleeves of the second joining members receive the outer sleeves of the first joining members to define a plurality of support blocks joining the upper and lower decks.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes snap-pin openings. First joining members project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve surrounding a respective snap-pin opening. Second joining members project upwardly from the lower deck, with each second joining member including an inner sleeve and a snap-pin receiving cavity positioned therein. The inner sleeves receive the outer sleeves to define support blocks joining the upper and lower decks. Snap-pins are inserted into the snap-in openings in the upper deck. Each snap-pin includes a head for engaging a snap-pin opening, and spaced apart tips that extend through the snap-pin receiving cavity for engaging a backside of the inner sleeve associated therewith.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper deck, and first joining members that project downwardly from the upper deck. Each first joining member includes an outer sleeve and a post positioned therein. The pallet includes a lower deck, and second joining members that project upwardly from the lower deck. Each second joining member includes an inner sleeve and a post receiving cavity positioned therein. The first and second joining members are coupled together to define pallet blocks joining the upper and lower decks. Each inner sleeve and post receiving cavity of the second joining members receives a corresponding post and outer sleeve of the first joining members.

Abstract: An RFID tag is configured to contain identification information in at least three forms. For instance, the RFID tag may include an RFID system, and a human readable number and a bar code that may be visible on an outer surface of the RFID tag. The RFID system, the human readable number and the bar code may generate the same asset identification number. The RFID tag may also be formed from two or more layers having a thickness sufficient to substantially eliminate interference caused by a shipping container to which the RFID tag is attached.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes snap-pin openings. First joining members project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve surrounding a respective snap-pin opening. Second joining members project upwardly from the lower deck, with each second joining member including an inner sleeve and a snap-pin receiving cavity positioned therein. The inner sleeves receive the outer sleeves to define support blocks joining the upper and lower decks. Snap-pins are inserted into the snap-in openings in the upper deck. Each snap-pin includes a head for engaging a snap-pin opening, and spaced apart tips that extend through the snap-pin receiving cavity for engaging a backside of the inner sleeve associated therewith.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes first joining members that project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve. The lower deck includes second joining members that project upwardly from the lower deck, with second joining member including an inner sleeve. At least one of the upper and lower decks includes channels between top and bottom surfaces thereof, with each channel extending from a side edge to an opposing side edge of the corresponding deck. Sleeved reinforcing rods are in the channels. Each sleeved reinforcing rod includes a reinforcing rod having opposing ends and side surfaces therebetween, and a sleeve enclosing the side surfaces of the reinforcing rod, with there being relative movement between the sleeve and the reinforcing rod. The inner sleeves of the second joining members receive the outer sleeves of the first joining members to define a plurality of support blocks joining the upper and lower decks.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods of joining two or more pallet sections, including a top deck and a bottom deck. The top deck may include a portion of pallet blocks that project downwardly and include outer sleeves and bosses or posts. The bottom deck may include a portion of pallet blocks that project upwardly and include inner sleeves, post receiving cavities and radial ribs, wherein the post receiving cavity is coupled to the inner sleeves by the plurality of radial ribs. The post may be inserted into the post receiving cavity to protrude through the post receiving cavity and to extend beyond a plane that is defined by bottom portions of radial ribs. During insertion of the post into the post receiving cavity, the outer sleeve is fitted over the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A wringing device for expelling materials from a flexible container. In at least one embodiment, the wringing device may be used to expel fluids from a flexible container contained within an intermediate bulk container (IBC). The wringing device may be formed from a support frame and a carriage movably coupled to the support frame for supporting components of the wringing device. The wringing device may include a nip shaft coupled to the carriage and a movable nip shaft movably coupled to the carriage proximate to the nip shaft. The movable nip shaft may be biased toward the nip shaft with a biasing device. The wringing device may include one or more drive devices for driving a take-up shaft, a wringing device transport system, or the carriage, or any combination thereof. The wringing device may also include a transport vehicle for transporting the wringing device between different intermediate bulk containers.

Abstract: An RFID tag configured to contain identification information in at least three forms. For instance, the RFID tag may include an RFID system, a human readable number and a bar code that may be visible on an outer surface of the body. The RFID system, the human readable number and the bar code may be adapted to generate the same asset identification number. The RFID tag may also be formed from two or more layers having a thickness sufficient to substantially eliminate interference caused by a shipping container to which the RFID tag is attached.

Abstract: A valve for use with a liner bag for a container, and a liner bag including a valve, the valve including a valve member located in a valve seat and having a valve opening for egress of liquids from the liner bag. An operating lever is positioned outside the liner bag. A protective cage extends in front of the valve opening, the cage being positioned inside the liner bag to prevent the wall of the liner bag from collapsing into the valve opening during emptying of liquids from the liner bag. A flange may extend around the valve seat to retain the valve in the wall of the liner bag. This arrangement prevents the liner bag wall from clogging the valve during discharge of the bag's contents.

Abstract: A pallet having a top support member for supporting cargo and support elements for supporting the top support member above a surface and for creating one or more cavities for receiving a lifting member for moving the pallet. The support elements may have an oval cross-section for guiding the lifting members into the cavity. The support elements may be formed from a composite material for increased strength and durability.

Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a housing with opposite sides. A single actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing intermediate the opposite sides thereof for pivotal movement about an axis extending in a direction between the opposite sides of the housing. The actuating lever includes a cam groove. A second connector mates with the first connector and has a cam follower projection to be engaged in the cam groove of the single actuating lever, whereby the connectors are mated and unmated in response to rotation of the actuating lever.

Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having a housing with opposite sides. A single actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing intermediate the opposite sides thereof for pivotal movement about an axis extending in a direction between the opposite sides of the housing. The actuating lever includes a cam groove. A second connector mates with the first connector and has a cam follower projection to be engaged in the cam groove of the single actuating lever, whereby the connectors are mated and unmated in response to rotation of the actuating lever.