Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaped polymeric article is provided. A sheet of extruded hot polymeric material is provided and disposed onto a rotating belt. The rotating belt includes a mold impression therein and a plurality of apertures therethrough. The mold impression resembles a plurality of adjacent shingle impressions of substantially the same length. Each of the shingle impressions includes a bottom edge where at least one of the bottom edges is beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths. Vacuum pressure is applied to the hot polymeric material through the belt, so as to draw the sheet into intimate forming contact with the mold impression to form a patterned central portion. The patterned central portion is cooled below the heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material. A length of the sheet is severed to produce a shaped polymeric article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wrist pad, comprising the steps of: a. Knead and stir a mixture having natural rubber and foaming agent repeatedly to make it well mixed. b. Press the well mixed mixture into a plank element. c. Form an arched portion on the plank element. d. Foam the plank element with the arched portion so that a chemical reaction will occur between the natural rubber and the foaming agent to produce an air pressure for forming the plank element to a wrist pad, and e. Cool the foamed wrist pad and cut the wrist pad into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A method for placing an edge piece on a battery plate includes bending a thin strip of bendable plastic material into an open top, U-shaped channel. The channel is then cut into an edge piece having a length which is substantially equal to the edge of the battery plate which is to be covered. The edge piece is supported with this open top oriented towards a battery plate that is transported toward it in a manner such that the battery plate edge will be inserted into it. Once the edge of the battery plate has been inserted into the edge piece the edge piece is released so that the battery plate can be carried out of the apparatus. An apparatus for accomplishing this includes a feed mechanism which transports the strip of bendable plastic material. A bending mechanism forms this strip into the open top, U-shaped channel. The channel is then fully inserted into an assembly station where a first sensor stops the feed mechanism and a cutter cuts the channel into the proper-sized edge piece.

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: Processes are provided for formation of complex shapes by embossing of a sheet of flexible graphite material. In one approach, a sheet of material is provided with a variable resin concentration across its width, and the position of the variable resin concentration is correlated with the position of embossing features which will result in thinner areas in the embossed articles. In a second approach, recesses are provided in the embossing rollers to accommodate material flow during embossing. These recesses result in protrusions formed on the articles, which protrusions must then be removed in a machining operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sealing device by preparing a mold for molding both a rubber-like elastic material and a resin material, the resin material having a flat washer shape, inserting an outer diameter portion of the resin material into a mold cavity of the mold, and adhesively baking the rubber-like elastic material to the outer diameter portion of the resin material together with the molding of the rubber-like elastic material. An inner diameter portion of the flat washer shape resin material is pressed by a mold part adjacent to the mold cavity in utilization of a mold clamping pressure, the pressed inner diameter portion of the resin material is bent at an elevated temperature by a mold part to form a resin lip, arranged so as to not interfere with the rubber seal lip, and the sealing device produced is separated from the mold.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A presently-preferred process for bending a workpiece comprises placing a first portion of the workpiece on a substantially flat surface so that a second portion of the workpiece overhangs an edge of the substantially flat surface, and securing the first portion of the workpiece on the substantially flat surface by clamping the workpiece between the substantially flat surface and a substantially v-shaped end portion of a male die. The presently-preferred process also comprises causing the second portion of the workpiece to pivot around a tip of the substantially v-shaped end portion by rotating a bending die around the tip while the bending die contacts the second portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for constructing a plastic door for a household electrical appliance such as a refrigerator having an outer door shell to which is assembled an inner door liner. The outer shell is formed into a concave dished shape having a continuous side wall. Following forming, the edge of the shell side wall is heated and bent to form a flange extending toward the inner cavity of the shell. Heating and bending of the edge is implemented while maintaining the shell in a mould and acting on the free edge of the side wall. A door outer shell made by this method includes a side wall with the edge of the side wall bent towards the interior of the shell, and when a door liner is secured to the outer shell, the bent continuous edge of the side wall is exposed to view and has an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A method of making a prototype golf club grip includes the steps of providing a two-piece mold having a main chamber and a pair of blind bores extending from opposed ends of the main chamber, providing a mandril having an intermediate section and opposite ends, placing the mandril in the two-piece mold with its intermediate section in the main chamber thereof and its opposite ends in the blind bores of the two-piece mold, pouring polymeric material such as epoxy into the main chamber of the two-piece mold, curing the polymeric material to form a grip blank on the intermediate section of the mandril, removing the mandril and the grip blank from the two-piece mold, and machining the grip blank to form a desired shape and features thereon to complete the prototype golf club grip.

Abstract: A die assembly is disclosed for forming a bead on a cylindrical tube. The assembly includes a holder which secures the tube against axial movement so that a portion of the tube protrudes outwardly from the holder along a predetermined axis and in which the holder has a forming surface circumscribing the tube. The die assembly further includes a first die part having a cylindrical mandrel aligned with and slidably receivable into the outwardly protruding portion of the tube. A tubular cylindrical sleeve is mounted to the first die part so that the sleeve is coaxial with the mandrel and so that the tube extends between the mandrel and the sleeve. The sleeve also includes a conical surface coaxially formed about a free end of the sleeve. A second die part has a throughbore complementary in size and shape to the outer periphery of the sleeve so that the sleeve is slidably receivable within the throughbore.

Abstract: A decorative elastic cushion is manufactured with an elastomer having the physical properties of flexibility and compressibility in a range of flexibilities and compressibilities of stable elastomeric block polymer gels. A film is provided for encapsulating the elastomer and the film includes physical properties of flexibility to enable uninhibited flexure and compression of the elastomer by a user. Decorative printing is disposed on a film interior side facing the elastomer in order to provide photo-like logos and decorations to the cushion, while having a film exterior surface resistant to abrasion and enabling cleaning thereof without affecting the decorative pattern. Printing of the film is effected by heat contacting the film with a printed paper.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket on a pipe of thermoplastic material is disclosed. In the process, an end section of the pipe is heated in a heating station. Then, the pipe is transferred to a socket-forming station having a socket-forming mandrel. This is followed by the socket-forming mandrel being introduced into the pipe end section, heated to a suitable socket-forming temperature, and the end section being formed into a socket. Prior to the pipe end section being heated in the heating station, a support is introduced into the end section in order to internally support the end section. The support remains in the end section after the socket-forming mandrel is introduced into the pipe and in the process the support is pushed deeper into the pipe.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a filter element having a filter portion and a flange portion formed along an outer periphery of the filter portion to protrude outwardly. First, a corrugated intermediate product having plural ridges of the filter element is formed by folding. Next, the flange portion is formed integrally with the filter portion by pressing an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate product at a high temperature. While the flange portion is formed, each of sides of the intermediate product extending in parallel with the ridges is restricted to a position corresponding to a shape of the filter element by plural forming jigs. Therefore, sides of the flange portion extending in parallel with the ridges are formed simultaneously when the flange portion is formed and do not need to be trimmed after forming. As a result, a material of the filter element is less wasted.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim panel for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes the steps of loading a trim blank into a cavity of a mold and loading an edge of the trim blank on a movable slide of the mold. The method also includes the steps of depositing a molten thermoplastic material onto a core of the mold and partially closing the mold. The method further includes the steps of moving the slide into a channel of the core, completely closing the mold, and forcing the molten plastic material into a down-turned flange area of the mold to form the interior trim panel with a down-turned flange.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead has a number of nozzles each ejecting drops of ink toward a surface. Each nozzle has a nozzle chamber at least partially defined by an apertured roof portion operatively connected to an actuator such that the actuator moves the roof portion away from the surface to be printed to eject the ink. The ink jet printhead also has a projection within each nozzle for effectively dislodging any dried ink clogging the nozzle rim, hence preventing blocking of the nozzle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a splittable medical device incorporating two sets of preferential tear lines. The first set of preferential tear lines preferably includes two longitudinally extending skives formed along the exterior surface of the proximal portion of the splittable medical device. The second set of preferential tear lines preferably includes a plurality of grooves formed along a distal portion of the interior portion of the splittable medical device. The skives should be substantially aligned with some of the grooves. This configuration facilitates splitting of the medical device along the skives and along one or more of the grooves to allow a clinician to split the medical device completely into two pieces. This invention includes a special mandrel having a plurality of ribs formed along a distal portion thereof and process that is used to manufacture the splittable medical device.

Abstract: In a simultaneous molding to one piece, at a time of heat molding of a surface skin material 3, after an edge part of the surface skin material 3 is folded back to an inside direction of the mold pattern and is formed up a folded back part 7 along a mold pattern for folding back 6 which is placed as in a manner of projecting from an opening edge 2b of a cavity face 2a toward the inside direction of the mold pattern, the mold pattern for folding back 6 is removed, and then at a time of the expansion molding, one face 7a of the folded back part 7 is melt united to one piece with a back face 5b of the cellular molded article in a mold pattern 5, and at the same time, a folded returning part 8, which is in a state that an outer edge part of the surface skin material 3 is folded returning toward an outside direction of the mold pattern from a tip 7c of this folded back part 7, is pressed so as to pile on the other face 7b of the above-mentioned folded back part 7.

Abstract: An elastic blade regulates the layer thickness of a toner used in the developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic apparatus. The elastic blade is manufactured by providing a metal layer consisting of a rolled metal. The metal layer has a warped shape including a convex side caused by rolling the metal layer. A rubber layer is provided only on a surface of the metal layer at the convex side thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw a decorative or fabric sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. At least one of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw the fabric sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity so that plastic may then be injection molded into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A method for molding an end of a long resin molded article that is obtained by extrusion molding and has a design surface and an attachment surface extended in a longitudinal direction of the long resin molded article, and the attachment surface is attached to other parts. An end portion of the long resin molded article is heated so as to soften the end portion of the long resin molded article. The design surface of the heated end portion is pressed so as to stretch resin on a side of the design surface thereby forming an inclined surface on the end portion, whereby the end portion is inclined from the design surface at the end portion to said attachment surface at the end portion along said inclined surface. The attachment surface of the heated end portion is pressed so as to form a cavity on the attachment surface and stretch resin on a side of the attachment surface.

Abstract: A limited pour neck finish bottle wherein a plurality of radially inwardly extending flexible fingers are integral with the peripheral edge portion of the open end of the neck of a bottle and extend across the open end of the neck to restrict or interfere with the flow of liquid from the bottle if an attempt is made to pour the liquid from the bottle rather than employing an exact dose dispensing device. The bottle is made by molding a plurality of axially extending flexible fingers on the peripheral edge portion at the open end of the neck simultaneously with the molding of the bottle, and then bending the fingers downwardly to the radially inwardly extending position.

Abstract: A method for bending a largely plate-shaped, thermoplastic workpiece, e.g., a sandwich panel, the bending region of the workpiece, heated at least up to plasticization, being bent about a bending element acting upon the workpiece. The bending element is pushed into the workpiece up to the apex of the desired bending, and the bending is performed about the front end, viewed in the insertion direction, of the inserted bending element.

Abstract: A component having a metallic foil surface secured to an injection moulded plastics material substrate is described together with a corresponding method of manufacture. The foil may be secured adhesively to the substrate either as an alternative or in addition to mechanical engagement. Where required, the foil may be pre-shaped to co conform substantially to an internal surface of an injection-moulding tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a ceramic solid electrolyte separator for a high temperature electrochemical cell from a particulate starting material capable of being sintered to form a unitary polycrystalline solid electrolyte ceramic artifact. The method includes admixing the particulate starting material with a binder to form an extrudable mixture, extruding the mixture to form a unitary sinterable green artifact including a multiplicity of at least five tubes interconnected together in side-by-side relationship and sintering the green artifact to form a sintered polycrystalline ceramic solid electrolyte artifact. The artifact includes a multiplicity of at least five ceramic solid electrolyte separator tubes interconnected together by sintering and arranged in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A method of producing a hose-connector assembly, including the steps of forming by extrusion an inner resin tube layer, forming by extrusion an outer rubber protector tube layer having substantially the same length as the inner resin tube layer, so as to cover the outer surface of the inner resin tube layer over the entire length of the inner resin tube layer, to obtain a laminar tubular blank consisting of the inner resin tube layer and the outer rubber protector tube layer, cutting the laminar tubular blank into pieces, and press-fitting an end portion of a tubular connector in each of at least one of the opposite end portions of the inner resin tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sacrificial limb for a deck plank provides a deck plank that is comprised of a wood replacement material. The deck plank has a tongue that is adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent deck plank. A channel is cut in the tongue of the deck plank. The channel is adapted to induce the tongue to fracture when expansion of the wood replacement material causes sufficient pressure between the tongue and the groove of the adjacent deck plank. As a result, expansion and contraction of the deck plank material preferably does not cause the deck to buckle.

Abstract: A method of prescoring foam board for making composite panels includes impressing a pattern of ridges projecting from a surface of a die into at least one face surface of the foam board. The pattern of ridges on the die forms a pattern of indentations having three series of parallel linear indentations, each series being angularly offset from each series other by 60°. The ridges on the embossing die are pressed into the foam sufficiently deep that the the pattern of indentations impressed in the board surface after whatever springback occurs remain deep enough to enable volatiles generated in an interior zone of a panel to escape when drawn out by a vacuum pump when the foam board is heated under pressure between two face sheets of resin-preimpregnated fabric to form a composite panel.

Abstract: In a method of making plastic articles with embossed pattern, a plastic material is injection-molded in a cavity of a clamping unit of an injection molding machine to form an injection-molded plastic article. A pattern is embossed from a foil strip onto a previously injection-molded plastic article to form a finished plastic product with embossed pattern, whereby the embossing step is decoupled from the injection molding step and carried out separately from a clamping step of the clamping unit.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: A method of making a radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming building blocks includes an upright compression chamber with an upper end which serves both as an inlet and an outlet. A sliding gate closes the inlet/output. A soil/cement mixture is loaded into the upper end of the compressing chamber, the gate is slide shut, and a ram then compresses the mixture against the gate. The gate is opened while the ram is still under pressure, smoothing the upper end of the block, and allowing it to be ejected through the common inlet/outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferring a cup shape to the terminal junction segment of pipes that are bi-axially oriented longitudinally and circumferentially and hence very sensitive to diameter and length reduction through heat. The apparatus includes a furnace which heats the segment to a differentiated temperature, increasing towards the end of the segment such that the inner diameter of the terminal segment progressively drops down to a controlled value as temperature increases (whilst length of the pipe is simultaneously reduced, with a corresponding increase in thickness of the wall of the terminal segment). Preferably then, in an appropriate station, an additional heating is executed to a plastic deformation temperature suited to obtain a correct preliminary dilation of the terminal segment, upon introducing a rigid element which acts as inner contrast, thereby inhibiting any retraction thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining single-piece capsules made of a plastic material, which comprises: a press-forming phase for obtaining a single-piece capsule (1) provided with a skirt (2) connected to a lower zone (1a) of the capsule; a folding phase of the skirt (2) internalwise of the capsule, obtained by plastic deformation of the connection zone (3) between the skirt (2) and be capsule; a cutting phase of the lower zone of the capsule, obtained by a radially-directed insertion of blades (4a, 4b) which are shaped such as to obtain cuts (5a, 5b) of predetermined shape and size.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing multi-layer peelable sheaths having formed tips, for use as medical introducer devices, e.g., sheaths for inserting a catheter or the like into a patient. The methods include the steps of preparing a first composition blend for forming an inner layer of the multi-layer sheath, preparing a second composition blend for forming an outermost layer of the multi-layer sheath, combining the first and the second composition blends into a multi-layer pre-form, processing the multi-layer pre-form for producing tubing, and forming a tip at one end of the tubing using a thermal process, thereby producing the multi-layer sheath having the inner layer, the outermost layer, and the formed tip. The methods of the present invention include adding a detectable material to the blend used for making the inner layer for facilitating external visualization of the multi-layer sheath, thereby achieving a sheath with a formed tip having no visible discoloration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastics material bellows, wherein a preform is made by molding plastics material in a mold, the mold having preferred deformation zones, and then before the part has completely left the mold, the bellows is formed by folding the preform in the preferred deformation zones, with the resulting bellows being open at both ends.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a mechanical fastener including engaging stems having heads with demarcation lines. The present invention also provides a method of making a mechanical fastener that includes placing a layer of heated material on stem ends to soften the stem ends and deforming the softened stem ends into convex heads.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing shaped polymeric articles by substantially continuous vacuum forming. The method includes providing a sheet of hot polymeric material which is disposed onto a rotating belt having a mold impression. Vacuum pressure is applied to the polymeric material through the belt so as to draw the hot polymeric material into intimate contact with the mold impression to form a patterned sheet portion and a remaining sheet portion. This method thereafter cools at least the patterned sheet portion below a heat deflection temperature of the polymeric material, forms the remaining sheet portion, and then cools the remaining sheet portion below the heat deflection temperature so that features other than the central pattern, such as nail and butt edges, can be mechanically worked into the polymeric sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making insignias with a raised design is capable of providing more aesthetic appearance to the insignias thus made. A base material consisting of a base sheet and a surface sheet overlaying the base sheet is prepared for making into an insignia. The base material is coating with a surface coating of decorative material. A bottom mold and an upper mold are used to press the base material to form raised design of patterns. The bottom and upper molds are coupled to a composite heating device including high-frequency induction and electric heating means for applying both high-frequency induction heat and electric heat to the base material while the upper molding is being pressed against the bottom mold. The upper mold is formed with a plurality of edge-defining blades for cutting an edge for the insignia, a plurality of pattern-defining blades for forming a pre-designed pattern on the insignia.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a squeeze-type container package that comprises a flexible resilient container body and a self-sealing closure assembly mounted to the mouth of the container body. The self-sealing closure assembly includes a dispensing valve of one-piece integrally molded elastic construction having an annular base, an internal wall portion that extends radially inwardly and axially from the base, and a mouth portion that includes a slit opening oriented diametrically of the annular base. Internal stresses within the wall portion bias the slit to the closed position. An annular lip that extends radially outwardly from the valve cooperates with an annular internal rib on the closure for venting the interior of the container body to atmosphere when the container body is released following dispensing of product.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube having utility in one lung ventilation has a curvature of predetermined radius formed in its distal end so that it is easily introducible into a left bronchus or a right bronchus of a trachea. The curvature is produced by first inserting a straight copper tube into the distal free end of a conventional straight endotracheal tube. The copper tube is then bent into the desired radius of curvature and the distal end of the endotracheal tube is inserted into an oven at a temperature of about one hundred seventy degrees to soften the thermoplastic materials of which the endotracheal tube is made. After the thermoplastic materials have softened and conformed to the curvature of the copper tube, the distal end is allowed to cool and the copper tube is then removed therefrom. When cooled, the distal end of the endotracheal tube maintains its curvature when the copper tube is withdrawn due to the thermoplastic quality of the materials from which the endotracheal tube is made.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a straw tube capable of preventing reduction of pressure inside a drinking container when sucked, an apparatus, and a method for producing the straw tube and for using the apparatus. A straw tube has a tube body having a plurality of grooves extending in the longitudinal direction and a convex streak sandwiched by these grooves and projecting outward from the datum level of the outer circumferential wall. An apparatus has a rotating drum having tube loading grooves, a female rod having grooves and capable of reciprocating within the tube loading grooves by a cam mechanism, and a male roller having convex streaks corresponding to the grooves of the female rod so that the grooves of the female rod engage with the convex streaks through the tube and the female rod and the male roller are synchronized.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

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

Abstract: A method of curing large endless track rubber belts uses a multi-platen mold assembly with a pair of fully supporting indexing wheels, non-preformed lug preparation and a post-forming cavity pressure reduction to provide cured tracks with non-deformed reinforcing members while avoiding the extrusion of rubber compound out of the ends of the molds. Also provided is an apparatus for curing large endless track belts having fully supported indexing wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing a fastener product having a multiplicity of fastening members with stems integrally molded with a strip-form base, along with a product and a preform product so produced. Molten resin is applied to a rotating mold roll having an outer surface for forming one side of the base, and a multiplicity of cavities extending inward from the outer surface for molding the stems. A preform product is stripped from the mold roll having a multiplicity of upstanding, preform stems extending from a side of the base. The preform product is passed through a post-forming nip between a heading roll and a backing member to form overhanging heads at the distal ends of the upstanding stems. The heading roll has a multiplicity of cavities about its periphery for forming the heads. Various means are disclosed for aligning the preform stems and the heading roll cavities.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A process for producing a pipe fitting of thermally weldable material for attachment to or repair of conduits of thermally weldable material. The first injection mold has channels formed as windings and having channel walls. A heating wire is formed to a wavy heating strand which is laid into the first injection mold between the channel walls. A first welding material is introduced into the channels so that a first broad side of the wavy shape of the heating strand is pressed against a first mold surface of the injection mold and an intermediate product with embedded wavy heating strand is formed. The outside surface is formed by the first mold surface against which the heating strand is pressed and provides the contact surface with the conduit in the end product. The first broad side of the wavy shape of the heating strand remains visible at the outer surface of the intermediate product.

Abstract: A solderless twist on wire connector and a method of making a solderless twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector by securing a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector that can in one operation permit the user to twist the connector to simultaneously compress the junction ends of electrical wires into low resistance electrical contact while encapsulating the junction ends of the electrical wires in a solderless substance. The process includes the method making a twist on wire connector by encapsulating a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector having a chamber for an encapsulating material. In one embodiment the twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector includes a puncturable seal and in another embodiment a second compartment for holding a mixable encapsulating materials.