In Or On Work Confining Surface Patents (Class 425/446)
  • Patent number: 11871504
    Abstract: An electronic system includes an external jacket; a wall of an internal cavity that is to be cooled; at least one fixed connection fixing the external wall of the internal cavity that is to be cooled to the external jacket; a heat-transport fluid cooling circuit comprising grooves on the external surface of the wall of the internal cavity and a sleeve comprising a flexible portion positioned flush with the external surface of the external wall of the internal cavity, thereby forming mini-canals with said grooves; a radial extension of the wall of the internal cavity creating connecting points intended to hold the sleeve in place; and a space between the external jacket and the sleeve at the flexible portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Alberto Leggieri, François Legrand, Rodolphe Marchesin, Andrea Allio, Rosa Difonzo, Laura Savoldi
  • Patent number: 11673692
    Abstract: Methods of forming a curvature into a composite stiffener and a forming tool are presented. The composite stiffener is positioned in a forming region created by a base assembly and an upper assembly. A first airflow is applied through the material of the base assembly. A second airflow is applied through the material of the upper assembly. A plurality of brackets of the upper assembly is moved relative to each other to change a curvature of the forming region along a length of the forming region to form the curvature into the composite stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Y. Ahn, Davis Tran, Long Ly
  • Publication number: 20140367889
    Abstract: A tool (100) comprises a plurality of layers (102, 104, 106) which are arranged to provide a thermally agile tool face (110) and to protect control circuitry and delicate components (150) from excessive temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SURFACE GENERATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Ben Halford
  • Patent number: 8858210
    Abstract: The present invention features the present invention features a tablet including at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, wherein the shape of said tablet includes at least one major face wherein: (i) the peak penetration resistance at the perimeter of said major face of the tablet is at least about 10% greater than the peak penetration resistance at the center of said major face; and (ii) the tablet disintegrates in the mouth when placed on the tongue in less than about 30 seconds, and a machine and method for manufacture of such tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Szymczak, Frank J. Bunick, Harry S. Sowden, Joseph R. Luber, Leo B. Kriksunov
  • Patent number: 8801419
    Abstract: A cake decoration mold assembly includes a collapsible housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall. A shaft is positioned on a top edge of the perimeter wall of the collapsible housing such that the shaft extends between a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the perimeter wall of the collapsible housing. The shaft has a shaped cake decoration positioned on the shaft so the shaft may dry the shaped cake decoration. A roller is rollable over the cake decoration so the roller may flatten the cake decoration. A hook may be selectively coupled to the collapsible housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Ramona Oskirka
  • Patent number: 8784093
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for microreplication is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cooling unit that contains a bottom layer, a plurality of side walls, and an intermediate layer. The bottom layer has an outer perimeter, and the plurality of side walls surround the outer perimeter of the bottom layer. The intermediate layer is positioned between the bottom layer and an upper portion of the side walls. The intermediate layer may include a plurality of openings, which may either hold a device that dispenses cooling agents or be used for drainage of cooling agents. The method utilizes the apparatus after heating and pressing of a polymer film during microreplication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Rozenbaoum
  • Patent number: 8740603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a forming and cooling device for a flowable, melted food mass 1, more particularly processed cheese, comprising two parallel, oppositely rotating cooling belts 2, 3, which are each guided over an upper 4 and a lower 5 deflection roller and are separated from each other in order to form a continuous strip 6 of the food mass, wherein the cooling belts 2, 3 are each acted upon by a cooling fluid 7 on the side facing away from the strip, characterized in that a tubular supply channel 8 is formed at the upper region of each cooling belt 2, 3 and is equipped with a plurality of outlet conduits 9 arranged side by side, the central recess of which is cylindrically formed and by way of which a laminar, non-turbulent cooling-liquid stream 10 can be placed upon the cooling belt 2, 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hochland SE
    Inventors: Andreas Biggel, Franz Stadelmann
  • Patent number: 8721318
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing from heated plastic sheet material a molded siding product having a rough-textured surface includes a rotatable backing roll having an elastically deformable rim and an embossing element having a moveable embossing surface in compressive engagement with the backing roll. The circumferential surfaces of the backing roll and embossing surface define a contact patch and a nip point. A rough-textured pattern is impressed onto the heated plastic sheet material moved through the nip point. A supply of cooling liquid at least partially sets the heated plastic sheet material to retain an impression of the rough-textured pattern. Respective first and second guide rollers are located higher than the nip point and create a valley defined by the heated plastic sheet material, such that the cooling liquid is collected in a puddle on the heated plastic material proximate the nip point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. King
  • Publication number: 20140120192
    Abstract: A device 2 for producing a three-dimensional structural body comprising an accommodating plate 3 in which an accommodating recess portion 3a for accommodating a cell mass 1 is formed, a support body 4 provided with a plurality of needle-shaped bodies 6 penetrating the cell mass, a suction nozzle 19 for adsorbing/holding the cell mass, and moving means 20 for moving the suction nozzle. The suction nozzle is provided with a tubular adsorbing portion 19a for adsorbing/holding one cell mass, and a diameter of the adsorbing portion is formed smaller than an outer diameter of the cell mass and larger than an outer peripheral diameter of a needle-shaped body 6a of the support body 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Koichi Nakayama, Kenji Yoneda, Masahiro Sakamoto, Ichiro Koshida, Masaharu Shomura, Isao Fukamura
  • Publication number: 20140058060
    Abstract: A polyimide film which rarely undergoes the formation of bubbles, blisters or the like, even when heated to a high temperature; and a production method and a production apparatus for the polyimide film. The polyimide film production apparatus includes a support body, a cast furnace and a cure furnace, wherein the cure furnace is partitioned into multiple zones so that the temperature of a self-supporting film can be increased in a stepwise manner, and an infrared electric heater, which is disposed at a predetermined distance from the film, is arranged in a zone for heating the atmosphere of the self-supporting film to a temperature of 450° C. or higher on the upper surface side and/or the lower surface side of the self-supporting film. The polyimide production apparatus enables the production of a polyimide film which has a volatile content of 0.1 mass % or less after being heated at 450° C. for 20 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Takeshi Uekido
  • Patent number: 8500435
    Abstract: A system for the after-treatment of parisons (7) produced in an injection molding mold, comprising at least two after-treatment tools. To provide a system for the after-treatment of parisons produced in an injection molding mold, by means of which a plurality of after-treatment tools can be easily positioned, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that there is provided a positioning device for positioning the first after-treatment tool in at least one positioning direction, and the at least two after-treatment tools are connected together so that with the positioning device for positioning the first after-treatment tool at least one further after-treatment tool can be positioned by suitable positioning of the first after-treatment tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: MHT Mold Hotrunner Technology AG
    Inventors: Witold Neter, Helmut Thoemmes, Christian Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130154146
    Abstract: A sintering machine includes: a die configured to accommodate a processing object, and having a hole that extends from an outer side surface of the die toward inside of the die; a pressurizing member configured to apply a pressure on the processing object in the die; and a heating section configured to heat the processing object in the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SONY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20120301570
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for cooling a mold in a compression molding assembly, thereby enabling increased cycling speed and efficiency. Embodiments include a coolant flow path that transports a fluid coolant into and out of a cooling ring around the molding assembly's core. The coolant flow path may divide into several channels within the cooling ring. The coolant flow path may also include a series of stages with varying volumes or cross sectional areas designed to regulate the flow of coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: F&S Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20120280429
    Abstract: A crystal growth apparatus is disclosed comprising a crucible, optionally contained within a crucible box, on a crucible support block, wherein the bottom of the crucible, the bottom plate of the crucible box, if used, and/or the crucible support block comprise at least one cavity configured to circulate at least one coolant therein. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a crystalline material using the disclosed crystal growth apparatus as well as the resulting crystalline material, having larger overall grain sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: GT SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Bhuvaragasamy Ganesan Ravi, Santhana Raghavan Parthasarathy, David Lackey, Andre Andrukhiv, David Lyttle, Bala Bathey, Carl Chartier
  • Patent number: 8292611
    Abstract: The cooling assembly comprising several cooling pins (1) that are connected to the same fluid inlet. Each cooling pin (1) is adapted to cool a molded hollow plastic piece (P), and comprises a hollow blowing pipe (2) having a fluid inlet (20a) at one end and at least one fluid outlet (21a) at the opposite end, and fluid boosting means (3) for boosting by Venturi effect the cooling fluid flow at the inlet (20a) of the blowing pipe (2). The cooling assembly can be mounted on a molding machine, and in particular an injection molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: La Seda de Barcelona S.A.
    Inventors: Jan Deckers, Roald Duchateau
  • Publication number: 20120263820
    Abstract: A cooling sleeve for receiving a preform comprising a receiving cavity having a receiving opening so that a preform can be inserted into the receiving cavity, and a fluid passage arranged so that when the receiving opening is closed a fluid can be introduced into or removed from the receiving cavity by way of the fluid passage, wherein the cooling sleeve extends along a longitudinal axis and the fluid passage has a passage opening which is arranged near the longitudinal axis and which is arranged opposite the receiving opening. The cooling sleeve allows accelerated cooling of the sprue region of the preform without corresponding noses or markings being formed at the outside of the preform. Arranged in the fluid passage in the region of the passage opening is a support element having a support surface for contacting the preform when the preform is inserted into the cooling sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: MHT Mold & Hotrunner Technology AG
    Inventor: Helmut Thoemmes
  • Patent number: 8251686
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plastic molded collated fastener assembly includes a conveyor for carrying a plurality of fasteners in a horizontal plane defining an upper surface and a lower surface, a preheater for preheating the plurality of nails and a plastic collation molding station. The molding station includes injection nozzles for applying molten plastic to the upper surface of the fasteners and to the lower surface of the fasteners. The station further includes forming wheels including a holding section to, in cooperation with the conveyor, secure the fasteners. The wheels include a forming section to mold the molten plastic to the fasteners to form a collation having a collar encircling the fasteners' shanks and a connecting portion extending between the collars. The apparatus includes at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the fasteners and collations and at least one cooling spray nozzle to spray a cooling vapor onto the forming wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac H. Heskel, Lawrence S. Shelton, Donald E. Bergstrom, Michael J. Christensen, Algis P. Suopys, Eldrige J. Presnell, Joseph J. Righter, Jr., Richard W. Mrozik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8226401
    Abstract: Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Jim Olejarski, Joseph Roarty, Arthur W. Upmann, James A. Duggan
  • Publication number: 20120080817
    Abstract: An apparatus for tempering plastics material pre-forms with a tempering mould for tempering an outer wall of the plastics material pre-forms, wherein the tempering mould has at least one first mould part which is movable and wherein the first mould part contacts a first wall portion of the plastics material pre-form at least for a time, in order to temper this wall portion. The apparatus has a supply unit in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the tempering mould, and this supply unit has a holding device for holding the plastics material pre-forms as well as a movement device which, in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms into the tempering mould, produces a relative movement between the plastics material pre-form and at least one portion of at least one mould part in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastics material pre-form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Schmitt, Klaus Voth, Gerald Huettner, Michael Foerster, Lothar Martinsen
  • Patent number: 8108982
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tool for forming an article in a molding operation has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material, with a particulate material bonded to the body. The body provides a forming surface for forming the article. The particulate material, or the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for transfer of heat with the forming surface. In another embodiment, the tool has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material with a cavity and the particulate material is disposed within the cavity. A heat transfer material is disposed in the cavity bonding the particulate material to the tool body. Methods for manufacturing such tools are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Floodcooling Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Manuel, Thomas N. Greaves, Matthew T. Lowney, Michael Wasylenko
  • Patent number: 8062012
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing the shape of seals is provided. The apparatus includes an elastomer member that applies force onto the seal to change the size of the seal. An embodiment of the invention includes returning the seal to its original diameter by deforming the elastomer that is positioned about at least a portion of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventor: Greg Sabourin
  • Publication number: 20110241240
    Abstract: An apparatus to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The apparatus may include a printing head to print a three-dimensional object and a printing tray having defined surface characteristics serving to control adherence of the object being printed to the printing tray and/or prevent deformations in the printed object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Hanan GOTHAIT, Igal Zeytoun
  • Publication number: 20110236521
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding optical fiber connector is provided. The optical fiber connector includes a main body. The main body has a blind hole for receiving an optical fiber two opposite surfaces being substantially parallel with the blind hole, and a lens portion aligned with the blind hole. The apparatus comprises a molding cavity and an insert for forming the blind hole. The molding cavity includes a central portion for forming the main body, a lens-forming portion for forming the lens portion, and two lateral portions for forming the corresponding surfaces. The molding cavity includes a gate for introducing molding material into the molding cavity. The gate is connected to one of the lateral potions distal from the lens-forming portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KUN-CHAN WU
  • Patent number: 7909597
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for curing a composite assembly may include a base tool, a growth control apparatus, and at least one engagement filling. The base tool may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than a composite assembly to be cured using the apparatus. The growth control apparatus may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than the base tool. The engagement fitting may be movably disposed relative to the base tool and connected to the growth control apparatus. The engagement filling may hold a composite assembly being cured against the engagement filling. The growth control apparatus may grow a pre-determined amount during curing of a composite assembly to produce a cured composite assembly having a pre-determined design dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal A. Froeschner
  • Publication number: 20110062607
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for moving wet ophthalmic lenses are described in which the ophthalmic lenses are first placed in wells of lens carriers and are centered by the structure of the wells. The carriers are then moved to a transfer module of a packaging system for transferring the ophthalmic lenses in blister packages. The transfer from the carriers to the blister packages are performed by a pick and place robot having pickup heads sized and configured for suctioning the ophthalmic lenses from the lens carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Julie Clements, Kevin Aldridge, Klaus Strotbek, Klaus Straub
  • Patent number: 7905721
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an air dehumidifying sub-system and a method for use in a molding system. For example, the air source device for use with a post-mold treatment device for treating a molded article, the air source device comprising: an air inlet and a refrigerating unit operatively coupled to the air inlet, the refrigerating unit and the air inlet arranged such that air is forced between the air inlet and the refrigerating unit for cooling the air; an air outlet coupled to the refrigerating unit for connecting the refrigerating unit to an air management device of the post-mold treatment device, the air management device configured to direct, in use, cooled air onto a portion of the molded article being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Joachim Johannes Niewels, Robert Bruce Weber
  • Patent number: 7891967
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schmidt & Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Richard Brüssel
  • Publication number: 20100297287
    Abstract: A cavity member for a mold cavity structure for the production of hollow body moldings, wherein the cavity member has a substantially hollow-cylindrical element, wherein a cooling passage is provided at the outside of the hollow-cylindrical element. To provide a cavity member which is simple to manufacture and which permits more effective cooling of the cavity member it is proposed in accordance with the invention that there are provided one or more guide elements for forming the cooling passage, wherein the guide elements and the hollow-cylindrical element are in the form of separate parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MHT Mold & Hotrunner Technology AG
    Inventors: Witold Neter, Helmut Thoemmes, Marek Hoenisch
  • Patent number: 7837457
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for continuously molding chocolate are disclosed, including a method and apparatus for removing flash from chocolate pieces and products (both molded and otherwise); and a manifold for continuously providing liquid chocolate to a continuous mold and directing excess liquid chocolate away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
  • Patent number: 7833005
    Abstract: A closed loop system for separating materials of differing melting points includes an ultrasonic bath including a solution configured to supply thermal energy and cavitation to the materials of differing melting points, a solution reservoir configured to adjust levels of the solution in the ultrasonic bath, and a filter configured to remove particles of one of the materials of differing melting points from the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shawn D Hunter, Isaac Farr
  • Patent number: 7819053
    Abstract: Prior to cooling, an air knife is used to remove bubbles from confectionery-filled chocolates, preferably center-filled chocolates, deposited in a mold tray, preferably using a one-shot depositor. Using the method and apparatus, it is possible to manufacture novel confectionery products, including one-shot deposited caramel-filled dark chocolates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: John M. Kaiser, Dale R. Slesser, Dominic M. Diperna, Richard A. Morgan, Rick A. Floyd, Robert A. Parker, Robert Harvey
  • Patent number: 7811503
    Abstract: A biomedical device carrier includes multiple recesses for holding a plurality of polymerized biomedical devices, such as polymerized ophthalmic lenses, during an extraction procedure. A biomedical device extraction assembly includes multiple biomedical device carriers. The structure of the individual carriers and the arrangement of the carriers in the assembly provide sufficient extraction of an extractable component from the biomedical devices during an extraction procedure using relatively small amounts of extraction media per biomedical device. Methods of extracting biomedical devices include providing polymerized biomedical devices in the present carriers and assemblies and contacting the devices with an extraction composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: CooperVision International Holding Company, LP
    Inventor: Jay Scott Daulton
  • Patent number: 7785517
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel methods of producing a composition, such as, but not limited to, a polyimide composition. The methods in their most general form comprise providing a workpiece, suspending the workpiece and subjecting the suspended workpiece to processing such that the workpiece undergoes a transformation from a first state to a second state. By maintaining the workpiece in a suspended state during processing, processing-related defects are reduced or eliminated. Using such methods, the present disclosure provides compositions that are have no or reduced processing-related defects. In addition, the compositions are more consistent in chemical and physical properties and are cheaper and more economical to produce (since less product is rejected as unsuitable).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: NeXolve Corporation
    Inventors: Garrett D. Poe, Brian G. Patrick
  • Patent number: 7771186
    Abstract: An aging apparatus has a roller group consisting of a front roller, a middle roller and a rear roller, and a table for supporting the roller group. The middle roller takes a press state pressing a flexible tube with a constant force and a retraction state staying away from the flexible tube. In aging operation, while the middle roller comes in the press state, the table moves from a start position being a farthest end of the flexible tube to an end position. After the aging operation, the middle roller comes in the retraction state and the table returns to the start position. The aging operation is performed a predetermined number of times on the same flexible tube, so that the flexible tube is bent more largely with increase in the number of execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakata, Fumio Noji
  • Patent number: 7682147
    Abstract: A microlens is affixed in the far field of an optical fiber to spatially transform a beam either entering or exiting the fiber. In a first embodiment, a droplet of photo polymer is placed on the end of an optical fiber and the fiber is spun to create an artificial gravity. The droplet is cured by UV radiation during the spinning. In a second embodiment, nanoparticles are mixed into the droplet to increase the refractive index of the photo polymer. A third embodiment employs artificial gravity to attach a microsphere to the end of the optical fiber. A fourth embodiment chemically treats the surface of the microsphere so that the requirement of artificial gravity is either reduced or eliminated. In a fifth embodiment the droplet is cured under equilibrium or nonequilibrium conditions to obtain different final shapes for the lenslet. A sixth embodiment discloses fabrication of microlens arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Nicholas Djeu
  • Publication number: 20100062099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a molding tool for the production of components composed of fiber composite materials, in which the molding tool has a fiber composite structure and an electrical resistance heating element, whereby carbon fibers or carbon filaments are embedded into the fiber composite structure of the molding tool in a plastic matrix, close to the shaping surface of the molding tool. Such a molding tool is further developed in that the carbon fibers or carbon filaments in the plastic matrix, close to the shaping surface, essentially determine the mechanical strength of the molding tool, and that the electrical resistance heating element is interconnected in such a manner that at least individual sections of the electrical resistance heating element form an electrical parallel circuit with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: FACHHOCHSCHULE DORTMUND
    Inventors: Herbert Funke, Jens Brandes, Jan Meyer
  • Publication number: 20090304846
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a working medium in connection with the production and/or modification of confectionary products. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, a working element, and a linear drive that is configured to move the working element in at least one direction (X, Y, Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: KMB PRODUKTIONS AG
    Inventor: Guido Knobel
  • Publication number: 20090304838
    Abstract: A mold assembly for an automated dry-cast block machine including a mold cavity formed by a plurality of frame elements, and a moveable liner plate positioned within the mold cavity and having a first major surface facing an interior of the mold cavity and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and facing away from the interior of the mold cavity, the liner plate configured to be moved toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. At least one heater element is coupled to the second major surface of the moveable liner plate, the heater element configured to move with the moveable liner plate and to maintain the first major surface at a desired temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Ness Inventions, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Ness, Jeffrey A. Ness
  • Publication number: 20090295037
    Abstract: A system for making a decorated plastic article includes a mold assembly for forming the plastic article. The mold assembly includes at least one internal molding surface. A print head is provided in order to print a decoration on the article while the article is still in the mold. The printhead may be integrated into the wall of the mold assembly, or it may be used to print an ink pattern on the internal molding surface that is subsequently transferred to the article during the molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: DAVID W. CARGILE, LAWRENCE KORPANTY, KEVIN D. HIMES
  • Publication number: 20090253963
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a bending portion of a medical insertion apparatus includes, preparing a bending tube including cylindrical bending parts coaxially connected to each other and rotatable with respect to each other, preparing a braid tube including liner members made of a thermoplastic resin and forming a netlike shape, covering the braid tube on an outer peripheral portion of the bending tube, pushing-heating of protruding inwardly a part of the braid tube to be pushed into a push-in receiving portion of the bending part and heating the part to soften, and pushing-cooling of cooling the part to set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Suigetsu, Hideya Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20090115104
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for forming a polymer part with utilizing heating fluid are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention a method for forming polymer includes heating the mold apparatus with a first heat energy source comprising heating fluid to a first mold temperature, and then heating the mold apparatus with a second energy source which is different than the first energy source. The second energy source heats the mold surface to a second mold temperature greater than the first mold temperature to form the part to achieve a desired surface finish of the polymer part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Ramasamy Anbarasu, Ashwit Dias, Om Prakash, Milind S. Paradkar, Daniel Wardell Sowle, Anshuman Tripathi
  • Publication number: 20080296801
    Abstract: A device and process for conditioning plastic preforms (5) comprising a cooling turret (6) featuring faces fitted with many holders (7) for conditioning preforms (5). This turret rotates around a horizontal axis (X) and carries out a vertical traverse between a top position under an arm (3), which unloads the preforms from the mould, and a bottom position near the table for extracting the preforms (5) from the turret (6). Tie structure of the turret consists of two parallel bars (18, 19) and several joining plates (14) to which the bases of the holders (7) are attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: S.I.P.A. SOCIETA INDUSTRIALIZZAZIONE PROGETTAZIONE AUTOMAZIONE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Zoppas, Massimo Coran, Jader Pavanetto
  • Publication number: 20080290536
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for facilitating release of an ophthalmic lens from a mold part used to form the lens. According to the present invention, the ophthalmic lens and a mold part used to form the ophthalmic lens are exposed first to an environment of reduced thermal energy and then exposed to an environment of increased thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Changhong Yin, Scott F. Ansell, Kent Young, Kevin P. McCabe, James D. Ford, Azaam Alli
  • Publication number: 20080257991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to An in-line system of mini sprinklers, comprising a tubular conduit having inner and outer surface areas, fitted for a liquid flow under pressure through it and formed with at least one opening along its length; and at least one mini sprinkler unit that is at least substantially embedded within said tubular conduit, coupled to flow of said liquid within it and mounted to it around said opening, and comprises—a mobile liquid distributing assembly movable through said opening, such that when liquid's pressure in said tubular conduit increases, said liquid distributor moves and protrudes beyond said outer surface area of said tubular conduit in order to sprinkle said liquid outwards of said tubular conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Plastro Irrigation Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvika Einav, Zvi Golan
  • Patent number: 7422424
    Abstract: Apparatus for the forming of a strip, formable at increased temperature, in particular of a strip consisting of thermoplastic, in a continuous run on the surface of a rotating drum which is to be heated and/or to be cooled in predetermined stationary regions. In order to reduce the energy losses due to the heating and cooling alternation, the thin-walled drum is mounted on a carrier body which can be heated or cooled in the respective regions and is heat-exchangeable with the drum surface at least in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kark AG
    Inventor: Uwe Kark
  • Publication number: 20080211134
    Abstract: A mold for the interior surfaces of one or more spirals is rotated and heated to a temperature sufficient to melt a weldable plastic such as LLDP or HDP plastic in a predetermined amount deposited thereon. Plastic powder not melted is recovered and redeposited until all the plastic powder is melted. The mold or molds are then actively cooled and the formed spiral is removed. An insulation layer is used to improve heating and cooling efficiency, and to control the areas where plastic is deposited. A cover closes the back of the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Grey
  • Patent number: 7416401
    Abstract: A lightweight composite fairing bar (14) for use in fabricating a composite component (16) of an aircraft. The fairing bar (14) includes a core (18) and an elongated outer shell (20) surrounding the core (18). The outer shell (20) is comprised of a laminate material, and the core (18) is comprised of epoxy syntactic foam having a lower density than that of the laminate material. The outer shell (20) is configured for supporting the composite component (16) during the manufacture of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Albright, David W. Hackler, Randall R. Clark
  • Publication number: 20080157414
    Abstract: A mold structure, a patterning method thereof and a method of fabricating an LCD device using the same are disclosed, which can realize a conformal contact by applying a voltage between a mold structure and a material layer being opposite to each other in an In-Plane Printing process, so as to prevent defective patterns, wherein the mold structure comprises a mold whose surface is provided with patterns; a backplane for supporting the mold; and a conductive film formed between the backplane and the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Wuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20080150178
    Abstract: This invention is related to ophthalmic lenses and the associated processes used to manufacture ophthalmic lenses. In particular, the present invention is related to a process for manufacturing contact lenses using high intensity UV light on lens molds to decouple mold creation from lens manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Celeste Aguado, David Bruce Lauer, Lynda Ann Lebel, Lawrence David Keyes, Courtney Flem Morgan, Karl William Rosenblum, Dale Edward Slack
  • Patent number: 7377760
    Abstract: In a sheet forming part 2 of a soft capsule manufacturing apparatus 1, a drum drive system 27 which forms a gelatin sheet 13, and a pickup roller drive system 28 which peels off the gelatin sheet 13 are constructed to drive separately from each other. In the drum drive system 27, a film-sheet forming drum 23 is driven by a first motor 271, while in the pickup-roller drive system 28, a pickup roller 24 is driven by a second motor 281.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kamata
    Inventor: Tetsuo Takayanagi