Opposed, Registering, Coacting Mold Cavities Patents (Class 425/395)
  • Patent number: 7435075
    Abstract: A thermoforming machine includes an upper frame (10) and a lower frame (40). The upper frame includes a top bracket (20) and a bottom bracket (30). The top bracket has a driving mechanism and a screw post (272) therein. The bottom bracket has an upper base plate (32) and a lower base plate (36) disposed with a distance therebetween. The upper base plate has a top forming plate (324) thereon. The lower base plate has a lower forming plate (362) thereon corresponding to the upper mold plate. One end of the screw post is fixed to the upper base plate, and the other end of the screw post is connected with the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving the screw post to bring the upper base plate moving toward or away the lower base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeng-Chi Peng, Heng-Wei Li
  • Patent number: 7402035
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermoshaping a thermoplastic foil has a lower tool carried on the frame and having an upper face formed with an array of upwardly open mold cavities, and an upper beam vertically displaceable above the lower tool. A punch plate fixed on the upper beam is provided with an array of downwardly projecting punches fittable in the cavities. A hold-down plate below the punch plate is limitedly vertically shiftable relative thereto. The hold-down plate is formed with an array of holes through which pass the punches. An actuator downwardly shifts the upper beam when the foil is extending horizontally between the lower tool and the hold-down plate for first pressing the foil with the hold-down plate against the upper face of the lower tool and then pushing the punches through the holes against the foil into the cavities to form pockets in the foil at the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Matzenmüller, Jörg Knüppel
  • Patent number: 7399175
    Abstract: A plug assist drive assembly for driving plug assists in a thermoforming apparatus includes a single centrally located roller screw assembly enclosed in a housing and driving a third platen mounting the plug assist with a group of guide-drive bars connected to a drive platen which is driven by the roller screw nut. The roller screw assembly is removable by removing screws holding the nut to one hub adapter, the screws accessed through an opening in the housing normally covered with a plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Brown Machine, LLC
    Inventor: Albert W. Arends
  • Patent number: 7399176
    Abstract: A device for aligning a first and a second shell mold comprises a first gripper for holding the first shell mold, a second gripper for holding the second shell mold, and a centering station. Both grippers can be displaced relative to one another and relative to the centering station along a predetermined axis and can rotate individually as well as synchronously about the axis. The centering station comprises a supporting body, which supports spring elements arranged along a circle, said axis running through the center of the circle. For centering, the shell mold is moved into the centering station by the gripper and then removed from the gripper so that the shell mold is held solely by the spring elements. The radial forces of the spring elements uniformly acting upon the shell mold from all sides cause the shell mold to be displaced into the center of gravity of the forces. Afterwards, the shell mold is gripped once again by the gripper and moved out from the centering station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Interglass Technology AG
    Inventor: Urs Probst
  • Patent number: 7361008
    Abstract: In the case of a thermoforming system, it is provided, for the purpose of changing over the moulds (11, 12) in a station (1) of this system, that one (4) of the two transporting devices (3, 4), for transporting the sheet (7) from one station to the other, can be displaced in the direction of the other transporting device (3), transversely to the conveying direction, in order to create space on one side of the lifting tables (9, 10) so that it is possible for the mould block (11, 12) to be moved out of the station onto a mould-changing arm (13) and, from there, onto a mould-changing carriage (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kiefel AG
    Inventor: Johannes Crepaz
  • Publication number: 20070286990
    Abstract: A heavy duty plastic hollow board and a mold assembly for manufacturing the same, wherein the plastic board is made through an integrated molding process and the exterior thereof is integrally closed to contain an inward space with a plurality of strengthening ribs; wherein the mold assembly for manufacturing said board comprises a first mold, a second mold, cavities respectively arranged on the opposite surfaces of both molds, a movable mold arranged associated to the outer surface of the second mold which is movable for a predetermined distance from the second mold; a plurality of rib-forming members of the movable mold to be received by a plurality matching through holes of the second mold. As the movable mold approaches and is combined with the second mold, the rib-forming members thread through the through holes and appear in the cavity of the second mold. Thereagainst, while the movable mold leaves the second mold, the rib-forming members completely depart from said cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jung-Tsao Huang
  • Patent number: 7306450
    Abstract: Tooling aids for applying pressure in laminating, and methods for their use, are described herein. In one embodiment, a caul for applying pressure in laminating includes a base portion positioned between first and second corner portions. The base portion can have a curved shape when it is in a relaxed state, but it moves to a flatter shape when subjected to pressure during lamination. Movement of the base portion to the flatter shape causes the first and second corner portions to move outwardly and away from the base portion. In this manner, the caul can be used to compact laminating materials into corner regions of a corresponding female mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steven F. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7270522
    Abstract: Provided is a continuously operating pressing machine for the manufacture of biodegradable plates made from plant parts. The machine particularly relates to the continuous preparation of articles such as cups as cups, saucers, plates etc. from plant parts such as leaves/sheaths. The articles thus prepared are useful for various purposes, particularly for serving food or holding food particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Kestur Venkatesh Murthy, Sankaramthadathil Gangadharan Jayaprakashan, Mahadevaiah Shivakumar, Arugakeerthi Chakravarthi
  • Patent number: 7255550
    Abstract: A press-molding mold includes a first mold (10), a second mold (20), a complementary element (30) arranged between the first mold (10) and the second mold (20), a washer (40) arranged between the second mold (10) and the complementary element (30), and a bushing (50) for receiving the first mold (10), the second mold (20), the complementary element (30) and the washer (40) therein. The first mold (10) includes a first molding surface (132) and a second molding surface (134) surrounding the first molding surface (132). The second mold (20) includes a third molding surface (232) spatially corresponding to the first molding surface (132). The complementary element (30) includes a fourth molding surface (321) spatially corresponding to the second molding surface (134). The washer (40) has a thickness custom-tailored for maintaining a desired distance between the fourth molding surface and the second molding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Wei Chiang
  • Publication number: 20070141192
    Abstract: A molding apparatus (200) includes a fixed molding unit (210), a movable molding unit (220), and a guiding sleeve (230). The fixed molding unit includes a first columnar element (212) having a first forming face (226) at a first end (224) thereof. The movable molding unit includes a second columnar element (222) having a second forming face (216) facing the first forming face at a second end (214) thereof. The guiding sleeve defines a guiding through-hole (234) and an opening (232) communicating with the guiding through-hole. The guiding through-hole is configured for receiving and centering the two ends therein. The opening is configured for exposing the ends when the molding apparatus is assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIANG TSAI
  • Patent number: 7195477
    Abstract: A sheet material pressing machine for pressing a sheet material into a formed article may include a first die unit that can be opened and closed and a second die unit that can be opened and closed. The first and second die units are arranged and constructed such that closing operation of the first die unit and opening operation of the second die unit, or vice versa, can alternately occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Kojima Press Industry Co. Ltd, Tekunohama Co, Ltd, Wako Machine Works Co, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ikeda, Masanori Ogawa, Tetsushi Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Inoue, Masaaki Ando, Kunio Tabata
  • Patent number: 7153124
    Abstract: There are provided apparatuses and related methods for preforming sheets to form preforms for forming ducts. The preforms 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 of the duct. For example, rollers, rods, tubes, or a funnel can be used to bend the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bryan K. Bergsma, Joseph P. Canavan, Thomas J. Courrier, Walter Forrest Frantz, Harvey T. Jones, Denis J. Klein, Matthew K. Lum, Mark L. Younie
  • Patent number: 7150622
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system to vary dimensions of a template in order to attenuate if not prevent distortions in an underlying pattern formed by the template. To that end, the system features a compression device that includes a pair of spaced-apart contact members to compress a perimeter surface of the template between the pair of spaced-apart contact members. The compression device includes first and second bodies, each has a contact member and an actuator arm. One of the actuator arms is coupled to the first body to reciprocate about an axis in response to variations of a volume of a bladder disposed adjacent to the actuator arm. In this manner, the distance between the two contact members may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung-Jin Choi, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Mario J. Meissl
  • Patent number: 7141192
    Abstract: A method of producing a molded article including the step of inserting an expandable and contractible hollow elastic pressing member (2) inside a hollow molded article placed in a drying mold (8) and feeding a fluid in the elastic pressing member (2) to expand the pressing member (2) thereby to press the molded article toward the inner surface of the drying mold (8), wherein the molded article is pressed onto the inner surface of the drying mold (8) by the elastic member (2) in the expanded state while exchanging the fluid in the elastic pressing member (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Osaki
  • Patent number: 6872335
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding a mold assembly and molding an optical lens using the same. In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for holding a mold assembly, wherein the mold assembly includes a front mold, a back mold and a strip wrapping around the edges of the front mold and back mold to form a sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a top part, a bottom part, and a middle part connecting the top part and the bottom part, the middle part including a base and a holder coupled to the base. The second portion has a top part, a bottom part, and a middle part connecting the top part and the bottom part, the middle part including a base and a holder coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Technology Resource International Corporation
    Inventors: Kai C. Su, Richard Lu
  • Patent number: 6854964
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plate having highly detailed surface features from a thermosetting resin with a high concentration of a filler such as graphite. The method an apparatus provides for the formation of a preform of casting material and the placement of the material in a cavity mold which is precisely temperature controlled, has vacuum assist operating throughout the molding operation. The molding pressure is rapidly increased to flow the material through the molding cavity prior to the onset of curing and uniquely positioned ejector pins are provided for removal of the molded plate without damage to the detailed surface features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Imperial Custom Molding, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal A. Benkofske, Pat C. Bell, Mike R. Strantz, William H. Hassell, Charles J. VanHeel, Gerald R. Harms
  • Patent number: 6800236
    Abstract: A molding method for a seamless crawler is provided in which the number of production steps is few, embedding of spiral reinforcement cords and a circumferentially uniform strength property are made possible, high-speed traveling can be accommodated, and a uniform, reliable pressure for an outer mold is enabled. The crawler molding method is structured such that a crawler 10 is integrally molded and vulcanized between an endless ring-shaped outer mold 12 and an inner mold 22. After structural components of the crawler 10 are molded at an outer periphery of the inner mold 22 which is dividable in an axial direction, the outer mold 12 which is divided in a circumferential direction and is slidable in a radial direction is disposed at an outer side an the structural components of the crawler 10. The outer mold 12 is contracted in the radial direction by pressure applied thereto. Accordingly, the structural components of the crawler 10 are vulcanized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kurata, Yoichi Kumano
  • Patent number: 6793478
    Abstract: A female mold vacuum forming apparatus and a method for using the female mold vacuum forming apparatus for providing improved draw depth capability. The female mold vacuum forming apparatus comprises a top contoured surface and a cavity having a cavity surface formed within the top contoured surface. The cavity surface defines part geometry having deep-draw sections. The top contoured surface defines open sections in the side surfaces of the mold adjacent to at least one deep-draw section to allow free formation of parts within said at least one deep-draw section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick James Homburg, Jr., Robert Kurbel
  • Patent number: 6776603
    Abstract: A tire bundle is molded in a mold cavity formed by closing a mold having upper and lower mold halves with intermeshing fingers (20, 24) for enclosing bead wires and providing a molded bead ring for placing in a bead apex mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: William Allen Rex, Kenneth Dean Conger, Brian Joseph Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040137102
    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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: CHING FENG BLINDS IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
  • Patent number: 6676872
    Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Ross Story, Daniel John Heinz, Pasquale Michael Buzzeo
  • Publication number: 20030157997
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030157996
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20030057596
    Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: EDWARD ROSS STORY, DANIEL JOHN HEINZ, PASQUALE MICHAEL BUZZEO
  • Publication number: 20030044580
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a headliner assembly for use in the interior compartment of an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of: placing a mold release film onto a concave mold surface of a lower mold assembly for providing a barrier against the mold surface; placing a fiber mat on the mold release film; applying a foamable material directly onto the fiber mat; expanding the foamable material around the fiber mat to embed the fiber mat therein; placing an adhesive film onto a convex mold surface of an upper mold assembly; positioning the lower mold assembly directly beneath the upper mold assembly; moving the upper mold assembly in mating engagement with the lower mold assembly to define a mold cavity between the convex mold surface and concave mold surface; curing the foamable material within the mold cavity; and bonding the mold release film and adhesive film to the foamable material with the fiber mat embedded therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Janusz P. Gorowlcz, Alan D. Picken, Roland Heiberger, Normand R. Marceau
  • Patent number: 6481997
    Abstract: A candle wick die plate includes an aluminum subframe with a split stainless steel die station. The die station has a lower member and a plurality of removable upper members. The die holes are aligned with their diameters collinear with the division between the upper members and the lower member. According to the presently preferred embodiment, each upper member is associated with a single die hole, half of which is defined by the upper member and the other half of which is defined by the lower member. Each upper member is preferably provided with an insulated handle and the lower member is preferably provided with a plurality of clamps for clamping the upper members in position. The upper and lower members are preferably provided with mating pins and holes for rapid alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Edwin B. Stimpson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Campbell, Hershell P. Sablowski
  • Patent number: 6457965
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of corrugated plastic pipes comprises half shells. Each half shell has a base body which consists of a metal of a higher thermal conductivity and a lower specific gravity than steel and which holds a core. Provided in the core is a mold recess in which to form the corrugated pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Peter Hegler
  • Patent number: 6439874
    Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating and includes an edge for delaying tearing of the elastomeric coating. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible without chilling of the dies. Use of the edge increases the useful life of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: LeverBrothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Pasquale Michael Buzzeo, Daniel John Heinz, Brian Edmondson, Edward Ross Story
  • Patent number: 6428802
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for producing multilayered artificial organs comprising heterogenous polylayers. Polylayers comprising homogenous cell populations are created on one side of a biocompatible substrate such that a chimeric interface is produced between the heterogenous polylayers. Cellular interaction at the chimeric interface produce an interstitial biomaterial with morphological and functional characteristics that resemble the natural in vivo organ. An artificial organ is produced by creating a first cultured polylayer of cells derived from an isolated population of smooth muscle cells on a substrate in the shape of an organ, and creating a second cultured polylayer of cells derived from a cell population different from the smooth muscle cell population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Children's Medical Center Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony Atala
  • Patent number: 6428299
    Abstract: A pair of unvulcanized half outer layer bodies are formed by metallic molds provided with first mold having a hemispherical convex portion and second mold having a hemispherical concave portion. A vulcanized inner core is put into either of half outer layer bodies, and a pair of half outer layer bodies are paired up to form a preparatory form which is to be vulcanization molded in metallic molds for vulcanization molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Yoshiyuki Okido, Yutaka Yoshida, Hideki Sano
  • Publication number: 20020056943
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of forming articles includes a press having a pair of opposite platens. An articulated clamping frame is mounted between the platens, each of which are moveable toward and away from the clamping frame. Material to be formed is clamped into the clamping frames and the articulated clamping frame is wrapped around the die as the die forms the material. The formed article is extracted from the die by moving the clamping frame away from the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: RON BIBEAU
  • Patent number: 6372168
    Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill molds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Jyri Järvenkylä
  • Patent number: 6368541
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an implantable prosthesis for repairing a defect in a muscle and tissue wall, the prosthesis having a first surface which is convex and a second surface which is concave. The method includes steps of providing a first template having a predetermined concave shape; providing a second template having a predetermined convex shape; placing a piece of implantable flexible mesh between the first and second templates; heating the mesh to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time so that the mesh retains the predetermined shape; and removing the mesh from between the first and second templates. In another aspect, a package is provided for storing a resilient, preformed implantable prosthesis having a first surface with a concave shape and a second surface with a convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Docteur Philippe Pajotin, John W. Coddaire, Fred D. Herzog
  • Patent number: 6177042
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an endless tractor track from an uncured belt and a plurality of drive lugs wherein the lugs are pressed onto the inner periphery of the belt, the belt and lugs are positioned in a mold to be cured and molded together while treads are formed on the outer periphery of the belt, and the completed belt is cooled and removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Louis T. Fike
  • Patent number: 6123891
    Abstract: A method for molding a closed profile member such as a sealing gasket, sequentially comprising a static step of molding a series of contiguous segments of an unprocessed strip with two ends. Each segment is moved substantially over its own length so that it is replaced by the following segment once it has been molded, and the final segment is made by juxtaposing, connecting and molding the two ends of the unprocessed strip together. A mold with two mold tools operative along part of its length is used to carry out the method. A temperature gradient is generated so that the temperature at the mold ends is 25-35.degree. C. lower than the temperature at the center. The mold is part of a fixed or portable device including mold heating means and means for exerting pressure on the unprocessed strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jacques De Tonnac
  • Patent number: 6071445
    Abstract: A method of forming plastics which comprises the sequential steps of cutting a plastic piece from a sheet of plastic, heating both sides of the plastic piece by contact heating, molding the heated plastic piece into its end-shape by press-molding, and cooling the heated and molded plastic piece into its end shape by air cooling means. In the preferred embodiment, the plastic piece, which may be laminated on one or both of its sides, is heated by use of a heating press which compresses the plastic piece thereby preventing "wrinkling" or warping of either side of the plastic piece. Thereafter, in the preferred embodiment, the heated plastic piece is positioned in a press-molding mechanism which comprises specially made male-female dies. Preferably, the air cooling step of the method takes place during the latter part of the press-molding step whereby both steps are, at some period, occurring concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Curtis D. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6048486
    Abstract: In a process for forming contours in aramide flat structures, in particular textile flat structures made from aramide fibers, contouring is performed by molding in a temperature range of 180-300.degree. C. and a press pressure range of 4-8 bar (400-800 kPa). The flat structures contoured by molding are suited in particular for the manufacture of antiballistic women's protective clothing as well as of antiballistic helmets. The effectiveness against penetration of bullets and splinters is not affected by the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignees: Triumph International AG, Akzo Nobel Faser AG
    Inventors: Achim Fels, Jorg Wintersieg, Michael Mohr, Dieter Holzhauer, Franz Palzer
  • Patent number: 5919493
    Abstract: Known fabrication apparatuses, including patterned pinch rollers, molds, etc., are adapted to create articles having a shape characterized by more than six faces of identical size and shape, and by members extending outwardly in three orthogonal dimensions, the articles each including at least a pair of faces which intersect to bound a concave region, each article including a plurality of such concave regions. In certain embodiments, vibrational energy (e.g. ultrasonic or microwave energy) is utilized to aid in article formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ushers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Q. Sheppard, Makuteswara Srinivasan, Richard L. Ponzi, John J. Stobie, Roger P. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 5879724
    Abstract: A molding method and apparatus capable of reliably removing a molded product without deformation even if the product has a shape difficult to be removed, such as a shape having a plurality of vertical portions. The method of molding a product by using a film sheet, includes the steps of: adapting to operate a pair of film pushing rings disposed facing upper and lower metal molds of a molding apparatus for thermally molding a product by using a film sheet, independently from the upper and lower metal molds; attracting and attaching a molded product to one of the upper and lower metal molds; fixing the ring on the side of the one metal mold; attracting and attaching a pickup jig to the molded product in tight contact therewith, the pickup jig having a surface shape matching the surface shape of the molded product; releasing the attraction and attachment by the one metal mold and moving the pickup jig to displace the molded product from the one metal mold; and moving the fixed ring to an original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenwood
    Inventor: Yoshio Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5876769
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a soap bar from remnants of used soap bars. A molding base defining an internal molding cavity is provided with a pivotal closure also defining an internal die cavity. A forming die is movably supported by the closure and is movable from a retracted position out of the molding cavity to an extended position within said molding cavity where the forming die applies mechanical pressure to the soap fragments. The forming die is receivable within the die cavity at its retracted position and has a concave die surface of a configuration for forming a portion of the soap bar. A die actuator extends through the closure and may be provided with a spring for retraction of the die or for urging the die in a direction for continuous application of molding force to the forming die for a sufficient period of time for adhering and forming the soap bar fragments so as to define a resulting soap bar for subsequent conventional use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Billy Dowden, Shelly Dowden
  • Patent number: 5853627
    Abstract: A plastic molding apparatus and method employs a pair of dies having at least one cavity with a mirror surface and wherein a plastic base material which is pre-molded is inserted into the cavity and clamped by the pair of dies. The plastic base material is then heated and melted at glass transition temperature or higher so that a resin internal pressure is generated, and then the plastic base material is annealed so that the mirror surface is transferred to the plastic base material. One of the dies has a separation die in which the cavity is formed. A cavity forming portion thereof has a cavity forming surface and a cavity side board portion which is adjacent to the cavity forming portion and surrounds the cavity forming surface. A separating die clamping structure clamps the separation die from both sides so as to compress an elastic member mounted between the cavity forming portion and the cavity side board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5795596
    Abstract: A compression mold having first and second steel plates. First and second frame members are attached to the first and second plates respectively and have a plurality of cavities for receiving replaceable half-molds. The mold further includes a plurality of first and second half-molds positioned within the cavities of the first and second frame members and having opposing top edges for contacting when the mold is closed. First and second rubber shims are positioned between the first and second plates and the first and second half-molds and have a first configuration before curing and a second configuration after curing in that position for positioning the corresponding, opposing half-molds such that their top edges contact each other fully when the mold is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Stanton, Phillip Landry
  • Patent number: 5788999
    Abstract: A photo film cassette has a spool core on which photo film (14) wound in a form of a roll. A disk (19, 20) has an axial hole (19a, 20a) formed therein, and is secured to each of ends of the spool core, for regulating ends of the roll of the photo film in the cassette. A sheet (74) of thermoplastic synthetic resin is supplied one after another. There are plural disk-like portions (65) and a positioning portion (66) formed on the sheet. A positioning pin (112) is fitted on the positioning portion of the sheet being supplied, for positioning the sheet. An upper blade group (106) includes 12 upper blades (110, 111). An lower blade group (107) includes 12 lower blades (114, 115). The upper and lower blade groups squeeze 12 of the disk-like portions while the sheet is positioned by the positioning device, for punching the axial hole and a contour of the disk, to obtain 12 disks. A vacuum pump (152) is caused by a valve (156) to suck the 12 disks on the upper blade group, to remove the 12 disks from the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Mizuno, Akira Tomita
  • Patent number: 5783227
    Abstract: A device for making folds in an angioplasty balloon while attached to the distal and portion of an angioplasty catheter has a plurality of press members. Each press member has a substantially planar balloon-contacting surface and the press members are interconnected so that the balloon contacting surfaces of opposing press members confront each other. One or more of the press members includes a longitudinal passage formed in an associated balloon contacting surface which receives the catheter shaft so that the balloon may be folded between the surfaces flanking the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Susan L. Dunham
  • Patent number: 5773044
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of corrugated tubing of thermoplastic including a shaping path adjoining the head of an extruder, composed of a guide arranged in a frame structure, along which guide mold halves closed together in pairs as annular molds are advanced in close succession, said mold halves being provided on a lower side thereof with racks, at least one drive pinion arranged in the initial part of the shaping path for meshing with the racks of the mold halves as the same are pushed along the path, and an outlet, following the shaping path, in which the mold halves are separated from one another and are transferred to mutually separate return paths, on which they are shunted back by a conveyor to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Drossbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl Dietrich, Michael Hurler, Hubert M. Drossbach, deceased
  • Patent number: 5732858
    Abstract: A hat molding machine using advanced features will produce a completed hat form from an unshaped felt or wool configuration. The machine employs male and female hat molds. The female hat mold has embedded electric heating elements which are temperature controlled. Low pressure steam is piped into the female mold. Using three pneumatic cylinders and an automatic programmable air controller with timer for proper sequencing, a completed hat form shape including shape portion and flange brim portion results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Mario A. Plastino
  • Patent number: 5733587
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming miniature size confectionery products. A mass of a confectionery product, such as bubble gum, is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The flat sheet is then cooled and formed into a webbed mat having a plurality of desired configurations thereon. Next, the webbed mat is tumbled to break apart the webbed mat and form a plurality of miniature size confectionery products in the form of the desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine Corriveau, Michael McHale, Sharon Van Horn
  • Patent number: 5723155
    Abstract: A composite insulator-producing compression mold device including a pair of molding units each having a recess for the formation of a housing of a composite insulator. At least one partition plate is fitted to a first one of the molding units near the composite insulator housing-forming recess and at a location radially outwardly from the recess. An urging mechanism is provided for urging the partition plate toward the second molding unit such that an outer end portion of the partition plate may project toward the second molding unit from a parting face of the first molding unit when the molding units are opened. When the molding units are closed, the partition plate is received within the first molding unit. Another mechanism is provided for preventing the partition plate from being detached from the first molding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hayakawa, Osamu Tsuji
  • Patent number: 5693347
    Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of pipes of thermoplastic plastics having transverse profile features comprises mold segment halves guided by twos to circulate on a molding path. A conveying device is provided for the recirculation of the mold segment halves, working in the way of a gantry crane. On a conveying bridge overlapping the molding path, two conveying carriages are provided, which are displaceable in directions opposite to each other and at right angles to the direction of production and to each of which is attached a conveying arm directed downwards and having a holding device for a mold segment half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ralph-Peter Hegler
  • Patent number: 5686117
    Abstract: An apparatus for making carbon discs for brake disc assemblies by feeding continuous strands of fibrous carbon material from spools into a die, the volume of the carbon material so dispensed being continuously monitored. A cutter terminates the dispensing operation and a debulking plate urges all of the fibrous carbon material so dispensed into the die alone. The material is compressed within a cylindrical annular die and, in one embodiment, is submitted to a convection curing oven where the preform is cured. Subsequently, the preform is carbonized, densified, and machined to form a final carbon disc brake. In another emobodiment, a dry preform is fabricated, obviating the need for curing and carbonizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Snyder, William D. Thompson