Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system and method for the fabrication of the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-formation processing of extruded or injection molded profiles in an economic manner without the need to purchase a blow molding machine, yet still effect post-formation radial expansion or contraction by the application of sufficient degree of heat or the performing of the operation sufficiently quickly to permit the utilization of the retained latent heat from the extrusion or injection molding process.

Abstract: A one-piece medium density polyethylene connector or polymeric blend of high density with low density polyethylene with the blended characteristics of a medium density polyethylene, is described as an alternative to crosslinked polyethylene connectors for use in applications less physically demanding than those for use with crosslinked polyethylene material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-extrusion processing of extruded profiles in an economic manner. The first process step involves heating at least a portion of the extruded profile in a preheated profile heating means to a first temperature at which the essentially linear profile becomes formable or pliable or bendable, yet which still has at least some degree of structural integrity at this point which permits it to be physically manipulated without compressing the profile by the application of external pressure or by the weight of gravity itself. This first temperature is less than a subsequent second temperature, at which the profile becomes melt processable effecting radial expansion under pressure or melt fusion under pressure. At least one end of the profile remains unheated, and preferably, two ends remain unheated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grommet having an essentially cylindrical core with an aperture essentially centrally disposed therein and a plurality of radially expanding flexible ribs emanating from the core, the ribs capable of radial deformation compression preferentially in one axial direction in contrast to an opposing axial direction. Alternatively, the radially expanding ribs are envisioned to mimic the geometry of a plurality of Christmas tree shaped or serrated ribs of increasing radial diameter emanating from the core. The grommet can be formed by overmolding of a flexible thermoplastic or a crosslinked polymer (thermoset) onto a plastic tube although the invention is not limited to such and separate insertable grommets onto essentially similarly dimensioned plastic tubes are also within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connector having an inner polymeric liner with either two opposed flared ends or one flared end and an opposed sealing end, a bendable outer metallic sleeve having two opposed flared ends of essentially similar geometry to either the polymeric liner flared ends or one flared end and an opposed sealing end shelf, and two outwardly facing threaded nuts, each of said nuts having a shelf which engages the opposed flared ends of said metallic sleeve. The connector will often have a ribbed segment between the ends and washers for sealing engagement with the interior wall end portion of the liner at the flared end.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for overmolding crosslinked tubing ends onto a crosslinkable tube. The tube, made of a first polymer, has an inner diameter. The tube is inserted at least partially into a mold and at least partially onto a cylindrical mandrel having a base and a tip. The mandrel has an outer diameter dimensioned to allow the inner diameter of the tube to slide thereon. The mold contains a void for injection of a second polymer. The void co-acts with the mandrel and the tube to define an overmolding shape. After injection molding the second polymer over the tube and the mandrel in the void of the mold, the first and second polymers are crosslinked. Different embodiments of the overmolding shape are taught.

Abstract: An assembly (110) for joining at least two tubes (12, 14) is provided by a connector (112), a plurality of linear inserts (20) and a plurality of ring members (30). Each of the tubes (12, 14) has a tube end (16) and an internal conduit (18). The connector (112) has a central portion (115) with an internal conduit (118) having a permanently formed feature (119) therein, and a plurality of arms (117). Each arm (117) extends from the central portion (115) and terminates in an arm end (116), such that there is one arm (117) and one arm end (116) paired with each tube end (16). The internal conduit (118) of the connector (112) extends through the arms (117) to the respective arm ends (116). There is one linear insert (20) for each arm end/tube end pair.

Abstract: A one-piece medium density polyethylene connector or polymeric blend of high density with low density polyethylene with the blended characteristics of a medium density polyethylene, is described as an alternative to crosslinked polyethylene connectors for use in applications less physically demanding than those for use with crosslinked polyethylene material.

Abstract: A mold core is provided for producing an overmolded flexible valve. The mold core comprises a mold body, a piston assembly, a piston retaining means, a collet bit positioning means and at least two collet bits. The mold core has a cylindrical void in a distal end and has a pressure means communicated with the cylindrical void. The piston assembly has a piston head sized and adapted for axial movement in the cylindrical void, with a piston shaft extending axially from the head. The shaft is tapered from a larger first diameter at one end to a smaller second diameter at the other end. The piston retaining means has a bore through it to allow insertion of the piston shaft. Each of the at least two collet bits has an inner cylindrical tapered surface segment, the taper of the surface segment being essentially the same as the taper in the piston shaft, and an outer cylindrical surface segment, sized and adapted to be inserted inside the flexible valve.

Abstract: The process of this invention will involve overmolding a thermoplastic or rubbery polymer composition over a thermoplastic hollow tube and a core insert to form a hollow overmolded coupler after the removal of the core insert, the tube entering the coupler at an angle which is less than 90.degree. so as to minimize any freezing of transported water which may reside in the coupler. The combination of the above polymers must satisfy at least two simultaneous conditions. First, the inserted plastic tube must not soften and begin melt flow to the point where it looses structural integrity during the molding processing and second, the overmolded polymer must be capable of forming an essentially leak-proof interface between the coupler and the plastic tube, preferably through either a chemical and/or physical bond between the plastic tube and the overmolded plastic.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an overmolding process which includes the steps of inserting a flexible one-way valve into a plastic conduit, inserting the conduit with the valve at least partially onto a mold core, radially expanding at least a portion of the mold core from a first radial position to a second extended radial position, molding a polymer over at least a portion of the mold core and the plastic conduit, and radially contracting at least a portion of the mold core from the second extended radial position to essentially the first radial position. The radial expansion and contraction is in response to axial movement of a tapered shaft from a first axial position to a second expanded axial position, the shaft having a first diameter and a second diameter at a terminal end of the shaft, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter. The axial shaft movement is in response to a controllable supply of a compressible gas which overcomes the biasing force of a spring to move the piston shaft.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains generally to a crosslinked plumbing tube which has at least one overmolded end (e.g. nose cone or nut) attached thereto. In one aspect of this invention, the tube is more rigid than the overmolded component while in another aspect of the invention, the tube is more flexible than the overmolded component. In either embodiment of this invention, the tube provides an all-plastic waterway for a contained liquid or gas to flow through. The degree of flexibility is controlled independently controlling the density of the tube polymer and the overmolding polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the tube and the overmolding polymer are both partially crosslinked to independent first degrees prior to the overmolding process. Subsequent to the overmolding process, the crosslinking is continued to a higher degree for both polymers.

Abstract: A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.

Abstract: This device relates to an adjustable hanger strap for use in the bundling and securing of various articles such as coils of wire, rope, hose, one or more pieces of tubing or rod, hand tools and equipment, and more specifically the mooring or temporary power feed lines utilized on a boat. The invention is constructed of a flexible material such as leather or plastic and one end of the strap includes an arrowhead shaped portion which upon looping and forming a noose, may be inserted through one or more locking holes located in the body of the strap and subsequently locked without deforming or bending the arrowhead shaped portion or the edges of the holes. The opposite end of the strap may also include an arrowhead for use as described or it may be adapted for attachment to extraneous devices or objects.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a flange or bellows in a plastic tube. The tube is preheated at a precise area and gripping dies are used to compress the heated area. Upon compression, the heated area is forced to bulge out and fold to form the flange or bellows. A mandrel inserted into the tube prior to compression ensures that the tube bulges outwardly. The invention may be used to form a variety of flanges, rims or bellows on plastic tubing. It is particularly useful in forming retaining rims on polyethylene tubing used for gas tank vents. Exposure to gasoline may cause such tubes to swell or bend. With a retaining rim formed in accordance with the present invention such swelling or bending can readily be accommodated.

Abstract: A collapsible boat fender holder is disclosed. The boat fender holder has two configurations, one for shipping or storage and the other for use in holding a boat fender. The holder is formed entirely of plastic members which are held together, preferably, with non-corrosive fasteners. The holder for each fender includes a frame member with two parallel legs and an arcuate section joining them. A pair of rings encircle each boat fender and are pivotably mounted at diametrically opposite locations to the legs of the frame member. Four links, two connected with each leg of the frame members, connect the two frame members to each other. The links and legs together define two parallelograms. When in the operative condition, the links and legs are essentially mutually perpendicular and the rings are perpendicular to the axis of the legs so that a boat fender may be inserted through the rings to rest on the bottom arcuate section of the frame member.

Abstract: A polybutylene tubing coupling and method of making that coupling utilizes a male tubular connector element having the same inside diameter as the major extent of the tubing. A coupling element is provided with stop shoulder at one end and a series of annular radially projecting barbs on its outside diameter which are preferably undercut in the direction of the stop shoulder or tubing end. An end of the tube is treated preferably by heating to enable the material to expand and the tubing end is inserted on or slipped over the male element against the stop shoulder. In such position the treated tubing end is mechanically compressed between two semi-circular dies to cause the material of the treated tubing end to flow around the barbs. Thereafter a metal crimp is placed around the tubing end between the stop shoulder and the next adjacent barb, or over the top of one or all barbs. The tubing connection thus formed is then permitted to cool at ambient temperature for approximately 7 days.