Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding polymeric materials is provided. The apparatus and method both utilize ferromagnetic materials in association with the polymeric materials to be bonded together. The polymeric materials, and the ferromagnetic material, are placed within a magnetic field, which causes hysteresis losses in the ferromagnetic field, and thus elevation in the temperature of both the ferromagnetic material and the polymeric materials to the point where the polymeric materials melt and fuse together. The ferromagnetic materials only rise in temperature to their Curie temperatures, at which point the hysteresis losses cease, and the polymeric material stops being heated. Removing the electromagnetic field allows for cooling and fusing.

Abstract: A method for mounting interior vehicle trim parts in which two trim parts are supported adjacent one another and in which a bead of buffer material is disposed between mating surfaces of the two trim parts. The bead is included to reduce noises such as buzzes, squeaks and rattles produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts at their mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked into a recess in one of the mating surfaces by forming a recess in the mating surface then applying buffer material in the recess. The buffer material is applied in such a way as to form the bead. The bead is allowed to mechanically connect to the first trim part as a result of the hardening of the buffer material within the recess.

Abstract: An article support such as a shelf or a table top has a frame that, in its heated state, slidably receives a glass or plastic planar sheet into grooves along two opposing edges of the frame, until an end of the sheet abuts a third edge of the frame that joins the two opposing edges. The edges of the frame have lips that rest on a portion of the top surface of the sheet. When cooled, the frame contracts such that the edges of the sheet are tightly engaged within the grooves of the frame and the lips tightly abut the top surface of the sheet, thereby creating an article support that resists spills around its periphery. The frame may be reheated to expand the material of the frame, permitting removal of the sheet from the frame. Thus, the frame and the sheet may be recycled.

Abstract: A collar for a vacuum cleaner bag having a user operated closure, the collar being formed from a blank of relatively rigid material and folded to define first and second full outer panels and a partial inner panel, the partial inner panel being adhesively secured to the first and second full outer panels and having an occlusion element attached by weak retention bands of collar blank material and the occlusion element further contains a detachable pivot and a partial aperture cut-out, and the first and second full panels contain apertures which are aligned with the partial aperture of the occlusion element, such that the occlusion element pivots on the detachable pivot from an open position to a closed position, occluding the apertures on the first and second outer panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and staking a pile weatherstrip to an extrusion in an inline process is disclosed. The insertion assembly includes a removable/replaceable pile channel. The staking assembly includes a linear translating staking pin moveably mounted relative to an extrusion path such that the pin travels with the extrusion from an upstream position to a downstream position during contact with the extrusion.

Abstract: A method of making a composite part includes the steps of placing a first section of a fibrous pre-form in a mold and infusing the first section of the fibrous pre-form with a resin so as to produce a resin-infused portion and a non-resin-infused portion. Next, the method includes coupling the non-resin-infused portion to a second section of the fibrous pre-form to create a coupled non-resin-infused portion. Then, the coupled non-resin-infused portion is infused with resin to create a second resin-infused portion and a second non-resin-infused portion. These steps are repeated to separately infuse different sections of the part until the part is complete. The corresponding apparatus preferably employs a rigid mold having a shape defining only a portion of the composite part to be made. And, the method is particularly adapted to making both cored and non-cored structures that are large or unconventionally shaped.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a pin shaped thermoplastic material is provided including a quartz tube, a heat radiator and a securing mechanism. The quartz tube has tube ends and is helix shaped. The heat radiator is arranged in the quartz tube and includes an electrical resistance wire connected to a power supply. The securing mechanism is a heat resistant element connected to the quartz tube that secures the part to be heated relative to the quartz tube along an axis of the quartz tube and heats the plastic part. The quartz tube and/or the part to be heated are moveable. An apparatus is also provided for heating a number of pin shaped plastic parts simultaneously. In addition, a method for heating one or more pin shaped plastic parts is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for an end of a ladder rail is provided. In one form, the method comprising the steps of: using at least one material to make a shell; using at least one other material to make a tread; and bonding at least a portion of the tread with at least a portion of the shell. Preferably, the shell and the tread are bonded to one another during the manufacturing process such that the shell and tread need not be mechanically fastened to one another in a separate and additional step.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib is provided at the reverse side of the elongated side molding in longitudinal direction and a portion of the reinforcement rib is elevated to form a welding rib. In the clip as an attachment member, a rib hole is provided for inserting the welding rib therein and the open side of the rib hole from which the welding rib is projecting is formed with a larger bore. The side molding body is integrally formed with the attachment member by housing a dislocation preventing portion formed by heat riveting a tip end of the welding rib inserted into the rib hole of the attachment member. Thus integrated side molding with the attachment member is attached to the outer panel of the vehicle by the leg portion provided at the attachment member.

Abstract: A method of sealing a bore, such as the threaded bore of a fastener, wherein the sealing element is preferably formed in place. The preferred sealing element is formed of a heat softenable plastically deformable material, such as a thermo-plastic resin, which is heated and deformed radially in the bore into a mechanical interlock with the bore inside the surface, such as thread. In the preferred method, a plunger or ram is driven into the sealing element which is supported on a die element in the bore. In the most preferred method, the ram simultaneously heats and deforms the sealing element, sealing the bore opening. The preferred female fastener element includes a generally tubular body portion having an axial bore which may be threaded adjacent one end. The sealing element seals the opening to the bore and the opposite end may be sealed with a disk spaced from the threads and forming a chamber.

Abstract: An improved pipe belling process is shown which features a mandrel having a specially designed backup or forming collar. The backup collar has an exposed lip portion which forms a complimentary angle with the outer sloped surface of the gasket which it abuts. The complimentary angles of the backup collar and gasket form a wedge shaped contact area which serves to retain the gasket in its initial circumferential position on the working surface of the mandrel as the heated pipe is forced over the mandrel and gasket.

Abstract: The apparatus for connecting objects by means of a plastically deformable connecting body comprises a shaping punch (4), a flow-restricting wall (5) closely surrounding the shaping punch and a gas supply lead (6) through which a gaseous medium can be introduced into the gap between the shaping punch (4) and the flow-restricting means (5). The shaping punch (4) has a heating cartridge (8) by means of which the lower end of the shaping punch can be heated. Provided on the outside of this shaping punch are heat-transfer ribs (9) which are used to heat up the supplied, gaseous medium which emerges at the lower end of the flow-restricting means in order to produce a flow around a plastically deformable connecting body (3), so that the latter is uniformly heated for the deforming process. The connecting body (3) is also integrally formed on a part (2) and reaches through a hole in a second part (1) which is to be connected to the first part.

Abstract: A method of bonding a magnetic disk drive head suspension to an actuator arm. The actuator arm has a boss hole therein and the suspension includes a base plate with an inside diameter or barrel therein. A thermoplastic cylindrical core is fabricated with a barrel therein. The suspension and actuator arm are clamped together to form a head stack assembly in which the base plate inside diameter is aligned with the boss hole in the actuator arm. The thermoplastic cylindrical core is passed through the base plate inside diameter and the boss hole in the actuator arm. A heating tool, such as an ultrasonic horn is passed through the barrel of the cylindrical core and heated causing the cylindrical core expand and bond to the base plate inside diameter and to the actuator arm boss hole.

Abstract: A method of attaching a load beam to a head actuator arm. A number of weld holes are provided in the load beam and the actuator arm. A thermoplastic base plate is aligned over the weld holes in the load beam and the actuator arm. A heating tool having a number of pins is clamped over the base plate such that points of the heating tool pins coincide with the number of weld holes. The heating tool is heated such that peaks of thermoplastic base plate material are extruded through the weld holes. The heating tool causes heat to be applied and focused at the points to cause the thermoplastic base plate to flow and expand into the weld holes in both the load beam and the actuator arm, thereby rigidly connecting the thermoplastic base plate and load beam to the actuator arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to deform a plastic rivet is described herein. The apparatus comprises a generally tubular outer wall configured and sized to enclose the rivet to be deformed and a piston slidably mounted in the generally tubular outer wall for longitudinal movements between a rest position and a pressure applying position. The deformation of the plastic rivet occurs when said piston moves towards the pressure applying position.

Abstract: This is a process for laminating spars, masts or columns using fiber reinforced plastics such as carbon fiber/epoxy, using a concave or “U” shaped female mould. After curing, the “U” shaped section is removed from the mould and clamped so that the flanges meet or overlap and can be bonded and/or fastened together to form a closed section with the finished surface on the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat staking utilizes an infrared lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic part to heat and so soften it prior to the staking punch impacting the part. The apparatus comprises an energy directing means for concentrating the infrared energy onto the part, and a moveable carriage for moving the punch toward and away from the part. One embodiment of the energy concentrating means is a reflector, wherein the reflector includes a central aperture for admission of the part, and wherein the reflector comprises different curved sections for concentrating the energy over the surface of the part. In an alternate embodiment, the energy directing means comprises fiber optic cables for directing the infrared energy to the surface of the part.

Abstract: An improved pipe belling process is shown which features a mandrel having a specially designed backup or forming collar. The backup collar has an exposed lip portion which forms a complimentary angle with the outer sloped surface of the gasket which it abuts. The complimentary angles of the backup collar and gasket form a wedge shaped contact area which serves to retain the gasket in its initial circumferential position on the working surface of the mandrel as the heated pipe is forced over the mandrel and gasket.

Abstract: A fluid filter for a vehicle solenoid valve includes a male end piece, a female end piece, and a medial end piece therebetween. A first screen connects the male end piece to the central support piece and a second screen connects the female end piece to the central support piece. The female end piece is formed with a hole. A post extends from the male end piece. When the filter is wrapped around a solenoid valve, the hole engages the post and is heat staked to hold the filter snugly around the valve with the screens covering the valve ports.

Abstract: The specification describes a connector for joining optical elements, especially optical fibers. The connector is a sleeve made of a Simple Shaped Memory Polymer (SSMP) into which the optical fiber is inserted and the sleeve heated to collapse the sleeve around the optical fiber. The SSMP materials are not crosslinked and can be manufactured by a variety of techniques including extrusion. Various methods for forming the bore of the connector and expanding the size of the bore from the memory state to the metastable state are described.

Abstract: A nozzle plate, particularly for fuel injection valves, with at least one flow path which has at least one supply opening, which path includes a ring gap which opens into a ring-shaped exit opening, as well as a method for the production of such a nozzle plate. For the nozzle plate, it is provided that the flow path has a ring channel assigned to the supply opening, which channel makes a transition into a cylinder-shaped ring gap with a cross-section which narrows in the region of the exit opening. The production of the nozzle plate takes place in that a cavity mold corresponding to the flow path through the nozzle plate is produced, that a layer embedding the cavity mold is galvanically deposited, and that the cavity mold is removed from the galvanically deposited layer.

Abstract: A helical element for insertion into tissue comprises a helical element having an insertion end, a protruding end and an open central area within the wire, rods, filaments, cables or the like that form the helix. The helical element has at least its insertion end covered by a cap of a water-soluble or water-dispersible composition. There is either a hollow area within the composition within the open central area or the material is more porous than the remaining material. The helical element preferably comprises an electrical lead, such as a positive endocardial lead, with an electrode at the protruding or distal end of the lead. The helical element may comprise any biocompatable material with sufficient structural integrity to provide a secure attachment to tissue in a patient. Where the helical element is also to provide an active (electrically active) function, the composition of the helical element should also be electrically conductive.

Abstract: A multilayer ornament, that is formed of a back of foam and a sheet of ornament, is brought on a support portion of the part, that it surrounds in the edge region. In a first step, the ornament is brought onto the part and is maintained in at least one edge region. Then, in a second step, the thickness of the foam is reduced by heating in the edge zone and/or stretching. And, in a third step, the ornament assembly or the projecting sheet of ornament is fixed onto at least one edge of the part.

Abstract: A process for the production of a multi-chamber packaging tube of plastic material, comprising a tube body portion with a tube head thereon, and at least one separating wall accommodated in the tube body portion and the tube head. To mount the tube head to the tube body portion by means of a tool including a die and a bar as respective tool halves, the bar is loaded with a separating wall and subsequently a tube body portion or vice-versa.

Abstract: The apparatus for connecting objects by means of a plastically deformable connecting body comprises a shaping punch (4), a flow-restricting wall (5) closely surrounding the shaping punch and a gas supply lead (6) through which a gaseous medium can be introduced into the gap between the shaping punch (4) and the flow-restricting means (5). The shaping punch (4) has a heating cartridge (8) by means of which the lower end of the shaping punch can be heated. Provided on the outside of this shaping punch are heat-transfer ribs (9) which are used to heat up the supplied, gaseous medium which emerges at the lower end of the flow-restricting means in order to produce a flow around a plastically deformable connecting body (3), so that the latter is uniformly heated for the deforming process. The connecting body (3) is also integrally formed on a part (2) and reaches through a hole in a second part (1) which is to be connected to the first part.

Abstract: An embedding hole is formed in a base made of thermoplastic resin, an embedded part is inserted in the embedding hole, the base is subjected to heating treatment for softening the base to bring the base into an elastomeric region and restraining treatment for restricting outward thermal expansion of the base to thereby expand the base in an inward direction of the embedding hole 2a to reduce a hole diameter and to deform a hole wall of the embedding hole along a shape of an outer wall face of the embedded part and to bring the hole wall into close contact with the outer wall face, and then the base is cooled and hardened.

Abstract: A resin mold product and a wiring method are provided. This resin mold product includes a main body formed into a pillar trim, side walls which are situated higher than wires, and wire receiving portions formed between the side walls. According to the wiring method: the wires, which have been cut to a suitable length for the front pillar, are received by the wire receiving portions; the side walls are partially melted so as to weld and secure the wires to the resin mold product; the resin mold product is mounted to the front pillar; and circuits mounted on the instrument panel and the roof are connected to each other.

Abstract: A laser joining system deforms a workpiece projection based on collapse of the projection to a predetermined displacement. The laser joining system has a laser system for generating a predetermined level of laser radiation based on radiation control signals. An actuation system directs the laser radiation to the projection and contacts the projection with a laser head based on forced control signals. The actuation system also generates position feedback based on a position of the laser head, wherein the position feedback includes a reference position of the laser head. The joining system further includes a controller communicating with the laser system and the actuation system. The controller generates the radiation control signals and the force control signals based on the position feedback. When the projection collapses to a predetermined displacement with respect to the referenced position, one of the radiation control signals causes the laser system to discontinue generation of the laser radiation.

Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.

Abstract: An air filter has a tubular metal housing with an air inlet and a plastic end cap affixed to one end of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is enclosed by a removable cover. The plastic end cap has an integral cylindrical air outlet with a portion thereof extending into the tubular housing. A generally cylindrical air filter element includes an inner liner, an outer liner, filter media captured therebetween, a closed end and an open end. The open end of the filter element has an end cap formed of an elastomeric material with an opening defined by a generally cylindrical radially inward-facing surface. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the outside diameter of that portion of the outlet member of the end cap that extends into the housing. The filter element is mounted on that portion of the outlet member extending into the tubular housing and the elastomeric material provides a seal.

Abstract: A head for use in a heat staking machine utilizes an infrared heat lamp and reflectors to direct radiant energy onto a plastic stud to heat and so soften it prior to the staking punch impacting the stud. The lamp is disposed within a parabolic primary reflector which directs the lamp's output toward a secondary reflector. The secondary reflector has is concave and has a central aperture at its vertex through which the stud projects such that all of the radiant energy emitted by the lamp is focussed radially inward onto the stud. The punch is slidably mounted to the primary reflector for reciprocal movement along the axes of the reflectors, and is extended to impact the stud.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels, halogens, and other volatile corrosive fluids is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation. A reinforcing layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluoropolymer coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14). The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including at least one polymeric fluorocarbon reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing strength and flexibility while providing assistance to chemical build-up and degradation to the hose assembly (10).

Abstract: A method for embossing and crimping a plurality of sheet material web layers using an apparatus, including a first, second and third roll. The first roll including at least one element extending radially therefrom. The second roll has a resilient surface that engages the element to form a first nip therebetween. The third roll has a non-resilient surface that engages the element to form a second nip therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes at least a first and second element extending radially therefrom, with the first element having a greater radial height than the second element, which avoids contact with the third roll. The layers of sheet material web are embossed by the first and second elements as they are passed through the first nip, and are crimped together by the first element as they are passed through the second nip. In a preferred embodiment, the first roll includes a plurality of first and second elements arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: An anode is embedded in an electrolyte layer applied to the surface of a structure such as a pipe section to provide an ionic conductive path between the anode and structure to supply cathodic protection to the structure, where the natural environment may not provide a continuous electrolyte. The anode is comprised of a material normally used as a cathodic protection anode material, such as, an expanded valve metal mesh or ribbon having either an electrochemically active coating or noble metal coating, or a sacrificial anode metal alloy. The anode material is made continuous from one end of the structure to the other and may be connected to a common bus wire from one end to the other. The anode and structure to be protected are connected using wires to a DC power supply that causes cathodic protection current flow to the structure in the case of an impressed current system. No separate power supply is needed in the case of a galvanic or sacrificial anode system.

Abstract: An air filter has a tubular metal housing with an air inlet and a plastic end cap affixed to one end of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is enclosed by a removable cover. The plastic end cap has an integral cylindrical air outlet with a portion thereof extending into the tubular housing. A generally cylindrical air filter element includes an inner liner, an outer liner, filter media captured therebetween, a closed end and an open end. The open end of the filter element has an end cap formed of an elastomeric material with an opening defined by a generally cylindrical radially inward-facing surface. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the outside diameter of that portion of the outlet member of the end cap that extends into the housing. The filter element is mounted on that portion of the outlet member extending into the tubular housing and the elastomeric material provides a seal.

Abstract: An air filter has a tubular metal housing with an air inlet and a plastic end cap affixed to one end of the housing. The opposite end of the housing is enclosed by a removable cover. The plastic end cap has an integral cylindrical air outlet with a portion thereof extending into the tubular housing. A generally cylindrical air filter element includes an inner liner, an outer liner, filter media captured therebetween, a closed end and an open end. The open end of the filter element has an end cap formed of an elastomeric material with an opening defined by a generally cylindrical radially inward-facing surface. The diameter of the opening is smaller than the outside diameter of that portion of the outlet member of the end cap that extends into the housing. The filter element is mounted on that portion of the outlet member extending into the tubular housing and the elastomeric material provides a seal.

Abstract: An improved guide fixture is disclosed. The guide fixture includes two portions forming a guide passage. The first portion funnels a discrete element into a second portion. A knife edge located adjacent a slot in the guide passage separates the discrete element from a holder while the discrete element is inserted into a cartridge.

Abstract: A headed thermoplastic tube having a closure member is formed solely from a thermoplastic extruded, stretched sleeve by positioning the sleeve over a forming mandrel with an exposed portion and heating the exposed portion. The heated exposed portion is shaped into a head in a single step by contacting the exposed portion with a closure means which is later retained on the head after initial contact. The internal cavity of the closure means, which may have threads or grooves formed in the internal cavity, is made of an incompatible material to facilitate the forming of a head in said cavity. The closure means may also have tamper evident features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for encapsulating an article comprising, for example, a substantially circular turntable (12) having first and second opposed major surfaces (16 & 18), each major surface sharing an outer peripheral sidewall (20). First and second thermoplastic pre-forms (28 & 30) are fitted to sandwich the article and are sealed to encapsulate by rotating a thermoplastic band (32) onto and around the exposed seam (48) while applying pressure (70) and heat (74) to obtain a fused bonded reliable encapsulating joint (72). The method and apparatus presented are particularly well suited for encapsulating metal platens, holders, and internal parts of process equipment used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to avoid contamination from the encapsulated metal.

Abstract: A machine for heat staking utilizes an infrared heat lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic stud to heat and soften the plastic material prior to the staking punch impacting the stud. In a first embodiment of the invention, the lamp is mounted directly above and in coaxial alignment with the staking punch such that the lamp points downward toward the plastic stud. An annular reflector is positioned in a radially surrounding relationship to the stud such that all of the radiant energy emitted by the lamp strikes the reflector and is redirected radially inward onto the stud. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an infrared lamp is mounted on a non-moving portion of the staking press machinery and one or more fiber-optic cables extend from the lamp to the vicinity of the stud. The fiber-optic cables gather substantially all of the radiant energy produced by the lamp and direct it onto the stud.

Abstract: An assembly of air heaters and reciprocally movable air driven staking tools is provided for use in the assembly of pieces using thermally softenable and pressure deformable studs. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are assembled in a supporting structure through which air is circulated to cool the staking tools to limit adhesion of hot softened material to the working face of each staking tool. The air heaters and air driven staking tools are individually selectable and controllable to meet the requirement of each workpiece to be hot staked. The method of operating the hot staking assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool for firmly and uniformly crimping a stent onto a balloon catheter. The stent crimping tool is constructed of three orthogonally arranged semi-circular shaped cams rotatably mounted on a common base. Two cams are disposed horizontally side-by-side and one cam is vertically disposed. Rotation of the three cams is synchronized by interacting racks on each cam. A groove is formed into the outer circumference of each cam and the three cams are arranged on the base, which also includes a groove, to collectively form an axial space in which a stent-catheter assembly is inserted. Rotation of the cams draws the uncrimped stent and catheter into the axial space in which the stent is crimped onto the balloon catheter by the compressive forces exerted by the grooves of the cams and the base.

Abstract: A slider block assembly and method for making the same. The slider block assembly is for use with an elongate guide channel having a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls and a pair of axially spaced apart base walls joined to the side walls with one of the base walls having an elongate slot therein. The slider block assembly comprises a slider block having a socket therein and a fastener having a generally spherical ball. Preferably, the slider block is axisymmetric having an annular side wall flange and an annular base flange extending from a main body. The side wall and base flanges are cooperatively biased against the side walls and base walls when the slider block is inserted in the guide channel to prevent the slider block from rattling therewithin while allowing the slider block to slide or roll within the guide channel.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system and method of manufacture for implanting a radially expandable stent within a body vessel. The catheter system includes a shaft defining an inflation lumen in fluid communication with a balloon on the distal end of the shaft. A stent is mounted coaxially upon a balloon. The balloon has ridges impressed in the outline of the stent for at least a portion of the stent. The ridges are sized to receive the stent so as to cause the balloon to expand evenly and the stent to deploy uniformly. In an alternative embodiment the balloon may additionally have a polymeric surface layer exhibiting a higher coefficient of friction than the underlying material against the stent material. The surface layer may be provided as a high friction polymeric coating on a formed balloon or as a coaxial extrusion of a high friction polymeric material over the underlying balloon tubing material.

Abstract: A method for infrared bonding a transparent plastic article having a first surface and a transparent bonding surface to an opaque plastic article having an opaque bonding surface. The method includes the following steps: The transparent article is aligned with the opaque article. The transparent bonding surface is juxtaposed the opaque bonding surface. An infrared beam is directed through the transparent article. The infrared beam is focused on the opaque bonding surface and causes the opaque bonding surface to heat and soften. The transparent article is contacted with the opaque article. The transparent and opaque bonding surfaces are urged together. The transparent and opaque bonding surfaces are fuse together.

Abstract: An improved pipe belling process is shown which features a mandrel having spring loaded detents at one circumferential position on an outer working surface. A gasket is installed on the outer working surface in abutment with the exposed detents. The heated socket end of a thermoplastic pipe is forced over the mandrel exterior and over the gasket with the detents in an extended position. This action causes the heated socket end of the pipe to flow over the gasket and form a retention groove for retaining the gasket before again contacting the working surface of the mandrel. The heated end of the pipe is cooled and retracted from the working surface of the mandrel. The retraction step serves to force the spring loaded detents to the retracted position to allow travel of the thermoplastic pipe over the working surface of the mandrel with the gasket being retained within the formed groove.

Abstract: A method of assembling a first component for assembly with a second component involves a heating device which includes an enclosure having a cavity for inserting a first component. An array of infrared energy generators is disposed within the enclosure. At least a portion of the first component is inserted into the cavity, exposed to infrared energy and thereby heated to a temperature wherein the portion of the first component is sufficiently softened and/or expanded for assembly with a second component.

Abstract: A method for bonding tubes into an article, each of which is formed from a thermoplastic polymer, especially an aliphatic polyamide. The article has a plurality of channels into which tubes are placed in sliding engagement. The article is moved towards a heating block having pins, such that a pin is inserted into each tube. The article and heating block are brought into a juxtaposed position such that the polymer of the tubes melts and forms a coating on said article. The method is particularly useful in the formation of tubed heat exchangers, for example with 100-300 or more tubes, in one cycle.

Abstract: A pipe sealing gasket is shown which is designed to be received within a groove provided within a socket end of a thermoplastic pipe. The gasket has a ring shaped body of an elastomeric material and includes a metal reinforcing ring. The elastomeric body includes a first portion of relatively low durometer rubber and a second portion of a relatively high durometer rubber. The regions of relative hardness and the placement of the reinforcing ring assist in retention of the gasket during the pipe belling process and in field installation.

Abstract: A method of socketing a pipe of oriented plastic having an annular groove inside the socket. An end portion (15) of the pipe is pushed onto a cylindrical mandrel element (11) and the region (l.sub.1) of the end portion at the opening thereof where the groove is to be located is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of amorphous plastic and the crystalline melting point of crystalline plastic, respectively. The rest of the end portion is maintained at a temperature below the glass transition temperature or the crystalline melting point, respectively. The end portion (15) when said region is at a temperature above the glass transition temperature or the crystalline melting point, respectively, is pushed onto a second mandrel element (13) axially aligned with the first mandrel element the bottom portion of the socket being formed by said second mandrel element (13). The rest of the end portion is expanded to form the bottom portion of the socket.