Endless Surface Means To Shape Fluent Material Patents (Class 425/115)
  • Patent number: 6592789
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for mixing and injecting a foam core within an extruded shell preferably of plastic downstream from an extrusion die to produce a uniform building product. The preferred apparatus includes a mixing head injector for mixing a binary system foam. The mixing head injector incorporates pressurized gas injection for homogenization of the foam core. A preferred method employs the mixing head injector and a novel calibrator thereby allowing injection of a foam core within the shell as it passes through a calibrator to reliably produce a uniform building product. An alternative method employs a second extruder. Alternative methods employ a mounting fixture downstream of a first calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: James B. Barsby
  • Patent number: 6561781
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin to a reinforcing structure and an apparatus therefor. The apparatus comprises a working surface having a pattern of recesses therein structured and designed to at least partially receive a reinforcing structure, a means for disposing the reinforcing structure in the pattern of recesses of the working surface, a means for applying a fluid resinous material to the reinforcing structure disposed in the recesses of the working surface, and a means for solidifying the fluid resinous material to provide a patterned resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure. The process comprises the steps of at least partially disposing the reinforcing structure in the recesses of a working surface, applying the fluid resinous material to the reinforcing structure, and then solidifying the fluid resinous material to form a patterned resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Stanley Ampulski
  • Publication number: 20030085485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing composite webs including a substrate with one or more discrete polymeric regions located thereon are disclosed. The discrete polymeric regions are deposited by transferring molten thermoplastic composition from depressions on a transfer roll to a substrate. Each of the discrete polymeric regions is further formed to include multiple structures formed thereon. Those structures may include, for example, stems (capped or otherwise), hooks (as part of a hook and loop fastening system), pyramids, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company Office of Intellectual Property Counsel
    Inventors: David L. Seidel, Scott J. Tuman
  • Patent number: 6554601
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; applying a fluid pressure differential to transfer the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure and causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Ampulski, Vladimir Vitenberg, Larry L. Huston
  • Publication number: 20020150752
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a composite tape (10), consisting in bringing together and in consolidating a multiplicity of continuous yarns (11), characterized in that yarns (11) based on a thermoplastic and on reinforcing fibers are entrained and brought together in a parallel manner in the form of a sheet (12) which enters a zone in which it is heated to a temperature reaching at least the melting point of the thermoplastic and then passes through a rotating impregnation device (80) in order to distribute the molten thermoplastic uniformly and guarantee that the reinforcing fibers are completely impregnated by the latter; next, the sheet (12) is introduced into a shaping and centering device (100) so as to obtain a tape (13) formed by bringing the yarns (11) together so as to be touching, thereby creating transverse continuity; the tape (13) is cooled in order to consolidate the yarns by freezing the thermoplastic and its dimensional characteristics and its appearance are set in order to deliver the said compo
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Vetrotex France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Debalme, Jacques Voiron, Alexandre Cividino
  • Publication number: 20020130435
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the manufacture of reinforced, three-zone, microporous phase inversion membrane having any one of a plurality of different possible pore sizes in any of the three zones from at least a single mother dope batch is disclosed. The systems and methods include formulating at least a single mother batch of dope in a vessel preferably maximizing the non-solvent to solvent ratio for a given weight percentage of polymer for use in a microporous phase inversion membrane production operation to produce three-zone phase inversion membranes having one of a plurality of different predetermined pore sizes in any or all of the three zones. The at least one mother dope batch is controllably formulated in at least one vessel such that the temperature of the dope does not exceed a predetermined maximum mixing temperature and is maintained at a relatively low temperature (lower than the mixing temperature) suitable for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Mark T. Meyering, Jack H. Vining, C. Thomas Badenhop, Joseph G. Wallace, William R. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6405579
    Abstract: A system for providing process control information, such as viscosity, concerning a polymer melt comprises a means containing a polymer melt under pressure; means for diverting a stream of the polymer melt directly from said containing means to and through an orifice of predetermined geometrical shape wherein the flow of said diverted portion to and through said orifice is unobstructed and directly dependent on the pressure of said main polymer melt wherein the cross sectional area is sized to permit the flow of said diverted melt polymer therethrough absence additional independent means acting on said diverted melt polymer for increasing flow through said orifice; temperature sensing means for measuring the temperature of the diverted melt stream and producing a resultant temperature signal; pressure sensing means for measuring the pressure of the diverted melt stream and producing a resultant pressure signal, said pressure signal being directly dependent on the pressure of polymer in said main polymer melt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahari Tjahjadi, Joseph M. H. Janssen, George F. Fischer, Ye-Gang Lin, Safwat E. Tadros, Galina D. Georgieva, Scott S. Haraburda
  • Patent number: 6358030
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for making a papermaking belt are provided, the belt comprising a reinforcing structure and a resinous framework joined together. The preferred continuous process comprises the steps of depositing a flowable resinous material onto a patterned molding surface; continuously moving the molding surface and the reinforcing structure at a transport velocity such that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure is in a face-to-face relationship with a portion of the molding surface; transferring the flowable resinous material from the molding surface onto the reinforcing structure; causing the flowable resinous material and the reinforcing structure to join together; and solidifying the resinous material thereby forming the resinous framework joined to the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Robert Stanley Ampulski
  • Patent number: 6349635
    Abstract: An apparatus for rolling up laminar sheets of food material in a tubular shape. The apparatus includes an assembly having a plurality of roll-up rollers located at a terminal zone of a conveyor for the laminar sheet of food material. The rolling-up rollers are of the same diameter as well as the same revolutionary speed and are arranged on a concentric circle so that the plurality of rolling-up rollers contact an outer surface of laminar sheet of food material and thereby roll-up the laminar sheet of food material in a tubular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nichiraku Kikai Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20010038160
    Abstract: A strip casting device (2) has a casting container (14) from which through a casting gap (15) two different masses (12, 13) of a material flowable with the addition of heat are poured out as a strip (3) onto a cooling device (4). The second mass (13) is at the same time ejected by way of injection nozzles (21, 22) into the region of the casting gap (15) into the casting flow of the first mass (12). The injection nozzles are preferably movable in various directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Alois Peter, Andreas Egli
  • Patent number: 6302013
    Abstract: A filling depositor for ravioli producing machines particularly with thick or chunky fillings comprises a rotary valve assembly connected to the filling tubes, which are fed by a positive displacement gear pump. The rotary valve assembly includes a rotary valve which is driven and synchronized with a gearing of the ravioli machine and includes machined openings in a shaft which match the shape of the ravioli forming die. The shaft is rotated into alignment with the ravioli die to provide the desired filling thorough slots in a housing and appropriate cut-off of the filling operating at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: John Batagllia
  • Patent number: 6263788
    Abstract: An improved food extrusion apparatus includes a main body which has two or more rollers to form a squeezing space therebetween, a funnel located at the top end of the main body above the squeezing space and a conveyor located at the bottom end of the main body below the squeezing space. The roller has a plurality of equally spaced teeth formed on the peripheral surface thereof for squeezing a dough feeding from the funnel into the squeezing space to form troughs on the dough. The main body also has a pair of rollers which has smooth peripheral surface to smooth the dough from the squeezing space. The dough thus formed has less area subject to the squeezing force of the roller and will result in resilience in the dough for producing better taste food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Ta Chiang
  • Patent number: 6234777
    Abstract: A foam bag cushion forming system for forming foam bag cushions with a vertical side edge sealer that forms vertical side edge seals in the film material with the foam introduction preferably occurring after the downstream side seal is formed, before the upstream side edge seal is formed, and while the film material is being shifted from one to the other. An upper edge sealer operates to seal the upper end of the film material downstream from the dispenser and preferably also downstream from the side edge sealer. Through operation of the end and side edge sealers and the foam dispenser, a foam bag cushion chain is formed. A bag cushion moving and confinement assembly is positioned to receive the bag chain and features two elongated members defining a bag cushion confinement space between them. At least one of the elongated members supports or represents a bag cushion movement device (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Carpenter Co.
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Vincent A. Piucci, Jr., Todd A. Hanna
  • Patent number: 6231327
    Abstract: A material extrusion and patterning machine for a workpiece having an irregularly curved edge and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the machine includes: (1) a frame, (2) a fixture coupled to the frame for rotation relative thereto and having a clamp adapted to hold the workpiece, (3) an extrusion head, coupled to the frame for translation relative thereto and adapted to move relative to the axis of rotation to follow the edge and (4) a mold mount, coupled to the frame for translation relative thereto and adapted to move relative to the axis of rotation to follow the edge, the extrusion head and mold mount cooperating to deposit the material on the edge and allow a mount to place a pattern on the material as the workpiece rotates relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Mastercraft Industries, L.P.
    Inventors: James William Shanahan, Bobby Allen Mihlhauser
  • Patent number: 6230613
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mould and the related machine for the production of filled pasta, in particular for the production of ravioli, tortellini and the like, equipped with a cutting device designed to improve the way in which the filling is enclosed between the two edges of the pasta. More specifically, the mould comprises at least one seating (2) designed to receive a first sheet of pasta with filling, and a surround (3) which surrounds the said seating; the said surround comprises a zigzag cutting edge (5) designed to press against a surface (4) which supports a second sheet of pasta to be joined to the said first sheet, and said zigzag edge (5) defines a set of wedge-shaped cavities (8) having two opposite walls (6, 7) arranged at an angle, the depth of said cavities (8) increasing, from the said edge (5) towards the inner part of the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Gabriele Porcari
  • Patent number: 6206669
    Abstract: A continuous composite structure manufacturing apparatus which comprises a conveyor or conveyors for conveying one or more fabric webs along a conveying path. Each of the webs is comprised of a reinforcing fabric, a non-woven fabric, or a layered fabric. The fabric web is passed through the conveyor so that it defines an enclosed foam injection zone. A foam injection system is provided for injecting foam into the foam injection zone to form a foam core preform (or a plurality of same). One or more dies are positioned along the conveying path, to shape each of the foam core preform(s) to a desired cross-sectional profile. The individual stringers or multiple, spaced apart, stringers are produced concurrently in a continuous production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Compsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Lewit, Miles Mackaness
  • Patent number: 6143222
    Abstract: Molten resin is continuously extruded from an extrusion nozzle having a selected width, and at the same time, a plurality of parallel fiber filaments are introduced straightly toward the molten resin outlet in a direction along rotation of a die wheel and/or traversing one or more filaments by a predetermined width. The molten resin extruded from the extrusion nozzle and the filaments are introduced into a predetermined gap for molding a plate-like substrate sheet between the nozzle and the die wheel, which has a multiplicity of hook-forming cavities in its circumferential surface and is rotatable in one direction, and at the same time, the hook-forming cavities are filled with a part of the molten resin. The filaments are embedded in the substrate sheet of the extruded molten resin as the die wheel is driven to rotate in the direction of extrusion of the molten resin, and a plurality of hooks are continuously molded on a surface of the substrate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takizawa, Ryuichi Murasaki
  • Patent number: 6099885
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for improving the integrity of seams of ravioli in commercial production. The improvement includes applying dry steam to the top surface of the bottom layer of pasta dough and to the bottom surface of the top layer of pasta dough before sealing the seams together. Steam is applied via a pair of steam manifolds adjacent the pasta layers and increases the adhesiveness of the pasta. In another aspect, stresses in the layers of pasta dough are relieved by forming the individual pockets into convex shapes, reducing the stresses in the upper pasta dough layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Faribault Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Nelson, Marcia H. Richter
  • Patent number: 6039553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding an illumination device using an open mold are provided which allow for the addition of light extraction structures to a prefabricated light guide using a curable material. A mold containing the extraction structures is first provided. Curable molding material and the prefabricated light guide are placed into the mold, and an overlay comprising light extraction structures is cured onto the light guide, providing a functional illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David J. Lundin, Kevin M. Eliason
  • Patent number: 5974866
    Abstract: A system for providing process control information, such as viscosity, concerning a polymer melt comprises a means containing a polymer melt under pressure; means for diverting a stream of the polymer melt directly from said containing means to and through an orifice of predetermined geometrical shape wherein the flow of said diverted portion to and through said orifice is unobstructed and directly dependent on the pressure of said main polymer melt wherein the cross sectional area is sized to permit the flow of said diverted melt polymer therethrough absence additional independent means acting on said diverted melt polymer for increasing flow through said orifice; temperature sensing means for measuring the temperature of the diverted melt stream and producing a resultant temperature signal; pressure sensing means for measuring the pressure of the diverted melt stream and producing a resultant pressure signal, said pressure signal being directly dependent on the pressure of polymer in said main polymer melt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mahari Tjahjadi, Joseph M. H. Janssen, George F. Fischer, Ye-Gang Lin, Safwat E. Tadros, Galina D. Georgieva
  • Patent number: 5851467
    Abstract: A plurality of molded surface fasteners, each having a substrate sheet and a multiplicity of hook elements, are connected to one another via a sheet-like connector embedded in the individual substrate sheets over their entire area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuichi Murasaki
  • Patent number: 5814255
    Abstract: A process and a device for the continuous production of fiber-reinforced molded bodies from hydraulically setting materials, wherein the setting materials are applied in a given width from at least two dispensers with a defined thickness in at least two separate layers on conveyors moving in opposite directions. The conveyors are substrates whose color and external constitution corresponds to the outer surface of the molded body and on which the layers and surface structures of reinforcing fibers are applied. With the simultaneous injection of another material layer as an intermediate layers, the layers with the substrates are conveyed through the adjustable gap formed by a pair of cylinder rollers and the layers and substrates are united under predetermined pressure to form the molded body. Immediately after passing the gap, the molded body is deflected in a discharge direction using the cylinder rollers and is discharged with the adhering substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Durapact Gesellschaft fur Glasfaserbetontechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weiser, Gerd Joy, Melanie Gerling-Joy, Frank Cipriani
  • Patent number: 5800760
    Abstract: A fastening connector of thermoplastic resin for connecting two separate members together is continuously molded efficiently in a single step by a simple method and apparatus. The method includes the steps of continuously extruding molten resin from an injection nozzle to the circumferential surface of a die wheel, which has in the circumferential surface, a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, to continuously mold a substrate sheet between the circumferential surface of the die wheel and the injection nozzle and a multiplicity of engaging elements in the engaging-element-forming cavities which elements stand on a front surface of the substrate sheet and, at the same time, to continuously mold at least one engaging ridge, through an engaging-ridge-molding channel, with part of the molten resin integrally with a rear surface of the substrate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takizawa, Mitsuru Akeno, Tsuyoshi Minato
  • Patent number: 5776511
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming plate articles which can be installed in a low factory building, which can sufficiently press, heat and dry a mixture of materials, and which can manufacture surface-treated plate articles with high efficiency at a low cost. The mixture is introduced into an introducing chamber, and at the same time, decorative films are fed into the introducing chamber on both sides of the mixture. A semi-finished product made up of the mixture and decorative films are fed between a pair of horizontal hot plates to form it into a strip article. The strip article thus formed is cooled and cut into a plurality of plate articles provided with decorative layers on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Miki Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Miki, Tsuyoshi Sano
  • Patent number: 5655439
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to stably and continuously roll up bread dough into stick-like bread, such as bread dough or bread dough on which ham or cheese is put. The apparatus includes a drive shaft located parallel to a conveying surface of a conveyor and a plurality of circular dough-holding disks mounted on the drive shaft. A plurality of dough-rolling plates is provided between the adjacent dough-holding disks along the conveying surface. The rolling plates roll the bread dough and the like. The apparatus securely rolls bread dough of a nonuniform thickness or bread dough on which ham and the like is put. Also, the present invention can securely roll a plurality of rows of bread dough that is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Ueno, Mikio Kobayashi, Tsunehiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5643400
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming "seamless" retroreflective sheeting is described. At least two mold surfaces are used, each having alternate areas of arrays of prism recesses and spaces. In a first step, prisms are formed in one of the mold surfaces and applied to a base film or web. Next, prisms are formed on the second mold surface and applied to the spaced areas left in the first step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventors: Gus Bernard, Robert B. Nilsen, Michael J. Hanrahan
  • Patent number: 5620769
    Abstract: In a molded surface fastener manufacturing method, molten resin is injected or extruded from an injection die or an extrusion nozzle, and at the same time, a coarse mesh core sheet is introduced between the extruded molten resin and the circumferential surface of a die wheel, which has a multiplicity of hook-element-forming circumferential cavities. The core sheet is forced against the circumferential surface of the die wheel by a pressing force of a press roller or under a molten resin pressure at the time of injection to pass part of the molten resin through pores of the core sheet and to fill in the hook-element-forming cavities. As a result, a multiplicity of hook elements are molded, and at the same time, the core sheet is embedded integrally in a plate-shaped substrate sheet closer to the hook-element-surface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Roger T. Wessels, Piljae Cho
  • Patent number: 5620712
    Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive articles is so improved that collapse and clogging of liquid passages therein may be reliably avoided. The topsheet includes an upper sheet, provided with skin-contacting areas and liquid passages, and a lower sheet provided with skin-non-contacting areas, areas welded to the liquid passages, and exposed areas. The exposed areas are welded to each of the liquid passages around lower openings thereof so as to protect the liquid passage against collapse and clogging. The exposed areas define a skin-contacting surface which rises up into each of the liquid passages without extending above the upper surface of the skin-contacting areas. The upper sheet cooperates with the lower sheet to define cavities extending in the direction of the topsheet thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignees: Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd, Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Nishino, Shigeyuki Motomura, Shizuo Shimizu, Takamitsu Igaue, Tsutomu Kido, Hisashi Takai
  • Patent number: 5590589
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing specialty ravioli configurations such as hoop style ravioli comprises an apparatus similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,218 having a unique die and feed arrangement. The die includes a raised central island in a walled recess which engages a continuous dough sheet to create an aperture in a hoop-shaped ravioli or alternatively the die may have a design at the base of the raised island which would appear within the center of the raised hoop-shaped ravioli. A plurality of apertures are positioned about the island on the base of the die to prevent a vacuum when the filler material is fed into the formed sheet material by dual pivoting nozzles which insure complete filling of the unique ravioli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: John Battaglia
  • Patent number: 5560942
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming composite tows of uniform width comprises a tow tensioner mechanism which carries a reel having a length of tow of non-uniform width, a tow sizing unit, a drive roller unit and a tow winding device. A single tow is fed from the tensioner mechanism to the tow sizing unit where the side-to-side or width dimension of the tow is sized, and then the sized tow is transmitted through the drive roller unit to the tow winding device which winds the sized tow onto a reel. The tow sizing unit includes a rotatable sizing wheel having a circumferential flanged groove, and a presser roller, which cooperate to confine the tow on all four sides, i.e., top, bottom and opposed side edges, as the tow is pressed therebetween to form a finished, sized tow having a substantially uniform width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur R. Curry
  • Patent number: 5554393
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying particles and/or granules to form a layer of prescribed thickness onto a given surface includes an endless pattern-forming device having a plurality of spaces, a device for supplying particles and/or granules into the spaces via a control member provided on the particle or granule-supplying device, a device for temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces and for releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface. A patterned shaped article is produced by a method using the apparatus. The method includes supplying dry particles and/or granules for a pattern course into the spaces, temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces, releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface, and allowing the released particles and/or granules to set on the given surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: CCA Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uchida, Mituhiro Onuki, Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5512234
    Abstract: Molten resin is extruded in a predetermined width from an extrusion nozzle. The molten resin is forced to a die wheel, which is situated facing the extrusion nozzle with a predetermined gap therewith, has inside a cooling unit and is adapted to be rotated in one direction. On the surface of the die wheel, a flat-plate-like substrate member and engaging members are integrally molded of the molten resin. Simultaneously, as a continuous filament is supplied, loop members are successively formed. Then the loop members are pressed against the substrate member in upright posture and are successively fused therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takizawa, Ryuichi Murasaki
  • Patent number: 5441687
    Abstract: A surface fastener engaging member manufacturing method includes: extruding from an extrusion nozzle a predetermined width of molten resin; introducing the molten resin into a predetermined gap between the extrusion nozzle and a die wheel to fill up coupling element molding cavities with the molten resin as the die wheel rotates in one direction; continuously molding a multiplicity of coupling elements integrally on the front surface of a continuous board-shaped base layer as the die wheel is rotated; applying a porous backing material to the base layer under pressure while the base layer is moved in response to the rotation of the die wheel; cooling the die wheel to a predetermined temperature; and positively pulling the base layer with the backing material attached thereto as cooled, from the die wheel as the molded coupling elements of the engaging section are removed off the coupling element molding cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Murasaki, Hissai Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 5385460
    Abstract: An apparatus for making an endless, flat, flexible belt of pourable plastics include a core, especially a multiple core, as tension bearer, for example in a conveyor belt of polyurethane. The apparatus includes a drum-like frame adapted for use in a centrifugal casting mold utilized for casting an endless, flat, flexible belt of pourable plastic material having a multiple strand core as a tension bearer at the generally center plane of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Balatros GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5380180
    Abstract: A system and process for fabricating pressboard from shredded paper coated with a thermoplastic material and a pair of facing webs includes placing the shredded poly-coated paper between the two traveling webs to form a composite, the composite then being passed in a manner to heat the thermoplastic material above its softening point to differentially repeatedly shift the traveling webs linearly relative to each other and to the shredded paper for enhanced bonding of the shreds to themselves and to the facing webs by passing them around a series of heated rollers defining a serpentine path, and then pressing the composite together while curing to bond the components, and cooling the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Fortifiber Corporation
    Inventor: Vernon L. Lamb, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5350554
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing light-weight construction panels having a cementitious core layer surfaced with a layer of reinforcing fabric bonded to the two faces of the core includes the use of slurry applicator having a supporting member and a doctor in addition to a moving carrier for the slurry coated fabric. The edges of the panel also are covered with the fabric and may be open mesh edges. Cementitious slurry, for example, portland cement slurry, is applied to the fabric by means of a supporting member over which the fabric is drawn and a doctor means adjustably mounted above the supporting member. The supporting member is of a non-base-reactive material such as polypropylene or stainless steel; the use of such a supporting member permits better application of the slurry to the fabric before placement of the slurry coated fabric on the moving carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Glascrete, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Miller
  • Patent number: 5346385
    Abstract: An apparatus for achieving desired surface roughness characteristics on an electrode material that is coated on a substrate such that the electrode material has desired surface roughness characteristics includes a roller. The roller has surface roughness characteristics corresponding to those desired in the electrode material. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the roller. The apparatus presses electrode material coated on a substrate against the surface of the roller so that the electrode material assumes substantially the same roughness characteristics as the surface of the roller. A nip roller is used to press the electrode material against the surface of the roller, the position of the nip roller being movable to adjust the thickness of the electrode material. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to cool the roller to a casting temperature for casting electrode material that has been pressed against the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike McAleavey
  • Patent number: 5290164
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a press jacket from pourable elastomeric material with reinforcement threads. A cylindrical pouring body. A longitudinal thread tensioning device at the pouring body. A feed device for feeding circumferential threads to the pouring body. A pouring nozzle for pouring the elastomeric material to the pouring body. A spacing device maintains a constant distance between the longitudinal threads and the jacket surface of the pouring body as well as a constant circumferential distance between adjacent longitudinal threads. The spacing device includes a plurality of segments. Each segment has an L-shaped cross section. The radial arm has slots for the passage of longitudinal threads and furthermore teeth present between the slots. A slide is rigidly fastened to the support and includes rollers which engage the segments and move the spacing device along the pouring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schiel
  • Patent number: 5281120
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing croissants with fillings includes a filling-depositing stage for depositing a filling on a croissant dough piece that is being conveyed in a downstream direction, a rolling-up preparation stage positioned downstream of the filling-depositing stage for raising the croissant dough piece at its leading edge and simultaneously turning the leading edge backward to be folded in the upstream direction to thereby cover the filling, and a rolling-up stage positioned downstream of the rolling-up preparation stage for rolling up the croissant dough piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Morikawa, Sadao Ueno
  • Patent number: 5260015
    Abstract: A method for making an extruded hook fastener strip on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll is provided. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on the side opposite the formed hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Velcro Industries, B.V.
    Inventors: William J. Kennedy, George A. Provost, Gerald F. Rocha
  • Patent number: 5238384
    Abstract: The components forming the layers of a composite pipe are successively introduced into a rotary drum (1). Initially, a plastic reinforcing layer (8), including a fibre reinforcement, is introduced into the drum, the ends of the drum (1) being bounded by rings. A concrete core layer (16) is then introduced and the length of the core layer (16) is shortened relative to that of the drum (1) by shaping rings fixed to the drum ends. The shaping rings are then replaced by other shaping rings (20, 21) so that, on either side of the core layer (16), two annular spaces (22, 23) are formed which are filled by a socket material (24, 25) of the same composite as the reinforcing layer (8). Thus, at one pipe end a socket end (28) is formed and at the other pipe end a spigot end (30) is formed, each such end being located within the composite pipe wall thickness. After introducing a second reinforcing layer (26), the production of the composite pipe is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Von Roll AG
    Inventors: Peter Hartmann, Bernhard Bergmann
  • Patent number: 5171502
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a rubberized wire sheet passes a plurality of wires through an extruder to coat each of the plurality of wires with rubber to form rubberized wires, and passes the plurality of rubberized wires through a calender roller system to form them into the rubberized wire sheet having a desired width. The rubberized wires may be further coated with rubber when calendered in the calender roller system. This method demonstrates an improvement in rubber impregnatability, topping accuracy, processability, and quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Iseki
  • Patent number: 5112206
    Abstract: Two co-reactive resin stream are mixed immediately adjacent the entrance of an impregnation die used to make products by the pultrusion process. The mixing occurs immediately adjacent the fibers as they are pulled into the central duct opening of the die. The resin streams are delivered to the entrance of the impregnation die by use of a resin feed head positioned at the inlet of the impregnation die. An ultrasonic driver coupled to the resin feed head vibrates and agitates the resin streams impinging the fibers so as to thoroughly wet the fiber bundle prior to its passage through the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Steven L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5102609
    Abstract: A process for continuously and progressively forming components from fiber-containing composite material workpieces having a deformable matrix introduces transverse bends into a workpiece that moves through the apparatus in a longitudinal or travel direction. Transverse bending of the composite material is accomplished in a kinematically admissible manner to avoid misalignment or failure of the composite material. A net bending deformation is introduced at a free transverse edge as the composite workpiece moves in a longitudinal direction, by pairs of compound roller elements between which the workpiece passes as it moves through the apparatus. The net deformation introduced at the free transverse edge is moved and distributed through the composite material workpiece during successive passes through the forming machinery, to form the final shaped component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Alan K. Miller, Karthik Ramani, Micha M. Gur
  • Patent number: 5096401
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a substrate sheet for optical recording media includes a device for continuously forming an ultraviolet-curable resin layer on at least one of i) a roll stamper having thereon a preformat pattern corresponding with preformatting information and ii) a substrate sheet; a means for bringing the substrate sheet into close contact with the roll stamper having the ultraviolet-curable resin layer; a device for curing said ultraviolet-curable resin layer to fix it on the substrate sheet; a device for peeling from the roll stamper the substrate sheet having the cured ultraviolet-curable resin layer; and a device for removing an ultraviolet-curable resin remaining on the surface of said roll stamper, provided after the means for peeling the substrate sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Miki Tamura, Tsuyoshi Santoh, Masataka Yashima
  • Patent number: 5091036
    Abstract: Apparatus for pultruding thermoplastic, resin-impregnated, fibrous substructures heats the substructures to a temperature just below the melting temperature of the resin. The heated substructures are then simultaneously pulled through a passage to conform them to a desired cross section. At least a portion of the perimeter of this passage is formed by a wave guide. The wave guide is vibrated at ultrasonic frequency in a predetermined direction so as to direct the ultrasonic vibration into the substructures within the passage. The application of the ultrasonic vibration stimulates the flow of the resin in the heated substructures. Pressure is applied to the flowing substructures within the passage to consolidate them into an integral structure conforming to the chosen profile. The ultrasonic vibration at low power input does result in some heat transfer to the profile, but the flow rates of the resin exemplify an increase in flow far greater than expected in relation to the temperature increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Scott R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5062783
    Abstract: A ring tread (12) or a continuous tread (16) may be injection molded in a generally cylindrical segmental mold (20) having a core (42) and radially movable segments (46) forming a mold cavity (54). A container ring (60) is movable into engagement with the segments (46) during closing of the segmental mold (20) to retain the segments (46) during closing of the segmental mold (20) to retain the segments (46) in position during injection and curing. The container ring (60) may have an opening for a continuous tread section to extend from the mold cavity (54) through the side of the container ring (60) and through a space between two of the segments (46). Roller supports on the core (42) support the continuous tread (16) when the segmental mold (20) is opened and sections of the continuous tread (16) are shifted circumferentially through the mold cavity (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Norbert Majerus, John S. Rambacher
  • Patent number: 5037284
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing resin-impregnated fiber tow or strand in the form of prepreg tape. The apparatus includes unique coating wheels for sunface-coating the strand with molten, flowable resin and a kneading section to work the strand and disperse the molten resin uniformly among and between the individual fibers of the strand. The strand, after chilling, has good dimensional stability and is useful as prepreg in forming composite structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Angell, Jr., Michael J. Michno, Jr., John M. Konrad, Kenneth E. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 4963081
    Abstract: A separator manufacturing apparatus includes a transfer roller (2) with a plurality of annular shaping grooves (1) having a predetermined shape in cross section which are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller in its circumferential direction, a resin feeding device (4) with nozzles (3) feed a hot-melt type resin to the annular shaping grooves (1) of the transfer roller (2), a base paper feeding device (5) to feed a continuous paper (W) at a predetermined speed to the outer circumferential surface of the transfer roller (2) supplied with the resin to thereby form by transfer a plurality of ribs (9) on a surface of the continuous paper (W), and a fault detecting device (6, 36, 46) to detect the shape and /or a dimension of the rib (9) formed by transfer. A resin drop receiving device (53) or an annular shaping groove cleaning device (63) may be provided so that maintenance of the transfer roller (2) can be easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisao Yokoya
  • Patent number: RE36674
    Abstract: A method for continuously producing an insulation board comprising a rigid plastic foam core having two major surfaces and a facing material on one or both of the major surfaces, the method including conveying a facing material along a production line, depositing a partially expanded froth foam of a plastic mixture, which contains at least one frothing agent, on the facing material, and further expanding and curing the froth foam in contact wiht the facing material to form the insulation board. The board is particularly useful as roof insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Celotex Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Gluck, Alberto DeLeon, John P. Oliver