Patents Examined by Michele K. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5837084
    Abstract: An improved method of making a single-cell honeycomb fabric structure includes forming a double-cell honeycomb fabric structure from a single continuous length of foldable material, and removing parts of the cells defining a face of the double-cell honeycomb structure to obtain the desired single-cell honeycomb structure having folded outwardly-extending pleats on one face and tabbed outwardly-extending pleats on the other face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Barss
  • Patent number: 5792295
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming honeycomb structure from a plurality of substrate layers. The layers are bonded together by spaced, parallel, solid node strips of thermoplastic material pressed and heated above the softening temperature to bond to the substrate surfaces and form a block. After cooling, the block is expanded into a honeycomb structure. Alternatively, the solid node strips can be placed on the spaced raised crests of corrugated layers of substrate, and successive layers bonded together by pressure and sufficient heat between the crests of one layer and the corresponding depression of the successive layer, to elevate the node strips above the softening temperature. Several alternative methods and apparatuses for achieving the result are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Plascore, Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Huebner, Gerard J. Schoeb
  • Patent number: 5792307
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a corrugated substrate comprises a first assembly for advancing liner sheets including a corrugated medium and facing sheets and a second assembly for advancing fluting sheets. Each fluting sheet has bend surfaces along its top and bottom sides. An applicator applies adhesive along at least one of the top and bottom sides of the fluting sheets. The first assembly and second assembly advance the liner sheets and fluting sheets into contact with one another along the side of the fluting sheet having the adhesive. The fluting sheets are secured to the liner sheets to form a layered article having an upper and lower surface. A means for correlating operates the first assembly, second assembly, and applicator so that in each cycle of operation the layered article adheres to at least an additional layered article in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Lin Pac, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale E. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5772950
    Abstract: A composite hot drape vacuum forming method and apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongate vacuum chamber (12) having a lid (14) and a housing (16). An inflatable seal (26) is disposed between the lid (14) and the housing (16). Inflation of the inflatable seal (26) creates on airtight vacuum chamber. A heating blanket (36) is located in the bottom of the vacuum chamber (12). An inflatable bladder (28) is located on top of the heating blanket and extends approximately over the length of the vacuum chamber. The interior of the inflatable bladder is in fluid connection with the exterior of the vacuum chamber. Composite charges (40) are placed within the vacuum chamber on top of the vacuum bladder (28). Lay-up mandrels (42) are placed on top of the unformed composite charges and the vacuum chamber is closed and sealed. The composite charges (40) are heated using the heating blanket (36). The interior of the vacuum chamber is then evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Val G. Brustad, David L. Hoshor, Donald A. Jensen, Andrew E. Modin
  • Patent number: 5746862
    Abstract: A tube of polyethylene or similar polymeric material having a continuous sidewall is extruded using conventional technology. Two horizontal gussets are formed from the sidewall of the tube, one on each side. The tube is flattened into a substantially flat workpiece. The workpiece is heat sealed at locations predetermined by the configuration of the container in which it is to be inserted. Concurrently with the heat sealing pass, or shortly thereafter, cuts are made to separate manufacturing waste material from the tube. The waste material is recycled into the feedstock of the extruder. The sealed workpiece is split axially into two substantially equal portions, each containing a complete gusset, thereby forming two completed liners.Alternatively, one horizontal gusset is formed in the sidewall of the tube. As in the first embodiment, the workpiece is heat sealed at locations predetermined by the configuration of the container in which it is to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 5746863
    Abstract: A wooden tube made up of tubular layers of wood veneer and the method of making it in which the various tubular layers are made from flat sheets of wood veneer having the grain in one layer extending longitudinally and the grain in an adjacent layer extending circumferentially of the tube so that the grain in adjacent layers extend transversely of each other with all joints extending in the direction of the wood grain being edge to edge butt joints and all joints extending transversely to the wood grain being interlocking finger joints and with adjoining tubular layers being bonded to each other to form a unitary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Hollowood, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 5743983
    Abstract: A method for producing an interior a product comprising a corrugated cardboard base formed into a predetermined shape and a decorative skin layer laminated to one side of the cardboard base. Using a hot-press, a substantially planar cardboard base comprising a corrugated core and liners laminated to both sides of the core through thermoplastic resin films is formed into a predetermined shape by heat and pressure at a temperature high enough for remaining heat to be sufficient to melt a hot melt adhesive on the surface of the cardboard base after removal of the formed cardboard base from the hot press but not so hot as to scorch the paper of the cardboard base. The formed cardboard base is then taken out of the hot press and transferred into a cold press, thereafter a decorative skin is put on the surface of the formed cardboard base through a hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Tri-Wall K.K.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Ogata, Kunio Cho, Yutaka Sato
  • Patent number: 5728246
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of applying a veneer to a substrate having edges with a compound curve. The invention includes the steps of trimming the veneer to provide a peripheral margin and applying a stretchable releasable adhesive tape to the margin, applying an adhesive to the surfaces of the substrate, positioning the veneer over the substrate and securing the veneer in position, and subjecting the veneer to a substantially uniform pressure over the substrate. An embodiment for convex edges provides the further steps of providing one or more v-shaped relief cuts converging where the curved edge surface meets the main surface and applying a releasable adhesive tape to retain a butt joint between the edges of each relief cut. An embodiment for concave edges provides the further steps of providing one or more slits extending into the margin of the veneer parallel to the direction of the grain and applying a releasable adhesive tape over the relief cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nienkamper Furniture & Accessories Inc.
    Inventor: William John Ewaschuk
  • Patent number: 5728256
    Abstract: A smooth press implements the application of a covering paper against a corrugated paper passing around a ribbed cylinder or roll of a single corrugator. The smooth press comprises a series of identical support arrangements arranged side-by-side along the ribbed cylinder or roll. Each arrangement has a pad whose support surface is urged against the ribbed cylinder and is curved according to a radius approximately equal to that of the ribbed cylinder in order to cover a plurality of ribs. Each pad is movable between a position disengaged from the corrugated paper and a second position biasing the cover sheet onto the corrugated paper on said ribbed cylinder and is movable individually in a controlled fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignees: Peters Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Bobst SA
    Inventors: Jens Schulz, Nicolaus Goerrissen
  • Patent number: 5718307
    Abstract: A membrane press and method of elevating a three-dimensional workpiece are provided. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece. A foil-pressing frame is positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying a laminating foil to the workpiece. A plurality of fluid actuated pedestal assemblies are positioned for movement between a workpiece-loading position and a workpiece-lifting position above the supporting surface of the work base. Fluid passages communicate with the pedestal assemblies, and fluid pressure control means. The control means selectively directs a flow of fluid to the pedestal assemblies in response to the loading of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Smartech LLC
    Inventor: Hartmut Diekwisch
  • Patent number: 5716474
    Abstract: A sheet of material having an upper surface, surface, and an outer periphery, a plurality of indentations in the outer periphery, portions of the sheet of material surrounding the indentations overlapping to form an article having a substantially smooth outer peripheral surface. Methods of forming and using an article, such as a flower pot cover article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Lisa A. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5716473
    Abstract: A paperboard container of generally semi-rigid construction and formed from a unitary blank of paperboard folded in the general shape of a U. The interior surface of the container is coated with a thermoplastic polymer barrier layer, the container having a manually openable, normally closed pour spout at one upper edge portion, and also having a recessed or raised bottom. The container is particularly adapted for packaging granular, dry material such as corn flakes, pretzels, and the like. Due to its construction and the thermoplastic barrier layer, the usual inner pouch which contains dry cereal is omitted, thereby effecting savings in both material and in assembly of the final package. In one embodiment, an opening is provided for carrying the package, the opening located at the top of the container. In another embodiment one side wall of the panel is provided with an extension to serve as a reclosure flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventors: Robert L. Gordon, Katherine A. Swenson, David E. Stier, Theresa A. Bronk
  • Patent number: 5711845
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for gluing an ornamental body (S) onto a shaped body (W). The device aims to minimize the elongation of the ornamental body and the residual stress in it when it is fitted in a concave part (B) of the shaped body (W) to provide a product of good quality wherein no separation of the ornamental body from the shaped body occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukuji Ozawa, Hisamoto Tsuiki, Tetsu Yabuno
  • Patent number: 5711836
    Abstract: A method of making an object wherein known sheets having a curable prim receiving coating (epoxy and polyamide particles) on one surface and pressure-sensitive adhesive on the other surface (normally used for attaching the printed and cured sheet to a wall or other surface) are wrapped around the object to be marked and the overlapping ends of the sheet are temporarily secured by an overlap bond between the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the curable coating. Subsequent curing of the coating fixes the indicia printed thereon and cures the bond to fix the sheet in position. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g. acrylic polymer will interact with the curable coating on curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Raychem Limited
    Inventor: Gerald Christopher Paul Hill
  • Patent number: 5702552
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a pleated cellular shade product from a single web of material to provide different physical characteristics on opposite sides of the shade product. A web is provided having alternate first and second stripe areas extending crosswise of the web at a preset repeat spacing and the striped web is folded crosswise of the web alternately in a first direction along a first fold line intermediate side edges of the first stripe area and in a second direction along a second fold line intermediate side edges of each second stripe area to form a plurality of sidewise adjacent panels serially united in alternate succession along respective first and second fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell J. Kutchmarek, James H. Stauffacher
  • Patent number: 5698054
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for laminating a first three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material to a second flat or three-dimensional apertured or non-apertured film material utilizing the heat generated by the extrusion of the first and/or second materials and the films produced thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Biagioli, Timothy L. Clark, Gary A. Otte
  • Patent number: 5693167
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing corrugated board comprising two layers of corrugated medium joined together in tip-to-tip registration of the two mediums, without an intermediate liner, and with at least one outer liner. Adhesive is applied to the tips of the two mediums, and the tips are brought together and held in contact with each other while the adhesive sets at least partially during conveyance of the mediums along a linear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventors: Michael John Cahill, Colin Stutt
  • Patent number: 5690881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a damper which is effective when used for a car air conditioner as a air flow switching door.A resin damper body to which surfaces foaming resin seal materials are joined is formed by setting the foaming resin seal materials within mold spaces beforehand and then injecting the resin thereinto, and during which process the damper body and the seal materials are joined together. Particularly, the structure of the metal molds, the structure of an injection nozzle, and the shape of the seal materials are improved in order to improve the shape of the seal materials and the shape of the damper body during the injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignees: Nippondenso Co., Ltd., Shimizu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Horie, Kazutoshi Higashi
  • Patent number: 5688349
    Abstract: A cover sheet for medical tables, beds or gurneys comprises a sheet formed from a high tensile strength, plastic with opposed ends of the sheet folded and seamed to provide pockets. The pockets are inverted for assemblage over the ends of the medical tables, beds or gurneys. Methods of continuously fabricating such cover sheets from a roll of plastic material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: PHD Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy D. Herum
  • Patent number: 5686168
    Abstract: A method for embossing a sheet of creped paper composed of at least one ply, whereby the sheet is engaged between two metallic cylinders fitted with protrusions and driven in rotation in a conventional manner and mesh with each other while having a play e1 between the tops of the protrusions of one cylinder and the opposite surface of the other cylinder, and a play e2 between the slopes of two adjacent protrusions wherein e1 and e2 are determined in the direction transverse to the direction of paper advance in such a manner that the ratio of e1/e2 is between 0.8 and 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: James River
    Inventors: Pierre Laurent, Remy Ruppel, Joel Hungler