Rod Or Tubular Preform Patents (Class 425/392)
  • Patent number: 7407377
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Machine Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Motsenbocker, Edward Goff, Daniel J. Kasprzyk
  • Publication number: 20080131825
    Abstract: A candle top and reshaper fit snuggly over a candle. The reshaper includes interior and straight tapered, curved or otherwise angled sidewalls that when fitted over a burning candle, the softened candle rim and sides are forced back into the center of the candle, causing the softened rim to reshape and prolong the candle burn time. Alternatively the walls of the reshaper are vertical and force the softened sides and rim down and into the center. The reshaper also protects the softened and liquefied wax of the candle from dirt and insects during the re-cooling process and the top provides a decorative cover when candles are stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Marleen Falle, Dave Falle
  • Patent number: 7381048
    Abstract: Embodiments of stents having profiles that improve gripping of the stent on a stent delivery system are provided. Additionally, embodiments of molds for fabricating the stents are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Gene Brown, Hector Onelio Torres, Mark Harris, Chris Andrews
  • Patent number: 7357630
    Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating extruded continuous profiles, in particular tubes, includes a housing and a plurality of segment bodies which are received in the housing in a substantially in circular manner, with axially neighboring segment bodies partially overlapping in a circumferential direction. Each segment body is made from a single-piece workpiece and has a contoured inner surface, wherein the inner surfaces of the segment bodies jointly define a calibration opening for passage of a tube. An operating device retains the segment bodies in the housing and allow adjustment of each segment body in radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Stieglitz, Aron Altmann
  • Publication number: 20080070036
    Abstract: To provide a method for the manufacture of rod-shaped components with one or more functional elements from a thermoplastic resin material, the length of the rod-shaped components being optionally variable, it is proposed that the method comprise the steps of producing in an extrusion process a blank having dimensions corresponding substantially to the rod-shaped component, and reshaping a portion of the blank to create a prescribed cross-sectional change by means of agglomeration of material in this portion, thereby to form the component with a functional element, the portion being heated prior to or during the reshaping to a reshaping temperature lying between the glass transition point and the melting point or softening point of the resin material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: ENSINGER KUNSTSTOFFTECHNOLOGIE GBR
    Inventors: Dieter Eisenhardt, Stephanie Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20080054526
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventors: Keith Barker, Brian Lynch, Thomas E. Nahill
  • Publication number: 20080054525
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventors: Keith Barker, Brian Lynch, Thomas E. Nahill, Kim Lufkin
  • Patent number: 7335010
    Abstract: A device for producing rigid plastic pipes of an approximately cylindrical shape, contains an extruder and a calibrating station following in the direction of production, which has calibrating tools to calibrate the outside diameter of the already partly hardened pipe. The calibrating tools bear against the outside wall of the pipe, lamellae serving as calibrating tools being respectively connected to spindles, which, for adaptation to different outside diameters of pipes that are to be calibrated, being adjustable in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the calibrating device and feed axis of the pipe that is to be extruded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Egeplast Werner Strumann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Ulrich, Joachim Werner
  • Patent number: 7335012
    Abstract: A mold tool for forming a reinforced matrix composite part for a gas turbine engine, comprising a body. The body comprises a body surface capable of receiving a first portion of a composite preform. A first endplate and second endplate are attached to the body and include a substantially planar surface disposed perpendicular to the body surface. A first and second set of plates are attached to the first and second endplate adjacent to the body surface and have a geometries that includes a first and second cavity bounded by the first and second plate and first and second endplate. The first and second cavities have a volume sufficient to receive a second portion of a composite preform. The second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity, which is in fluid communication with a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lee Alan Blanton, Gregory Joseph Meibers, Stephen Mark Whiteker, Matthew Bernard Buczek, Robert Paul Fairbanks, Richard Thomas Price
  • Patent number: 7314366
    Abstract: An apparatus for inverting the stop flange on a tamper-indicating closure, from an axially outwardly oriented position as molded to an axially inwardly oriented position for use, includes a support base for supporting the closure such that the stop flange as molded is spaced from and oriented away from the support base. A pedestal is movably carried by the support base at a position spaced from the support base. A locator ring is carried by the pedestal and movable with the pedestal to engage the stop flange on a closure carried by the support base and to bend the stop flange radially inwardly. An inversion ring moves through the locator ring to engage and invert the stop flange that is bent radially inwardly by the locator ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Mattice
  • Patent number: 7306448
    Abstract: A half-mold for a corrugator for making pipes with transverse ribs. The half-mold comprises two sides located spaced apart from each other and a semi-cylindrical base surface linking the two sides. Directly mounted forming elements bent in the shape of a semicircle which define the outer surface of the pipe with transverse ribs are removably fixed on the base surface. The directly mounted forming elements bent in the shape of a semicircle are removably fixed with fixing elements on the half-mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Unicor GmbH Rahn Plastmaschinen
    Inventors: Gerhard Neubauer, Klaus Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 7296986
    Abstract: Equipment that lays flat films or tubular films extruded by a blown film extrusion installation has at least one roller, which guides the walls of the film or the tubular film. The lay-flat equipment has at least one device that influences the rotational speed of the roller by providing a torque that can be transferred onto the roller by a transfer device. The transfer device provides for slippage between the roller and the device that provides the torque, thereby ensuring a smooth transfer of torque and preventing damage to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KG
    Inventor: Frank Bosse
  • Patent number: 7293975
    Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating extruded continuous profiles includes successively arranged segment rings comprised of individual segments whose internal surfaces jointly form a calibration opening. Successively axially arranged segments are assembled in the form of a segment block. The segments of each segment block are arranged on a support structure and the segment blocks are arranged, in an essentially circular form, in a housing such that the axially adjacent segments partially overlap. Each support structure is connected to a mounting and operating device by which the individual segment blocks are fixed to the housing. Adjustment of each segment block is carried out in axial direction. The mounting and operating device is divided into two parts, wherein a first part is connected to the support structure, and a second part is received in the housing, and the two parts are connected with one another in a separable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Henning Stieglitz
  • Patent number: 7278846
    Abstract: A tool set for bending a semi-finished decoration with a straight wire into a finished decoration with a bent wire and attaching the decoration to an printed ink layer on a base of an illustrated card has a die mold and a hand-held tool. The die mold has a top edge, two notches defined in the top edge and a through hole defined vertically through the die mold. The hand-held tool has two ends, a bending die with an alignment notch in one end and a clamp with a clamping notch on the other end. The tool set quickly bends the semi-finished decoration and attaches the finished decoration tightly to the printed ink layer on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Teng-Kuei Chen
  • Patent number: 7267535
    Abstract: An extruding apparatus which extrudes continuous length of hollow plastic product has an extruder (3) which feeds molten plastic through die equipment (5) to a mold tunnel (7) formed by side by side moving mold blocks (9). The apparatus includes air turbulence internally of the product within the mold tunnel to assist in setting shape of the product. The air turbulence is provided by an air moving member (17) located internally of the product within the mold tunnel and a power source for the air moving member. The power source is located externally of the mold tunnel and a power transfer is provided to feed power from the power source through the die equipment to the air moving member without cooling of the die equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Manfred A. Lupke, Stefan A. Lupke
  • Patent number: 7232304
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a hobbyist-useable apparatus and method for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating decoratively shaped writing instruments having a casing includes a heater unit and a shaper unit. The heater unit includes a heat source, and a heating compartment having an opening for inserting and removing the writing instrument casing. The heat source provides heat to the heating compartment. The shaper unit includes a platform having an elongated slot, an exterior mold assembly attachable to the platform and moveable in the elongated slot; an exterior shaping surface coupled to the exterior mold assembly; and an interior mold insert having an interior shaping surface. The interior mold insert is attachable to the platform such that the movement of the exterior mold assembly in the elongated slot moves the exterior shaping surface towards and away from the interior shaping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Killion
  • Patent number: 7223089
    Abstract: Infinitely adjustable calibrating shell includes a central piece formed by strips or bands which are hingedly connected to each other and intersect like an extendable lattice that is formed into a shell. Preferably, the ends of the strips are movably connected to annular heads. The inner diameter of the central piece which is decisive for the calibrating process, can be modified by axially changing the distance between the annular heads, the cross section of the central piece having a circular shape in each axial position. The infinitely adjustable calibrating shell is suitable for continuous extruded plastic parts, in particular plastic pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: INOEX GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Schmuhl, Torsten Schulze
  • Patent number: 7207791
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the production of transversely ribbed tubes comprising mold jaw halves which are movable in a condition of bearing against each other along two guide. The guide paths have a common mold section, a respective return section and two respective direction-changing sections. The respective direction-changing section has a direction-changing member which is linearly movably guidedly arranged on a base element fixed with respect to the machine and which is connected to a compensating device which is provided to compensate for the tolerance play of the mold jaw halves which circulate along the associated guide path, said tolerance play being dependent on the temperature and/or the speed of the mold jaw halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Unicor GmbH Rahn Plastmaschinen
    Inventor: Gunther Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7207792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansion tube that has a plurality of expansion slits on the outer peripheral surface thereof long a longitudinal direction, each of the expansion slits having a predetermined width and a relatively larger length than the predetermined width, and an apparatus for manufacturing a heat shrinkable tube, having the expansion tube, that can regularly and fast expand the heat shrinkable tube, and after the expansion, regularly and fast cool the heat shrinkable tube by the cooling water sprayed through the slits, thereby rapidly and stably manufacturing the heat shrinkable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: LG Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Seon Tae Kim, Tae Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 7179080
    Abstract: A tube bending fixture having a frame. An upper and lower tube support are both pivotally mounted to the frame between a first and second pivotal position. A bar is slidably mounted to the upper tube support and movable between an extended and a retracted position. At least one lower mandrel is mounted to the lower tube support and is dimensioned to fit within one end of a tube to be bent. At least one upper mandrel is mounted to the slidable bar, and the upper and lower mandrels are aligned with each other when the upper and lower tube supports are in their first pivotal position. The upper mandrel is dimensioned to fit within the second end of the tube to be bent when the bar is in its extended position. A former is secured to the frame and includes a channel which engages a midportion of the tube and conforms to the desired shape of the tube when the first and second tube supports are in their second pivotal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Johnson
  • Patent number: 7175410
    Abstract: A lip rolling apparatus for open-mouthed stacked thermoplastic containers is disclosed. One particular apparatus includes components for presenting a nested stack of containers having unrolled lips to a rim roller, engaging individual cups on a screw assembly, heating a supply of air in a heater to a desired temperature, discharging the supply of heated air toward the containers as they are engaged on the screw assembly, and rolling the lips of the containers in the screw assembly. The present invention may be designed to prevent the screw assembly from operating until the supply of air reaches the desired temperature. Additionally, the heater (e.g., a forced air heater) may be moved between an initial position proximate the nested stack of containers and a safety position in response to a signal. Such a signal may be generated in response to a temperature sensor, system error, or any other such triggering episode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventor: Randy Golden
  • Patent number: 7175409
    Abstract: A lip rolling apparatus for open-mouthed stacked thermoplastic containers is disclosed. One particular apparatus includes components for presenting a nested stack of containers having unrolled lips to a rim roller, engaging individual cups on a screw assembly, heating a supply of air in a heater to a desired temperature, discharging the supply of heated air toward the containers as they are engaged on the screw assembly, and rolling the lips of the containers in the screw assembly. The present invention may be designed to prevent the screw assembly from operating until the supply of air reaches the desired temperature. Additionally, the heater (e.g., a forced air heater) may be moved between an initial position proximate the nested stack of containers and a safety position in response to a signal. Such a signal may be generated in response to a temperature sensor, system error, or any other such triggering episode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventor: Randy Golden
  • Patent number: 7172402
    Abstract: Described is a mold jaw half for an apparatus for the production of transversely ribbed tubes, wherein the mold jaw half (16) has end faces and a base face and in its interior a cooling passage with a coolant feed and a coolant discharge, which open at a spacing from each other at the base face of the mold jaw halves. In order to provide a reduced flow resistance for the coolant through the cooling passage and consequently an increased coolant through-put, resulting in an improved cooling action, it is proposed that the coolant feed and the coolant discharge cross, as seen in a direction viewing on to the end faces of the mold jaw halves, and are oriented in opposite relationship with respect to the advance direction of the mold jaw half. That mutually opposite orientation provides that the coolant is virtually shovelled into the cooling passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Unicor GmbH Rahn Plastmaschinen
    Inventor: Gunther Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7166251
    Abstract: An aircraft barrel lay-up assembly is provided comprising a barrel mandrel assembly having a contiguous outer barrel lay-up surface. A minor barrel outer surface element is movable between a minor barrel engaged position and a minor barrel disengaged position and forms a minority portion of the contiguous outer barrel lay-up surface when in the engaged position. A major barrel outer surface element is movable between a major barrel engaged position and a major barrel disengaged position. The major barrel outer surface has a first major barrel surface end and a second major barrel surface end moving together to reduce an effective major barrel outer surface circumference when in the major barrel disengaged position. A composite ply assembly is formed around the barrel mandrel circumference and cured while coincident to form a composite barrel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Bruce C. Blankinship
  • Patent number: 7153125
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 7153117
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the production of transversely ribbed tubes, comprising mold jaw halves which are circulatingly moved in a condition of bearing against each other along two endless guide paths by means of a respective associated drive device, wherein the two guide paths have a common mold sections, a respective return section and two respective direction-changing sections. The respective direction-changing section has a direction-changing member provided with an arcuate guide edge. The guide paths along the common mold section and along the return sections have elongate wearing elements comprising a low-wear plastic material, which are exchangeably provided on a base arrangement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Unicor GmbH Rahn Plastmaschinen
    Inventor: Gunther Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7146696
    Abstract: A stapling device for binding an article having a hole structure with a stapling medium having a loop structure corresponding to the hole structure is provided. The stapling device includes a supporting portion, a movable portion and a transmission portion. The supporting portion is used for holding the stapling medium. The movable portion is disposed adjacent to the supporting portion and moved in a first direction to sustain against the loop structure and in a second direction to prop open the loop structure after the stapling medium is held by the supporting portion, thereby allowing the open loop structure to hook in the hole structure of the article. The transmission portion is coupled to the movable portion, and transmits the movable portion to move in the first direction and the second direction in response to a force exerted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 7128560
    Abstract: An expansion tool device for pliers used for producing sockets at the ends of pipes made of plastic material or the like used in plumbing systems, includes a cylindrical end piece formed by the closure of several sector-shaped jaws radially mobile under the action of a conical needle operated with pliers and adapted to be axially inserted in a conical recess. It also includes an insert axially mobile between the jaws, and designed to receive the conical needle when the tool is fixed to the pliers, the insert having one end for receiving the conical needle, while its other end has a conical shape adapted to the conical recess of the jaws, the conical parts having substantially identical coning angles, but of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Virax S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Tandart
  • Patent number: 7112047
    Abstract: Infinitely adjustable calibration sleeve for extruded plastic pipes includes an inlet head and two strap layers that intersect like a lattice grate and that are linked with each other at the crossing points. In that manner, the inlet head and the strap layers are adjustable to the pipe diameter, and the inlet head has radially adjustable overlapping segments in a radial plane distributed over the perimeter of the plastic pipe to be calibrated, and the segments mesh and have slots in their overlapping areas. Further, the faces of the segments are configured to lie on the plastic pipe to be calibrated, and the strap layers are linked to the segments flush with the faces. Such a calibration sleeve effectively seals the vacuum tank from the environment and prevents deformations of the entering, extruded plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: INOEX GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Schmuhl, Reinhard Klose
  • Patent number: 7071449
    Abstract: Film heater apparatus and method for heating a melt channel in a molding device includes structure and/or steps whereby a first dielectric layer is disposed on a surface of a substrate. An active heating element is disposed on the first dielectric layer, the active heating element being configured to generate heat to heat the melt channel. The active heating element has contact terminals arranged to support an electrical connection to the active heating element. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the active heating element, but not covering the contact terminals, thereby permitting coupling of the heater element to an electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Harold Godwin, George Olaru, David Whiffen
  • Patent number: 7052265
    Abstract: Devices that have the capability to simultaneously manipulate the curling screws of a lip rolling machine while it is in operation and lip rolling machines so modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Future Mold Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Phillips, Christopher J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7052567
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is generally characterized by a heating/inflation module having pressurizable interior and an attached heat curable pre-preg. In particular, an elastomeric, seamless composite is provided that includes a heating element disposed within a thermoset resin matrix. The composite adapted to maintain a consistent temperature profile and an internal air pressure. A first end piece is attached to a first end of the composite and has an air port for communication with a compressed air source, a vacuum port for communication with a vacuum supply source and at least one electrical cable port for communication with a power supply source. A second end piece attached to a second end of the composite. The apparatus further includes a pre-preg removably attached to an outer surface of the composite. The pre-preg includes a structural fiber matrix supporting a heat curable resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Verline Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Blackmore, William M. Lepola
  • Patent number: 7037096
    Abstract: Apparatus for the production of extruded blown cellulose film from a solution of cellulose, water and an amine-oxide, which includes:—extrusion apparatus for continuously extruding a cellulose solution to produce a cellulose film;—solidifying apparatus for solidifying the extruded cellulose film;—drawing apparatus positioned downstream of the extrusion apparatus for continuously drawing the extruded cellulose film from the extrusion apparatus; and a tubular member for containing precipitation apparatus and for receiving an extruded blown film wherein the tubular member is situated within a precipitation bath. The invention also includes a method of extruding blown film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandteh Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Stefan D. Beckers, Peter Weigel, Hans-Peter Fink, Michael Dosz, Hans-Joachim Purz
  • Patent number: 7018195
    Abstract: A device or method for flaring nylon or plastic tubings while on a tube-bending fixture, without the necessity of flaring in the assembly process so the tube can be inserted with a coupler or connector. A first embodiment includes a tapered post having a bi-metallic spring mounted thereon. A second embodiment includes a tapered movable piston for forming the flare in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Lee Stone
  • Patent number: 7014450
    Abstract: There are provided apparatuses and related methods for forming sheets. The formed sheets can be formed of a thermoplastic material, such as flat sheets of reinforced thermoplastic, which can be lightweight, strong, and perform well in flammability, smoke, and toxicity tests. The apparatus includes a heater for heating the sheet to a processing temperature and a structure for configuring the sheet to a desired shape using one or more rollers, shapers, longitudinal members, and/or support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bryan Bergsma, Tom Courrier, W. Forrest Frantz, John Hennessy
  • Patent number: 6988881
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Machine Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Motsenbocker, Edward Goff, Daniel J. Kasprzyk
  • Patent number: 6946094
    Abstract: There is provided a plastic extrusion sizing tube having a cylinder with a split along its length to allow for radial expansion and reduction of the sizing tube. The cylinder has holes to allow an extrusion within the cylinder to be drawn to the cylinder by a vacuum outside the cylinder. The cylinder also has extensions on opposite sides of the split with an adjustment screw connecting the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the adjustment screw is turned in respective directions. A set screw can be connected to one of the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the set screw is turned in respective directions. The diameter of the cylinder can be locked in a desired position when the adjustment screw and the set screw are turned in the same direction. The adjustment screw and the set screw can be located in a flange at one end of the cylinder. The holes in the cylinder can be slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: American Maplan Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney L. Shober
  • Patent number: 6905642
    Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous manufacturing method which consists in producing a blank (E) by extrusion, bringing said blank to a temperature for molecular orientation, passing said blank around a radial expansion mandrel (12); gauging and cooling while subjecting the blank to axial traction. The radial expansion produced on the mandrel (12) is partial so that the internal diameter (B) of the blank (E), when it leaves the mandrel, is less than the nominal internal diameter (D) of the finished tube; performing an additional radial expansion of the blank, up to its nominal diameter, by internal fluid pressure. In permanent operating conditions, the inner surface of the blank (E) is no longer in contact with the mandrel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alphacan
    Inventors: Bernard Prevotat, Guillaume Duval
  • Patent number: 6881446
    Abstract: A method for production of endless plastic hollow profiles, in particular tubes, comprises several production stages for the plastic tube and a coating stage for a metal coating. A reduced pressure is provided in the coating stage, whereby the metal is transferred into the gas phase and deposited on the tube as a surface layer homogeneously bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Ivt Installations - und Verbindungstechnik GmbH & CO KG
    Inventor: Christoph Hennig
  • Patent number: 6846173
    Abstract: The bending machine adapted for production of foamed decoration articles of doors and windows is provided with a round upper mold and a round lower mold. The former has a central through hole equipped with a retaining member. A hydraulically operated presser is placed above the round upper mold so as to permit the upper mold to move up and down and to spin. The latter has a peripheral flange on a specific section of the upper face and the lower end is equipped with a spinning transmission mechanism to drive the lower mold. At one side and at a distance from the lower mold is disposed a positioning push rod which is engaged with a pneumatically operated device driving the positioning push rod to move back and forth. At the front of the lower mold and the positioning push rod is placed a retaining mount having a housing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
  • Patent number: 6840755
    Abstract: A staking apparatus is provided for use in assembling two or more workpieces, wherein one of the workpieces is made from a thermally softenable and pressure deformable material. The staking apparatus includes a first end plate, an intermediate plate aligned with and spaced apart from the first end plate and a first extensible member disposed therebetween. A second end plate is provided that is extensible in relation to the intermediate plate by the first extensible member. A vent tube, which supplies a flow of air unto the workpiece, and a second extensible member are secured for movement with the second end plate. A staking tool is mounted to the second extensible member and is extensible between a working position, wherein a portion of the thermally softenable workpiece is deformed, and a storage position. A method of operating the staking apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Cook
  • Patent number: 6833147
    Abstract: An apparatus for bending a bar-like dough piece into substantially an M-shaped piece. A conveying section (2) continuously conveys bar-like dough pieces (1) in a traveling direction that is orthogonal to the length of the bar-like dough piece (1). Each incoming bar-like dough piece (1), whose length is measured by photosensors (38), is centered by a centering device in a centering section (3) based on the measured length of it A forming section (4) bends the centered bar-like dough piece (1) with a centrally located bending member and two bending members symmetrically located with respect to the center of the length of the bar-like dough piece. Because the symmetrically located bending members are oriented inversely with respect to the centrally located bending member, the bar-like dough piece (1) is formed into an M-shaped piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Namai, Ritsuro Nakabayashi, Hiroshi Ebata
  • Publication number: 20040251575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan St. Onge, Henri St. Onge
  • Publication number: 20040253340
    Abstract: An expansion tool device for pliers used for producing sockets at the ends of pipes made of plastic material or the like used in plumbing systems, includes a cylindrical end piece formed by the closure of several sector-shaped jaws radially mobile under the action of a conical needle operated with pliers and adapted to be axially inserted in a conical recess. It also includes an insert axially mobile between the jaws, and designed to receive the conical needle when the tool is fixed to the pliers, the insert having one end for receiving the conical needle, while its other end has a conical shape adapted to the conical recess of the jaws, the conical parts having substantially identical coning angles, but of different diameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Tandart
  • Publication number: 20040253339
    Abstract: A tool for flexible plastic pipe has a first handle having a first end and a second end. The first end functions as a hand grip and the second end has a first protruding truncated half pipe working portion. A second handle has a first end and a second end. The first end functions as a hand grip and the second end has a second protruding truncated half pipe working portion. A pivot member connects the first handle and the second handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Aden Dale Hiatt
  • Publication number: 20040224047
    Abstract: Methods and devices for molding a desired configuration into an endovascular graft section that is made of a plurality of layers of fusible material. Layers of fusible material are disposed on a shape forming mandrel with seams in the layers that may be configured to produce inflatable channels. The graft section and shape forming mandrel can be placed in a mold which constrains an outer layer or layers of fusible material while the inflatable channels are being expanded and the fusible material of the graft section fixed. In some embodiments, the fusible material of the graft section may be fixed by a sintering process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: TriVascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Chobotov, Patrick Stephens
  • Publication number: 20040217507
    Abstract: A continuous method of making duct liner is provided, comprising the steps of: (i) forming at least one lane of duct liner insulation having a top and bottom surfaces and a pair of side edges, the duct liner insulation having a facing layer on at least a bottom surface thereof, wherein the bottom surface faces downward after the forming step; (ii) flipping the duct liner insulation and facing layer while the duct liner insulation is conveyed, whereby the top surface faces downward and the facing layer faces upward; and (iii) applying a water-resistant coating to the upwardly facing facing layer, wherein the duct liner insulation is conveyed as part of a continuous manufacturing process from the forming step to the applying step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Yang, Mike W. Damiani, Jerry J. Scullion
  • Publication number: 20040213865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge device of an extruding installation (1), particularly provided for producing curved extruded products, that comprises, on a table-like support (8), a channel (7) which accommodates the extruded product. Said channel (7) is provided in the form of a flexible component that can be swung outward from the straight extruding direction (4) thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Joachim Graefe, Uwe Muschalik
  • Patent number: 6790021
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing or refurbishing thermoplastic drums. A damaged drum, or at least a damaged portion thereof, is heated until it reaches a softened state and is then drawn over a template, or mold, having the substantially the same shape and size of an undamaged drum. The drum is allowed to cool sufficiently to return to its hardened state, whereby it substantially assumes the shape of the template. The refurbished drum is then removed from the template and is essentially ready to be used again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Dowling & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil E. Dowling, Ray P. Richard, Samuel G. Dowling, Johnny M. Seago
  • Patent number: 6790400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to Apparatus for molding a receptacle fitted with a covering label. The technical field of the invention is that of molding a receptacle out of plastics material. In a method of molding a receptacle fitted with a covering label (1b) which is inserted into the mold (93) prior to injection, the label is shaped and at least two edges of the label are joined together, after which the shaped label is placed on a male portion (91) of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Paul A. Muller