Shaping Surface Including Means To Release Or Remove Product From Shaping Surface Patents (Class 425/436R)
  • Patent number: 6159518
    Abstract: A sheeter which includes a wire assembly for separating a sheet of dough from a surface of a rotating roller. The wire assembly is formed from a thin sheet of stainless steel with portions of the sheet removed to form a thin wire-like portion along one edge supported to a base portion by a series of thin support webs. The sheet is supported by a base portion so that the wire portion is held against the outer surface of the rotating roller. In this way, the wire can extend essentially the full width of the roller and the normal band portions which conventionally hold a wire against the surface of the roller are eliminated. Preferably, the thin sheet is vibrated to prevent any buildup of foodstuffs on an upper surface of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Barry F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6106271
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a two-stage ejector for an injection moulding tool. It comprises a piston cylinder arrangement with piston cylinder elements capable of axial displacement relative to one another in separate stages for the actuation of separately moving ejector plates, having the front plate attached to a piston capable of detachable attachment to a sleeve accommodating said piston via radially moving coupling segments. Internally inside the sleeve, which is attached to the rear plate via a threaded connection, an accommodating body for the coupling segments is fixed to the front plate via radial wings. The wings are capable of movement along the sleeve in matching recesses along the rear part of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Muller
    Inventor: Hans Muller
  • Patent number: 6059199
    Abstract: A road transportable concrete railroad long-line tie molding system is described in which a rigid horizontal metal stressing frame is assembled from transportable sub-frame segments. The sub-frame segments are releasably connected in axially aligned end-to-end relation, and include parallel longitudinal reaction members. In a preferred form, the sub-frame segments are convertible from inoperative transport conditions to extended operative conditions. Footings are provided along the stressing frame length to engage the sub-frame segments to releasably mount the sub-frame segments in axial alignment and stabilize the reaction members against lateral deflection during compressive loading. A plurality of conventional gang tie molds having upwardly open elongated mold cavities are releasably received in end-to-end alignment along the framework. A reinforcing wire anchor is provided on the sub-frame at the dead end of the framework and a tensioner is located at the live end of the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: CXT, Incorporated
    Inventors: Anders L. U. Eriksson, Derek Firth, Rick W. Petersen, John G. White
  • Patent number: 6042360
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for extracting thermoformed objects from a thermoforming machine and processing them. The apparatus includes one or a sequence of units or treatment or work stations for thermoformed objects produced in the thermoforming machine, arranged in sequence immediately downstream of the thermoforming machine. At least one extractor plate is designed to move synchronously with the thermoforming machine between a withdrawal position in which a set of thermoformed objects are removed from the thermoforming machine and at least one processing station for processing or handling the set of removed objects. And, the at least one extractor plate keeps the removed objects secured to it during the corresponding processing or handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Isap Omv Group Spa
    Inventor: Pietro Padovani
  • Patent number: 6038887
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for forming glass sheets includes a topside transfer platen (44) that releases a heated glass sheet onto a mold supported in an upper position by a mold support frame assembly (62) which then moves the mold vertically downward and rotationally to a lower position for movement horizontally on a track (66) from below the topside transfer platen for continuation of the forming. The apparatus includes an elevator mechanism (84) having a pair of elevators (86) and an associated pair of actuators (88) that are movable different extents in order to provide the vertical and rotational movement of the mold frame support assembly (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Vild, Paul D. Ducat
  • Patent number: 6036472
    Abstract: A molded article ejection device for use in conjunction with a multistation molding machine. The multistation molding machine has at least a first molding station defined between a first mold platen and a second mold platen and a second molding station defined between the second mold platen and a third mold platen, a mechanism for opening and closing the molding stations, and tie bars for connecting the first, second and third mold platens. Ejection devices are used for ejecting molded articles from each of the first and second molding stations and a linkage is used for connecting a plurality of the ejection devices and translating movement of at least one ejection device to at least one other ejection device. A motive mechanism is used for actuating the ejection devices, wherein the motive mechanism is independent of the mechanism for opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul R Boudreau, Gary W Higgins
  • Patent number: 6032490
    Abstract: In a grindstone for fabricating a mold which has optical fiber engagement portions of an optical fiber guide block used for aligning optical fibers, two main grinding surfaces are provided to form the optical fiber engagement portions contacted with the sides of the optical fibers and a tip end portion which is contiguous to the two main grinding surfaces and which has a contour contained within a predetermined area. The predetermined area has a triangle shape which is defined by two tangent lines along the two main grinding surfaces and a preselected line drawn between two points determined on the two main grinding surfaces. The two points are decided in accordance with a predetermined formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Gakuei Shibata, Teruo Yamashita, Masahiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6022208
    Abstract: A pick-up and transfer head (1) for hollow objects (10) which is particularly suitable for picking up thermoformed objects from a female die (3) and transferring them to a receiving station (22) in a thermoforming apparatus, which comprises at least one pick-up structure (1) which is designed to engage and support the object (10) or objects to be picked up and transfer them to a supporting and displacement unit (22), and has a flat plate-like (4) or reticular member having at least one seat (5) for the respective object (10) or objects to be picked up and transferred, engaging/disengaging means (6) for the corresponding object (10) located at seat (5) or seats and control means for the said engaging/disengaging means (6) to control the picking-up and release of the object (10) or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: ISAP OMV Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Padovani
  • Patent number: 6004125
    Abstract: An apparatus for the production of pile-up lids, each of which comprises an upper wall (1) and an element (2) arranged around the perimeter of said upper wall (1) and which forms a lip (3) protruding above said upper wall (1), and skirt (4) extending below said upper wall (1). The apparatus is used for carrying out a process which includes bringing together in a synchronous manner external sector elements (9) and internal sector elements (10) in radially opposite directions so that, owing to the forced approach of the contact surfaces of the external and internal sector elements (9, 10) with said upper lip (3) of said lid interposed between them, a reeding pressure-moulding is obtained on both the inner and the outer surfaces of said upper lip (3), giving said lip (3) an outline to allow piling up on other similar lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Seda S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco D'Amato
  • Patent number: 5935492
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus which are utilized for the production of ophthalmic lenses, and more particularly, a method for the removal or demolding of molded ophthalmic contact lenses from the individual molds in which they are produced. The apparatus implements the demolding of such ophthalmic lenses, the latter of which may consist of suitable hydrogel contact lenses or other types of high-precision ophthalmic lenses; for example, such as intraocular contact lenses. Mechanical prying apart of such mating mold half portions, and to facilitate this procedure at a reduced application of force, while concurrently potentially preventing or at least appreciably ameliorating the extent of any possible sticking together of the mold half portions is effected in that mechanical leverage applied to the upper mold half portion, in addition to the application of the heating action thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Anthony Martin, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Craig William Walker
  • Patent number: 5928683
    Abstract: The apparatus is for molding an article of elastomeric material which has circular symmetry and is open at both ends, particularly for the production of protective bellows for vehicles. The apparatus comprises a die comprising an outer portion and an inner portion between which a molding cavity and an injection region are defined. The article of elastomeric material which is formed in the molding cavity remains anchored to the die portion after the outer die portion has been opened. Before the article is removed automatically from the inner die portion, a waste cap formed by the material which solidifies in the injection region is removed by means of a member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Insit Industria S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Debenedetti
  • Patent number: 5925385
    Abstract: The invention provides a motion transfer mechanism for transferring motion between a first and second component, the mechanism comprising an elongate track mounted to the first component, the track having a polar axis and an external actuation surface along a portion of the length of the track, the track having at least one portion of the actuation surface inclined at a predetermined spiral angle about the polar axis; track riding device, mounted to the second component in guided contacting relation with the actuation surface, for longitudinal displacement relative to the actuation surface, and for predetermined rotational displacement in response to the longitudinal displacement, the track riding device comprising: an actuating surface follower mounted within a rider housing; and biasing device disposed between the follower and the housing for resiliently urging the follower into continuous engagement with the actuation surface; track mounting device for mounting the track to the first component in predeterm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tradesco Mold Limited
    Inventors: Vince Travaglini, Donald L. Hersey, Juan Fernando Segovia
  • Patent number: 5912028
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for moulding plastic products (31'-36'), said apparatus comprising at least two plastic moulding machines (1', 2') each of which comprises a robot (7'-8') for transferring a moulded product (31', 32') from the moulding machine onto a conveyor belt (30'). In order to significantly facilitate and expedite quality inspection and thus also to allow any quality defects to be rapidly corrected, and in order to considerably simplify the transport of the products and the structure of the apparatus, said at least two moulding machines (1', 2') are mounted along a common conveyor belt (30') substantially successively on the same side of the belt, whereby their robots (7', 8') are arranged to place the moulded products (31', 32') at different points over the width of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Fibox Oy AB
    Inventors: Risto Airas, Mika Eilomaa, Timo Tirronen
  • 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: 5840351
    Abstract: Using a mold having typically two split mold segments which are mated in a separable manner to define a spherical mold cavity therein, a golf ball having a multiplicity of dimples in its surface is molded by feeding a molding material into the mold cavity. The mold is split along a line off a horizontal great circle of the golf ball into two split mold segments having different areas of contact with the ball. The golf ball as molded is always caught and left in the larger mold segment and thus can be easily removed from the mold by a routine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Atuki Kasasima
  • Patent number: 5820895
    Abstract: Demolding apparatus for reliably and repeatedly mechanically separating contact lens mold assemblies without damaging the contact lens formed therebetween. The mold assembly includes a frontcurve mold having a central mold section with a surrounding flange, and a corresponding backcurve mold also having a central mold section with a surrounding flange, with a contact lens being molded therebetween. The demolding apparatus includes a conductive heating probe which contacts the backcurve mold of the lens mold assembly to conductively heat the backcurve mold. Heat is conducted by the backcurve mold to cause a temperature gradient between the backcurve mold and the lens being demolded. The temperature gradient causes a differential expansion and shifting of the surface of the backcurve mold relative to the surface of the lens to lessen the adhesion therebetween to assist in separation of the molds, while leaving the lens in the frontcurve mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Widman, Henri A. Dagobert
  • Patent number: 5792488
    Abstract: A demolding apparatus removes chocolates from molds. The apparatus includes upper and lower conveyor systems and an inverting unit. Full molds filled with chocolate are carried by the lower conveyor to the inverting unit which inverts the full molds and transfers the inverted full molds to the upper conveyor. The chocolates are emptied from the inverted full molds and conveyed away from the apparatus. The empty molds are carried by the upper conveyor to the inverting unit which inverts and transfers the empty molds to the lower conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Carle & Montanari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Agostino Giuliano
  • Patent number: 5750157
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing pharmaceutical capsules uses an aqueous solution of a thermogelling cellulose ether composition, and uses capsule body pins and capsule cap pins as molds. The apparatus heats the pins, dips the pins into the solution to cause the solution to gelatinize on the surface of the pins, and dries the gelatinized solution on the surface of the pins to form capsule bodies and caps. The apparatus provides differential heating and supplemental heating of the pins before dipping, and directed radiant heating after dipping. The apparatus provides counterflow air for drying. The apparatus removes parts from pins by gripping. The pins are smaller than pins used to make gelatin capsules of the same size number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: GS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph R. Grosswald, Jeffory B. Anderson, Clair S. Andrew
  • Patent number: 5723158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing shredded food products, such as cheese, is disclosed. The method and apparatus permits the production of cheese shreds to be accomplished in a unified operation wherein a sheet of cheese is produced and that sheet of cheese is cut to desired dimensions directly from the casting line. An arrangement of the invention may comprise a sheet former, a casting line, and a shredding assembly, all of which function as a single unit. The shredding assembly, itself a unique arrangement, first slices the incoming sheet of cheese into ribbons, and then cuts each of these ribbons to length. The sheet of cheese may be sliced into ribbons by passing the cheese through a pair of rollers having grooves or slots machined into their surfaces, the width of the slots corresponding to the desired width of the cheese ribbons. The cheese ribbons are presented to a plurality of transversely mounted elongate blades, each of which revolves about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Orville C. Fager, Scott G. Andrews, Dennis R. Ferdon, David James Garnett, Matthew Taylor Stenzel
  • Patent number: 5720990
    Abstract: A wire separator apparatus for a food sheeter includes motor driven feed spools of separator wire, the separator wire being suspended from wire pulleys across the face of a roller. Motor driven take-up spools collect separator wire dispensed from the feed spools as the separator wire is automatically moved across the face of a roller. A fresh section of separator wire is continuously drawn across the roller, substantially eliminating wire breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lawrence Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Clay Lawrence, James Merril
  • Patent number: 5695791
    Abstract: In an apparatus for producing foamed plastics parts, a closed mold (1) is filled with polymer molding compound and, after the elapse of a reaction time, the finished part is removed. A plurality of identical molds (1) run on mold carriers (5) through a production installation. For the purpose of reducing the production outlay, a demolding device (11) shared by all the molds (1) is brought into operative connection successively with the molds (1) and in each case one mold (1) is opened. The movements required in this operation are executed by the demolding device (11). An unlocking unit (19) and a swiveling unit (20) of the demolding device (11) are brought into engagement with the mold (1) by a positioning unit (21), after which the mold (1) is unlocked and one mold half (1a) of the mold (1) is swung open. For unlocking the mold (1), the latter is raised against spring force and a positive locking is brought out of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Baumann, deceased, Johann Nikolitsch, Manfred Genz
  • Patent number: 5693348
    Abstract: A disc molding die includes a stationary-side mirror block disposed on a stationary die, a movable-side mirror block disposed on a movable die and facing the stationary-side mirror block so as to define a cavity in combination with the stationary-side mirror block, and a cavity ring disposed on the radially outer side of one of the stationary-side mirror block and the movable-side mirror block so as to define the outer circumferential edge of each disc substrate. The portion of the cavity ring facing the cavity is roughened. When resin is charged into a cavity, very small spaces are formed between the resin and the inner circumferential surface of the cavity ring, due to the roughened portion of the cavity ring facing the cavity. Therefore, the release resistance during die opening or releasing can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignees: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Sakamoto, Takehiko Kitamura, Akira Hatano
  • Patent number: 5693346
    Abstract: A system for unnesting a molded hardboard from a cavity die includes an air nozzle which directs a jet of air at a lower corner edge of the die. The air jet slightly lifts the board from the die to enable a loader tray to engage the edge of the board and push the board out of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Dull, Leo Wills, Jerry Mott
  • Patent number: 5690973
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating individual contact lens mold assemblies that each contain a contact lens mold between a front curve mold half and a back curve mold half, each of the mold halves having annular circumferential flanges, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first device for applying steam at a first temperature to the back curve mold half to form a temperature gradient ranging from about 2.5.degree. C. to 6.0.degree. C. between the back curve mold half relative to the front curve mold half, and, a second device including a set of pry tools that are inserted between the circumferential flanges of the front mold and back mold halves of the contact lens mold assembly, the pry tools including a first set of pry fingers for retaining the front curve mold half and a second set of pry fingers for biasing the back curve mold half upwardly at a predetermined force with respect to the front curve mold half to effectively remove the back mold half therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ture Kindt-Larsen, Stephen Robert Beaton, Wallace Anthony Martin, Stephen Craig Pegram, Craig William Walker
  • Patent number: 5688541
    Abstract: In a multi-cavity molding apparatus that includes a cavity part having a plurality of cavity sections that is combined with a core part having a plurality of cores to define a plurality of mold cavities therebetween, and a plurality of locking rings respectively disposed around a plurality of the cores for engagement with respective cavity sections when the core part is combined with the cavity part, a cavity shield is attached to the cavity part to prevent molded products ejected from the mold cavities from entering spaces between the cavity sections of the cavity part and a core shield is attached to the core part to help prevent the ejected products from entering spaces between the cores of the core part. The cavity shield and the core shield thereby respectively limit obstruction by the cavity part and the core part of removal of the ejected products from the space between the cavity past and the core part. The core shield includes more than the ejection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Ventures
    Inventors: Paul Philip Brown, Jens Ole Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5686548
    Abstract: Polymers which form ultrathin, chemically adherent, anisotropic films on substrate surfaces impart useful properties to the surface. The polymers can be functionalized with any of a wide array of side chains and groups to impart properties and/or uses to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Research Corporation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Grainger, Fang Sun
  • Patent number: 5686549
    Abstract: Polymers which form ultrathin, chemically adherent, anisotropic films on substrate surfaces impart useful properties to the surface. The polymers can be functionalized with any of a wide array of side chains and groups to impart properties and/or uses to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Research Corporation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Grainger, Fang Sun
  • Patent number: 5681595
    Abstract: A motion transfer mechanism has an elongated track upon which ride transfer mechanisms, to translate relative movements of the track into precise actuation of one or a plurality of transfer mechanisms. The track is of substantially unlimited length, in relation to the machine with which it is used, such as the press of a stacked injection mold, so as not to limit access to, or the range of motion of the press or other machine. The transfer mechanisms each rides upon the track, such that they can freely traverse its full length. The track has one or more spiral portions in its length, to translate relative longitudinal displacement into rotational movement. The angle of spiral can be varied, with local changes in angle, on order to achieve desired rates of acceleration, deceleration and periods of dwell in the operation of the output mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Nick Travaglini
  • Patent number: 5679385
    Abstract: An apparatus for causing the polymerized excess monomer to separate from a molded lens by increasing the surface energy of the flange area of one mold piece, causing the polymerized excess monomer to stick thereto. Specifically when manufactured under inert atmosphere conditions, a particular manifold is needed to supply an oxygen bearing gas, air, to the area to be treated while preventing the oxygen from contaminating the lens manufacturing area of the molds or diluting the nitrogen atmosphere of other lens process areas. It has been found that generation of the ionized oxygen by means of a corona treatment electrode sufficiently increases the adherence of the polymer to the mold piece so treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Patrick Adams, Edmund C. Rastrelli, John C. Heaton, Kenneth John Weber, Thomas John Wagner
  • Patent number: 5662949
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention, useful for removing articles cut from a sheet of flexible material include a gas transmissive conveyor belt that is brought into proximity to the exposed surface of the articles, a suction roll which backs the conveyor belt and has an internal vacuum and passageways for exposing said vacuum to the outer surface of the suction roll in configurations corresponding the leading portions of the articles, and means for causing the passageways to register substantially with the leading regions of the articles. Embodiments may also include passageways which are arcuately arrayed in groups, a cylindrical cutter roll for cutting out the articles from the sheet as it is being transported by a carrier surface, and/or a carrier surface in the form of a roll face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Roberto Gonzales Barrera
    Inventors: Manuel Jesus Rubio, Ramiro Montelongo
  • Patent number: 5654017
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for molding lead frames. The apparatus has a mold formed by two mold halves. An assembly for introducing a lead frame into one of the mold halves, an assembly for carrying encapsulating material into the cavities of the mold and an assembly for removing an encapsulated product from the mold are arranged on a carriage movable along a guide relative to the mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Fico B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hendrikus Johannes Harmsen
  • Patent number: 5645863
    Abstract: An apparatus for de-molding sanitary ware castings from porous molds, and in particular, from synthetic resin molds, comprising a carriage capable of traveling on rails parallel to the plane of the opening of a mold. The carriage moves to and from a position between separated mold parts of the mold and a position outside of the mold. The carriage includes an upper frame structure capable of displacement in a direction at right angles to the rails, on which is mounted at least one form capable of matching, at least in part, the outward shape of the piece to be molded. The mold is connected to the upper structure by an intermediate means of variable geometry so as to allow a range of motion. A pneumatic means is included to retain the form in contact with the cast piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Giorgio Cuman, Delfino Rovere
  • Patent number: 5643615
    Abstract: Die presses containing removable dies and arranged in a row for operating successively on a workpiece which traverses such row utilize movable die carts which not only are capable of substituting one set of dies for the dies in the presses, but which also effect transfer of workpieces between successive presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Atlas Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Austin
  • Patent number: 5639488
    Abstract: There is disclosed a molding apparatus which includes an ejector pin (16) having, at its forward end, an ejecting portion (33) permitted to abut against an end surface of a tubular elastic resin product (28) and gradually flaring out toward a forward end thereof, and an annular recess (9) for receiving an annular edge portion (26), whereby the tubular elastic resin product (28) is released from a cavity (22) without damages to a base portion of the annular edge portion (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Nakano, Masatoshi Nagata, Junichi Shoudai
  • Patent number: 5631029
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming compacts having reduced elephant's feet effect is disclosed. The apparatus includes a press for dry bag isostatic pressing, the press body having a cavity with at least one open end formed therein, an elastic mould, operatively positioned inside the cavity for compacting metal powder, means, operatively connected to the mould for expanding the mould and compacting the metal powder, and at least one press member having a base section substantially normal to the cavity and an insert section extending from base section into the cavity, the insert section being formed in the shape of any one of a plurality of geometric shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bernard P. Bewlay, Dennis J. Dalpe
  • Patent number: 5614232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a fastener member having a base and a plurality of headed stems arranged in columns and rows and projecting from the base. The fastener member is formed by injection molding a molten material into a base mold, sacrificial stem mold and head mold, wherein the material is solidified. After the base mold and head mold are removed, the stem mold may be removed to release the fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
    Inventors: Shinji Torigoe, Jiro Hattori, Akimitsu Takagi
  • Patent number: 5609890
    Abstract: For injection molding of tooth brushes from two different molding material components with tufts of bristles incorporated in the head portions of the brush bodies a molding machine is proposed which includes a tuft loading station, a first injecting station associated with the first material component and a second injecting station associated with the second material component. In one or each injecting station, the stationary molding block has a recess, and a movable mold insert part fits into this recess to complete the stationary mold block. The movable mold insert part is provided with tuft insertion holes and can be transferred to the tuft feeding station where tufts of bristles are loaded into the tuft insertion holes so that they have their inner ends projecting into the mold cavity portion defined by the movable mold insert part. Production of tooth brushes is a continuous sequence of tuft loading and injecting steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: G.B. Boucherie N.V.
    Inventor: Bart G. Boucherie
  • Patent number: 5601855
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing shredded food products, such as cheese, is disclosed. The method and apparatus permits the production of cheese shreds to be accomplished in a unified operation wherein a sheet of cheese is produced and that sheet of cheese is cut to desired dimensions directly from the casting line. An arrangement of the invention may comprise a sheet former, a casting line, and a shredding assembly, all of which function as a single unit. The shredding assembly, itself a unique arrangement, first slices the incoming sheet of cheese into ribbons, and then cuts each of these ribbons to length. The sheet of cheese may be sliced into ribbons by passing the cheese through a pair of rollers having grooves or slots machined into their surfaces, the width of the slots corresponding to the desired width of the cheese ribbons. The cheese ribbons are presented to a plurality of transversely mounted elongate blades, each of which revolves about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Orville C. Fager, Scott G. Andrews, Dennis R. Ferdon, David J. Garnett, Matthew T. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 5597505
    Abstract: A hole form apparatus for use in forming and/or maintaining a hole or cavity in environments which would otherwise tend to close the hole, functions for example in maintaining holes cut in ice, or for making holes or cavities in other solidifying liquids or mixtures, such as concrete, or in compactable materials such as soil. The form has a tubular body that is hollow and tapered so that it is narrower at the bottom, which is closed, than at the top. Disposed within the body is a weight connected to a shaft which extends axially through the top surface of the tube to a handle attached at its end. The form is removable from a formed hole by pulling forcefully on the handle, causing the weight to strike the inside top surface of the tube in one embodiment, or a removable strike plate in a second embodiment. This impact and the shock it causes, working together with the tapered shape of the tube and its smooth surface enable the tube to be broken free from the walls of the formed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Donald H. Koenig, Myron N. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5593709
    Abstract: A moldplate, defining first and second planar surfaces, is constructed to have a lift foot that supports a prefabricated panel for lifting and transport. The moldplate includes support tabs that attach to a lifting truss in a manner that positions one surface of the moldplate so that a vector normal to the mold surface has a horizontal component and an upward, vertical component to support the slabs during lifting and transport to a drying station. The moldplate can be positioned in spaced, confronting, generally parallel vertical relation to a fixed, planar surface with a peripheral sidewall positioned between the two surfaces, defining a void for receiving a pourable material to vertically form the prefabricated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Consorcio Can-Tico, S.A.
    Inventors: Donald W. Thomson, Frank B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5569476
    Abstract: An apparatus for the injection moulding of synthetic products, comprising a die provided with a plurality of cavities, a discharge device and a robot device for receiving the products moulded in the cavities of the die and transferring those products to the discharge device, the robot device comprising at least two receiving plates, each capable of receiving a number of moulded products equal to at least once the number of cavities of the die, and a drive device for successively bringing the receiving plates into a receiving position next to the die, and for bringing a receiving plate from the receiving position into a take-over position and back again, in which take-over position the moulded products can be taken over from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Inter Tooling Services B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk van Manen, Hendrikus J. T. Albers
  • Patent number: 5565220
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for removing articles cut from a sheet of flexible material includes a gas transmissive conveyor belt that is brought into proximity to the exposed surface of the articles, a suction roll which backs the conveyor belt and has an internal vacuum and passageways for exposing said vacuum to the outer surface of the suction roll in configurations corresponding the leading portions of the articles, and means for causing the passageways to register substantially with the leading regions of the articles. Embodiments may also include passageways which are arcuately arrayed in groups, a cylindrical cutter roll for cutting out the articles from the sheet as it is being transported by a carrier surface, and/or a carrier surface in the form of a roll face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Roberto Gonzales Barrera
    Inventors: Manuel J. Rubio, Ramiro Montelongo
  • Patent number: 5562928
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for molding an indicating member includes a plurality of molding die portions. The indicating member includes a transparent section, which is formed by injection molding a transparent resin, and an opaque section, which is formed by injection molding an opaque resin. The transparent section has a base portion and an elevated portion that projects from the base portion to form an indicia. The opaque section is formed over the upper surface of the base portion of the transparent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Marui Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ando, Sadahisa Ando
  • Patent number: 5558007
    Abstract: This is an invention of a machine for making a thin and continuous food wrapping sheet from a batter. The machine includes a first rotating drum which has a heating surface. The machine further includes a batter spreading opening located near the first rotating drum for spreading the batter on the heating surface on the first rotating drum for forming a food wrapping sheet on the heating surface. The wrapping sheet hanging downwardly along a tangential direction from the heating surface. The machine further includes a second rotating drum and a conveying guide tube for receiving the wrapping sheet from the first rotating drum and for transporting the wrapping sheet to the second rotating drum for wrapping around a sheet collecting surface on the second rotating drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Yoke K. Mo, deceased, by Ngoc U. Mo, legal heir
  • Patent number: 5554396
    Abstract: A molding machine has a mold material supply device, a die setting device, a separating device and a deburring device. The supply device includes a mold material feeding device, an extruding device for receiving a mold material from the mold material feeding device and extruding the mold material so as to form an extruded mold material, a cutting device for cutting the extruded mold material, and a transfer device for receiving the extruded mold material from the cutting device and transferring the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Takefumi Kato, Shigeru Morita, Kiminori Sato
  • Patent number: 5543217
    Abstract: Amorphous tetrafluoroethylene copolymers having a hexafluoropropylene content up to 29 mol % with the hexafluoropropylene units being uniformly distributed throughout the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5527174
    Abstract: An insert moulding system in which a movably mounted tool head loads inserts into the mould and unloads moulded articles from the mould. The tool head has sensors and an article position and retaining structure on a load face thereof for each of a number of insert pieces to be incorporated in the moulded articles. The operation is computer controlled and the sensors on the tool head sense at least one characteristic of each insert piece thereon, e.g. flatness and generate a signal in response to such characteristic being outside of specification which renders inoperative the moulding process until the offending insert piece is replaced by one meeting specification. Position locators have inter-engageable portions respectively on the tool head and the fixed in position mould positively to locate the movable head and fixed mould in a predetermined fixed relation relative to one another during cycle after cycle of operation providing precision injection moulding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Falcon Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Edmond J. Godin, John Fawcett
  • Patent number: 5511961
    Abstract: A machine for manufacturing cotton candy balls includes a plurality of suspended rotatable spindles in surrounding external relationship to a spinning or flossing head and in internal relationship to a tub. As liquid sugar/floss is emitted from slots of the spinning head and impinges upon the rotating spindles, a cotton candy ball is formed on each spindle. An ejector is associated with each spindle and descends vertically to simultaneously downwardly eject the cotton candy balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: John T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5451155
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for manufacturing registration carriers provided with an injection molding device and with two holders supporting molding plates, which are adjustable with respect to each other between a first position, in which said molding plates bound a mold cavity, into which a material is injected by the injection molding device during operation so as to form the registration carrier, and a second position, in which the molding plates have been moved some distance apart with a view to removing the registration carrier formed. Transport means are provided on either side of the injection molding device, to move a holder supporting a molding plate from a position located at some distance from the injection molding device to a position suitable for cooperation with the injection molding device, and/or from a position suitable for cooperation with the injection molding device to a position located at some distance from the injection molding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Od & Me B.V.
    Inventors: Ronaldus J. C. M. Kok, Gerardus A. J. M. Van Leeuwen, Joery J. Sinkeldam
  • Patent number: 5447426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved take-off plate device for removing molded articles from a molding machine and delivering them to a transfer or receiving station. The device of the present invention includes a plate, one or more tubes mounted to the plate for receiving molded articles, and one or more ejector bars for engaging portions of the molded articles to remove or eject them from the tubes. Each of the tubes is provided with a cooling passageway for effecting cooling of the molded articles as they are moved between the molding machine and the receiving station. A bottom plug, which is in contact with the cooling passageway, is provided in each tube to more efficiently cool an end portion of the molded article in the tube. Preferably, the bottom plug has an end surface which matches the shape of the molded article end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Dieter Gessner, Thomas M. McGinley