CA2582995C - Detectable cable tie - Google Patents
Detectable cable tie Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2582995C CA2582995C CA2582995A CA2582995A CA2582995C CA 2582995 C CA2582995 C CA 2582995C CA 2582995 A CA2582995 A CA 2582995A CA 2582995 A CA2582995 A CA 2582995A CA 2582995 C CA2582995 C CA 2582995C
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- Prior art keywords
- cable tie
- metal particles
- set forth
- plastic
- metal
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- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 239000002923 metal particle Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L barium sulfate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fe2+ Chemical compound [Fe+2] CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229910052788 barium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium atom Chemical compound [Ba] DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 7553-56-2 Chemical compound [I] ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000011630 iodine Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052740 iodine Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 11
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000088 plastic resin Substances 0.000 description 7
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920002302 Nylon 6,6 Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000012876 carrier material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002872 contrast media Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000005389 magnetism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000571 Nylon 11 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001553 barium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000038 blue colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002542 deteriorative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002050 diffraction method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002313 fluoropolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004811 fluoropolymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011874 heated mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N iodine Chemical compound II PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010068 moulding (rubber) Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006122 polyamide resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002601 radiography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
- F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
- F16L3/233—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
- B65D63/02—Metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Joints between ends thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
- B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
- Y10T24/1498—Plastic band
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree
Abstract
A plastic cable tie and a method of making a plastic cable tie that can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices as well as sonar, optical or visual detection devices. The cable ties are formed from a composition that includes metal particles; a compound; and a plastic material. The metal particles are preferably metal flakes and can be ferrous or non--ferrous materials. The compound can include iodine or barium, and is preferably barium sulfate. The plastic material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide.
Description
DETECTABLE CABLE TIE
[001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] This invention pertains to cable ties and their accessories in general and, more particularly, to such devices that can be readily detected via sonar, X-ray, optically or visually or via metal detection devices.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[003] To insure the quality of products, numerous industries take significant steps to detect and remove impurities and foreign materials that may enter their product or process streams. This is especially the case in the manufacture of food products, medicine or other items that can affect the health of humans. Cable ties, like any other foreign material, are not intended to be part of a product or process stream and, therefore, it is desirable to remove them so that they do not contaminate the product and/or cause harm. However, when cable ties unintentionally enter a product or process stream, they can be very difficult to detect.
[004] Cable ties and their accessories, such as mounting bases, have been in existence for several decades. They are quite useful in bundling wires or in tethering items to each other or to a support structure. Typically, cable ties are made of metal, plastic or a combination of the two (for example, a metal pawl in a plastic body).
[005] The strength of a cable tie and/or its accessory is dependent on the material that is used, as well as the cross-sectional area of the tie. For most materials, a greater cross-sectional area results in a cable tie having greater strength. Accordingly, in order to maximize the strength of cable ties, great care is taken to eliminate any voids or air pockets which would decrease the cross-sectional area and weaken the ties. Therefore, one of the objectives is to maintain a certain minimum cross-sectional area along the length of cable ties and another objective is to insure that the cable ties remain intact and do not rupture or break.
[006] Many different industries, such as the food, automotive, tobacco, pharmaceutical, rubber molding and nuclear industries, among others, employ detection equipment in order to remove any impurity or stray item that may find its way into product or process streams. Some of these systems employ X-ray equipment which identifies items having greater density.
Other systems employ metal detectors that use magnetic properties to detect the foreign material. Sonar is also used to detect foreign matter as well as optics (photography) or other visual means. Obviously, the purpose of these detection systems is to scan the product or process stream to identify foreign material and remove it before harm is caused.
Other systems employ metal detectors that use magnetic properties to detect the foreign material. Sonar is also used to detect foreign matter as well as optics (photography) or other visual means. Obviously, the purpose of these detection systems is to scan the product or process stream to identify foreign material and remove it before harm is caused.
[007] In the past, some cable ties have been made more detectable by the addition of small metal particles to the plastic resin prior to molding. Such metal particles are evenly distributed throughout the pre-molded material so that the metal particles are evenly distributed in the final molded product. This even distribution of the metal particles insures a fairly uniform product with only a minimal decrease in the strength of the cable tie. The ratio of plastic resin to metal particles is selected so that the cable tie can bend and flex without cracking. It is also desirable for all the metal particles to be covered by, or fully suspended within, the plastic resin so that they are not exposed to the environment. Exposure to the elements or to a corrosive environment can result in the metal particles deteriorating, which weakens cable ties and reduces their expected life. However, depending on the composition of the plastic material used to make the cable ties, it is not always possible to prevent the metal particles from being exposed on the surface of the cable ties.
[008] The cable tie manufacturer referred to above has added metal particles to nylon cable ties so that they can be detected in the event that a tie breaks or a cut-off tail ends up where it is not wanted. The metal allows the tie or tail to be more easily detected, located and removed. These ties are sold by Hellermann-Tyton as Model No. MCT5OL and described in the advertising literature as metal content ties, which can be detected by standard metal detecting equipment.
Hellermann-Tyton discloses in its literature that the composition used to make the cable ties contains polyamide (nylon) 6,6 and 10% metal particles.
Hellermann-Tyton discloses in its literature that the composition used to make the cable ties contains polyamide (nylon) 6,6 and 10% metal particles.
[009] Increasing the amount of metal in the cable tie material increases the density of the cable tie, but it also compromises the strength of the cable tie because the additional metal replaces the nylon material in the cable tie from which the cable tie draws its strength.
The strength of a cable tie is a function of its cross-sectional area and a reduction of the amount of nylon material in the cross-sectional area weakens the cable tie. Also, some of these metals may chemically react with the plastic cable tie material and cause the tie to prematurely fail. Further, such metals, if exposed to a harsh industrial environment, may quickly corrode and cause the cable tie to fail.
The strength of a cable tie is a function of its cross-sectional area and a reduction of the amount of nylon material in the cross-sectional area weakens the cable tie. Also, some of these metals may chemically react with the plastic cable tie material and cause the tie to prematurely fail. Further, such metals, if exposed to a harsh industrial environment, may quickly corrode and cause the cable tie to fail.
[010] However, while the addition of metal particles to cable ties may suffice for some industries, it is not adequate for other industries. This is because the metal particles cannot be easily detected in the product streams of some industries. Therefore, the metal particles are oftentimes difficult to detect except by the most sensitive metal detection equipment. Also, some industries already employ X-ray equipment and so an objective of the invention is to make cable ties that are more easily detected by X-ray equipment.
[011] Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide cable ties and accessories that are detectable without compromising their integrity or affecting their strength or operation. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a cable tie that is similar in shape to traditional cable ties so that they will be readily accepted by users. Another object of this invention is to provide a cable tie that is more easily detected than the metal cable ties that are now being sold and contains smaller amounts of metal particles. Yet another object of this invention is to add a compound that is detectable using other detection systems, such as X-ray, sonar, optics or photo/visual devices. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious from the following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[012] In accordance with the present invention, a detectable cable tie is provided. The cable tie is formed from a composition that includes metal particles; a compound; and a plastic material.
The cable tie can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices as well as sonar, optical or visual detection devices. The metal particles are preferably metal flakes in a plastic carrier and can be ferrous or non-ferrous materials. The compound can include barium or iodine, and is preferably barium sulfate. The metal particles and the compound can make up from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.
The cable tie can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices as well as sonar, optical or visual detection devices. The metal particles are preferably metal flakes in a plastic carrier and can be ferrous or non-ferrous materials. The compound can include barium or iodine, and is preferably barium sulfate. The metal particles and the compound can make up from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.
[013] In a preferred embodiment, a detectable plastic article is formed from a composition that includes: a plastic material having a first melting point; metal particles in a plastic carrier material, wherein the plastic carrier material has a second melting point and wherein the first melting point is lower than or equal to the second melting point; and barium sulfate. The plastic article can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices. The plastic material and the plastic carrier material can be any plastic material that can be used for forming plastic articles and includes polypropylenes, polycarbonates, polyterephthalate (PET) and polyamides.
[014] The plastic material and the plastic carrier material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide.
Particularly preferred plastic materials include nylons, most preferably nylon 6,6. The metal particles and the compound are preferably added to the plastic material before the plastic article or cable tie is formed. The metal particles make up at least 0.3% by weight of the composition, preferably 2%
by weight and the compound makes up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition, preferably 3% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the metal particles and the barium sulfate comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition. The most preferred compositions include ferrous flakes, barium sulfate and a propylene or a polyamide, most preferably a nylon.
Particularly preferred plastic materials include nylons, most preferably nylon 6,6. The metal particles and the compound are preferably added to the plastic material before the plastic article or cable tie is formed. The metal particles make up at least 0.3% by weight of the composition, preferably 2%
by weight and the compound makes up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition, preferably 3% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the metal particles and the barium sulfate comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition. The most preferred compositions include ferrous flakes, barium sulfate and a propylene or a polyamide, most preferably a nylon.
[015] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of making a detectable cable tie . .
which includes: combining a plastic material, metal particles and a compound to form a composition; heating the composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic material;
forming a portion of the heated composition into a cable tie; and cooling the cable tie. The cable ties that are formed can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices. The compound makes up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition and is preferably barium sulfate. The metal particles comprise at least 0.3% by weight of the composition and can consist essentially of ferrous materials. The metal particles can be metal flakes and can be entrained in a plastic carrier. The plastic material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyterephthalate (PET) (also referred to herein as polyethylene terephthalate) or a polyamide.
In preferred embodiments, the plastic material consists essentially of a polypropylene or a polyamide. The composition can be formed into a cable tie by a molding or an extrusion process.
which includes: combining a plastic material, metal particles and a compound to form a composition; heating the composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic material;
forming a portion of the heated composition into a cable tie; and cooling the cable tie. The cable ties that are formed can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices. The compound makes up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition and is preferably barium sulfate. The metal particles comprise at least 0.3% by weight of the composition and can consist essentially of ferrous materials. The metal particles can be metal flakes and can be entrained in a plastic carrier. The plastic material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyterephthalate (PET) (also referred to herein as polyethylene terephthalate) or a polyamide.
In preferred embodiments, the plastic material consists essentially of a polypropylene or a polyamide. The composition can be formed into a cable tie by a molding or an extrusion process.
[016] Thus, it is the purpose of this invention to provide cable ties that are capable of being detected by multiple systems and using more than just one detection method. It is also the purpose of this invention to provide cable ties formed from materials that can be detected and which do not require the addition of a marker or an attached device to render them detectable.
Accordingly, the properties of the materials from which the cable ties are formed and the concentrations of the different plastic cable tie materials are of paramount importance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the properties of the materials from which the cable ties are formed and the concentrations of the different plastic cable tie materials are of paramount importance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to cable ties that can be easily found in the event that they unintentionally enter a product or a process stream. The cable ties are made from compositions that include plastic resins and detectable materials. These detectable materials are metal particles and compounds, which allow the cable ties to be easily detected using different types of detection equipment. Typically, the metal particles and compounds are mixed with the plastic resins to provide a composition which is then formed into a cable tie using processes well know to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[018] Detection of failed cable ties or their severed components is an important issue in various industries and the present invention addresses this issue by providing a cable tie made from compositions with density and X-ray identifiable characteristics that make it easier to detect the cable tie. These characteristic are present in the cable tie materials and do not come from a device attached to the cable tie. This reduces the manufacturing costs and assembly time to a minimum. This also allows portions of a cable tie to be detected since all of the material in the cable tie is made from the detectable composition. Thus, even relatively small portions of the cable tie can be detected in a product stream.
[019] As used in the disclosure of the present invention, metal detection means include devices that measure or sense magnetism, whereas, X-ray devices include those that detect irregularities in density in the product stream. The purpose of the present invention is to devise a cable tie composition that includes components that can be readily detected and located by either system.
[020] As used in the present application, the term "cable tie" is intended to include calge ties as well as cable tie accessories, such as mounting bases, identification tags, markers, and other clamps, clips and retainers normally associated with cables or cable ties.
Such cable ties and cable tie accessories are sold by Thomas & Betts Corporation under its TY-RAP
brand name.
Moreover, the term "cable tie" as used herein is not limited to ties that are used with bundled wires and cables, but also refers to any type of plastic tie which includes a strap and a locking head on opposing ends or which has opposing ends that can be attached together to form a closed loop. Examples of such ties are found in U.S. Patent No. 3,186,047 to Schwester et al.; U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,621,949 and 5,630,252 to Wells; U.S. Patent Nos. 6,076,235;
6,128,809; and 6,185,791 to Khokhar; U.S. Patent No. 7,017,237 to Magno, Jr. et al.; and U.S.
Des. 205,940 to Miller. However, the examples in these patents are not intended to limit the construction of the term "cable tie" as used herein in any way.
[0211 The cable ties of the present invention are formed from plastic materials, as well as metal particles and one or more X-ray detectable compounds. The addition of metal particles and a compound to the plastic materials provides a cable tie that can be easily detected using either X-ray, metal detection devices, sonar, optics, visually or other like systems.
Preferably, the metal particles and compounds are blended with the plastic material so that, when the cable ties are formed, the metal particles and compounds are fully disbursed or distributed throughout the cable tie. In preferred embodiments, the metal particles make up at least 0.3% by weight of the composition and as much as 25% by weight of the composition, and the one or more compounds make up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition and as much as 15% by weight of the composition. In more preferred embodiments, the metal particles make up from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the composition and the one or more compounds make up from 1% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
10221 Ideally, the metal particles and the compound are combined with one or more plastic resins to form the composition prior to forming the cable tie. The composition is heated to a temperature high enough to allow the cable ties to be formed using extrusion or molding processes. Typically, the temperature corresponds to the melting temperature of the plastic resin or the blend of plastic resins that make up the composition. Those of ordinary skill in the art relating to extrusion or molding processes are familiar with the required processing temperatures of different plastic materials.
10231 The plastic resins that can be used in the compositions of the present invention are polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, fluoropolymers and polyamide, preferably nylon and most preferably nylon 6,6, nylon 6,12 or nylon 11.
Polypropylene and polyamide resins are preferred, polypropylenes because they can be easily mixed with metal particles and compounds and polyamides because they form particularly strong and durable cable ties.
10241 Cable ties formed from plastic resins, whether they are of one-piece or two-piece construction, are generally identified or referred to in the industry as nylon or plastic cable ties (for any plastic material other than nylon). Depending on the plastic resin that is used, the density of the cable ties formed from the resins can vary widely and have different properties and performance characteristics. Consequently, cable ties, or portions of cable ties, that inadvertently enter a product stream can sink to different depths in the stream depending in part on the density of the cable tie materials and the density of the process stream material.
10251 The metal particles can be ferrous, implying some iron therein, or non-ferrous, which would include such materials as stainless steel, aluminum or copper. Where magnetism is the method used to detect the foreign material, ferrous metals are preferred.
Preferred metal particles are resistant to rusting or corrosion due to the environment in which the cable tie is used. Such corrosion is more likely to occur in extreme wash-down areas. Therefore, the materials used in the cable ties and the method used to form the cable ties are selected to minimize or avoid deterioration due to such applications. The metal and plastic materials should be selected to provide maximum resistance to corrosion and/or deterioration due to vapors, fumes or exposure to certain chemical or other conditions found at a facility. Thus, the composition of the detectable cable ties is dictated by the specific applications to insure optimal performance.
[026] The metal particles should be no more than about 25% by weight of the cable tie, more preferably less than about 15% by weight, to minimize the occurrence of cracking when the cable tie is wrapped around a bundle of wires. At the same time, a sufficient amount of the metal particles must be added to the plastic resin so that the cable ties can be easily detected. It has been found that the cable ties must contain at least 0.3% by weight metal particles in order to be easily detectable, preferably at least 2% by weight and most preferably at least 5% by weight.
Thus, a cable tie containing metal particles dispersed in the cable tie material in a range of 0.3%
to 25% by weight is contemplated by this invention, and preferably in the range of 2% to 15% by weight. Other ranges within these limits are also suitable. Coated and or encapsulated metal particles are well known in the art and are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5,198,137 to Rutz et al.;
U.S. Patent No. 5,395,695 to ShaM et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,472,661 and 5,629,092 to Gay; and U.S. Patent No. 5,679,402 to Lee.
[027] The compounds of the present invention are contrast agents, i.e.
materials which strongly absorb X-ray radiation and, therefore, can be easily detected by X-rays. The contrasting compounds should be no more than about 15% by weight of the cable tie, more preferably less than about 10% by weight. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 to 30,000 PHz (1015 hertz). X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic radiography and crystallography. However, it has been found that a small amount of particular compounds added to plastic cable tie material prior to molding acts as a contrast agent for X-ray detection. This allows cable ties formed in this manner to be easily detected using X-ray detection devices.
[028] The contrasting compounds of the present invention are used as a marker in the plastic cable tie material so that the ties can be easily detected and located in a product or process stream. Every metal absorbs X-rays to some extent depending on the atomic number and the thickness. The contrasting compounds are selected for their ability to be easily detected by X-ray detection devices when present in small amounts. Thus, the ability to detect cable ties containing these contrasting compounds using X-ray equipment is greatly enhanced. It has been found that only a slight amount of a contrasting compound is required to increase the detectability of the cable tie using X-ray devices. Preferred contrasting compounds include iodine and barium compounds, which are easy to detect using X-ray equipment and are widely used in the medical field. The most preferred compound is barium sulfate, which typically is provided in the form of an insoluble white powder. The more barium sulfate in a composition, the more "dense" the X-ray effect, i.e. the greater the X-ray signature. It has been found that adding barium sulfate in an amount of at least 0.5% by weight of the cable tie material increases the detectability of the cable tie and, when barium sulfate is added in an amount of at least 3% by weight of the cable tie material, the cable ties can be easily detected.
1029] The compound and the metal particles are combined with the plastic resin (or resins) prior to molding the cable tie to ensure even distribution of the component materials. The amount of compound and the amount of metal particles added to a plastic cable tie material can vary provided that the strength and flexibility of the cable tie is not compromised. Accordingly, the amounts of compound and the amount of metal particles added are particularly dependent upon the properties and processing characteristics of the specific plastic resins that are used.
10301 The preferred method for forming the cable ties of the present invention includes combining metal particles, a compound and plastic material to form a composition. The composition is then heated to melt the plastic material. Because different plastic materials have different melt temperatures, the temperature to which the composition is heated will vary according to the plastic (or plastics) that are being used. The heated composition is then formed into cable ties using any of the well known methods for forming cable ties. In preferred embodiments, the formation of the cable ties includes either extrusion or molding steps. After the cable ties are formed, they are cooled, preferably to room temperature.
[031] The metal particles are preferably metal flakes and most preferably metal flakes in a plastic carrier. The metal flakes are added to a plastic carrier so that they can be more easily processed with the plastic material in conventional plastic processing equipment, such as extruders and molding machines. Any plastic that is compatible with the plastic material used to form the cable ties can be used as the plastic carrier. The preferred plastic carriers are polyamides, polyethylenes and polypropylenes. In the most preferred embodiments, the melting temperature of the plastic carrier is greater than the melting temperature of the plastic material.
When the cable ties are formed, the composition is heated to a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the plastic material, but lower than or equal to the melting temperature of the plastic carrier. In preferred embodiments, the melting temperature of the plastic material is lower than the melting temperature of the plastic carrier. This keeps the metal particles entrained in the plastic carrier and prevents them from falling to the bottom of the composition during processing.
[032] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
EXAMPLES
[033] The examples set forth below serve to provide further appreciation of the invention but are not meant in any way to restrict the scope of the invention.
Example 1 [034] In this example, a formulation was prepared that contained:
(1) 74% by weight polyamide 6,6;
(2) 13% by weight iron flakes in a plastic carrier;
(3) 5% by weight barium sulfate; and (4) 8% concentrate blue colorant.
=
The components of the formulation were mixed together and then heated to a temperature of about 600 F. The heated mixture was then molded into cable ties and cooled to room temperature.
[035] After the cable ties cooled, one of the ties was placed on a table and scanned with a metal detecting device manufactured by Thermo Electron Corporation, Waltham, MA, which was set to detect metal particles at 0.170 cm/ferrous sphere. The metal detector indicated that the cable tie contained metal. This confirmed that the cable ties could be detected using a metal detecting device. The cable tie was then X-rayed with an X-ray device manufactured by Smith-Heimann, Eagle FA detector. The X-ray showed that the cable tie provided a clear X-ray image.
[036] Thus, while there have been described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to include all such further modifications and changes as come within the true scope of the claims set forth herein.
Such cable ties and cable tie accessories are sold by Thomas & Betts Corporation under its TY-RAP
brand name.
Moreover, the term "cable tie" as used herein is not limited to ties that are used with bundled wires and cables, but also refers to any type of plastic tie which includes a strap and a locking head on opposing ends or which has opposing ends that can be attached together to form a closed loop. Examples of such ties are found in U.S. Patent No. 3,186,047 to Schwester et al.; U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,621,949 and 5,630,252 to Wells; U.S. Patent Nos. 6,076,235;
6,128,809; and 6,185,791 to Khokhar; U.S. Patent No. 7,017,237 to Magno, Jr. et al.; and U.S.
Des. 205,940 to Miller. However, the examples in these patents are not intended to limit the construction of the term "cable tie" as used herein in any way.
[0211 The cable ties of the present invention are formed from plastic materials, as well as metal particles and one or more X-ray detectable compounds. The addition of metal particles and a compound to the plastic materials provides a cable tie that can be easily detected using either X-ray, metal detection devices, sonar, optics, visually or other like systems.
Preferably, the metal particles and compounds are blended with the plastic material so that, when the cable ties are formed, the metal particles and compounds are fully disbursed or distributed throughout the cable tie. In preferred embodiments, the metal particles make up at least 0.3% by weight of the composition and as much as 25% by weight of the composition, and the one or more compounds make up at least 0.5% by weight of the composition and as much as 15% by weight of the composition. In more preferred embodiments, the metal particles make up from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the composition and the one or more compounds make up from 1% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
10221 Ideally, the metal particles and the compound are combined with one or more plastic resins to form the composition prior to forming the cable tie. The composition is heated to a temperature high enough to allow the cable ties to be formed using extrusion or molding processes. Typically, the temperature corresponds to the melting temperature of the plastic resin or the blend of plastic resins that make up the composition. Those of ordinary skill in the art relating to extrusion or molding processes are familiar with the required processing temperatures of different plastic materials.
10231 The plastic resins that can be used in the compositions of the present invention are polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, fluoropolymers and polyamide, preferably nylon and most preferably nylon 6,6, nylon 6,12 or nylon 11.
Polypropylene and polyamide resins are preferred, polypropylenes because they can be easily mixed with metal particles and compounds and polyamides because they form particularly strong and durable cable ties.
10241 Cable ties formed from plastic resins, whether they are of one-piece or two-piece construction, are generally identified or referred to in the industry as nylon or plastic cable ties (for any plastic material other than nylon). Depending on the plastic resin that is used, the density of the cable ties formed from the resins can vary widely and have different properties and performance characteristics. Consequently, cable ties, or portions of cable ties, that inadvertently enter a product stream can sink to different depths in the stream depending in part on the density of the cable tie materials and the density of the process stream material.
10251 The metal particles can be ferrous, implying some iron therein, or non-ferrous, which would include such materials as stainless steel, aluminum or copper. Where magnetism is the method used to detect the foreign material, ferrous metals are preferred.
Preferred metal particles are resistant to rusting or corrosion due to the environment in which the cable tie is used. Such corrosion is more likely to occur in extreme wash-down areas. Therefore, the materials used in the cable ties and the method used to form the cable ties are selected to minimize or avoid deterioration due to such applications. The metal and plastic materials should be selected to provide maximum resistance to corrosion and/or deterioration due to vapors, fumes or exposure to certain chemical or other conditions found at a facility. Thus, the composition of the detectable cable ties is dictated by the specific applications to insure optimal performance.
[026] The metal particles should be no more than about 25% by weight of the cable tie, more preferably less than about 15% by weight, to minimize the occurrence of cracking when the cable tie is wrapped around a bundle of wires. At the same time, a sufficient amount of the metal particles must be added to the plastic resin so that the cable ties can be easily detected. It has been found that the cable ties must contain at least 0.3% by weight metal particles in order to be easily detectable, preferably at least 2% by weight and most preferably at least 5% by weight.
Thus, a cable tie containing metal particles dispersed in the cable tie material in a range of 0.3%
to 25% by weight is contemplated by this invention, and preferably in the range of 2% to 15% by weight. Other ranges within these limits are also suitable. Coated and or encapsulated metal particles are well known in the art and are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
5,198,137 to Rutz et al.;
U.S. Patent No. 5,395,695 to ShaM et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,472,661 and 5,629,092 to Gay; and U.S. Patent No. 5,679,402 to Lee.
[027] The compounds of the present invention are contrast agents, i.e.
materials which strongly absorb X-ray radiation and, therefore, can be easily detected by X-rays. The contrasting compounds should be no more than about 15% by weight of the cable tie, more preferably less than about 10% by weight. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 to 30,000 PHz (1015 hertz). X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic radiography and crystallography. However, it has been found that a small amount of particular compounds added to plastic cable tie material prior to molding acts as a contrast agent for X-ray detection. This allows cable ties formed in this manner to be easily detected using X-ray detection devices.
[028] The contrasting compounds of the present invention are used as a marker in the plastic cable tie material so that the ties can be easily detected and located in a product or process stream. Every metal absorbs X-rays to some extent depending on the atomic number and the thickness. The contrasting compounds are selected for their ability to be easily detected by X-ray detection devices when present in small amounts. Thus, the ability to detect cable ties containing these contrasting compounds using X-ray equipment is greatly enhanced. It has been found that only a slight amount of a contrasting compound is required to increase the detectability of the cable tie using X-ray devices. Preferred contrasting compounds include iodine and barium compounds, which are easy to detect using X-ray equipment and are widely used in the medical field. The most preferred compound is barium sulfate, which typically is provided in the form of an insoluble white powder. The more barium sulfate in a composition, the more "dense" the X-ray effect, i.e. the greater the X-ray signature. It has been found that adding barium sulfate in an amount of at least 0.5% by weight of the cable tie material increases the detectability of the cable tie and, when barium sulfate is added in an amount of at least 3% by weight of the cable tie material, the cable ties can be easily detected.
1029] The compound and the metal particles are combined with the plastic resin (or resins) prior to molding the cable tie to ensure even distribution of the component materials. The amount of compound and the amount of metal particles added to a plastic cable tie material can vary provided that the strength and flexibility of the cable tie is not compromised. Accordingly, the amounts of compound and the amount of metal particles added are particularly dependent upon the properties and processing characteristics of the specific plastic resins that are used.
10301 The preferred method for forming the cable ties of the present invention includes combining metal particles, a compound and plastic material to form a composition. The composition is then heated to melt the plastic material. Because different plastic materials have different melt temperatures, the temperature to which the composition is heated will vary according to the plastic (or plastics) that are being used. The heated composition is then formed into cable ties using any of the well known methods for forming cable ties. In preferred embodiments, the formation of the cable ties includes either extrusion or molding steps. After the cable ties are formed, they are cooled, preferably to room temperature.
[031] The metal particles are preferably metal flakes and most preferably metal flakes in a plastic carrier. The metal flakes are added to a plastic carrier so that they can be more easily processed with the plastic material in conventional plastic processing equipment, such as extruders and molding machines. Any plastic that is compatible with the plastic material used to form the cable ties can be used as the plastic carrier. The preferred plastic carriers are polyamides, polyethylenes and polypropylenes. In the most preferred embodiments, the melting temperature of the plastic carrier is greater than the melting temperature of the plastic material.
When the cable ties are formed, the composition is heated to a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the plastic material, but lower than or equal to the melting temperature of the plastic carrier. In preferred embodiments, the melting temperature of the plastic material is lower than the melting temperature of the plastic carrier. This keeps the metal particles entrained in the plastic carrier and prevents them from falling to the bottom of the composition during processing.
[032] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
EXAMPLES
[033] The examples set forth below serve to provide further appreciation of the invention but are not meant in any way to restrict the scope of the invention.
Example 1 [034] In this example, a formulation was prepared that contained:
(1) 74% by weight polyamide 6,6;
(2) 13% by weight iron flakes in a plastic carrier;
(3) 5% by weight barium sulfate; and (4) 8% concentrate blue colorant.
=
The components of the formulation were mixed together and then heated to a temperature of about 600 F. The heated mixture was then molded into cable ties and cooled to room temperature.
[035] After the cable ties cooled, one of the ties was placed on a table and scanned with a metal detecting device manufactured by Thermo Electron Corporation, Waltham, MA, which was set to detect metal particles at 0.170 cm/ferrous sphere. The metal detector indicated that the cable tie contained metal. This confirmed that the cable ties could be detected using a metal detecting device. The cable tie was then X-rayed with an X-ray device manufactured by Smith-Heimann, Eagle FA detector. The X-ray showed that the cable tie provided a clear X-ray image.
[036] Thus, while there have been described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to include all such further modifications and changes as come within the true scope of the claims set forth herein.
Claims (23)
1. A cable tie formed from a composition consisting of:
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 100 microns;
a compound comprising from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium; and a plastic material, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 100 microns;
a compound comprising from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium; and a plastic material, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
2. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 1, wherein the compound is barium sulfate.
3. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal particles and the compound comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.
4. The cable tie as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the plastic material comprises a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide.
5. The cable tie as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal particles comprise a ferrous material.
6. The cable tie as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal particles comprise a non-ferrous material.
7. The cable tie as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the cable tie is detectable by a detection device of a type selected from the group consisting of sonar, optical and visual.
8. The cable tie as set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal particles comprise metal flakes in a plastic carrier.
9. A cable tie formed from a composition consisting of:
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles in a plastic carrier, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 100 microns;
from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium sulfate; and a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles in a plastic carrier, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 100 microns;
from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium sulfate; and a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
10. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 9, wherein the metal particles and the barium sulfate comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.
11. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal particles comprise a ferrous material.
12. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal particles comprise metal flakes.
13. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal particles comprise ferrous flakes and the polyamide is a nylon.
14. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the metal particles have a weight average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 500 microns.
15. A cable tie formed from a composition consisting of:
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of at least 20 microns;
a compound comprising from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium; and a plastic material comprising a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
at least 0.3% by weight metal particles, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of at least 20 microns;
a compound comprising from 0.5% to 15% by weight barium; and a plastic material comprising a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide, wherein the cable tie is detectable by X-ray and metal detection devices.
16. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 15, wherein the plastic material is polypropylene and the compound is barium sulfate.
17. The cable tie as set forth in Claim 15 or 16, wherein the metal particles and the compound comprise from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.
18. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the metal particles comprise a ferrous material.
19. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the metal particles and the compound are added to the plastic material before the cable tie is formed.
20. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the cable tie is detectable by a detection device of a type selected from the group consisting of sonar, optical and visual.
21. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the metal particles comprise metal flakes in a plastic carrier.
22. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of up to about 500 microns.
23. The cable tie as set forth in any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the metal particles have an average particle size of between about 20 microns and about 100 microns.
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US7871693B2 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2011-01-18 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Detectable cable tie |
US8617700B2 (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2013-12-31 | Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. | Thermoplastic composition having improved X-ray contrast, method of making, and articles prepared therefrom |
US8404338B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2013-03-26 | Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. | X-ray and/or metal detectable articles and method of making the same |
US20110258896A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | Lomont Molding, Inc. | Detectable signage apparatus and method of making the same |
US8973220B2 (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2015-03-10 | Darrell A. Moreau | Floating cable tie |
US9061806B2 (en) * | 2012-08-30 | 2015-06-23 | Thomas & Betts International, Llc | Cable ties employing a nylon/graphene composite |
US10138038B2 (en) * | 2014-06-05 | 2018-11-27 | Thomas & Betts International, Llc | Antimicrobial detectable cable tie |
US10518950B2 (en) | 2014-11-06 | 2019-12-31 | Thomas & Betts International Llc | Antimicrobial cable tie |
US20170101531A1 (en) * | 2015-08-15 | 2017-04-13 | Abb Schweiz Ag | Devices and methods concerning detectable components |
GB202000709D0 (en) * | 2020-01-17 | 2020-03-04 | Smith Sean Ronald | Improvements to apparatus for securing loads |
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US3102311A (en) | 1961-03-20 | 1963-09-03 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Unitary bundling straps |
US3186047A (en) | 1962-08-14 | 1965-06-01 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Self clinching bundling strap |
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US4101625A (en) | 1977-01-10 | 1978-07-18 | Fmc Corporation | Method for making corrugated molecularly oriented plastic strapping |
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NZ227727A (en) | 1988-02-19 | 1991-05-28 | Northwestern Chemical Co | Composition for detecting the presence of cyanide in food, drug or other oral compositions using curcumin as an indicator |
US5198137A (en) | 1989-06-12 | 1993-03-30 | Hoeganaes Corporation | Thermoplastic coated magnetic powder compositions and methods of making same |
US5103534A (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1992-04-14 | Panduit Corp. | Selectively coated cable tie |
US5272008A (en) | 1992-03-16 | 1993-12-21 | General Motors Corporation | Encapsulated oxidation-resistant iron-neodymium-boron permanent magnet |
CA2146828A1 (en) | 1994-04-15 | 1995-10-16 | Peter M. Wells, Jr. | Cable tie having an improved strap body |
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US5472661A (en) | 1994-12-16 | 1995-12-05 | General Motors Corporation | Method of adding particulate additives to metal particles |
US5621949A (en) | 1995-04-07 | 1997-04-22 | Thomas & Betts Corproation | Barbed cable tie |
US5607768A (en) | 1995-05-15 | 1997-03-04 | General Motors Corporation | Lubricous polymer-encapsulated ferromagnetic particles and method of making |
US5690522A (en) | 1996-07-09 | 1997-11-25 | Moreau; Reginald J. | Cable tie flotation device with cable tie |
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US6185791B1 (en) | 1998-03-09 | 2001-02-13 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Releasable cable tie |
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US6911488B2 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2005-06-28 | Shamrock Technologies, Inc. | Physical methods of dispersing characteristic use particles and compositions thereof |
US6745439B2 (en) * | 2001-05-15 | 2004-06-08 | Panduit Corp. | Cable tie with wide neck |
US7017237B2 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2006-03-28 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | High performance cable tie |
CN101659743B (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2012-02-29 | 三菱化学株式会社 | Polyamide resin and chain type molded article |
US7935412B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2011-05-03 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Buoyant detectable cable tie |
US7871693B2 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2011-01-18 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Detectable cable tie |
JP2008024924A (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2008-02-07 | Toray Ind Inc | Binding band |
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