Including Particular Handling Means For Preform Patents (Class 425/397)
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Patent number: 11845203Abstract: A compression molding device configured for the production of a part in composite material starting from a plate in composite with a thermoplastic matrix is described. The device comprises: a fixed support structure; an upper half-die provided with a first contoured surface corresponding to the profile of an upper surface of the part to be made; a lower half-die provided with a second contoured surface corresponding to the profile of a lower surface of the part to be made; holding means carried by the support structure and configured to hold the plate in a position interposed between the half-dies; and moving means for moving at least one of the half-dies from and towards the plate. The holding means comprise two or more releasable grippers gripping by friction distinct portions of the peripheral edge of the plate and configured to completely release or allow the complete release of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Inventors: Stefano Giuseppe Corvaglia, Nicola Gallo, Silvio Pappadà, Giuseppe Buccoliero, Nicola Miani
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Patent number: 11813811Abstract: A conformable apparatus for treating a composite material. The conformable apparatus includes a contact layer that is conformable and includes a plurality of contact elements. Each contact element of the plurality of contact elements includes a first major side, a second major side opposed from said first major side, and at least one side surface extending between said first major side and said second major side. The contact layer further includes a contact surface at least partially defined by the first major sides of the plurality of contact elements and a backing surface at least partially defined by the second major sides of said plurality of contact elements. The conformable apparatus also includes a backing layer positioned against said backing surface of said contact layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Peter D. McCowin
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Patent number: 11364671Abstract: The aim of the invention is to further develop conventional devices for stretching and/or shaping and/or applying a lamination of a film element. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, by a device for stretching and/or shaping and/or applying a lamination of a film element, which device comprises a support frame for gripping the film element relative to a shaping tool or to a component to be laminated, and having grippers for gripping the film element, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to the support frame, said device being characterized in that grippers are arranged in a multi-axially adjustable manner relative to the support frame in order to adapt the film element more precisely to a contour of the shaping tool or of the component to be laminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: LISA DRÂXLMAIER GMBHInventors: Hubert Rehrl, Andreas Dandl, Andreas Jung
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Patent number: 9102095Abstract: The carrying apparatus is a carbon fiber-containing resin sheet carrying apparatus for carrying a carbon fiber-containing resin sheet heated in a heating furnace to a pressing device, comprising a slider that moves between the heating furnace and the pressing device and a sheet holder that is mounted thereon and chucks both the end parts of the carbon fiber-containing resin sheet to apply tension. The sheet holder can have a structure such that it comprises chuck claws and a tension unit that displaces these chuck claws to the outside. The sheet holder may have a structure such that it comprises a holding metal fitting with a spring, that is arranged inside a holding frame and a chuck claw that chucks this holding frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., NGK Kiln Tech, CorporationInventors: Sousuke Hatano, Koji Yamada
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Patent number: 8978729Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for resisting relative movement of upper and lower laminates of a composite structure having a core comprises a lower grip strip and at least one upper grip strip. The lower grip strip may be mounted to a tool upon which the composite structure may be processed. The lower grip strip may include an outer surface having at least one engagement feature for engaging at least one of the upper and lower laminates which make up the composite structure. The upper grip strip may have opposing outer surfaces which may include at least one engagement feature for engaging the lower strip and at least one of the upper and lower laminates.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Doan D. Pham, Mark W. Tollan, Richard M. Outzen, John C. Lockleer, Christopher G. Harris
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Patent number: 8951035Abstract: An injection molding tool is used to produce plastic parts such as toothbrush bodies or razor handles, for example. The tool has a stationary center mold block and a pair of outer mold blocks. The center mold block has two parallel opposed molding faces joined by two parallel opposed side faces extending perpendicular to the molding faces. The molding faces have parallel partial mold cavities formed therein and the outer mold blocks each are associated with one mold face of the center mold block and each have a molding face with parallel partial mold cavities formed therein which together with corresponding partial mold cavities of the associated mold face of the center mold block form complete mold cavities. Holders are indexed alongside the peripheral faces and around corners formed between the peripheral faces to hold and transport molded parts alongside the peripheral faces of the center mold block.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: GB Boucherie NVInventor: Bart Gerard Boucherie
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Patent number: 8940217Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for molding breast cups in a seamless circularly-knitted brassiere having a breast-covering portion and a torso encircling band, the apparatus comprising a base, a rear wall extending upwardly from the base, an upper mold plate extending outwardly and substantially horizontally from the rear wall, the upper plate having a pair of spaced openings formed therethrough, the openings spaced and dimensioned to correspond to a pair of breast cups, and a plate intermediate to the base and the upper mold plate, and being vertically moveable between a first, upper position and a second, lower position for securing a brassiere blank in position against the upper plate for the molding of breast cups therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLCInventors: Lynn M. Rhodes, Richard W. Kelley, Roger D. Warren
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Patent number: 8926310Abstract: A cup thermoforming machine includes a frame, a movable upper platen, a clamping grid and a movable lower platen. The movable upper platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame, and carries a male die. The clamping grid is carried by the frame above a sheet of thermoformable material and has a clearance aperture for the male die. The lower platen is supported for vertical reciprocation by the frame beneath the clamping grid and carries a female die.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventor: Jere F. Irwin
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Publication number: 20140217627Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical element, the method including: heating an optical element material by suspending it in a gas; supplying the heated optical element material from a direction which intersects a central axis interconnecting centers of a first mold and a second mold to a space between molds in a non-contact state, the space between molds being a space between the first mold and the second mold; pressurizing the optical element material supplied to the space between molds by the first mold and the second mold; and cooling the pressurized optical element material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventors: Yusuke Nakagawa, Daigo Hirata, Koji Miyake, Masato Nakahama, Hiroyuki Seki
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Patent number: 8770960Abstract: A reciprocating press is configured to press articles while moving in synchronicity with a conveyor belt carrying the articles. The press is driven through a rack and pinion system. The press can be used for pressing any type of article, including, but without limitation, pieces of dough for forming tortillas.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott Mattias, John Colwell
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Patent number: 8758669Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Clifford Dey, Dwayne Looney, Michael Pohle, Robert Cerwin
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Patent number: 8678986Abstract: An apparatus for operating upon a construct. In one example, the apparatus comprises a tool, a feed path for a feed path for feeding the construct to and withdrawing the construct from the tool, and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism comprises an arm positioned proximate to the tool and a guide for directing the construct toward the tool. The arm is movable between a guiding position and a withdrawn position, and the guide is mounted to the arm for moving with the arm so that the guide is at least partially disposed in the feed path when the arm is in the guiding position. A recess is defined in the tool for at least partially accommodating the guide.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
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Patent number: 8678809Abstract: An apparatus for forming, on a strip-shaped laminate of multiple reinforcing fiber sheets superimposed one upon another, two flexures with respect to the cross-section configuration thereof, wherein in the forming of the two flexures with the use of two s flexure forming dies independent from each other, respectively, the two flexure forming dies are arranged so that the relative distance of the two flexure forming dies is changeable in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped laminate. This apparatus can be effectively utilized in the production of a reinforcing fiber molding with changing of the distance between the two flexures namely, width of web portion or gauge between two flange portions from the strip-shaped laminate, or the production of fiber reinforced resin (FRP) molding therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tamotsu Suzuki, Masatoshi Tsukamoto, Nobuo Asahara
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Patent number: 8672664Abstract: Provided is a food molding apparatus which performs all steps from forming to conveyance and storage in one housing and which is small in size and inexpensive. A conveyance section 500 which holds a formed cooked rice product (a rice ball 10) by use of holding arms 510 is provided, within a housing, with an X-axis moving unit 570 which moves the formed cooked rice product in an X-axis direction and a Z-axis moving unit 550 which moves the formed cooked rice product in a Z-axis direction. A storage section 600 provided with a tray 610 on which the rice ball 10 is to be placed is further provided, within the housing, a Y-axis moving unit 630 which moves the tray 610 in a Y-axis direction, whereby the rice balls 10 are spread over on the tray 610.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Junya Uchida
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Patent number: 8672663Abstract: An imprint apparatus of the present invention that molds and cures an imprint material on a substrate using a mold to form a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a supply unit configured to supply a gas into a gap between the imprint material on the substrate and the mold. The supply unit is configured to supply a mixed gas in which a permeable gas, which permeates at least one of the mold, the imprint material and the substrate, and a condensable gas, which is liquefied under a pressure generated by the molding, is mixed with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Tanabe, Yasuyuki Tamura, Yukio Hanyu
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Patent number: 8663529Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified manufacturing method for provision of a sound tube with a pre-formed shape, especially a sound tube for use in a BTE (Behind-The-Ear) hearing aid utilizing a holder with an external surface for imparting the shape of the surface to the sound tube, a first attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a first connector at a first end of the sound tube, and a second attachment element that is adapted to receive and hold a second connector at a second end of the sound tube thereby keeping the sound tube in abutting contact with at least parts of the external surface whereby the external surface imparts the shape of the surface to the sound tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: GN Resound A/SInventors: Klaus Sommer Ipsen, Dennis Norman Andersen
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Patent number: 8641408Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stretching film sections in a monoaxial or biaxial manner, preferably by way of a tenter frame, for films made substantially of polymers, wherein a square or rectangular section of a such film is seized at 4 sides by at least two tenter hooks each, designed as regards improved stretching such that the upper tenter hook part (11) is mounted in an articulated fashion on a rotational axis located outside the film to be stretched, and specifically such that the lower, fixed tenter hook part (13) carries the joint, while the upper tenter hook part (11) is designed so as to pivot upwards and at least one cylinder (14) is disposed rotated by 90° for applying the tensioning power and thus applies the tensioning power to the upper pivotable tenter hook part (11).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Dr. Collin GmbHInventor: Heinrich Collin
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Patent number: 8597013Abstract: The invention describes a tensioning rail (3) for a membrane (2) of a membrane press. To allow a simpler and more rapid assembly and disassembly of the membrane (2) than in known devices, the tensioning rail includes a support rail (8), in which at least one tensioning strip (13) is mounted detachably, whereby the tensioning strip (13) is designed for securely clamping onto the edge of the membrane (2). In this way it is possible to equip a new replacement membrane (2) with tensioning strips (13) independently and outside of the membrane press, which then only need to be attached to the support rail (8). In this case the support rail does not need to be disassembled, but remains on the membrane press the whole time. A further essential advantage is that the tensioning rail (3) can also be installed into existing membrane presses, for example as a replacement for an existing securing device for the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: 3S Swiss Solar Systems AGInventors: Beat Strebel, Roland Kappaun, Roman Polo
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Patent number: 8597015Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping an airfoil. A prepreg assembly is positioned relative to a part in a plurality of parts for a tool for the airfoil using a positioning section for a frame. The positioning section is configured to move relative to the tool and a base of the frame and move a number of parts in the plurality of parts for the tool relative to each other. A number of sections in the prepreg assembly are heated. A force is applied to the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool to cause the number of sections in the prepreg assembly that have been heated to conform to the tool with a shape for a component of the airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Raymond Neil Henderson
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Patent number: 8556617Abstract: For manufacture of fiber-reinforced components, a positionable base frame is used on which a controllable holding device is provided for gripping and holding at least one reinforced fiber layer. A draping device is provided on the base frame, using which the reinforced fiber layer may be draped onto a mold core via the application of a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Broetje Automation GmbHInventors: Raphael Reinhold, Stefan Juergens
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Patent number: 8535032Abstract: A film stretcher that transports a film material in a predetermined transport direction while holding an end of the film material in a width direction of the film material to stretch the film material in the width direction includes a holding unit that includes a stretching roll having an annular groove formed on an outer periphery of the stretching roll and an endless wire fitted in the annular groove over a predetermined rotation angle range of the annular groove in a circular arc shape so that the end of the film material in the width direction of the film material is pinched. The stretching roll is inclined so as to open toward a downstream side in the transport direction of the film material. The holding unit transports the film material in the transport direction while pinching the film material using the stretching roll and the endless wire, whereby the film material is stretched in the width direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokiwa Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Harada, Hiroshi Suzuki, Toshiaki Kenmotsu
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Patent number: 8454878Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of an angle for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular former and/or a stringer inside a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, the angle taking place by the one-step deformation of an initially planar blank along at least three fold lines in a uniaxial compression molding device. A mounting frame with hinges is arranged in the compression molding device, the blank to be deformed being accommodated along the edges preferably by means of a plurality of peripherally arranged springs. A deformation of the blank into an auto-stabilized angle is possible in one step while simultaneously ensuring interlaminar slide. Due to the constructively conditioned auto-stabilization of the angle, additional components which increase the weight and the assembly effort (so-called “stabilos”) in the connection region between fuselage cell skin, stringers and annular formers inside a fuselage structure of an aircraft are unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Marc Bochinger, Klaus Edelmann, Thomas Lange, Tanja Frese, Sven Sperling, Eugen Tschakrow, Tobias Wirtz
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Patent number: 8388335Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improvements to dies used in the formation of pressware from blanks. In some embodiments, the die includes at least one stop that helps contain the blank as it is fed to the die and that allows for improved adjustability of the stop with respect to the die. In some embodiments, the die includes a defined recess that contains and centers the blank on the die as the blank is fed to the die.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Eric J. Berg, Daniel A. Duncan, James W. Gregory, Kenneth J. Zirbel
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Patent number: 8376730Abstract: A material clamping unit and a method for clamping material, wherein a product having no creases can be manufactured, even if the material has a complex shape, and the method can improve a yield of the product, and can reduce the cost of the dies.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Abeta, Yasuhiro Oyaizu, Hiroyuki Itakura
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Patent number: 8371837Abstract: A sheet molding apparatus including at least one molding surface with a plurality of perforations, at least one sheet retainer with a plurality of vacuum perforations, and an accompanying vacuum mechanism for controllably drawing reduced pressure through the perforations. The sheet molding apparatus can be used for rapidly and accurately positioning thermoformable thermoplastic sheets to match the molding surfaces in producing molded articles.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: LRM Industries International, LLCInventors: Dale E. Polk, Jr., Victor Wolynski
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Patent number: 8371839Abstract: A sheet molding apparatus includes at least one molding surface having a plurality of perforations and an accompanying vacuum mechanism for controllably drawing reduced pressure through the perforations. The sheet molding apparatus includes further at least one sheet retainer with a clamping capability attached to a frame surrounding at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the molding surface. The sheet molding apparatus with the sheet retainer and its clamping capability can be used for rapidly and accurately positioning thermoformable thermoplastic sheets to match the molding surfaces in producing molded articles.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: LRM Industries International, LLCInventors: Dale E. Polk, Jr., Victor Wolynski
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Publication number: 20120288613Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: James E. Mauer, Benedict DiGerlando
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Patent number: 8308468Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading a tread press are provided. More specifically, the present invention provides for loading a tread band onto a tread press while suspending the tread band above the mold elements as the tread band is moved into the proper longitudinal position within the tread press. Lateral positioning can also be provided using the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et TechniqueInventors: Bernard Papin, Theophile Henry Louchart, William Gibbs Pike
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Patent number: 8257074Abstract: A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Interface Associates, Inc.Inventor: Josef J. Stupecky
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Patent number: 8128859Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Clifford Dey, Dwayne Looney, Michael Pohle, Robert Cerwin
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Patent number: 8118584Abstract: A carrier tape forming apparatus includes a tape paying-out unit for paying out a tape to be worked, a tape feeding unit for feeding the tape, a forming unit for effecting embossing on the tape, a perforating unit for perforating at least a feeding hole in the tape, and a tape taking-up unit for taking up the finished (embossed) tape thereabout. The apparatus includes also double-acting driving units provided as driving sources at least for the tape feeding unit, the forming unit and the tape taking-up unit, each driving unit being fluid-operated and movable along a straight path and a controller for independently controlling driving/stopping of the double-acting driving units for the forming unit and the tape taking-up unit in association with driving/stopping of said double-acting driving unit for the feeding unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company LimitedInventors: Noriaki Yukawa, Hiroshi Otsuka
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Publication number: 20110309550Abstract: A pre-forming method for a film includes: providing a pressing mold including a lower mold and an upper mold, the lower mold defining a cavity; placing a film into the cavity, the film having patterns printed thereon; providing a heating device including a heating unit and a fixing unit, the heating unit heating and the fixing unit pressing the area of the film having the pattern, the film being softened; removing the heating device form the pressing mold and the pressing mold being closed, the film being heated further to soft; cooling and opening the pressing mold, removing the three-dimensionally shaped film from the mold without distorting the pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: ZHI-FENG ZHAO, HUAN-BING YE
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Patent number: 8062012Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing the shape of seals is provided. The apparatus includes an elastomer member that applies force onto the seal to change the size of the seal. An embodiment of the invention includes returning the seal to its original diameter by deforming the elastomer that is positioned about at least a portion of the seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Metaldyne, LLCInventor: Greg Sabourin
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Patent number: 8033815Abstract: Chucking mechanisms may include a plurality of chucking sections respectively connecting to a pressure control device to generate individual chucking forces. The individual chucking forces of the chucking sections may be varied by the pressure control device such that a magnitude of separation force is reduced for an imprint lithography system.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Babbs, Byung-Jin Choi, Anshuman Cherala
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Publication number: 20110217407Abstract: A material sheet guiding system of a thermoforming machine comprising: a pair of longitudinal rail members disposed in a spaced parallel relation to one another, and a drive unit. Each of the pair of longitudinal rail members has a first and a second set of wheels disposed longitudinally between a first end portion and a second end portion of the each of the pair of longitudinal rail member along a length thereof. Each wheel of the first set of wheels configures a nip arrangement with a corresponding wheel of the second set of wheels. The drive unit is operatively coupled to the first set of wheels of the each of the pair of longitudinal rail members to rotate the first set of wheels for moving the material sheet from the first end portion to the second end portion through the nip arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: KEN HAINES
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Publication number: 20110200702Abstract: A film stretcher that transports a film material in a predetermined transport direction while holding an end of the film material in a width direction of the film material to stretch the film material in the width direction includes a holding unit that includes a stretching roll having an annular groove formed on an outer periphery of the stretching roll and an endless wire fitted in the annular groove over a predetermined rotation angle range of the annular groove in a circular arc shape so that the end of the film material in the width direction of the film material is pinched. The stretching roll is inclined so as to open toward a downstream side in the transport direction of the film material. The holding unit transports the film material in the transport direction while pinching the film material using the stretching roll and the endless wire, whereby the film material is stretched in the width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Hiroshi Harada, Hiroshi Suzuki, Toshiaki Kenmotsu
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Patent number: 7967595Abstract: An apparatus and process for shaping multiple expended thermoplastic containers, specifically plastic bottles into rock shapes by placing the expended plastic bottles into a partitioned tray which is placed onto the top surface of a lift table secured to a jack mounted on a four-wheel dolly and heating the plastic bottles to a malleable state. The lift table is then rolled into an open face shaping chamber that has angle irons secured on the interior sides near the top of the chamber to support and allow a removable tray to which real rocks of different shapes and sizes have been secured to be slid into the chamber with the rocks pointing downward from the tray into the chamber. The lift table with the heated malleable bottles is jacked upward toward and into the real rocks until the bottles take the shapes of the real rocks. Then the table is lowered and wheeled out of the shaping chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventors: John Paul Schofield, Janet Ellen Schofield
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Publication number: 20110115128Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of an angle for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular former and/or a stringer inside a fuselage cell structure of an aircraft, the angle taking place by the one-step deformation of an initially planar blank along at least three fold lines in a uniaxial compression moulding device. A mounting frame with hinges is arranged in the compression moulding device, the blank to be deformed being accommodated along the edges preferably by means of a plurality of peripherally arranged springs. A deformation of the blank into an auto-stabilised angle is possible in one step while simultaneously ensuring interlaminar slide. Due to the constructively conditioned auto-stabilisation of the angle, additional components which increase the weight and the assembly effort (so-called “stabilos”) in the connection region between fuselage cell skin, stringers and annular formers inside a fuselage structure of an aircraft are unnecessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Marc Bochinger, Edelmann Klaus, Thomas Lange, Tanja Frese, Sven Sperling, Tschakrow Eugen, Wirtz Tobias
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Patent number: 7901197Abstract: A molding device for pre-shaped plastic films has a body, a platform and a driving shaft. The body can be rotatably mounted in a pre-shape machine and has an annular side surface and a top opening. The platform is detachably mounted in the top opening of the body. The driving shaft is mounted longitudinally through the body, movably extends longitudinally relative to the body and has an end attached securely to the platform to selectively raise the platform to lift a pre-shaped plastic film from the body. Accordingly, the plastic films can easily be separated from the platform, and to manually separate the plastic film from the molding device is unnecessary to prevent the plastic films from being damaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: New Solid International Corp.Inventors: Chung-Ting Sung, Yen-Chao Lu
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Patent number: 7798801Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a chucking system, including, inter alia, a body having a surface with a pin extending therefrom having a throughway defined therein, and a land surrounding the protrusions defining a channel between the pin and the land. In a further embodiment, the body comprises a plurality of protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Babbs, Byung-Jin Choi, Anshuman Cherala
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Patent number: 7771187Abstract: An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Adaptsys LimitedInventors: Barry L. Gregerson, James E. Spitzer
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Patent number: 7762804Abstract: A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Interface Associates, Inc.Inventor: Josef J. Stupecky
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Patent number: 7726962Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding composite material with a selectable uniform predetermined temperature during most of the curing time. The mold apparatus has two cooperating and complementing mold bed assemblies hingedly mounted to each other and movable between two extreme positions, open and closed. A composite inner skin and outer skins sandwich a spacer in between. The spacer member includes interconnecting passages throughout. An outer perforated composite skin member covers the spacer member. A source for pressurized gas is applied to the mold assemblies when in the closed position. A predetermined cooperative temperature is selectably used to uniformly control the curing characteristics of the first and second skin members as the pressurized hot gas or air forced to pass through the outer skin and the spacer member adjacent to the inner skin thereby exposing the form being molded to a uniform temperature gradient.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventors: Joseba Aramburu, Sergio Velez
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Patent number: 7699595Abstract: An apparatus for producing a molded product from a sheet-form raw material blank has first and second mold tools that each respectively include a respective inner core mold and a respective outer edge mold laterally adjacent thereto. Drive elements drive the outer edge molds relative to a machine frame, and drive the inner core molds relative to the outer edge molds. A molding process involves closing the outer edge molds to hold an edge rim of the material blank while allowing slippage thereof, and then closing the inner core molds to three-dimensionally deform and mold a central portion of the material blank while pulling required additional material by slippage through the outer edge molds. A separate slip frame is not used. The edge rim held by the outer edge molds remains as a permanent mounting rim or flange of the finished molded product. Edge waste is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: R + S Technik GmbHInventor: Gerhard Spengler
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Patent number: 7674104Abstract: A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a mold having a pattern to be transferred to the workpiece, with the pattern including recesses, a first support member for supporting the mold, and a second support member, arranged opposite to the first support member, for supporting the workpiece. A pressing mechanism brings the first and second support members close to each other and presses the mold and the workpiece together so as to transfer, to the workpiece, the pattern on the mold. Recessed portions are provided on at least one of a surface of the mold on the first support member side, a region of the first support member, and a region of the second support member. The recessed portions correspond to recesses in the pattern of the mold.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichi Seki, Tohru Den
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Patent number: 7635263Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a chucking system to hold a substrate, said system including, inter alia, a chuck body having first and second opposed sides, said first side including an array of fluid chambers arranged in rows and columns, said fluid chambers each comprising first and second spaced-apart recesses defining first and second spaced-apart support regions, with said first support region cincturing said second support region and said first and second recesses, and said second support region cincturing said second recess, with said substrate resting against said first and second support regions, with said first recess and a portion of said substrate in superimposition therewith defining a first chamber and said second recess and a portion of said substrate in superimposition therewith defining a second chamber, with each column of said first chambers and each row of said second chambers being in fluid communication with a differing source of fluid to control a flow of fluid in said arrayType: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.Inventors: Anshuman Cherala, Byung-Jin Choi, Pankaj B. Lad, Steven C. Shackleton
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Patent number: 7628945Abstract: Extruding radiused plastic articles with an extruding machine terminating in die defining a path of travel between upstream and downstream ends. The die has an outlet opening extending longitudinally in the direction of the path of travel, the opening oriented so a polymeric material is extruded therefrom in a direction approximately perpendicular to the path of travel through the die. Oppositely rotating rollers of tapered diameters are disposed side by side to receive the extrudate therebetween, the rollers arranged so their longitudinal axes intersect and their smaller diameters are oriented towards the downstream end of the die. Extrudate passing through the opening is characterized by a higher flow rate proximate the upstream end thereof to thereby form a radiused extrusion. The rollers draw the extrudate from the die outlet opening without significantly altering the radiused shape of the fluid plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Inventor: Larry P. Collins
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Patent number: 7618252Abstract: Balloon pleating mechanism includes a plurality of pleating dies, each having a first planar guiding surface, a second planar guiding surface, a bearing surface, a first working surface, and a second working surface. The plurality of pleating dies are arranged in a generally circular orientation with the first planar guiding surface of each die being in sliding contact with the second planar guiding surface of an adjacent die and the first working surface and the second working surface of each die of the plurality of dies cooperating to define a central cavity. The plurality of pleating dies is further arranged for relative radial movement between an open position and a closed position. A driving mechanism is coupled to each die and designed to move the plurality of dies between the open position and the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventor: Ed Goff
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Patent number: 7566215Abstract: An apparatus for placing mold charges into a mold of a compression molding machine includes a carrier, an arm pivotally mounted on the carrier and a mold charge pick-up cup on the arm at a position spaced from the carrier. The arm is pivotal on the carrier between a first position at which the arm is positioned to deposit a mold charge into a mold and a second position at which the mold charge pick-up cup is disposed to transport the mold charge. The carrier preferably is mounted for rotation around an axis. In some embodiments, a cam mechanism is coupled to the arm to pivot the arm as a function of rotation of the carrier. A spring may be coupled between the arm and the carrier for biasing the arm toward one of the first and second positions of the arm. In another embodiment, an actuator is carried by the carrier and coupled to the arm to pivot the arm with respect to the carrier. The arm preferably includes a passage for selective application of air and/or vacuum to the mold charge pick-up cup.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Mattice, David C. Thompson
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Publication number: 20090129708Abstract: In a plastic zipper 1 having a pair of engaging portions 1A and 1B formed on surfaces of plastic films F, a plastic zipper having preventing function against unfairly unsealing is provided wherein a tear tape 5 is detachably welded to the top surfaces at mouth side of the plastic zipper in a longitudinal direction of the plastic zipper, and thus, it can be ascertained at a glance that it is unsealed unfairly or erroneously. The plastic zipper is guided between two guide rails 3A and 3B, disposed in parallel to each other and forming a space therebetween, and pairs of guide rollers 2A and 2B, and a tear-tape having easily peelable plastic layer formed on one surface thereof is guided to the space between the guide rails 3A and 3B, and then, both of them are welded together by hot stamping by means of a heating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2005Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Juichi Kasai