Abstract:
System and methods for a membership-based service or network to enable access to membership-related services are provided. A portal application for members, which is accessible via a mobile device of a member, transforms the mobile device of the member into a membership card, an instrument to provide information employable to access membership services, and an apparatus to access the membership-related services. A membership management server supports the portal application and facilitates provision of services to members by a membership provider.
Abstract:
A process is described for injection overmolding a second polymer onto a crosslinked profile of a first polymer comprising the steps of: heating at least a portion of the crosslinked profile (previously crosslinked to at least approximately 65%) to a temperature which raises the temperature of a skin of said portion of the crosslinked profile from a first temperature to a second higher temperature (e.g., 112-269° F.) for a duration sufficient to heat the crosslinked portion to the second temperature, the crosslinked profile having been crosslinked from a method selected from the group consisting of radiation and silane; inserting at least a portion of the heated portion at least partially into a mold which defines an overmolding profile; injection molding the second polymer over at least a portion of the heated portion of the crosslinked profile into the void of the mold; and crosslinking the second polymer. The affixation between the heated portion of the crosslinked profile and the second crosslinked polymer passing a hot burst pressure test applicable to an intended end use for said combination at 180° F. without any visible separation between the first and second profiles after the test.
Abstract:
A connecting fastener is provided. The fastener includes a cylindrical base that includes a first end and a second end and a wall. A central bore is defined in the base and an aperture is defined in the wall. At least one projection extends from an inner surface of the wall into the central bore proximate the first end of the base. A cylindrical collar has a first end disposed proximate the second end of the base, defines a central bore and includes a wall that defines a gap in the wall and a central bore. A shoulder is connected to and extends between the second end of the base and the first end of the collar along at least a portion of the respective circumferences of the base and the collar. A method of connecting tubing is also provided.
Abstract:
The invention is a universal connector which is useful with a variety of differently configured and shaped fittings as well as for applications when the fittings are identical. The connectors provided at either end of the tube may be formed by either compression molding or injection overmolding whereas the connections which are provided internal of either end connection, are positioned on the tube by injection overmolding.
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 mold core is provided for producing an overmolded flexible valve. The mold core comprises a mold body, a piston assembly, a piston retaining means, a collet bit positioning means and at least two collet bits. The mold core has a cylindrical void in a distal end and has a pressure means communicated with the cylindrical void. The piston assembly has a piston head sized and adapted for axial movement in the cylindrical void, with a piston shaft extending axially from the head. The shaft is tapered from a larger first diameter at one end to a smaller second diameter at the other end. The piston retaining means has a bore through it to allow insertion of the piston shaft. Each of the at least two collet bits has an inner cylindrical tapered surface segment, the taper of the surface segment being essentially the same as the taper in the piston shaft, and an outer cylindrical surface segment, sized and adapted to be inserted inside the flexible valve. The at least two collet bits are positioned adjacent to the tapered portion of the shaft. The collet bits are positioned by the collet bit positioning means.
Abstract:
A unitary molded crosslinked polyethylene tubular connector and method for forming the connector with various end configurations (e.g., molded, belled) is described). The process combines the ease of thermoplastic processing combined with the desirable physical properties of a thermoset. The connector is suitable as a replacement for copper tubes with associated fittings as well as polybutylene tubing.
Abstract:
Plastic tubing of extruded polybutylene is provided with an integrally formed end cap or bulb to facilitate the joining of the tube to fixtures, unions, couplings or the like. The end cap or bulb is formed from the tube wall to form a structural bulb and sealing surface which includes a stop flange providing a shoulder permitting the tube and the sealing surface to be drawn into sealing engagement with a mating part. The structural bulb and sealing surface is formed from the wall of the tube in a special two part jig which includes male and female dies. The tube is inserted through the female die to extend a predetermined distance therefrom and the projecting portion of the tube is heated. While the tube is held against axial movement, the dies are brought together to form the structural bulb and sealing surface from the tube wall.
Abstract:
The invention described herein relates to method by which a leak-proof connection may be made to a refrigeration device using shape memory characteristics of crosslinking and overmolding to affect the leak-proof connection.
Abstract:
A process for making a reservoir including steps of positioning a hollow extrudate at an elevated temperature in a mold cavity, inserting a fitting into an end of the extrudate, sealing an outer surface of the fitting with an interior surface of the extrudate using latent heat within the extrudate, and forming at least a portion of the extrudate against the mold cavity forming a reservoir with the fitting sealed into the reservoir.