Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a multi-level assembly of flexible nets for supporting flowers to allow them to grow in straight, upstanding shape through the mesh openings of the nets which are raised progressively to different levels of height above a flower bed in accordance with the growth of the flowers. A plurality of nets are laid one upon another with their mesh openings substantially correctly aligned with one another and placed on a frame in a vertically zigzag folded pattern. Then, the nets are, together with the frame, immersed in a bath of a heating medium, such as hot water, to allow the nets to undergo thermal contraction, whereby the mesh openings of the nets are correctly with one another. The nets are, together with the frame, removed from the bath and allowed to cool. Then, the nets are removed from the frame with their folded shape substantially in order.

Abstract: A process for the production of lettering or symbol templates by production of symbol cut-outs in a template sheet consisting of thermoplastic plastic, characterized by forcing the cut-out portions of the symbols in a shaping or forging step, and subsequently cutting off the protruding forced-out portions.

Abstract: A method of mounting steps on the inner wall surface of a manhole section comprising implanting the steps in the section while the same is still green and following removal of the inner form but before removal of the outer form, positioning each step in confronting relation with the manhole section and thereupon smoothly and uniformly, without vibration and hammering, pushing the step into the concrete and compacting the concrete around the implanted step. The apparatus may be portable and shifted into the manhole section through an end thereof after the inner form has been removed but prior to removal of the outer form, and positioned against the base ring at opposite inside diameters thereof and engaging the outer form at the top of the manhole section and while thus engaged urging the step into the manhole section as aforesaid. Alternatively the apparatus may be stationary and the manhole section temporarily moved thereto and supported thereon during step implanting.

Abstract: A method for forming mirror assemblies, especially rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles, wherein a thermoplastic mirror case is held inverted with its side wall portions extending downwardly. The side wall portions are softened by immersion in a heated bath and are pressed into a forming die which supports a reflective mirror element to form an arcuate mirror element retaining lip about the peripheral edges of the mirror element. Apparatus for performing the method includes an indexing table which sequentially moves the cases and mirror elements loaded thereon to one position, removes the cases from the table, combines them with the mirror elements via the forming die, and returns the completed assemblies to the table.

Abstract: A pipe connection is provided which comprises two pipe ends, one inserted inside of the other, and one consisting essentially of crosslinked polymer material, whereas the other consists essentially of crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymer material, the connection having a layer of polymer material press-fitted and crosslinked between the two pipe ends. The pipe fitting is made by arranging the two pipe ends so that one is inserted in the other, one of the ends having a mechanical memory and having been deformed so that one of the pipe ends fits into the other, providing an in situ heat-crosslinkable polymer layer between the two pipe ends and heating the thus assembled pipe ends to crosslink the heat-crosslinkable layer, while the deformed pipe end returns towards its original shape, thus press-fitting the crosslinking polymer layer between the two pipe ends and making a strong, fluid-tight joint.

Abstract: A method of making plastic optical fibers in which a tubular plastic sheath is heated to a predetermined temperature in a vacuum chamber, a rod-like plastic core is inserted into the sheath in the vacuum chamber and the assembly is allowed to cool in the vacuum chamber to room temperature. The internal diameter of the sheath at the predetermined temperature is greater than the outer diameter of the core at room temperature so that said core can be inserted into the tube at the predetermined temperature. The internal diameter of the sheath at room temperature is less than the outer diameter of the core at room temperature so that when said assembly is allowed to cool from the predetermined temperature to room temperature, the tube will shrink tightly onto the core.

Abstract: An improved press-fit joint between a pipe, such as a length of pipe forming part of a section of pipeline in an irrigation system, and a pipe coupler used in connecting the ends of adjacent pipeline sections in the system. In forming the joint, a sheathing element of thin gauge material is mounted on an end portion of the pipe. The sheathing element includes a skirt portion which bounds the inner circumference of the pipe, allowing a tubular portion of the coupler to be pressed into the end of the pipe without experiencing the galling which normally occurs when the pipe and coupler are both made of a metal such as aluminum. In addition, the sheathing element may be provided with openings for carrying an adhesive bonding agent into the interface region of the joint. A method of making a joint between a length of pipe and another part such as a coupler.

Abstract: A container, particularly for packing purposes, a method for manufacturing it and a machine for carrying out the method are described. The container comprises a cardboard sheath, a film of a material having thermobonding characteristics innerly lining the cardboard sheath at least close to its bottom end, a plastic bottom having a peripheral rim integral with the sheath by being bonded on a margin of said film and, at its end opposite to the bottom, a flange made of the same plastic material as that which makes the bottom, said flange being made integral with said sheath by the usual thermobonding techniques.

Abstract: Method and apparatus employing induction heating for positively mounting a grip ring on a thermoplastic support shaft of a counter wheel subassembly for retaining a bank of counter wheels on the support shaft with a preselected axial end play.

Abstract: Method for making a microfiche structure consisting of a laminate of an opaque, apertured web sandwiched between two transparent sheets. The transparent material partially extends into each aperture to thereby define, for each aperture, an optical doublet. The laminate may be continuously formed by compression, as by rolls.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of covering glass containers with a preformed, cylindrical sleeve of a polyethylene or like polyolefin material, or laminates of polyolefins, that are heat shrinkable circumferentially of the sleeve and made from sheet of a foam or a laminate of said plastic material such as a foam-film laminate. Upon application of heat, the sleeve initially softens or becomes limp, and grows or enlarges, such that in its telescopic assembly on the upright bottle it tends to slip from position. The method includes supporting the sleeve from underneath during heating it for shrinkage by conveying the container and sleeve over a water-cooled sleeve support bar extending into the heating device a substantial distance allowing the sleeve to shrink onto the bottle. The sleeve support bar includes a lubricious surface layer adjacent the sleeve. The lubricious layer combined with water cooling maintains support surface below 200.degree. F, preferably below 150.degree.

Abstract: In a blow-molding operation, a method of forming a recessed area in the exterior wall of the parison and maintaining the recessed area in a heated condition while the remainder of the parison is formed and cooled. Also an apparatus (ram means) employed in such a method comprising (a) an arm, (b) a head and (c) a tip. The method and apparatus find application where a gripping-action is desired or required between the fabricated product and another sub-assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a decorative label on a closured bottle, including a pilfer-proof feature. The neck label comprises a sleeve of a shrinkable plastic material shrunken over the neck and closure skirt on a bottle. The label stock may be preprinted in a roll and is (1) scored a partial depth lengthwise along a line corresponding to a cap skirt edge position in the label, and (2) embossed by pleats angularly disposed to the direction of orientation. The pleats provide an embossed decoration which appear in each label blank cut from the roll. Label blanks are wound to a sleeve shape and the overlapped ends united at an axial seam. The sleeves with embossed decoration and pilfer-proof score therein are placed over the neck and closure skirt of a bottle such that the score line is in position adjacent the lower edge of the closure skirt. Heat is applied to shrink the label into snug surface engagement with the underlying surfaces.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) pipes, which may have a supporting metal mandrel placed therein, are flanged. To this end, use is made of a first implement which is a rigid annular plate having a frustoconical element and a bevelled cylindrical plug slightly smaller in diameter than the PTFE-pipe centrally mounted thereon. The first implement is heated once to 180.degree.-210.degree. C and forced into contact with the PTFE-pipe so that the plug opens thereinto. The PTFE-pipe and the first implement projecting thereinto are caused to rotate for 0.5-3 minutes at a speed of 5-10 rpm and under a contact pressure of 5-20 kg/cm.sup.2 of pipe surface area to be flanged whereby the free end of the PTFE-pipe is flared. The first implement is removed and replaced by a second implement which is a rigid annular plate having a bevelled cylindrical plug substantially equal in diameter with the PTFE-pipe centrally mounted thereon. The second implement is heated once to 180.degree.-210.degree.

Abstract: A method for producing a container of large capacity formed of an outer shell of structurally strong material and an inner plastic container joined at its upper end portion about the rim of the shell and resting at its bottom end on the bottom wall of the shell with an air cushion between the outer side walls of the plastic container and the inner walls of the shell. A sheet of the plastic is vacuum formed within the outer shell and then allowed to shrink in order to form the air cushion.

Abstract: A demountable fishing rod is formed as a single tapering tube with a thick walled central portion, the tube is cut in two at the large end of the thick walled central portion to form a butt portion and a tip portion, the thick walled central portion is sized to receive a cylindrical sleeve which is glued over the sized portion to extend rearwardly beyond the tip portion, the tapering small end of the butt portion is sized and coated with a mold release agent, the sleeve has a molding material inserted therein, and the tapered end of the butt is held in the sleeve while the molding material hardens to provide a demountable joint.

Abstract: A stylus is assembled from a plastic tip having an axial bore and an ink tube in said bore centered therein and welded thereto. Ultrasonic welding is used for softening and partially melting the tip. On switching off the ultrasonic energy source, the molten portion of the tip hardens and provides a strong bond between the tip and the ink tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing sealed end stringers for sliding clasp fasteners from a pair of stringer tapes, each of which is provided on one of its edges with a row of fastening elements. The tapes are first arranged so that the two rows of fastening elements face each other, and then a plurality of spaced apart pairs of strands of plastics material, which are disposed to extend transversely of the tapes, are welded to the tapes so that the tapes are connected together by the strands. The strands are severed in the region between the tapes, and a plurality of guide members of plastics material are formed on the tape edges having the rows of fastening elements, each of the guide members being connected to a respective one of the severed portions of alternate ones of the strands to extend away from the respectively adjacent one of the other strands. The tapes can then be severed between the strands of each pair so as to provide completed stringer pairs with ends sealed by the welded strands.

Abstract: In order to secure a metal element, such as, a pin or shaft, to a synthetic resin body so as to project from one surface of the latter, the body is formed with a hole extending from that one surface to the opposite surface of the body and preferably having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of a mounting portion at an end of the metal element, the metal element is inserted into the hole from that opposite surface, and the metal element is pressed in the axial direction of the hole toward the surface from which the metal element is to project so as to urge the mounting portion into the hole while softening the region of the body contacted by the mounting portion until the latter is contained in the hole and the metal element projects to the desired extent from the body, whereupon the body is allowed to harden at the region of its contact with the mounting portion.

Abstract: A lightweight rearview mirror assembly for vehicles and a method for forming the same. The assembly includes a case formed from a thermoplastic material and a mirror element mounted therein. A thin, upstanding edge of the case is heated and curled into an arcuate, peripheral, retaining edge extending over the entire length of the mirror edge. The curled, arcuate edge defines therewithin a space extending between the entire thickness of the peripheral edges of the mirror and the case which allows the mirror and case to expand or contract in extreme temperatures without expelling or breaking the mirror element. Means are provided for preventing the mirror from vibrating within the case.

Abstract: A method for making insulators, comprising the steps of forming a bar from a fiber glass mass impregnated with a thermosetting resin, carrying out the complete polymerization or curing substantially for the major portion of the bar length and maintaining at least one end thereof cooled at a lower temperature than the complete polymerization or curing temperature for said resin. The bar so formed is inserted in an insulating covering and a terminal fitting is applied to said uncured end of the bar, widening the fiber glasses of the uncured end of the bar against a divergent or flared surface of the terminal, and a successive step of complete polymerization or curing is carried out for said bar.

Abstract: An appliance foot formed of molded polypropylene has a shaft and an enlarged head affixed at one end of the shaft. The shaft is threaded so that it may be threadingly engaged and adjusted in the base of a domestic appliance with the head depending downwardly from the appliance. The head has a hexagonal periphery adapted to be received in a wrench for adjustment of the shaft into and out of the body of an appliance. The center of the head has an annular recess into which the depending edge of a resilient non-slip pad is received. The pad extends outwardly beyond the head so that the pad is the weight bearing surface. The edge of the annular recess is crimped tightly over the pad to tightly engage the periphery thereof and to hold it firmly in the annular recess.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method utilizing an apparatus defining an open ended mold cavity, operable in conjunction with a piston supporting a closure cover for a container to be formed in the cavity which is shiftable inwardly into the open end of the cavity. The method involves introducing a blank of heated plastic material into the mold cavity inwardly of the open end thereof first introducing gas or a similar fluid or fluent material and then a beverage or a similar fluid or fluent material under pressure into the cavity at a point spaced outwardly of the blank and inwardly of the closure cover and piston after the latter has been shifted into the outer end of the cavity to seal the latter. The introduced gas is under sufficient pressure for pre-blow molding blank and the subsequently introduced beverage is under sufficient pressure to complete the blow molding of the blank in the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a candle-wicking machine which automatically operates to insert a candle wick into a candle after the candle has been formed to its desired shape. A plurality of candles can be wicked at the same time. Essentially, wicking material is cut to length, and then engaged near one end with a wicking rod that is forced down into the candle carrying the wicking material with it and depositing the wicking material into the candle on removal of the wicking rod. The essence of the invention lies in proper association of the wicking material with the wicking rod, cutting the wicking material to proper length, and the engagement of the wicking rod with the wicking material to force it into the candle.

Abstract: There are provided improvements in the formation of a bearing hole in the body of a strap member made of a thermoplastic resin and particularly adapted for use as a watch strap, said bearing hole being intended to receive therethrough a spring rod or the like for mounting said strap member onto a watch case or the like.Firstly, the improvements are directed to a method of forming a bearing hole in one end of the body of said strap member which comprises having said end of said body contacted by a tubular member having a central axis thereof penetrated by a core member of a material having a small dielectric loss and being of a nature not to be fused with said strap member body even when heated, and then integrally heat uniting together said strap member and tubular member by means of a high frequency adhesion device in a silicone rubber press mold to form a bearing hole at a right position in the body of said strap member.

Abstract: Plastic lined pipe and fittings are prepared by forming a liner of a plastic material having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the pipe or fitting to be lined, reducing the diameter of the liner by hydrostatically swaging the liner and inserting the swaged liner into the pipe or fitting and permitting the plastic memory of the liner to cause expansion and form an interference fit of the liner with the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe joint and method of making a pipe joint are disclosed, the pipe joint being suitable for formation on a pipe fitting and a pipe and comprising an enlarged annular socket, a first lip projecting toward the open end of the socket cooperating with a second lip formed on an annular retaining ring to hold an annular seal ring therebetween, the retaining ring being locked in place by deforming the outer end of the pipe member radially inwardly.

Abstract: A structural panel having a thin-walled outer layer of high tensile strength and/or high modulus of elasticity material preformed as a large area trough open at the top and of a depth substantially the thickness of the panel, into which is poured a low tensile strength and/or a low modulus of elasticity material in metered quantities, which is compacted and hardened therein, in such a manner to form a composite with the trough where the trough is an externally disposed reinforcement member for the panel. The trough has a peripheral flange around the open top with accurately positioned apertures therethrough, or accurately positioned apertures through the bottom of the trough near the corners for connecting a plurality of the panels in alignment to external supports. The accurately positioned apertures are formed at the same time the trough is formed. The open top of the trough may be closed by a horizontal stress transmitting cover plate connected to the peripheral flange.

Abstract: A connection of a first pipe to the wall of a second pipe or container is disclosed. A hole is formed through the wall of a second pipe or container which is of a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe. At least the connection end of the first pipe consists essentially of a polymer of ethylene or a copolymer of ethylene and a small quantity of mono-1-olefins having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The polymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight of above 200,000. The connection portion of the first pipe is cold-swaged and inserted into the hole. Due to the mechanical memory of the cold-swaged end of the first pipe, it recovers towards its original shape to form a firm connection between the first pipe and the second pipe or container wall. A sealant can be applied between the first and the second pipe.

Abstract: A resilient corrosion resistant multi-layered sealing ring member has a wrinkled outer peripheral sealing surface and a compressed, inner cylindrical wall portion. The method for forming this ring comprises wrapping a number of layers of a readily deformable plastic tape on a tube and employing a clamping member that is slidable in a telescopic manner on the tube to compress several of the outer layers of the plastic tape to substantially reduce their axial dimension and thereby form a seal between the clamping member and the tube.

Abstract: Plastic shutters and the like are manufactured by attaching a decorative plastic shroud to a supporting frame without substantial use of adhesives by a process in which a generally pan-shaped rectangular shroud is heat formed, the supporting frame is positioned within the plastic shroud, and the sides of the plastic shroud are post-formed to embrace the outer rim of the supporting frame. Since the supporting frame and the plastic shroud are not completely bonded to each other, the shroud and the frame can separately expand or contract without materially warping or distorting the shroud.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel and improved method of seating a bearing, especially for use in chair controls for tiltable chairs. A multi-pointed star-shaped hole is cut in the support and a bearing, preferably made of nylon, which has a series of circular rings on its periphery, each ring diminishing in diameter, is placed in the hole as far as it will go. The bearing is then fused into the hole and the hole cuts the bearing so that shavings are forced into the undercut part of the next largest ring. This provides a secure and tight fitting bearing and removes any necessity for bearings to be made of exact tolerances. The process may also be subject to a fully automated process at a greatly reduced cost.