Abstract:
An article of manufacture in which a polymeric structure is bonded to a component of dissimilar material through a polymeric interface material. The polymeric interface material may be a polyolefin having functional monomers grafted thereto, and the component of dissimilar material may be metallic. Further, an improved method of producing an article of manufacture including the steps of heating a component of dissimilar material, placing it in contact with a polymeric interface material for coating and then affixing the coated component of dissimilar material to a polymeric structure.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus for internally and externally coating enclosed structures with polymeric materials are provided. In general, the process includes loading a polymeric material into the interior of an enclosed structure. The enclosed structure is then heated and rotated until a polymeric lining is formed within the structure. A second coat of polymeric material may be applied to the exterior surface of the enclosed structure while the enclosed structure is at a temperature sufficient to melt the polymeric material. The enclosed structure can include tanks, drums, barrels, pipes, and the like. In one embodiment, an apparatus having a plurality of arms is used to rotate the enclosed structures between stations corresponding to different steps in the process. The apparatus can include a cooling system for cooling the arms during operation.
Abstract:
Improved metallic utility pole accessories used to either support objects on a utility pole or to support and stabilize the pole are provided. In general, the utility pole accessories include a polymeric chemically bonded coating that protects the underlying metal surface from corrosion. The coating also is substantially dielectric for preventing the accessories from interfering with the transmission of electricity through lines supported on the poles. The polymeric coating can be made from polymeric materials having functional monomers grafted thereto for chemically bonding with metal surfaces. Specific accessories within the scope of the present invention include crossbars, anchoring pins, transformer boxes, and guidewire supports. Also included is an improved insulator support post having a threaded portion made from a structural plastic material bonded to the polymeric coating.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for rotationally applying polymers where the apparatus includes a rotational lining unit with a first support section rotatably secured to a main frame for rotation about a first axis, and a second support section secured to the first support section for rotation about a second axis. The second support section includes a portion for holding an enclosed structure to be lined. The unit also includes drive arrangements for driving the first and second support sections so that an enclosed structure can be held by the holding portion and rotated simultaneously about a plurality of axes.
Abstract:
The rotational molding apparatus includes a main support member having at least one arm extending therefrom. Each arm of the apparatus is adapted to rotate enclosed articles being formed or coated about at least one axis. In order to cool the arms during operation, each of the arms includes a cooling channel extending down the length of the arm through which a cooling fluid is circulated. Each arm further includes a fluid return in communication with the cooling channel which receives the cooling fluid at the end of the arm and recirculates it back to the main support member so that the cooling fluid does not interfere with the rotational molding process.
Abstract:
A method of bonding various materials, such as foam materials, to thermoplastic resins using a silane composition is provided. The thermoplastic resin is doped with a silane by washing the thermoplastic resin in a silane solution and then evaporating the solution from the resin. The silane-doped thermoplastic resin is then melted and formed into a polymeric article. In one embodiment, a polyurethane foam can then be sprayed onto the polymeric article. As the foam forms on the surface of the article, it bonds with silane trapped within the thermoplastic resin. In one embodiment, the polymeric article can be formed through a rotational molding technique. Through the process of the present invention, many useful articles can be formed such as polymeric pallets, water craft devices, thermocoolers and the like.