Plural Sequential Shaping Or Molding Steps On Same Workpiece Patents (Class 264/294)
  • Patent number: 6007655
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and pultruded product formed by adding resin coated fibers at each of successive heated dies having respectively larger die openings to build up a composite pultruded product in stages. Each successive pultruded layer is cured at an exterior surface by heat from the die wall and at an interior surface by heat from the cured product emerging from the previous heated die. By forming the pultruded product in layers, higher line speeds, and a higher quality product which is consistently cured throughout its cross-section are achieved. Hybrid composites can be produced by varying the fiber type and/or the resin type in one or more stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventors: Ravi Gorthala, Daniel R. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5997785
    Abstract: A molded body is produced on the basis of a raw material, the main content of which is material which is left after remolding pulp from paper and extraction of fibers from the pulp mass for remanufacturing of paper. This raw material which mainly consists of water, short fibers, and fine, mineral particles is drained by pressing in a first pressing stage between filter belts for production of a coherent body, is dried partially in a first drying stage is pressed and in a second pressing stage, and dried finally in a second drying stage. The invention concerns a similar method for separation of fibers and particles from waste water which results from repulping paper and reclaiming of fibers from the pulp mass for remanufacturing of paper, whereby an enviromental problem is solved in a very suitable way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Frank Ivan Skjelmose
  • Patent number: 5992467
    Abstract: This application discloses a liner pipe reduction system comprising at least one pressurized die and at least one pressure cell. The pressurized dies and pressure cell are interconnected to form a reduction system to reduce the friction of liner pipe as it passes through one or more dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Max Jerry Roach
  • Patent number: 5989464
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous carbon-active carbon composite material wherein the vitreous carbon is derived from a polycarbodiimide resin; a process for producing the above vitreous carbon-active carbon composite material by firing a mixture of a polycarbodiimide resin and an active carbon, or a molded article of desired shape prepared from the mixture, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere; and a polarizable electrode for use in an electric double layer capacitor, which consists of the above vitreous carbon-active carbon composite material. The polarizable electrode is free from the drawbacks of the prior art, has a low internal resistance, causes a low degree of powder detachment, has a large electric capacitance per unit weight and per unit volume, and can be produced easily, quickly and inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Saito, Atsushi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 5972278
    Abstract: A method of forming a synthetic resin formed article having a double-layer structure of a base portion and a covering portion which covers an outer periphery of the base portion and which has an inwardly curved portion for covering an end portion of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keizo Ito, Takashi Kato, Shoji Sakaida, Hikaru Ando
  • Patent number: 5962135
    Abstract: This invention describes the infiltration methods used to incorporate ceramic additives in carbon/carbon brake disc preforms. Aqueous vacuum infiltration techniques were employed. Both methods were effective in achieving homogeneous dispersion of ceramic additives throughout brake disc thickness. Heat treatment processes were developed to convert oxide additives to more refractory phases. Both temperature and N.sub.2 overpressure were precisely controlled during conversion. By using the additives, infiltration routes, and heat treatment schedules, brake disc friction material performance properties such as friction coefficient, friction coefficient stability, and brake disc wear rate are improved. The disclosed carbon/carbon brake discs can be used in aerospace, automotive and other friction material applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Bryan Walker, Richard J. Donaldson, Philip J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 5948329
    Abstract: It is possible to obtain at high yield a carbonaceous material suitable for carbon electrodes of electrical double layer capacitors and having superior capacitance by means of a method comprising a halogenation treatment step wherein a halogenated dry-distilled charcoal is obtained by bringing a dry-distilled charcoal into contact with a halogen gas; and by a dehalogenation treatment step wherein a part or all of the above-mentioned halogen in said halogenated dry-distilled charcoal is eliminated. In addition, it is possible to obtain carbonaceous material for electrical double layer capacitors, which has a large capacitance at rapid discharge and excellent shape, by means of conducting a molding treatment step in which a molded article is made by crushing a dry-distilled charcoal and adding a binding agent; and a carbonization treatment step in which the above-mentioned molded article is heated in an inert gas atmosphere before conducting the halogenation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takushi Ohsaki, Akira Wakaizumi, Mitsuo Kigure, Akihiro Nakamura, Shinichi Marumo, Toshiya Miyagawa, Tadao Adachi
  • Patent number: 5938998
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite insulator which includes an FRP core rod covered by a sheath and provided with a plurality of sheds which are made of an electrically insulating polymeric material. The sheds are set on a support member arranged on a downstream side of an extruder. The extruder is fed with a core rod and extrudes a polymeric material to form a sheath on the core rod. The core rod with the sheath is moved toward the downstream side through an opening in the support member. The sheds are sequentially moved along the support member toward the downstream side and transferred onto predetermined locations on the sheath that have passed through the opening and have reached the downstream side. An assembly is thus formed which includes the core rod, sheath formed on the core rod, and sheds transferred onto the sheath. The assembly is then heated to vulcanize the sheath and adhere it to the core rod and the sheds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuhiko Abe, Shigeo Ishino
  • Patent number: 5935164
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated item such as a prosthesis or tissue expander having a flexible, expandable membrane surrounding an interior lumen to enhance the strength and performance of the membrane comprises the steps of applying a first layer of a fluid, resilient, stretchable material to a mandrel; allowing the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a first flow direction; allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable first layer on the mandrel; applying a second layer of the fluid material on the first layer; changing the orientation of the mandrel to allow the fluid material to drain off the mandrel in a second flow direction, the second flow direction being at an angle to the first flow direction; and allowing the fluid material to harden to form a resilient, stretchable second layer on the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: PMT Corporaton
    Inventor: Alfred A. Iversen
  • Patent number: 5925301
    Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided for delivering a diagnostic fluid to a diagnostic site within the vascular system of a patient comprising an elongated central tube that can be routed into and through a vascular system of a patient, the tube including a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, a flexible sleeve defining a space between the interior surface of the sleeve and an exterior surface of the central tube, the sleeve comprising a sleeve proximal end sealably connected to the exterior circumference of the central tube. The sleeve extends along a length of the central tube from the sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end, the central tube defining one or more openings that extend through a wall of the central tube so that the interior of the central tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk Johnson, Stephen J. Querns
  • Patent number: 5912026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for forming a hinge in a sheet of extruded plastic. Plastic material is extruded and passed between a pair of rolls to determine the thickness of the plastic sheet. A groove forming member of a scoring assembly then creates a groove in the sheet of plastic when the plastic is still warm. The groove forming process creates a plastic ridge on both sides of the groove. To flatten these ridges, the sheet then passes through a second set of rolls. The sheet of plastic, still warm, is then cooled by a conventional method. The scoring assembly is movable along the width of the sheet of plastic and is adjustable for the depth of groove. The scoring assembly can also be removable. Once a groove is created, the groove acts as a hinge and the sheet can be bent or folded along the grooved edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Preferred Plastic Sheet Company
    Inventors: Cem M. Gokcen, Keith Hoschouer
  • Patent number: 5902533
    Abstract: The present method includes an apparatus and method for forming articles having compression molding means and injection molding means. Simultaneous activation of the injection molding means and compression molding means produces an integral article having a compression molded portion and an injection molded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Michael Munger, Martin Schuurman
  • Patent number: 5895716
    Abstract: This invention relates to carbon--carbon (C--C) composite comprising carbon fibers or carbon fabric, carbon char on the carbon fiber or fabric and pyrolytic carbon on the carbon char, wherein the density of the carbon composite is at least 1.3 g/cc. The invention also relates to wet friction elements and power transmission devises containing the same. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the carbon--carbon (C--C) composites. These C--C composites and wet friction elements and power transmission devises made therefrom have improved friction properties desired by wet brakes and clutches. These C--C composites provide improvements in cost, and when run against metals, such as steel or iron, improvements in wear and frictional behavior compared to known C--C composites for wet friction applications. In one aspect, the carbon--carbon does not require bonding to a metal backing or core material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Fiala, William L. Tarasen
  • Patent number: 5879612
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing cold formed shaped forms of packaging having at least one recess from a metal-plastic laminate. Examples of such shaped forms of packaging are the base parts of push-through packs or blister packs. The process is such that the laminate is held between a retaining tool and a die. The die exhibits at least one opening and a stamp is driven into the die opening causing the laminate to be shape-formed into a packaging, correspondingly exhibiting one or more recesses. The die and the retaining tool exhibit facing edge regions and the die, within the edge region, exhibits a shoulder region that surrounds the die opening or openings. The surface of the shoulder region lies 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrik Zeiter, Heinz Oster
  • Patent number: 5874054
    Abstract: A device for encapsulating plastic waste such as plastic syringes with attached needles, lancets or blood test strips, having a melt chamber to receive the waste, means to elevate the temperature within the melt chamber, a reciprocating compaction head to compact the melted waste to form a plastic slug with the needles encapsulated within the slug, where the compaction head has a shoulder whereby the slug becomes attached to the compaction head when hardened. The hardened slug is then removed from the melt chamber during the retraction of the compaction head. Preferably, an ejection cam slides the plastic slug partially off the compaction head for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Imagination Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Yelvington
  • Patent number: 5874141
    Abstract: A plastic container is formed by injection and blow molding wherein the injection molded body has an annular shoulder, an upper neck and a bottom wall with a central flat portion of substantially the same thickness as the wall of said body. An enlarged annular corner portion connects the bottom wall to the body and extends downwardly. The annular corner is sufficiently thick so as to form a substantially solid rim after bi-axial stretching during blow molding. The plastic parison for forming the container includes a body with an annular shoulder and an upper neck and also with the bottom wall having a central flat portion of substantially the same thickness as the body. The enlarged annular corner portion of the parison also connects to the body and extends downwardly to form a substantially solid rim. The thickness of the annular corner is sufficient to keep the annular corner from having a cavity formed in it during bi-axial stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Inoac Packaging Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsui
  • Patent number: 5866056
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for production of a seal using a compactable sealing material, especially a fluoropolymer, to seal flanges, preferably matching flanges, especially to produce a ring packing to seal flange connections for pipes, in which the seal is provided on the outer and/or inner periphery with a centering collar or with several centering collar sections spaced around the periphery. The invention also concerns an apparatus to produce a seal using a compactable sealing material, especially a fluoropolymer, to seal flanges, preferably matching flanges, especially an apparatus to produce a ring packing to seal flange connections for pipes, in which the seal is provided on the outer and/or inner periphery with a centering collar with several centering collar sections spaced around the periphery, and preferably an apparatus to execute the process according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Werner
  • Patent number: 5837176
    Abstract: A film molding method and apparatus capable of shortening a mold cycle time and obtaining a molded product of an excellent quality. A method of hot-press molding a polyparaphenyleneterephthalamide (PPTA) film into a predetermined shape includes a first step of evaporating water from a PPTA film containing water at least 50% or more as a swelling agent, and obtaining an amorphous film having a density less than a predetermined density and a modulus in tension of about 70%; and a second process of hot-press molding the film for a predetermined time period by metal molds heated up to at least 330.degree. C. to crystallize the film to have a predetermined density specific to a PPTA film and produce an intrinsic physical value, and obtaining a molded product of the film. A film molding apparatus for performing the film molding method includes holes or slits opening at the surface of each of the metal molds, and an air suction unit and an air exhaust unit provided for each of the metal molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenwood
    Inventor: Yoshio Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5811050
    Abstract: An EMI shield for personal computers, cellular telephones, and other electronic devices is constructed from thermoformable polymeric material which is then metallized on all surfaces by vacuum metallization techniques to provide an inexpensive, lightweight, yet effective EMI shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John F. Gabower
  • Patent number: 5810957
    Abstract: A foil/composite sheet having a holographic image or diffraction grating image and a method for forming permits the party producing the final document to hot stamp a chip containing the holographic image directly on a substrate forming the major portion of the final document. The foil/composite sheet includes successively a plastic carrier film, a release coating, a hard lacquer coating, a soft lacquer coating, a layer of metal and an embossment receiving coating, the latter three of which become embossed with the holographic image when a heated embossing shim is pressed under pressure against the embossment receiving layer. A heat activatable adhesive is thereafter applied to the embossment receiving coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: NovaVision, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Boswell
  • Patent number: 5800759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing insert molded articles. The involves the steps of preforming a patterned insert material clamped at end parts thereof by a clamping device into a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of a cavity formation face of a male die or a female die of an injection molding die by a preforming device, and trimming an unnecessary portion of the preformed material by a trimming device so as not to project from the peripheral edge of the surface of a cubic molded article to be formed of molding resin. The method further involves setting the trimmed material at the cavity formation face of the male or female die of the injection molding die, clamping the male and female dies to form a cavity by the cavity formation faces, injecting molding resin into the cavity, and removing the insert molded article from the injection molding die after the molding resin is cooled and softened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Yamazaki, Shiroh Okuno
  • Patent number: 5798071
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of manufacturing a golf ball by placing a golf ball core into a preform mold cavity, injection molding a cover around the core, placing the resulting preform into a dimpled compression mold cavity and compression molding the cover to define a golf ball. The invention also includes injection molding a golf ball preform into an outer non-dimpled elongated spherical shape having an elongate axis, and compression molding a spherical golf ball from the preform in a substantially spherical dimpled compression mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Herbert C. Boehm
  • Patent number: 5783130
    Abstract: A miniature plastic gripper actuated by inflation of a miniature balloon and method of fabricating same. The gripper is constructed of either heat-shrinkable or heat-expandable plastic tubing and is formed around a mandrel, then cut to form gripper prongs or jaws and the mandrel removed. The gripper is connected at one end with a catheter or tube having an actuating balloon at its tip, whereby the gripper is opened or dosed by inflation or deflation of the balloon. The gripper is designed to removably retain a member to which is connected a quantity or medicine, plugs, or micro-components. The miniature plastic gripper is inexpensive to fabricate and can be used for various applications, such as gripping, sorting, or placing of micron-scale particles for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William J. Benett, Peter A. Krulevitch, Abraham P. Lee, Milton A. Northrup, James A. Folta
  • Patent number: 5779965
    Abstract: The crispness or clarity of embossed tissue is improved by embossing the tissue twice in two successive embossing nips formed between a rigid engraved embossing roll and a resilient backing roll. The hardness of the resilient backing roll in the first embossing nip is less than the hardness of the resilient backing roll in the second embossing nip. This form of double nip embossing is particularly effective for embossing tissue webs having high bulk and resiliency, such as soft uncreped throughdried tissues, which cannot be satisfactorily embossed by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Beuther, Tammy Lynn Baum, Anthony Mark Gambaro, David Robert Gruber, Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5776384
    Abstract: A method for making near-net-shape, monolithic carbon electrodes for energy storage devices. The method includes the controlled pyrolysis and activation of a pressed shape of methyl cellulose powder with pyrolysis being carried out in two stages; pre-oxidation, preferably in air at a temperature between 200.degree.-250.degree. C., followed by carbonization under an inert atmosphere. An activation step to adjust the surface area of the carbon shape to a value desirable for the application being considered, including heating the carbon shape in an oxidizing atmosphere to a temperature of at least 300.degree. C., follows carbonization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Firsich, David Ingersoll, Frank M. Delnick
  • Patent number: 5776592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester films which have properties making them suitable for closures, especially of pots for fresh dairy products such as yoghurts, cheeses or desserts. It therefore consists of polyester films which have a thickness of 5 to 30 micrometers and which satisfy the use test, exhibiting a crystallinity higher than or equal to 50%, tensile strengths in the lengthwise direction (MDTS) and in the diagonal directions (.+-.45 degrees relative to the lengthwise direction) (TS45) which are such that: (MDTS)+(TS45).ltoreq.40 kg/mm.sup.2 (392.4 MPa) and elongations at break in the lengthwise direction (MDEB) and in the diagonal directions (.+-.45 degrees relative to the lengthwise direction) (EB45) which are such that: (MDEB)+(EB45).gtoreq.290%. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such films and to their use for closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Films
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Benhayoun, Alain Marze, Brunot Melquioni
  • Patent number: 5772945
    Abstract: A composite material blank for an orthotic insert. The device is formed of layers of fiberglass and graphite fiber material. A first graphite fiber layer provides the overall structure with increased strength, while secondary graphite fiber reinforcement strips are arranged below the first and fifth rays of the foot to provide additional rigidity and control in these areas. The edges of the graphite fiber layers are recessed inwardly from the edges of the fiberglass layers so as to provide a graphite-free border which prevents cracks from propagating into the graphite fiber layers. The layers are bonded together by heat curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis N. Brown
  • Patent number: 5759605
    Abstract: A pressure plate facing fabric is secured to the pressure plate of a bagel forming machine. The fabric is positioned to form an acute angle with the circulating belt of the machine to avoid build-up of dough at the feed-in end of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: A.M. Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Atwood
  • Patent number: 5756024
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container from husk includes the steps of comminuting the husk into powder form, mixing the powder with an edible adhesive, with the introduction of steam, to form a paste, forming a blank from the paste, shaping the blank into a primary semi-product, re-shaping the primary semi-product to force the paste to flow and fill into cracks formed on the primary semi-product during the shaping step to form a secondary semi-product, drying the secondary semi-product and applying a surface coating to the dried product and then drying the surface coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Fu Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 5753308
    Abstract: Containers use in the storing, dispensing, packaging, and/or portioning of food and beverage products. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage containers are manufactured from aggregates held together by organic binders in order to be lightweight, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning such products. The food and beverage containers of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrices of the food and beverage containers include a hydrated organic binder paste (formed by mixing the binder with water) in combination with appropriate aggregate materials, such as fibers to add flexibility and strength, glass spheres to make the product more lightweight and insulative, or clay to make the product extremely inexpensive yet strong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5746955
    Abstract: A composite hockey stick shaft adapted for receiving a replacement blade. The composite shaft includes a shaft body formed of a resin material and embodying a spirally wound plurality of filaments embedded in the resin material. The present invention also relates to a process for making such a composite hockey stick shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Christian Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Calapp, Michael T. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5744087
    Abstract: A medical article of a polymeric nonthermoplastic material and method therefor is made by a continuous compression molding method in which a predetermined quantity of the polymer is added sequentially to a series of molds on a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Joel L. Williams, Hugh T. Conway
  • Patent number: 5735991
    Abstract: Method for producing pads in which a laminated pad sheet is fed from a supply roll through a combined sealer/cutter. The laminated pad sheet is indexed into the sealer/cutter with a support sheet of a predetermined thickness. The sealer/cutter moves a perimeter pattern defining a sealing electrode into engagement with the laminated pad. Electrical energy is applied across the sealing electrode and a conductive, grounded plate forming a pad per/meter seal. A support plate upon which the perimeter forming electrode is mounted is moved further toward the pad when the power is turned off, causing a cutting edge surrounding the sealing electrode to pierce completely through the laminate pad and only partially through the support sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce Strongwater
  • Patent number: 5730916
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing filler and distributing bodies essentially or carbon for process technology, in which ground cereal products are used as dry raw material and preferably water or aqueous synthetic resin preparations are used as binders. Dry material, preferably semolina, is mixed with the binder, the mixed composition is molded into primary product bodies and these are then hardened and subsequently coked or coked and graphitized. A typical use of the process involves the manufacture of small filler bodies of complicated shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: SGL Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Kunzel, Manfred Nedoschill, Manfred Schmid
  • Patent number: 5726105
    Abstract: The graphitized composite article of the present invention is formed by embedding carbon fiber felt in a matrix of a carbon filler; a thermosetting resin and a solvent; curing the composite article; then, carbonizing and graphitizing the cured composite article to form the graphitized composite article for use as a separator plate capable of substantially inhibiting mixing of hydrogen and oxygen and/or the loss of electrolyte within a fuel cell stack. The graphitized composite article may be a graphitized laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: International Fuel Cells
    Inventors: Albert P. Grasso, Ronald G. Martin, Robert P. Roche
  • Patent number: 5718862
    Abstract: A method for preparing a medical device having the steps: (1) treating an ionically crosslinked hydrogel to strip a substantial amount of the ionic crosslinks while retaining the hydrogel in a desired shape; and (2) ionically re-crosslinking the treated hydrogel of step (1) while retaining the hydrogel in the desired shape. In an exemplary embodiment, a ureteral stent is made by mounting a length of extruded calcium or barium alginate tubing onto a shaping jig and performing secondary shaping to form coil-shaped ends by soaking the mounted robing in a stirred potassium chloride bath, and then soaking it in a calcium chloride bath. The ends readily return after elastic deformation to their coil shapes, with the stent having a permanent memory imposed by the secondary shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Samuel Anthony Thompson
  • Patent number: 5718968
    Abstract: An expanded, memory molded, increased density, highly impact-resistant polystyrene construct, and method of making the construct. The construct is formed by molding pre-expanded non-equilibrated polystyrene beads to a first volume, cooling rapidly, and then compression molding to a final, smaller volume. The resultant constructs have increased density, and high impact strength without increase in embrittlement. Also, the construct has "memory" in the sense that it returns substantially to its original shape after impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Motherlode, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip W. Cutler, Blue H. E. Goulding
  • Patent number: 5698149
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device to compact parts with an undercut out of powder metal, including a pair of dies linearly moveable relative to one another and then phased, and an associated linearly displaceable pair of punches to produce said parts with said undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Stackpole Limited
    Inventors: Gerd Hinzmann, Mark Haiko, Frank Ma, Allan Wilson, Keith Buckley-Golder, Robert Round
  • Patent number: 5698153
    Abstract: A method of prescoring foam board for making composite panels includes impressing a pattern of ridges projecting from a surface of a die into at least one face surface of the foam board. The pattern of ridges on the die forms a pattern of indentations having three series of parallel linear indentations, each series being angularly offset from each series other by 60.degree.. The ridges on the embossing die are pressed into the foam sufficiently deep that the the pattern of indentations impressed in the board surface after whatever springback occurs remain deep enough to enable volatiles generated in an interior zone of a panel to escape when drawn out by a vacuum pump when the foam board is heated under pressure between two face sheets of resin-preimpregnated fabric to form a composite panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: The Boeing Co.
    Inventors: Neil L. Hoopingarner, Barry D. Matin
  • Patent number: 5681513
    Abstract: A method for fabricating composite structures at a low-cost, moderate-to-high production rate. A first embodiment of the method includes employing a continuous press forming fabrication process. A second embodiment of the method includes employing a pultrusion process for obtaining composite structures. The methods include coating yarns with matrix material, weaving the yarn into fabric to produce a continuous fabric supply and feeding multiple layers of net-shaped fabrics having optimally oriented fibers into a debulking tool to form an undebulked preform. The continuous press forming fabrication process includes partially debulking the preform, cutting the partially debulked preform and debulking the partially debulked preform to form a net-shape. An electron-beam or similar technique then cures the structure. The pultrusion fabric process includes feeding the undebulked preform into a heated die and gradually debulking the undebulked preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Gary L. Farley
  • Patent number: 5667612
    Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a substantially rectangular hydrophobic batt. The batt is a piece of knitted tubing made from extruded linear low density polyethylene monofilaments knitted into a tube on a knitting machine having a setting ranging from 32 to 64 needles per machine diameter. The monofilaments have substantially circular cross-sections in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.015 inches diameter. The piece of knitted tubing also has a longitudinal axis with about 6 to about 9 stitches per inch, as typically measured along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the piece of knitted tubing is inverted upon itself at least once along its longitudinal axis to form a plurality of concentric layers of tubing, which are then substantially flattened to form the batt. Each of the layers has a similar length and substantially overlaps the other layers. The batt has a top surface, a bottom surface, and two open ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: W. Dennis Benge
  • Patent number: 5662854
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette accommodating case has a cover member having a pocket for receiving one end portion of a magnetic tape cassette and a casing member having rotation stopper projections. At least (a) peripheral portions of the cover member and the casing member, which edge portions confront at least the thickened portion of the magnetic tape cassette, and (b) side wall portions of the cover member and the casing member, the side wall portions including the pivotably assembled portions, are molded with a resin, which is more slidable than the other portions of the cover member and the casing member. The other portions are molded with such a transparent resin as to allow the case to be seen through. A method for manufacturing such a magnetic tape cassette accommodating cage utilizes a first slide core slidable in a direction of inserting a cassette, and a second slide core movable substantially orthogonal to the direction of moving the first slide core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Katagiri, Teruo Ashikawa, Kiyoo Morita
  • Patent number: 5650116
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making medical devices, especially stents, catheters, cannulas, plugs and constrictors, by treatment of ionically crosslinkable polymer compositions with crosslinking ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Samuel Anthony Thompson
  • Patent number: 5641373
    Abstract: A method for improving the radial enlargeability and other properties of tape-reinforced tubular vascular graft formed of sintered fluoropolymer(s), such as expanded, sintered PTFE. Broadly, the method comprises the step of radially shrinking the reinforcement tape layer of the graft, or the entire tape-reinforced graft, after sintering thereof. Such radial shrinkage of the reinforcement tape layer, or of the entire graft, renders the graft subsequently radially enlargeable by more than 5%, without tearing or breaking of the reinforcement tape layer of the graft. Radially enlargeable grafts of the present invention may be combined with various types of stents or anchoring systems, to form endovascular graft devices which are transluminally insertable and implantable within the lumen of a host blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Shannon, John McIntyre, Chris Kuo, Chris McCollam, Robert Peterson
  • Patent number: 5620546
    Abstract: The floor mat of the present process is a pliable multilayer structure having an upper face layer and a base layer. The base layer has a main body section bordered by an edge section. Preferably, the main body section is relatively thin and the edge section is relatively thick. A surface of the base layer is adapted to confront flooring overlaid by the mat. The edge section has a channel extending longitudinally thereof, and preferably opening from the bottom surface of the edge section. A portion of the main body section can have a channel molded therein such that a portion of the main body section is disposed above the remainder of the main body section to provide a decorative and aesthetically pleasing design in the main body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: The Akro Corporation
    Inventor: Harold Reuben
  • Patent number: 5609805
    Abstract: A process for producing a composite part comprising:(i) putting short reinforcing fibers into a transfer mold;(ii) impregnation said short reinforcing fibers with a low viscosity resin;(iii) maintaining said short reinforcing fibers impregnated with by said resin in said transfer mold at a first temperature T.sub.1 known as the gelation temperature until a pasty preform is obtained whose viscosity is suitable for compression molding;(iv) removing said pasty preform from the mold;(v) placing said pasty preform in a compression mold brought to a second temperature T.sub.2, known as the compression temperature, wherein T.sub.2 >T.sub.1 ;(vi) compression molding said pasty preform; and(vii) polymerizing said pasty preform at at least a third temperature T.sub.3 wherein T.sub.3 .gtoreq.T.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin - Michelin & CIE
    Inventors: Francois Finck, Jacques Follanfant, Yves Vernet
  • Patent number: 5593700
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for folding edge sections of molded parts, blanks, or covers provided for them of leather, artificial leather, plastic, or the like, having a sizing plate provided with a cut-out, into which is inserted a pressure plate, the dimensions of the cut-out in the sizing plate corresponding to those of the finished molded part or blank or of a part of it, having a folding plate, on whose side facing the sizing plate, edges are formed for folding over the edge sections of the molded part, blank or cover, and having a base die for accommodating the sizing plate and the pressure plate, the pressure plate inserted into the cut-out of the sizing plate preferably being flexibly supported on the base tool and being vertically movable with respect to the sizing plate and the base die, and the folding plate being retained on a fixing plate, which is vertically movable, for example pneumatically or hydraulically, so as to allow the folding plate to be set down on the sizing plate, as well
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: G unter Stilgenbauer
  • Patent number: 5582670
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a highly inorganically filled matrix. Suitable inorganically filled mixtures are prepared by mixing together an organic polymer binder, water, one or more inorganic aggregate materials, fibers, and optional admixtures in the correct proportions in order to form a sheet which has the desired performance criteria. The inorganically filled mixtures are formed into sheets by first extruding the mixtures and the passing the extruded materials between a set of rollers. The rolled sheets are dried in an accelerated manner to form a substantially hardened sheet, such as by heated rollers and/or a drying chamber. The inorganically filled sheets may have properties substantially similar to sheets presently made from traditional materials like paper, cardboard, polystyrene, plastic, or metal. Such sheets can be rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries
    Inventors: Per J. Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5580508
    Abstract: A process for preparing calcium silicate articles having a bulk density of 0.3 to 0.9 g/cm.sup.3 including the steps of mixing a major portion of calcium silicate and minor portions of anhydrous calcium aluminosilicate or its analogue, a reinforcing fiber and a polymer binder in water to give an aqueous slurry, molding the slurry into a desired for, and drying the molded slurry at 100.degree.-180.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Waichi Kobayashi, Satoshi Otaka, Hideo Uchiyama, Toshihiro Nakata, Tetsuya Sadatani
  • Patent number: 5569417
    Abstract: Filled thermoplastic pitch comprising particulate filler and advanced mesophase pitch having a TMA deformation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and a method for the manufacture thereof. The filled thermoplastic pitch may be shaped and densified in one or more thermoforming operations. The resulting preform may be thermoset and carbonized in ordinary baking operations without requiring molds and pressurized vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard S. Singer, David T. Orient