By Movable Mold Sections Patents (Class 425/441)
  • Patent number: 7156645
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks that is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly comprises a plurality of liner plates and a gear drive assembly. Each liner plate has a major surface and the liner plates are configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable. The gear drive assembly is selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and is configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate in a first direction toward an interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a second direction different from the first direction, and to move the liner plate in a direction away from the interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a direction opposite the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ness Inventions, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Ness
  • Patent number: 7153125
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 7125237
    Abstract: Tooling for molding with keys for the production of air intakes without clips of substantially tubular shape, comprises a self-supporting mandrel with keys comprising at least three sectors in the form of panels, namely at least two articulated sectors (3) retractable toward the center of the mandrel and a key sector independent from the other sectors and insertable between these latter, thereby, by abutment, to define, by their external surfaces, a continuous surface corresponding to the internal surface of the air intake, elements to lock in abutted position the sectors, and a control device, disconnectable from the mandrel, of the relative displacement of the movable sectors to place them either in a molding position by abutment of the sectors, or in an unmolding position by retraction of the sectors toward the interior of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Michel Buge, Jacques Lalane, Alain Porte, Eric Rambaud
  • Patent number: 7121823
    Abstract: A Mold assembly for forming a plastic article includes a fixed plate, a female mold, a male mold, a first sliding mechanism, a second sliding mechanism, a following block, a threaded pole, and a shaft. The male mold defines a slot. The first sliding mechanism includes a first slider received in the slot and a first inclined pin secured to the fixed plate. The second sliding mechanism includes a second slider received in the slot and a second inclined pin secured to the female mold. A molding cavity is formed in the second slider. The following block for withstanding the second slider is fixed to the female mold. The threaded pole is inserted into the molding cavity for forming an internal thread of the plastic article. An end of the shaft is connected to a driver and the other end is connected to the threaded pole to bring it rotation. While opening the mold assembly, firstly, the first inclined pin pushes the first slider sliding rearward to allow the threaded pole unscrewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihyu Chen, Lobo Wang
  • Patent number: 7104781
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a die having a fixed mold and a moveable mold disposed to face with each other. A frame structure is detachably provided on the outer surfaces of the fixed mold and the moveable mold, that is, opposite to the surface of the cavity defined by the fixed mold and the moveable mold. Each frame that constitutes the frame structure has a shape that can be combined together. One of frames provided on the fixed mold or the moveable mold is fixed thereto in a die clamping direction or a direction perpendicular thereto. The frame is fixed to the fixed mold of the die, leaving a predetermined gap in the direction perpendicular to that for fixing the frame structure to the die. The pressurizing mechanism that applies a pressing force in the direction other than for fixing the frame structure to the die. The hydraulic control mechanism is employed as the pressurizing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Iwata, Yoshiharu Isoshima
  • Patent number: 7104774
    Abstract: A mold assembly wherein a cavity for molding is defined by primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements and a supplemental core element, the primary mold cavity and primary mold core elements are carried by first and second mating mold components and the supplemental core element is carried by a slide moveable transversely relative to the direction of motion of the mating mold components. The slide is supported by the first mating mold component and has an opening therein for engaging an actuating pin supported by the second mating mold component at an angle oblique to the parting line face of the second mating mold component. The actuating pin is removably retained in a support opening in the parting line face of the second mating mold component by means accessible from the second mating mold component parting line face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventor: Joseph Buttigieg
  • Patent number: 7029265
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous and nondestructive production of plastic panels which are provided with undercut anchoring studs, web profiles or other forms of attachment (28) on one or both surfaces comprises a temperature-controlled chill roll (11), which has peripheral cooling bores (15) in the roll body (17). The roll body (17) is formed at the circumference as a polygon with flat supporting surfaces (25), against which the molding/demolding strips (13) are placed or from which they are lifted. The molding/demolding strips (13) are moved by means of piston/cylinder arrangements (16) and piston rods (18). The piston rods (18) move through transverse bores through the roll body (17). The melt is filled into molds (27) of the molding/demolding strips (13) by the counterpressure between the shaping roll (11) and a counterroll (10) and is cooled down. During the filling of the molds (27), the molding/demolding strips (13) are pressed against the flat faces of the roll body (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Alois Gruber GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Plammer
  • Patent number: 6814564
    Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Stanley Baker, Kenneth James Simmons, John Gardner Fuller
  • Publication number: 20040178321
    Abstract: A mold used to form a magnetic member includes a mold body having a mold opening, a mold support that supports the mold cavity, and a mold insert. The mold insert is disposed in the mold opening of the mold body to form a mold cavity. The mold insert is coated with a coating to protect the mold body from chemical attack and abrasive wear of the mold material. The coating comprises an electroless nickel layer formed on or over the mold insert, and a chromium nitride layer formed on or over the electroless nickel layer. The mold insert can be formed of beryllium-copper (Be—Cu).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Mastro, Christopher D. Blair, Jennifer R. Wagner, Jay Schneider
  • Patent number: 6779996
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically casting separately molded bowl and rim members and then connecting them together while both are in an upside down position. During the connection of the rim to the bowl, the bowl is preferably supported on two opposing sides by the mold. These procedures reduce deformation of the cast bowl while it is still in a “greenware” condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Walter S. Bergquist, Frank P. Williams, Harold A. Teague
  • Patent number: 6767201
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing plastics items provided with external undercuts, comprising at least one compression molding unit, which is composed of an upper male mold part comprising a plug and of a lower female mold part aligned, along a vertical axis, with the male mold part, means for actuating the mold parts between a spaced position, at which a dose of plastics sufficient to form an item is deposited in the female mold part, and a mating position for producing the compression molding of an item, the male mold part comprising a plug and an ejector that is associated with the plug in order to remove the molded item when the mold parts are in the spaced position, further comprising a bushing that is arranged externally and coaxially to the plug, a plurality of sectors for forming raised portions and undercuts on the outer surface of the item, the sectors being coupled axially to the bushing and being able to expand with respect to the plug, means for actuating the sectors between a position that produces
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Zeno Zuffa
  • Publication number: 20040137104
    Abstract: A demolding device includes a support attached to a molding assembly for forming a wax pattern, a rod, a connecting member, and a lever. A first end of the rod is attached to a molding rod for forming the wax pattern. The connecting member has a first end fixed to the support and a second end. The lever has an end pivotally connected to the second end of the rod and the second end of the connecting member. The lever is pivotable between a first position in which the molding rod is moved into the mold assembly and a second position in which the molding rod is moved out of the mold assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: FU SHENG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuang Ping Lu
  • Patent number: 6758533
    Abstract: In a wheel for a motor vehicle, the existing hollow spaces are filled with residual cores. These cores are made of a metallic foam or are of shell-shaped bodies or shell-shaped bodies filled with metallic foam. The cores are arranged in closed and open hollow spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Frank Hummel, Jens Stach
  • Publication number: 20040084809
    Abstract: Servo side shuttle apparatus and method for a molding machine includes structure and/or steps whereby a shuttle plate is disposed adjacent at least one of a first mold half and a second mold half of the molding machine. A guidance assembly is coupled to the mold half and guides the shuttle plate linearly across a molding face of the mold half. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the shuttle plate in a linear direction. An operation structure is coupled to the shuttle plate and is configured to perform an operation on a molded article disposed either in the mold cavity or on the mold core. The operation may include removing the molded article from a mold core, applying a label to a mold cavity, and/or closing the lid of a molded article while it is resident on the mold core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Vanderploeg, Jacek Kalemba, Nicholas Seston
  • Patent number: 6713111
    Abstract: A method of operating a multiple row molding apparatus provides greatly increased production of food patty machines. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold plate having front and back cavities in longitudinal and transverse alignment. When the mold plate is at a retracted position, multiple fill slots enable flow of the food product from a manifold simultaneously to all the cavities. At an extended position, all the patties are ejected simultaneously by a knockout mechanism. The fill slots may be either one long fill slot, or multiple short fill slots in communication with respective cavities. In a modified method, food product flows through a single fill slot and communicates only with the front cavities when the mold plate is in its retracted position. As the mold plate advances toward its extended position, the row of back cavities passes over the fill slot and enables the food product to flow into the back cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tomahawk Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Tournour, Richard A. Payne
  • Publication number: 20030190385
    Abstract: An improved mold tool for use in molding machines comprising a mold tool having a core and a stripper sleeve which move in vertical relation to one another for stripping a threaded molded part, the improvement comprising a race on one of said core or said stripper sleeve, a rotating stripper bushing which rotates within said stripper sleeve in relation to said race so that the vertical movement between said stripper sleeve and said core results in rotation of said rotating stripper bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Richard B. Niese
  • Patent number: 6604934
    Abstract: A plastic injection mold is disclosed for molding a cylindrical container having an enlarged annular rim and an annular flange spaced below the rim. The mold includes a core portion and a cavity portion which define therebetween the container to be molded. The core portion includes an inner, annular ejector ring defining a portion of the enlarged container rim. The core portion also includes an outer, annular ejector ring coaxially located adjacent to the inner ejector ring. Axially movable first push rods are connected to the inner ejector ring for moving both rings outwardly to partially eject a molded container upon opening of the mold. The core portion also includes cylinders and pistons connected to the outer ejector ring for separating and moving the outer ejector ring outwardly relative to the inner ejector ring to complete the ejection of the molded container from the mold core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Top Grade Molds Ltd.
    Inventors: Vince Ciccone, Jerko Knezovic
  • Publication number: 20030141631
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a track formed from a circumferentially continuous belt made of elastomeric material and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being provided with a plurality of drive blocks uniformly arranged on the circumference, the process comprising a step in which an inner mold (10) formed by first and second die-halves (11, 12) is assembled, the two die-halves being able to be moved relative to each other in the axial direction to come into contact with each other on a joint surface. The inner mold (10) comprises a radially external laying surface (100) provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced cavities (103) for molding the drive blocks, each cavity being delimited in the axial direction by two side walls (111, 121), the joint surface (13) of the two die-halves (11, 12) being axially closer to one side wall than to the other side wall. A device for stripping the track from the inner and outer molds is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Gilbert Menard, Gilbert Gauthier
  • Patent number: 6589044
    Abstract: Specially conceived for slides (1) which run along a track (2), having a housing (4) which is slanted in relation to the said track, a housing in which a guide (3) operates, also slanted, in a way that during the entrance of the guide, the slide (1) moves in one direction on the track (2) and on exiting it does so in the opposite direction, the retainer consists of a rod (5) which is housed in an orifice (6) of the slide perpendicular to the track (2) and which lines up with a blind orifice (10) on the track, precisely at the moment when the guide (3) exits the slide (1), the rod being aided by a spring (11) which tends to cause it to protrude constantly on the track (2) and against whose spring operates a rocker arm (14) which, also tending to enter the housing (4) of the slide, is activated by the same guide (3) when it is located in the housing of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Alberto Navarra-Pruna
  • Patent number: 6585508
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing threaded caps comprises a plurality of compression molding assemblies which are arranged on a rotating carousel and comprise an upper male mold half and a lower female mold half. The male mold half comprises a tubular element, a sleeve guided coaxially to said tubular element, and a punch guided in the tubular element and having a helical slot for forming the thread of the cap. The punch enters the female mold half and produces, together with it, the cap through compression of a dose of plastic material deposited in the female mold half. After the spacing of the punch from the female mold half, the removal of the cap from the punch occurs by way of a removal device, which comprises a ring gear associated with the sleeve and provided with a collar in sliding contact on the punch, a rod which can slide axially in a seat of the carousel and supports a gear meshing with the ring gear and connected to a motor drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Zeno Zuffa
  • Patent number: 6558150
    Abstract: The method of moving a turntable in an apparatus for molding and punching out containers from a thermoplastic plastic foil by a differential pressure is to be executed such that relatively-small gravitational forces occur as the end positions of the pivoting movement are approached. In this way, the apparatus can be operated with a high stroke number, and not necessitate complicated curved paths. This is attained through the reduction of the distance between the center of gravity of the unit comprising the turntable and the lower tool half and a fixed pivot point in the first half of the pivoting angle during the pivoting of the turntable, with the distance being increased again in the second half of the pivoting angle. This change in position supports the accelerating or braking of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Adolf Illig Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Karbach
  • Publication number: 20030008033
    Abstract: The spring plunger of the present invention comprises: a body; a stopping portion for stopping the body; a pin whose projection height from the surface of a plate is to be precisely decided; a spring connected with the pin, and spring stopper for fig the end of the spring. When the stopping portion contacts a pit surface provided on the surface of the plate, the body of the spring plunger does not proceed any more in the female screw in the plate. Thus, the pin projection height from the surface of the plate is kept constant. According to the present invention, the pin projection height from a surface of an object body such as a mold surface can be controlled easily and precisely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Koichiro Takai
  • Patent number: 6503073
    Abstract: A method and system for casting a thermoset layer over a golf ball precursor product is disclosed herein. The system includes multiple stations connected by a conveyor system. The thermoset flowable material is dispensed into a plurality of cavities on each of the mold halves. A plurality of golf ball precursor products are then centered and inserted into the first mold half cavities. The mold halves are mated, heated and cooled. Then, at a de-molding station, the mold halves are separated and the thermoset layered golf balls are removed from the second mold half. A preferred thermoset material is a thermoset polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Gary G. Marshall, Pijush K. Dewanjee
  • Patent number: 6499983
    Abstract: A method and system for casting a thermoset layer over a golf ball precursor product is disclosed herein. The system includes multiple stations connected by a conveyor system. The thermoset flowable material is dispensed into a plurality of cavities on each of the mold halves. A plurality of golf ball precursor products are then centered and inserted into the first mold half cavities. The mold halves are mated, heated and cooled. Then, at a de-molding station, the mold halves are separated and the thermoset layered golf balls are removed from the second mold half. A preferred thermoset material is a thermoset polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Gary G. Marshall, Pijush K. Dewanjee
  • Publication number: 20020197428
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Publication number: 20020153636
    Abstract: A mold used to form a magnetic member includes a mold body having a mold opening, a mold support that supports the mold cavity, and a mold insert. The mold insert is disposed in the mold opening of the mold body to form a mold cavity. The mold insert is coated with a coating to protect the mold body from chemical attack and abrasive wear of the mold material. The coating comprises an electroless nickel layer formed on or over the mold insert, and a chromium nitride layer formed on or over the electroless nickel layer. The mold insert can be formed of beryllium-copper (Be—Cu).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Mastro, Christopher D. Blair, Jennifer R. Wagner, Jay Schneider
  • Publication number: 20020146482
    Abstract: A stripper assembly is provided for stripping a mold part from a core, extending from a core part of an injection mold where the core part has core lock wedges which is disposed thereabout for engaging a corresponding mold cavity and resisting outward movement of an outer edge of the mold cavity. The core lock wedges are spaced apart to provide respective openings between adjacent ends of the adjacent wedges. A stripper plate extends about the core and has acutator attachment regions extending through the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Robert F. Rick
  • Publication number: 20020146483
    Abstract: Stripper assembly for an injection molding machine comprising at least one slide pair having a first slide and a second slide and actuation means operatively coupled to said first slide for moving the first slide in a first direction. According to an important aspect of the invention, the stripper assembly further comprises transmission means operatively coupled to said first slide and said second slide for transforming the movement of the first slide in the first direction in a movement of the second slide in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Arnold Mai, Philippe Jean Alphonse Seyler
  • Patent number: 6450795
    Abstract: The vertically reciprocable eject head at the finished article eject station of a molding machine has a row of cylindrical eject cores that project downwardly from the head during operation. From time-to-time, the eject cores must be replaced with a different set of cores having a different spacing and number. A universal mounting plate forming part of the quick change apparatus of the eject head has an elongated through slot extending longitudinally along the length of the universal plate that receives the eject cores but does not establish their position. One or more adaptor plates detachably fastened to the bottom side of the universal plate has a row of holes therein that register with the receiving slot of the mounting plate so as to establish the number and location of eject cores that can be carried by the eject head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: R & D Tool & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Randal L. Fields, Vladimir Feldman
  • Publication number: 20020127298
    Abstract: An adjustable cam track for a mold assembly including a first mold portion, a second mold portion movable with respect to the first mold portion, a third mold portion movably interposed between the first and second portions and having at least one pair of space defining surfaces which together with the first and second mold portions defines in a closed position space for receiving plastic material to form at least one molded article. The adjustable cam track includes a guide coupled to the second mold portion, the guide defining a first portion of the adjustable cam track and a cam insert including a second portion of the adjustable cam track defining a point of release of the molded article from the space defining surfaces, the cam insert being adjustably positionable with respect to the guide to adjust the point of release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin R. Harrison, Jeffrey P. Roark
  • Patent number: 6432334
    Abstract: In an extraction method for a casting mold with a plurality of mold parts which can be displaced by electric motors, the electric motors are activated as a function of values deposited in a memory. The values represent required values for the respective positions of the mold parts. By this means, molded parts with complicated shapes can be extracted, with particularly small structural requirements, from the casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Dieter Keller
  • Publication number: 20020089095
    Abstract: A mold assembly (100) formed of a pair of molds (102, 104) and a pair of release plates (118, 120). The molds (102, 104) have holes (126) which extend from outer surfaces into the mold cavities (106). The release plates (118, 120) have pins (122, 124) which pass into the holes (126, 128). When molding is finished, the molds (102, 104) are moved toward the release plates (118, 120). The pins (122, 124) contact the molded article(s) (134) and hold them in position as the molds (102, 104) are withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6416312
    Abstract: A compression molding apparatus includes a female mold half which receives a charge of molten plastic and a cooperating male plunger which compression molds the molten plastic into an article within the female mold half. A slide mold part is located between the male plunger and the female mold half. The slide mold part includes left and right slide mold halves which when brought into juxtaposition, define a central mold space. The left and right mold halves are slidable toward and away from each other, to form the central mold space and to open the central mold space respectively. The male portion is reciprocated downwardly to undertake the compression molding, and a cam mechanism is activated by the reciprocation to close the slide mold part during compression molding. The return stroke opens the slide mold part to allow removal of the molded article without stripping or unscrewing the molded article from the slide mold part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Heinz O. Gonser, Xiaoli Ma, Wendell Willingham
  • Publication number: 20020076466
    Abstract: A sequential mold lifter for a molded part forming device comprises at least first, second and third lifter segments that slidably engage one another. The first and third lifter sections are positioned on opposite sides of the second section and slide upwardly and inwardly on inclined lifter surfaces on the second lifter section. Separate actuators extend all of the lifter sections to a first extended position and then extend the first and third actuators upwardly and inwardly beyond the second actuator to a second extended position. The relative movement of the lifter sections dislodges the molded product from the mold and then dislodges the product from the lifter. The inclination of the actuators can vary with the positions of the lifter sections. Movable slides support the actuators but permit variation in the inclination of the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy A. Mowery, Mark S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6394786
    Abstract: The mold includes two die plates at least one backing plate held between the two die plates, and border at least one mold cavity, and a device for opening the mold and lifting the backing plate from the die plates. One die plate can be moved in one plane at right angles to the direction of motion of the backing plate and on this die plate there are ejectors for the injection moldings. The ejectors are offset laterally to the mold cavities in the backing plate, i.e. the ejectors in the closed state of the mold lie next to the mold cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Hefner Elastomere Verarbeitung GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Hefner
  • Publication number: 20020025359
    Abstract: Specially conceived for slides (1) which run along a track (2), having a housing (4) which is slanted in relation to the said track, a housing in which a guide (3) operates, also slanted, in a way that during the entrance of the guide, the slide (1) moves in one direction on the track (2) and on exiting it does so in the opposite direction, the retainer consists of a rod (5) which is housed in an orifice (6) of the slide perpendicular to the track (2) and which lines up with a blind orifice (10) on the track, precisely at the moment when the guide (3) exits the slide (1), the rod being aided by a spring (11) which tends to cause it to protrude constantly on the track (2) and against whose spring operates a rocker arm (14) which, also tending to enter the housing (4) of the slide, is activated by the same guide (3) when it is located in the housing of the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Alberto Navarra-Pruna
  • Patent number: 6345977
    Abstract: A lollipop comprises a ball of hard candy and an edible stick having a first end extending into a cavity in the ball. The stick comprises pressed candy and a multiplicity of confectionary chips interspersed in the pressed candy. The stick is preferably received into a plastic sleeve to provide a lollipop assembly in which the stick is protected from direct contact while the candy ball is being eaten. In the manufacture of the lollipop, a plurality of book molds are positioned in a line and linked together for simultaneous opening and closing. A plurality of nozzles inject hot syrup into the molds. When the syrup has cooled and the sticks have been anchored therein, the molds are inverted and opened to allow the lollipops to drop out. The manufacture operation is automated and synchronized for maximum efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Candy Novelty Works Ltd.
    Inventor: Pak Nin Chan
  • Patent number: 6328921
    Abstract: A method and system for de-molding golf balls having a casted layer is disclosed herein. The invention includes exerting a first lateral force against a top mold half of a mold assembly and exerting a second lateral force against a bottom mold half of the mold assembly to separate the mold assembly and de-mold the golf balls from the top mold half. Preferably, the mold assembly is used to form a thermoset polyurethane cover over a core and boundary layer. The bottom mold half may have a double tapered pin, or a retractable pin with a single taper. The method and system allow for hot de-molding of golf balls from the mold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Gary G. Marshall, Alan C. Bettencourt, Donn A. Wilber
  • Patent number: 6293779
    Abstract: A fish lure body has integral gussets that hold protruding fins at a predetermined angle to the lure central axis when the lure is moved through water. Molds and methods of molding soft plastic artificial fishing lures in which air is trapped in a blind cavity in a mold and compressed in such a cavity by molten plastic to a pressure that causes the compressed air to eject the finished lure from the mold when the mold is opened after the molten plastic hardens, and artificial fishing lures molded by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing, Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Herman P. Firmin
  • Patent number: 6283745
    Abstract: An injection mold for molding a spool with flanges at both ends of a shaft such that the inner wall surfaces of the flanges are not flawed, and the dimension between the flange inner wall surfaces is uniform and thus the flange inner wall surfaces are free from distortion, and further the cooling time is short and hence the molding cycle can be shortened. Two mold members for molding the outer periphery of the shaft of the spool and the inner wall surfaces of the flanges are formed of a material having relatively low thermal conductivity. A pair of mold members for molding the outer wall surfaces of the flanges are formed of a material having relatively high thermal conductivity at least at portions thereof that mold the outer wall surfaces of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010015341
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure formed from a plastics material is disclosed. The closure includes at top wall (3) and a downwardly depending skirt (5) that has an internal thread (7) adapted to engage an external thread (15) on a neck (13) of a container (11). The closure further includes a tamper evident member (9) which includes bridges (27) that connect the member to the skirt. The tamper evident member further includes a side wall that has a series of openings (21) and a plurality of tab members (33) which are connected to the side wall and extend upwardly and inwardly within a space defined by the closure and inwardly of the openings (as viewed from outside the closure). A mould assembly and a method of moulding the closure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip Higgins
  • Patent number: 6276923
    Abstract: This invention provides a compact, flat axial fan which is not limited by the shape of an incorporated rotor magnet and ensures a sufficiently large air flow and wind pressure, wherein the slide (under) piece of a mold that forms the under-molding portions of the vanes of the impeller of the axial fan is pulled out while being twisted (while performing a helical motion) in the direction of central axis of the base portion of the impeller, so that the mold can be formed simple to realize a multi-cavity mold, and the vanes can be formed into an ideal form by setting vane angles depending on different rotating peripheral velocities of the vanes, so that air can be supplied form the under-molding portions of the vanes to the vanes on the outer circumferential side during rotation of the impeller, a method of manufacturing an impeller for the axial fan, and a mold for manufacturing the impeller of the axial fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shingai, Yukihide Umeda
  • Patent number: 6261504
    Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Stanley Baker, Kenneth James Simmons, John Gardner Fuller, Steven Robert Hogarth
  • Patent number: 6254375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matrix for the production of a package trough having at least one undercut, consisting of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed serves as a mold for the undercut, and wherein said side part is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tiromat Kramer & Grebe GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Thomas, Rolf Blöcher, Celestino Inverardi
  • Patent number: 6247912
    Abstract: A spiral bevel gear having right and left tooth flanks having such a small pitch angle that either right or left ones are not seen in plan from the apex side of cone is molded by a powder molding device so as not to interfere with a die of the device when removed from the die. The die has teeth for molding and is rotatably supported. A fixed guide mechanism for guiding the die is provided. Guide portions of the guide mechanism have a predetermined lead so that the die is rotated guided by the guide portions when the molded article is punched out of the die. Thus, the teeth formed on the molded article reliably disengage from the teeth for molding. This makes it possible to reliably punch the molded article out of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Sugimoto, Jiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6210142
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a shelter from ice or snow. A slip form allows snow or ice to be formed in situ into building blocks that form the shelter. The slip form comprises two vertical side pieces and incorporates an end cap that holds the side pieces together and allows the slip form to separate upon impact rather than fracture. A telescoping pole is attached at one end to one of the side pieces of the slip form, and at the other end to a spike that is driven into the ground to provide a reference point for the construction of the shelter. The telescoping pole incorporates two or more sections. The first section comprises a series of predetermined apertures that receive a tab or pin integrated into the second section of the telescoping pole. The outer diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thus allowing the pole to retract by placing the second section into the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Edward A. Huesers, Guy A. Menge
  • Patent number: 6190600
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that forms a polymeric structure. The apparatus has a mold plate, a circular trench, a male and female interconnect, a vertical gap filler, and a cylinder. The mold plate has a predetermined geometric design. The circular trench is in the mold plate and the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the circular trench is a distance D. The male interconnect and the female interconnect are interspaced between each other. Each interconnect rotates within the circular trench and has a base and an interconnection portion. Each base has a width D and slidably mates to the mold plate. Each interconnect portion has a minimum width W which is less than D. The male interconnect portion protrudes downwards relatively from its base to a distance P, likewise the female interconnect portion protrudes upwards relatively from its base to a distance P. The vertical gap filler aligns with the circular trench and has a foundation and an extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Lipniarski
  • Patent number: 6139308
    Abstract: Multilayer meltblown fibrous webs, as well as apparatus and methods of forming the webs. The webs are produced on a rotating collector that also moves parallel to its longitudinal axis. The webs are thus formed in a helical process, and the resulting tubular web is separated in a direction parallel to a helix angle. By separating the tubular web in a direction parallel to the helix angle, a flat multilayer meltblown fibrous web is provided that allows for incorporation of feathered edges formed during the article's manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Berrigan, James F. Dyrud, Stanley C. Erickson, Luther E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6123539
    Abstract: A die assembly apparatus is provided with a plurality of die segments that move on guides from open to closed positions. Movement from the open to the closed positions for each die segment is along the path that extends inward toward a central axis and toward a base plate. A compression member provides a retaining force along the central axis to compress the die segments between limited surface areas at the top and bottom portions of the die segments. Molten wax is injected into an injection port so that the molten wax is first introduced into the die cavity at the bottom portion of the die cavity. Hydraulic actuators are used to move the die segments from the open to the closed positions and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel T. Miller
  • Patent number: 6120724
    Abstract: A mold stroke force is applied to the movable platen to move same between the mold open and mold closed position and from the mold closed to the mold open position. A mold break force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position to break open the mold. The mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold stroke force acts inside the mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold break force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre Glaesener