Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus is provided for welding together abutting end faces of adjacent dual containment pipe sections of the type described while an elongated flexible cable is present and extending between the adjacent pipe sections. The apparatus includes a unique heater element having opposed heating surfaces and openings formed along diametrically disposed confronting edges for accommodating an elongated cable element so that the pipe sections can be welded together while the cable element is in place.

Abstract: A heater for a double facing apparatus includes a flat metal plate where channels are drilled through end faces of the plate. Slots are provided at the end faces of the plate to interconnect pairs of adjacent channels at alternate ends to form a serpentine steam passage through the plate. The channels are positioned through the plate proximate to the upper surface of the plate, to define a thin web of plate material between the channel and the upper surface and a thick web of material between the channel and the lower surface of the plate. End caps are welded over the slots to seal the communication between the adjacent interconnected pair of channels. Steam supply ports extend into the serpentine path to steam pressurize the serpentine passage. Air vents can be supplied between some adjacent channels of the heater, extending between an upper and a lower surface of the plate.

Abstract: A device for insertion of a plastic pipe section into a shaped plastic piece for welding in accordance with a heating element method. Two carriages, which each have a clamping element, are positioned on a base frame and can be displaced with respect to each other with a setting device. A heating device is pivotal, into and out of position between the two clamping elements with the clamped plastic pipe section and the clamped shaped plastic piece, by using levers pivotally mounted on the base frame. The heating device has a setting element with a cupped section for placing over the plastic pipe section and a cylindrical section for insertion into the shaped plastic piece. Universal use, requiring no set-up time, of the device for different diameters is achieved with the heating device having a plurality of different heating elements, each with a cupped and a cylindrical section.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus is disclosed as having a unique, perforated stainless steel platen which is fixedly disposed vertically above a nip which is formed between an embossing roll and a backup roll, both of which are designed to rotate about horizontal axes. The platen is curved so as to slidably support a sheet of thermoplastic material, as it moves from a generally horizontal position on the platen to a vertical position as it exits the platen downwardly into the nip. Means are provided above and below the platen for heating the platen and helping heat the sheet of thermoplastic material as it travels along the fixed platen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing admission tickets that feature electromagnetically stored and detectable information and also visual information that contains, at least partly, identification data of the holder of the admission ticket, wherein the electromagnetically detectable information and the visual information is provided on separate carriers and wherein the separate carriers are placed in an, at least, partly transparent completely sealed sleeve. Admission tickets (14") are produced by a central processing unit (1), a video camera (2) linked with the central processing unit, and a dispenser (3) linked with the central processing unit. The dispenser has a printer for printing an image, recorded by the video camera (2), on a suitable carrier (17), which image has been converted by the central processing unit (1) into electric control signals. A magazine (4) holes a number of electromagnetically programmable responders (14), and a programming device is controlled by the processing unit (1).

Abstract: Portable apparatus is provided for terminating a plastic fiber optic cable mounted in a terminal connector by melting the fiber ends to form a smooth, flat end surface on each. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pistol grip, a holder for positioning a connector with the fiber ends protruding therefrom, and a heater. A polished plate is mounted on a trigger-operated holder for movement between a biased position normally engaging the heater and a position engaging the fiber ends. A heater switch energizes the heater; a temperature detector senses when the heater has reached a predetermined high temperature and illuminates an L.E.D. The operator then actuates the trigger to move the plate into engagement with the fiber ends to melt them. When the plate has cooled to a predetermined low temperature, indicating that the fiber ends are solidified, the L.E.D. extinguishes and the trigger can be released. A spring then moves the plate back into contact with the heater and the connector can be removed.

Abstract: A consolidated structure with less than 6 percent void content is formed from a plurality of thermoplastic impregnated yarns traverse wound on a rotating mandrel by feeding the yarns under tension simultaneously from a source of supply to a traversing carriage as adjoining flat tapes. The tapes then move successively through a preheating section, a heated circular guide and a contact portion heating source, all on the carriage, before being laid down in a predetermined path on the mandrel.

Abstract: A paper corrugating machine is disclosed which includes a heater for preheating the medium prior to the corrugation. The heater includes a curved metal plate where channels are drilled through end faces of the plate. Slots are provided at the end faces of the plate to interconnect pairs of adjacent channels at alternate ends to form a serpentine steam passage through the plate. End caps are welded over the slots to seal the communication between the adjacent interconnected pair of channels. Steam supply ports extend into the serpentine path to steam pressurize the serpentine passage. The heater is placed in a single facer corrugating apparatus above the upper and lower corrugating rolls. A variable wrap mechanism is also disclosed which varies the angle of wrap between the medium paper and the heater.

Abstract: A color crayon pointer for reforming the point on used color crayons includes an elongated horizontally disposed housing (21) extending from a rear end (24) to a front end (22) along a pointing axis, with the front end having an opening aligned with the pointing axis through which the crayon end to be pointed is inserted. A metallic anvil (40) heated by an electric heater (44) is mounted in the housing and has a conical recess (42) concentric with the pointing axis for shaping the end of the crayon inserted through housing opening. A crayon guide (36) having a guide collar (37) spaced forward of the housing opening and the anvil (40) prevents inadvertent user contact with the anvil (40) while also insuring proper alignment of the crayon with the anvil recess (42) as it is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: Joining of thermoplastic parts (2, 4) of indeterminate thickness to each other is effected by application of heat to selected surface areas thereof (42, 44) by intense focussed infrared heat lines produced by parabolic-elliptical-reflection heat sources (22, 24) displaced by a reciprocating linear actuator (26), removable by a robotic controller (36) after completion of heating to enable immediate pushing together of the parts by further actuators (32, 34) for bonding.

Abstract: A device for forming a resin impregnated unidirectional fiber reinforced prepreg where the resin impregnated fiber web is supported by a single endless conveyor belt. The device includes a pair of pull rolls which exert force directly and longitudinally onto the conveyor belt and the web.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a pair of pull rollers (18) for drawing laminating film (12) from supply rolls, over preheat rollers (30) and through a pair of heated laminating rollers (14). A motor (124) connected to a driver sprocket (128) drives a driven sprocket (132) connected to one of the pull rollers (18). A second sprocket (214) is connected to the pull roller (18) by a one-way bearing (220) and is coupled to a sprocket (210) attached to one of the lamination rollers (14). The ratios of the sprockets are set such that if the lamination roller (14) are rotating properly, the laminate product (112) drives them and the coupled pull roller sprocket (214) free-wheels. And, if the lamination rollers (14) slow down their rotational speed, the bearing (220) and the abutting second pull roller sprocket (214) engage, lock and drive the lamination roller sprocket (210) and lamination rollers (14).

Abstract: Labeling machine for applying labels of heat softenable material to containers comprising a rotating cylindrical vacuum drim which picks up labels in succession at a label receiving station as it rotates, transports each label to a label applying station at which the leading end of each label is applied to a container; means to rotate each container to which the leading end of a label has been applied to wrap the label around the container and to lap the trailing end of the label over the leading end and while so doing to apply pressure to the lapped junction of the leading and trailing ends, and means in the form of a heat applicator located within the drum, extensible through an opening in the drum to bring a head or nozzle into close proximity to the trailing end of a label during most of the travel of such trailing end between the label receiving and label applying positions and to apply heat during such period to the trailing end to soften the trailing end so that it can be welded by pressure to the lead

Abstract: A paint roller is comprised of a thermoplastic tubular core and a cover fabric heat-fused thereto without an intermediate adhesive. The fabric is wound around the core in a helical path, and the core is heat-softened in the zone of winding to fuse the fabric to the core as it is wound thereon.

Abstract: A heater plate for a heat-printed carrier process is provided in which the contact surface of the heater plate is shaped so as to reduce the formation of air pockets between the sheet and the contact surface of the heater plate.

Abstract: The outer surface of the base of a heated C channel is brought to bear against the surface of a laminate to be bent about and adhered to the curved edge of a substrate by pivoting a frame pivotally attached to a substrate supporting platform. A torque tube supports the C channel to inhibit bending and twisting of the C channel. A plurality of pairs of pneumatic cylinders extend from the frame to urge the torque tube and attached C channel toward the curved edge and to maintain the base of the C channel in progressive tangential contact with the point of attachment of the laminate to the curved edge while minimizing sliding movement between the base of the C channel and the laminate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starch adhesive bonding of paper, paperboard, and natural cellulosic-fiber materials, especially liner and fluted corrugating medium, into manufactured items, particularly corrugated board. The method includes applying an adhesive coating, comprising starch and water, to a first substrate (e.g. tips of flutes of a corrugated medium), contacting the applied coating with another substrate (e.g. liner) and while so positioned contacting an exterior surface of at least one of the substrates with an ultrasonic energy generating means so as to transmit the ultrasonic energy to the adhesive coating to increase coating adhesion to the substrates.

Abstract: A method of heating a portion of a continuous material strip includes heating the web through use of one or more IR lamps provided with radiation-concentrating reflectors. The IR lamps are directed towards a restricted area on the web to thereby heat the thermoplastic surface in the restricted area to a temperature that corresponds to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic. The web can be provided with a color strip in the restricted area, whereby the color strip absorbs the heat from the IR lamps.

Abstract: A device for welding roof membranes which includes a heat welding means capable of applying a heat weld to overlapping roof membranes, and a fluid application means capable of applying a solvent or primer between overlapping roof membranes in order to form a solvent weld to the roof membranes or to aid in preparing the membranes for application of a heat weld to the membranes. The device may be employed to apply, for example, a heat weld to overlapping roof membranes on one side of a fastening means, and a solvent weld to the overlapping roof membranes on the opposite side of the fastening means. Such a device enables one to apply solvent or primer safely while providing the ability to apply, if desired, a heat weld in addition to the application solvent or primer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a porous article in plastic film without employing supporting molds. The article is deposited onto a lower web and an upper web is moved into overlying position. The edges of the webs are gripped by moving teeth to move the webs and the article in unison. The webs are then pinched together adjacent the article to form an enclosed volume. The film is heated to its fusing temperature and the enclosed volume is evacuated through a tube inserted through the lower web and into the article. The tube is removed and the fused webs are trimmed adjacent the edges of the article, resulting in an encapsulated article.

Abstract: A corrugated cardboard producing machine has a preheater for heating a corrugated cardboard sheet of original paper or single face type corrugatd cardboard sheet in each of various processing stages for producing a corrugated cardboard by bonding a liner paper onto a corrugated central core paper. The preheater is provided with a lap amount adjusting tool whose insertion amount between a circumference of a roll of the preheater and the original paper or the single face type corrugated cardboard is adjustable. The lap amount adjusting tool is movable along the circumference of the roll of the preheater.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of insulating chutes. The apparatus comprises means for winding plies of insulating material on to cores; means for curing the insulating material wound on the cores; means for removing cured insulating material from the cores; and means of or returning empty cores to the winding step. The object is to make the operation of this kind of apparatus more efficient than previously. The object is achieved in such a manner that the cores (12) are arranged in groups on an endless transporter (1), whereby empty spaces corresponding to the number of cores in a group are left between the groups of cores, and the transporter is arranged to move step by step a distance corresponding to the interspace between individual cores in a group when the first core in each group reaches the winding means, and a distance corresponding to the interspace between the groups when the last core in each group leaves the winding step.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for curing epoxy in a fiber optic connector. An oven has a receptacle for receiving the connector with an exposed length of an optical fiber projecting therefrom. A heat conductive sheath is positionable on the connector about the optical fiber for distributing heat from the oven and for protecting the fiber when the connector is inserted into the receptacle. Sensing elements are located in the path of insertion movement of the fiber optic connector and conductive sheath to be actuated thereby in response to the connector being inserted into the receptacle. A micro-controller is coupled between the sensing elements and audible/visual signals. The micro-controller includes a timer to actuate the audible/visual signals after a predetermined period of time within which the heater is energized.

Abstract: An automobile bumper comprises a bumper face and a bumper beam constructed of members molded of thermoplastic resin. The bumper beam includes at least two members of thermoplastic resin having flanges for forming beam flanges together when the members are fused to each other, the beam flanges being fused to an inner surface of the bumper face. An FRP sheet is continuously heated in an atmosphere having a temperature successively lowered from a temperature higher than a resin melting temperature at which a resin of the FRP sheet is melted so that the entire FRP sheet is increased through successive heating stages to a temperature between the resin melting temperature and a resin degradation temperature at which the resin of the FRP sheet is degraded.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a pair of heated laminating rollers (14) for drawing laminating film (12) from supply rolls and preheat members (30) between the supply rolls and the laminating rollers. The preheat rollers are heated internally by a bonded electrical heating element, while the laminating rollers are heated by a separate bonded internal heating element. The system includes pull rollers (18) for drawing the laminated articles from the supply roll (10) across preheat rollers (30) and through laminating roll (14) with a blower system (20, 242) for cooling the articles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to provide sealed edge products with a reduced tendency to lint and ravel by supplying a hot air jet in the range of 600.degree.-800.degree. F. to melt and swell the fibers to lock the warp yarns in the fabric. The hot air jet is directed perpendicular to the warp yarns and parallel to the fill yarns in the sealed edge product.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for iso-thermally sealing electronic packages with a thermosetting adhesive have first and second platens for holding and for heating a package and a lid, respectively. The second platen is operatively coupled to the first platen, so that alignment of the package to the lid is automatically achieved when the first platen and the second platen are placed in a sealing position. The process includes the steps of pre-heating a package and a lid, the lid having a mating surface coated with a thermosetting adhesive; and mating together the heated package and the heated lid when iso-thermal conditions are achieved. The iso-thermal seal process and apparatus are based on the principle of uniting the package and the lid with a thermosetting adhesive after all three components, and gases in the cavity as well, are already at a stable adhesive curing temperature.

Abstract: Rows of wood fillets are assembled into panels by step-wise advancing the rows through two stages of wedge-shaped heating and gluing blocks where the edges of the fillets are pre-heated and then coated with a hot melt adhesive before being brought together with a strip of polyethylene foam between the edges of the fillets. The first stage assembles selected groups of the rows and the second stage joins the several groups so that the entire assemblage is accomplished over a relatively short distance and time. The resultant assembly exhibits improved flexibility and cohesiveness.

Abstract: A welding device for joining overlapping lengths of thermoplastic synthetic resin along the margins comprises two welding rollers (8) and (9). One of the welding rollers (9) is arranged at a lever (7) pivotably supporting at the base member (1) of the device, this lever being associated with a setting means (24). The pressure exerted by the setting means (24) on the lever (7) is detected by way of a pressure sensor (23) and fed to a control and/ or display unit. The device exhibits a wedge-shaped heated member (14) associated with the gap between the two welding rollers (8) and (9), this member being displaceably guided in the base member (1). The wedge-shaped heated member (14) is supported at a support, by way of which it is adjustable in the base member (1), via a pressure sensor (43) transmitting signals corresponding to the contact pressure of the wedge-shaped heated member (14) against the sheets of synthetic resin entering in between the welding rollers ( 8) and (9) to a control and/or display unit.

Abstract: A method for continuously molding a honeycomb panel having a sandwich structure wherein a plastic composite is bonded to both surfaces of a honeycomb-shaped core member. A long honeycomb sandwich panel is formed by repeating the following steps:(1) laminating a prepreg to the upper and lower surfaces of a band-like honeycomb core member to form a band-like blank;(2) feeding the band-like blank between a pair of upper and lower hot plates having a rectangular plane shape;(3) pressurizing the hot plates to apply pressure and heat to part of the band-like blank for a preset time; and(4) relieving the pressure exerted in the hot plates and feeding the band-like blank by a distance corresponding to a partial length of the hot plates.

Abstract: A screen assembly, the process for its manufacture, the apparatus used in the process and an adhesive presenting a system and the final product for accurately tensioned bonded screens. The screens include a screen frame and screen cloth bonded thereto by adhesive using bisphenol F epoxy resin, amine adduct hardener, a substantial percentage of amorphous silica and small amounts of glycerin and fumed or precipitated silicon dioxide. Titanium dioxide may also be employed for color. A screen assembly apparatus includes a screen cloth tensioning frame and a platform positionable adjacent a tensioned screen cloth. The platform includes heating elements about the periphery of a sheet heater on a lift table. The heating elements receive a screen frame which can be lifted into contact with a screen cloth in the tensioning frame. The sheet heater approaches the screen cloth itself. A thermal control cycle is presented which allows the screen frame to cool prior to the tensioned screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying heat-sensitive adhesive tape, such as frontal diaper tape, of the type having a layer of heat sensitive adhesive material to a web moving at high speed, such as a web of water-resistant material designed for use as the outer layer of disposable diapers. The apparatus comprises a tape-feed wheel for preheating and feeding the tape to the apparatus from a supply of generally continuous tape, and a tape-applying wheel in rolling engagement with the web for applying tape fed to it from the tape-feed wheel to the web. The tape-applying wheel includes vacuum passageways for providing suction through a circumferential surface of the tape-applying wheel to hold the tape thereon, and a heating mechanism for heating the tape to an elevated temperature at which the heat-sensitive adhesive is tacky and for maintaining the tape at the elevated temperature until it is applied to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for shrinking a wrapping about goods carried on a pallet has a transport device defining a support surface for displacing the palletized goods in a transport direction and including an upstream conveyor, a station conveyor spaced downstream by an upstream gap from the upstream conveyor, and a downstream conveyor spaced downstream by a downstream gap from the station conveyor. A heat ring has upstream and downstream portions and side portions extending in the direction therebetween. This ring is displaceable between a lower position with the upstream and downstream portions in the gaps below the surface and the side portions flanking the station conveyor and an upper position above the surface. An actuator displaces the ring between its upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a pair of heated laminating rollers (14, 110) for drawing laminating film (12, 114) from supply rolls and preheat members (30, 118) between the supply rolls and the laminating rollers. The preheat rollers are heated internally by a recirculating fluid system or by an electrical mechanism (212-220), while the laminating rollers are heated by a fluid system (70-82) or a separate electrical system. The system also includes pull rollers (18) for drawing the laminated articles from the laminating rollers and a blower system (20, 232) for cooling the articles.

Abstract: A polyethylene pipe heat fusion apparatus and method wherein the temperature, time, and hydraulic pressures necessary to create an acceptable joint are controlled by a programmable computer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating expandable honeycomb materials disclosed. The continuous length of material is folded along opposite side portions thereof into a generally flat tubular form having upper lower layers. Adhesive is then applied along the length of the continuous material by first heating the material, applying the adhesive in a liquid state to the heated material, and then cooling the material to solidify the adhesive. The folded tubular material with solidified adhesive lines thereon is then wound about a rack in such a manner that the tubular material is deposited in a plurality of continuous layers one on another with the lines of adhesive being disposed between adjacent layers. The wound layers are then radially cut and placed in a vertically aligned stack while they are removed the rack. The vertically stacked layers are then heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the lines of adhesive and bond the layers together.

Abstract: A battery heat seal machine and method for sealing a top cover to a battery container. The machine has a one-piece heating platen with thermal expansion features which eliminate stress on the platen bearings that support the platen. A new type of top cover holder and pickup device is also employed in the machine to positively grasp the top cover around the center line of the cover and to lift it up and return it as desired. The pickup device design may be used with small automotive batteries and with large commercial batteries. A mobile platen transfer device is used with the machine to quickly and safely remove an outgoing platen and replace it with an incoming platen when changing battery sizes and types on the battery assembly line.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneously winding at least two filament reinforced thermoplastic strips onto a mandrel or similar form, comprising: a rotatable mandrel for receiving the strips; a winding assembly for rotating the mandrel and winding the strips onto the mandrel; a strip feeder, for feeding the strips to the mandrel as the mandrel rotates; and a joining assembly, located between the feeder and the mandrel, for ceaselessly urging the strips into generally parallel, contiguous juxtaposition. The joining assembly comprises an arcuate member having an inside radius positioned to deflectingly contact the strips between the strip feeder and the mandrel. Preferably, the joining assembly is connected to the exit of the strip feeder.

Abstract: A welding machine for butt welding of plastic profiles is outfitted with profile clamping units (2, 3) capable of sliding in relation to each other, and a heat reflector (15) which can be introduced between the front surfaces of two profiles to be welded, whereby the clamping units (2, 3) comprise weld boundary blades (2b, 2f, 3b, 3f) aligned parallel to the profile front surfaces and mounted on the profiles.In order to enhance welding efficiency and produce precisely coordinated weld joints, the clamping units (2, 3) are designed to accommodate two superimposed profiles (U, O), and feature in addition to the external boundary blades (2b, 2f, 3b, 3f) an intermediate boundary blade (5, 6) insertable between the profiles (U, O), yielding elastically in the clamping direction of the profiles and moving along with the clamping units (2, 3) in the direction of displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding together at least two composite tapes comprising a tape head, a support surface adjacent the tape head and a supply system for supplying first and second composite tapes between the tape head and the support surface. The tape head includes a heating section and a pressure section pivotally coupled to the heating section. The heating section includes a heater for heating the tapes, and the pressure section includes a system for applying a force for urging the tapes against the support surface.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for dispensing tape of a thermoplastic matrix composite material onto a recipient surface comprising in combination support means for mounting a reel of tape; feed means for unwinding the tape from the reel and advancing it along a path of travel to the mandrel; a guillotine knife in the path of travel for cutting the tape at a predetermined angle with respect to the path of travel; a slotted, box-type pre-heater for the tape located in the path of travel following the knife for providing heat to the tape; a heated pressure roller located in the path of travel following the pre-heater for providing additional heat to the tape for effecting a process operating temperature and for applying the required pressure to the tape for lamination of the tape onto the recipient surface; cooling means located in the path of travel beyond the pressure roller for reducing the process heat from the laminated tape on the recipient surface and to smoothing it for thereby obtain the desired surface finish; an

Abstract: A self propelled enclosed apparatus for coupling sections of plastic pipe by fusion together to form a pipeline. The apparatus comprises a housing having a forwardly extending boom or trough for receiving pipe sections. Pipe sections are loaded onto the boom and fed to a fusion machine in the housing. The fusion machine is provided with hydraulically operated clamps and rollers to align and hold a section of pipe in mating relationship with a pipeline and a heating plate for forming a fused joint between the pipe section and the pipeline. Cooling apparatus is provided at the joint to reduce its temperature following fusion. Kick out rollers are provided, and the fused together pipeline exits the apparatus to a trailer towed thereby to be laid on the earth's surface or in trench. The trailer, self propelled apparatus, and boom are equipped with pipe support members to provide strain relief on the joint during fusion.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing and joining diaphragms in slotted walls. The slotted inner connecting pipe of one diaphragm is introduced into the slotted outer connecting pipe of another diaphragm. Furthermore apparatus for fusing together the two connecting pipes is placed within the interior of the inner pipe and can move through the latter. The apparatus has a heating device for heating and fusing the two connecting pipes together.

Abstract: A method and device to attach a strip tape onto a packaging web having a liquid-pouring hole by a heating element, which is provided with heating coils and an air hole, and a pressure rail which has a tape escape, so that when the strip tape is heat sealed on the packaging web, air is blown to a part of the strip tape covering the liquid-pouring hole so as to loosen such part into the tape escape.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in removing tile from a floor, the apparatus including a generally horizontally extending frame having a front end, a rear end and laterally opposing sides. Wheels are attached to the frame for rolling the frame across the floor, and a handle is mounted on the frame to steer it. Burner units mounted on the frame heat tiles below the burner units to loosen the tiles from mastic adhering the tiles to the floor. A tank mounted on the frame stores fuel for the burner units and a delivery system transports fuel from the tank to the burner units. A blade attached to the frame separates the heated tile from the floor as the frame moves across the floor.

Abstract: A method of forming composite articles from components (12, 14, 16) is described in which the components are joined by adhesive at their interfaces (18). The components have cavities (22) and the adhesive is compressed while it sets by placing magnetically attractable particulate material (20) into the cavities on one side of the interface and placing magnets (26) on the other side of the interface so that the attraction between the magnets and the particulate material compresses the adhesive. The particulate material may be removed from the cavities after the adhesive has set through apertures (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for welding vinyl window and door frames. The apparatus includes a counting circuit or the like for measuring the time taken for burning off a selected length of a thermoplastic frame member. This time can be used to calculate a sufficient or optimal period for performing a heating or plastification step. Once the ends of the frame members are properly heated (plastified), they are fused by urging them towards each other. The fused members are then cooled for a period of time which also corresponds to the time required for burn-off. The apparatus further includes a heating plate which is pivotable between an operating position and a retracted position. The heating plate is also movable so that different surface portions can be used during burn-off and heating phases.

Abstract: A portable system provides a high-strength joint between two portions of radiant energy transmitting thermoplastic strap having an opaque radiant energy absorbing area on one surface thereof, wherein the strap portions are overlapped so that the opaque area is at the interface therebetween. The overlapped strap portions are clamped at spaced-apart locations so that at least one strap portion is fixed. An arcuate anvil is then moved against the strap portions between the clamp locations for urging the strap portions together and deflecting them, thereby placing the fixed strap portion under tension. Infrared energy is directed through a free, uncontacted, outer surface area of the tensioned strap portion and onto the opaque area for melting the adjacent strap surfaces to form a joint. The clamps and anvil are manually operated. A manually operable cutter is provided for severing the tensioned strap portion from its supply after formation of the joint.

Abstract: The cable is made up of a series of pairs stranded alternately in one direction and the other. At the locations of the reversal of the stranding direction, the individual conductors are kept in the form of a web and welded together side by side. Between two thus bonded segments, the adjacent pairs are twisted in opposite directions. A ground wire is provided with lengths of sheathing which come to be placed in the bonded segments. These segments are marked by deposition of a radioactive substance or other indicator material detectable during a subsequent stage of manufacture and actuating marking. Once overall stranding and jacketing have taken place, or during those stages, the bonded segments are spotted owing to the indicator substance and are marked visibly.

Abstract: A system for first heating a section of pipe and then wrapping a sheet of heat-shrinkable material around the pipe to cover the section, the heat-shrinkable material having an outer polyethylene side and an inner mastic side which goes against the pipe, the mastic side forming a mechanical bond to the pipe when heated and having a lower melt temperature than the shrink temperature of the material, comprising arranging a plurality of induction coil assemblies in spaced relation around the pipe section, the induction coil assemblies having relatively arcuate induction coils therein, mounting the coils on a rotation fixture to form an arcuate surface adjacent to and parallel with the surface of the pipe, locating a heater assembly on the rotatable fixture between a pair of induction coil assemblies, rotating the rotatable fixture around the pipe section to heat the pipe section to the melt temperature of the mastic, wrapping a sheet of heat-shrinkable material around the pipe to form a sleeve with overlapping en