Endless Shaping Surface Patents (Class 425/471)
  • Patent number: 6371749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Delton R. Thompson, David A. Olson, Pamela A. Percha
  • Publication number: 20020028264
    Abstract: The present invention provides master and production tools and method for making these tools. The master tool includes a plurality of three-dimensional shapes upraised from a major surface of the master tool. Each of the shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of three-dimensional shaped abrasive composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Publication number: 20020009514
    Abstract: The present invention provides master and production tools and method for making these tools. The master tool includes a plurality of three-dimensional shapes upraised from a major surface of the master tool. Each of the shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of three-dimensional shaped abrasive composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Publication number: 20010055631
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: DELLON R. THOMPSON, DAVID A. OLSON, PAMELA PERCHA
  • Patent number: 6296469
    Abstract: A producing apparatus of a film with through-holes includes a pair of stretching rollers which sandwich a film therebetween and stretch the film. The producing apparatus further includes a pair of punching rollers which sandwich the film therebetween and punch through-holes in the film. At least one of the punching rollers has projections formed on an outer surface thereof. The stretching rollers and the punching rollers are disposed so that the film stretched by the stretching rollers are fed to the punching rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20010020754
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing electronic parts by laminating metal thin films and insulating thin films on a support, a mold releasing agent is applied to the support before the start of lamination. Alternatively, the mold releasing agent is applied to the surface of the laminate during the lamination step, and then lamination is resumed. Therefore, the laminate can be prevented from cracking when the laminate is separated from the support or divided into plural pieces in the lamination direction. Thus, the reliability and productivity of electronic parts improve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Honda, Noriyasu Echigo, Masaru Odagiri, Nobuki Sunagare
  • Patent number: 6258311
    Abstract: A method for producing a multiplicity of fastener element molding cavities extending from a mold surface, for molding a plastic product having fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from a product base, and a mold so produced. The mold cavities are formed by depositing multiple layers of plating material on a workpiece in a predetermined pattern selected to produce a desired mold cavity shape, or by depositing a thick stratum of plating material over an array of fastener elements and then removing the fastener elements to leave shaped cavities within the plating material. The mold may be in the form of a roll or belt for continuous processing, or in any form for discrete injection molding. Molds having fastener element cavities defined by rigid cast materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jens, Andrew C. Harvey, Gilbert G. Fryklund, Scott M. Filion, Samuel W. Pollard, Keith G. Buzzell, Shawn C. Banker, Howard Kingsford, Joseph K. Parshley, Clinton Dowd, Christopher M. Gallant, James W. Babineau, Martin I. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6238611
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6206679
    Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: George A. Provost, James V. Stumpf, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky
  • Patent number: 6190594
    Abstract: Tool rolls and methods of using the tool rolls to manufacture articles with one or more structured surfaces are disclosed. The tool rolls include an outer surface that, when used in connection with materials of the proper viscosity or formability, can form a structured surface on an article. Because the tools are manufactured in roll-form, they can be advantageously used in continuous manufacturing processes. Alternatively, discrete articles may be processed using the tool rolls. The tool rolls are constructed of a cylindrical base roll and are wrapped with one or more continuous wires in a helical pattern. The wires are used, in essence, to form a structured surface on the tool roll that is the negative of the structured surface to be formed on the articles processed using the tool roll. One of the wires wound around the base roll may include a plurality of voids formed therein that, when wound in helical coils about the base roll, form a plurality of mold cavities on the outer surface of the tool roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Gorman, Roger D. Pavlis
  • Patent number: 6162040
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming an array of fastener elements extending from a common base. The method includes delivering moldable resin to a mold having a mold surface from which a plurality of fixed mold cavities extend inwardly, each mold cavity having a throat extending from the mold surface and a bowl extending from the throat to a bowl rim, a protrusion of the mold extending into the bowl, thereby filling the mold cavities and forming the common base; solidifying the resin in the cavities to form the fastener elements; and removing the solidified fastener elements from their corresponding fixed mold cavities by pulling the common base away from the mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: William Clune
  • Patent number: 6099289
    Abstract: A method for producing a multiplicity of miniature cavities extending from a mold surface for molding a plastic product having features integrally molded with and extending from a product base, and a mold so produced. The mold cavities are formed by depositing multiple layers of plating material on a workpiece in a predetermined pattern selected to produce a desired mold cavity shape. The mold may be in the form of a roll or belt for continuous processing, or in any form for discrete injection molding. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of touch fastener products, such as those with arrays of miniature hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jens, Andrew C. Harvey, Gilbert G. Fryklund, Scott M. Filion, Samuel W. Pollard, Keith G. Buzzell, Shawn C. Banker
  • Patent number: 6093013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mold for a chemically curable composition including a first shell component, a second shell component and a honeycomb core interposed therebetween. The invention further relates to providing an essentially adiabatic environment for chemically cured compositions using the previously described mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John Victor Sagrati, Jr., Russell Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 6071458
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system for manufacturing horizontally precast panels of moldable material which panels require shaped surface patterns. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for manufacturing horizontally precast concrete panels formed of concrete, for use in vertical wall systems, with one or more shaped surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Port-O-Wall Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Mossi
  • Patent number: 6039556
    Abstract: Molding apparatus and method for molding of features integral with a base, such as in the production of fastener elements for hook-and-loop type touch fasteners, e.g. by the Fischer process, employs a mold roll formed of rings that have coolant passages formed within the ring components themselves for substantially direct contact with cooling liquid. Axial tie rods compress the mold rings together, contributing to the sealing of the coolant passages and the stiffness of the mold roll. Other types of sealing are disclosed. Mold cavities, including cavities used for injection molding, and cooling passages formed in either mold rings or injection mold plates by photo-chemical etching, laser machining and other techniques are disclosed. Various machines and methods taking unique advantage of these features are disclosed, including ring alignment methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jens, Andrew C. Harvey, Richard M. Formato
  • Patent number: 6039553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding an illumination device using an open mold are provided which allow for the addition of light extraction structures to a prefabricated light guide using a curable material. A mold containing the extraction structures is first provided. Curable molding material and the prefabricated light guide are placed into the mold, and an overlay comprising light extraction structures is cured onto the light guide, providing a functional illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David J. Lundin, Kevin M. Eliason
  • Patent number: 5945196
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a screen useful for forming three-dimensional films, the screens and the three-dimensional films produced using those screens are disclosed. In forming a screen, a substrate material is applied to a base. A predetermined amount of portions of the substrate are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the substrate. A screen material is applied to the patterned substrate material. A predetermined amount of portions of the screen material are removed to form a predetermined pattern in the screen material. The predetermined pattern in the screen defines a plurality of first perforations in the screen material. The substrate material is removed from the screen material, such that second perforations are formed in the screen, whereby each first perforation is in communication with an adjacent second perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Rieker, Edward R. Cook
  • Patent number: 5690875
    Abstract: A high-quality molded surface fastener is manufactured by extruding molten thermoplastic resin, in a predetermined width, from an extrusion nozzle to a circumferential surface of a die wheel having a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, driving the die wheel for rotation, and molding a multiplicity of engaging elements integrally with a plate-like substrate sheet. At the same time, pseudo elements are molded integrally with the substrate sheet along opposite side edges, using pseudo-element-forming cavities in opposite side circumferential surfaces of the die wheel simultaneously. With the pseudo elements, the molded surface fastener is peeled off the die wheel under a uniform peeling force through the entire width of the substrate sheet. Thus the high-quality surface fastener can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sakakibara, Ryuichi Murasaki, Tsuyoshi Minato
  • Patent number: 5554393
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying particles and/or granules to form a layer of prescribed thickness onto a given surface includes an endless pattern-forming device having a plurality of spaces, a device for supplying particles and/or granules into the spaces via a control member provided on the particle or granule-supplying device, a device for temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces and for releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface. A patterned shaped article is produced by a method using the apparatus. The method includes supplying dry particles and/or granules for a pattern course into the spaces, temporarily retaining the supplied particles and/or granules in the spaces, releasing the temporarily retained particles and/or granules onto the given surface, and allowing the released particles and/or granules to set on the given surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: CCA Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Uchida, Mituhiro Onuki, Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5536158
    Abstract: Solvent based film is produced in an endless belt casting apparatus (10) in which, within initial compartments (46-52), flows of gas are directed through transversely elongated inlet channels (85.sub.i) to contact a layer (36') of polymer and solvent supported by an endless belt (26) and flows of gas and solvent vapors are withdrawn from the vicinity of the layer by transversely elongated gas plenums (68); within subsequent compartments (54-62), flows of gas are directed through elongated inlet plenums (74) to contact the layer and flows of gas and solvent vapors are withdrawn through transversely elongated exhaust channels (85.sub.o); within all compartments along upper and lower spans of the belt, flows of gas are directed at the inner side (30) of the belt from transversely elongated gas plenums (70) and flows of gas are withdrawn though outlets (72); and within initial compartments (46-52), flows of cooling gas are directed at the edges of the inner side of the belt from cooling nozzles (146, 148).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Carl F. Dresie, Edward S. Jones, Stephen R. Shelley, Kurt H. Strobl, Shamal L. Suthar, Harold C. Worden
  • Patent number: 5310333
    Abstract: A roll stamper has a roll substrate and a stamper fixed thereto and having a convexity and concavity preformat pattern. The stamper has an auxiliary layer, including a material different from that of the stamper and a back surface on which the convexity and concavity preformat pattern is formed. The roll substrate has a low-melting layer on its surface and the auxiliary layer is in contact with the low-melting layer so that the stamper is fixed to the roll substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sato, Osamu Kanome, Masataka Yashima, Hiroyuki Sugata
  • Patent number: 5211962
    Abstract: Device and process for fast cooling and solidifying of molten materials with a metal oxide base. The device comprises two metal cylinders with parallel axes, which rotate in opposite directions and are cooled. The metal cylinders exhibit a corrugated surface, and an elevation on the surface of one cylinder in each case engages in the recess of the surface of the other cylinder with formation of a gap. The melt is poured into the gap, drawn by force and simultaneously cooled under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Lonza-Werke G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Erwin Haas, Heinz-Withold Schmitz
  • Patent number: 4934917
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a thermoplastic structure on the exterior surface of the heated mold form. A mold is heated to approximately two times the melting temperature of a thermoplastic material and particulate thermoplastic material then sprinkled onto the exterior surface of the heated mold. An adhesively bondable material may then be added to the semi-molten thermoplastic material structure. The mold is then cooled and the resulting thermoplastic structure removed.An apparatus for practicing the above process comprising a mold form, heating system, and particulate thermoplastic material dispensing system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Fiber Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Ashton, Roland J. Christensen, Randy L. Crane
  • Patent number: 4776996
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a thermoplastic structure on the exterior surface of the heated mold form. A mold is heated to approximately two times the melting temperature of a thermoplastic material and particulate thermoplastic material then sprinkled onto the exterior surface of the heated mold. An adhesively bondable material may then be added to the semi-molten thermoplastic material structure. The mold is then cooled and the resulting thermoplastic structure removed.An apparatus for practicing the above process comprising a mold form, heating system, and particulate thermoplastic material dispensing system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Fiber Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Ashton, Roland J. Christensen, Randy L. Crane
  • Patent number: 4690631
    Abstract: A packerhead concrete pipe making machine having a rotatable packerhead operable to form a concrete pipe in an upright cylindrical mold about a wire cage. The packerhead has a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted on a circular plate operable to pack concrete into a cylindrical shape in the mold. Each roller has an outer sleeve of elastic rubber material. A cylindrical wall secured to the plate supports an annular troweling member operable to finish the inside surface of the concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Hydrotile Machinery Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Haddy
  • Patent number: 4589831
    Abstract: A rotary mold having a removable rotary mold segment of truncated sectorial shape having top, bottom, side, and end wall surfaces wherein the top arcuate surface is adapted for molding, and the generally planar bottom surface is connected to the top surface by two end walls in radial alignment with the axis of rotation defining the arcuate top surface wherein the bottom surface joining said end walls is in perpendicular alignment with one of said end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Berwind Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph W. Weggel
  • Patent number: 4582275
    Abstract: A collapsible, cantilevered mandrel is disclosed comprising a core rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a tubular shell having a longitudinal slit to permit collapsing of the shell, means for rigidly mounting an arcuate segment of the shell to the core such that the shell is disposed about the longitudinal axis, and means for collapsing the mandrel. The means for collapsing the mandrel includes an actuating member mounted between the core and the shell for reciprocal motion, and a plurality of linkage means connected to the actuating member. Each linkage means is connected to first and second portions of the shell on opposite sides of the slit, and is adapted to cause at least one of the first and second portions to move circumferentially towards the other portion and radially inward when the actuating member moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Frank Ives
  • Patent number: 4569715
    Abstract: A plywood is manufactured by applying an aqueous plywood adhesive fluid to the peripheral surface of a heating roll rotating at a given speed by means of a roll coater to form an adhesive fluid film, drying the adhesive fluid film into a tacky-dry film while it is carried on the surface of the heating roll, stripping the tacky-dry adhesive film from the roll surface by pulling it under tension with or without the aid of a stripping knife, interposing the adhesive film between a pair of veneers, and pressing the veneers to each other to bond them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 4497619
    Abstract: A continuous molding apparatus and method is disclosed as providing a sliding seal chamber in which moving molding surfaces form and can provide means for the induction of such temperature changes required to produce finished products from the chosen raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Inventor: Anatoliy Popow
  • Patent number: 4462787
    Abstract: A rotatable mandrel for making cylindrical molded articles has a plurality of aligned identical and collapsible cylindrical mandrel sections supported upon a cantilevered shaft, the cylindrical sections having a truss supported relatively thin exterior wall and retractable segment to permit circumferential contraction of the wall, the composite segmental cylindrical segment being supported by a central cantilevered rotatable shaft in turn supported by a rotatable bearing assembly on a vertical support tower, the collapsible contraction of the composite cylindrical mandrel being controlled by internally mounted power units connected to the retractable segment and the other portions of the cylindrical mandrel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventors: Carl R. Bogardus, Jr., Lawrence C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4453906
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously discharging dough through a gap or exit (9; 109) to produce a web of dough sheet (15; 115). Dough (16; 116) supplied in a hopper (1; 101) is advanced by a conveying mechanism (2; 103) serving as the moving bottom wall of the hopper toward said exit which is provided at a lower portion of a side wall of the hopper, said exit (9; 109) being defined between a part of said conveying mechanism and the upper end of the exit, a cutter (10; 110) being provided at the upper end of the exit, a cutter (10; 110) being provided at the upper end of the exit so as to be directed inwardly of the hopper. Thus, dough can be smoothly discharged through said exit without jamming it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventor: Torahiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4421709
    Abstract: To increase the rate of production of polyester film in cases where such film is produced by extruding a molten polymer onto the quenching surface of a rotating casting wheel, the shell thickness of the casting wheel is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co.
    Inventor: Neil I. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 4405545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for rapidly solidifying and cooling molten metal oxides, by continuous casting, which according to the invention, comprises: feeding the molten metal oxides into the convergent space formed between two cylinders mounted for rotation about horizontal axes and rotated in opposite directions, i.e., counter-rotating, at a substantially equal peripheral speed, the distance between their axes being equal to the sum of the radius of each cylinder plus at least about one millimeter; cooling the walls of the cylinders to enable solidification of the molten material; controlling the rotary speed of the cylinders so that the molten metal oxide is not completely solidified until it reaches a point beyond a plane passing through the axes of rotation of the cylinders, and retrieving a solidified metal oxide product from the divergent space formed between the cylinders. The method is particularly suited to the production of fine grain abrasives of a corundum or courndum-zirconia base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Societe Francaise d'Electrometallurgie Sofrem
    Inventors: Louis Septier, Michel Demange
  • Patent number: 4364723
    Abstract: Apparatus for texturing a running ribbon of thermoplastic sheet material or film. The apparatus causes a ribbon of such film to be forwarded from a supply such as a roll of thermoplastic material, thence about a circumferentially extending portion of a rotating texturing cylinder, and then downstream where the textured film may be further processed or where it may be wound on a spool to form a roll thereof. The texturing cylinder comprises a tubular member having a coating of spheroidal particles adhered to the surface thereof. While the film is in contact with the texturing cylinder, it is both heated and urged against the texturing cylinder, causing the film to assume the textured image of the texturing cylinder. The apparatus may further control tension in the film both upstream and downstream of the texturing cylinder at predetermined constant levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Louis, Eugene R. Sorensen, Thomas R. Ballard
  • Patent number: 4364894
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding a reinforced plastic tubular body having a socket, and a mold for carrying out the method. The steps of the method areassembling a main mold body having a tubular section and a socket-molding member slidable axially along the periphery of the tubular section of the main body and fixable at a predetermined position to the tubular section of the main body to form a mold by fixing the socket-molding member at the predetermined position to the tubular section of the main body,forming a layer of a reinforced plastic molding material around the resulting mold and curing it, andpulling the main mold body and the socket-molding member axially from the cured plastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakatsu Mayumi, Takeshi Okuyama, Kenji Mitooka
  • Patent number: 4350483
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming, in two steps, panel, or shaped article, by first providing a bath of fluent cementitious material under a core of cellular, preexpanded and cohered polystyrene cells or pearls, having a density less than that of the cementitious material, allowing the core partially immersed to rise in a controlled way over the cementitious material, maintaining the core under pressure until the bath has partially set to prevent further rise of the core, pouring onto the core and partially set bath, a second quantity of fluent cementitious material to completely enrobe the core and form thereover a top revetment, smoothing the surface of the second quantity of cementitious material and letting it set to complete the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Saint Gobain Industries
    Inventor: Alain Bonnet
  • Patent number: 4319950
    Abstract: Mandrel for making a coupling which coupling comprises a body of fiber glass reinforced plastic which has a rubber sleeve embedded therein. The rubber sleeve is a one piece unit which includes specially shaped sealing gaskets on either end and has a rubber liner spanning the area between these sealing gaskets. This rubber sleeve is stretched onto a steel and plastic molding mandrel. This stretching places the rubber liner under tension which reduces the cross-sectional area of the liner and compensates for thermal expansion of the liner during curing. The mandrel/sleeve combination is rotated in order to wind a thermosetting resin impregnated fiber glass roving around the outer circumference of the mandrel/sleeve combination, thus embedding the sleeve in the fiber glass reinforced resin matrix. The thermosetting resin is cured at elevated temperatures, hardening into a rigid coupling with the embedded rubber sleeve integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Manville Service Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Sznopek, Charles Lostak, Robert W. Heisler, Joseph P. Ferraro, Henry J. Kazienko
  • Patent number: 4311657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for fabricating sheets of thermoplastic or thermosetting material whereby said material in a non-hardened condition is fed into the space between the vertical parts of two endless belts which material according to the invention is supplied onto the returning parts of the belts in the form of webs or by spraying while preferably material is supplied as well from above within the gap between the layers facing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Inventor: Aloysius W. M. Koster
  • Patent number: 4306846
    Abstract: A briquetting roll press is disclosed which includes a number of replaceable mold segments. The mold segments are designed to transmit the radial compression forces applied to the mold segments to the central member of the briquetting roll through the sidewalls of the mold segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: K. R. Komarek Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Komarek
  • Patent number: 4298413
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for producing fabric-reinforced, thin concrete panels suitable as a backer board for construction materials such as ceramic tile, slate and thin brick. A process is described whereby the components of the panel are deposited on a web of disposable carrier/release material such as polyethylene coated paper while moving on a conveyer belt to form a continuous strip, the strip is cut into panels and the wet, uncured panels are stacked by means of an air-float stacking unit, then subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Inventor: John W. Teare
  • Patent number: 4265607
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a plastic insulator having helical-shaped shields or screens, these shields radially protruding from an insulator rod. Two oppositely rotating rolls coact to form an infeed gap for the material forming the shields which is infed in a kneadable condition in transverse direction to the rolls. According to a first embodiment drive means serve to rotate the rolls about their axes and the insulator rod about its lengthwise axis. Means provide relative mutual movement of the pair of rolls and the insulator rod in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the insulator rod or parallel thereto, in order to simultaneously form the shield and apply the same to the insulator rod. According to a further embodiment both of the rolls have peripheral grooves and these rolls, with the exception of such peripheral grooves, bear against one another at their outer surfaces, and drive means serve for rotating the rolls for forming a shield or screen rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Inventor: Hans Klay
  • Patent number: 4254589
    Abstract: Stainless steel belts having a thickness of about 0.060 inch used for casting sheet materials such as acrylic plastic sheet are refurbished by first grinding the back surface of the belt until no further distortions can be removed and then grinding the mirrored surface of the belt until said mirrored surface is uniformly dull and thereafter polishing the dulled surface to a mirrored finish. During the grinding and polishing, the belt is cooled to avoid local overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Walter H. Hunt, IV, Lynn W. Craig
  • Patent number: 4250135
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the production of a roller or rollers which impart to plastic material in strip form and of indeterminate length a surface resembling a sueded material. The produced surface is seamless and continuous. Heretofore plastic material to reproduce sueded finish was not and could not be produced with an embossing roller since an embossing roller did not reproduce the genuine suede look or feel. Hand engraved rollers, etched rollers and the like have failed to give a genuine suede look to plastic material and sheeting. Small area sections may be reproduced by hand engraved flat plates then abrading of sheet or roll material which is expensive and wasteful has also been accomplished. Embossing rolls have been used for producing special surfaces such as skin reproductions for example, lizzard, alligator, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Peter C. Orsini
  • Patent number: 4247269
    Abstract: A concrete placing apparatus comprises a power-operated carriage and mounted thereon a feed hopper, a first and a second endless belts adapted for moulding lateral sides of a concrete layer being formed, and mounted parallel to one another on rolls having a vertical axis of rotation, and a concrete compacting mechanism. The latter is constructed in the form of a third and a second endless belts disposed in one horizontal plane above the first and second endless belts. The third endless belt is intended for exertion vibration action upon the concrete mix being placed, and is mounted on two rolls having a horizontal axis of rotation, at least one of said rolls being provided with unbalances mounted therein on its driving shaft coaxial therewith. The fourth belt is intended for damping vibration of a freshly placed concrete and mounted on rolls having a horizontal axis of rotation behind the third endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Inventors: Tigran V. Bezhanov, Edisher G. Rcheulishvili, David G. Gordeziani, Vladimir A. Bezhanov
  • Patent number: 4233020
    Abstract: The mandrel has a cantilever-type mounting and includes a rotatable longitudinally slit tubular steel shell providing a molding surface on which thermosetting resin and glass fiber reinforcing material may be deposited to form tank bodies or pipe. A row of pneumatic actuators mounted inside the shell and spaced axially thereof includes piston rods attached to the shell along the slit on one side thereof. Retraction of the piston rods collapses the shell, which is flexible over the greater portion of its periphery and supported in the flexible portion by a plurality of rows of pivotable turnbuckle connectors or support rods, for removal of a cured tank body or pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventor: Leo A. Oswald
  • Patent number: 4225302
    Abstract: The mandrel includes a generally cylindrical but tapered outer molding surface for forming a sidewall portion of a tank from thermosetting resin and reinforcing material deposited thereon and a tank bottom mold for forming a bottom portion of the tank integrally with the sidewall portion. The tank bottom mold is shiftable to strip a completed tank from the tapered molding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventors: Julius C. Brooks, Kenneth D. Pfeifer, Robert M. Sommerkamp
  • Patent number: 4154562
    Abstract: The pour plate that is inclined downwardly between the side conveyors of a U-shaped continuous molding tunnel is adjustable in width between the correspondingly adjustable side conveyors so as to selectively produce flat-top buns of foamed synthetic resin of a desired width within the range of adjustment. Interdigitating T-shaped fingers are transversely expandible to form the pour plate and have the gaps between the fingers closed by a cover sheet extending completely over the pour plate with sides being folded downwardly between the pour plate and side conveyors where they are attached to a bias that holds the cover sheet in stretched condition over the pour plate. The bottom cover web that travels with the foam may be folded or cut to the adjusted width of the pour plate. The interdigitated finger construction of the pour plate permits adjustment of the pour plate profile so as to correspond to the rise/time curve of the foam as it expands on our pour plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignee: Kornylak Corporation
    Inventor: Charles P. Tabler
  • Patent number: 4146354
    Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a stream of particles onto a moving carrier. Uses a chute for containing and delivering particles; a screed bar, movable relative to the moving carrier to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier; and a pair of rotatable cylindrical doctor blades, substantially coaxial with each other and positioned at opposing ends of the screed bar to control the thickness of a layer of particles delivered from the chute to the carrier at opposing ends of the screed bar. The screed bar and the two doctor blades together control the thickness of the center and the two sides of a continuous stream of powder. Preferably the carrier is the bottom roller of a pair of compaction rollers which receive the stream of powder and compact it preparatory to sintering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: American Can Company
    Inventor: Lou Kohl
  • Patent number: 4097215
    Abstract: A briquetting press roll comprising a cylindrical core having a regular polygonal cross-section and a plurality of equal planar sections around its peripheral surface, each planar section having at least one transverse groove. Secured end-to-end around the peripheral surface of the core are a plurality of removable mold segments, each having a flat bottom surface coterminous with one of the planar sections and an arcuate top working surface, forming a right circular cylinder. The flat bottom surface of each mold segment has at least one transverse groove substantially complementing the transverse groove in the coterminous planar section to form a keyway. Devices for securing the segments to the core and for utilizing the keyways to align and prevent movement of the segments relative to the core peripheral surface are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: K. R. Komarek, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Komarek
  • Patent number: 4094622
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the deposition of hardenable foamable compositions wherein a strip of foamable liquid composition is deposited within a restraining channel and subsequently hardened by means of a centrifugal dispensing head to form a hollow generally tubular strip, improved uniformity is obtained employing a spinning mandrel which projects into the portion of the strip during the foaming and partial curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Hubert Stacy Smith, Jr.