Patents by Inventor Akihisa Kikuchi

Akihisa Kikuchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5770131
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying an oscillating force to a molten material. The apparatus includes a barrel in communication with a hopper for receiving a flow of moldable material. A screw conveyor is rotatable and axially reciprocatable within the barrel. At least one conveyor flight is formed on the screw conveyor for conveying and compressing the moldable material. Rotation and reciprocation of the screw conveyor forces the material to flow out of the barrel and along a conduit in a mold assembly. The conduit communicates with a mold cavity. A controller controls the rotation and reciprocation of the screw conveyor. The controller reciprocates the screw conveyor toward and away from the mold during filling of the mold cavity inducing a shearing of the material. Each reciprocation of the screw conveyor translates the screw conveyor closer toward the mold cavity. A method is also disclosed which includes dispensing a moldable material into an barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Thermold Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Bubel, Robert Callahan, Akihisa Kikuchi